LOCAL • INDEPENDENT • FREE
Missing Locals
Volume 10 • Issue 48 • December 4 – December 10, 2015
Fred “Fritzie” Drumm. Photo provided.
by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA — The whereabouts of Fred “Fritzie” Drumm, 68, of Burgoyne Road in the Town of Saratoga, are
still undetermined according to the Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Office. Drumm, who is a Councilman for the Town of Saratoga, was reported missing by his family on Wednesday, November 25. The Sheriff ’s Office is continuing to actively investigate leads in the case. According to the Sheriff Department’s Lieutenant Jeffrey Brown, a search of the ground and waterways surrounding the area that Drumm was last seen began immediately after the family reported his disappearance. A total of more than 200 people have participated in the search for Drumm. In addition to the Sheriffs, other agencies involved in the search included See Story pg. 12
Daytime Solution
Dr. Liam Walsh. Photo from Walsh’s Facebook page.
by Norra Reyes Saratoga TODAY WILLOW, AK — Allie Barker, forecaster with the Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center in Alaska, confirmed to Saratoga TODAY that
Featured Stories
Dr. Liam Walsh, 33, a native of Saratoga Springs and Saratoga High School graduate, was last heard from around 1:34 p.m. Alaskan time via text November 22 when he went missing in the Hatcher Pass area during a solo afternoon ski. The avalanche danger had been high for days. A separate avalanche, large enough to bury or destroy a car, crossed the Hatcher Pass road 1.5 days later interrupting the search, and hazardous conditions continued for the duration of the weeklong search. All available resources, including a long-range beacon via helicopter, were employed. A longrange transceiver search was the most likely way to pick up Walsh’s beacon signal, if he was wearing one. See Story pg. 12
SOS Drop-In Center Offers Help for the Homeless
by Norra Reyes Saratoga TODAY
Left to right: Maggie Fronk, Executive Director, Wellspring; Cindy Phillips, Community Development Coordinator, City of Saratoga Springs; David Cornell, Senior Vice President, Bank of America; Michael Finocchi, Executive Director, Shelters of Saratoga; Elizabeth Shady, Caseworker, Catholic Charities; Leigha Rosenberger, Program Manager, VETHelp; Cindy Harrington, Director of Marketing and Development, Shelters of Saratoga. Photo by MarkBolles.com.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • (518) 581-2480
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On the grey, wet cold of Tuesday morning, December 1, a smiling small crowd gathered at the Shelters of Saratoga’s (SOS) 20 Walworth Street location to celebrate the opening of a muchneeded adult daytime drop-in center for the homeless.
The SOS Adult Drop-In Program will be open every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to offer a safe, warm and dry environment for street homeless individuals to do laundry, take a shower, get a meal and connect with critical resources. There is currently no such service being offered in the Saratoga Springs area. See Story pg. 8
Melodies of Christmas
See pg. 18-19
Restaurant Week See pg. 37
Inside TODAY Blotter 5 Obituaries 6 Business 14-15 Education 16-17 Pulse 37-40 Sports 44-47
Weekend Forecast FRIDAY
45|30 SATURDAY
49|28 SUNDAY
50|29
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Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
Man on the Street “What is your favorite holiday movie? ”
Autumn and Steven Boxley, from Saratoga Springs
Nancy Coffin, from Ballston Spa
William DeVito, from Saratoga Springs
Faith English and Peter Usack, from Saratoga Springs
“A Year without a Santa Claus” “A Christmas Story”
“It’s a Wonderful Life”
“Home Alone”
“Elf”
Holli Hipwell, from Durango, Colorado “The Polar Express”
Carol MadKour, from Saratoga Springs, and her neice Tayla Ferreira, from Sydney, Australia. “It’s a Wonderful Life and Home Alone”
Ray Reo, from Saratoga Springs.
Rose and Paul Welsh, from Ballston Spa
“Four Christmases”
“White Christmas”
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
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A Holly Jolly Festival of Trees SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Festival of Trees at the Saratoga Springs City Center began Wednesday, December 2 with an evening preview reception that included food, drinks and the first sneak peak at over 250 elaborate trees, wreaths
and centerpieces. The Saratoga Festival of Trees will be open every day to the public until Sunday, December 6. The winner of the Festival of Trees decorating contest was “Snowy Dreams,” a tree donated by Roohan Realty and
decorated by Karan Hankinson, Darlene Chorman, Jason Thomas, Saranya Thomas and Eileen Kath. The Festival of Trees is presented by Catholic Charities; all proceeds raised from the festival will benefit the organization.
Tickets to the Festival of Trees are $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for children over 10, and free for kids 10 and under. Reservations to the breakfast or sundaes with Santa on Saturday, December 5 can be made by calling Catholic Charities at
518-587-5000; tickets are $8 per person. The Festival of Trees is open to the public on Friday, December 4 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, December 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, December 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Photos by Francesco D’Amico
Honorable Mention Penny Berg and Anny O’Neill.
Winner “Snowy Dreams:” Jason Thomas, Saranya Thomas, Karan Hankinson-Murray, and Darlene Chorman.
Contestants Stephanie Siracusa and Cynthia Fiorini.
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WEEK IN REVIEW
First Night Art Unveiled
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Arts, located at 320 Broadway, held a press conference on Tuesday, December 1, to announce the upcoming 20th annual First Night Saratoga and provide an overview of the scheduled festivities and performances. This year’s magnificent poster by the artist Sharon Bolton of Ambrosino Design was unveiled, and there was a brief opening showcase by First Night artist Benjamin John. First Night Saratoga is the largest New Year’s Eve event in New York outside of New York City, and as one of the oldest First Night celebrations in the country, the event is the most
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
Toy Convoy Breaks Records BALLSTON SPA — The 2nd annual Convoy for Tots benefiting Capital Region Toys for Tots was held November 29. The event is coordinated by the Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Office and supported by local first responders. Over 150 vehicles from area Police, Fire Departments, EMS agencies, public and private businesses came together to support Capital Region Toys for Tots, bringing new unwrapped toys to
the event. The convoy began on the Campus of Shenendehowa Schools and traveled to the Sheriff ’s Office Malta Substation, located in Malta Commons. Convoy for Tots 2015 yielded 4,500 toys, 2,000 books, and 8 bicycles, “making it the single largest event and single largest toy gain to date,” according to USMC Staff Sergeant Patrick Laurenz, assistant program coordinator for Capital Region Toys for Tots.
Saratoga Arts Executive Director Joel Reed unveils this year’s First Night Saratoga poster by the artist Sharon Bolton of Ambrosino Design. Photo by Francesco D’Amico.
affordable, accessible, familyfriendly, safe and exciting way to spend New Year’s Eve in the region. For more information
about the event or how you can volunteer, visit www.saratogaarts.org.
Amish Girls’ Kidnappers May Face Combined 880 Years SYRACUSE — According to an Associated Press report, federal prosecutors are seeking a 580-year prison sentence for Stephen Howells and a 300year sentence for his girlfriend,
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Nicole Vaisey, both of Herman, for their part in the kidnapping and sexual abuse of six children. Two of the children were the 7and 12-year-old Amish girls abducted from their family farm
stand in rural Oswegatchie, near the Canadian border, in August of 2014. Sentencing is scheduled for December 17 in federal court in Syracuse.
Over 150 vehicles from area Police, Fire Departments, EMS agencies, public and private businesses came together to support Capital Region Toys for Tots on November 29. Photo provided.
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NEXT DEADLINE: SIMPLY SARATOGA 12/11/2015
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
COURTS: Shawn P. Smith, 41, of Corinth, was sentenced on November 16 to 1½-3 years in prison to run consecutive with a sentence of 1-3 years after pleading to the felony charges of grand larceny in the fourth degree and failure to register an address change within 10 days, respectively. Anthony F. Lynch, 33, of Rensselaer, was sentenced on November 16 to 6 months in jail and 5 years probation after pleading to the felony charge of driving while intoxicated. Tommie Jo Bowen, 42, of Schenectady, was sentenced on November 17 to 3 ½ years in prison and 3 years postrelease supervision, after pleading to the felony charge of attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree. Brian A. Daggett, Jr., 27, of Albany, was sentenced on November 18 to 5 years probation and time served after pleading to the felony charge of driving while intoxicated. Sheila E. Wray, 58, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced on November 18 to 1-3 years in state prison after pleading to the felony charge of driving while intoxicated. Michael E. Hammond, 45, of Saratoga Springs, pled on
BLOTTER 5
November 18 to the felony charges of driving while intoxicated and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Sentencing is scheduled for January 13, 2016.
concurrent sentences of 2-6 years in prison, after pleading guilty to two felony counts of disseminating indecent material to a minor in the first degree.
substance in the fourth degree. Sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2016.
Joshua P. Johnson, 38, of Queensbury, was sentenced on November 18 to 1 year in jail after pleading the felony charge of attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree.
Robert G. Hartwell, 40, of Greenwich, pled on November 20 to the felony charge of burglary in the third degree. Sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2016.
Nelson D. Soto, 50, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested on November 12 and charged with harassment in the second degree.
Jason M. Lapishka, 28, of Troy, was sentenced on November 19 to 2-4 years per charge, to run concurrently, after pleading to the felony charges of identity theft in the second degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree. Joshua P. Norton, 23, of Jonesville, was sentenced on November 19 to 5 years in prison and 10 years post-release supervision, after pleading to the felony charge of sexual abuse in the first degree. Alicia L. Homhaun, 26, of Hadley, pled on November 19 to the felony charge of aggravated driving while intoxicated, with a child in the vehicle. Sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2016. Richard Sullivan, 22, of Mechanicville, was sentenced on November 20 to
Patrick J. Tomlin, 26, of Clifton Park, pled on November 20 to the felony charge of attempted assault in the second degree. Sentencing is scheduled for January 8, 2016. Amanda E. Collet, 24, of Clifton Park, was sentenced on November 20 to 1 year in jail after pleading the felony charge of attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree. Daniel M. Deragon, 40, of Massena, pled on November 20 to the felony charge of attempted criminal possession of a controlled
ARRESTS:
Alicia M. Wilson, 44, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested on November 13 and charged with petit larceny and unlawful possession of marihuana. Trisha L. Lee, 33, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested on November 13 and charged with petit larceny. Edward J. Cook, 45, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested on November 13 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, and failure to stop at a stop sign. Danielle N. Imfeld, 23, of Stillwater, was arrested on
November 13 and charged with driving while intoxicated, driving with a BAC more than .08 of 1%, and failure to stop at a stop sign. David A. Lolik, 45, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested on November 14 and charged with disorderly conduct. Adam Lieberman, 44, of Oceanside, was arrested on November 14 and charged with criminal trespassing in the third degree, and false impersonation. Richard F. Kelleher, 25, of Saratoga Springs was arrested on November 14 and charged with assault in the third degree (with intent to cause physical injury). Kevin J. Hastings, 34, of Queensbury, was arrested on November 14 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, and an equipment violation.
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OBITUARIES
Donald J. Hudson Sr.
Fred “Freddy” Jurgens
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Donald J. Hudson Sr. beloved son of George and Hazel Hudson, entered into eternal peace on November 25, 2015 after a long illness. Don was a renowned Bluegrass musician, recognized for his quick wit and spirited play. Don travelled up and down the eastern seaboard, entertaining thousands with his unique musical styling. The Bluegrass community has lost a favored son. Don was born and raised in West Galway, NY. He married Lois Schell in 1954, together they raised their family in Glenville, NY. Don leaves his beloved wife Lois, sons Donald Jr. (Patti) of Warrenton, VA, John (Nancy) of Charlton, Scott (Terry) of Ballston Lake and daughter Holly (Michael) Fowler of Glenville. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and six great- grandchildren. His many relatives, friends and colleagues attended a remembrance ceremony on Sunday, November 29, 2015 at the Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Burial with military honors took place at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on Monday, November 30, 2015. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Tunison Funeral Home. Online remembrances can be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Wednesday, November 25, 2015, Fred “Freddy” Jurgens of Saratoga Springs journeyed to his final heavenly home. At his request, he was able to spend his last days in the home he built and passed away peacefully within the presence of his family. He was 84. Fred was born in Bochum, Germany and throughout his childhood lived in different areas of Germany. He faced many difficult and dangerous times as a consequence of WWII. The ability to survive those times instilled an inner strength in Fred that he maintained throughout his entire adult life. In search of a better life after the war he sailed to Canada in 1951. It was there that he met his British future wife, Anne Porter. They were married in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in 1954 and emigrated to the USA to begin their new life together in 1956. They became US citizens in 1962. Their first years in America were spent in Rochester and Pulaski, NY. In 1962, Fred was transferred to Saratoga Springs to work on the Northway Highway project. With a strong desire for his family to have a permanent home, Fred began his own construction business in Saratoga. This enabled him to build a house on Patricia Lane while also engaging in the completion of many projects in and around the Capital District. Fred was well known for his outspoken and passionate views on politics. Tuning in to MSNBC daily was as important to him as his cup of coffee. “Freddy” shared his opinions and knowledge of history with everyone . . . even if they didn’t want to hear it. His unique understanding of world events has always been a source of education for everyone who knew and loved him. Many heartfelt thanks to Saratoga Hospital and all of the fine people there who helped keep him going through some rough times in recent years. Fred had a zest for life that did not want to quit. Hospice helped him find peace at the end, and for that the Jurgens Family is grateful and so thankful for the time they had with him. Fred is survived by his beloved “Bunzie” and their five children; Kathy (Dan) Gregory, Nora Reed, Ron (Soni) Jurgens, William Jurgens and Julie Jurgens. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren; Ryan, Robert, Kasi, Chelsea, Meghan, Lauren and Max. He will be loved eternally by them all, and never forgotten. Family and friends were invited to help honor Fred’s life at the Compassionate Care Funeral Home on 402 Maple Ave, Rt. 9 in Saratoga Springs on Monday, November 30. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Fred’s memory to Saratoga Hospital or Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Daniel F. Blake SCHUYLERVILLE — Daniel F. Blake, 71, a resident of Pearl St., passed away unexpectedly Monday, November 23, 2015 at Albany Medical Center surrounded by his family. Born March 29, 1944 in Victory Mills, he was the son of the late Luke and Mary Gordon Blake. Mr. Blake worked in the construction business and at one time, he and his father owned Blake Construction. He was a founding member of the General Schuyler Emergency Squad, and was active with his two sons in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He was a communicant of Notre DameVisitation Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Gail Burch Blake of Schuylerville; two sons, Rev. David Blake OFM of St. Bonaventure University and Terry Blake (Sabrina) of Victory Mills; one daughter, Heather Steele (John) of Victory Mills; grandchildren, Kevin Jasper (Aerielle), Joshua Blake (Katie), Cady-Lin Blake, Chelsea Blake, Lucas Blake, Logan Blake, and Amanda Cooper; special great-grandchildren, Chloe Jasper and Braden Blake; three step-great-grandchildren; his mother-in-law, Edythe Burch of Schuylerville, and several nieces. A funeral mass was celebrated on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Notre Dame-Visitation Church in Schuylerville with Rev. Martin Fisher, officiating. Burial followed in Notre Dame Cemetery. Friends and relatives gathered to remember him on Friday, November 27 at Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville. Memorials can be made in his memory to the General Schuyler Emergency Squad, PO Box 111, Schuylerville, NY 12871 or the Schuyler Hose Co., 35 Spring St., Schuylerville, NY 12871. Online remembrances can be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com
Barbara Badaszewski BALLSTON SPA — Barbara Badaszewski (Nowabilski), 76, passed away suddenly on Monday, November 30, 2015. Born March 6, 1939 in Buffalo, she was the daughter of Victoria Nowabilski and Stanislaw “Biff ” Stachowski. She was a straight “A” student and graduated in 1957 from Kensington High School in Buffalo. Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Robert Badaszewski; sons Douglas Badaszewski and his wife Lina and Kenneth Badaszewski and his wife Jennifer; daughter Donna Rabito and her husband Joseph; sisters Janet and Linda and her cherished
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015 grandchildren Jacob, Benjamin, Ekaterina and Davis. Barbara was completely devoted to her family. She was a caring and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her greatest joy was spending time with her loved ones, taking care of her home and sharing a good laugh. She adored animals and loved reading with her dogs curled up at her feet. Relatives and friends gathered to remember her on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015 at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway in Saratoga Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. today, Friday, Dec. 4, 2015 at St. Mary’s Church, 167 Milton Ave. in Ballston Spa and burial will follow at 3 p.m. at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Rd. in Schuylerville. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
Margaret A. (Peg) Frank MALTA — Margaret A. (Peg) Frank died November 25, 2015. She was born May 7, 1920, in Baltimore, Maryland. Margaret is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Walter J. Frank. Peg’s greatest joys were her home and family. She was active with her daughters in Girl Scouting and was a compassionate hospital volunteer. She was known for her cooking and gracious entertaining and enjoyed needlework in her spare time. Also surviving Peg are her daughters; Carol Puntel of Saratoga Springs, Peggy Evans (John) of Harrisville, NH, and Janice Ruggerio (Charles) of Ringoes, NJ, two granddaughters, four grandsons, and six great-grandchildren. Peg is predeceased by one grandson. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 2776 U.S. 9, Ballston Spa, NY 12020, the Malta Ambulance Corp., 2880 U.S. 9, Round Lake, NY 12151, or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield MA 01104-2396. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.
Edward C. Cage SARATOGA SPRINGS — Edward C. Cage, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, Nov. 23, 2015 at Saratoga Hospital after a long illness. He was 39. He was born, raised and lived his life in Saratoga Springs. Edward was a fan of the New York Yankees and the Denver Broncos, thru thick and thin. He manned the grill at many a barbeque because he loved good food, good friends and his family. Edward was predeceased by his father, Edward C. Cage, Sr. He is survived by his wife Heather and their son Riley; his
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Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015 mother Paulette Cage; sister Audrey and brother Clifton; nieces Katie, Julie, Gretchen, Justyna and Kiara; nephews Tyler, Clifton III and Noah as well as many more family and friends. To know him was to love him and he will be greatly missed. Relatives and friends gathered in his name on Monday, Nov. 30, 2015 at the William J. Buke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway in Saratoga Springs. A funeral home service was conducted immediately after; burial followed in Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Ave. in Saratoga Springs In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the American Liver Foundation (www.liverfoundation.org). Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
Johnnie W. Griffith, “Poppy” SARATOGA SPRINGS – Johnnie W. Griffith, “Poppy,” of Geyser Road fell asleep in death on November 23, 2015 at his home. He was 90 years old. He was retired from GE and enjoyed fishing and gardening. He was an active member of the West Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Johnnie is predeceased by his wife, Alma and his son Johnnie, Jr. Survivors include his daughters; Linda Griffith, Luwana Griffith-Brandon, Lisa Hill (Brian), his son Albert Griffith (Diane), granddaughters; Lanyel, Latrice Brandon, Le’ ana Williams (Mark), and Cara Kenyon (Ben), and grandson Lowell Brandon. He also had numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. The family will have a memorial service on December 5, 2015at 3 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on the corner of Edie Road and Route 50 in Saratoga Springs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 192 Edie Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome. com.
Solomon (Sol) Figelman CHARLOTTSVILLE, VA — Solomon (Sol) Figelman, formerly of Saratoga Springs, died November 30, 2015 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Sol was born on November 10, 1919, at 75 Orchard Street in New York City. He grew up at 120 Grand Avenue in a Saratoga neighborhood which at that time was mostly Italian and African American. He got along well with everyone, and it was there that his easy-going, trusting nature was forged. Sol graduated from Saratoga High School in 1938. After a brief stint in New York City, he returned to Saratoga and worked as a supervisor at the New Star Laundry for many years. In the mid-1960’s he took over the family business, I. Figelman and Son, Scrap Metal Dealers, after his brother, Irving, moved to Florida. Sol ran the scrap metal business until just after his 90th birthday, and stated with pride: “I never cheated anyone out of one penny.” He loved dogs, and a small poodle was his constant companion. After his third dog died when Sol was 87, he immediately got another puppy. Sol lived independently at his Ritchie Place home until just after his 90th birthday, going to work six days weekly and enjoying evenings taking his dog for a ride and watching his beloved televised Yankee games. When he was no longer able to walk because of his post-polio
OBITUARIES 7 syndrome, he moved into an assisted living facility. After the death of his brother, Morris, in 2013, Sol moved to Colonnades Skilled Nursing Facility in Charlottesville, VA, to be closer to his remaining family. Sol is survived by his nieces: Adele Abrahamse Roof of Charlottesville, VA and Anita Zatz of Leesburg, VA; Grandniece: Augusta Abrahamse de Fuentes of Washington, DC; and Grandnephew: David Zatz and his wife Melissa of Ashburn, VA. Sol was the son of the late Israel and Bessie Figelman. He is predeceased by his siblings: Irving (Freda), Betty Keveles (Louis), Bertha Garbarsky (Sidney), and Morris. Funeral Services and Interment will be held this morning, Friday, December 4, 2015, at 11 a.m., at Congregation Shaara Tfille and Cemetery, 84 Weibel Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Arrangements under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc., 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
Lori (Coppola) Rubaszek MIDDLE GROVE — Lori (Coppola) Rubaszek, 52, passed away on Sunday, November 22, 2015. She was born in Glens Falls and is the daughter of Marion Coppola and the late Frank Coppola Sr. Lori was predeceased by her husband Stephen in 2013. Lori was a graduate of Adirondack Community College where she had earned her nursing degree. She was a Registered Nurse for over 25 years at Saratoga Hospital and most recently with Burnt Hills Endoscopy. Lori enjoyed the outdoors, bee keeping, boating, animals and time with her cherished family. A true caregiver, Lori raised funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by training and running a marathon. In addition to her mother, Lori is survived by her children, Stephan Rubaszek, Lana Senecal and Andrea Rubaszek. She is the dear sister of Frank (Eileen) Coppola Jr., Jim (J’Lyn) Coppola and Michael (Laurie) Coppola. Lori is the companion of Bernie Kuczek. She is the mother-in-law of Chas Senecal and grandmother to Zophia. She is the aunt of Michael, Joseph and Nicholas Coppola. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service in honor of Lori on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at Greenfield Cemetery, 8085 Wilton Road in Greenfield Center. Family and friends are welcome to join Lori’s family for food, drinks and further fellowship, at Mama Mia’s, 185 Ballston Ave. in Saratoga Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Mollie Wilmot Oncology Center, 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, in memory of Lori Rubaszek.
North Country Festival of Trees
GLENS FALLS — The elegant Queensbury Hotel at 88 Ridge Street will be transformed with hundreds of exquisitely decorated trees, wreaths, centerpieces, mantle decorations, stockings and gingerbread houses on display and available for purchase during the 24th Annual North Country Festival of Trees to benefit Prospect Center, a division of the Center for Disability Services. Taking place Friday, December 4 to Sunday, December 6, the family-friendly weekend includes the Children’s Wonderland, an opportunity for Breakfast with Santa, and the Sugar Plum Ball. Local performers will be on hand to entertain the crowd. Shoppers will find a variety of unique, homemade items created by local artisans. Prospect Center is a not-for-profit licensed diagnostic and treatment facility with an accredited educational program, the Langan School at Prospect Center, and an adult Day Habilitation program for individuals with developmental disabilities and those who may be at-risk. Prospect Center serves more than 1,200 individuals and families in Warren, Washington, Northern Saratoga, Hamilton and Essex counties. Admission: $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and $3 for children 12 years of age and under. Times: Friday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Anne Schneider Costigan at 518-944-2121.
8
NEWS
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
Daytime Solution Drop-In Offers Day Help for Homeless
Continued from front page
“The Drop-In Center will give them a sense of confidence, help build them up,” said Michael Finocchi, executive director of Shelters of Saratoga. “You’d be surprised what being able to take a shower can do for you.” To help the program get off the ground, David Cornell, resident director of Merrill Lynch/ Bank of America, presented Finocchi with a $5,000 check toward the new adult drop-in center. “We are very focused on supporting human services in the communities we’re in around the nation,” said Cornell. “And it means something personally to me, too. I grew up here, went to Saratoga High School. I’m happy to be a part of this.” Two recipients of the shelter’s services, Elijah and Angelo, each said they were surprised and grateful at the kind and beneficial
David Cornell, Resident Director of Merrill Lynch/Bank of America, presented Michael Finocchi, Executive Director of Shelters of Saratoga, with a $5,000 check toward the new adult drop-in center. Photo by MarkBolles.com.
help they have received. “A lot of people are afraid to come here,” said Elijah, “and I was one of them. You don’t know what to expect. But, wow, the staff is so nice, the house is nice, and they treat you with respect. I will definitely be encouraging people to come to this Drop-In.”
Angelo added, “If you’re looking for work or an apartment, the staff will sit down with you. Some folks can’t read, so they help you with making calls and reading the ads. You don’t know how many good people are out there until you come here.” Various other community
agencies will provide additional support during the Drop-In hours to ensure that individuals utilizing the program receive the full spectrum of services available to them. The Drop-In program will supplement services provided by Code Blue Saratoga held at The Salvation Army, which provides temporary shelter to people who would otherwise remain unsheltered during periods of extreme winter weather; however, the Drop-In program will be in operation throughout the entire year. “It’s on poor weather days like this that we realize the need for daytime shelter for homeless individuals,” said Saratoga Springs Mayor Joanne Yepsen. “This Drop-In Center has been in our discussion for a long time, with the business community, the Chamber of Commerce, the DBA and experts in housing and homeless services. This is much more than just getting people off
the streets. It’s about the continuum of care. We’re thrilled, and have plans to expand with all of us working together.” The top needs for the drop-in center other than monetary gifts include: can openers, CDTA Bus Swipe Cards, new or gently used blankets, sleeping bags, tarps, tents and umbrellas. “It would also be great to have community support to either make a hot meal for that day or come in and volunteer to help cook and clean up,” added Rosemary Riedhammer, development assistant for Shelters of Saratoga. Shelters of Saratoga is a nonprofit organization which provides individuals with safe shelter, support services and sustainable strategies to end homelessness in the Greater Saratoga region. For more information on SOS, volunteering, or donating, visit sheltersofsaratoga.org.
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
9
Why Equating Mental Illness with Violence Harms Us All We too often forget that those struggling with mental illness are constantly forced to fight a battle on two fronts. Not only do they have to grapple with themselves— with their own thoughts and mind—but they also have to contend with the negative assumptions made about those with mental illness, which are pervasive in our society. Those stereotypes, though, are hardly a figment of their imagination. Public opinion suggests that people with mental illness and violent tendencies go hand in hand. In fact, at least half of the American public believes that individuals with mental illness are inherently more violent. These claims are unfounded and they are completely unacceptable. Attitudes like this do nothing but aggravate the stigma that so many have spent decades trying to overcome. But any progress we have made to change attitudes is incrementally undone every time there is an incident of mass violence in this country and politicians or
pundits take to cable news to tout mental health reform as the solution. These repeated claims are re-stigmatizing mental illness and they can no longer be our reaction to isolated and extreme events. To be clear, I am not suggesting that a person with a mental illness is incapable of committing a crime. But the fact is that people with mental illness are an order of magnitude more likely to be victims of a crime than perpetrators. Violent crimes are committed by violent people. Plain and simple. Study after study has shown that there is no connection between those with mental illness and violence. Violence is not a characteristic of one particular demographic and, while it may be seductive to believe otherwise, these terrible episodes of mass violence cannot be predicted. The need for meaningful reforms that better serve the needs of patients and families experiencing mental illness is clear, but we cannot make unsubstantiated
claims in order to scare the public into supporting reforms. That will only create a false sense of security, while ignoring the real issues and demonizing a community in the process. Members on both sides of the aisle and passionate advocates across the country desperately want to see real improvements made to strengthen our mental health system. In response, we should put in place forward looking and inclusive policies that offer the necessary services, supports, and treatments to individuals so that recovery is an option. Likewise, we must build on the historic gains that the Affordable Care Act made for mental health coverage by expanding Medicaid and better enforcing our mental health parity laws. We also have to acknowledge that our current dysfunction stems in part from decades of broken promises and a chronic underinvestment in community based mental health services. Unfortunately, when our national discourse is based upon
the false premise that mental health reforms are the solution to mass violence, we end up with regressive proposals that, if enacted, would do more harm than good. Policies that, in the name of public safety, restrict patients’ civil rights, infringe on their privacy, or use the courts or law enforcement to force individuals to receive health care services take us in the wrong direction as a country and would reverse decades of progress. No credible witness believes that the fundamental problem ailing our mental health system is that individuals have too many rights. At its core, these policies would take us back to outdated
and biased treatment of those with mental illness by rolling back critical patient protections that would deter individuals from getting the support and medical care that they need. Perpetuating the harmful stigma that those with mental illness are more inclined to be violent is exactly what keeps people from seeking treatment when they need it most. We are better than this. We need to make advancements on mental health issues in this country, but in so doing, we cannot advance a harmful and false understanding of these disorders. Paul Tonko U.S. Representative Congressional District 20
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Letters to the Editor in response to a Saratoga TODAY article or local issue are welcome. Letters should be 200 words or less. Preference is given to typed, concise letters. All letters are subject to editing for length or clarity. Writers are limited to one published letter per month. Letters must include the writer’s name, address and a daytime phone number for confirmation, but only the writer’s name and town will be printed. Anonymous letters are not accepted. Letters to the editor, opinion and editorial columns and articles submitted to Saratoga TODAY may be published in print, electronic or other forms. We reserve the right not to publish a letter. Submit to Norra@saratogapublishing.com.
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NEWS
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
New City Website Goes Live December 9 by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — At the Saratoga Springs City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 1, Commissioner of Finance Michele Madigan announced that a new, updated and vastly improved city website (www.saratoga-springs.org) will go live on Wednesday, December 9. Madigan noted that this was a case of the city investing in itself and its future. “This was a project that went out to bid and the total investment will be between $ 55 and 60,000. But the funds came from the 2014 excess find balance so no further taxing or bonding was required,” she said. Madigan had made this recommendation for use of part of the fund balance as part of her budget message. The new site, developed by government website specialists CivicPlus, will have an updated visual appeal (with
rotating images that Madigan foresees reflecting the assets of the city, as well as events reflective of the time of year such as the Victorian Streetwalk and Saratoga Racecourse), but more importantly - increased intuitive search capability, and the ability for various city departments to communicate information to citizens more easily. “The mega menus will allow users to see links and content from the main page; the top menu will stay available to you wherever you navigate. It will offer great functionality to city residents and visitors as well as city departments,” Madigan noted. Anyone who has had to navigate the nooks and nuances of the old site would agree that this improvement is long overdue. In other Council News - Commissioner of Public Safety Chris Mathiesen announced that a special
First look: The homepage of Saratoga Springs’ new website.
off-premise council meeting to discuss the proposed development of Moore Hall is scheduled for this Saturday, December 5 at 10 a.m. in the Meeting Room at Empire State College, 2 Union Avenue. A walking tour of the site is also planned. - Mayor Joanne Yepsen announced that a reception, open to the public, will take place at Skidmore’s Gannett Auditorium
on Sunday, December 6 at 2 p.m. This reception will celebrate the commemorative events and projects from Saratoga Springs’ Centennial Year and will premiere a video titled “Saratoga Springs at 100 years.” - Supervisor Matthew Veitch reported that the County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on their 2016 budget that afternoon. The budget, which
has a reduction in property taxes of 2 cents per thousand dollar of assessed value, is scheduled to be adopted on December 9. - Supervisor Peter Martin reported that citizens are invited to a public information meeting about the Saratoga County Regional Traffic Study. This meeting is at the Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Drive, on Tuesday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m.
NYRA Releases 2016 Racing Dates Saratoga Race Meet: July 22 – September 5
OZONE PARK— The New York Racing Association (NYRA) released its 2016 racing calendar today, which calls for 237 days of live thoroughbred action at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course. Once again, the 40-day summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course will serve as the anchor for the year of racing. The Saratoga race meet, anchored by the Grade 1 Whitney on Saturday, August 6 and the 147th edition of the Grade 1 Travers on August 27, will begin on Friday, July 22 and conclude on Labor Day,
Monday, September 5, with racing conducted six days a week, Wednesday through Monday. Racing on the Aqueduct’s inner track, which begins on December 9, will continue through March 26, 2016. Racing will be conducted four days a week during the months of January, February and March. The 19-day spring meet will be conducted on Aqueduct’s main track from March 31 through April 24, kicking off with the first two Grade 1 races of the year - the $1 million Wood Memorial and the $400,000 Carter Handicap on Saturday, April 9. The 54-day Belmont spring/ summer meet begins on Friday, April 29. The three-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will begin on Thursday, June 9, and is anchored by the 148th running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 11. The Belmont spring/summer meet also will feature the second “must-see” event of the
Keen Ice defeats American Pharoah in 2015 Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. Photo by Sharon Castro.
year, the internationally themed “Stars & Stripes Festival” featuring the Grade 1, $1.25 million Belmont Derby and the $1 million Belmont Oaks on Saturday, July 9. The spring/summer meet concludes on Sunday, July 17. Later in the year, the Belmont Fall Championship meet will run 38 days from Friday, September
9 through Sunday, October 30. Two “Super Saturdays” are scheduled for Saturday, October 1 and Saturday, October 8. The highlight of the Fall Championship meet, the Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup, is scheduled for October 8. NYRA’s racing calendar wraps up with 36 days of live
racing at Aqueduct commencing on Thursday, November 4 and running through New Year’s Eve, with a ten-day winter break scheduled from Monday, December 19 through Wednesday, December 28. The entire 2016 stakes schedule for Belmont Park and Saratoga will be announced at a later date.
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
NEWS 11
Seafood Revolution Talk at Skidmore SARATOGA SPRINGS — Paul Greenberg will be discussing seafood sustainability at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 10 in Davis Auditorium of Skidmore’s Palamountain Hall. Earlier in the day he will meet with students in ecology and marine biology courses. The 6 p.m. lecture is free and open to the public.
Paul Greenberg. Photo provided.
Greenberg’s 2011 bestseller “Four Fish: The Future of the Last Wild Food” and last year’s “American Catch: The Fight For our Local Seafood” examine modern exploitation of ocean resources. His talk at Skidmore will cover wild fishing and farm fishing, our changing relationship with
seafood, and the implications for the health of oceans and humans alike. An avid fisherman and rigorous reporter, Greenberg wants to alert Americans to what has been going on behind the scenes of supermarket fish counters: “While 91 percent of the seafood Americans eat is
foreign, a third of the seafood Americans catch gets sold to foreign countries.” Within the next ten years, farmed fish will overtake wildcaught in the marketplace – a “food revolution” that Greenberg compares to the world-changing shift of early hunter-gatherers beginning to domesticate mammals for
food. Given the ecological harm caused by current fish farming, Greenberg argues that we must change our habits and tastes to ensure that food fish can thrive both in farms and in the wild. For more information about the talk, contact Andrea Wise at 518-580-5763.
12
NEWS
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
Investigation Into Missing Councilman Continues Sheriffs Seek Information About Fred “Fritzie” Drumm Continued from front page.
Saratoga County fire agencies, the New York State Federation of Search and Rescue Teams, members of the Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Office and New York State DEC Forest Rangers. An area of about 1200 acres was searched, including portions of the Hudson River
by the Sheriff ’s Marine Unit. The ground search concluded last Saturday, although Lt. Brown emphasized that the investigation is still classified as active, and the Sheriff ’s Office is still continuing to focus on all leads and possible avenues that they receive regarding
Drumm’s disappearance. They are continuing to request the assistance of the public (see below for contact information). The decision to suspend a ground search is determined by a variety of factors, Lt. Brown noted. It is made on a caseby-case basis by the Sheriff ’s
Office, and in this case was done with consultation with the Forest Rangers. Lt. Brown noted that some possible factors that are taken into account when determining the size and length of an ground search include the topography of the area of disappearance, the general health
and age of the missing person, time of year and weather conditions. Anyone with knowledge or information regarding the possible whereabouts of Mr. Drumm are requested to contact the Sheriff ’s Office at 518-885- 6761.
Don Kauth Memorial Hockey Tournament This Weekend SARATOGA SPRINGS — This weekend the 15th annual Don Kauth Memorial Hockey Tournament will take place at Weibel Avenue Rink and Clifton Park Arena. Participating in the round-robin tournament are Saratoga Springs and Shenendehowa, as well as Mamaroneck and St. Joe’s Collegiate Prep from Buffalo.
This tournament is held annually in honor of Don Kauth, a Saratoga Springs resident who tragically lost his life on 9/11 while working at the World Trade Center. Don was 51 years old and was an avid supporter of Saratoga Springs Youth Hockey, spending countless hours at the rink. Don’s son, Patrick, was a member of the 1999 State
Championship team and is a 2001 graduate of Saratoga High School. His daughter, Kathleen, won a bronze medal as a member of the 2006 Women’s U.S. Olympic Hockey Team. She was recently inducted into the Blue Streak Hall of Fame. Members of the Kauth family have been invited and are expected to attend.
The Tournament Schedule: St. Joe’s vs. Shenendehowa - 12/4 at 8 p.m. - Clifton Park Arena Mamaroneck vs. Saratoga - 12/4 at 6:45 p.m. - Weibel Avenue Saratoga vs. St. Joe’s - 12/5 at 12:30 p.m. - Weibel Avenue Shenendehowa vs. Mamaroneck 12/5 @ 3 p.m. - Weibel Avenue
Saratoga Native Missing in Alaskan Mountains Continued from front page.
“Without surface clues, obvious avalanche debris, a beacon signal, or the last point seen, the search is like finding a needle in a haystack,” said Barker in a written statement to Saratoga TODAY. “The risk of entering avalanche terrain on the ground was not justified with six feet of new snow during the week, dozens of recent avalanches, poor to no visibility, and no clues.” Walsh’s friends from Saratoga Springs area have not given up hope, however. Elizabeth Bockstein Page of Wilton said Walsh and her daughter, Brandy Carstens, went to Saratoga Springs High School together. “He’s been a family friend for about 15 years,” said Page. “I picked up the phone right away when I heard the news and called my sister, who lives in Massachusetts, and spoke with her and her husband and we all prayed together the night of Thanksgiving.” According to the Alaska Dispatch News, Walsh was an anesthesiologist in Wasilla, Alaska. He had left the Saratoga Springs area about a year and a half ago to take the position. He was planning to fly to New York on Tuesday November 24 to spend Thanksgiving with his family here. His parents, Janet and Robert Walsh, have now flown to Alaska instead. “I don’t know Janet and Robert
as well as Liam,” said Page, who is director of marketing for Value Direct in Saratoga Springs, “even though we all lived in Wilton together, but I cannot imagine how they are doing. I know a number of his friends on social media are very upset. I’m trying to stay positive and hopeful for everyone’s sake.” One Saratoga Springs High School friend, William Moen, 32, who currently works in advertising in Manhattan, said, “A lot of us who have been close to him wanted to go help search on foot, but they are prohibiting a lot of the search due to avalanche conditions.” He said a lot of Walsh’s friends locally and around the country have been in contact with the helicopter teams, Alaskan law enforcement, and mountain rangers as well. “We all have our thoughts and prayers with Liam and his family, and we hope the weather will cooperate soon,” said Moen. “I know Liam’s a fighter. He’s the kind of guy that comes out on top in situations that seem bleak, and if anyone can make it through this, Liam can.” According to Barker, Walsh’s friends said he carried a small pack, and was likely going out for a quick tour with only a couple hours of daylight. If he was wearing a beacon, and it was on and transmitting a signal, and it had new batteries, the signal could last 200 hours in transmit mode. The fact
that the helicopter could not pick up a signal could mean a number of things, such as old batteries, cell phone interference, or trauma to the equipment or person. Barker said it is a good idea for skiers to be prepared for anything in the backcountry. “We always recommend carrying a probe, beacon, shovel, and being practiced and efficient with their use, in addition to carrying extra warm layers, a headlamp, food, water, and a basic ski repair kit, at a minimum,” said Barker. Moen was confident that Walsh took appropriate precautions. “In regards to safety and such,” said Moen, “Liam is a very smart guy, very safe in what he does. I’ve gone skiing with him about 20 times and he’s the best skier I’ve ever seen.” A gathering to celebrate Liam Talley Walsh’s life will be held at noon on Sunday December 20, at the National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame, in the Saratoga Spa State Park at 99 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs. “Janet [Walsh’s mother] is calling it a gathering to celebrate his life, as we are all still holding out hope,” said Judi Mooney, a local family friend who is helping arrange the gathering and collect RSVPs while Walsh’s parents are in Alaska. “The most frustrating thing is that there’s so little
Left to right: Dr. Liam Walsh and Bill Moen. Photo courtesy of Bill Moen.
news. I’ve known Liam since he was two. He’s a well-known, wellliked, charming and caring kind of person, and such a sense of humor. Everyone will be telling stories at the gathering, and there will be food. He’s a big Phish fan, so there’ll be plenty of music, too.” “We love Liam. He’s very close to a lot of people; a very special person,” said Moen. “He’d make a stranger feel like a close friend.”
Page said her sister’s prayer group has since included Walsh in their prayers, and Page began two more prayer groups in Wilton with small groups of friends. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them,” she quoted of the Bible verse Matthew 18:20. “We’re all praying for you; people are coming for you,” said Page. “Hang on, Liam!”
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
BALLSTON SPA
MILTON
19 Ironwood St., $364,964. Heritage Builders Group LLC sold property to Thomas and Denise Bennett.
12 Walters Court, $208,000. Kristy and Jeffrey Cox sold property to Michael and Brenda Snow.
9 Skaarland Dr., $236,000. Dale Gerbing sold property to Mark and Carrie Giufre.
11 Coachman Dr., $193,500. Bonnie Rae Cornelius sold property toCharles and Lynne Antinore.
6 Independence Trail, $393,000. Briarwood Brooks Development LLC sold property to Richard and Tracy Kirker. 8 Forest Rd., $180,000. Robert McGowen sold property to Albert Russo.
CHARLTON 13 Maplewood Dr., $191,500. Robert and Joan Cheesman sold property to Bryan and Dana Yager.
CORINTH 4691 Route 9N, $103,000. Clarence and Jean Cowden (Co-Trustees) sold property to Allexis Frost. 168 Heath Rd., $21,500. Nancy Ravena sold property to Kevin and Heather Hanna. 63 Depot Rd., $71,070. Donald, Bradford and Keith Towers, Donna Elms, Peggy Jenkins, Carol Dodge and Judith Lloyd sold property to David Soucy.
GREENFIELD 25 Canyon Crossing, $275,600. Dominic Galluscio (by Exec) sold property to Bradley Egner.
MALTA 52 Arrowwood Place, $175,000. Robert and Jessica Updyke sold property to Eric and Marissa Townsend. 107 Thimbleberry Rd., $155,000. Stephen Uebrick, Elizabeth Yager and Emily Smith (Co-Execs) sold property to Jean Varley. 73 Pepperbush Place, $132,000. Stephen and Kevin OShea sold property to LFC Properties LLC.
PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS
165 North Line Rd., $800,000. Anthony Fazzone and Scott Schreifels sold property to Stewarts Shops Corp. 15 North High St., $110,000. Ronald Westfall (by Exec) sold property to Jessica Himmel. 39 Hyde Blvd., $169,600. Bernard, Michael, Gina Schallehn and Irene PastoreSchallehn (Co-Execs) sold property to Carey Shoen. 712 Route 29, $31,000. Alfred Kear, Jr. sold property to Valory Keeney. 38 Pinehollow Dr., $260,000. James Rosen sold property to Cartus Financial Corporation. 38 Pinehollow Dr., $260,000. Cartus Financial Corporation sold property to Lance and Sharie Croft.
MOREAU 46 Hatchery Rd., $120,000. Donald Martell (by Exec) sold property to Kenneth Beecher.
NORTHUMBERLAND 104 Forest Dr., $201,900. McKenna Construction and Excavation LLC sold property to Rebecca Tyrrell. 242 Wilton-Gansevoort Rd., $179,000. Thomas and Cheryl Wood sold property to Gordon and Babsaudry James.
SARATOGA 148 Wagmans Ridge Rd., $239,900. John and Barbara Murphy sold property to Sharon Peck.
SARATOGA SPRINGS 8 Lee Dr., $158,000. Fannie Mae (by Atty) sold property to Liviu Rusu. 22 Sarazen St., $341,500. John and Judith Jobbins sold property to Robert and Corinne Shaffer. 5 Gick Rd., $260,000. Boghosian Bros Inc. sold property to Domenic Ferrande. 47 Newton Ave., $180,000. Gadus and Son Enterprises LLC. sold property to Robert and Diana OMeara. 22 Tyler Dr., $539,000. George and Debra Armstrong sold property to Philippe Helal and Claudette Graceffa-Helal. 83 Clement Ave., $820,000. Vassar and Mary Curtis sold property to Jarod Lavigne. Piping Rock Circle, $167,000. Matthew and Carolyn McCabe sold property to Martin Builders LLC. 11 Frederick Dr., $235,000. Peter and Wanda Watson sold property to Dannielle Varghese.
STILLWATER 1082 Hudson Ave., $62,500. Paul O’Kosky sold property to James Doyle.
WILTON 29 Fenimore Place, $360,000. Kelly and Christopher Case sold property to Nicholas and Maria Barkley. 11 Primrose Circle, $816,096. Floral Estates LLC sold property to James Walsh and Megan Hakewill-Walsh. Lot 18, 9 Oldham Place, $409,464. Tra Tom Development Inc. sold property to Jay and Jennifer Spoor.
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14
BUSINESS
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
Saratoga Film Forum on Hiatus by Rebecca Davis Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Film Forum has made the announcement this week that the non-profit will be taking a hiatus for a few months from its usual program and schedule. Several factors were involved in making the decision to take the break. Attendance to the films was down significantly this fall, and has been steadily declining since the opening of Bow Tie Cinemas. The primary expenses, such as theater rental, movie rental and projection, are such that the Film Forum doesn’t break even unless about 135 people attend a film each weekend, which was nowhere near the attendance seen over the last two seasons.
“Our attendance was more than not good, it became really low. Unnaturally low. We’re trying to dig into that in addition to other factors in the film industry,” said Carol Maxwell, President of the Board at Saratoga Film Forum. “New films are going straight to Netflix and to other venues. It has a lot to do with the economics of the film distribution business.” Another aspect is that the Film Forum is having trouble booking films because film distributors want them to be “openended engagements,” meaning the show must be on-going and able to run indefinitely. “We’ve been taking a look at different formats, and we would have done it smoother and in a more gradual way, but we’ve been forced to address it front and center. Our goal is finding a niche that will be the most beneficial
for the Film Forum and our audiences,” said Maxwell. “We know deep down there is a lot of interest in quality films that you just don’t get to see at the multiplexes.” In order to better understand what the community wants, Maxwell is going to talk to many different people to get their take on the Film Forum and its future. She hopes to talk to loyal patrons of the Film Forum, as well as people who have never been there or used to go but then stopped going. “This is a big town and a growing town so this is a great time to find out more about the community’s media habits and the emotions surrounding those habits. We’re trying to find out where we could
connect with them,” Maxwell said. The Film Forum may be taking a hiatus from business-asusual but they will still be holding special events at least monthly. The goal is to make the events more enhanced through speakers and other activities. Recently, the Film Forum has initiated “meet the filmmaker” nights, which gives audiences the chance to ask questions and talk to the directors and producers directly. In terms of the future, Maxwell is planning on more cross-collaborations with other organizations. For the release of Harper Lee’s latest book, “Go Set a Watchman,” the sequel to “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the
Film Forum collaborated with Northshire Bookstore for a popular event that brought the two organizations together. After she has a thorough, open dialogue with community members, Maxwell hopes that the Film Forum will be back to its usual programming by late spring. Maxwell concluded positively: “Tell readers I said ‘We’ll see you soon.’” For more information about the Saratoga Film Forum, visit saratogafilmforum.org or e-mail films@ saratogafilmforum.org. If you would like to share your thoughts, opinions or ideas about the Film Forum and its future, e-mail filmforumboard@gmail.com.
Joe Russell Joins Chamber SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Staff Member Joe Russell. “Joe will play an instrumental role in membership development and new member recruitment," said Denise Romeo, Vice President Member Services. Russell is a 2015 graduate of The College of Saint Rose with a Bachelor of Arts and Humanities degree concentrating in communications. During his college tenure Russell served
as the President of the Saint Rose Public Relations Club and worked part time for Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa. A Saratoga County native, Russell brings a local perspective to community development and the needs of business owners in the County. "I'm proud to be a part of such an established business organization who advocates everyday on behalf of businesses of all sizes," Russell said. "People in our County know of the
Chamber and all that we do to support local business. It's exciting to be involved with that."
98th Annual Dinner
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to the 98th Annual Dinner on Thursday, January 28, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway. The event will kickoff with a Cocktail Hour, from 6 to 7 p.m. and will be followed by dinner and the
program, from 7 to 8:30 and will conclude with a dessert reception, running until 9:30 p.m. The event is $100 per person. The 2015 Chair of the Board and Executive Director of Saratoga Bridges, NYSARC, Inc., Saratoga County Chapter Val Muratori, will be recognized for her leadership and
recap the successes of this past year. In addition, 2016 Chair, Matt Jones, The Jones Firm, will be welcomed in, along with the Chamber board, volunteers and 25 year anniversary members being recognized for their support. For a complete list of sponsors, or to register for the event, visit www.saratoga.org.
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
BUSINESS 15
WIB December 8 Meeting December 5: Caroling on Horseback SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Women in Business Group is hosting Philanthropy Advisor and Coach Susan Axelrod on Tuesday, December 8 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Saratoga County Chamber Offices located at 28 Clinton Street. During this free event, Axelrod will offer attendees an opportunity to address the most human of concerns: the desire to be remembered, to stay relevant, and to make an
impact in our world. With humor, spirit and inspiration, Axelrod uses The Philanthropy Formula™ in this engaging workshop that helps you reflect personally, think passionately, feel inspired and appreciate deeply the cause, purpose or organization that matters to you. Thank you to Key4Women for sponsoring the 2015 Women in Business Group.
Holiday Member Mixer SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, along with sponsors Adirondack Technical Solutions, The Saratoga Springs City Center and Symphony Catering, invite you to the largest and most popular mixer of the year, the Holiday Member Mixer. Join over 300 of your fellow Chamber members for a fun evening of networking,
while enjoying food and drink specials provided by Symphony Catering. Thursday, December 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs City Center at 522 Broadway. This proves to always be the most popular mixer, so be sure to make your reservation early. $10 before registration deadline, $15 after. Visit www. saratoga.org to register.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Hospital Nursing Home will host its 25th Annual Caroling on Horseback Holiday Sing-Along on Saturday, December 5 at 10:30 a.m. at the main entrance to Saratoga Hospital on 211 Church Street. Carolers on horseback will parade
in front of the main entrance of Saratoga Hospital, inviting everyone to join in the festive sing-along event. Nursing Home residents will be in the hospital’s main lobby to enjoy the event and sing along. Saratoga Springs Mayor Joanne Yepsen will be joining the festivities.
Saratoga veterinarian Pamela Reppert, DVM, with the Saratoga Springs Veterinary Hospital, coordinates the annual event. More than 25 horses and riders are anticipated this year. Family, friends and the Saratoga community are invited to attend.
USDA Enrollment for Conservation Reserve Program WASHINGTON – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today reminded farmers and ranchers that the next general enrollment period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) began December 1 and ends on February 26, 2016. December 2015 also marks the 30th anniversary of CRP, a federally funded program that assists agricultural producers with the cost of restoring, enhancing and protecting certain grasses, shrubs and trees to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and reduce loss of wildlife habitat.
As of September 2015, 24.2 million acres were enrolled in CRP. CRP also is protecting more than 170,000 stream miles with riparian forest and grass buffers, enough to go around the world 7 times. For more information on FSA conservation programs, visit a local FSA office or www.fsa. usda.gov/conservation. To find your local FSA office, visit http:// offices.usda.gov. The Conservation Reserve Program was re-authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. Since enactment, USDA has made significant
progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for ruralmade products; and investing in infrastructure, housing, and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www. usda.gov/farmbill.
16
EDUCATION
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
Ballston Spa’s Clean Tech ECHS Named Exemplar School One of 16 Schools Recognized Nationwide BALLSTON SPA – P21, the leading national organization advocating for 21st Century learning, has designated the Ballston Spa Central School District’s Clean Technologies and Sustainable Industries Early College High School (Clean Tech ECHS) as an Exemplar School. This nationwide initiative identifies models of exemplary 21st Century learning practices that are preparing students for success from across the United States. Now entering its 4th year, the 21st Century Learning Exemplar Program shares case studies of schools and districts that have successfully transformed student learning through innovative practices. “This designation is a tribute to our faculty, staff and partners in business, industry, and higher education who work tirelessly to provide this opportunity for students from throughout our region,” said Joseph P. Dragone, Ph.D., Superintendent, Ballston Spa Central School District. “The
Students in the Clean Tech ECHS study Photovoltaic Theory and Design as part of their college coursework in the program. Shown with Professor Jason Bloomingdale (from HVCC) are students James Foote and Dylan Baldwin. Photo provided.
teaching and learning that occurs is truly transformational and we are honored to have the program receive this national recognition.” Following a rigorous application process, P21 program evaluators were on-site last spring and met with students, parents, business partners and staff as they conducted their evaluation of the program. Programs are evaluated based on criteria in the areas of college and career readiness, educational support systems, engaging learning approaches, student access to 21st Century learning, student acquisition of 21st Century knowledge and skills, and partnerships for sustainable success. “Every student deserves to experience authentic 21st Century learning,” said Dr. Helen Soulé,
P21 Executive Director. “P21 is proud to highlight the hard work exhibited by all P21 Exemplars as they redefine what teaching and learning means for students and educators in a world where learning doesn’t stop.” Case studies on schools recognized for 2015-16, including Ballston Spa’s Clean Tech ECHS, will be unveiled in 2016, and join the 41 additional schools previously highlighted. Visit www.p21. org for a list of current exemplar schools, case studies, powerful learning stories, podcasts, videos, and more. P21 recognizes that all learners need educational experiences in school and beyond, from cradle to career, to build knowledge and skills for success in a globally and digitally interconnected world. Representing over 5 million members of the global workforce, P21 is a catalyst organization uniting business, government and education leaders from the U.S. and abroad to advance evidence-based education policy and practice and to make innovative teaching and learning a reality for all. Ballston Spa Central School District’s Clean Tech ECHS was
developed in 2011 by the district in partnership with Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The program continues to develop its relationships with over 45 partners in business and industry, government, non-profit and higher education organizations to provide authentic learning experiences for students. The program has grown regionally from originally serving 25 students in two school districts, to now serving almost 300 students from across 25 school districts in ten counties. The program was designated as a Smart Scholars ECHS in 2011 and as a New York State P-TECH school in 2013. Students earn credits towards an Associate’s Degree in one of four career pathways including Clean Energy, Computer Science and Information Systems, Mechatronics, and Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Innovation. For information about the Clean Tech ECHS Program, visit www.bscsd.org/ cleanTech.cfm.
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
EDUCATION 17
K-5 Performances B-Spa Robotics
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Division Street Elementary School of the Saratoga Springs City School District is hosting its 3rd Annual Cultural Fair on Friday, December 4, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the school. Parents, students, and community members are welcome to attend. There will be performances by the 2nd Grade Chorus; the 4th Grade Art and Music Enrichment Classes; a Scottish Bagpipe Performance; Saratoga Budo – Japanese Martial Arts; the German-American
Club of Albany Rheinlaender Dance; Skidmore College Japanese Drummers; Irish Step Dancer; Mayan Indian Dance and Asian Cultural Chinese Dancers. Kindergarten through grade 5 students’ international and cultural artwork will be on display this evening. Many cultures from countries around the world will be represented. Some of the school’s organizations may have food or craft items for sale ranging from $0.25 - $40. Please come and share in our community of rich cultural diversity!
Flying Colors for Empire’s Nursing College SARATOGA SPRINGS — SUNY Empire State College’s RN to B.S. in Nursing program and its M.S. in Nursing Education have earned 10-year re-accreditation and five-year initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Formally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a national accrediting organization, CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency programs in nursing. “National accreditation and quality assurance go hand-inhand,” said Merodie A. Hancock, president of the college. “Earning CCNE accreditation for the graduate nursing program, and re-accreditation for the undergraduate nursing program, is a significant national honor for SUNY Empire and also is a reflection of
the dedication, hard work, talent, skill and success of the college’s nursing faculty and staff in curriculum development and delivery.” “SUNY Empire completed the rigorous, peer-reviewed CCNE accreditation process and passed with flying colors,” said Bridget Nettleton, dean of the college’s School of Nursing. “Both the graduate and undergraduate programs met all standards and criteria with, in the language of the accrediting body, ‘no issues or concerns,’ which are very important indicators of quality assurance. To the SUNY Empire team who worked hard, I am grateful for their hard work and success and share in the pride of your significant, national accomplishment and recognition.” More information about the college is available at www.esc.edu.
Nominations for SSCSD Hall of Distinction SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District is seeking the public’s input on candidates for the third annual Hall of Distinction. The Hall of Distinction provides a wonderful opportunity to honor and celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of the district’s graduates. Potential candidates must have graduated from Saratoga Springs High School at least ten years ago, and must exemplify the district’s educational philosophy through an outstanding social contribution to the broader community by making a difference in the lives of others; and/or outstanding professional contribution to, or achievement in, their field of endeavor. All recommendation/application forms must be submitted by December 29.
Last year’s inaugural Hall of Distinction inductees were David Hyde Pierce and Pia Carusone, both of whom have contributed and continue to contribute tremendously to the local community. A committee composed of community members, students, board of education members, former and current high school administrators, and former and current high school teachers will review the nominations and select the honorees. Two outstanding individuals will be honored during the High School’s Awards Night on Wednesday, May 25 at Saratoga Springs High School. For more information about the Hall of Distinction and for the nominee form, please visit the Saratoga Springs City School District’s website (saratogaschools.org).
BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa High School’s FIRST Robotics Team #3044 hosts a Hudson Valley FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Qualifying Tournament on Saturday December 5. Teams from throughout the region will participate for the opportunity to advance to the upcoming Championship Tournament at Dutchess Community College on
February 27, 2016. This year’s FLL challenge, World Class, requires students to design a LEGO robot that can be programmed to operate independently on the competition table and accomplish several waste management related tasks. The teams are judged based on the robot’s performance, design, core values and on
a project that asks them to redesign how we manage our waste. Teams from the Gordon Creek, Malta Avenue, Milton Terrace and Wood Road Elementary Schools, as well as teams from the Ballston Spa Middle School, will be participating in the competition. Additional information is available at http:// www.sunydutchess.edu/legoleague/ or by contacting Ballston Spa K-12 Science Coordinator Diane Irwin, dirwin@bscsd.org.
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Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
Melodies of Christmas
Benefit for Kids with Cancer Anticipation Builds for Local Students Thrilled to be Selected to Perform
The 2014 Melodies’ show hosts join Albany Medical Center youth who have received treatment from the child’s cancer program and the ESYO Orchestra and Chorale in a rendition of Silent Night. Photo courtesy of CBS 6 WRGB.
by Norra Reyes Saratoga TODAY SCHENECTADY — The annual CBS 6 “Melodies of Christmas” holiday extravaganza is celebrating 37 years of raising money to help the courageous children and their families who are battling cancer at Albany Medical Center (AMC). Sponsored by Price Chopper/Market 32 and Freihofer’s, the show will take place for four performances from Thursday, December 17 to Sunday, December 20 at Proctors Theater in Schenectady, and will also broadcast on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Net proceeds benefit the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Bernard and Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center. The centerpiece of the Melodies production is the
Empire State Youth Orchestra, featuring young area musicians under the direction of conductor Helen Cha-Pyo, and the Empire State Youth Chorale, under the direction of Rae Jean Teeter. Cha-Pyo is in her 14th season of “Melodies of Christmas.” She said it has been a wonderful experience and the years have gone by quite fast. “I’d always worked with professionals, adult musicians in New York City, and never thought I’d work with high school age students,” she said. “What kept me here so many years is that it is very addicting to work with these incredible young people. Teens these days, the ones who really have the drive and focus, are engaged in very high levels of musical articulacy, an activity that they’ve honed in their schools since elementary grades. They have all the right grit. They have a passion and purpose. Every day I am reminded I am fortunate to be a part of their journey. It has
made me a better person.” Liv (Olivia) DeRagon, a Ballston Spa High School junior, is an Alto 2 in the ESY Chorale. She said there are several carols in the show that she deeply enjoys and is sure the audience will love. “Singing is an integral part of my life, something I’ve been doing ever since I can remember,” she said. “I can’t imagine ever stopping. I can create harmony by ear, so for me, that’s more fun that singing the melody. I feel that creating the harmony adds the color and texture to a piece. There’s this one carol, the way the harmony works with it can leave you speechless – there’s so many different notes going on – it’s hard to explain.” Springs High School senior Meredith Craig plays the viola in the ESY Orchestra. “I play both the violin and the viola, but I like the sound better in the viola with its lower tone,” said Craig. “When I was in 4th
grade, I remember watching it [“Melodies of Christmas”] on TV and thought it was really cool. I knew I wanted to do it when I got older.” Brandon Sarti, who has been singing since the fourth grade, also watched “Melodies of Christmas” and dreamed of being on the show one day. He is a sophomore at South Glens Falls High School, and is a Bass 1 in the ESY Chorale. This is his first year with the show. When asked what it was like once he found he had been selected, Sarti said, “Oh my gosh, I had to stare at the message for a while! It’s such an honor to be chosen to sing with this chorus. I’ve never sung in front of this big of an audience, but it’ll be a lot of fun and it helps such an important cause. My family is very excited.” Sarti said he sings every day. He is in his school chorus, as well as in Vocal Point, an a cappella group at South Glens Falls High
School. During the summer he participates in theater at Lake George Youtheatre (sic). “Music is all over the place,” he said. “It’s a universal language – anyone can relate to it, and I just like it.” And there will be plenty of music of all kinds during this year’s Melodies. Grand Central Station will once again rock the show with their classic pop/rock sounds; and new to Melodies this year is Marquise Productions, which will be presenting a Holiday Circus featuring street performers, acrobats and performing artists that are sure to amaze. Returning as part of the annual Melodies tradition will be The Northeast Ballet, the resident ballet company at Proctors, set to perform a beautiful (new to Melodies) piece from the Nutcracker. The Orlando School of Dance will feature an extravagant choreographed dance piece geared toward the younger ones in the audience.
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015 There are 22 children from AMC that have been invited to participate on stage during the performance of Silent Night. All of these young people have received treatment from the pediatric cancer program at Albany Medical Center. “When these musicians see someone their own age and younger battling cancer come up on stage to sing Silent Night at the end,” said Cha-Pyo, “they know why they are putting so many hours in rehearsals and performance. It’s a big commitment in one of the most busy times of the school year, but they plow right through because all of us know why they are doing this.” Craig auditioned in the tenth grade and has been a part of Melodies ever since. “I’m so happy to be in it,” she said. “It’s such a great cause. I think everyone leaves with their hearts a little warmer. It’s not about the orchestra; it’s about the cause and the families it supports. It’s definitely a lot of fun and really rewarding.” DeRagon said the commitment to the show is worth it. “We meet every Tuesday pretty late from October through the beginning of December,” she said. “It does put a little strain on homework and everything, but you’re making music together. All of these students in Melodies are extremely talented, true musicians. It’s great because you feel you are creating something beautiful every Tuesday night. It’s really cool.” In all, the CBS 6 Melodies of Christmas production includes the work of about 300 Capital Region youth, including the orchestra, chorale, AMC singers, the students with Orlando’s School of Dance, and the 70 students that are community volunteers. “The whole foundation of the show is kids helping kids,” said the show’s executive producer, Elizabeth Guerin of CBS 6 WRGB. “It’s so touching to see. I’ve been involved with the show for eight years now, and it’s the highlight of my year. The energy from these student performers and the warmth that you take away from this celebration, coupled with the time shared with loved ones that may have attended with you, really captures the moment in your heart, and cherished moments such as these are truly are one
of the best gifts you can receive.” The Melodies of Christmas tradition began 36 years ago when Jim Delmonico, then station vice president and general manager of WRGB, learned that his infant granddaughter had cancer. The station approached Albany Medical Center, which had just instituted its child cancer program, and suggested the idea of a holiday concert that would benefit kids battling cancer. Cha-Pyo said, “We are very clear in our mission of this concert to help research to battle cancer, and help support the children and their families. These are dedicated young people helping young people. It’s more than medicine. It is hope.” To date, Melodies has raised $7.3 million for the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Bernard and Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center. CBS 6, along with partners Price Chopper/ Market 32 and Freihofer’s, presented a check in the amount of $260,000 raised from the 2014 season to the hospital. “The longevity of the partnership with Price Chopper, Freihofer’s, CBS 6 WRGB and ESYO for 30 some-odd years without any kind of difficulty is an incredible testament to the commitment of the community to children who are fighting cancer,” said Cha-Pyo. “That needs to be celebrated because partnerships are not easy. This is an epitome example of what music should be in a community - using music as a tool for the betterment of human good.” Tickets are $25, with limited $15 seats for Thursday and Friday performances. Performances will be held Thursday, December 17 at 7 p.m.; Friday, December 18 at 7 p.m.; Saturday December 19 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, December 20 at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at www.proctors.org or by calling the Proctors box office at 518-346-6204. CBS 6 WRGB will broadcast “Melodies of Christmas” on Christmas Eve at 5 p.m. and on Christmas Day at 12:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. CW 15 will broadcast Melodies on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at 10 p.m. This TV will broadcast Melodies for 24 hours, from 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve to 6 p.m. on Christmas Day.
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2014 Melodies’ show hosts, CBS 6 News Anchors Greg Floyd and Liz Bishop; Price Chopper/Market 32 CEO Jerry Golub; and Freihofer’s Director of Sales, Bill Sullivan. Photo courtesy of CBS 6 WRGB.
The Empire State Youth Orchestra and Youth Chorale on stage during the 2014 Melodies of Christmas performance. Photo courtesy of CBS 6 WRGB.
The Empire State Youth Orchestra rehearses for the upcoming 2015 Melodies of Christmas show. Photo by Francesco D’Amico.
Conductor Helen Cha-Pyo, and local students Meredith Craig, Liv DeRagon, and Brandon Sarti just before rehearsal at The Brown School in Schenectady. Photo by Francesco D’Amico.
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Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
Give Your Eyes a Little Love
by Susan Halstead for Saratoga TODAY As the Holidays approach and the year comes to an end, now is the time to use the funds in your Flexible Spending Accounts before they are gone for good. Use some of that flex money to give your eyes a little love! What is an FSA? Established by the U.S. government to provide employees with a tax-free method for paying out-of-pocket medical and health-related expenses, Flexible Spending Accounts have increased in popularity in recent years, especially since they enable individuals to lower their taxable income by up to $5,000 dollars. How Do Flexible Spending Accounts Work? Flexible Spending Accounts allow employees to have up to $5,000 withheld tax-free that they can use toward various health and dependent-care expenses (for example, the cost of day-care). Funds are either deducted from the account via a debit card, or the employee can submit receipts of eligible purchases, and the funds are credited against the balance in the account. Flexible Spending Accounts are beneficial because they allow you to bank funds that aren’t taxed by the Federal Government to cover certain out-of-pocket expenses, as well as lower your tax liability. The only real downside to Flexible Spending Accounts is that if you don’t use up all of the balance in your account by the end of the calendar year, then you lose them for good. This is the infamous “Use ’em or lose em” situation that causes many people to scramble during the month of
December to find ways to utilize any remaining balances in their Flex Spending Accounts. Use Your Flex Spending to Care for Your Eyes. Prescription Sunglasses: Because prescription sunglasses are considered medical devices, they qualify as an eligible Flex purchase. So if you’ve been dying to add a great pair of designer prescription sunglasses to your eyewear collection, now is the time. Any sunglass frame qualifies — including designer sunglasses — just as long as they contain valid prescription lenses. Prescription Eyeglasses or Reading Glasses: Like prescription sunglasses, eye glasses are medical devices. So Flex funds can be spent on both prescription lenses and the frames to hold the lenses. If you’ve been putting off getting a new pair of prescription glasses, December is a great time to get an eye exam and upgrade your eyewear. If you’ve recently purchased a pair of “everyday” eyeglasses, you might use the remaining balance in your Flexible Spending Account to add a second, more “daring” pair of designer eye glasses to your wardrobe. Contact Lenses: Daily wear and extended-wear disposal contact lenses typically have up to a four year shelf-life, provided they are stored in their original, sealedpackages under normal conditions. So if you want to stock up on contact lenses for the coming year, you can use your Flexible Spending Account funds to buy ahead for 2016. Even better, buying a year’s supply of contacts enables you to take advantage of bulk discounts and rebates to stretch your Flex Spending dollars even more. If you’re concerned about your prescription changing during the year, don’t worry: Most manufacturers and optical providers will let you return your unsealed contact lenses for a new prescription, if it changes. (the packages must be unmarked and unopen.) Ortho-K’ Retainer Lenses: No daytime contacts, no glasses, no surgery! Then Ortho-k is the way to go. Custom designed contact lenses worn overnight while you sleep that re-shape your cornea’s and enable you to see 20/20 all
day without contacts or glasses. Colored Contact Lenses: Want to make your brown eyes blue? Colored or tinted contact lenses are eligible for Flexible Spending, provided they are prescription lenses and not “no-power” contacts for purely cosmetic purposes. Special Effects Prescription Contact Lenses: If you want to get a pair of prescription, special effects contacts for next Halloween (or just to add a little excitement at the next office party), special effects contact lenses like Crazy Eyes qualify for Flex Spending, provided they match your regular contact lens prescription. Contact Lens Solution and Cleaners: It’s a small individual expense, but over the year, contact lens solution and cleaners can add up. If you have a few dollars left in your Flexible Spending Account, you can stock up on contact lens care products like solution and enzyme cleaners for the coming year. Computer Glasses: Suffering from eye strain, headaches or blurry vision after a long day at the computer? Computer glasses might help. And, they qualify for Flex spending. Many people who don’t normally need eyeglasses find that a good pair of computer glasses can help them focus better after extended stints on the computer, as well as reduce eye fatigue. Prescription Safety Glasses: While regular safety glasses don’t qualify for Flexible Spending, if you require a prescription in your
safety glasses, you can use your Flexible Spending benefit to help cover the cost. Eye Exams: You can also use your Flexible Spending Account dollars to offset deductibles and co-pays for eye exams. So if you haven’t had an exam in the past year and you have some Flex funds you are about to lose, get your peepers checked in December and be sure to get your receipts in before the end of the calendar year.
Eyewear also makes a wonderful holiday gift! Many optical offices also offer discounts and sales in order to decrease their year-end inventory making it a win-win. So use your leftover flex money to give your eyes a little love or gift a loved one! Susan Halstead, ABOC, FNAO is a NYS and Nationally Licensed Optician and owner of Family Vision Care Center at 205 Lake Avenue.
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
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TODAY
Letter to Santa
by Katherine Morna Towne
for Saratoga TODAY Dear Santa, It’s been a long time since I wrote you a letter. The last time, I’m pretty sure I was asking you for cassette tapes and cool clothes— I will be forever grateful to you for those white cowboy boots you brought me in fourth grade! My mom said it’s a good thing I asked you for them because she would never have said yes, and I believe her. I’m grown up now—a bona fide adult!—and I’ve recently been collecting my kids’ letters to send to you. I know you know that their lovely, polite first paragraphs, in which they ask you how your year’s been and assure you they’ve tried their best to behave, are written under my direction, and that the reason they only ask for three things is because I won’t let them ask for more. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that they are, truly, very good boys.
I’m sure you’ve seen the ways in which my oldest—a middle schooler!—has grown and matured. He’s such a help! I love to hear his new thoughts and understandings. You know my No. 2 misses his big brother now that they’re no longer at the same school, but in his typical sunny way he’s bumping along, happy with friends and Legos. No. 3, my serious, sensitive guy, is ready to take on the world in the name of justice! His biggest battles almost always stem from his defense of someone being treated unfairly. That’s not a terrible thing at all. My next guy started Kindergarten this year and, oh my, he loves it. So many things have come together for him since last Christmas and he’s absolutely relishing being one of the Big Boys. You know what a pip my No. 5 is, he hasn’t changed at all in that regard. He’s out of diapers and into preschool and says things like, “Are those buttons on the phone to call someone? Like Nannie and Poppie? Or Lightning McQueen?” And finally, the baby’s no longer a baby. He’s twenty months old, walking and talking and causing his own brand of trouble—the very cutest kind. He also loves cars more than anything else (except his blankie). I’ve read their wish lists (writing them out is one of their favorite things to do) and they
made me think about what I’d write, if I was going to put together a wish list of my own. I guess it’s evidence of being an adult that my first thoughts aren’t clothes or music or anything like that, but rather goodness for my boys, for my husband and I, for all our loved ones. I’d prefer for that goodness to take the form of health, happiness, and success, but I know sometimes goodness comes through sadness and hard times. I guess it’s another mark of being an adult that I’m okay with that, if it has to be that way, if the end result is goodness. I want us all to have good lives and right priorities; I want us all to grow in wisdom and generosity; I want peace in our families and relationships. As the family goes, so goes the world, right? And the world could really use some Christmas peace and joy. Of course these aren’t things that can be boxed up and put under the tree, but if you, Good St. Nick, could whisper a prayer for us as you pass overhead on Christmas Eve, I know it would do some good. We’ll be putting out our usual chocolate chip pumpkin bread and glass of milk for you, and just today I overheard my boys discussing the importance of falling asleep quickly on Christmas Eve so you can do your work. They’re so excited—every bit of Christmas magic lights them up with joy, and the secrets and conspiracies of the season are the most wonderful of wondrous mysteries to
Share the Warmth Saratoga Springs winters can be downright cold, and many area children and adults do not have adequate winter wear. The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center invites the public to share the warmth of the holiday season by participating in its annual “Mitten Tree” program through December 31st. Individuals, organizations and youth groups are invited to contribute new, store-bought or handmade mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, or earmuffs to decorate the tree—all sizes, colors and
styles are welcome! The Visitor Center will be accepting these items through December 31st. These much-needed items will be donated to various area organizations that support those in need this winter season. Donations can be placed on the Mitten Tree in the Visitor Center at 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, Monday-Saturday from 9 am-6 pm and Sunday from 10:00Am – 3:00PM. For more information, please call the Visitor Center at 587-3241.
them. Seeing Christmas through the eyes of children never gets old. Have a good and safe trip, bundle up, and give the reindeer each a carrot for us. And thank you in advance for our Christmas surprises.
Love, This grateful mama of little boys Kate and her husband have six sons ages 11, 9, 7, 5, 3, and 1. She can be reached at kmtowne23@ gmail.com
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Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
ENJOYING THE PRESENCE OF THE SEASON
by Meghan Lemery Fritz for Saratoga TODAY The Holiday Season represents light in the midst of darkness, peace, redemption, forgiveness, community and gratitude. It is a time of year meant to inspire us to get back to center, spend time with our loved ones and show our appreciation
through gift giving and celebration. While this is all warm and cozy in theory, the truth is most people feel stressed, overwhelmed, irritated and burdened during the holidays. A season in which we are called to presence, becomes, instead, about the presents. This year, I encourage you to do something different. Tune in to the gifts of the season and allow yourself to actually IN-JOY the experience of the holidays fully present and engaged in the moment. The fact is, life is ALWAYS going to be busy. We will always have bills to pay, houses to organize, jobs to show up for and relationships to nurture. The problem is however, that if we let all of the responsibilities of life weigh us down; we stop having fun and become miserable, negative and dull. Our focus is constantly futurefocused and we miss out on the gift
of the present moment. Everything becomes about a schedule and making sure we are on time and ready for tomorrow. A season of celebration soon becomes centered around material possessions and over committing yourself to attend every holiday invitation you receive. Let’s get back to what really matters, and the simple truth of the season, PRESENCE. Living a life with presence means that you are tuned in, listening, feeling and enjoying the moment. You are completely immersed in the NOW, no past, no future, simply the NOW. Most people experience presence in highly emotional events such as your wedding day, completing a marathon, birth of a child, death of a loved one or an emergency situation. In these highly emotional scenarios we are completely present in
the moment feeling every emotion and allowing the present to simply BE what it is. It is as if time stops and the constant chatter in our neurotic minds ceases. The very experience of living in the present moment and allowing it to simply BE, leaves us feeling refreshed, connected, warm and highly tuned in to ourselves and others. People often describe these experiences as spiritual in nature and we are left with a sense of deeper meaning and purpose to life. We feel more joy and compassion for ourselves and others. Why wait for the mountain top moments to experience the power of presence in your life? Let’s live in this power NOW. This season, rather than stress yourself out with the tasks at hand, STOP. Take a minute to smell the pine needles of your tree or admire the
beautiful lights around the community. Instead of going to parties with people you don’t feel connected to, spend time with your family recalling funny stories and good times together. Allow yourself to experience each moment with gratitude and joy rather than stress and craziness. Let the gifts of the season remind you of what is truly important in life; the relationships we have with each other, our communities and our world. Let this season be rich with depth and presence. Allow the simplicity of living in the present moment revive you and add more color and sparkle to your life. Wishing you the gift of PRESENCE today and always! Happy Holidays! Meghan Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA. For more information email meghanlemery@yahoo.com
Hold the salt please! One reason a cut tree can lose needles quickly is that it was transported when the roads have been salted. If you have to transport your tree on your car’s roof when salt spray is a problem, make sure you hose the salt off when you get it home.. Nothing sucks the moisture out of a Christmas Tree quicker than a layer of salt on the needles and branches.
To keep your tree fresh throughout the holidays, remember the 3 F’s of tree care... fresh tree, fresh cut and fresh hot water. I love the smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree when it’s brought inside. The trick to keeping it fresh and fragrant is to keep the tree hydrated. The first step is to get a fresh tree. When you’re out in the tree lot picking out your tree, bend the little branch tips to make sure they are supple, not brittle. Beware of spruce trees which are notorious for falling apart quickly once they’re cut and brought inside. Next, be sure to make a fresh cut on the base of the tree right before you bring it inside. This is so important because the tree has sucked air into the bottom-most cells of the trunk and it is also clogged with dirt. Even
if the tree is placed in water, it can’t absorb it because the first cells at the base are clogged with dirt and air. A fresh cut exposes fresh cells that can absorb water and send it along to the cells above and right out to the branches and needles. Most tree lots will offer to make this fresh cut for you. The fresh cut made at the tree lot is fine if you’re going to go right home and get the tree into water within an hour. If it will be longer than an hour, you should get it into a bucket of water in the garage or make your own fresh cut on the tree at home. Make sure that your tree stand is clean before you put your tree into it. If your tree stand is like mine, it spends most of its time in the shed gathering dust. If you don’t clean this dust, it will mix with
the water the tree is absorbing and clog up those all important cells that you just exposed at the base of the trunk when you made your fresh cut. When you place the tree into the stand, fill the stand with very hot water. Hot water is absorbed more quickly than cold water so the tree will rehydrate as quickly as possible. You don’t need to use hot water every time you add water; just the first time. Make sure that the tree stand always has water in it. If you let it run dry, the tree will suck air into the bottom cells again and it won’t be able to absorb water unless another fresh cut is made. And that isn’t likely to happen once the tree is decorated. Remember: Fresh Tree, Fresh Cut and Fresh Hot Water. Thanks for the read.
Christmas Tree Care
by Peter Bowden for Saratoga TODAY
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
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The Secrets to Success by Matthew Goodemote, MPT
for Saratoga TODAY
A few years ago I wrote an article about going to the pain, not through the pain. This was my attempt to help people understand that pain is NOT the enemy but it is in fact our alarm system alerting us to pay attention. In my article, I recommended that people use pain as a way to learn. I recommended that although it is important to stop an activity when the pain increases, it is also OK to continue if the pain does not remain increased. In my training we called this “increased... but NOT worse.” The article went on for several paragraphs explaining in great detail exactly how to tell when pain warranted more serious consideration. I am not going to do that this time. But after writing this article, I met several people that told me they read my article and would follow my advice to avoid pain... they would say, “If it hurts don’t do it!” This was not exactly the point I was trying to get across. Today I would like to try a different approach on how to handle pain. I treat a lot of people with back pain and often on the first visit the patient will tell me how important it is to strengthen their core. I often cringe when I hear this because before someone can/ should address their core they definitely need to find a way to alleviate their lower back pain. (Actually they should find a way to consistently alleviate their pain no matter where it is)
Too often we put the cart before the horse. If you are able to alleviate your pain through movements or positions, that is what you should have your attention on. Well, that and avoiding the things that provoke the pain. The most common misunderstanding I see in the clinic are patients that are able to alleviate their pain but only do their exercises in the morning and at night...despite the pain during the day. The single most valuable tip I can pass on to those who are interested in finding lasting relief is to pay your dues early. Do what helps OFTEN!! I have been educating my patients on frequency for several years. By frequency I mean do “a little bit...A LOT.” Rather than do their home exercise program 1-2 times a day, I recommend doing it 5-10 times per day. In particular, range of motion and positions of relief. The second most common misunderstanding is continuing to do what makes you feel worse. Just to be clear, I understand people have to work and have families, so it is true that there are times you can’t stop to do an exercise that alleviates your pain…. although I joke with my patients to bring a yoga mat with them to the grocery store so they can lie on the floor if they need to. So here is my way of being more direct, and hopefully for some out there reading this, it will help clarify what to do when something helps alleviate your pain but the pain returns. There are FIVE reasons that the exercise/movement/ position you are using to alleviate your pain does not provide lasting relief: 1. Not doing it often enough. If you are doing a exercise/movement/position that gives you relief 1-2 times per day you are not doing it often enough...do it 10 times or more a day. 2. Not doing it long enough. If a stretch helps you after 10 seconds stay longer up to a few minutes and see if that helps alleviate the pain for longer. 3. Not going to end range. When stretching to alleviate pain, it should always be to the
maximum joint motion. 4. Continuing to do the movement/position/stretch that “should” help even though it is causing your pain to get worse while doing it or immediately after doing it. 5. Continuing to do the things that provoke your pain. I am writing about this partly to stress how important it is to listen to the body. When you are having pain, the solution is often found by performing movements/ stretches/positions that alleviate the pain often, consistently. This is listening to the body. When you find something that your body likes, it rewards you with relief. This is my role. I have worked with thousands of people with pain. There are familiar patterns that we share with others, but what I have found is that we are all unique and the uniqueness is in how to use the movements/positions/stretches for the individual. But the thing that seems to be most consistent across the board is that people that listen to the body by finding positions that help alleviate pain and by avoiding activities/movements/positions that cause pain have the most consistent success. When you find one that alleviates your pain, do it more. When you notice something making your pain worse, which means it INCREASES and STAYS increased then, stop doing it. I know it sounds simple, and maybe you are someone that just does this naturally, but a lot of people have been taught to “ignore” their pain. I realize that it is often necessary to have someone help guide you with exercises to alleviate your pain, but once you find something that helps, persistence is the key to success. I enjoy the calls and emails from readers so please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like my thoughts on your situation.
If you would like my assessment or suggestions please contact my office at 518-306-6894.
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How to Choose a Nursing Home for Your Loved One Learn About Ratings Systems and How They Work
by Matthew J. Dorsey, Esq. for Saratoga TODAY Choosing a nursing home for a loved one can be a very daunting task. Thankfully, both the state and federal governments have nursing home rating systems available on line. The federal government rating system can be found at www. medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare/search.html - which rates approximately 15,000 nursing homes that are Medicare and Medicaid certified. The federal rating system is based on a one to five star ranking linked to three factors: health inspections, staffing, and quality measures. At the federal government’s nursing home comparison site, you can search for nursing homes
in your zip code, city, or state. The search will yield all homes within that location, with their attendant starred ranking. New York State also offers an on line nursing home ranking at http://nursinghomes.nyhealth. gov. The New York site can be searched by county or geographic region, i.e. the “Capital Region.” The New York site includes two general subject areas. The first subject area is an eighteen part quality measure survey addressing issues such as weight loss, infection control, and the proper administration of vaccines. The second subject area on the New York site includes a complaint and incident summary report, which details the number of complaints received regarding the facility, as compared to statewide averages. The second subject area also contains details of the facility’s annual on-site inspection reports, as conducted by the Department of Health - which note the number and nature of any deficiencies found. In addition, the second subject area contains information regarding any enforcement actions that have been taken by the Department of Health against the facility. Both the federal and state websites also give basic
information about the facilities, such as address, contact information, and number of beds. Information regarding bed availability needs to be obtained directly from the facility. The federal and state websites also have helpful guides with checklists of items to consider when making a nursing home selection. While the federal and state resources are great starting points to learn about nursing home facilities in your area, there is no substitute for visiting the facility yourself and talking to the administrator and the staff. Most administrators are happy to arrange a tour and answer any questions that family members might have about their loved one’s prospective new home. As you tour a nursing home facility, keep in mind the
following considerations: • The cleanliness of common areas and patient rooms • The nature of the relationship between staff and residents • The presence of a program schedule to enhance socialization of residents • The food service quality in patient rooms and common dining areas If you are interested in putting in an application to a nursing home after your visit, you should obtain an application form from the facility and inquire as to the status of available beds. If the facility has a waiting list, you should apply promptly to increase your chances of obtaining an available bed. Once you find a nursing home that is appropriate for your
loved one, you may want to seek the services of an experienced elder law attorney to assist with the nursing home admission process, including the review of admissions agreements and facilitating applications for Medicaid coverage. By obtaining professional help with the details of the application process, you can focus more on the well being of your loved one during the transition over to nursing home care. 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, mdorsey@oalaw. com, and www.oalaw.com.
Senior Calendar Adult & Senior Center of Saratoga 5 Williams St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 584-1621 HAPPENINGS AT THE CENTER!
Emergency Preparedness Tues., Dec. 8, 1:30. The Red Cross will give a comprehensive overview on how to prepare for natural and man-made disasters, and how to respond and recover. Free and open to the public. Please sign up. Holiday Sing a Long Fri., Dec. 11, 12:15. Add a little Holiday cheer with music and songs
Dr. Robin Solomon, Audiologist - “Using Your Smartphone as a Hearing Device” Tues., Dec. 15, 12:30-1:30. Free and open to the public. Sign up. Book Club Tue., Dec. 29 at 3pm - Discussing “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown. Holiday Schedule Closed Christmas Eve Thursday December 24 and Christmas
Day, Friday, December 25. Also closed New Year’s Day Friday January 1. ALSO AT THE CENTER! Computer Help - Students are in the house! Mon., 3-4, Tues., 10-1, 3-4, Wed., 3-4, Thurs., 12:30-4, (Dec 3 & 10) 3-4 (Dec 17 & 31) Please sign up! Movie Fri., Dec. 11, 1:00pm. $2 members / $4 non-member, includes snacks. Please sign up! “The Holiday.” Blood Pressure Clinic Wed., Dec. 16, 11-12. 2016 Hyde Museum Passes - The center is the recipient of Hyde Museum passes thanks to a generous donor. Two free passes are available for 2 senior center members, some program exclusions apply. You may check out the passes at the front desk. 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
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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.
SENIORS ON THE GO!
Tues., Dec. 8: “Duo Davvero:” A violin and piano concert presented by Troy Savings Bank. Lunch at the Illium Cafe after the show. Concert is free. Pay $10 at signup for van and bring lunch money. Leave the center at 11am. Thurs., Dec. 10: “Silver Foxes:” Join our men’s group for lunch. Pay $1 at sign up & bring $10 for lunch at the Skidmore Dining Hall. Leave the center at 11:45. Tues., Dec., 15: Lunch Bunch -“The Casino & Raceway” - “Spin, Win & Dine at the Casino.” Pay $1 at signup. Bring $5.95 for lunch & additional money for the games. Must bring ID to sign up for Gold Card & reduced lunch price. Leave the Center at 11:30 am. Wed. Dec. 16: Senior Lunch and Swim: at the Great Escape Indoor Water Park. Soak up the sun in tropical 82 degree temps, enjoy a swim and a great buffet lunch. Leave the center at 9am. Pay $10 van fee at sign up. Bring $20 admission and lunch money. Sign up by Dec. 10. Thurs. Dec. 17: Governor’s Mansion at Christmas: Tour the holiday decorated Governor’s Mansion and then enjoy a delicious lunch at the Albany Pump Station. Leave the center at 8:45 am. Tour is free. Pay $10 at sign up for van. Bring lunch money. Sign up by Dec. 7. Bring photo ID Sat. Dec. 19: “Land of the Sweets” Act II of the Nutcracker: Performed by
the Saratoga City Ballet, held at the Saratoga High School. Leave the center at 1pm. Pay $1 at sign up van fee. Bring $15 admission. Sun. December 20: HMT presents: “A Saratoga Christmas with the McKrells” Join us for an evening of Christmas favorites, Kevin’s trademark sound, and their popular rendition of A Visit from St. Nick. Leave the Center at 6:15. Show at 7pm. Pay $16 at sign up. Sign up by Dec.3 Mon., Dec. 21: Capital Holiday Lights, Washington Park, Albany: Explore this enchanted display of lights that are sure to fill you with the spirit of the season. Optional stop for snacks weather permitting. Leave the Center at 5:15pm and return at 8. Pay $13 at sign up. April -Sat matinee TBD: ”The Lion King” Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire serengeti comes to life as never before. Pay $75 at sign up. Sign up by Mar. 1.
The Wilton Senior Center
18 Traver Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831 (518) 587-6363 Open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am. - 3:00pm. Lillian Worth Senior Center is located in the Town Hall Complex. 18 Traver Road. It is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am. to 3:00pm. The Center will be closed Christmas Day and when Saratoga Springs Schools are closed for inclement weather. Members must be 55 years of age. However, spouses younger than 55 may join and participate in all activities, but cannot vote until they reach age 55. Dues are $4 per year. Bus transportation to and from the Senior Center, the Mall, grocery stores and appointments is available by calling the Saratoga County Office of the Aging at 884-4100 before noon on the day before the transportation is needed. Activities include: - Ceramics and Crafts Tuesday morning (except July and August)
- Free Blood Pressure Clinics Third Tuesday of Month at 1:00 p.m. - Business Meetings First Tuesday of the Month at 1:00 p.m. - Day Trips (dinner + attraction) Monthly April through November (minimal fee) - AARP “55 Alive” March and September - Drivers Course Held twice a year ($10 fee) - Exercise Groups, Cards and
other Games Tuesdays and Thursdays - Speakers scheduled throughout the year - Live entertainment scheduled throughout the year - Videos scheduled throughout the year Meals and Parties: - Pizza 2nd Tuesday of the Month - Covered Dish Last Tuesday of Month - Coffee, Tea & Cake every Tuesday and Thursday - Annual Picnic - Anniversary Party in September - Public Card Party in October - Christmas Dinner in December (at a local restaurant) - Bingo – Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m.
The Academy for Lifelong Learning
111 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 * (518) 587-2100, ext. 2390, 2415 Founded in 1992, the Academy for Lifelong Learning is a nonprofit, membership organization providing academic classes and social activities for seniors. It is an independent
entity sponsored by SUNY Empire State College with offices at 111 West Avenue in Saratoga Springs. For more information, go to www.esc. edu/all.
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Q: When hiring an investment manager, what can I do to avoid a Ponzi scheme? A: The “Four Ps” will help you steer clear of a potential scam.
by George B. Chelius, III for Saratoga TODAY The Ponzi scheme is named after Charles Ponzi, a clerk in Boston, who popularized the scam in the 1920s when he conned
thousands of New Englanders into investing in a postage stamp ploy. Ponzi guaranteed investors a 50 percent profit within 45 days or 100 percent profit within 90 days — meanwhile banks were offering an annual interest rate of just 5 percent. Ponzi used the funds of his latest victims to pay the earliest investors what he had promised. What initially happened on Main Street soon found its way to Wall Street. From past to present, fraud cases and unethical behavior remind us that we must always be vigilant when selecting investment professionals. The Madoff case is one that is still etched in our minds from not too long ago. Mr. Madoff promised investment
returns that were “too good to be true” and would not explain his investment approach; yet droves of investors hired him. He hoodwinked many, including some financially savvy people, and hurt countless others. And of course this scandal tainted the industry and caused some investors to worry about their assets. For almost three decades, I have been advocating a practice that will help you avoid a Ponzi scheme — it is called the Four Ps. Diligently explore these areas before you hire an investment manager. When evaluating a prospective firm, I recommend that you give equal weighting to each of the following categories: 1. People — If possible,
visit the firm’s office and get a feel for the culture. Make sure you ask how long the portfolio managers have worked there — longevity can be a good sign. 2. Philosophy — Money managers should be able to clearly explain their investment philosophy within one minute. 3. Process — Make sure their investment process is detailed, yet straightforward. 4. Performance — Unfortunately, many investors look at this as the most important factor. Past performance is no guarantee of future results so it is crucial to equally evaluate the people, philosophy, and process. Additionally, an external, independent auditor should
regularly review their financial statements. As a final point, make sure the firm utilizes a third-party custodian who provides safekeeping of your assets and has no role in portfolio management. I encourage you to take the time to follow the Four Ps before you trust someone with your hard-earned assets. 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.
Saratoga Casino and Raceway Supports ‘Code Blue’ SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Casino and Raceway made a significant donation on Wednesday, December 2, to support Shelters of Saratoga and the Saratoga Springs citywide ‘Code Blue’ initiative. The casino delivered an extensive array of non-perishable food items and supplies to help ‘Code Blue’ stock their shelves and prepare for this year’s winter season. “We’re incredibly grateful for this donation from Saratoga Casino and Raceway,” said Mike Finocchi, Executive Director for Shelters of Saratoga. “Donations
like these allow us to carry out our mission of keeping people safe, fed and warm during the cold winter months.” ‘Code Blue’ was first enacted in 2013 to provide the homeless population of Saratoga Springs with safe haven from extreme weather. This year, Shelters of Saratoga was selected as the lead agency for Code Blue. During the 2014-15 winter season, Code Blue opened their doors on 85 nights and saw an average of 36 individuals a night who were provided a meal and shelter. For the second year in a
row, Code Blue will be headquartered at The Salvation Army on 27 Woodlawn Avenue. “We are fortunate to live in a community with such a strong commitment to supporting our neighbors in need,” said Tom Wiedmayer, General Manager of Saratoga Casino and Raceway. “We applaud Shelters of Saratoga for being at the helm of Code Blue this year and we’re delighted to be able to help them prepare for another winter season.”
From left to right: Mike Finocchi, Executive Director of Shelters of Saratoga; Skip Carlson, Vice President of External Affairs at Saratoga Casino and Raceway; Tom Engle, Media Specialist; Shawn Nash, Executive Chef; Cheryl MurphyParent, Code Blue Director; and Jennie Jurkiewicz, Director of Food and Beverage at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.
Saratoga Casino and Raceway delivers non-perishable food items and supplies to Code Blue. Photo provided.
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Holiday G ift Guide
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30 Adirondack Christian Fellowship 8 Mountain Ledge, Wilton 587-0623 | acfsaratoga.com Services: Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m. Adirondack Friends Meeting 27 Saratoga Ave, South Glens Falls 793-3755 | adirondackfriendsmeeting.org Regina Baird Haag, Pastor Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Assembly of God Faith Chapel 6 Burgoyne St, Schuylerville 695-6069 | Rev. Jason Proctor Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m. Assembly of God Saratoga 118 Woodlawn Ave, Saratoga Springs 584-6081 | Services: Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Bacon Hill Reformed Church* 560 Route 32N, Bacon Hill | 695-3074 Rev. Janet Vincent | Services: Worship service 10 a.m.; Sunday School 10 a.m. Baha’i Community of Saratoga Springs 584-9679; 692-7694 | usbnc.org Ballston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 58 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa | 885-7312 ballstoncenterarpchurch.org Services: Sunday Worship, 10:30 a.m. Ballston Spa United Methodist Church 101 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa 885-6886 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Bethesda Episcopal Church 41 Washington St, Saratoga Springs 584-5980 | Services: Sunday 8 & 10 a.m. Church of Christ at Clifton Park 7 Old Route 146, Clifton Park 371-6611 | cliftonparkchurchofchrist.com Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Christ Community Reformed Church 1010 Route 146, Clifton Park | 371-7654 ccrc-cpny.org | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Christ Episcopal Church Routes 50 & 67, Ballston Spa | 885-1031 Services: Sunday 8 & 10 a.m. Christian Restoration Ministries Saratoga Senior Center 5 Williams St, Saratoga Springs 796-4323 | Pastor Pat Roach Services: Sunday 10 a.m.; 6:30 p.m. Christian Science Church 107 Circular St, Saratoga Springs 584-0221 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Community Alliance Church 257 Rowland St, Ballston Spa 885-6524 | Services: Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Congregation Shaara Tfille* 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs 584-2370 | saratogasynagogue.org Services: Saturday 10 a.m. Corinth Free Methodist Church 20 Hamilton Ave, Corinth 654-9255; 792-0271 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Corinth United Methodist Church 243 Main Street, Corinth 654-2521 | cfumc@cnyconnect.net Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Cornerstone Community Church 516 Park Ave., Mechanicville | 664-5204 mycornerstonechurch.org | Pastor Frank Galerie Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Community 2001 Route 9, Round Lake 877-8506 | ccorpusc@nycap.rr.com Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.; Eastern Orthodox — Christ the Savior 349 Eastline Road, Ballston Spa 786-3100 | xcsavior@yahoo.com. Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.
RELIGION First Baptist Church of Saratoga Springs 45 Washington St, Saratoga Springs 584-6301 | Services: Sunday 11 a.m. First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa 885-8361 | bspabaptist.org Services: 10:30 a.m. worship, 9 a.m. Sunday School (all ages) First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa 22 West High St, Ballston Spa 885-5583 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Full Gospel Tabernacle 207 Redmond Road, Gansevoort 793-2739 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Galway United Methodist Church 2056 East St, Galway | 882-6520 galway-united-methodist-church.com Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. (9 a.m. in July and August) Grace Fellowship Saratoga 165 High Rock Ave, Saratoga | 691-0301 saratoga.gracefellowship.com Pastor: Mike Adams Services: Sundays 9 & 11 a.m. Grace Brethren Church* 137 W. Milton Road, Ballston Spa 587-0649 | Rev. Dan Pierce Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Greater Grace Community Church Pastor David Moore | 899-7777 thechurch@ggccmalta.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Greenfield Center Baptist Church 30 Wilton Road, Greenfield Center | 893-7429 Services: Sunday School for all ages - 9:45 a.m.; Church Service - 11 a.m. Highway Tabernacle Church 90 River Road, Mechanicville | 664-4442 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Hope Church 206 Greenfield Ave, Ballston Spa 885-7442 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Jonesville United Methodist 963 Main St, Clifton Park 877-7332 | Services: Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Living Springs Community Church 59 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs 584-9112 | Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Living Waters Church of God 4330 State Rt. 50, Saratoga Springs 587-0484 | livingwaterscog.us Services: Sundays 10 a.m. Malta Presbyterian Church Dunning Street, Malta 899-5992 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Malta Ridge United Methodist Church 729 Malta Ave. Ext, Malta 581-0210 | Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Middle Grove United Methodist Church* 581-2973 | Pastor Bonnie Bates Services: Sunday 9 a.m. Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Corner of Jefferson St. & Crescent St. Saratoga Springs | 584-9441 Rev. Dr. Victor L. Collier, Pastor New Horizon Church 150 Perry Road, Saratoga Springs 587-0711 | Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. New Life Fellowship 51 Old Gick Road, Saratoga Springs 580-1810 | newlifeinsaratoga.org. Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. NorthStar Church Gowana Middle School, Clifton Park 371-2811 | northstarchurch.com Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
Old Saratoga Reformed Church* 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville oldsaratogareformedchurch.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Old Stone Church (American Baptist) 159 Stone Church Road, Ballston Spa 583-1002 | Services: Sunday 9 a.m.; Adult Sunday School 9 a.m.; Service 10:30 a.m. Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church* 73 Midline Road, Ballston Lake 399-5713 | Services: Saturday 5 p.m. Sunday 8:15 & 10:15 a.m. Presbyterian-NE Congregational Church 24 Circular St, Saratoga Springs 584-6091 | pnecchurch.org Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m. Quaker Springs United Methodist Church* 466 Route 32 South, Quaker Springs 695-3101 | qsumc.com Pastor Al Johnson Services: Sunday 9 a.m. River of Hope Fellowship 100 Saratoga Village Blvd, Malta Cmns, Ste. 3 | 881-1505 riverofhopefellowship.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-2375 | Services: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m. St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs 584-6122 | Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8, 9:30, 11:15 a.m. and 5 p.m., 1 p.m. Spanish Service St. George’s Episcopal Church 912 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-6351 | stgeorge@csdsl.net Services: Saturday 4:30 p.m.; Sunday 8 & 9:30 a.m. St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church* 3159 Route 9N, Greenfield Center 893-7680 stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church* 167 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa 885-7411 | stmarysbsta.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., Noon. St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church* 771 Route 29, Rock City Falls 893-7680 | sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com Services: Sunday 8:30 am. St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 149 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs 584-0904 | Services: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sundays 8:30 & 11 a.m. St. Peter Lutheran Church 2776 Route 9, Malta | 583-4153 Services: Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 1 Grove Street, Schuylerville 695-3918 | Rev. Donna J. Arnold Services: Sunday 8 & 9 a.m. St. Thomas of Canterbury 242 Grooms Road, Halfmoon st-thomas-of-canterbury.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Saratoga Abundant Life Church 2325 Route 50 South, Saratoga Springs 885-5456 | SALChurch.org Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. Saratoga Chabad
Saratoga Friends Meeting (Quaker) Rts. 32 and 71, Quaker Springs 587-7477; 399-5013 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Saratoga United Methodist Church* Henning Road, Saratoga Springs 584-3720 | saratogaumc.com Services: Sunday 9 & 10:45 a.m. Saratoga Seventh-Day Adventist Church 399 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs 882-9384 | saratogasda.org Services: Sabbath School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 11:30 a.m. Schuylerville United Methodist Church* 51 Church St, Schuylerville 695-3101 | sumethodist.org Services: Worship at 11am Shenendehowa United Methodist 971 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-7964 Services: Sunday 9 & 10:30 a.m. Simpson United Methodist Church Rock City Road, Rock City Falls 885-4794 Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m. Soul Saving Station for Every Nation Christ Crusaders of America 62 Henry St, Saratoga Springs 584-3122 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Stillwater United Church (Presbyterian U.S.A.) 747 Hudson Avenue, Stillwater | 664-7984 stillwaterunitedchurch.org Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Temple Sinai* 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-8730 | saratogasinai.org Shabbat Services: Friday 6 p.m. or 8p.m. (rotating schedule) Saturdays: 10:30a.m. Terra Nova Church* 45 Washington St, Saratoga Springs 833-0504 | terranovachurch.org Services: Sunday 5:30 p.m. The Salvation Army/ Worship, Service & Community Center 27 Woodlawn Ave, Saratoga Springs 584-1640 Services: Sunday School 10 a.m.; Praise & Worship 11 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church 155 Ballard Road, Gansevoort 584-9107 | tumcwilton.com Rev. Robert Kersten Services: Sunday 11 a.m. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs 624 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-1555 | uusaratoga.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Unity Church in Albany 21 King Ave., Albany 453-3603 Services: Sunday 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. West Charlton United Presbyterian Church 1331 Sacandaga Road, West Charlton 882-9874 | westcharltonupc.org Rev. Thomas Gregg, Pastor Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Wilton Baptist Church 755 Saratoga Road, Wilton 583-2736 wiltonbaptistchurch.com Services: Sunday 11 a.m.
130 Circular St, Saratoga Springs 526-0773 | saratogachabad.com
* — Handicap Accessible
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
RELIGION 31
‘Above and Beyond’ at Temple Sinai SARATOGA SPRINGS. —Would you risk everything – your future, your citizenship, even your life – to help a brother in need? Learn about a group of Jews who came to the aid of the new state of Israel as the Saratoga Jewish Community Arts, with the support of a generous grant from the United Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, brings Above and Beyond to Temple Sinai on Sunday, December 20. Filmed in the U.S., Israel and the United Kingdom, Above and Beyond is produced by Nancy Spielberg (yes, sibling to Steven) and directed by Roberta Grossman (Hava Nagila [The Movie] and Blessed is the Match, The Life and Death of Hannah Senesh). The film tells the story of how in 1948, just three years after the liberation of Nazi death camps, a group of Jewish American pilots answered a call for help. In secret and at great personal risk, they smuggled planes out of the U.S., trained behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia, and flew for Israel in its War of Independence. As members of Machal “volunteers from abroad” - this ragtag band of brothers not only turned the tide of the war; they also embarked on personal journeys of discovery and renewed Jewish pride. “This is an amazing story of courage and conviction. The few who answered the call from the young country, surrounded on all sides by the enemy, led the way for some 3500 volunteers from all four corners of the world to see that Israel would survive,” says Phyllis Wang, coordinator of the Saratoga Community Arts Series. More than a retelling of the ’48 Arab-Israeli War, Above and Beyond examines the motivations of the foreign volunteers – both Jews and non-Jews. It mines the tensions between the Israelis and Machal soldiers. Would the foreign pilots stay in Israel after the war? Were they Americans first or Jews first? The film recounts the personal stories of the young pilots who had served in WWII and whose experiences in Israel were life altering. Through their stories, Above and Beyond reveals how under-equipped and isolated
the Israelis were, how desperately they needed planes and pilots, and how critical the actions of these young American men were for the country’s survival. This is the first major feature-length documentary about the foreign airmen in the ’48 War. Above and Beyond brings together new interviews with the pilots, as well as stunning aerial footage, to present a fascinating, little-known tale filled with heart, heroism, and high flying chutzpah. The film follows the pilots on their circuitous route from the United States – where they met and trained in secret and struggled to stay two steps ahead of the FBI – to Panama, Brazil, Algeria, Italy, and Czechoslovakia, where they flew versions of the very Nazi planes they had tried to shoot down in World War II. Once Spielberg and Grossman started down the path to create this film, there was a rush to do “emergency interviews.” The “flyboys” were in their late 80s and 90s and time was running out for some. Conducting good interviews with this group of aging war heroes was a challenge in and of itself. By the time the film was completed, several of the subjects had succumbed to their old age. Above and Beyond will be shown on Sunday, December 20, at 7 p.m. at Temple Sinai in Saratoga Springs. A panel discussion and dessert reception to follow. $5 donation requested. For information or reservations, call 518 584 8730.
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FOOD
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
Gift Ideas for Cooks Pumpkin-Cranberry Cookies Ingredients
Saturdays, 9 to 1
* Ingredients can be found at the market
Lincoln Baths, 65 So. Broadway Saratoga Spa State Park SARATOGA SPRINGS — There’s a good chance that there’s someone on your holiday gift list that can be described as the family’s cook or amateur chef. Saratoga Farmers’ Market offers a variety of items to please anyone with culinary interests. Of course, the farm-fresh items at the market are a key attraction, and if you are delivering your gift in person, an assortment of the market’s fine cheeses and cured meat, or a gift of grassfed meat, poultry, fresh fish or seafood, baked goods and a rainbow of fresh produce is ideal for the home cook. Need something less perishable? This season, two vineyards have joined the winter market— try a sample of the fine local wine from Northern Star Vineyard or Oliva Vineyards. Also popular as gifts are homemade jams, maple syrup, honey and locally made peanut butter. Combine all four for a tasty “breakfast basket.” Having a hard time deciding what to buy? If your gift
recipient is local, tuck any amount of the market’s wooden tokens (accepted like money by all vendors) into a decorative pouch, and wrap them up with a Saratoga Farmers’ Market apron and potholders. The tokens work just like a gift certificate, but are easier to carry in a purse or pocket and spend in small increments; and the best news is that they never expire. You can purchase tokens, aprons and other market items at the market’s information table on the second floor of the Lincoln Baths building. If you need to ship a gift to a cook or frequent party host across the country, consider something lightweight and prepackaged that does not require refrigeration, such as an assortment of Saratoga Crackers (choose from over ten flavors) or cookies by The Chocolate Spoon. Tuck in some beeswax candles from Ballston Lake Apiaries, and all-natural soap from Saratoga Suds n Stuff or Joy of the Journey, and your gift will be both festive and practical. Most cooks also like to set a beautiful table and decorate for the holidays. Dried floral arrangements, evergreen wreaths and centerpieces and pottery are handcrafted by Balet Flowers & Design. Scotch Ridge Berry Farm brings Christmas trees, greens,
and hanging “kissing balls” at this time of year. Both vendors are located just outside the entrance to the Lincoln Baths building. For people who like to cook with market ingredients, Saratoga Farmers’ Market carries the “Farmers’ Market: Favorite Recipes” cookbook authored by nutrition educator Diane Whitten of Cornell Cooperative Extension. The book includes 125 of her favorite recipes featuring items from the market. This is a gift of good taste that your favorite home chef will enjoy well into the New Year. Local gifts from small businesses that support the area’s economy are very popular this season. Saratoga Farmers’ Market has products from roughly 40 farms and vendors located in Saratoga, Schenectady, Washington and Rensselaer counties. A purchase at the market— where products are sold directly by the producer, without any “middlemen” in the distribution chain—exemplifies the “Buy Local” tradition. You will feel good knowing that you’ve had a direct positive impact on a local family business.
1/2 cup softened butter 1-cup sugar 1-teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg* 1 cup pureed cooked pumpkin* (or butternut squash*) 2 1/4 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1-teaspoon baking soda 1/2-teaspoon salt 1-teaspoon cinnamon 1-cup cranberries Grated peel from one orange 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Directions Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla, egg and pumpkin. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Beat flour mixture into pumpkin mixture. Stir cranberries into mixture along with orange peel, and nuts. Drop rounded teaspoonsize balls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes. This will make a soft, cakelike cookie. Makes three dozen cookies.
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
FOOD 33
Cooking Process
by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY Hello my Foodie Friends! Thank you to all our friends who came to shop on Small Business Saturday it was a great success! Today we are highlighting a valuable kitchen tool, a Food Processor! They can make so many meals with precision and ease! My motherin-law Marie loves hers and we are always surprised at the dishes she whips up! Paula and I have been trying to eat a little healthier so Marie found this great recipe for hummis on the Breville website and she used her Sous Chef 12 to surprise us! It tasted great! The Breville Sous Chef®12 With precision processing and variable slicing Food preparation has never been easier. Three feed chute options for precise results. The 5” large feed chute is wide enough for potatoes, or zucchini. The 2 ¾” mid feed chute offers greater control when
processing medium size ingredients. The 1 ½” mini feed chute prevents long thin ingredients like carrots from tipping over during slicing. The adjustable slicer has 24 settings from paper thin (0.3mm) to thick cut (8.0mm) to customize and create restaurant quality precision cuts saving you time. A heavy duty 1000 watt induction motor, built like no other. The Sous Chef™ 12 comes with some very special features. Varying Food Pushers - With a small, medium and large food pusher, the Sous Chef™ 12 allows for greater control over the foods being processed, ensuring they are sliced, chopped and just plain perfect. PAUSE Button - The Sous Chef™ 12 has a pause button that allows for a brief interruption of the processing without completely stopping and starting the entire machine. Those foods that need quick bursts of power to process will be a breeze. Overload Protection - To ensure that the motor is not damaged by overly large loads or food jams, the Sous Chef™ 12 is equipped with an overload protection feature. If it senses the motor struggling too much, the machine will stop processing, the motor will shut off, and the machine
will go into ‘Stand-By’ mode will all of the buttons flashing. Edamame Hummus Feeds 6 to 8 as a side dish Ingredients -2 tablespoons olive oil -1 shallot, finely chopped -5 garlic cloves, finely chopped -2 cups shelled cooked edamame -1 cup water -1/2 cup tahini -1/2 cup fresh lemon juice -1 tablespoon soy sauce -2 teaspoons salt -2 teaspoons ground cumin Instructions 1.In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and sauté for 2 minutes, or until soft. Add the edamame and cook for 2 minutes. Add the water, tahini, lemon juice, soy sauce, salt and cumin, stir, and bring to a simmer. Simmer gently for 6 minutes. 2.Transfer the contents of the pan to a food processor and process until you have a thick, crumbly puree. You can keep this warm in a pot on the stove until ready to serve, or serve at room temperature.
When you make this, stop in to the “Compliments to the Chef Plaza” at 46 Marion Ave. and let us know how you liked it! I’ll tell the beautiful Marie the Best Mother-in-law in the World!
Remember my Foodie Friends that “Life Happens in the Kitchen”! Take Care, Paula and John
34
LOCAL BRIEFS
15th Annual Santa’s Playland Open House Quick Response is celebrating 15 Years of Holiday Magic. This free event is open to the public on Friday, December 11, 5:30 to 9 p.m. and offers spectacular LED lighted displays. Children can visit with Santa and other winter Characters, enjoy rides on The Quick Express Train, Horse and Wagon rides and free refreshments. Shuttle service is offered from offsite parking areas. Quick Response is located at 2077 Route 9, Round Lake. The Town of Malta Decorate for the Holidays Contest 2015 Town of Malta announces “Decorate for the Holidays 2015” which is open to Malta residents and businesses that love to light and trim their homes and work establishments throughout the holiday season. Awards are given in six categories: The “WOW” Award, Fun for Kids, One Color Beauty, Christmas in Motion, Sweet & Simple and All Blown Up. No registration fee. Entry forms can be obtained at the Malta Community Center and also at www.maltaparksrec.com. Deadline for entries is Thursday, December 9. Judging will take place on Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13. For further information please call (518) 899-4411. Home Baked Christmas Cookies and Soup Come to Christ the Savior Orthodox Church located at 349 Eastline Rd., in Ballston Lake on December 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for our home baked cookies and soup. Fill one of our containers with an assortment of home baked Christmas Cookies, made by members of the parish from old family recipes for $10 per container – ready for gift giving, or take home and enjoy. Soup take-out also available, New England Clam Chowder and or Borscht. For more information call (518) 885-4681.
Breakfast with Santa The Annual Breakfast with Santa is on Saturday, December 12, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the American Legion Henry Cornell Post 234 at 23 Pleasant Street in Ballston Spa. Kids 12 and under can enjoy a hot breakfast with Santa Claus. There will be a holiday raffle for parents. The event is open to the community. Wreaths Across America Ceremony The Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association will take part in a Wreaths Across America Ceremony at the Saratoga National Cemetery starting at Noon on Saturday December 12 at the main flag pole. You do not have to be a veteran to attend. All are welcome. Malta’s Holiday Revue Dress in your holiday best and see talented area performers on a seasonally decorated stage at the Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Drive, on Saturday, December 12, 2015. Elyse Young, Malta’s Artistic Director, will host the festivities as singers, dancers, musicians and other performing artists entertain with a winter holiday theme! Don’t miss this great family activity for the holiday season! Tickets are on sale now. Advanced seats are $5; $7 at the door. House opens at 6:30 p.m. and show starts at 7 p.m. Call the Malta Community Center at (518) 899-4411 for more information or purchase tickets at www.maltaparksrec.com. Who Killed Christmas 2 An original play with a myriad of interesting characters that will be featured at Free Spirit Fellowship on Sunday, December 13, at 10:30 a.m. Join us as we determine who the guilty party is. For more information call (518) 885-3149. The church is located at 1425 West High St. in Ballston Spa. Upstate Model Railroaders Train Show Large show at the Glens Falls Civic Center with 8 different scale working layouts. Railroad art, photographs, collectibles, over 40 vendors. For more information call (518) 747-4112 or visit www. upstatemodelrailroaders.com
Christmas Cantata: “Stars of Glory” The Christmas Cantata to be presented by the Ballston Spa Combined Church Choirs on Sunday, December 13, at 6 p.m. at The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa, 202 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa. Hors d’oeuvres precede the concert at 5 p.m. Folk Music “Lessons and Carols” Mysterious and wonderful Advent and Christmas carols drawn from Celtic, African American, and Early American traditions are the trademark of the “Festival of Lessons and Carols,” slated for Christ Church, Ballston Spa, on Monday and Tuesday, December 14 and 15. The concert is anchored by folk music legends John Kirk and Trish Miller of Greenfield Center with special guests Joel Rosenberger of Saratoga Springs, Dan Berggren of Ballston Spa, and Rick Bunting of Bainbridge, and includes Field Horne and Theresa LaGattutaBruno of Saratoga Springs and Kristin McCabe of Charlton. The ensemble’s two compact disks will be on sale at the performances. The national folk music magazine Dirty Linen calls them “a spirited collection of holiday songs that hail from off the beaten path. If you want different music to make things festive, this is the compilation for you.” The concert is free and takes place by candlelight at 7:30 p.m. at Christ Church, on the corner of Route 50 (Church Avenue) and Route 67 (West High Street) in Ballston Spa. The public is invited for festive refreshments afterward. “Lessons and Carols” has been presented annually since 1994. For further information, call (518) 885-1031. Havurah Vatik December Event All Saratoga area seniors 55 plus are welcome to join us at Congregation Shaara Tfille, on Tuesday, December 15 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. for our December event. Join local musicians of the Adirondack Klezmer Band for a rollicking celebration of the Hannukah festival. Instrumentalists Al Wadler, clarinet; Bob Orban and Matt Collins, trumpet; Jim Fuchs, sax;
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015 Ray Rabl, drums; Ian Dingman, bass; Sherry Shevy, accordion; Bruce North, cello; Barbara Rosoff and Judy Korot, violin will treat us to traditional melodies and dances of Eastern Europe: the “voice of the Jewish heart.” A festive catered lunch featuring Latkes follows the program. Contact Temple Sinai at (518) 584-8730, mailbox 4, or havurahvatik@hotmail. com by December 9 if you are planning to attend the luncheon, need to cancel your reservation, or if you need transportation. To contact Havurah Vatik for any other reason, you can email the co-chairs: Ellen Steinberger at rmsets@optonline.net or Caroline Seligman at jollysel0@gmail.com.
wishes to improve the quality of their lives. Pierre Zimmerman, who facilitates this group, has been working with people who have cancer for the last 12 years, leading support groups, mindfulness based stress reduction programs and spiritual retreats. Pierre is a survivor of stage 4 cancer, diagnosed in 2001 and given a few months to live. He has been dedicating a large part of his life since then to supporting people on their journeys with cancer. Call Pierre at (413) 992-7012 to register and confirm — as schedule may be subject to change. This group meets at Saratoga Hospital, every 4th Wednesday of the month.
Christmas Gifts and Decorations Second Hand Rose Thrift Shop, 116 Broad St., in Schuylerville has Christmas gifts and decorations with home goods for all holiday parties. Come and check out our gently used clothes, shoes, books, etc., for men, women and children. Second Hand Rose is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. , Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Christmas. The Shop has continuous in store sales of first class bargains with new items arriving daily. Our proceeds after expenses are given back to Community Service Organizations. Volunteers are needed and appreciated. For more information, please call Second Hand Rose Thrift Shop at (518) 695-4640.
Volunteers Needed Saratoga County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program has partnered with Community Connections, a program of the Adult and Senior Center of Saratoga to recruit volunteers in a variety of capacities. The volunteers are trained and matched with care recipients to provide services that include home visits, transportation, household chores, telephone check-ins and referral to other Saratoga County organizations. If you are a RSVP volunteer or if you would like more information about becoming a volunteer, please call Janet Haskell at (518) 884-4110.
Cancer Support Group A cancer diagnosis can be shocking and traumatic, and survivorship requires many skills to navigate the journey towards well -being. The cancer support group, regardless of the type of cancer one faces, is a safe container to explore common physical, financial, emotional, cognitive, developmental, familial and spiritual issues. Skills of resiliency, empathy, “being seen and understood,” are addressed. Inter-connectedness, intimacy, and new attitudes and possibilities are cultivated to face and release feelings of isolation, confusion, anxiety and day-to-day uncertainties in a group of people with similar
Looking for Volunteers CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services is accepting new adult volunteer applications for its Homework Help, and Family Assistance. We are in need of van drivers at this time. Please visit www.captaincares.org for the application, or call Mary at (518) 371-1185. CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services is a social service agency located in Clifton Park. CAPTAIN operates a runaway and homeless youth shelter, street outreach services, Teen Talk Helpline, emergency food pantry, family assistance program, and various youth leadership programs. For those with questions about CAPTAIN, please visit our website at www.captaincares.org. Those wishing to speak to a CAPTAIN Representative may also call (518) 371-1185.
Send your local briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com two weeks prior to the event.
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
Saturday, December 5 Holiday Sale
Family Friendly Event Friday, December 4 Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Gavin Park, 10 Lewis Rd., Wilton, 6 p.m. Enjoy holiday songs, Gavin Park’s beautiful Colorado Spruce tree lighting and a visit from Santa. Santa will hand out candy, treats, and gifts. There will be holiday movies for the little ones, cards to decorate for our friends at Home of the Good Shepherd and sing songs of the season. Refreshments will be served. Free. For more information, call (518) 584-9455.
Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Downtown Ballston Spa, 6:30 p.m. The parade begins on Milton Ave. and ends in Wiswall Park on Front St. with Santa lighting the Christmas tree. Fire trucks, floats, animals, kids and Santa will be parading down the main street of the village. The parade will spotlight the Toys for Tots campaign. Volunteers will be on hand to collect donations of new, unwrapped toys from spectators along the parade route and at the tree lighting.
Winter Dance Concert Dance Theater, Skidmore College, Friday and Saturday 8 p.m. and Saturday 2 p.m. The Skidmore Dance Department presents an evening of dance with choreography by faculty and guest artists. Adults $10, students and senior citizens $5. No advanced reservations; tickets go on sale 45 minutes before each performance. For more information call (518) 580-5392.
Old Saratoga Reformed Church, Pearl and Burgoyne St., Schuylerville, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. New and gently used Christmas items, Hallmark decorations and collectables, basket raffle, bake sale, and much more. For more information, call (518) 695-3479.
Defensive Driving Class First Baptist Church, 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. New York State approved. Save 10 percent on your base auto insurance for the next three years and receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to NYSDVM guidelines. Fee $35.00. Bring a friend and fee is $30.00 each. A portion of the fee goes to First Baptist Church. Registration required and can be made by calling Ray Frankoski at (518) 286-3788.
Fabulous Christmas Cookie and Candy Sale Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, 768 Charlton Rd., Charlton, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Let us do the baking!
“This Day” Winter Concert Grace Chapel, 996 Main St., Clifton Park, 3 p.m. The Burnt Hills Oratorio Society presents its winter concert featuring music for the holiday season. Tickets can be purchased online at www.BHOS.us or at BrownPaperTickets.com and will be available at the door. Admission is $20, group tickets (10 or more) $18, student tickets $10 with student ID.
A Ballerina’s Tale National Museum of Dance, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Riggi Theater, 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m. This feature documentary tells the story of ballerina Misty Copeland, and her journey to becoming the first AfricanAmerican Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theater. Tickets are $10 per person and includes
CALENDAR 35 popcorn. For more information and to purchase tickets please call (518) 584-2225 x3001. Seating is limited.
Sunday, December 6 Breakfast Buffet Saratoga-Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Rt. 9, Saratoga Springs, 8:30 – 11 a.m. 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.
Monday, December 7 Saratoga Springs Retired Teachers Association Meeting Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave. (Route 9P), Saratoga Springs, Noon Membership is open to retired educators who taught in or now live in Saratoga County. For membership information, call (518) 587-5356.
a ca-CELEBRATION! Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs, 7:30 p.m. Join Saratoga Soundtrack Chorus for traditional and modern holiday classics in women¹s 4-part a cappella harmony with all proceeds to benefit Code Blue. Admission is payable at the door. Suggested donations are cash or canned goods and/or warm outerwear such as hats, scarves, gloves or mittens. Snow date is December 14, 7:30 p.m. Visit www.saratogasoundtrack.org for updates or call (518) 747-3823.
Tuesday, December 8 Women in Business Group Saratoga County Chamber, 28 Clinton St., Saratoga Springs 9 – 10 a.m. Philanthropy Advisor and Coach Susan Axelrod offers attendees an opportunity to address the most human of concerns: the desire to be remembered, to stay relevant, and to make an impact in our world. With humor, spirit and inspiration Susan uses “The Philanthropy Formula™ in this
engaging workshop. Admission is free. For more information call (518) 584-3255.
Wednesday, December 9 Saratoga Reads Season Kickoff Party Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m. Join us for a party celebrating the start of the Saratoga Reads season! Enter our door prize raffle, enjoy complimentary refreshments and receive a 10 percent discount off this year’s book of choice. For more information visit www. northshire.com.
It’s Pickins’ Time Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Road, Ballston Spa, 7 – 9:30 p.m. Get ready for a great evening of music with the popular Ballston Area Seniors Pickins’ Session. Admission is free, open to the public, and there is ample free parking. Bring your guitar, banjo, fiddle, harmonica or whatever you use to make music – or just come. Please bring finger foods to share.
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: 2540 Route 9 (518) 899-2818 www.malta-town.org Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road (518) 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org City of Saratoga Springs:
Thursday, December 10
474 Broadway (518) 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org
Brown Bag Lunch Series
Town of Saratoga:
Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room, Noon - 1 p.m. The subject will be History of the Saratoga Drum and Bugle Corps, presented by Jeff Perkins, of the Avant Guard Drum and Bugle Corps, Saratoga Springs. Open and free to the public.
Yaddo Presents: Works in Progress Night Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 7:30 p.m. This new speaker series kicks off with a conversation between Yaddo writer Will Hermes, senior critic at Rolling Stone, and journalist Thomas Dimopoulos. Hermes will talk about his life in music writing, and take us into his research on the musician everyone’s been talking about— Lou Reed. For more information visit www.northshire.com.
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.
PULSE
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Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
week of 12/04-12/10 friday, 12/04: Dan Sherwin, 9 pm @ Bentley’s — 899.4300 Ball in the House, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Jimy Graham, 8 pm @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 Chuck Kelsey, 7 pm @ Carson’s Woodside Tavern — 584.9791 Jukebox Night, 9 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 Jeanine Marie Trio, 7 pm @ Crown Grill — 583.1105 High Peaks, 9 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 80s Night, 10 pm @ Harvey’s — 583.0003 Doubledown + Hardways, 8 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300 New Regime, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582 George Giroux, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Dead Set, 9:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 The Heaters, 8 pm @ Ravenswood — 371.8771 Crossfire, 9 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253 Big Medicine, 9 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Retrobilleze Duo, 8:30 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875 Third Rael, 6 pm @ The Saratoga Winery — 584.9463 Lisa Santoso, 6:30 pm @ Thirsty Owl — 587.9694 Skeeter Creek, 8 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775
saturday, 12/05: Erin Harkes, 9 pm @ Bentley’s — 899.4300 C.B. Smith + the Lucky Devils, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Jeff Brisbin, 7 pm @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 Chris Carey, 7 pm @ Carson’s Woodside Tavern — 584.9791 Mischief, 9 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 Karaoke, 10 pm @ Circus Café — 583.1106 Toga Boys, 9 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 The Wallies, 10 pm @ Harvey’s — 583.0003 Joe Gitto + Dan Wanczyk Jazz Duo, 6:30 pm @ Mouzon House — 226.0014 JJ + the Impacts, 8 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300 Keith Pray Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582 Matt Mirabile feat. Jill Hughes, 9 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Andy Iorio, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Pigeons Playing Ping Pong / Aqueous, 9:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Mike DeAngelis, 8 pm @ Ravenswood — 371.8771 Jess Marcotte Band, 9 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253
Big Fez Xmas Show, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Karaoke, 9:30 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875 Ubuntu, 3 pm @ The Saratoga Winery — 584.9463 Charlie Rose, 6:30 pm @ Thirsty Owl — 587.9694 NPG + Kip Chapman, 9 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775
sunday, 12/06: Lonely Heartstring Band, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Live Jazz Brunch, 10 am @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Phil Drum, 3 pm @ The Saratoga Winery — 584.9463 Singing Anchors, 1 + 4 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775
monday, 12/07: Justin Joyner, 6:30 pm @ Brook Tavern — 871.1473 Tim Wechgelaer, 7:30 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026
tuesday, 12/08: Rich Ortiz, 9 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 Open Mic with Rick Bolton, 8 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Mark Pratt, 5:30 pm @ Three Vines Bistro — 306.5881
wednesday, 12/09: Masters of Nostalgia, 8:30 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Open Mic, 9 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Celtic Session, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Karaoke, 9 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875
thursday, 12/10: Pat Decker, 7 pm @ Bailey’s — 583.6060 Open Mic, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Matty Finn, 6 pm @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 Open Mic, 10 pm @ Circus Café — 583.1106 Sirsy, 8 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Hot Club of Saratoga, 7 pm @ Mouzon House — 226.0014 Chris Carey + Mike O’Donnell, 8 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Rich Ortiz, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 John Kadlecik Band w/ Half Step Duo, 9 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Celtic Session, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Mark Pratt, 5:30 pm @ Three Vines Bistro — 306.5881
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
37 PULSE
Winter Restaurant Week Returns for 11th Year SARATOGA SPRINGS —The 11th Annual Saratoga County Winter Restaurant Week is set to take place Friday, December 4 through Thursday, December 10. This year, over 50 restaurants are participating in the event. Saratoga County Winter Restaurant Week is a seven day celebration of culinary creativity presented by the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau and Driscoll Foods in collaboration with local restaurant owners. Winter Restaurant Week allows dining patrons an opportunity to enjoy a three course, prix-fixe dinner for $10, $20 or $30 (plus tax and tip). Several restaurants are also offering lunch specials for $5 or $10. During Restaurant Week many lodging properties are offering special rates for hotel rooms so diners can create an overnight package and experience more than one great dining venue. “We are proud to partner
with Driscoll Foods, and all of our sponsors, to bring back Saratoga County Winter Restaurant Week for its 11th year,” said Todd Garofano, President of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau. “With such a diverse offering of dining experiences available, visitors and locals alike can choose from over 50 participating restaurants throughout Saratoga County. With several area hotels offering special rates, visitors come from all over the northeast to dine, stay and shop Saratoga during this popular week.” Winter Restaurant Week Participants:
$5 Lunch:
Esperanto Four Seasons National Food Store & Cafe Izumi Asian Bistro & Lounge Park Side Eatery Saratoga 5 Points Market & Deli
$10 Lunch:
The Barrelhouse Comfort Kitchen Gaffney’s Restaurant Lillian’s Restaurant Mingle on the Avenue Nanola Park Side Eatery PJ’s BAR-B-QSA Sweet Mimi’s Cafe Thirsty Owl Bistro
$10 Dinner:
Park Side Eatery
$20 Dinner:
62 Beekman Alaturco Mediterranean Grill The Barrelhouse Boca Bistro The Brook Tavern Cantina Chianti Il Ristorante Crown Grill Diamond Club Grill at Embassy Suites Druthers Brewing Company Forno Bistro Harvey’s Restaurant Hattie’s Restaurant
Jacob & Anthony’s American Grille Karavalli Regional Cuisine of India Lillian’s Restaurant Limoncello Ristorante Longfellows Mingle on the Avenue Mouzon House Nanola Olde Bryan Inn One Caroline Street Bistro Pasta Pane PJ’s BAR-B-QSA Ravenous Scallions Restaurant Three Vines Bistro Wheatfields Bistro & Wine Bar
$30 Dinner
Fifty South Gaffney’s Restaurant Inn at Saratoga Jacob & Anthony’s American Grille Lillian’s Restaurant Mouzon House One Caroline Street Bistro
Prime at Saratoga National Golf Club Putnam’s at The Gideon Putnam Sperry’s Thirsty Owl Bistro Menu Wheatfields Bistro & Wine Bar Wishing Well For more details about Saratoga County Winter Restaurant Week and for the list of lodging promotions, visit DiscoverSaratoga. org/RestaurantWeek or call the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau at 518-584-1531.
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Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
Ask the Artists:
New Exhibit Explores the Beauty of Biology by Rebecca Davis Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — The science world and the art world converge in the new exhibit “Under the Microscope: Biology and Art,” which is premiering at Spring Street Gallery, located at 110 Spring Street, on December 10. This project will present an assortment of beautiful images produced with high-powered microscopes, giving access to the tiny universe all around us that usually only scientists get to witness. . “Under the Microscope” involved collaboration between Spring Street Gallery’s director, Maureen Sager, and biologist Dr. Abby Grace Drake. Many of the biologists/artists involved in the project are students at Skidmore College including Isabella Gaw, Perri Keehn, Berke Tinaz, and Wenhui Zhao, as well as UAlbany graduate student, Amanda Andreas. I spoke with two of the artists in the project, Emily Singer, a senior at Skidmore studying biology, and Chelsea Fujimoto, a Skidmore alumnus, who shared their insights on the exhibit and how biology and art are more related than we think. Q: Why is it important to connect biology and art in “Under the Microscope”? A: “I believe that biology and art are completely intertwined and that the natural world gives us so much beauty to appreciate. By observing biological phenomenon, I believe we are observing the art of nature’s process.” – Emily Singer A: “Artists and scientists are both trying to gain a measure of understanding, to see the world through a new lens and reveal new perspectives. Research is, in a way, a form of self-expression. I think sometimes people don’t realize that research requires a measure of creativity. I think this exhibition is a great way of communicating to the general public how biologists see their work – there is beauty to be appreciated in the images themselves, but also in understanding the science behind them.” – Chelsea Fujimoto Q: How were the images captured and printed? What was the process like? A: “The images were captured using a merging technique,
“Moss” by Chelsea Fujimoto. Photo provided.
where I took two pictures of the same cell that was focusing on different labeling with different lasers (one red, one green). I then overlaid the images together. The colors then appeared together and made the cell whole, since where one color was absent the other was usually present.” - ES A: “Something that people say a lot about microscopy is that you have to enjoy spending long hours by yourself in a dark room – and it’s pretty true. I’ve imaged specimens under three different microscopes: conventional fluorescence, confocal scanning laser microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The first two are in color, and the last is in black and white because it uses electrons instead of light. Since electrons travel faster than photons (which are responsible for visible light), they provide better resolution and allow us to see even small structures. Often, the loss of
color is worth it for the increase in resolution. The last photography studio on Skidmore’s campus was actually in the science building, not the art building, because for a long time, digital photography just couldn’t match the resolution of the microscopes, and film and photo paper gave a sharper image.” – CF Q: Why are you passionate about this project? Why should people see it? A: “I am passionate about this project because there is a whole microscopic world that most people will never have the opportunity to see. I have been lucky to work with a professor who is very talented at microscopy and has taught me about different technologies that allow us to observe this microscopic world and see how it translates into the larger world around us, giving me more to appreciate and more art to see in biology.” – ES
“Asplancha” by Isabella Gaw. Photo provided.
“Micrasterias Fimbriata” by Berke Tinaz. Photo provided.
A: I’m passionate about the project because I feel so strongly about the connection between art and science. I think it’s unfortunate that a lot of science is viewed as inaccessible to the general public. I’m 100 percent behind work that makes our research more accessible and understandable. What I’m really hoping is that people viewing the exhibit will be struck with that childhood sense of wonder that sparks you to want to know more about something. I hope that when you see
these images and think about the captions, you feel the same kind of reverence for biology as I do when I take a step back and look at the bigger picture of life on this planet.” – CF “Under the Microscope: Biology and Art” opens on Thursday, December 10 at Spring Street Gallery, with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. that is free and open to the public. The artists will be at the reception to talk about their work. The exhibit will run until January 29.
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
39 PULSE
SCT Releases First CD Just in Time for Holidays collaborative experience I have ever had. If you want to improve as a performer, you have to try new things. Working on the CD and on my singing was a different aspect of performing. You just have to keep doing it until you’re confident,” said LJ LaFiura, 13. “I can’t wait to see the audience’s reaction, to see them having fun and enjoying it.”
by Rebecca Davis Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Children’s Theatre is taking its young performers to a whole new level with the release of their first CD, “A Better Sweater Christmas.” The CD, which features over a dozen Christmas favorites sung by the talented kids at SCT, will be released at their Ugly Christmas Sweater Party on Sunday, December 13 at 3 p.m. at Saratoga Music Hall, located at 474 Broadway. “We had a lot of fun working on it,” said Kelsey Dodd, 8. “This is my first CD and my first year of SCT shows. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is so exciting!’” At the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, the kids involved in making the Christmas CD will be performing their songs live, including “The 12 Days of Christmas,” “Deck the Halls,” “Silent Night,” and many more. There will be food, beverages, a silent auction, and holiday fun the whole family can enjoy, including a special visit from Santa Claus himself. Guests are invited to wear their craziest, ugliest Christmas sweater. “A Better Sweater Christmas”
Nina, Natalie and John Gerardi recording their song, “Deck the Halls.” Photo by Mark Bolles.
CD will be on sale at the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party for $15. SCT will also be announcing their summer season at the Christmas party, such as its camps for kids, juniors and teens that will be taking place next year. For anyone that loves SCT’s outstanding shows and performances, this is an announcement that cannot be missed. “I’ve never done anything before with SCT; I’m shy and I get scared easily,” said John Gerardi, 9. “Working on the CD allowed me to step out of my shell. It was also a great experience to be able to work with a legendary producer.” The CD was produced by
Eight year old Kelsey Dodd poses for the cover of “A Better Sweater Christmas.” Photo by Mark Bolles.
Grammy award-winner Joel Moss, who has worked on several major motion pictures such as “Fatal Attraction” and “Chicago.” He has also produced for The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Joe Cocker and The Eagles. The kids visited his recording studio in Greenfield Center, and for many of them, this was their first time ever in a real recording studio. “Hearing myself singing was so weird, but fun! I’m so glad I’m getting a different experience,” said Alice Kaplan, 16, who sings “It Came upon a Midnight Clear” on the CD. “I’ve been acting in shows for 11 years and this was the first time something like this was offered to me—it’s so cool.” Kaplan also explained how the CD incorporates kids of all ages, as SCT’s shows are usually segmented by age groups, and how great it was to work with the younger kids. “This was the best
Tickets to the Ugly Sweater Christmas Party are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 13 and under, and kids under five get in for free. If you can’t make it to the party to pick up your “A Better Sweater Christmas” CD, it will also be available in select stores and online. To buy tickets to the party or for more information, please visit saratogachildrenstheatre.org.
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Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
Miracle on 34th Street Opens at Home Made Theater SARATOGA SPRINGS — Home Made Theater (HMT) is celebrating the holiday season with “Miracle on 34th Street.” This play is based upon the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture and is adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies. The show, with underwriting support by Saratoga TODAY, is suitable for the whole family. The play will run weekends from December 11 to 20 at the Spa Little Theater in Saratoga Spa State Park.
“Miracle on 34th Street” follows a white-whiskered, kindly old man calling himself Kris Kringle who seeks to remind a little girl and her skeptical mother that the holidays are still a magical time of humor, generosity and faith in the goodness of others. When Kris Kringle is accused of being insane, a young lawyer defends him and proves that at Christmastime, anything is possible. The cast of “Miracle on 34th Street” includes Patrick Quinn as Kris Kringle, Laura Graver as Doris, and Tom Durkin as Macy. Durkin
(From left to right) Mr. Bloomingdale (Dennis Skiba), Kris Kringle (Patrick Quinn) and Mr. Macy (Tom Durkin). Photo provided.
Patrick Quinn as Kris Kringle surrounded by children. Photo provided.
It’s a Girl! Madelyn Michelle Rowland was born in Saratoga Springs at 3:49 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17 at Saratoga Hospital to proud parents Michael and Tara Rowland of Queensbury. She weighed 6 pounds and 6.7 ounces and was 20 inches long. She was welcomed by her brother, Chase Rowland, and maternal grandparents, Dawn and Tony Johnson of Queensbury and paternal grandparents Brent and Kyle Rowland and Donny and Bonnie Hayes of Corinth. Congratulations, and welcome to the world, Madelyn!
is well known as the legendary Saratoga Race Course announcer from 1990 until 2014. While he has a long history in broadcast, Durkin is getting back to his theater roots from his college years. The ensemble of 28 cast
members is rounded out by a pool of talented local actors of every age. The play is directed by Laurie Larson. Performances are on December 11 and 18 at 7:30 p.m., December 12, 13, and 20 at 1 p.m.
and December 19 at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for children age 12 and under. For reservations or more information, visit homemadetheater.org or call HMT at 518-587-4427.
Cappiello & Vanbrielle The engagement of Kyra N. Cappiello and Jefferson A. Vanbrielle has been announced by her son, Owen. Cappiello is the daughter of Yvonne Duval Cappiello of Glens Falls, and is a 2012 graduate of Queensbury High School. She is also an Alumni of National Young Leaders. She is currently employed at Panera in Queensbury. Vanbrielle is the son of Bradford and Maria Vanbrielle of Tallahassee, Florida and Dawn Vanbrielle of Queensbury. He is a 2011 graduate of Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Florida.
Currently employed at Kentucky Fried Chicken, he has completed an apprenticeship for a custom jeweler, and is presently attending Modern Welding School in Schenectady.
The couple have known each other since 2009 and are planning an October 14, 2016 wedding, which is the second anniversary of their first date.
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
41
Puzzles ACROSS 1 PHARMACY PURCHASE 5 FIGURE (OUT), SLANGILY 9 EARLY YUCATÁN SETTLERS 14 GERMAN “A” 15 IRISH NEW AGE SINGER 16 BITE-THE-BULLET TYPE 17 400 ATHLETES? 19 “STAR TREK” LIEUTENANT 20 TROPHY PRIZED BY ACTORS 21 WATERMELON EATER’S DISCARD 23 AUSTIN-TO-BATON ROUGE DIRECTION 24 FLAT HAT WITH A POMPOM 26 40 POLOS? 28 FOOTBALL CLUB BASED IN LOMBARDY 32 MANY A CASINO VISITOR 33 BANK OFFERING 34 KELLY OF MORNING TV 37 MORAL CODE 39 TEXTER’S “HORRORS!” 40 4 TIRE INSERTS? 42 SQUEEZE (OUT) 43 LOCAL NEWS HR. 45 MIX 46 ESPN ANALYST HERSHISER 47 WIFE OF ABRAHAM 49 CHATTY GATHERING 51 600 STAND-UPS? 54 PLEA AT SEA, BRIEFLY 55 “SADLY ...” 56 POUTY EXPRESSION 58 REPETITIVE MUSICAL PIECE 62 BIG TEN TEAM WITH A TURTLE MASCOT 64 1,500 THERMOMETER UNITS? 66 GOBBLED UP 67 LETTER CARRIER’S SACKFUL 68 STARBUCKS ORDER 69 SOUND FROM AN ANGRY DOG 70 SUGAR BOWL INVADERS 71 BATTLE OF NORMANDY TOWN DOWN 1 GEOMETRIC ART STYLE 2 FREES (OF) 3 LIKE THE WORD “WAITRESS,” BRIEFLY 4 GUMMY BEAR INGREDIENT 5 SUSAN OF “L.A. LAW” 6 SMALL BILLS
See puzzle solutions on page 46
See puzzle solution on page 46
7 OVEN-SAFE BRAND 8 STAND IN A PAINTING CLASS 9 EAST LANSING SCH. 10 NONRELIGIOUS SORT 11 MALL DIRECTORY WORDS 12 BOMBING MISSIONS 13 SINGS LIKE ELLA 18 SHRUNKEN ASIAN SEA 22 BROADBAND INITIALS 25 HARRY AND __, “HOME ALONE” BAD GUYS 27 GROUND BREAKERS 28 PLENTY 29 FESSES UP 30 DOCUMENT SEALED BY KING JOHN IN 1215 31 PETTY PEEVES 35 SALT (AWAY) 36 “NOT __ DEAL”
38 BOSTON NBAER 40 ISLAMIC PRAYER LEADER 41 NOTABLE PERIODS 44 THRIVE 46 IN SOME RESPECTS 48 THAT GUY 50 FIVE-TIME WIMBLEDON CHAMP BJORN 51 GOES OUT WITH 52 PAUSE PUNCTUATION 53 KHARTOUM’S LAND 57 CUT A LINE FROM, SAY 59 WELL-KEPT 60 COMPUTER GIANT 61 NORWAY’S MOST POPULOUS CITY 63 NBC COMEDY STAPLE 65 SOME BRONX TRAINS
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: Landslide, Avalanche A landslide is an entire mountainside coming down. An avalanche refers to snow, rocks, or other debris coming down a mountainside. 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
42 It’s where NEED to be.
YOU
Publication Day: Friday
Ad Copy Due: Wednesday, noon
Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.
MISC. FOR SALE: 3 Cushion Couch & Chair, tan, excellent condition, $200. Call 518-450-9779. SAWMILLS from only $4397.00MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD:† www. NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N
SITUATIONS WANTED: Companion/Private Aide/Student Nurse – 24 hour or shift. Meals, housework, doctor appointments, transportation. Call (518) 701-3518 or (518) 374-6333.
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE
classified@saratogapublishing.com
Call (518) 581-2480 x204 HELP WANTED: 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
DIVORCE: DIVORCE $349 - Uncontested divorce papers prepared. Only one signature required. Poor person Application included if applicable. Separation agreements. Custody and support petitions. - 518-274-0380
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
43 AUCTIONS:
Stowe Mountain Resort Condo Ski In/Ski Out, Poolside Auction: Friday, December 18 @ 3PM 7412 Mountain Road, Unit #141, Stowe, VT THCAuction,com. 1-800-634-7653
FOR RENT: Malta (off Exit 13 S.) 1 bdrm apt. private entrance and driveway, , washer hook up, all util. incl. $825. Call 518-583-9747.
WANTED: CASH for Coins! Buying Gold & Silver. Also Stamps, Paper Money, Comics, Entire Collections, Estates. Travel to your home. Call Marc in NY: 1-800-959-3419
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Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
Saratoga Cross Country Continues To Streak! Heading to Oregon for Nike Nationals this Weekend
by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY
WAPPINGERS FALLS — The Saratoga Springs High School Girls and Boys Cross Country Squads accumulated more accolades at the 2015 New York State Federation Cross Country Championship at Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls on Saturday, November 21: - Aidan Tooker placed first in the Boys 5K. Tooker finished his event in front in 15 minutes 42.8 seconds. - The Blue Streaks Girls’ team won the overall team title, placing in front of Rockland and Monroe Woodbury. The team’s times were: Blue Streak Freshman Kelsey Chmiel finished in 18:06.1, Freshman Paris Fenoff - 18:46.8, Sophomore Peyton Engborg - 18:55.5, Freshman Alexandra Delnicki - 19:30.8, Freshman Ciara Knott - 19:37.8, Sophomore Caroline Starace - 19:44.1, Junior Amelia Mahoney - 19:55. On Saturday, November 28, both Tooker and members of the Girls’ team, running for the Kinetic Running Club (which is coached by SSHS cross-country coaches Art and Linda Kranick) qualified in the New York regional division of the Nike Cross Nationals (Nike NXN) – setting them all up for the
Champions!
Aiden Tooker finished first in the Boys 5K
The Blue Streak Girls Team Celebrate after their victory on November 21.
National Championship meet on Saturday, December 5 at the 12th Annual Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon. At that event, individual and team champions from eight regions will meet in one race for all the marbles over the tree-lined terrain at Portland’s Glendoveer Golf Course.
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
SPORTS 45
A Hot Dog Isn’t Just Something To Eat!
by Damian Fantauzzi for Saratoga TODAY Last week I wrote about what I was thankful for, and of course there were some things and people that I failed to mention. I have a friend like Rich Johns, who I appreciate for being part of my life and there are many more people and events in my life that have been instrumental during my evolution. I have a great respect for the many groups of people who I have connected with during my career. I’m grateful for the many athletes I have been lucky enough to coach, and for the experience as a classroom teacher with all of my former students. I’m thankful for the influence of my Mechanicville High School basketball coach, Mike Martone, Coach Bobby Knight of Indiana University, who in many ways guided me in my career as a basketball coach, and the late Dick Bogdan, who coached basketball at the now defunct Albany Business College and was instrumental in getting me a basketball scholarship to New Mexico
Highlands University. Bogdan was an opposing coach when I played for SUNY Adirondack. I have a topic this week that has been an issue for me throughout my life as a coach. The term “Hot Dog,” in sports, has various definitions. In downhill skiing and surfing it’s defined as performing dangerous stunts during skill related feats. These are skills that are performed by professionals, and in reality, not meant for amateurs to attempt without preparation and, or instruction. Then there is the “Hot Dog” of team sports. That’s a whole different definition and scenario – it’s a way for some gifted athletes to “show-off ” using their skills. Doing so can be showy, sensational, or designed to draw attention to one’s self. Without sounding negative there are some examples I would like to point out. Years ago, there was a famous professional basketball player, with the Boston Celtics, named Bob Cousy. He was one of the first players to dribble behind his back, and was known for faking out his opponents. During the 50s and 60s, his showiness was a feat that was unheard of and not practiced by many players. The “Cooz,” as he was called, was from Queens, NY, and a 1950 graduate of the College of Holy Cross. He has been credited with the name of the “Houdini of the Hardwoods.” He was quick, shifty and led the NBA in assists many times, including eight consecutive years, as a Boston Celtic. Then there was the infamous ball handler, Earl “The Pearl”
Monroe, a New York Knick of the early 70s; he was the pioneer of the “spin move.” He wasn’t very fast, but his quickness was second to none - leaving his opponents standing flat-footed and scratching their heads in wonderment. Along that line, and pretty much at the same time, was the great “Pistol Pete Maravich,” another magician of the hardwood. Maravich still holds all of the NCAA’s scoring records for points per game, and more, all without the three-point arc. He had more moves than an average milk shake. There are many instructional videos about the “Pistol.” Then there was the great center fielder for the Giants, Willie Mays, known for his circus catches and free swinging style at the plate. He coined the “basket catch” when he would chase down a fly ball in deep center field of the old Polo Grounds, and, with an open glove, catch it at his waist as he looked over his shoulder. Deion Sanders of the Dallas Cowboys may be the biggest “Hot Dog” in NFL history. His antics on the field were his signature and the fans just loved his demeanor. He gave the impression that he was having fun when playing in the NFL. Terrell Owens, known as TO, also had the reputation for showboating his game. But, unlike Sanders, TO had many people, fans and some coaches, who did not like his attitude. He seemed to carry a chip on his shoulder, from the field to wherever he was in the public eye, as if he were the only player in the NFL worth watching. Sanders
Third Annual Saratoga Sevens Dates Set WILTON — The dates for the third annual Saratoga Sevens Rugby Invitational weekend have been announced to be July 15 – 17, 2016. The Invitational will be located again at beautiful Gavin Park in Wilton. The tournament will look to build off of a highly successful year in 2015. Again the tournament will be hosting the Men’s SCS (Sevens Championship Series) Qualifier Leg, Women’s SCS Final Leg, NERFU (New England Rugby Football Union) SCS Final Leg, Sierra Nevada Women’s and Men’s Open and the Christopher Dailey Foundation Boys and Girls High
School Divisions. Offering six full size pitches w/ regulation rugby posts on pristine grass fields, the tournament has set a new standard on how a rugby tournament should be run. From custom Quarter Pole and Horseshoe trophies, to various food trucks, ball boys, vendors, merchandise, post-tournament festivities and bookend events, it is the ultimate rugby experience. Friday kicks off the tournament weekend with the Annual Friday Night Classic, offering over 35’s fifteens for any visiting/ touring sides. Sunday wraps up
the weekend with a High School 7’s High Performance Academy. “We have exciting new items planned for 2016,” said Tournament Director Eric Huss “along with the completion of a $400,000 new splash park at Gavin Park, the tournament is also welcoming new vendors and partners to further enhance the tournament weekend!” For more information visit www.saratogasevens.com and facebook.com/ saratogasevenstournament.
was likable. Owens - not so much. There are more stories and athletic celebrities who can fit the role of being a “Hot Dog” - showoffs whose main objective is to draw attention to them. Michael Jordan may be the best ever, as an NBA superstar. These guys are gifted in a way that, for the most part, cannot be duplicated. It’s their identity. The pro and con of it all is that the copy cats - wannabe youngsters who want to emulate their idol, become too much of an individual and they can be difficult for a coach to harness into team players. They perform skilled trickery on the field or court in too individualized a way, in order to be noticed more than their teammates - look what I can do! Using trickster styles of play may be good to develop one’s skill, but not so much with performing as a team member. I can remember when dribbling behind your back, or between your legs, was a no-no, but now it seems to become part of the game. I have seen fourth graders perform those feats, both boys and girls, and do it well. These gimmicks have a place, but not in a situation where
the rest of the team becomes part of the audience. There have been so many changes in all of sports, some good and some not so good. When I see a young athlete dribble between his, or her legs for no reason, it becomes a concern for me as a coach. Those professionals just mentioned, are just that - professionals. It’s their job to entertain the public. For the amateurs, their job is to be part of the team and not become the point of interest. As the late Johnny Wooden once said: “There is no “I” in the word team!” So, to the young athlete I say this: Practice those “Hot Dog” skills, it might help you develop your overall game, but use them sparingly in a game situation. If you’re being showy, you just might hurt the team, your team. Being humble is a great trait, and being a team player is an admirable and better trait. But being a “Hot Dog” could create a hostile environment between you and your teammates. And to coaches: Stop the showboating that some players want to exhibit before it becomes your team’s demise.
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Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
COMMUNITY SPORTS BULLETIN Ballston Spa Athletics Hall of Fame Seeks Nominations The Ballston Spa Athletics Hall of Fame Committee has announced that they are seeking nominations for the 2016 Hall of Fame to be awarded in the spring of 2016. The program recognizes student athletes, teams, coaches, administrators, faculty and community members who have made significant contributions to the Ballston Spa athletics program through their service, performance, dedication, commitment and accomplishments. All candidates for membership in the Hall of Fame must fall into one of the four categories of Student Athlete Candidate, Team Candidate, Coach Candidate or Community Contributor and meet the criteria for that category. Nomination forms are due by January 15, 2016 and are available at www.ballstonspaathleticshalloffame.com or in the alumni section of the school district’s website at www. bscsd.org/community.cfm. For additional information, please email info@ballstonspaathleticshalloffame.com.
Saratoga Springs Recreation Department Holiday Hours The Recreation Center and ice rinks will be closed
Christmas Day - Friday, December 25 and New Years Day Friday, January 1. The Recreation Center will be open 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday, December 24 and Thursday, December 31. The Holiday schedule for the ice rinks can be found at www.SaratogaRec.com
Elks Hoop Shoot to be Held on December 5 Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 will hold its annual Hoop Shoot basketball free throw shooting competition on Saturday, December 5, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, Saratoga Springs. This event is free and open to boys and girls ages 8-13. Boys and girls will be divided into separate divisions and by age groups of 8-9 year olds, 10-11 year olds and 12-13 year olds. Participants’ eligibility will be determined as of their age on April 1, 2016. Preregistration is not required. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in all age groups in both divisions. Local winners will advance to the District Championship, and have the opportunity to advance to Regional, State and National Championship competitions. All national champions will be enshrined in the National Basketball Hall of Fame in
Springfield, Massachusetts. For more information, contact Saratoga-Wilton Elks Hoop Shoot Director Steve Dorsey at 518-369-1985.
Women in Horse Racing Media Meeting The first meeting of Women in Horse Racing Media will take place on Sunday, December 6, at the Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs at 1 p.m. The Holiday Inn is offering a great room rate for attendees. (Rates available from Dec. 3 - 7). Send an email to us: WiHRM@yahoo.com, to get the code to secure your rate and room; to receive the press release with details about the event; and to RSVP. All women in horse racing media--and those women who aspire to careers in horse racing media-are welcome to join us for this first get-together! RSVP for the meeting is a must: RSVP by December 2, please.
Saratoga Springs Alumni Basketball Game The Saratoga Springs Basketball Alumni Committee is pleased to announce that the annual Alumni basketball game will take place on January 2, 2016 at the Saratoga High School gym at 12:30 p.m. The doors open at noon.
Puzzle solutions from pg. 41 Send your sports stories or briefs to Arthur Gonick, Sports Editor at arthur@saratoga publishing.com
This year’s game will recognize “Old Timer’s”, Hall of Fame members and “Legendary Families” (2 or more members -male or female) of the same family who played basketball at Saratoga Springs High School - and is open to both alumni of the Boy’s and Girl’s basketball teams. Anyone interested in participating in the game is asked to contact either Laura Clark Cavallo at 518-221-7978, email: llc52562@aim.com; or Ty Stacey at (518) 366-0067, email: acccoach@aol.com, to register to play.
First Night Saratoga 5k Run The 18th annual First Night Saratoga 5K Run, presented by Saratoga Arts, will be held on Thursday, December 31 at 5:30 p.m. The run is limited to the first 1,500 registrants. There is no day of race registration. The race has sold out for the past fourteen years. A ChronoTrack B-Tag computerized scoring system will be used. The USA Track and Field certified course starts and finishes on the Skidmore College Campus. New this year: the course has been modified with the elimination of the four 90 degree turns at the beginning of the race. Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female finishers as well as the top three male and female finishers in five-year age categories. All finishers will receive
a First Night Commemorative Medal. Register by November 27 for the early registration fee of $25 and a guaranteed longsleeved shirt. After November 27 registration is $30. Refreshments following the race. Showers and restrooms are available in the athletic complex. Register online, or download an application and map at www.saratoga-arts.org. There is no additional fee for registering on-line. For further information contact First Night Saratoga at 518-584-4132.
Coats for Kids Collection Box at Saratoga Auto Museum Few things are as difficult to witness as a child without a warm coat to get them through the cold winter months. Unfortunately, millions of families in the United States cannot afford coats for their children. The Hudson Champlain Region Porsche Club of America and the Saratoga Auto Museum have set up a donation box at the Museum to provide coats to children in need. Your coats must be new or gently worn and not have any stains or tears. All types of coats for children, including parkas, heavy jackets, sweaters and windbreakers are gratefully accepted.
Week of December 4 – December 10, 2015
SPORTS 47
Hail to Our (Eastern) NY State Champs! by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Before we exit football for 2015, we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the tremendous seasons both Saratoga Springs (Class AA) and Schuylerville (Class B) had this year. Both the Blue Streaks and Black Horses reached the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, for their respective Class’ state title game
- and for the first time ever, this past weekend. While the outcomes of those games were not what most fans were hoping for, to be a runner-up in a state title game should not diminish all the great play and highlights each team accumulated throughout the year. As a first-year sports editor, these teams made my life difficult – trying to pick the one or two spotlight photos out of the many that came in from Mark and Francesco after each game. I assure you it was
a labor of love, however, and made for a season I certainly will always remember fondly. Saratoga and Schuylerville took the gridiron each week and played with distinction and dignity, sportsmanship and skill. I don’t claim to speak for everyone, but I know that there are many fans of both teams who wish to salute the players and coaches for a job well done – you are champions, gentlemen!
Kyne Trains (Head First) in Utah! PARK CITY, UT — Local resident (and Saratoga TODAY’s financial columnist) Stephen Kyne just returned from the Utah Olympic Park, where he participated in an intensive, weeklong training program for the sport of skeleton. Utah Olympic Park’s G-Force program is the developmental feeder program for the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation, based in Lake Placid. Skeleton is one of three sliding sports, along with bobsled and luge, which all compete on the same track. In skeleton, the athlete slides head-first, lying face down, just a few inches off the ice while speeding down a frozen chute at speeds in excess of 80 miles-perhour during competition. “We spent a lot of time learning and memorizing the track. I got up to about 65 miles-per-hour and, what you don’t realize is that, even at that speed, the g-forces around turns make it impossible to lift your head to see where you’re going. In fact, your helmet gets pressed against the ice, and
Photo by by MarkBolles.com
Photo by by Francesco D’Amico
Saratoga’s Turkey Trot’s Dynamic Duo! SARATOGA SPRINGS — As part of the City of Saratoga Springs’ Centennial Celebration, the Health and Wellness Committee has saluted all the entrants in many races and fitness events throughout the year, and gave special recognition to those whose final times and/or placements came closest to ‘19’ and ‘15’ – recognizing the year of Saratoga Springs’ incorporation as a city. In the Saratoga Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, the committee chose this dynamic
duo for special recognition. Dad Shaun and son Shamus Evans competed in the event, with Shaun pushing Shamus along the course. The terrific twosome came closest to the time of 19:15. The Evans’ final time was 19:13. Great job guys! The committee will be out looking for people to recognize for their efforts during the final race of 2015 on New Years Eve – the First Night 5K.
Kyne with his sled
Shaun Evans and his son Shamus
Stephen Kyne making a skeleton run
you’re forced to steer from memory as you feel each turn grab you,” says Kyne. Becoming proficient in the sport can take years, and currently there is only a handful of athletes competing or in development, compared to other sports. “There are only 17 active tracks in the world, so when you’re sliding, there’s a good chance you’re the only person in the world, at that moment, participating in the sport,” Kyne notes. Skeleton is usually only seen on television during the Winter Olympics, but athletes are hard at work training year-round. The winter months are spent on the ice, honing sliding skills, and the warmer months are spent in the gym, all with the goal of shaving a few hundredths of a second off a run, which lasts less than a minute. Kyne is hoping to continue training in Lake Placid this winter, and may return to Park City before the season ends. “It’s the closest thing to flying, “ says Kyne, “I can’t wait to get back on the ice.”