April 6 2012

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Volume 7 • Issue 14 saratogatodaynewspaper.com

Spa City Teens Arrested: Global Fake ID Ring Exposed

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Fifteen people, including 11 currently enrolled high school students, were arrested after allegedly purchasing fake driver’s licenses from an international counterfeiting ring. The other three people facing charges include one of the teenager’s parents, two recent graduates from

Saratoga Springs High School and a student at Skidmore College. The 14 teenagers are all facing charges of third-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, a class-A misdemeanor. If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of up to a year in jail.

Stephen Smero, 48, is the parent alleged to have secured the money order used to obtain the fake licenses.

New Companies Transforming Area to Manufacturing Superpower Impact By The Numbers Jobs at GlobalFoundries: 1,300 Current Spinoff Companies: 18 Jobs at Spinoff Companies: 630 Space Leased by Spinoffs: 150,000 sq. ft.

Total Jobs: 1,930 and Growing

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY MALTA – It’s no longer just wishful thinking: GlobalFoundries and numerous spinoffs have brought thousands of new jobs to the region, spurred economic growth despite a worldwide recession and are on the verge of actively transforming Saratoga County into a manufacturing powerhouse.

After years spent hoping and pray-

c Re ady to

ue to grow.”

Part of the proof lies with the spinoff companies – companies moving to the region to support GlobalFoundries. So far, over 18 companies have set up shop locally in response to GlobalFoundries, bringing with them an additional 630 new jobs and leasing over 150,000 square feet of commercial space. Combine that with the 1,300 jobs already created by

See Spinoffs page 6

Roll

See Skate page 8

See Fourteen page 7

Spinoffs Remake Region ing for GlobalFoundries to bring real and meaningful change to the area, the wait is over.

The transformation wasn’t sudden, and it didn’t happen overnight.

“This has been a steady, slow progression, but we continue to see growth at a steady rate in the face of the Great Recession,” said Dennis Brobston, president of the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation. “Even in an economy that has been so poor, we continue to strive for excellence and contin-

Skat ers U nite East Side Re

Inside TODAY...

Your

Home pgs 15-24

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Education pg 13 Helping Hands pg 14 Pulse

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Friday, April 6, 2012

TODAY

Saratoga Springs Jaycees Hold Easter Egg Hunt

The calendar might have said April Fools’ Day, but it sure felt like Easter at the Milton Community Center April 1, as children took part in an Easter egg hunt.

The event was coordinated by the JCI Saratoga Springs (Jaycees.) The Jaycees have had a presence in the greater Saratoga region since 1964, helping young adults in the community build management skills, take part in community service, and foster a sense of business development. The Jaycees boast famous alumni from Presidents Bill Clinton and Gerald Ford, to professional basketball great Larry Bird. Our cameras weren’t able to catch the Easter Bunny in action, but these kids wasted no time in searching for the goodies he left behind.

Photos by MarkBolles.com

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TODAY

Friday, April 6, 2012

Zachary J. Russell, 22, of 7 Clare Castle Dr., Albany, pleaded guilty March 29 to charges of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony, and fourth-degree criminal mischief, a class-A misdemeanor. Russell was arrested November 17 in Halfmoon and will reappear in court for sentencing May 25.

Xi Chen, 23, of 30 Sterling Heights, Clifton Park, was charged with first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a class-E felony, and driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor. Chen was arrested February 26 in Saratoga Springs and is expected to return to court at a later date.

James R. Evans, 52, of 11 Pyramid Pines Estates, Saratoga Springs, was charged with two counts of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony. Evans was arrested August 12 in Stillwater and is expected to return to court at a later date.

Joseph W. Carpenter, 23, of 83 Carol Jean Lane, Clifton Park, was charged with two counts of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony.

Carpenter was arrested February 15 in Halfmoon and is expected to return to court at a later date.

Joseph Guyett, aka “Joseph R. Guyette, Jr.,” 26, of 64 Avenue C, Mechanicville, has been charged with 37 counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child, a class- D felony, and 37 counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child, a class-E felony. Guyett was arrested April 8, 2011, in Malta and is expected to return to court at a later date.

Richard J. Trombley, 62, of 180 Howe Rd., Lake Luzerne, pleaded guilty January 30 to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony. Trombley was arrested November 5 in Hadley and has been sentenced to five days in Saratoga

County Jail, five years of probation and mandatory use of an ignition interlock device.

Larry M. Ball, 25, of 106 Stormy Lane Terrace, Moreau, pleaded guilty February 2 to a charge of second-degree attempted assault, a class-E felony. Ball was arrested October 1 in Moreau and has been sentenced to two to four years in state prison and fined restitution in the amount of $128,056.99.

Jason C. Hamm, 33, of Route 30, Vails Mills, pleaded guilty January 26 to a charge of second-degree burglary, a class-C felony. Hamm was arrested March 12 in Mechanicville and has been sentenced to six months in Saratoga County Jail and five years of probation.

Donald T. Whitman, 37, of 4 Pheasant Way, South Glens Falls, pleaded guilty December 19 to second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, a class-D felony.

Whitman was arrested August 23 in Wilton and sentenced to two to four years in state prison.

Peter D. Bombard, 33, of 20 Lincoln Ave., Glens Falls, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony.

Bombard was arrested August 27 in Wilton and was sentenced to five days in Saratoga County Jail, five years of probation and mandatory use of an ignition interlock device.

Rick Sweet, 24, of 55 Mechanic St., Ballston Spa, pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary, a class-D felony. Sweet was arrested and charged November 23 in Ballston Spa, and will reappear in court May 29 for sentencing.

Renee M. Vincelli, 22, of 22 Framingham Lane, Pittsford, pleaded guilty to two counts of thirddegree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class- B felony.

Vincelli was arrested July 19 in Saratoga Springs and is expected to return to court for sentencing May 25.

Jesse R. Coleman, aka “Bozo,” 29, of 53 Mechanic St., Ballston Spa, pleaded guilty to third-degree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class–C felony.

Coleman was charged September 6 and arrested November 10 in Saratoga Springs and is expected to return to court for sentencing May 25.

William H. Ebert, 52, of 14B Allen Dr., Saratoga Springs, was resentenced March 30 by Judge Scarano to time served and continued on probation. Ebert was originally convicted December 1, 2009, of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony for which he was sentenced to five years of probation.

Wayne D. Jones, 46, of 19 Chestnut St., South Glens Falls, has been resentenced March 16 by Judge Scarano to nine months in Saratoga County Jail with credit for time served and probation terminated.

Jones was originally convicted June 11, 2008, of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony, for which he was sentenced to five years of probation.

Katelyn A. Spadafora, 23, of 23 Seward St., Saratoga Springs, pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony. Spadafora was

BLOTTER 3 arrested September 2 in Saratoga Springs and is expected to return to court for sentencing May 29.

Paul M. Backus, 23, of 201 Verbeck Lane, Clifton Park, was resentenced April 3 by Judge Scarano to two years in state prison and five years of post release supervision. Backus was originally convicted May 23 of first-degree sex abuse, a class-D felony, for incidents that occurred in November 2011.

William J. Clark, Jr., 49, residing at the Albany County Correctional Facility, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree perjury, a class-D felony, and first-degree criminal contempt, a class- E felony. Clark was charged and arrested August 30, 2007, in Ballston Spa and is expected to return to court for sentencing at a later date.

Kimberly L. McCarthy, 33, of 28 Warren St., Saratoga Springs, was resentenced April 3 by Judge

Scarano to one to three years state prison with credit for time served and probation terminated. McCarthy was originally convicted April 20 of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle for which she was sentenced to five years probation including drug treatment court.

Charles J. Chilson, 34, of 10 Lincoln Ave., South Glens Falls, was charged with second-degree criminal possession of marijuana, a class-D felony, and unlawful growing of cannabis, a class-A misdemeanor.

Chilson was arrested July 8 in Moreau and is expected to return to court at a later date.

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WEEK IN REVIEW

Slocum sentenced to 88 years to life for triple homicide

FORT EDWARD – Matthew Slocum was sentenced to 88 years to life in a state prison March 30 after being convicted for the brutal killing of his mother, stepfather and stepbrother with a shotgun last July. Slocum was in tears as Washington County Judge Kelly McKeighan imposed the maximum sentence possible. The judge stated he “double checked” the state law to make sure the death penalty was not a possibility before he decided Slocum's sentence.

McKeighan's sentencing came following emotional victim's impact statements from the relatives of Lisa Harrington, Dan Harrington and Josh O'Brien.

Slocum's attorney, Washington County Public Defender Michael Mercure filed an appeal after the hearing. Slocum was found guilty of the three second-degree murder charges, as well the lesser charges of arson and criminal possession of a weapon. Slocum is not eligible for parole until the year 2100.

Mechanicville Graveyard Vandalized MECHANICVILLE According to the Mechanicville Police, over 90 tombstones were

tipped over or broked at Hudson View cemetery sometime during the weekend of March 28. Some of the stones that were damaged dated back to the 1700s with damages estimated to exceed $100,000. Police say they will be reviewing surveillance video from surrounding buildings to see if they might be able to spot the culprits. There are no suspects at this time. The cost to repair the headstones could be covered under the plot owner’s homeowners insurance. If not, New York state is responsible for replacing them.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Mechanicville Police at (518) 664-7383.

Dickinson Pleads Guilty Over Threats

Not

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The man who was arrested after allegedly sending violent threats against President Barack Obama and school children from public computers plead not guilty April 2 at Saratoga County Court. Brent Dickinson faces one count of making a terrorist threat for the transmissions regarding school children. The threats against the president fall under the jurisdiction of the United States Attorney’s Office, and an investigation is underway. According to authorities, Dickinson was intercepted when he posted the threats on a message board of the White

House’s website. He was transported to Saratoga County Jail, where he remains without bail.

Cat Hoarding Trio Charged with Neglect HALFMOON – New York State Police have charged three people with animal neglect after they were found to have been hoarding an estimated 134 cats in a mobile home. Halfmoon residents Arthur Millard, 53, his son Earl Millard, 26, along with his sister-in-law Mary Ryan, 61, were each charged with animal neglect, a misdemeanor. The investigation began when an animal hospital reported that a kitten that was brought in for treatment was in such poor shape, it died while at the hospital. This lead authorities to search the owner's trailer, where they say that among the 134 cats found, two were found dead, and 19 had to be euthanized.

They were taken to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, where 60 of the cats have been given the goahead for adoption. For more information on adoption, call the shelter at (518) 885-4113.

Wilton Man Arrested for Stealing $14,000 WILTON – A Saratoga Springs man was charged with burglary and grand larceny, both felonies, for stealing $14,000 from a residence in Wilton, according to the

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Friday, April 6, 2012

Saratoga County Sheriff's Department. James Stephens, of 28 Lincoln Avenue, was arrested April 3 for taking money from a home in McGregor Villas.

Authorities say he took the money after breaking into the home January 31. He was arraigned in Wilton Town Court, and then sent to Saratoga County Correctional Facility after he was unable to post $10,000 bail. If convicted, Stephens could face a maximum penalty of 22 years in prison.

Marchione Candidacy Senate

Announces for State

HALFMOON – Saratoga County Clerk Kathy Marchione formally announced her intentions to begin a campaign for the 43rd District Senate seat. This sets Marchione up for a Republican primary election against incumbent senator Roy McDonald before the general elections in November. Should Marchione defeat McDonald in the primary, she would gain the Republican Party’s nomination, and appear on the ballot as their candidate.

McDonald will appear on the ballot regardless if he is defeated in the primary, already receiving the backing of New York state’s Independence Party. Marchione made her announcement April 4 in front of supporters gathered at Hayner’s Ice Cream Hall of Fame in Halfmoon. McDonald has been the target of considerable scrutiny over the last few months over his voting in favor of same-sex marriage, as well as Governor Andrew Cuomo’s tax plan.

Marchione says Saratoga County lacks the “consistent, conservative voice” that she feels has been lacking in recent years.

TODAY

City Council Mayor Replaces Housing Board Official SARATOGA SPRINGS – Mayor Scott Johnson has decided not to reappoint the current chairman of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority's Board of Directors, Dennis Brunelle, after his term expired April 1. His replacement will be former Finance Commissioner Kenneth Ivins, who now begins a five-year term on the SSHA board.

Brunelle had come under fire since the beginning of the year for a lack of control over the authority's operations, and his association with the SSHA's current executive director Ed Spychalski. Brunelle had hoped to remain on the board, but according to the mayor, the two reached a mutual agreement that he should not return.

Mayor Johnson was thankful for Brunelle's service to the Saratoga Springs community.

The SSHA's handling of the bed bug infestation at Stonequist Manor prompted further investigation into their finances and processes. It was revealed that Spychalski's salary as executive director had doubled to almost $152,000 annually, a pay increase that did not follow the proper protocol for approval with the city council. At Brunelle's last meeting as chairman, the board voted not to renew Spychalski's contract for another year. The SSHA's financial books are now being investigated by the state comptroller's office.

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April 6, 2012

Norbert C. “Skip” Saxton Sr. Saratoga Springs, NY – Norbert C. “Skip” Saxton Sr., 71, passed away Thursday, March 29, 2012.

Born in Saratoga Springs October 16, 1940, Skip was the son of the late Norbert K. and Dorothy (Cole) Saxton.

In addition to his parents, Skip was predeceased by his wife, Sandra E. Sheen.

Survivors include his children, Elizabeth A. (Donald) Farmer, Suzanne M. (Joel Greenfield) Saxton and Norbert C. “Skip”(Christina France) Saxton Jr.; grandchildren, Kristine (Mike) Messina, Michael (Heather) Farmer, Robyn Greenfield, Brady Saxton,

Connor Saxton and Alanna Saxton; great-granddaughter; Alisandra S. Farmer; siblings, Robert (Marylou) Saxton, Joyce Moseman, Joan Saxton, Wayne (Linda) Saxton, Sharon Herrington, Carol (Sonny) Furlani, Kevin Saxton, Nancy (Rick) Fountaine and Linda (Paul) Battiste; companion, Susanne Millias; and several nieces and nephews.

Burial will be in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave., Saratoga Springs.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Phyllis A. Roth Saratoga Springs, NY - Phyllis A. Roth died March 25, 2012, of complications from pancreatic cancer.

Born January 6, 1945, in New York City, Phyllis was the only child of Edward and Essie (Barbara) Stolz Roth. She was married to Tom Holmes from 1973 to1993, and they have a daughter, Ruth (Ruthie) Holmes.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Phyllis Roth will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2012, in Gannett Auditorium, Palamountain Hall, at Skidmore. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Upon her retirement in 2010, her friends and colleagues at

Skidmore established the Phyllis A. Roth Retiree Initiative Fund to promote continuing vital relations between the college and its retirees.

Contributions in Phyllis’s memory may be made to the Phyllis A. Roth Retiree Initiative Fund c/o the Office of Advancement at Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-5373.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Raymond “Ray” S. Meers Saratoga Springs, NY – Raymond “Ray” S. Meers, 78, passed away unexp e c t e d l y We d n e s d a y, March 28, 2012.

Raymond was born February 14, 1934, to the late Madeline Luse and Harry Meers of Whitehall, NY. In addition to his parents, Ray was also predeceased by a daughter, Brenda, and a grandson, Aaron Henderer.

Survivors include his loving wife, Jeanette Harrington Meers; son, Steven (Janet) Meers; grandchildren, Marisa (Joseph) Pregent, Jonathan (Amanda) Meers and Z a c h a r y Meers; greatgrandchildren, Lacy, Lilly, Alyssa and

Joseph Pregent and Madison Meers; and brothers, Edward (Betty) Meers and Thomas Meers.

Private services were held Monday, April 2, 2012, at the family plot in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave., Saratoga Springs.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ray’s name to the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205.

Arrangements were under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, (518) 584-5373.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

To view the full-text version of the obituaries printed on this page, visit the archive section of SaratogaTodayNewspaper.com. It is the policy of Saratoga TODAY to publish obituaries as a service to our readers. Please send your obituaries to Christina James at cjames@saratogapublishing.com.

OBITUARIES Carmelita Broussard Saratoga Springs, NYCarmelita Broussard passed away unexpectedly, March 24, 2012.

Carmelita Broussard was born March 26, 1950, in Manhattan, New York, to the late Virginia (Lewis) and Lorenzo Broussard.

Carmelita loved music, magazines, animals, babies and most importantly, food. Those who knew her will always remember the unique names Carmelita used to describe her favorite foods and her other “Carmelita-isms.”

Carmelita took great pride in her appearance and was known at times

to be quite a flirt.

Carmelita will be greatly missed by the many people who loved her at AIM Services, Inc., and Saratoga Bridges’ Wilton Day Hab, both past and present..

Carmelita was a fighter and overcame many adversities in her life and won people over with her amazing spirit.

In addition to her parents, Carmelita was predeceased by her friend, Ernest McGee. Survivors include her housemates at the Finley Street residence; the staff at AIM; and the staff at Saratoga Bridges.

Dominic Vincent Galluscio Saratoga Springs, NY – Dominic Vincent Galluscio, 80, passed away Sunday, March 25, 2012.

Born July 7, 1931, in New York City, he was the second child of the late Robert and Mary DeFeo Galluscio.

In addition to his parents, Dominic was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Dolores Dellipaine Galluscio; and his sister, Irene Corti.

Survivors include his children, Marie (Larry) Britt, Robert (Denise) Galluscio, Denise (Lloyd) Cote, Ray (Kate) Galluscio, Dominic Galluscio, Joseph Galluscio and Gerard (Jo Ann) Galluscio (JoAnn); grandchildren, Tiffany and Elise Britt, Lynn Marie (Hugh) Galluscio,

Robbie (Amanda) Galluscio, Steven Galluscio, Gerard (Michelle) Beebe, Tim and Todd Cote, Dominique, Grasie, Jolee, Dominic and Genna Galluscio; and great-grandchildren, Stephen and Alexandra Beebe and Ruby Horner.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, March 27, 2012.

A private committal service will be conducted in the family plot at the Germantown Reformed Church Cemetery, Germantown, NY. Memorials may be made in Dominic’s name to the Home of the Good Shepherd, 390 Church St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

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Friday, April 6, 2012

Spinoffs a Sign of Growth continued from Page 1 GlobalFoundries directly and you get nearly 2,000 new jobs in the region in under five years.

The most recent company to locate in the area is the Panalpina Malta Logistics Center in Clifton Park, a global freight forwarding and logistics provider whose open house on Thursday, April 5, showcased the company’s new 60,000square-foot operation – including a highly specialized, 12,000-squarefoot warehouse. Though Panalpina is just now opening its doors to the public, the company already has plans for expansion.

“What we’re now trying to do is to bring in additional business, bring in more potential customers and eventually hire more people,” said Ben Wittwer, business unit manager with Panalpina. “We have the infrastructure in place, so we’re actively and aggressively looking to expand.”

Other large spinoff companies include Applied Materials in Malta, which employs 90 people; Tokyo Electron in Malta, which employs 50; DNS Electronics, which will be moving into Ellsworth Commons and will employ 56 people. There are 15 additional spinoff companies that have moved to the area, with

several others on the verge of setting up shop locally.

But not all new business is connected to nanotechnology.

“There’s Janitronics Inc., who received the cleaning contract and are doing business; there’s a security company in Watervliet that’s doing business; Accent Commercial Furniture Inc. out of Albany received a furniture contract. So even businesses that are not related to the tech industry are seeing some of the benefits,” said Brobston.

New companies and new jobs create a sort of economic ripple effect, explained Brobston. Each person receiving an income from

these new jobs then spends money on buying a home, renting an apartment, buying cars, gas, food, etc.

Those dollars flow through the local economy, helping stimulate local businesses and further strengthening the region.

“That’s an impact,” said Brobston. “We’re seeing some people moving in that may not speak English and enrolling in a lot of English as a second language courses. We’re seeing all the work in education being done to prepare students for these new types of job opportunities. Even the Price Chopper in Malta has a Southwest food section because people moving into town wanted it, so even they are being impacted.”

The region has already been impacted by GlobalFoundries’ presence, but its effects are only just beginning. Over the next five to 10 years, Brobston expects the region will continue to expand, a second fab will likely be built, and even more companies will flock to the area. Saratoga County is poised to

TODAY

become a beacon of manufacturing in the United States, creating a techhub rivaled only by California’s Silicon Valley.

“That’s what we did this for, to become the East Coast Silicon Valley. We will continue to grow jobs, grow the marketplace and to have work for our kids 10, 15, 30 years down the line. This is not wishful thinking,” said Brobston.

“We’re now coming to see the benefits and the fruits of our labor. We are the center point of the Northeast for nanotechnology and semiconductor manufacturing.”

To learn more about GlobalFoundries and its impact on the region, consider attending the panel discussion, “GlobalFoundries: It’s Here…

What Now?” Friday, April 13 at the Saratoga Springs City Center. The panel will discuss the current impact GlobalFoundries is having on the region, and look ahead to opportunities in the near future. To register, visit www.albanybusinessreview.com or call (518) 640-6842.

Saratoga Springs Library Election and Budget Vote April 12 On Thursday, April 12, citizens of the Saratoga Springs School District will elect a library trustee and vote on the FY 2012-2013 library budget. The election will be held in the library’s H. Dutcher Community Room from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saratoga Springs School District residents who are registered voters are eligible to vote.

A public hearing concerning the budget and an opportunity to meet the trustee candidate, Janet Lindner, will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, April 9 in the H. Dutcher Community Room.

Library Trustees are also asking the voters to approve a tax levy of $4,954,215 for fiscal year 2012-2013, which is a 1.5 percent increase in the amount approved for the 2011-12 fiscal year, and is the first tax increase for the library since the 2008-09 fiscal year.

How important is this vote to the library?

“The vote is exceptionally important to the library, because it determines our operating budget, and it is also a measure of how satisfied the community is with the services we provide,” explains Julie Moore, the library’s community relations director.

“We've recently launched a new strategic plan based on input from a committee of community members, and the proposed budget is necessary in order for us to reach the service goals and objectives outlined in the plan.”

The SSPL provides a multitude of important services to the community, and without funding, the city risks losing these programs.

“If the proposed budget is not approved, the potential impact could include fewer new materials added to the collection, fewer activities related to our summer reading program, a reduction in the number of computer classes, and delays to much-needed improvements to the Children's Room,” explained Moore.

The library is a busy place. In 2011, over a million people visited the library, and SSPL patrons borrowed a record-setting 873,529 items and more than 25,000 people attended 1,380 plus library programs offered for all ages.

Celebrate National Library Week by casting your vote to keep library programs running! More information about the budget, the trustee candidate and a complete listing of the library’s ongoing programs can be found at the library or online at www.sspl.org.

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Friday, April 6, 2012

Fourteen High School Students Arrested for Fake IDs continued from Page 1 He is facing felony charges of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, as well as misdemeanor charges of first-degree unlawful dealing with a child and sixth-degree criminal conspiracy.

He could serve up to seven years in jail if convicted.

“I’ve been doing this for 23 years, and I can still say I’m shocked that a parent would go through such lengths, allegedly, to provide alcohol, and, in this case, fake IDs to not only his own child his child’s friends. I think this is probably the most disturbing allegation we have,” said Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy, III. The forged licenses were facsimiles of Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Florida and Maine indentification, and some were equipped with enhanced security features such as holograms and working magnetic strips which fooled card readers and black lightwielding bouncers alike. The forgeries were allegedly obtained from a website called IDChief.com based out of China.

Saratoga Springs Police Lt. John Catone said the forgeries contained all of the cardholder’s legitimate information. The only changes on the documents were made to the individual’s date of birth. It’s the inclusion of that personal information that Murphy says may have already been sold up to 10 times, which can result in the victims’ identities being used to falsely obtain multiple mortgages and lines of credit in their name.

“From what I understand, the information provided to the website from these transactions, which include their picture and a picture of their signature, is then immediately sold to the highest bidder because [theses websites] are in the business of selling identities,” said Murphy.

The path the documents take to reach the United States was outlined at a press conference held April 3 at Saratoga Springs City Hall.

Authorities say that though the website in question was based out of China, the money was wired to a location in Indonesia. The fake licenses themselves were actually manufactured somewhere in Eastern Europe, before being covertly shipped among other items to the United States. One such delivery came hidden among a tea set. It’s estimated that two of these IDs,

including the enhanced security authentication, cost only $75.

What’s alarmed the authorities the most is the authenticity of the counterfeits, which according to the District Attorney, could allow the students – or anyone else with one of these counterfeits – to travel internationally.

“This is not the ID that we adults think of when we think of fake IDs,” said Murphy. “This is not chalking your license or changing a one to a seven. These are extraordinarily high-tech, high-security embedded identification cards.”

The documents in question are alleged to be so authentic looking that experts brought in to analyze them concluded that there was no way to discern it was a fake with the naked eye. In fact, according to Catone, the forgeries could even fool police scanners should they be pulled over.

The police investigation into the counterfeits began when 18-yearold Bradley Green allegedly tried to purchase alcohol at a local liquor store. Green had already been asked for identification, which had been scanned to show he was old enough for the purchase. Another patron at the store recognized Green, and alerted an employee of the store that he was not of age to be purchasing alcohol. Lt. Catone says an employee confronted Green, and he left the store without incident, leaving the fake document behind. Catone added that Green was attempting to purchase alcohol before he and other students made a trip to Utica, where the Saratoga Springs High School ice hockey team was playing for a state championship.

“I think we should cite the fact that the people working in that liquor store took their job very seriously, as they could have easily just made that sale and let that person walk out of the store,” said Commissioner of Public Safety, Chris Mathiesen. “Instead, they made the effort to see what was going on.”

After the liquor store followed up with the Saratoga Springs Police Department, an investigation revealed that at least two fake ID purchases were made from the Beijing-based IDChief. The first purchase came during the spring of 2011, with the second in late summer of the same year.

Despite the 15 arrests, the investigation is still open and ongoing, and

Lt. Catone believes more arrests are likely, though added he’s not sure when.

“We’re in the process of interviewing approximately 30 more high school students related to the false IDs and various parties that were hosted by residents in the city.”

Lt. Catone says the identification cards were not only used to purchase alcohol at up to a half dozen

establishments around the Saratoga Springs and Wilton areas, but to gain entry to various bars along Caroline Street. The businesses are not expected to face any criminal charges over the sale of alcohol to minors, as proper protocol was followed when asking for identification.

“This is the beginning of what

will be a long, sordid tale for them, all for the sake of getting a beer on Caroline Street,” said Murphy.

All of the students charged also received 90-day suspensions of their driving privileges from the Department of Motor Vehicles, which could be extended to up to a year if they’re uncooperative with the investigation.

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TODAY

Skate Park Ready

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – Local skateboarders struck a big victory late last year when they successfully petitioned the city to unearth the concrete bowl located at the skateboard facilities within East Side Recreation Park.

The bowl had been inexplicably filled in with dirt by the city one morning in 2010, and remained that way until it was finally reopened in November 2011. The concrete bowl’s excavation was thanks in large part to Charlie Samuels, a filmmaker and local skateboarder, who took his plight to city officials on numerous occasions to see that the bowl was reopened for the skateboarders in Saratoga Springs.

Along with being the vocal leader of the initiative, Samuels had also pledged to personally take care of the concrete bowl at the skate park, and assist with repairs. That promise was kept in the most literal sense possible, as last week, Samuels rolled up his sleeves and got to work alongside a concrete mason named Charles Austin to restore the bowl to its original condition.

“The main thing we did was replace three eroded concrete coping blocks that wore down from weather

and regular wear and tear,” said Samuels. “So we had a mason come in and repair them with some coping blocks from a swimming pool company.”

The replaced coping blocks located above the deepest part of the concrete bowl were almost completely worn down, with the center block resembling a pothole more than the edge of a swimming pool. Samuels and Austin installed the new coping late last week, taking advantage of a colder day that wouldn’t normally bring many people out to the skate park.

The finished product is now unveiled, and ready to be used by the city’s skateboarders.

“We are holding up our end of the deal,” said Samuels. “To make the skate park a community gathering place that encourages skateboarding.”

Now that the concrete bowl has been excavated and repaired, Samuels says he’s still working with city officials on different ways they can help the park. According to Samuels, the skate park is the most popular feature to East Side Recreation Park, and should be maintained as such.

“Every time we go there, there are kids there constantly,” said Samuels.

“No other facility has that happening.”

photo by Andrew Marshall • Saratoga TODAY

The concrete bowl at East Side Rec. Park, shown here, is ready to go.

Last week, Samuels and his associate Benj Gleeksman met with Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Finance Michele Madigan in order to discuss upcoming events at the park, as well as what they hope to see done to keep the park looking new. This included talks of a celebratory, noncompetitive Skate Jam tentatively scheduled for May, as well as offering free skateboard lessons for children over the summer. Samuels says there has even been a discussion for a skateboard contest that could happen at the end of the summer, but is awaiting further input from city officials before scheduling any more events.

“We’re hoping the city will consider repaving the surface of the park with cement,” said Samuels. We are hoping our skate park, the first one in New York State, will continue to be the best skateboard tourist attraction in the area for years to come. “

The resources to maintain the appearance of the park, as well as offer future programs at the facility, is the direct result of the fundraising from the On Deck Saratoga art show and silent auction. The event was held at the Spring Street Gallery and bidding concluded March 23. The event saw local artists donate skateboard decks that had been turned into oneof-a-kind pieces of artwork. Samuels says thousands of dollars were raised at the event, which saw an estimated 400 people attend its gallery opening on March 3. T-shirts designed by Saratoga Springs native Jeremy Fish were available for purchase, and sold out well before the evening concluded. The gallery is expected to print more shirts for those who were unable to get one of the original prints.

Samuels also recently took the

opportunity to screen a trailer to his new film “Virgin Blacktop” at the Spring Street Gallery March 29. The film follows a team of skateboarders from the New York City suburbs in the 1970s. They were known as The Wizards, and the film follows them from their time freestyle skateboarding, to what they’re doing now.

Samuels is still working to finish the film but screened the trailer in hopes of gauging the audience’s interests in the project.

“As a filmmaker it’s so important to get feedback, especially when you’re looking to finish and decide which directions to turn and how people react to it,” said Samuels.

Filmmaker Kent Wian also screened a trailer for a documentary he is working on that chronicles the saga of the East Side Recreation Park’s concrete bowl.

BUSINESS

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, April 6, 2012

Tracey Buyce Photography Pays it Forward with “Giving Back is Awesome”

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS - Tracey Buyce of Tracey Buyce Photography is now accepting applications for her fourth annual “Giving Back is Awesome” portrait giveaway, a photo package worth $2,000 that will be awarded to a family bravely facing an extraordinary challenge or hardship.

Buyce is one of many photographers across the country who participates in the national grassroots movement, “Giving Back is Awesome,” an organization that gave Buyce the idea of sharing her professional talents with a family in need.

“I really, really believe in paying it forward,” said Buyce. “And if you have a talent, I believe you should share it with other people who wouldn’t necessarily be able to afford [your work].”

Buyce has photographed several local families over the last few years for the giveaway - those nominated by their friends or family members.

Last year, Buyce photographed Andrew Ragan, who is battling Lou Gehrig’s disease, and his family.

Before that, Buyce gave the package - which includes a free portrait session, three canvas gallery wraps and a high resolution disc of all the photos - to the Bowan family, whose daughter, Kaitlin, is struggling with Batten disease.

“I think it’s really important to document your family,” said Buyce, “and I think it’s really important to have photos printed out, which is why I include the canvas gallery wraps. Especially for a family that’s struggling or somebody who is sick.

photo by Tracey Buyce Photography

Kaitlin Bowan and her mother, who received a free photography session with Tracey Buyce through “Giving Back is Awesome.”

It’s important to document your family regardless, but in a situation where someone may be sick and they’re not going to be around forever, it makes those photos all the more important and special.”

But to qualify for this completely free photo package, families first must be nominated for the giveaway. There are a couple of simple qualifications nominees must meet.

First, you may not nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of affording Buyce’s photo services. Second, the nominee must live within the Capital Region.

“If you know somebody who would benefit from the giveaway, it’s very important that you take the time to nominate them,” said Buyce.

“I know the families that I’ve done this for really cherish and love those images. But it’s the person that

nominates them who has to take the time, the 30 minutes out of their day to write about that family.”

To nominate a family, send in the name of the family, describe their situation and explain why you believe they deserve the photo package. Entries can be sent to tbuyce@gmail.com, and winners will be announced April 18.

To learn more about the package or Tracey Buyce Photography, visit www.traceybuyce.com.

Send your business news and briefs to Daniel Schechtman: reporter@saratogapublishing.com

Leadership Saratoga Accepting Aplications SARATOGA SPRINGS Leadership Saratoga, an organization designed to cultivate leadership qualities for business, nonprofit and community environments, is now accepting applications for the class of 2012-2013.

The program, which will be open to a total of 24 individuals, will sharply focus on some of the most important issues facing Saratoga County, and will provide seminars on strategic planning, fundraising, leadership styles, economic development and much more.

The organization boasts a large list of graduates, many of

whom hold positions in local nonprofit organizations, schools, town boards, school boards, city councils and more.

Applicants must live in Saratoga County and agree to attend, at minimum, 80 percent of the upcoming sessions (those who live outside the county but can prove they are heavily involved locally may also apply). Tuition is $1,100, but financial assistance is available. Classes begin midOctober.

For more information, visit www.leadershipsaratoga.org or call (518) 584-3255. ~ by Daniel Schechtman

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SARATOGA

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TODAY

Happy Easter Sunday, April 8th

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Summer Camp Directory This Week’s Spotlight Cutting Edge Cutting Edge Martial Art’s A+ After School and Summer Camp Program is a year-round child care

solution that provides a positive, structured environment for children after school and during the day in

the summer. During the school year, we pick children up directly from the local elementary and middle schools and provide an hour lesson that starts with our “Mat Chat,” a 10-minute character education lesson for the day, followed by a full 50 minute martial arts class. Parents have a window between 5-5:45 p.m. to pick up their children while children have the opportunity after class to get their homework started.

During the summer, children get all the benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander scale. We offer eight weeks of full-day camps and have no minimum or maximum number of days per week or number of weeks that a student can attend.

Each week of camp, we have a curriculum of character education lessons, fun games, and a one-hour martial arts class every day. We watch a movie in the afternoons twice a week, have a video game morning on Fridays and take all our campers on an educational outing on Wednesdays and a fun and exciting outing every Friday. Our average camp size is 20-30 students, and we have three full-time staff working with our students.

Our goal is to provide a familyfriendly and fun environment that feels like a home away from home.

Our students have fun learning skills that can be used every day of their lives, and we try to provide memories that will last a lifetime. For many, our summer camps are a wonderful introduction to the martial arts.

For more information, visit www.saratogamartialarts.com or call (518) 587-5501.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, April 6, 2012

EDUCATION

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President of SUNY Empire State College Leaving To Run Canadian University

Photo Provid ed

Geyser Road Elementary’s First “Biography Project” Second grade students at Geyser Road Elementary School in Saratoga Springs recently participated in a “biography project,” which saw the students in the classes of Robert Terry, Laura Endievri and Stephanie Wade transform into various figures from the past and present.

Students conducted research about their chosen subjects and created booklets about them to share with the class.

Students were encouraged to dress like their subject during their presentations, which led to a miniature Michael Jackson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine, Shaun White and Walt Disney among many others.

Photos by MarkBolles.com

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake School District Names New Superintendent BURNT HILLS - After a sevenmonth national search process that included substantial community involvement and input, members of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Board of Education have selected Patrick McGrath to be the district’s next superintendent of schools.

McGrath is expected to be present and to be appointed at the board’s regular business meeting at 7:30 p.m. April 3 in the O’Rourke Middle School library.

He will begin his new position on or around July 1 upon the retirement of existing BH-BL superintendent Jim Schultz. McGrath’s three-year contract includes a salary of $156,000 annually. Both sides have agreed that the salary will remain the same for three years. McGrath will pay 25 percent of his health insurance premiums, and the board will contribute $3,000 annually to his annuity account.

Currently the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction at the Mohonasen school district, McGrath began his career with 10 years as a middle school science teacher in the Niskayuna school sys-

tem from 1991 to 2001.

In 2001, he was appointed assistant principal of the Draper Middle School in Mohonasen for two years, followed by three years as the Draper Middle School principal, and then two years as the Mohonasen High school principal.

“My past 10 years at Mohonasen have been filled with great experiences and great people,” notes McGrath. “I’m excited to draw upon these experiences as I move into this new opportunity to serve and to lead at BH-BL.” McGrath, age 44, and his wife Denise have four children. Two sons have already graduated from school, and their daughter will be graduating from Mohonasen this June. Their third son is a preschooler, who McGrath says is already excited, about becoming a Spartan.

McGrath holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in science education from the University at Albany, and he is currently a doctoral student there in the Department of Educational Administration and Policy.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Alan R. Davis, President of SUNY Empire State College, announced his resignation effective August 31 of this year. The announcement was made via webcast April 2. Davis is leaving Empire State College to take a position as president and vice chancellor of Kwantlen Polytechnic University, located about 25 miles southeast of Vancouver.

“The timing of course is awkward, and this was not the original plan at all,” said Davis during the webcast.

“Empire State College is such an important institution, and it has a very bright future. I will do all I can to ensure a smooth transition and to build momentum in the next few months to ensure that initiatives that

are key to achieving the college’s vision are sustained, so that the college will continue to emerge as one of the best of its kind in the country if not beyond.”

Davis began his tenure as president of Empire State College in 2008. He holds a bachelor’s in science (Honors) from the University of London and a master’s in science and Ph.D. in chemistry from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. Davis and his wife, Denise, have four children. He is also a published playwright and has had an active role in community theater troupes for years.

Davis studied and worked at traditional institutions in the United Kingdom and Canada, and he held

leadership positions at the British Columbia Open University, Athabasca University, Niagara College and Vancouver Community College.

It’s with mixed emotions that Davis is leaving Empire State College, but he says that he and his wife will be happy to return home to Canada.

“The exciting opportunity in BC came unexpectedly but is one I am very well suited for, and it will take Denise and me back to our roots in western Canada,” said Davis.

SUNY Empire State College was established in 1971 to offer adult learners the opportunity to earn associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the State University of New York.

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HELPING HANDS

Help us Help our Troops!

Saratoga County organizations have a number of ways that you can help our troops.

Marine Captain John McKenna IV Memorial Poker Run

The American Legion Post 70, West Ave., Saratoga Springs Sponsored by Operation Adopt a Soldier (OAAS), this April 28 event will help to support the wonderful soldier-based work OAAS does throughout the community. The ride departs American Legion Post 70 in Saratoga and ends at American Legion Post 278 in Schuylerville where dinner will be served. Registration takes place from 9-11 a.m.

This rain-or-shine ride is a great chance to give back to our soliders while having a good time! Cost for to attend the event is as follows: Motorcycles- $15 for rider / $25 for two

Other vehicles- $15 for driver / $25 for two, $7 for each additional passenger in the same vehicle For more information, email Big Dan at:dan1nolon@yahoo.com.

Blue Star Mothers Needs Freedom Box Donations!

Blue Star Mothers is collecting collect snack items and monetary donations for their Freedom Boxes that are sent overseas to deployed military personnel. Blue Star Mothers sent over 1000 boxes filled with “pieces of home” last year, and now their supplies are incredibly low. The cost of sending each Freedom Box is $11.35.

For more information on items needed and ways to donate, visit www.capitalregion2bsm.org. Or to donate in person, attend the Elks Yellow Ribbon Day event!

Elks Yellow Ribbon Day Celebration

Saratoga-Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs

While New York State Yellow Ribbon Day is April 9, the Elks’ celebration waits for the weekend! The Elks are hosting a grand event, beginning at 11 a.m., Friday, April 13 in honor of our men and women in uniform. Keynote speaker Lt. Colonel Christopher Douglas, USMC, and Carol Hotaling “the Yellow Ribbon Lady” will be in attendance.

Monetary and snack item donations will be accepted for the Blue Star Mothers. Suggested items include jerky, granola bars, trail mix and other nonperishable, easily-shipped items.

Donate While you Grocery Shop

Wilton/Saratoga WalMart, 16 Old Gick Rd. Visit Wal-Mart Saturday, April 14, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. to donate an item for our troops overseas in Afghanistan. A complete list of suggested items will be available at the door, but for those who would like to make a quick drop-off here are a few suggestions: toothpaste, bar soap, shampoo (small sizes) toothbrushes, Chapstick, and sanitary wipes.

Monetary donations will also be accepted to help with the shipping costs. For more information, call Mary Williams at )518) 222-4431.

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Friday, April 6, 2012

TODAY

Wilton Food Pantry Hosts Empty Bowls Fundraiser

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY WILTON – The Wilton Food Pantry (WFP) and The Empty Bowls Project have joined forces to help combat food insecurity in Wilton, and with the help of Skidmore and the local community, the organizations will seek to raise money to support the pantry Sunday, April 15 at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161.

The WFP, which opened its doors July of 2011, serves an average of 45 families a month, a number that has grown steadily over the life of the pantry. In order to meet the rising demand, the WFP hopes to sell 300 tickets for the upcoming Empty Bowls event, which will also feature a silent auction.

“This is the first official Empty Bowls event in Saratoga County,” said Dennis Towers, board member of the WFP, co-founder and community outreach coordinator. “The concept is simple. You come in, you choose from several hundred ceramic bowls made by the ceramic art students at Skidmore, and then you fill it with soup, chili and bread and enjoy a simple meal.”

Attendees will be allowed to bring these handmade bowls back home with them after the event – empty bowls which represent food insecurity locally and across the globe.

“We are excited to hold our inaugural event at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge so that we can raise awareness about the reality of hunger in our community,” said Jared Dinsmore, president of the WFP,

who also wished to thank the event’s “Souper Hero” sponsors Saratoga National Bank, Hannaford Supermarkets and Saratoga Veterinary Hospital.

Preparing the food for the event will be Skidmore’s senior cook Ben Niese, who will help make the vegetable soup, vegetable chili and homemade bread.

“There are people locally that have a need or who may not have complete food security, who are unable to put a meal on the table seven days a week. They can be neighbors of ours, right in our own county, our own town,” said Niese. “So to me, I feel like you just have to get in there and do what you can to help.”

The WFP will also be raising money through bidding on silent auction items. Items include a free stay at the Privilege Aluxes Resort in Isla Mujeres, Mexico; a stay in an authentic log cabin camp at Indian Lake; a Weber Grill; jewelry, shopping sprees, golf, dining and more.

Musicians John and Orion Kribs, with special guest Doug Moody, will also be on hand to provide live entertainment.

Tickets are $15 in advance while supplies last and may be purchased online at www.wiltonfoodpantry.org.

Remaining tickets will be available at the door for $20.

“If there’s a need, we all have to be willing to recognize it and try and do something about it,” said Niese, “even if it’s just something as minor as being conscious, writing a check or donating your time and volunteering for a day.”

To learn more, visit www.wiltonfoodpantry.org.

Brooks BBQ to Benefit Spa Catholic Booster Club

Saratoga Central Catholic High School, 247 Broadway, Saratoga Springs The Saratoga Central Catholic Booster Club is hosting a Brooks BBQ April 15, from 2-5 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase prior to the BBQ as well as on the day of the event. Call (518) 587-7070 for more information or to purchase tickets. A chicken dinner is $10 and rib dinner is $12. Dinner includes a baked potato, coleslaw and a cookie.

Deliver Meals to Seniors

Saratoga County Office for the Aging is in DESPERATE need of volunteers to deliver meals to home-bound seniors in the Burnt Hills/ Charlton areas. Hot nutritious meals are ready to go from the Town of Ballston meal site. Meal delivery is Monday through Friday, 10:3011:30 a.m. Volunteering is flexible, you can work once a week or even once a month! For more information, call Billie Jo at (518) 884-4100.

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Home Hunting Easter Treats SPRING CLEANING When the weather gets warm, it’s a great time to make your living space ready for the season ahead.

by Emily Fowler Saratoga TODAY Need to plan your Easter brunch menu but feeling overwhelmed?

Outsource your workload! Local eateries are here to help.

Get over to Mrs. London’s Bakery (581-1652) at 464 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, for their classic hot cross buns ($2.25, fresh daily, available through Easter only), assorted French macarons in lemon, raspberry and chocolate, coconut macaroons ($6.50/small bag, $9.50/large bag), and Challah bread $6.50 (Friday and Saturday only). Specialized desserts include the Chocolate Nebula Easter Egg ($30), and Easter Basket Berry Charlotte (serves 7-8, $35).

The Bread Basket Bakery (5874233) located at 65 Spring St., in Saratoga Springs, has an array of their aptly-named, “Spectacular Cupcakes.” Choose from the Flower Pot (large cupcake covered with green buttercream “grass,” topped with two cake pops that look like flowers), the Hummingbird (orange marmalade-filled carrot cupcake, rich cream cheese buttercream and adorned with a spring flower, the Spring Sun (fresh lemon-flavored yellow cupcake, a raspberry mousse filling, topped with vanilla meringue buttercream and white chocolate garnish and Key Lime (a key lime curd filled yellow cupcake topped with vanilla meringue frosting and toasted coconut). Other treats include sugar cookies (The Bread Basket Bakery’s original butter sugar cookie in spring and Easter shapes), cake pops (Easter eggshaped cake pops in chocolate and yellow $2.50), and Whoopie Pies (chocolate with pastel vanilla butter cream filling $2.50).

Cake offerings include the Easter Egg Cake (egg-shaped cake beautifully decorated in pastel colors, serves 8-10, in chocolate, yellow and carrot $18), Easter Basket Cake (your favorite cake frosted in vanilla buttercream to look like an Easter basket, with Easter grass and candies. 6” double layer only, serves 68, $29.00), and the Spring Sun (fresh lemon -flavored yellow cake with raspberry mousse filling and topped with vanilla meringue butter cream and white chocolate garnish.

6” double layer $25.00, 8” double

It’s Spring Cleaning Time -Let the fresh air in by airing out your space. Open your doors and windows on a breezy afternoon.

-Dust and wipe down surfaces.

-Add drops of an essential oil like lemon to your cleaning solutions. Oils will give the area a fresh scent without adding chemicals to the air you breathe.

-Sunshine will help you spot streaks when cleaning your windows. Clean out your refrigerator.

-Take out “crisper” drawers and soak in hot, soapy water; wipe down shelves and use up or discard any expired condiments. Make room for all that local fresh produce!

Organizing Your Home

Photo Provided Justina Bruno

layer, $35).

Fruit Pies: apple, apple crumb, apple raspberry, peach, peach crumb, blueberry, blueberry crumb, cherry, cherry crumb, berrilicious, strawberry rhubarb and ($15) and Cream Pies: banana, chocolate, coconut, and key lime, ($17), Rolls (white, wheat, potato, herb, and gluten-free $4.50/doz.), Easter Bread ($12) (sweet egg bread with orange, lemon and raisins), and hot cross buns for your holiday breakfast ($2.10 each).

For the Easter Basket Come on in and see what Jo-Ann’s Candy House (5810405) of 3076 Route 50, Wilton, can add to your basket. In addition

to premium ultra foil eggs, bunnies and chicks in milk or dark chocolate (solid or semi-solid), check out unique sweet treats such as pure sugar “Panorama Eggs,” gummy bunnies, jelly chicks and rabbits.

Bring home one of their popular cream eggs (cream, coconut, or peanut butter) or pick up a complete Easter basket (starting at $12.95).

The Candy Co. (580-0499) located at 5 Washington St. in Saratoga Springs, has jelly beans in spiced, sour and fruit flavors (1/4 lb. bag $1.50, ½ lb. $2.99, ), handdipped chocolate marshmallow peeps, and, of course, solid chocolate bunnies (starting at $1.99largest $16.99 for 2 ½ lb.).

-Pack away your winter clothes along with your winter cares and woes. Launder first, then seal in airtight containers or with cedar to keep sweaters safe from moths.

Store heavy blankets, flannel linens, coats, and snow gear out of sight.

Keep older sheets and blankets on hand for picnics. Bring out those cool cotton sheets.

-“Weed” through your closet. It’s also garage sale season. Consider hosting your own tag sale and rid your home of clutter. Or donate your new and gently-worn items in accepting bins in your community.

Capital District Habitat for Humanity (454 N. Pearl St., Albany, NY 12204) is also accepting donations of appliances, building materi-

als, furniture, cabinets, plumbing and lighting. All donations are tax deductible. Habitat for Humanity is offering free, easy pick up TuesdayFriday. Proceeds support Habitat’s affordable housing program. To donate, call (518) 275-6638.

-Pull gardening tools and gear from your shed. Have your spring items on hand for when you need them. Swap out your heavy coat and snow boots for rain slickers and wellies or rain boots. Stash an umbrella in the trunk for the unexpected sun shower.

-Check your fire alarm and carbon monoxide detector’s batteries and condition. A good reminder is to time this when we set the clocks ahead. Spring forward-did you remember?

-Stock up on essentials for the great outdoors. Replace expired sunscreen and bug spray, and take out citronella candles for relaxing, open-air twilight time.

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Local Real Estate EcoBroker Certified

Leslie Warner-Rafaniello, of Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc., has earned the EcoBroker Certified designation, having successfully

completed an award-winning informative training program on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions. Leslie joins the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy-efficient, sustainable and healthier features in homes and buildings.

Today’s focus on high-performance energy-efficient homes is a priority for this type of high-quality real estate professional earning the EcoBroker Certified designation.

EcoBrokers like Leslie are building premier market presence by serving as consumer and community resources on energy and environmental issues. With national surveys indicating that nine out of 10 consumers consider energy efficiency and the environmentally sound aspects of a home to be almost as important as interior finishes, Certified EcoBrokers are simply in a better position to serve the savvy green-minded real estate consumer.

“I’m always looking for the best ways to not only offer my clients the best value but to also develop a relationship where they feel I am a trusted resource,” Leslie explains.

“My EcoBroker Certified training helps me ensure that my customers, who are my number-one priority, get the knowledge they need. From energy-efficient appliances to solar options to overall energy savings, I now have more resources at my disposal to help my buyers and sellers make informed real estate

decisions. The EcoBroker Certified designation doesn’t make me an energy and environmental expert, but it puts me in a position to recognize issues and convey information on the products and services available to my buyers and sellers.”

EcoBroker International’s premier designation program is designed exclusively for real estate professionals who care about the environment and want to help their clients benefit from the energy-efficiency, “green,” and healthier features of properties. The extensive curriculum of energy and environmental training requires participants to fulfill additional program requirements to become Certified EcoBrokers.

“Leslie is an example of the quality real estate professional the EcoBroker Certified designation continues to attract,” explains EcoBroker International CEO Dr. John Beldock. “These real estate professionals are not only distinguishing themselves in a competitive marketplace, but they are really giving back to the community in very constructive and meaningful ways. Saratoga Springs needs more contributors like Leslie. The planet and our grandchildren need them, too,” says Dr. Beldock.

For more information about the EcoBrokers program, visit www.EcoBroker.com.

Friday, April 6, 2012

TODAY

New Carbon Pollution Standards will Protect Americans’ Health EPA limits will apply to new power plants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed historic new limits on carbon pollution from new power plants. Carbon pollution fuels global warming, which leads to poor air quality that triggers asthma attacks and other respiratory problems. Scientists at Columbia, Cornell and CUNY recently showed that global warming will lead to more devastating floods, more deadly heat waves, and the spread of infectious diseases here in New York.

Coal-fired power plants are the largest single source of carbon pollution in the United States, yet there are currently no federal limits on this pollution from power plants. The standard proposed will correct that for all new power plants by limiting their emissions of carbon pollution. “[The] proposal from the Obama administration is a historic step in protecting New Yorker’s health and our environment,” said David VanLuven, director of Environment New York. “By setting the first-ever standards for the largest source of the carbon pollution that fuels global warming, President Obama and

EPA Administrator Jackson are standing up for New Yorkers—putting our health above the demands of the polluter lobby.”

Along with taking steps to cut additional dangerous power plant pollutants like soot, smog and mercury, and with the new fuel-efficiency standards, the new carbon pollution standards hope to protect public health, reduce waste, and create jobs in the clean-energy fields.

“New Yorker’s understand the value of clean air, and while the polluter lobby will surely trot out the same tired attacks and tactics, they won’t stop progress and they will have to clean up their act.

“Now that standards have been proposed, we look forward to demonstrating the strong public support for clean air and healthy families, and to making sure the proposed standards are finalized later this year. We also look forward to working with Administrator Jackson and the EPA to address carbon pollution from existing power plants. The health and safety of current and future generations depends on us tackling this problem now,” VanLuven said.

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Friday, April 6, 2012

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Earth Day Tips April 22 is Earth Day and as Saratoga County residents, we’re all responsible for doing our part to keep our community great. To help get you started, here are a few simple ways you can minimize your environmental impact:

#1 Run, Bike, Walk!

Ditch the car keys and grab your bike; save money on gas and get in shape while trekking to work! With local organizations like the Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network doing their part to make bike-riding a viable alternative to drivingthere’s no reason not to shift gears! *See below for more details.

#2 Help Set a World Record!

On Saturday, April 21 the First Annual Natural Family Festival will host the site of an international cloth diaper-changing event where fami-

lies can participate in a fun-filled day of kids’ activities, healthy eating, seminars, shopping and an opportunity to set a world record!

From 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the Sportsplex of Halfmoon (6 Corporate Dr.) families with children of all ages are invited to come and play while learning about green, eco-friendly, holistic and natural family resources from throughout the Capital Region.

The diaper-changing event will take place at noon and attempt to break last year’s Guinness World Record of 5,026 simultaneous cloth diaper-changes. The festival is free to attend with a suggested donation of $2/individual and $5/family. For more information about the Natural Family Festival, v i s i t www.naturalfamilyfestival.com.

#3 No-Sort Recycle!

Recycling in your own home is an easy place to start. Many waste removal companies now offer “zero sorting” bins at no extra cost as part of your service. Check your service to see what they offer.

#4 Join a Group!

Celebrate Earth Day by teaming up with an organization or group of sponsors to join the Adopt-aHighway Program and clear roadways of litter, or start a separate clean-up project in your community.

#5 Exercise your Green Thumb!

Considering a garden this year?

Enjoying time outside gardening is a lot of fun and environmentallyfriendly. Make your backyard work for you! *See sidebox for gardening tips!

Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network, Encouraging you to Bike, Run, Walk!

-information obtained at www.healthytransportation.org Need a place to park your bike?

Bicycling is an efficient, environmentally-friendly form of transportation that is also healthy and fun, but sometimes finding a place to park your bike can be tough. Providing secure bicycle parking is one of the most effective ways to encourage Saratoga area residents to ride their bikes!

Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network is making an effort to inventory bicycle racks in the Saratoga Springs area. The goal of this inventory is to identify locations that need additional bike racks.

A map of current and proposed bike rack locations is available online at the network’s website www.healthytransportation.org. Residents can email suggestions for additional bike racks to info@healthytransportation.org. The network will then contact the landowner and suggest a rack placement in that area.

Need a bike?

Don’t have a bike? Then the Saratoga County Bicycle Workshop is your solution! The workshop accepts and repairs bikes, then gives them away!

Bicycle recipients are required to do six hours of volunteer work in the basement workshop either fixing up, cleaning or painting bikes and then they are eligible to receive their own.

Contact Joanne at bicycleworkshop@yahoo.com for more information.

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Earth-friendly gardening Get the most out of your garden with these easy-to-follow-tips: • Prepare beds when soil is not too muddy but loose enough to work with, and start select seeds indoors.

• When it’s time to move the operation outside, remember safety. Apply sunscreen even on a cloudy day.

Wear gloves, long sleeves, and tuck pant legs into boots.

After working outdoors, check your body for ticks.

• Clear any brush that crowds your planting space. Brush must be cut in 4-foot lengths and sometimes bundling is required for removal.

Check with your town or city’s authorities for your local guidelines.

• Biodegradable waste can be dumped on your compost heap. Your compost heap is a cheap way to add nutrients to your soil. So before you throw away those food scraps, remember your compost pile.

Refrain from adding meat scraps, however, as those could draw pests.

• Have your soil tested. This is a great way to measure your soil’s fertility and determine whether the soil is acidic, neutral, or alkaline.

Cornell Cooperative Extension will analyze your soil sample for only $1. Your soil sample should be about a cup and dug from 3 inches down in the ground. Place sample in a labeled sandwich bag with a zip top. The soil you submit must be dry in order to test, so results will usually take a day to turnaround. For more information on getting your soil tested, visit www.cce.cornell.edu/saratoga.

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Home ENDURING VISION:

TODAY

President of Teakwood Builders Presents his Home

by Tara Chhabra, Tara Chhabra, Teakwood Builders, Inc. and Emily Fowler, Saratoga TODAY for Saratoga TODAY

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When the founder and president of Saratoga Springs-based Teakwood Builders was establishing his custom home building and remodeling business as a young entrepreneur in the mid-1990s, he took inspiration from his youth, and named his fledgling company for a street in the Clifton Park neighborhood where he grew up. Now, more than 15 years later, Jim Sasko reflects on the auspiciousness of the name. Aside from his company, most people associate “teakwood” with the tropical hardwood coveted worldwide for its natural beauty, lastingness, and unmatched ability to weather the elements, used to craft everything from furniture and boats to fine art. In an industry that has braved its share of economic and regulatory challenges over the past few years, Teakwood Builders has, like the wood, endured, withstood change, and weathered handsomely.

“My mentors in the business advised me against naming my business after my last name. When I tried to come up with a business name, I recalled a street near where I grew up and it dawned on me. The name came to embody my vision for the company.”

Since 1996, Teakwood Builders has earned much acclaim for its custom building, remodeling and historic renovation of homes and businesses throughout the Greater Capital Region and Lower Adirondacks. One of Teakwood’s more recently completed projects is particularly close to Jim’s heart: The new construction of his own home in 2011, on nine acres of pristine Malta farmland just outside the Saratoga Springs city limits.

The home’s location at 5060 Nelson Avenue Extension is ideal for Jim, his wife, Lisa, and his two young daughters. The home is just minutes to downtown Saratoga Springs, is within the city school district, and enjoys easy access to the Northway.

At the same time, the home is a world away from in-town activity, nestled in its own bucolic corner of the county.

Horse farms are within walking distance. A family-owned nursery is

across the street. Open space surrounds the home, beckoning Jim and his family to enjoy the area’s outdoor charms.

“This is the ideal family home for us. Location was a factor. We wanted to be in Saratoga Springs School District and we like the vicinity. Plus, we plan to have horses in the future, which is why we built the home 700 feet back from the road.”

On the outside, the home’s vernacular farmhouse style reflects Jim’s love of barns and traditional rural homes. Classic black clad windows contrast with the white clapboard and board-and-batten siding. An expansive wraparound porch invites guests to sit a spell in a rocking chair and enjoy the open views with a glass of lemonade. Custom wood doors create a warm entry. Period hand-forged lighting emits a welcoming glow as the sun begins to set.

Inside, the home enjoys an open floor plan, bountiful natural light, modern appliances, state-of-the-art mechanicals, and traditional furnishings and lighting with a contemporary flare. Jim credits his wife for the vision behind the home’s interior design. She selected most of the colors, fabrics, fixtures and finishes, including the unique decorative tile that adorns the kitchen backsplash.

For furniture, the couple turned to The Furniture House on Saratoga Lake.

Since virtually all of the first floor spaces are open to each other, the goal was to tie the spaces together visually while also making each area distinct.

Striking custom crown and base moulding, dark-stained, wide-plank rustic red oak flooring, and walls of grayed blues, greens, and browns unite the first floor areas aesthetically.

Columns, ceiling details, and unique sliding barn doors evoke farmhouse charm, and help to define each of the common areas. Custom, traditionalstyle millwork—such as the distinctive crown moulding, tall baseboards, and built-in cabinetry flanking the living room fireplace—is a Teakwood hallmark, and imparts the otherwise modern home with period detail and a sense of history.

From their “cook’s kitchen”— which boasts soapstone countertops, an expansive island, professional appliances, and a distinctive fireclay farm sink—Jim and Lisa can keep their daughters in sight, easily con-

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Friday, April 6, 2012

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Welcome Home

verse with guests in the adjacent dining room, and enjoy the glow from the granite-veneered wood-burning fireplace in the living room…all just steps from the screened porch out back, and with a sweeping view of the surrounding yard.

The home’s second floor enjoys three bedrooms, three full baths, ample closet and storage space, laundry room, and a loft “hangout” where the family spends much of its time watching movies and playing games together. The master bathroom features his-and-hers sinks, a custom linen closet, marble floors and counters, a soaking tub, and roomy walkin shower. Spanning three floors, a classic custom-built staircase allows the family to travel to the lower level, which features a guest suite with bedroom, full bath, and entertainment area.

“We worked with some really talented architects on fine-tuning the design, including Charlie Hoffman (of Hoffman Architects) and Brett

Balzer (of Balzer + Tuck Architecture). Every square foot has a purpose. There are no cavernous hallways or unused areas here,” said Sasko. “We wanted this home to be built for the way we live now, but also to be flexible, to anticipate and accommodate our family’s needs and lifestyle as we grow and change.”

This house is also notable for its energy efficiency, and its investment in materials and mechanicals to render this a top-rated ENERGY STAR home. Throughout construction, inspections were conducted by an independent agency, which considered insulation, plumbing, heating, appliances and other factors for their environmental impact. Even though investment in these areas is often passed over by homeowners because they are not as visible or as easily appreciated as, say, custom kitchen cabinetry or that one-of-a-kind vessel sink, making this home environmentally responsible and cost-effective to

maintain was key to Jim and his family.

When asked if he plans to reside there for years to come, the answer came quickly to Jim. “Yes,” he said definitively, “this is it.”

19 Photos Provided

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Home Welcome to Falcon Trace!

by Emily Fowler Saratoga TODAY

Experience the comfortable and carefree living you’ve earned.

Falcon Trace is located in a beautiful

wooded country setting that is convenient to shopping, restaurants and many other amenities. Just a short

Friday, April 6, 2012

walk away, you will have access to the Halfmoon Town Park, which offers walking trails, meeting centers

TODAY

and a full complement of seasonal activities.

Located just minutes from the N o r t h w a y, Falcon Trace offers one and two bedroom floor plans that are designed to meet the needs of active adults.

All apartments include full baths, a full range of appliances (including microwave, d i s h w a s h e r, washer and dryer), and individually monitored heat and central air conditioning.

Additionally, tenants will have access to community amenities including a meeting room, community kitchen, and library/computer room with free Internet access, exercise room and a putting green.

In addition, tenants of Falcon Trace receive a free membership to the Fairways of Halfmoon Golf Course.

The professional and knowledgeable staff at Falcon Trace is prepared to assist in ensuring your transition to luxury living is a smooth and rewarding experience.

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Mail Call

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Looking for an easy way to make your home unique? Start at the street and impress your neighbors with a one-of-a-kind mailbox!

Photos of local mailboxes provided by William Fowler & Christina James

Friday, April 6, 2012

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SARATOGA

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Friday, April 6, 2012

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Bring on the Butterflies!

by Sherry FitzGibbons Saratoga TODAY One of my favorite things to do in the summer is watch the butterflies flittering around the garden. It’s hard to believe their delicate wings can carry them around with such gusto! After watching them for some time, I noticed they were only drawn to particular plants, even though others also had attractive flowers (at least to my eyes.) With a little research, I discovered that most butterflies absolutely require certain plants to complete their reproductive cycle.

In their adult form, the butterfly can feed on a variety of flowers; pretty much any nectar producing flower will do. Caterpillars, on the other hand, are often limited to certain plants for their food. These special plants are called caterpillar host plants.

One well-known example is the monarch butterfly. Monarch caterpillars can only feed on milkweed plants. If there are no milkweeds, the caterpillar will starve to death even with plenty of other plants around it. Imagine if you could only eat broccoli and someone dropped you in the middle of a field of goldenrod! Sure, the goldenrod is beautiful, but you’d get mighty hungry mighty quick.

Monarchs are not the only ones requiring specific host plants for their offspring. Many other butterfly species are also restricted to certain plants in their caterpillar phase.

Without these plants, the butterflies that need them may pass through your garden, but they won’t stick around.

So what plants make both good garden plants and good caterpillar hosts? There are many to choose from and most of them are native to our area. In fact, you’ll find that alien plants (those that evolved on other continents) are not capable of hosting our caterpillars at all; their leaf chemistry makes them poisonous to the little crawlers!

Fortunately, breeders are doing a lot of work with plants native to America, taking our rough-andtumble weeds and refining them to fit into our more refined gardens.

Take hollyhocks and others in the mallow family for example.

Hollyhocks now come in more sizes and colors than you can shake a caterpillar at and will fit in almost

any garden. They also act as host plants for caterpillars of the following butterflies: the checkered skipper, the common hairstreak and the painted lady.

Other natives that make excellent host plants and good garden plants include native violets (Viola sp., hosts the Great Spangled Fritillary), false indigo (Baptisia sp., hosts the Eastern Tailed Blue), hops (Humulus lupulus, hosts the Red Admiral) and native ornamental grasses like switchgrass (Panicum sp., hosts the Skipper family). New England aster (Aster novae-angliae, hosts the Pearl Crescent) is another native and host plant which has had many beautiful cultivars released to eager gardeners. I especially like one called ‘Purple Dome’ which forms a rounded clump of pretty foliage all summer and explodes in royal purple flowers in the fall.

There are some amazing Internet resources that highlight native plants that make good caterpillar food, and I encourage everyone to at least do a Google search of caterpillar host plants. You can also check out http://www.plantnative.org/ which has regional lists of native plants and also a nursery finder.

Adult butterflies are much less fussy about where they get their next meal. Generally, they prefer clusters of flowers that provide them with a safe landing space and multiple flowers to feed from. Garden phlox, lantana, bee balm and lavender are good examples. They also enjoy daisy-shaped flowers like

coreopsis, asters, black-eyed Susans and, of course, daisies.

My very favorite butterfly plant has got to be the butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii). This shrub stays in the 5 to 6-foot range in our area and usually dies back to the ground every year. This year, with our unusually warm winter, it did not die back at all. I’ll probably give it a good trim anyway, just to keep it bushy. There are a few new varieties that stay much shorter, too, in the 2

5 Garden Maxims from a Master Gardner from Landscape Artist and Master Gardner Sue Ann DuBois of Chip’s Landscaping • Plan for the eventual size. A lot of folks jam material in and do not account for plants’ growing habits!

• Match your plan to the conditions. What is the soil like?

What is the exposure (north/south) and how much sunlight/water is available?

• Avoid straight lines: that was the old linear 1950s style design. Go with the flow-lots of curves!

• Plan your garden height tall (back) medium (middle) low (front), but break the rules now and again for interest/mystery!

• Trust your aesthetic judgment. If you get the inkling that it may be too complex and not work...LISTEN to that inner voice!

to 3-foot range; perfect for the front of the border!

Butterfly bush forms long trusses of flowers in several colors – white, lavender, light purple, dark purple, indigo, pink and magenta. There’s even a yellow one, though I have never been able to over-winter it.

Another nice thing about them, they don’t have just one season of bloom.

Once they get started, they bloom until frost, and they also attract hummingbirds!

Just one caution with this shrub: In milder climates, it reseeds relentlessly and is considered a pest.

Oregon has banned it. If our winters remain mild, keep your eyes open for seedlings and don’t let them get out of control.

With a combination of butterfly and caterpillar food plants, your garden will sparkle and you’ll be giving Mother Nature a helping hand.

What better accolade could a gardener want?

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TODAY

So Fresh and So Spring

Home Decorating Ideas From East Elm Interiors Local interior design firm East Elm Interiors suggests the following tips and ideas to liven your home up this spring:

1. Get Creative for More Color To add color and interesting patterns into a room without slipcovering the furniture, try changing out some of the existing wall décor with framed wallpaper or fabric. Go to the local art supply store and purchase stretched canvas to the size needed to fit your space. Glue either wallpaper or fabric on to the canvas. Homeowners can even create an interesting collage by layering. If the canvas will not be framed, remember to wrap the edges to give it a finished look.

2. Let the Sunshine Come In Heavy draperies are perfect for keeping the winter cold out, but now that spring is here, store them and put up some sheer draperies

instead. The new sheer draperies will allow the light to filter in, providing a fresh, sunlit look. Whether homeowners choose custom or ready-made options with the panels, the sky is the limit with patterns, textures, colors and weaves to create the right mood for the space.

3. Rearrange to Rejuvenate Spring is the time for personal rejuvenation, so give Mother Nature a hand and start where the day begins and ends…in the bedroom. Paint walls, move furniture around, take certain pieces out if they are not being used, rearrange accessories and also wall décor. Take inspiration from some new bedding. With just a few new pieces, as mentioned above, you can completely transform a tired and dull bedroom into a new sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Recommended colors for a new coat of paint come from Benjamin Moore: HC-2 Beacon Hill Damask, HC-9 Chestertown

Buff and 247 Consentino Chardonnay. Happy painting!

4. Accents and Accessories If homeowners want to make a change to their home but don’t have a big budget to change out everything, they can try revamping accessories by painting them.

Homeowners should consider repurposing accessories that are not family heirlooms or of great sentimental value. If staying with an existing palette, pull out the color(s) that will “pop” in the room.

Accessories can be sprayed for a smoother finish or brushed on in layers to create a light texture. For extra interest, try a crackle medium as the base coat to allow another color to peek through.

5. Add Flowers Don’t hide away perennials and annuals by keeping them outdoors. Bring some of them in this year to add a splash of color. Try

using these plants in pots and containers: geraniums, begonias, petunias, bellflower and phlox. Have fun and keep it fresh, but most of all…transplant it into the garden for next year.

6. Spring Decorating Can Be Budget Friendly For a low cost, yet fresh approach to having a newly-decorated home, take down wall décor, accessories and smaller accent furniture pieces from all of the rooms you desire to freshen up. That’s right, take it all down. Organize items in one location so it’s easy to inventory the entire collection. Now start redecorating. The only rule is not to place an item in the room it was just taken from. It can be amazing what moving these décor items around can do, and this strategy works beautifully in most spaces.

7. Start Fresh With Topiaries If homeowners have holiday

Property Transactions Saratoga Springs

8 Cygnet Circle, $457,615: Charlew Builders Inc. sold property to Nicole Messier and John Marino.

195 Circular St., $340,000: Carol Haugaard sold property to Scott and Janice Germain.

207 Woodlawn Ave., $700,000: Brian and Virginia Ruder sold property to Joseph and Barbara Devivo.

39 Vista Dr., $530,000: Matthew and Julie Walter sold property to Gary and Kimberly Evans.

17 Round Table Rd., $273,000: James and Anne Holtzworth and Amy Holtzworth Munroe

and James Holtzworth sold property to Howard and Shirley Bishop.

61 Waterview Dr., $675,000: Jared and Amy Cantanucci sold property to William and Judy Morris.

87 Railroad Rd. Place, Unit 602, $835,000: SWF LP sold property to Anthony Grego and Milagros Figueroa.

58 Trottingham Rd., $40,000: Victor and Sandra Oginski sold property to Montgomery Way LLC.

Malta

81 Pepperbush Place, $168,000: Kristen Becht sold property to Kayla Janeski.

38 Lindenwood Dr., $310,000: Gertrude Okon sold property to Bonnie Harrell.

plants or topiaries where the decorations can come off then they have an opportunity to remake them. Strip down the topiary to the bare minimum and build it up fresh with favorite spring and summer decorations. Use silk flowers if necessary. Try adding ribbons and bows in spring colors along with small birdhouses and even reuse the twinkle lights.

East Elm Interiors is a locallyowned interior design firm that serves clients throughout the Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls and Lake George area. Owned by partners Shelly Walker and Chris Liberty, East Elm Interiors offers residential and commercial interior designer services, custom window treatments and home staging services.

For more information or to reach East Elm Interiors, call (518) 793-0515 or visit www.eastelminteriors.com.

341 E. High St., $150,000: Sheila McBride, Diane Riedel and Loretta Gavin sold property to Mason Batchelder.

4171 Silver Beach Rd., $365,000: Linda and Leland Wood Sr. sold property to Stephen and Kerry Frank.

Wilton 58 Timbra Dr., $330,000: Thomas Bowes and Thomas and Bernadette Bowes Family Trust sold property to Brian and Sharon Milzoff.

6 Joseph Lane, $235,000: Debra Lynn Schooley and Ernest Bucholtz sold property to Jayson Young.

32 Evergreen Dr., $318,000: Frederick and Sally Farrell sold property to Peter and Christine Weiss.

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The Saratoga Regional YMCA Hosts Healthy Kids Day YMCA, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs On Saturday, April 28, the Saratoga Regional YMCA will be celebrating Healthy Kids Day with a free community event that will help families find fun through active play and educational opportunities to improve health and well-being. This event is open to all, not just our members. As part of the Y’s commitment to strengthening community by addressing critical gaps in health and education, Healthy Kids Day will encourage kids and parents to commit to keeping the body and mind active now and throughout the summer.

At Healthy Kids Day, the nation’s largest health day for kids, participants will enjoy open swim, face painting, outdoor physical challenges, nail painting, rock climbing and much more. There will also be raffle drawings for various prizes! In addition, each youth that participates in Healthy Kids Day will receive a YMCA draw-string bag.

Healthy Kids Day takes place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, call Taraya Ricci at (518) 583-9622, ext. 120 or visit www.saratogaregionalymca.org.

New Megabus Route with Saratoga stop at Saratoga Casino and Raceway Megabus has started a new daily service that runs between Burlington, Vt., Saratoga Springs and New York City.

Saratoga Casino and Raceway has been designated as the only stop for the new Saratoga route. The pick-up and drop-off point will be located near the South Entrance to the Casino, off Crescent Ave. The Saratoga service will be offered nonstop seven days a week. Trips from Saratoga to Burlington are scheduled to leave at noon with trips from Saratoga to New York City scheduled to leave at 7 p.m.

Megabus passengers will be able to parkand-ride, leaving their vehicle in any of the Saratoga Casino and Raceway lots.

Tickets are offered online only and are very affordable. The Megabus ticketing system always offers the first seat for $1, then increasing gradually with the maximum ticket price at $19.

Visit www.megabus.com for complete schedule and ticketing details.

Fire Tower Hours at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park The Cornell Hill Fire Tower will be open on the following dates from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: April 14 and 15, May 12 and 13, June

9 and 10, July 14 and 15, August 11 and 12, September 8, 9, 22 and 23, and October 13, 14, 27 and 28. The tower will also be open on June 2 for the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park’s Wildlife Festival.

The fire tower will only be open if the weather permits. To confirm that it is open, call (518) 469-0918. Parking for the tower is in Parking lot #3 on Scout Rd. For more information, visit www.wiltonpreserve.org.

A Berry Delicious Contest!

Hand Melon Farms, Greenwich This incredible summer-long pick-yourown contest randomly chooses one winner who will receive an entire summer’s worth of pick-your-own fruits and vegetables!

There will also be four second-place winners, who each will win 20 pounds of pickyour-own berries. Entering the contest is as easy as signing up for their email newsletter by going to the Hand Melon Farm’s website www.handmelonfarm.com. For more information, call (518) 692-2376.

Skidmore hosting "Science Cafe's" at Virgil's 86 Henry St., Saratoga Springs Enjoy informal community discussions about current scientific topics! A short introduction to the science behind a topic is followed by lively discussion of social, political and ethical implications.

The dates and topics are: April 12: Our Wild Pharmacy: awareness of pharmaceutical plants from the rainforest April 19: Melatonin: a promising natural sleep aid April 26: Should We Grow Our Fuel?

American biofuel production The cafe's are led by senior Skidmore College biology majors and the public is encouraged to attend! For more information, visit www.sciencecafes.org.

Volunteer Environmental Educators Needed at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park The Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is looking for people who are interested in becoming part of their team of volunteer Environmental Educators. This is a great opportunity for people who are interested in teaching classes both at the park and in schools or other venues. The Environmental Educators also lead nature walks and assist in the public education programs. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Environmental Educator, call the park office at (518) 450-0321 or send an email to info@wiltonpreserve.org. An orientation is scheduled for Wednesday, April 18 at 7 p.m. at the park office (80 Scout Rd.) for people who are interested in learning more about the organization and volunteering.

Dance Museum’s “Yoga Motion” Continuing for Spring Session The National Museum of Dance, 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs In an effort to encourage dance and creative movement among young children, the museum is continuing its children’s Yoga Motion Program for a spring session this month. Yoga Motion promotes strength, flexibility, focus, and creativity through yoga poses and creative movement. Get those pint-sized dancers ready to move! Yoga Motion is for children ages 3-5 and will take place Tuesday mornings April 10-May 29 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. The cost of the 8-week class is $80 per child, or pay $12 per class. To sign up, call Sue at (518) 584-2225, 3009 or email sue@dancemuseum.org. For more information about the museum’s current exhibits and upcoming events, visit www.dancemuseum.org.

Imagination Arts Workshops Malta Community Center Kids ages 5-7 are invited on the second Thursday of every month to partake in an art-based workshop. April 12 will be felt art! Malta resident fee is $6 per class, and non-resident fee is $7 per class. Pre-registration is needed one week prior to class, which runs from 4:30-5:15 p.m. Call (518) 899-4411 for more information.

Greenwich Elks Women’s Softball League The 2012 summer league will start Tuesday, April 30 at the Greenwich Elks Lodge softball field located on Route 40 in Greenwich. It will be medium arc pitch (612’). There will be a mandatory team meeting Thursday, April 12 at 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge. Rosters and entry fees should be turned in by that date. Rosters should have a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 players. Players must be 18 years old.

Practice will be held on Tuesday evening, beginning at 6 p.m. and go through June.

For more information, call (518) 281-2828.

Drop off Clothing Donations to Cudney’s Drop off your gently-used, in-season clothing Saturday, April 7 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at all Cudney’s locations in Saratoga and Wilton. The clothing will then be sorted, cleaned and donated to Franklin Community Center.

Dance Scholarship Available The Dance Alliance of the Capital District/Saratoga Region will award its Pat and Sven Peterson Dance Scholarship of up to $700 to a student who will be attending a reputable summer dance program.

Interested Dance Alliance members that are in grade seven through their college sophomore year are eligible. The application can be found online at www.danceal-

liance.org. If the student is not a Dance Alliance member, she/he may join for only $6. The application deadline is April 15. Call Tina Baird at (518) 581-1791 with any questions.

AGC NYS Offering Scholarship Opportunities The Associated General Contractors of New York State (AGC NYS) is now accepting applications for their undergraduate, graduate and diesel technology scholarship program. For eligibility requirements, contact Brendan Manning at (518) 456-1134.

To download an application, visit https://www.agcnys.org/programs/scholarship. The deadline to submit applications is May 15, 2012.

Registration Open for the Underground Railroad History Conference Registrations are now being accepted for the internationally renowned 11th Annual Conference of the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, which will be held April 13, 14 and 15 at Russell Sage College, Troy.

The conference will feature the increasingly popular Educators Workshop on Friday, April 13, with a bus tour to Schenectady’s little known Underground Railroad and African American heritage sites. The conference also includes presentations by Alan Singer PhD and Manisha Sinha PhD; performances by The Miles Ahead Jazz Quartet; art exhibits, lectures and workshops; bus tours; and more!

Register early as some workshops fill quickly. For applications, go online to http://www.ugrworkshops.com/ or call (518) 432-4432.

Saratoga Rowing Association’s Silent Auction Celebration Saratoga Rowing Association is holding a silent auction April 19 at 6 p.m. featuring Longfellows' lavish hors d' oeuvres and chef's tables; music by Mike Perkins; and special guest appearances. Tickets are $40 and available online at www.saratogarowing.com/silent-auction. If you or someone you know has an item or service to donate to the auction, contact Karen at klazar1@nycap.rr.com.

Send your local briefs to Emily Fowler at efowler@saratogapublishing.com before Monday at 5 p.m. for Friday publication

upcoming town meetings Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road 885-8502 • townofballstonny.org 4/7: Jenkins Park Advisory, 7 p.m.

Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street 885-5711 • ballstonspany.org 4/9: Village Board, 7:15 p.m.

4/11: Planning Board, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road 893-7432 • townofgreenfield.com 4/10: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

4/12: Town Board, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 899-2818 • malta-town.org 4/9: Historic Preservation Review Commission, 7 p.m.

4/10: Town Board, 6:30 p.m.

Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road 885-9220 • townofmiltonny.org 4/11: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway 587-3550 • saratoga-springs.org 4/11: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

4/12: GAPS, 7 p.m.

Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville 695-3644 • townofsaratoga.com 4/9: Town Board, 7 p.m.

4/11: Schuylerville Village Meeting, 7 p.m.

Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org 4/4: Board of Water Management, 7 p.m.

Town of Stillwater: 66 East St., Riverside Mechanicville, NY 12118 www.stillwaterny.org 4/11: Board of Trustees, 7 p.m.

Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road 587-1939 • townofwilton.com 4/2: Park & Rec., 7 p.m.

4/5: Town Board, 7 p.m.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors 40 McMaster St., # 1 Ballston Spa, NY 12020-1985 (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov 4/9: Buildings & Grounds, 3 p.m.

4/9: Public Health, 3:30 p.m.

4/10: Public Safety, 3 p.m.

4/10: Social Programs, 3:30 p.m.

4/10: Public Works, 4 p.m.

4/11: Law & Finance, 4 p.m.

4/11: Agenda meeting, 5 p.m.

4/12: Racing Committee, 3:30 p.m.

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26

Friday, April 6, 2012

TODAY

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, April 6, 2012

27

28

CALENDAR

living

6 - Apr. 13 Apr.

events

Saturday, April 7 Ballston Spa Indoor Farmers’ Market 50 West High St., Cornell Cooperative Extension Auditorium The market will take place from 9 a.m.-noon. For information, visit www.ballston.org or call (518) 885-2772.

Parents Without Partners Meeting Shenendehowa Adult Community Center, Clifton Commons Parents Without Partners (PWP) meets Saturday, April 7 at 6:45 p.m. for a singles orientation and open house, Meet other singles from the Capital District, Saratoga and surrounding areas. Children’s activities are subsidized through chapter funds. Learn more at www.meetup.com/PWP796 or by calling (518) 348-2062.

Sunday, April 8 Spirit Fellowship Church Easter Play 1425 West Hight St., Ballston Spa Free Spirit Fellowship will be hosting an Easter play entitled “Pilatus” beginning at 10:30 a.m. Come see and hear the human interest story of Pontius Pilatus, the Roman procurator in the time of Christ.

Call (518) 885-3149 or visit www.freespiritfellowship.com for more information.

Monday, April 9 Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Join in for an hour-long conservation walk at 1 p.m. from the Old Gick Farm trailhead on Route 50.

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park has been involved with various conservation efforts within the Saratoga Sand plains and the surrounding forest and this fun walk through the Oak/Pine Savannah will highlight the importance of this habitat. Participants will also be looking at the forest community and understanding the characteristics that help maintain a thick understory habitat. The walk will leave from the parking lot on Route 50.

Pre-registration is required by April 6. For additional information or to register for these programs, call the park office at (518) 450-0321, email info@wiltonpreserve.org or visit www.wiltonpreserve.org.

Round Lake Library, Malta Branch 1 Bayberry Drive, Malta Round Lake Library is hosting a mini-book sale from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Malta Branch. Stop in to find some good books for spring projects or vacation reading! Also, discounted Great Escape tickets are on sale. For information, call (518) 682-2495.

Thorofan Meeting The Turf Club, corner of Union and Nelson Thorofan, the organization for horseracing fans, is holding its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend and desserts are on the house.

Storytelling Open Mic in Saratoga The Community Room, 2nd floor, Harness Building, Woodlawn Commons, Saratoga Springs Come listen to a fine evening of stories performed by local tellers at 7 p.m., or sign up to tell a story of your own; new storytellers are always welcome. Sign-ups for storytellers, 6:45 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (518) 587-4536.

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Preserve & Park will be joining in on the fun of the Fish Release at Saratoga Spa State Park 11 a.m. at the Geyser Picnic Area. Participants will be able to learn about other local environmental organizations, listen to music and get to drop a fish into Geyser Creek! For more information or to register for these programs, call (518) 450-0321.

Wilton Elks Lodge #161 Turkey Dinner 1 Elks Lane, Route 9, Saratoga Springs A turkey dinner followed by dessert will be served from 4:30-7 p.m. Adults $9, seniors/military with ID $8, children 5-12 $5, under 5 free, takeouts $10, cash bar available.

Thursday, Tuesday, April 10 April 12 Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park

Author John Daubney Speaks

Join in for an hour-long Wetland Ecology Walk beginning at 1 p.m. on the Neilmann trails on Ruggles Rd. Wetland communities are very fragile and delicate ecosystems and the parl is filled with many unique wetlands known as vernal pools. Pre-registration is required

by April 9. For additional information or to register, call the park office at (518) 450-0321, email info@wiltonpreserve.org or visit www.wiltonpreserve.org

Rexford United Methodist Church, 18 Main St., Rexford John Daubney, Clifton Park author, life mentor and workshop leader, will talk about his book “Those Who Walk with Fire: Everyday People Discuss the Passion that Fuels Their Extraordinary Lives" at 7 p.m.

This program is open to the public

Wednesday, April 11

SARATOGA

Friday, April 6, 2012

and is being sponsored by New Growth Fellowship. An $8 donation per person is requested and includes refreshments.

Round Lake Library Book Club, Malta Branch 1 Bayberry Drive, Malta Morning Book Club will meet at 11 a.m. to discuss “Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress” by Dai Sijie. Shirley Ryan will be moderating. For more information, call (518) 899-2285.

Friday, April 13 Saratoga Chamber Leads Luncheon Saratoga National Golf Club 458 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce will host their bimonthly “Leads to Success” Luncheon, formerly titled Networking Luncheon. The event runs from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. The event is open to chamber members, $15 with reservation, $20 without or after reservation deadline. Reservations accepted until 5 p.m., April 11 through: www.saratoga.org or by calling the chamber offices at (518) 584-3255.

For more information about this and other chamber programs and services, visit www.saratoga.org, call (518) 584-3255 or email info@saratoga.org.

TODAY

Speakeasy Party Batcheller Mansion, Circular St., Saratoga Springs Experience Saratoga’s rich culture during a Friday the 13th Speakeasy Party from 6-9 p.m. During the evening, time will flash back 80 years, as the mansion will be turned into a speakeasy with piano music, light snacks, dancing, and, of course, a cash bar provided by The Lily and the Rose catering services. The cost is $20 per person. Those who want to attend must be at least 21 years old and need to call the Batcheller Mansion at (518) 584-7012 in advance to get the ‘password’ and to learn which door to use. Attendance is limited, so those who want to go back in time should call early. No one will be admitted who is not on ‘the list.’ For more information, call (518) 584-7012.

Weekend-Long Saratoga Tattoo Expo Saratoga City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs Join fellow ink-fiends April 13-15 for live tattooing, body piercing, tattoo contests, giveaways and entertainment. The expo takes place Friday, April 13 from 3-11 p.m., Saturday, April 14 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday, April 15 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission is $10 for a day pass or $25 for a weekend pass. For more information, visit www.saratogatattooexpo.com.

Send your calendar items to Emily Fowler at efowler@saratogapublishing.com before 5 p.m. on Monday for Friday publication.

PULSE

SARATOGA

TODAY Friday, April 6, 2012

Local Gigs

@ gaffney’s - 587.7359

Chubby Checker Twists Again!

@ the local - 682.2772

~Thursday, April 12 at Vapor

Week of 4/6-4/13:

Send listings to entertainment@saratogapublishing.com

Friday, 4.6:

•Acoustic Circus

•Rick Rosoff Quartet, 9 pm

•The Blackouts, 8 pm

@ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759

•Jeremy Denk, 8 pm @ arthur zankel music center - 580.5321

•Jon Liebing, 9 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

•Slow Burn, 9 pm @ bentley’s - 899.4300

•MotherJudge and the Urban Holiness Society, 8 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

•Street Corner Holler @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•Imagining Lennon & McCartney Duo, 8:30 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

•Street Talk, 10:30 pm @ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

•Jonathan Newell Band, 9 pm @ the mill - 899.5253

•The Play Doughs, 7:30 pm

•Forthlin Road 9 pm @ the parting glass - 583.1916

•George Giroux, 6:30 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

•Max Creek w/Dead Horse Beat, 9 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

•DVDJ Dread, 9 pm @ vapor - 581.5772

•The Magic Numbers, 9 pm @ wallabee’s jazz bar - 792.8282

Thursday, 4.12: •Kevin Maul & Friends @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•Irish Celtic Session, 7 pm @ the parting glass - 583.1916

•Soul Session Duo, 6:30 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

•Vinny Mac, Milla G and more, 9 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

@ the paddock lounge - 330.2426

•Chubby Checker, 8 pm

@ the parting glass - 583.1916

•William Hale, 9 pm

•Big Medicine, 9 pm •Just Nate, 6:30 pm

@ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

•The Brew, 9 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

•The Accents, 8 pm

@ vapor - 581.5772

@ wallabee’s jazz bar - 792.8282

Friday, 4.13:

•Michael Benedict Jazz Vibes, 9 pm @ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759

@ vapor - 581.5772

•Brubeck Brothers Quartet, 8 pm

@ wallabee’s jazz bar - 792.8282

•Ryan Jenson, 9 pm

•Tony Jenkins Jazz Trip, 8:30 pm

Saturday, 4.7: •Todd Nelson’s TN4, 9 pm @ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759

•Radio Junkies, 9 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

•Sugar Pill, 9 pm @ bentley’s - 899.4300

•Lucy Kaplansky, 7 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

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@ arthur zankel music center - 580.5321 @ bailey’s - 583.6060

Open Mics: •Tue. w/Rick Bolton, 9:30 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•Wed. Open Mic, 8 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

•Thur. Open Mic, 7 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

•Thur. Open Mic, 10 pm @ circus café - 583.1106

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PULSE

SARATOGA

Friday, April 6, 2012

Night at the Brewseum a Phenomenal Success

photo provided

Nearly 400 attendees gather at the NY State Military Museum for Night at the Brewseum.

SARATOGA SPRINGS Nearly 400 attendees gathered at the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs Friday, March 30 during Night at the Brewseum, a joint fundraiser between the Saratoga Springs Lions Club and The Friends of the New York State Military Museum.

“The teamwork between the Lions, Friends and the community was just phenomenal,” said Friends President and Lions Club Vice President Lance Ingmire. “The memberships of both organizations came... and we exceeded our joint goal. We hit a grand slam.”

Money was raised to help support the military museum and other local charities.

TODAY

Humorist Dirck Toll Brings Solo Show to Caffè Lena

photo provided

Dirck Toll has eyes on his fingers.

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Less than six months after the packed premiere of his show “Over Head,” humorist Dirck Toll will again burst into Caffè Lena's Black Box Theater April 15 at 2 p.m. to present his next stage show, “Riveting Perplexity!”

“Riveting Perplexity” is a unique combination of hilariously bizarre stories and escapades that Toll single-handedly acts out while bending language, logic and reality to suit his whims. A deviously inept songwriting scam, a town with a mysteriously misbehaving judge, a collision of poets, and a sarcastic piece of office furniture all figure into Toll's hyperkinetic mix of theater, literature, performance art, and comedy. “Riveting Perplexity” is not just the title of the show, it's a description of what to expect!

Dirck Toll is a one-of-a-kind performer, a unique showman unlike any you’ve likely seen before. In

addition to his previous sold-out appearances at Caffè Lena, Toll has performed at the Kleinert-James Arts Center in Woodstock, Dixon Place in New York City and various other arts venues throughout New York and New England.

Due to the mind-jolting nature of its humor, “Riveting Perplexity” is suggested for mature audiences, but immature ticket-holders will not be turned away and are likely to enjoy the show too. So this April 15, put the check in the mail then head to the Black Box Theater for some much-needed syntax relief, courtesy of Dirck Toll.

Caffè Lena is located at 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs. Advance tickets for “Riveting Perplexity” are $10 for general admission, or $8 for students/seniors/Caffè members.

For tickets and more information, visit www.caffelena.org or call (518) 583-0022.

PULSE

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, April 6, 2012

Theater, Gala Benefit to Raise Autism Awarness

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY GLENS FALLS - Some of this area’s best local and regional craft breweries are coming together Saturday, April 7 from 4-8 p.m. during the third annual Glens Falls Brewfest.

The brewfest, based out of the Queensbury Hotel in downtown Glens Falls, will host over 50 different brewers for beer enthusiasts to sample. Admission, $35 in advance or $40 at the door, will also net you a souvenir tasting glass - perfect for sampling the many beers on-hand.

Complimentary finger foods will be provided throughout the night and may also be purchased through the hotel’s kitchen.

Returning to the 2012 brewfest is last year’s numberone voted brewery, Adirondack Pub and Brewery. Other returning fan favorites (those who last

year placed in the top five) include the Davidson Brothers Brewing Company, Cooper’s Cave Ale Company, Brewery Ommegang and Harpoon Brewery.

Other breweries include Anchor Brewing Company, Angry Orchard, Blue Moon, Blue Point, Boulder Beer, Brooklyn Brewers, Brown’s, Butternuts, City Steam, Crossroads, Diagio, Dundee Ale and Lagers, Duvel, Florida Beer Co., Goose Island, Ithaca Beer Co, Kona Brewing Co, Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, Lagunitas Brewing Co, Long Trail Brewing Co, Magic Hat Brewing Co, McKenzie’s, Newcastle, Olde Burnside, Olde Saratoga Brewing Co., Oskar Blues Brewery, Otter Creek Brewing, Palm Brewery, Paulaner, Peak Organic Brewing, Reed Hook Ale Brewery, Samuel Adams, Saranac Brewery, Shmaltz Brewing, Shock Top, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, Smuttynose Brewing, Southampton Publik House,

Southern Tier, Spaten, Switchback Brewing Company, Yuengling, Wandering Star, Widmer Brothers, Wolaver’s Certified Organic Ales and Woodchuck Draft Cider.

For those who prefer wine, the Adirondack Wine Merchants will offer wine tasting during the event.

Proceeds will be used to benefit the Adirondack Theatre Festival and the Feeder Canal Alliance.

To purchase tickets online or for more information, visit www.glensfallsbrewfest.org.

And remember - drink responsibly. The Queensbury Hotel has packages available for guests who wish to spend the night. For those heading out into the night once the brewfest is over, please be safe and plan accordingly for transportation.

Saratoga Springs’ Modern Dance Company, Nacre, Presents Concert at The Universal Preservation Hall SARATOGA SPRINGS – Nacre, Saratoga Springs’ Modern Dance Company, will present a weekend of dance April 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. and April 15 at 2 p.m. at The Universal Preservation Hall, located at 25 Washington Street in Saratoga Springs.

This professionally-based company will present Doris Humphrey’s 1928 “Air for the GString,” and the theatrical 1930 “Shakers,” Ruth Currier’s 1959 “Brandenburg Concerto No. 4,” and excerpts from May O’Donnell’s 1978 “Vibrations Twelve Dance Inventions,” and 1952 “Dance Sonata.” Nacre’s 2012 Guest Choreographer, Heather Acomb, will premiere her new work “Of Harmony and Chaos.” Heather is a member of the

Bill Evans Dance Company and an adjunct dance faculty member at SUNY Geneseo.

To round out the program, Nacre welcomes artists from the American Dance Legacy Institute, who will share a selection from their repertory etudes. Repertory etudes are short dances based on signature works of American choreographers.

This concert is sponsored in part by Capital Bank.

Tickets are $15 for students and senior citizens and $20 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased at www.nacredance.com, reserved by phone by calling (518) 435-0510 or purchased at the door. Partial proceeds from this concert will benefit

the restoration of The Universal Preservation Hall.

For additional information, email Beth@Nacredance.com or phone (518) 435-0510.

QUEENSBURY SUNY Adirondack’s Touring Theatre for Children will present “Inside Out” Sunday, April 15 at 1 p.m. in the SUNY Adirondack Theater on the Bay Road campus.

Proceeds from the performance will benefit Upstate New York Autism Awareness. There is no admission charge, but donations for Autism Awareness will be accepted at the door.

“Inside Out” is a 35-minute program geared for children in grades K-3, but younger children are welcome. “Inside Out” celebrates imagination and diversity, and the tales explore the concept of being brave and are designed to help children think about their unique talents and the ability to express themselves freely, inside and out.

For more information, call Johnna Maiorella, director of SUNY Adirondack Touring Theatre for Children, at (518) 743-

31

2200, ext. 2728.

On April 20, the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, providing awareness, support, information, and programming to the autism community, will host its 10th anniversary gala dinner, “Unlocking the Opportunities,” to raise awareness and benefit its programs reaching children and adults affected by autism spectrum disorder and their families.

Held at the Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia from 6 -11 p.m., the 10th Anniversary Gala for Autism ensures that critical programs such as support for adults with autism spectrum disorder, recreation services for children and compassionate support for families of children and adults affected by autism remain available. For more information, please contact Janine Kruiswijk at (518) 355-2191 or by email at jkruiswijk@albanyautism.org.

32

Community Corner

The Reynolds Celebrate 69 Years of Marriage Marjorie and Jackson Reynolds were married March 27, 1943, in Newtonville, Mass., and moved to Schenectady, NY, shortly thereafter. The staff and fellow residents of the couple’s home in Wesley Community’s Woodlawn Commons honored their 69th anniversary with a party. Their daughter, Susan Hannon, attended the party along with their friends, Millie and Bunny Pedone; Armand Bianchi; and Gerry and Eleanor Pierce.

May the couple have many more years of wedded bliss!

SARATOGA

Friday, April 6, 2012

TODAY

Saratoga Regional YMCA Receives Stewart’s Holiday Match Donation

This year, the Saratoga Regional YMCA received $6,750 from the Stewart’s Holiday Match Program. This donation will provide local families with the opportunity to send their children to the Y’s Malta Child Care Center, as well as aid in the purchase of toys, books and furniture for the center, to meet the needs of NYS requirements.

This NYS-licensed child care facility is open year round, Monday through Friday, and provides care to children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Children at the center are exposed to a nurturing, safe environment where individuality, a strong selfesteem and social interactions are encouraged through an engaging, educational curriculum. The center serves over 80 children, many of who would not have access to quality child care without the generous support of organizations such as Stewart’s Shops.

For more information regarding the Malta Child Care Center, contact Amy Wert at (518) 583-4342, ext. 181 or at amy@saratogaregionalymca.org.

Jaimie Delaney Donates Gifts to the Franklin Community Center Jaimie Delaney, a student at Spa Catholic, used her 16th birthday to give back to a local nonprofit organization. In lieu of presents, Jaimie asked that her friends and family instead purchase children’s toys to be donated to the Franklin Community Center. Jaimie didn’t mind sacrificing birthday gifts for kids who might not be so fortunate, and she says her friends had a great time choosing their favorite toys from when they were kids. “They were really into it! And it was a lot more fun than trying to come up with a gift for me,” Jaimie said.

The center wishes to thank Jaimie and her friends for taking the time to make a difference!

Math-Science-Technology Career Fair at Division Street Elementary School

the

Tooth fairy club

Take a look at this week’s new club members

Saratoga National Bank CEO Ray O'Connor speaking with third graders.

Neil Emanatian, local firefighter, speaking with kindergarteners

Dominick

Local Children Support Saratoga County Animal Shelter A group of young philanthropists took it upon themselves to raise funds for the Saratoga County Animal Shelter. The group created and sold "Harry Potter wands” and went door to door around Century Farms collecting donations. The group collected $129 for the shelter.

Pictured from left to right Andrew Hill, Kameron Hallas, Keira Dashnow, Caroline Srokowski , Nathan Hill, Kade Dashnow and Nicholas Srokowski.

Dylan

Liam

Sophie The tooth fairy club is sponsored by:

659 Saratoga Rd. Gansevoort, NY 12831 (518) 226-6010

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, April 6, 2012

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., S. Glens Falls 793-3755, AdirondackFM@ nycap.rr.com; www.adirondackfriendsmeeting.org Regina Baird Haag, pastoral minister Services: 10:30 a.m. Sunday The Alliance Church 257 Rowland St., Ballston Spa 885-6524 Services: Morning Worship 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., coffee served at 9:45 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.

All are welcome. Handicapped accessible 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 Service, 10:30 a.m.

Ballston Spa United Methodist Church 101 Milton Ave. • 885-6886 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Bethesda Episcopal Church 41 Washington St., Saratoga Springs 584-5980 Services: Sunday 6:30, 8 & 10 a.m.

Church of Christ at Clifton Park 7 Old Route 146 371-6611; cliftonparkchurchofchrist.com Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Christ Community Reformed Church 1010 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-7654; ccrc-cpny.org.

Services: Sundays 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.

Congregation Shaara Tfille 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs 584-2370; saratogasynagogue.org

Services: Saturday 9:30 a.m., Monday & Thursday 7:30 a.m., third Friday each month 7:30 p.m. Handicapped Accessible Corinth Free Methodist Church 20 Hamilton Ave. 654-9255; 792-0271 Services: Sunday at 10 a.m.

Corinth United Methodist Church 243 Main Street 654-2521; cfumc@cnyconnect.net Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Cornerstone Community Church Malta Commons 899-7001; mycornerstonechurch.org Associate Pastor Paul Shepherd Services: Sundays at 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.; Weekday Masses: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.

Eastern Orthodox - Christ the Savior 349 Eastline Road, Ballston Spa 786-3100; xcsavior@yahoo.com.

Services: Sunday: 9:15 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Saratoga Springs 45 Washington St. • 584-6301 Services: Sunday: 11 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Ave. (Rt. 50) 885-8361; fbcballstonspa.org Services: 10:15 a.m.

First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa 22 West High St. • 885-5583 Services: Sunday at 10 a.m.

Full Gospel Tabernacle 207 Redmond Road, Gansevoort 793-2739 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.; Bible Study: Thursday 6:30 p.m.

Grace Brethren Church 137 W. Milton Rd., Ballston Spa 587-0649 • Rev. Dan Pierce Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

Grace Community Church of Malta Services: Wednesday 7:30 p.m.-Good Times Restaurant, Lake Rd., 2nd Floor; Friday 7:30 p.m.-Saratoga Chapel, Eastline & Lake Rds.; Sunday 10 a.m.Comfort Suites, Clifton Park Greater Grace Community Church 43 Round Lake Rd. Ballston Lake (Malta Mall) 899-7777; .ggcc-malta.org Pastor David Moore Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Greenfield Center Baptist Church 30 Wilton Rd., Greenfield Center, NY 893-7429 Services: Sunday School for all ages 9:45 a.m.

Church Service - 11 a.m.

Prayer Meeting - Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

Highway Tabernacle Church 90 River Rd., Mechanicville • 6644442 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 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

LivingSprings Community Church 59 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs 584-9112 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

LivingWaters 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. • 581-0210 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Middle Grove United Methodist Church 581-2973 • Pastor Bonnie Bates Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

Handicapped accessible New Horizon Church 150 Perry Road, Saratoga Springs 587-0711 Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

New Life Fellowship 51 Old Gick Rd., Saratoga Springs 580-1810; newlifeinsaratoga.org.

Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.-noon Childcare is available at all services.

NorthStar Church Shenendehowa High School West Auditorium, Clifton Park 371-2811; northstarchurch.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Old Saratoga Reformed Church 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville oldsaratogareformedchurch.org Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

Old Stone Church (American Baptist) 159 Stone Church Rd., Ballston Spa 583-1002 Services: Sunday: 9 a.m. Adult Sunday School; 10:30 a.m. Service; 11:45 a.m.

Coffee & Fellowship in Living Stone Hall; Wednesday: noon potluck luncheon; 1 p.m. choir rehearsal; 2 p.m. Bible Study Group Presbyterian-NE Congregational Church 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs 584-6091; pnecc.org Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

RELIGION Quaker Springs United Methodist Church 466 Route 32 South 695-3101; qsumc.com Pastor Jim Knapp Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

River of Hope Fellowship 100 Saratoga Village Blvd. Malta Cmns., Ste. 3, Malta 881-1505; riverofhopefellowship.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-2375 Services: Eucharistic Celebrations: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 7:30, 9 & 11:30 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. & 5 p.m.

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; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com; rcda.org/churches/St.JosephsChurch Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m. Handicapped accessible 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. Handicapped accessible St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church 771 Route 29, Rock City Falls 893-7680; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com; rcda.org/churches/ St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 149 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-0904 Services: Saturday 5 p.m. with Holy Communion. Sundays 8:30 & 11 a.m. with Holy Communion.

St. Peter Lutheran Church 2776 Route 9, Malta • 583-4153 Services: Sunday mornings 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.

St. Thomas of Canterbury 242 Grooms Rd., Halfmoon st-thomas-of-canterbury.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Saratoga Abundant Life Church 2325 Route 50 South, Saratoga Springs 885-5456; saratogaabundantlife.org Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

Saratoga Chabad 130 Circular St., Saratoga Springs 526-0773; saratora@aol.com; saratogachabad.com Saratoga Friends Meeting(Quaker) Rts. 32 and 71, Quaker Springs

33

587-7477; 399-5013 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Saratoga United Methodist Church Henning Rd., Saratoga Springs 584-3720; saratogaumc.com.

Services: Sunday 9 & 10:45 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

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.

Shenendehowa United Methodist 971 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-7964 Services: Sunday 7:45, 9 & 10:45 a.m.; Acts II Contempory 10:45 a.m.

Simpson United Methodist Church Rock City Rd., Rock City Falls 885-4794 Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

Soul SavingStation for Every Nation Christ Crusaders of America 62 Henry St., Saratoga Springs 584-3122 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Temple Sinai 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-8730 Services: Friday 8 p.m. Handicapped accessible The Salvation Army Worship, Service & Community Center 27 Woodlawn Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-1640; Mail-P.O. Box 652 Captain Aaron A. Boone, Sr. Captain Amber S. Boone Commanding Officers/Ministers Services: Sunday School 10 a.m.; Praise & Worship 11 a.m.; Trinity United Methodist Church 155 Ballard Rd., Gansevoort 584-9107 tumcwilton.com Rev. Gail Falsetti-Pastor Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs 624 North Broadway 584-1555; saratoga-uu.org Services: 10 a.m. Religious education and nursery care at the 10 a.m. service each Sunday.

Unity Church in Albany 21 King Ave. • 453-3603 Services: Sunday 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

West Charlton United Presbyterian Church 1331 Sacandaga Rd. 882-9874 • westcharltonupc.org Rev. Thomas Gregg, Pastor Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Wilton Baptist Church 755 Saratoga Rd, Wilton 583-2736; wiltonbaptist@gmail.com; wiltonbaptistchurch.com Services: Sunday Service 11 a.m.

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SARATOGA

FOOD

April 6, 2012

TODAY

The Wonderful, Edible and Usable Egg! Suzanne Voigt Farmers’ Market

Eggs are amazing creations and they are back in style—and I don’t mean because it’s Easter egg time.

Practically a perfect food, eggs are rich in nutrition (protein at very low cost) flavorful and can be cooked simply or impressively. From breakfast to dessert, new and exciting dishes are being created showcasing the eggs versatile cooking qualities.

Better yet, even the eggshells can come in handy. How ecological is that?

Not all eggs are alike, however.

Saratoga Farmers’ Market eggs are all fresh and laid by “happy,” freerange, healthy birds. This type of production results in a very different

egg from those bought in a box store. The eggs from small sustainable farms are fresher, healthier, AND they taste way better too! This is a win-win for all.

I am convinced that once a person has tried an unadulterated egg from the farm, they will never go back to the store bought egg again. This is what happened to me seven years ago. I love my eggs over-easy and I love yolks. One day I bought eggs from Brookside Farm at the farmers’ market and discovered what a “real” egg should look and taste like. Their eggs have the largest, most orange and delicious rich smooth flavor yolk of any I have ever eaten. From that sensational moment, there was no going back to the grocery store for me!

Since then my exploration and use of farm eggs has continued.

Recently, at a farmers’ market conference, I experienced Susie’s Creations pickled quail eggs. Wow! They may be a novelty, but they are incredible in a salad—resembling a very creamy hard-boiled egg. Then there is the flan from whipped farm eggs, made by the Gomez’s (of

Gomez’s Veggie Valet). This smooth rich caramel custard is to die for and not just any egg can produce this delight—the fresher the egg the creamier and lighter the custard. My daughter swears by Elihu Farm eggs for their perfect yolk and white proportions that make her favorite eggcheese-on-a-muffin. Many market customers come on Saturday and head straight for M&A Farm who is turning out some pretty mean egg, meat and cheese sandwiches. Again, their eggs produce a perfect size and portion for this treat. People rave about Longview Farm eggs, which are laid by probably the happiest chicken-layers in our area. Sharing a bucolic view of the Hudson Valley with all their farm mates, these hens thrive on organic soils.

Of course eggs vary by species, breed and diet, which will be unique to each farm. As your taste buds become more discerning, you may start to differentiate which farm eggs you like for what dish. It’s a fun and delicious challenge. Which farm produces your favorite egg?

Let us know at the market table this Saturday and we will give the first three entries a dozen eggs from the farm of their choice.

Easy Hard-Boiled Eggs To make good tasting and easy to de-shell hard-boiled eggs try these recommendations from Mary Pratt of Elihu Farm.

Use two-week-old eggs. Put the eggs right from the refrigerator into a pot with enough cold water to cover, set the electric stove burner to just below high, and let the eggs come to a gentle boil. Immediately reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. In the first few minutes of cooking, gently turn the eggs, so the yolks will remain in the middle of the egg, and not settle to one side.

After 15 minutes, remove the eggs with a slotted spoon, put them into a lot of cold tap water, and let them sit for at least 10 minutes.

After drying off the eggs, gently crack one on a cutting board, and roll it around to loosen the shell and peel off.

Great Scrambled Eggs Whisk room-temperature eggs with whole milk and pour into a very hot greased pan. If adding other ingredients, be sure they are small in size and thoroughly coat-

Introducing the Hamburger Press

John Reardon Compliments to the Chef Hello, my foodie friends! It is time to get back to gadgets! This week we are taking on the Hamburger Press! It is another

tool that makes cooking and maintaining safe cooking temperatures easy and accurate. We all know fresh ground hamburger, turkey, sausage, chicken; etc are better and quicker to cook than their frozen counterparts (yuck). Using a quality press is easy to do.

I know what you are thinking: “But John, it is easy when I just use my hands; why would I fork out money for a press?”

When you use your hand, air pockets are left in many parts of the burger and increase their cooking time and vary temperature consistency. I can’t tell you how many times that I was grilling by the light of the moon and howling like Tim Allen of “Home Improvement” at how good I was at grilling- only to walk into a house to face little Johnny, Aubrey and Paula the honorary FDA inspector! Yes, I was always sent back to my grill. The kids’ heads were down knowing that the Grill Master blew it again!

One part of the burger was overcooked and one part was not up to temperature, which we all know is 155 degrees for 15 seconds. Oh, you didn’t know that? Paula does; and she waits with a thermometer!

I am convinced that given the chance, Paula Mae Reardon could wipe out E-Coli from this entire country. The hamburger press

ed/mixed with egg and milk.

Shut off heat source immediately and scramble to your desired doneness.

When you're done cooking, don't throw away the eggshells. Put them to good use. Here are some tips from Jeff Yeager of Delish: Add eggshells to your compost pile. Eggshells quickly decompose in the compost pile and add valuable calcium and other minerals to the soil in the process.

Scatter crushed eggshell around your plants and flowers to help deter plant-eating slugs, snails and cutworms. Deer hate the smell of eggs, so scattering eggshells around the flowerbed will help keep Bambi away.

Add an eggshell to the coffee in the filter, and your morning coffee will be less bitter.

Dissolve an eggshell in a small jar of apple cider vinegar (takes about two days) and use the mixture to treat minor skin irritations and itchy skin. eliminates those air pockets and your burger cooks fast and evenly. Once I discovered this secret weapon, my legend started to grow in the Reardon household.

Songs were sung: “Dad is great; he puts the burgers on my plate!”

Here is some information about one of my favorite presses: Simply place any ground meat on the patty-forming tray, close the lid and press the patty-presser button down to compact the meat into perfect patties of any thickness up to 1 ½” Features • Spring plunger button compacts the patty then pops back for quick patty removal • Nonstick coating • Constructed of heavy-duty aluminum • Adjustable patty thickness from ¼” to 1 ½” with a 4 ½” diameter • Helps ensure that patties will not fall apart on the grill!

Hint: Use wax paper on the bottom of the forming tray for quick removal and stacking of patties.

There are many different hamburger presses, and this is just one of them; get one that fits your needs. Looks like we might have a great weekend weather-wise so get outside and grill some burgers! Remember: “Life happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care! John

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, April 6, 2012

Sudoku

PUZZLES PUZZLES PUZZLES Crossword

See puzzle solution on page 37

Scrabblegram

See puzzle solution on page 37

21 Jump Street

What happens when you take an overweight, intelligent, socially awkward “adult” and put him in the same police academy with an emotionally-stunted athlete who made his life miserable all through high school?

Morton Schmidt (played by Jonah Hill) had dyed-blonde hair and braces in the 12th grade so, naturally, when he attempted to ask out his high school crush, he choked and was shot down.

While this was devastating to him, Greg Jenko (played by Channing Tatum) found it hysterical and made no effort to hide it. The shoe was eventually on the other foot, however, when the principal revealed that Jenko (Tatum) would not be allowed to graduate. Years later, in the police academy, Schmidt (Hill) and Jenko meet again, they decide to help each other overcome their respective shortcomings and, in so doing, graduate. But a screw-up results in their first arrest being invalidated and as punishment they’re reassigned to a program that was discontinued in the 80s and brought back because “the guys upstairs ran out of ideas years ago.” Their new headquarters: 21 Jump Street. Under the direction of their captain (Ice Cube), they’re sent undercover as high

At The Movies With Trey Roohan

Gasoline Alley

“I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but I know that when we die and it comes time for God to judge us, he will not ask, 'How many good things have you done in your life?' rather he will ask, 'How much love did you put into what you did?”

- Mother Teresa

Words to know:

paradox: n. A statement that appears to contradict itself or be contrary to common sense, but may be true.

See puzzle solutions on page 37

ACROSS 1 TWA rival 6 Med. care providers 10 Frequent ESPN subject 14 Amtrak express 15 Four-star 16 Bee, for one 17 Pricewaterhouse-Coopers, e.g.?

20 Fitting 21 Hops heater 22 Tweaks, say 23 Aqua Velva alternative 24 German GM subsidiary 25 Original Roanoke settlement?

31 Football Hall of Fame locale 32 Title acquired at church, perhaps 33 Losing line 34 Reacted to a dealerʼs request 35 Used to be 36 “It Wasnʼt All Velvet” autobiographer 38 Caustic stuff 39 Goal 40 Blew up 41 Actress failing to live up to expectations?

45 Gives support to 46 Toon wisecracker 47 __ center 50 Get useful material from 51 Lyric poem 54 Bit of style in oneʼs blood?

57 Venetian arch shape 58 City SSW of Moscow 59 Toss out 60 Goes after 61 Unlikely track winners 62 Hamburger helperʼs reward?

DOWN 1 Out-of-favor sunscreen ingredient 2 Lingerie size 3 Robinʼs digs 4 Ring icon 5 Graham, for one 6 __ II: 1961-ʼ99 Moroccan king 7 Almost all 8 Mich. neighbor 9 Celestial creatures 10 Incendiary gel 11 “I Spy” co-star 12 “Joy is __ of love by which you can catch souls”: Mother Teresa 13 Many “Suits” characters: Abbr.

18 Avoid restaurant crowds, perhaps

Movie Review

35

19 It may be half-baked 23 Prado pictures 24 Lock inserts 25 Sonyaʼs uncle, in an 1899 Moscow premiere 26 Maker of some drivers 27 Muslim leaders 28 “Casablanca” actor 29 Strawberry, e.g.

30 Pigeon tail?

31 Range rover 35 English court attire 36 Singled out 37 Big-eyed birds 39 Words that replace details

40 Place to relax 42 Coquetteʼs asset 43 Rare clock number 44 Govt. notes 47 Fiscal execs 48 Milan meat sauce 49 “So thatʼs how it is” 50 Video CD file format 51 Big name in chemicals 52 House addition 53 Room addition 55 Gp. with many arms 56 “On the Waterfront” Oscar winner __ Marie Saint

school students to find the supplier of a new drug that recently caused the death of a white high school student after he’d posted a video of himself under the influence of said drug and posted it on YouTube.

The inside jokes about the movie being based on a television program from the 80s and cameo appearances from two former cast members are hilarious. Also entertaining is the sharp contrast in youth culture between today and 10 years ago. Hill is basically playing a role he’s played several times before, ditto for Tatum, and Ice Cube, playing a role that even the cast admits is cliché, is fantastic. If you haven’t already, see this movie. (6.9/10) For comments and questions, contact me at movies@roohanrealty.com.

Broom Hilda

Animal Crackers

36

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Friday, April 6, 2012

REAL ESTATE

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TODAY

INSURANCE

SPORTS

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, April 6, 2012

37

Community Sports Bulletin Judo Team Gears Up For Nationals Photo Provided

SPAR FOR THE COURSE - Nick Kossor of Jason Morris Judo Center (in white) shown during one of his matches during the Liberty Bell Judo Classic held April 1.

PHILADELPHIA - Athletes from the Jason Morris Judo Center won one gold and three silver medals April 1 at the 25th annual Liberty Bell Judo Classic. Pete Stanley captured a gold in the novice 100-kg division posting a 4-0 record for the day. Brad Bolen took silver, going 4-1 in 66-kg losing in the final to Alaa El Idrissi of Morocco. Bolen is now 2-3 against the Moroccan in their rivalry that started earlier this year. Nick Kossor also won silver, losing in the 60-kg final by split decision to his longtime rival, Aaron Kunihiro. Kossor now has a 10-5 record against Kunihiro. Hannah Martin closed out the JMJC medal count picking up silver in the 63-kg weight class. Martin lost in the final to Janine Nakao in another overtime battle to drop to 6-7 versus her longtime nemesis. Next up for the JMJC athletes is the U.S. Senior Nationals April 21-22 in Irving, Texas.

National Museum of Racing Announces Bus Trip to the 2012 Belmont Stakes SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will host a bus trip to the 144th running of the Belmont Stakes Saturday, June 9. The cost for the trip is $165 for museum members and $185 for non-members.

The trip includes bus fare, track admission and a preferred seat in the grandstand.

The bus will depart Saratoga Springs from the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame at 191 Union Ave., at 7 a.m. The bus will leave Belmont Park and return to the museum following the last race of the day.

For more information or to reserve your tickets, contact Membership and Business Manager Victoria Tokarowksi at (518) 5840400, ext. 113 or email nmrmembers@racingmuseum.net. Seating is limited and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Saratoga figure skaters win a total of 15 medals at Champlain Valley Open Area figure skaters participated in the Champlain Valley Open March 30-31 in Burlington, Vt. Over 20 figure skating clubs from the northeast United States and Canada attended the event held at Gordon H. Paquette Arena at Leddy Park.

Local skaters Karissa Becker, Liz Bouyea, Kelsey Clechenko, Brenna Coonradt, Francesca Mastrianni, Sophia Nelson and Emma NIcholson represented the Saratoga region, accompanied by coaches Amanda Shelburne and Jill Ramos. The group brought home 15 medals in total including eight gold, five silver, and two bronze. Congratulations, ladies!

Pictured here from left to right are Sophia Nelson, Karissa Becker, Liz Bouyea and Francesca Mastrianni

Photo Provided

Puzzle Solutions from p.35 Send!your! sports!stories!or!briefs to!Andrew!Marshall, Sports!Editor!at!! amarshall@saratoga publishing.com

38

SARATOGA

SPORTS

Skidmore’s Pilawa Named McDevitt Award Winner

Skidmore senior diver Doug Pilawa has been named a co-recipient of the Douglas McDevitt Award.

The award is given annually by the UNYSCSA to a senior swimmer or diver, recognizing their career accolades both athletically and academically.

This season, Pilawa became the first athlete in Skidmore swimming and diving history to earn AllAmerican honors after placing ninth in the 1-meter and 3-meter dives. He earned UNYSCSA Diver of the Year honors after placing first in both diving events, including setting the UNYSCSA championship and association record in the 3-meter by more than 20 points with a score of 574.05.

In his career, he has posted a 44-6 record at dual meets, including a perfect 16-0 record as a senior.

A two-time Liberty League Diver of the Year, Pilawa has also excelled in the classroom. He has posted a 3.772 cumulative GPA as a double major in English and French as well as a minor in Honor’s Forum. As a junior, he studied abroad at the Sorbonne in Paris and plans to return after graduation to work for IES as an assistant, coordinating other students’ abroad experience while also continuing his own education.

“I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of this award,” said his coach, Jill Belding-Greenleaf.

Friday, April 6, 2012

TODAY

It’s not the Coach; It’s the Kids!

Damian Fantauzzi Those who have coached over the past few decades understand that the keys to developing a successful athletic program are the kids. People read this and that about a coach’s philosophy and the style he or she uses.

What really needs to be the focus is teaching the kids from the lower grades up to their final years of school on what’s needed in learning and preparing for their favorite sport!

This idea is based on fundamentals and game preparation, but the main issue is understanding the game. If it is at all possible, kids should watch their favorite sports on television and get to know what they are watching with analytical observation. Coaches and parents can help their future athletes by enabling the learning process with attending reputable camps,

watching informative DVDs or instructional reading material relating to development and understanding of the particular sport. Most importantly, it is imperative for the athlete to develop a passion for their favorite game and hopefully it will be game of their own choice, without it being forced on them or “shoved down their throats!”

If a coach has a reputation for being a tough guy, should that matter? The simple truth is, you should love the game you play.

Nothing should deter you from your passion and no one thing should turn you off. But, there is a fine line between just being a tough coach and a coach who preaches and teaches the discipline needed for athletics in the execution of individual and team skills.

Many coaches have different philosophical styles and for school-age kids it can be a difficult decision on whether they will buy into the coach’s methodology. I feel that at the scholastic level there has to be an understanding that there’s a give and take for both coaches and players with the success of the team. Success isn’t always about winning. The denigration of players, for their lack of competence and inadequacy in a sport, doesn’t serve as a positive effect on the team. I believe that

kids don’t make mistakes on purpose. So why do some coaches punish their players for a turnover, a missed tackle, a missed layup or any other “mistake?”

It’s important for the athletes to understand that the development of the skills that the coach is teaching are going to help them become successful and that it’s the coach’s job to teach those fundamental skills for proper execution.

Conversely, for a coach to turn a kid off to the sport that has become an intricate part of their existence is a disservice to the young athlete.

Maybe some coaches need to reevaluate or renew their own assessment of themselves and revise their style to the type of athlete that generally fits the team’s competence and personality. In my experience as a coach I have learned that it wasn’t about what I wanted my team to execute, I had to find a system (offenses, defenses and skill levels) that would best suit the type of players I was coaching. So my basketball knowledge had to be extensive in order for me to make the adjustments necessary to fit the group and individuals. There are so many different approaches out there to choose from. I remember in my early years of coaching boys’ basketball, I was upset with a player who missed a half dozen point blank shots and his response to my rants was “...coach, I’m trying my best!” This is a memory of over 30 years ago and, for the most part, it has grounded me ever since.

A coach can recruit at the college level looking for the type of athlete who will be a fit for his or her system. A youth, scholastic or AAU coach who tries to emulate famous coaches like Bobby Knight or Bill Parcells has to remember

that their teams may not be the type of athletes who are capable of the execution and complexity endorsed by the famed coaches.

In other words, keep it simple.

It’s time to do some research and find an offense, defense and skills that the kids can understand and execute. It’s also necessary to break down the fundamentals that are essential to the game with the focus of teaching the fundamental skills as a common thread of the sport. The parts incorporated into the whole are a method that should to be taught by all coaches so that the learning by the players can be enough for them to understand.

Idealistically, any game has roots of function and it is important that the coaches don’t instruct, or talk over the heads of their players. The necessary execution of the little parts (fundamentals) and the purpose of the sport, as a team, can be the most important ingredients understood by the kids to function in their performance. Answer the questions that the young players might have and give them the reasons for the executed method.

Staying grounded as a coach is not an easy task but, remember for some of the athletes it’s like learning a foreign language or a new math problem. The coach, like the teacher, needs to focus on the students by finding a happy medium or language for their understanding. Knowing what you know as a coach is not always going to be understood by the students. Metaphorically, get down on the floor with the kids and get dirty! Help them and teach them to understand what can be tenuous to their performance be their mentor!

SARATOGA

TODAY

SPORTS

Friday, April 6, 2012

39

Blue Streaks Baseball Off and Running Saratoga wins a shootout over BH-BL, loses battle of unbeaten teams against Shenedehowa

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY BURNT HILLS – The Saratoga Springs Blue Streaks varsity baseball team took the trip down Route 50 and defeated the defending 2011 Class A State Champion Burnt HillsBallston Lake Spartans during their matchup April 2. The final score for the Suburban Council matchup resembled more of a low-scoring football game than a baseball game, with Saratoga Springs winning by a final score of 15-10. The two teams combined for 26 hits in the offensive battle. The Blue Streaks were propelled by the bat of junior Alex Chandler, who’s four hits included a three-run home run in the top of the sixth.

Seven players for Saratoga Springs managed to get a hit on the afternoon. Logan Kurtz chipped in with three singles, two runs and an RBI while Wellman Loviza doubled twice and scored three times.

Burnt Hills got the offense going early with Robbie Knightes blasting a home run in the bottom of the first inning. Knightes would finish the game 2-for-4, with two RBIs. Jayson Sullivan had a triple among his three

hits for the afternoon.

Saratoga Springs’ starting pitcher Brett Merriman was not sharp to begin the game, walking four batters and giving up four hits, while only managing to get four outs. Merriman could not find the strike zone as he plodded through just an inning and a third of work. His counterpart making the start for Burnt Hills was Rory Little, who went five innings and gave up six runs, but only two of them were earned.

Then came the big sixth inning where Saratoga scored five runs to pull ahead 11-6. Burnt Hills’ had replaced their starter Little with Cody Mooney, who walked three of his first four batters faced. Dan Rittenhouse then singled home one run, and a second run scored during the same play on yet another Burnt Hills throwing error. Chandler then cleared the base paths with a threerun home run.

Burnt Hills would not quit though, as Mooney led off the next inning with a triple. Following a walk to Josh Quesada, Burnt Hills managed three straight singles before Don Maynard hit a double to cut the Saratoga lead to 11-10.

Photo by MarkBolles.com

CHANDLER PING! - Saratoga Springs’ Alex Chandler belts a three-run home run during the top of the sixth inning during the April 2 matchup with the BH-BL Spartans.

Saratoga would then add four more runs in the top of the seventh to seal the win in the Suburban Council matchup. The Blue

Streaks’ 2-0 record wouldn’t last long, as they would be beaten by Shenendehowa April 4, by a final score of 7-1. Senior pitcher Mike

Englert for Shenendehowa went six innings, scattering four hits and allowing only one run.

Pilawa pg 38

40

sports

Damian Fantauzzi pg 38

Friday, April 6, 2012

Vol. 7 • Issue 14 • FREE • Saratoga TODAY

Photos provided by MarkBolles.com