Saratoga Today Newspaper February 25, 2011

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A Catalogue of Resources Officer of the Year

Local libraries offer programs for all

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS - Nick Cavotta sits at a table in the Susman Room of the Saratoga Springs Public Library, hunched over a piece of paper with a pencil in hand. He glances up at the easel of Nick Biales, taking cues from the instructor before carefully sketching in the final details of his drawing.

“Very nice, very nice job!” Biales says, taking a look over Cavotta’s shoulder. “I like that a lot,” he says,

adding that it looks like Cavotta’s version of Sponge Bob Square Pants is practically jumping off the page.

Cavotta is just one of several teens who took advantage of the cartooning workshop with Biales at the Saratoga Springs Public Library Tuesday, February 22.

For one hour, the teens learned how to draw professional grade cartoons and comics, starting out with simple geometric shapes and transforming them into beloved cartoon characters, including Lisa Simpson, Sponge Bob Square Pants and characters from the Smurfs.

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS Saying that “I am honored to do a job that I have wanted all my life,” Saratoga Springs Police Officer Justin Ahigian

See Library page 13

See Officer page 9

Photo by MarkBolles.com

Officer Justin Ahigian

A Lesson in Perseverance

by Yael Goldman Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA - She may move at her own pace, but famously cheerful Jenny Middlebrook is an expert at building bridges.

In celebration of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness month, the Hudson Falls native is teaching her comPhoto by MarkBolles.com munity that it takes persever-

Jenny Middlebrook

“One goal leads to another.”

Jenny Middlebrook

ance and relentless optimism to set goals and achieve them.

With the help and support of Saratoga Bridges’ employment placement program, Jenny has successfully held a seven-year position and earned a promotion at the Ballston Area Community Center (BACC), lost 30 pounds and kept it off, and

See Jenny page 18

Inside TODAY...

Special Home Section pg 19-25 Obituaries pg 5-6 Summer Camps pg 11 Rotary Home Show Map pgs 25-25 Singing Anchors pg 29 Classifieds pg 34-35

10,000 copies distributed weekly • To Advertise Call • (518) 581-2480

SARATOGA

Friday, February 25, 2011

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TODAY

Searching for America’s Next Top Model in Saratoga Springs SARATOGA SPRINGS - Dozens of hopefuls flocked to the Vapor Night Club at Saratoga Casino and Raceway Sunday, February 20 to audition for a spot on the CW's America's Next Top Model.

Women from across the Saratoga region, ages 18 to 27, gathered with headshots in hand to step in front of the big lights for a few moments with the cameras.

For those who missed the event, the Clifton Park Center will host the next round of tryouts Sunday, March 8. For further details, including eligibility requirements, please visit: www.cwalbany.com/sec tions/contests/topmodel/

photos by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga Today

Christine Daigle is photographed for the competition.

photos by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga Today

Nicolette Bernard strikes a pose.

photos by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga Today

Hopefuls stand in line for their chance to be named America’s Next Top Model.

SARATOGA

TODAY

BLOTTER

Friday, February 25, 2011

Ashley R. Schober, 22, of 723 Malta Avenue Ext., Malta, pleaded guilty to a charge of fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class-D felony. Schober was arrested May 5 in Moreau and is expected to return to court for sentencing April 19.

Andrew J. Alexander, 18, of Vista Dr., Saratoga Springs, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, a misdemeanor.

Alexander was arrested February 19 in Saratoga Springs.

James Spooner, 57, of Stillwater, was charged with operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, a misdemeanor, and operating without insurance, an infraction. Spooner was arrested February 13 in Stillwater and is expected to return to court at a later date.

Kenny J. Shipski, 21, of Chapman St., Corinth, was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, a class-E felony; fourth-degree grand larceny, a class-E felony; fourth-degree criminal mischief, a class-A misdemeanor; seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class-A misdemeanor; criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, a class-A misdemeanor; and unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation. Shipski was arrested February 20 in Saratoga Springs.

Christopher E. Stephens, 24, of Lincoln Ave., Saratoga Springs, was charged with second-degree harassment, a violation. Stephens was arrested February 22 in

Saratoga Springs.

Thomas J. Balsamo, 40, of English Rd., Round Lake, was charged with driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor and driving with a blood alcohol content greater than .08 percent, also a misdemeanor. Balsamo was arrested February 19 in Saratoga Springs.

Michael Czwakiel, 56, of Stillwater, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor.

Czwakiel was arrested February 20 in Stillwater and is expected to return to court at a later date.

John D. Reidy, 22, of Circular St., Saratoga Springs, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation. Reidy was arrested February 22 in Saratoga Springs.

Peter Bakaitis, 45, of Petersburgh, NY, was charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident, a violation, after knocking over a stop sign in a commercial vehicle and fleeing the scene. Bakaitis was arrested February 22, with the investigation being led by Sgt. Ray Cordani.

Juan J. Munguia, 22, of Jefferson Terrace, Saratoga Springs, was charged with seconddegree assault, a class-D felony; resisting arrest, a misdemeanor; and disorderly conduct. Munguia was arrested February 19 in Saratoga Springs.

Jeffrey L. Carpenter, 22, of Rt. 9, Wilton, was charged with aggravated criminal contempt, a class-D

felony; third-degree assault, a class-A misdemeanor; two counts of third-degree criminal trespassing, class-B misdemeanors; fourth degree criminal mischief, a class-A misdemeanor, and resisting arrest, a class-A misdemeanor. Carpenter was arrested February 22 in Saratoga Springs.

Marvin J. Dantzler, 45, of Woodlawn Ave., Saratoga Springs, was charged with petit larceny, a misdemeanor. Dantzler was arrested February 22 in Saratoga Springs.

Jason P. Stover, 31, of South Glens Falls, was charged with fifthdegree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class-D felony; and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class-A misdemeanor.

Stover was arrested February 19 in Malta and is expected to return to court at a later date.

Michael Stover, 27, of Ballston Spa, was charged with two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, both class-A misdemeanors. Stover was arrested February 19 in Malta and is expected to return to court at a later date.

Gerald F. Darrah, 42, of Argyle, was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, a class-E felony; six counts of first-degree falsification of business records, class-E felonies; six counts of third-degree forgery, class-A misdemeanors; and

five counts of petty larceny, class-A misdemeanors. Darrah, a former manager at a Wilton car dealership,

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was arrested February 22 and is expected to return to the Wilton Town Court at a later date.

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WEEK IN REVIEW Contestant wins Saratoga Springs prize on the Price is Right

Locally Owned and Operated 5 Case St., Saratoga Springs,NY 12866 Phone: (518) 581-2480 Fax: (518) 581-2487 www.saratogapublishing.com

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Editorial Yael Goldman 581-2480 x 214 Newsroom Manager news@saratogapublishing.com

Daniel Schechtman 581-2480 x 203 Sports Editor

581-2480 x 203 reporter@saratogapublishing.com

Arthur Gonick 581-2480 x 206 Entertainment / Simply Saratoga Editor entertainment@saratogapublishing.com

Obits & Anne’s Corner Anne Proulx 581-2480 x 202 aproulx@saratogapublishing.com

Calendar & Briefs Kim Beatty 581-2480 x 215 kbeatty@saratogapublishing.com

Contributing Writers Marion E. Altieri thoroughbredwriter@yahoo.com

Meghan D. Lemery meghanlemery@yahoo.com

Suzanne Voigt sfmascv@nycap.rr.com

Jill Sweet jsweet@skidmore.edu

Kate Towne Sherwin sksherwin@hotmail.com

Kerry Mendez pyours@nycap.rr.com

A contestant on The Price is Right won a Travers Day VIP package after capturing the Showcase Showdown on Thursday’s episode of the iconic game show.

The woman, whose name tag said “Tatiana,” won the package that includes a trip to Saratoga Race Course for the 2011 Travers Stakes, a trip to Scotland, and a sailboat worth a combined value of $37,666.

“Tatiana” guessed that the actual retail price was $35,000 and won when her competitor underbid a separate prize package by more than $8,000.

“We look forward to welcoming the winner this summer and showcasing all that Saratoga Race Course and Travers Day have to offer,” said New York Racing Association President and CEO Charles Hayward. “We expect the winner will have an experience as memorable as the one thousands of other fans do each year at the track and the Travers. As a resident of Saratoga, it was quite a thrill for me to see the city featured on one of the most popular game shows in history.”

The Ultimate Travers Day VIP Experience package includes the following amenities: · A three-night stay at the luxurious Saratoga Arms hotel. · A complimentary breakfast table at the track on Travers Day to view the morning workouts. · A complimentary table in the Turf Terrace, Saratoga’s full-service restaurant located in the historic Clubhouse, from which to watch the races throughout the day.

· A VIP paddock tour, Travers merchandise, and the opportunity to present a trophy in the winner’s circle on Travers Day. The 142nd running of the Grade 1, $1 million Travers Stakes will be held on Saturday, August 27. The Travers is the oldest major stakes race in the country for 3-year-olds, dating back to 1864.

Saratoga Race Course will celebrate its 143rd season with opening day on Friday, July 22. The racing meet runs for 40 days through Monday, September 5 (Labor Day).

There is live racing daily except Tuesdays. For more information, visit www.nyra.com.

Capital Region Transmission Line wins approval The New York State Public Service Commission granted approval on Thursday, February 17 for the construction of a new 115kV electric transmission line from Spier Falls, Saratoga County, to Rotterdam, Schenectady County. The transmission line will be owned by National Grid.

Certificates of environmental compatibility and public need were granted to enable construction of an electric transmission line of approximately 33 miles between National Grid's Spier Falls substation, located next to Moreau State Park in Saratoga County, and its Rotterdam substation, located in Schenectady County, as well as reconstruction of a 4-mile spur line from the "Ballston Tap" to the Ballston Spa substation.

The new lines will be constructed

SARATOGA

Friday, February 25, 2011

TODAY

Saratoga springs father-son pair experience random act of Friendlyness

Photo provided.

Friendly's Albany District Manager Vince Salerno surprised a Saratoga Springs man and his five-year-old son, Lucas, with four tickets to The Lion King and a $50 dining gift card during the restaurant's "Random Acts of Friendlyness" tour.

The surprise giveaway took place on Saturday, February 19 at the Friendly's restaurant on Route 50 in Wilton, just days before the hit Broadway musical begins its four-week engagement at Proctors in Schenectady. Over the course of the past month, Friendly's has given away a dozen equivalent packages to The Lion King, each with a value of nearly $350. Friendly's recently invested nearly $2 million into its 17 Capital Region restaurants and introduced new breakfast, lunch and dinner, and ice cream menus. within existing rights-of-way owned in fee by National Grid. However, their placement along the edge of existing rights-of-way will require 20or 25-foot-wide "vegetation management easements," as well as "danger tree easements" of indeterminate widths, along virtually the entire length of the proposed new lines.

This project is the most immediate of a number of planned reinforcements that will address the current and long-range needs of National Grid's Northeast region. Failure to complete the project would leave the existing lines exposed to post-contingency thermal overloads, which could physically damage these facilities and cause interruption of electric service to tens of thousands of customers in the Northeast region.

National Grid will be required to mitigate the impact of the expanded vegetation management areas which

will ensure the safety and reliability of the transmission line on the neighboring communities. For the most part, it's expected that mitigation will take the form of compensation to the abutting landowners, a process outside the purview of the Commission. Further mitigation will take the form of replanting, where appropriate, to replace taller species with others that will be allowed to grow in the vegetation management areas.

Article VII of the Public Service Law requires the Commission to undertake a balancing of need, environmental impact and other considerations. In undertaking that balancing, the Commission indicated it is mindful of the opposition that has been expressed and concerns of abutting property owners. Many of their concerns are valid, and the Commission recognizes the impact of this project on their properties. However, in weighing the entire record in this proceeding, the Commission concluded that the project meets a significant need consistent with the long-range plans of National Grid and the New York Independent System Operator.

The Commission's decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section at www.dps.state.ny.us and entering Case Number 10-T-0080 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number." Commission orders may also be obtained from the Commission's Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 or (518) 474-2500.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, February 25, 2011

Maria Luigia D’Aquino Soave Saratoga Springs – Maria Luigia D’Aquino Soave of Union Street passed away Saturday, February 19, 2011 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 93.

Maria was born on September 25, 1917 in Santo Spirito, Italy. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She is survived by her seven children, Marta Presti and her husband Salvatore, Joseph Soave and his wife Sally, Filippo Soave and his wife Pasqua, Vito Soave and his wife Lynn, Damiano Soave and his wife Sandy, Teresa Soave and Louis Soave and his wife Donna; two sis-

ters and one brother who live in Italy, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

There were no calling hours.

Funeral services were private. Burial was in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Avenue in Saratoga Springs.

Memorials may be made in her memory to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street or the Saratoga Hospital Foundation, 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneral home.com.

Paul J. Ryan, Sr. Saratoga Springs – Paul J. Ryan, Sr., 69, of Saratoga Springs and Cape Coral Florida, died Saturday, February 19, 2011 at Saratoga Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mr. Ryan was born in Albany and was a graduate of Cardinal McClosky High School. Mr. Ryan attended Siena College on a NYS Regents scholarship that he won through a competitive exam application process and graduated with a degree in marketing. He was employed for many years as a Welfare Fraud Investigator with the State of New York, retiring in 2008 from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).

As a youth he was an avid hunter and fisherman who went on to serve in the U.S. Army, The National Guard, The Army Reserves and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the NY Guard. He also served many years as an EMT and member of the W. F. Bruen Rescue Squad in East Greenbush, NY, at times holding Table and Line officer positions. He was a proud member of the Saratoga Council 246 Knights of Columbus Third Degree and the SaratogaWilton B.P.O. Elks Lodge 161. More recently Mr. Ryan enjoyed becoming more involved with the Cape Coral community in Florida.

He was predeceased by his parents Charles J. Ryan and Mary E. Kennedy Ryan of Albany and Saratoga Springs, and siblings Sheila (Gary) Farmer of Chesapeake, VA, Joseph Ryan of Delmar, NY,

Thomas Ryan of Albany, infant Anne Christine Ryan and Sandra Ryan, sister-in-law of Damascus, MD. Mr. Ryan leaves behind his wife Mary T. Rafferty Ryan, and his children Paul (Nicole) Ryan, Jr. of Fort Ann, Patrick (Anne) Ryan of Wilton, Kathleen Ryan of Erie, PA, Kevin Ryan of Clifton Park, and Jennifer (Joseph) Gargano of Saratoga Springs, along with his eight grandchildren, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Thomas and Madeleine Ryan-Lorei, Allison and Amanda Ryan, and Julian and Dylan Gargano. Paul’s siblings include Charles A. Ryan (Billie) of Chesapeake, VA, Marilyn (John) Corbitt of Albany, Dennis (Gail) Ryan of Summerfield, FL, Eileen (Charles) Cronin of Albany, Lawrence Ryan of Damascus, MD, Michael Ryan of Delmar, Marybeth (Robert) Conrad of Loudonville and Stephen (Kelly) Ryan of East Greenbush, and his extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins within the Ryan and Adams families.

Relatives and friends gathered to remember him Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of Saratoga Springs.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Thursday. Feb. 24 in the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway by the Very Rev. Dominic S. Ingemie, pastor.

Burial with military honors followed at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Avenue in Saratoga Springs.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneral home.com.

OBITUARIES Ruth D. Parillo Saratoga Springs – Ruth D. Parillo entered into eternal rest on Saturday, February 19, with her loving family by her side, at Wesley Health Care Center after a long illness. She was born November 28, 1922 to Mary and Arthur Pearson in Hudson, NY. Ruth is predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her sister Mary McCagg.

She was a graduate of Saint Mary’s Academy in Hudson before her marriage to Joseph M. Parillo of Saratoga Springs, on April 26, 1942. Together they started the Parillo Sausage Company in 1951.

Ruth is survived by her children, Carol Parillo of Schuylerville, Marc Parillo and his wife Cheryle of Ballston Spa, and Mary-Jo Healey and her husband Patrick of Saratoga Springs; three granddaughters, Marisa Parillo Rahman and her husband Bernard, Sara Healey and

Stephanie Healey, a great-granddaughter Alexa Rahman, and many nieces and nephews.

A private service for the family was held at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes in Saratoga Springs. There were no calling hours.

Burial was in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Avenue in Saratoga Springs.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wesley Foundation, the National Alzheimer’s Foundation, the Parkinson’s Foundation, or a charity of choice.

The family wishes to sincerely thank the floor staff of 3 Springs for their devotion, care, and love given to Ruth.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneral home.com.

See more obituaries on next page.

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SARATOGA

Friday, February 25, 2011

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TODAY

Noel R. Gruben Saratoga Springs – Noel R. Gruben, 70, died on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at his residence in Saratoga Springs. Born in the Bronx, he was the son of the late Edward and Gertrude Gruben. Noel owned and operated Ramapo Auto Parts, a retail and wholesale distributor, in Mahwah, NJ, from 1977 to 2003. He also owned and operated RAP Warehouse Distributors, engine rebuilders, and Dream Cycles, a motorcycle dealership in Mahwah, NJ. Thereafter, he managed an investment portfolio as the managing member of NRG Group, LLC. He was a past governor of the Mahwah Chamber of Commerce, a founding member of the Mahwah Schools Foundation, on the Leadership Council for the Rockland County American Heart Association , and a mentor to an

international family, which gave him great pride. He loved learning and debating politics. He had a passion for motorcycles.

But his greatest success was spending time with his family. Noel is survived by his wife of 47 years, Ellen Gruben; his children and spouses, Michael and Jacqueline Gruben of New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Jill (Gruben) and Michael Rubinstein of Malta; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Melvyn and

Francis Gruben of Coto de Caza, CA, and Paul and Liane Gruben of Middletown, NY; his grandchildren, Adam, Maya and Ian Rubinstein; and his many cousins, nieces and nephews.

The funeral services will be held today, Friday, February 25, 2011 at noon at the Mendelssohn Chapel of Congregation Beth Emeth Cemetery, 58 Turner Lane, Loudonville, NY. A period of mourning will be observed at the home of Ellen Gruben in Saratoga Springs, beginning Saturday evening, February 26, 2011.

Contributions may be made in Noel R. Gruben’s memory to the Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or the American Heart Association at donateamericanheart.org.

It is the policy of Saratoga TODAY to publish obituaries as a service to our readers. Please send your obituaries to Anne Proulx at aproulx@saratogapublishing.com.

American Legion Ceremony Earl J. Manning American Legion Post 490 invites the community to attend a special ceremony honoring four chaplains who gave their lives in World War II. The event will take place on Sunday, February 27 at 1:30 pm at the Stillwater Community Center located at 19 Palmer Avenue.

Members of the American Legion post will honor the four United States Army chaplains who gave their lives to save soldiers during the sinking of the USAT Dorchester, which was “torpedoed by Nazis” during WWII. “They helped other soldiers board the lifeboats and gave up their own lifejackets when the supply ran out,” Post Historian Phil Kellaruso explained. “The chaplains joined arms and prayers, and sang hymns as they went down with the ship.”

Although none of the four are area natives, the chaplains (George L. Fox, Alexander D. Goode, Clark V. Polling, John P. Washington) will be honored as local heroes for their actions.

“There are lessons to be learned from their actions. They did something really special, and you can only imagine how many others did the same thing on the combat field to save a brother,” Kellaruso said, adding that a stained-glass window was installed in the Pentagon to memorialize them.

Two ministers, a catholic priest and a rabbi will participate in the ceremony, recognizing and representing each of the individual chaplains.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, call the Earl J. Manning American Legion Post 490 at (518) 664-8037.

Saratoga Springs Veteran receives achievement award At the Veterans of Foreign Wars District 3 Gold Chevron Awards Banquet held at the Holiday Inn of Saratoga Springs on Saturday, February 5, Judy Boyce, a United States Army veteran from Saratoga Springs was honored with the 2010 Veterans of Foreign Wars District 3 Outstanding Citizen Achievement Award.

Since leaving military service in 1971, Judy has taken an active role in support of women veterans by being at the forefront of a number of high profile events to raise funds for the establishment

of a women veteran’s transition home in Saratoga County.

Judy was singularly responsible for designing, funding and producing a distinctive pin as a symbol for the women veteran’s transition home, which is called "Guardian House." The first 500 pins sold out immediately, and another 350 of them were sold over the course of a year. This effort raised over $4,250 and pin sales continue being sold.

"Judy has a special place in her heart for women veterans and I am most appreciative for her hard work and partnership on the Guardian House Committee" said Saratoga Springs Supervisor Joanne Yepsen at the Award Banquet. “As a member of the Guardian House Committee, Judy was instrumental in the planning and sponsoring a number of events in support of this women veteran’s transition home.”

One such event was sponsored

by Gurtler Brothers VFW Post 420. Another was a music and raffle ‘fun fest’ hosted by the Italian American War Veterans Post 35 of Saratoga Springs.

Also, Judy helped to plan a com-

bined fund raiser/barbecue with local veteran groups and other non-profits at which New York’s First Lady Michelle Patterson was the honored guest. Over $20,000 was raised at this barbecue event alone.

The Guardian House is not the only endeavor in which Judy has been involved. She is a dedicated, hard-working volunteer who has planned and participated in a number of veteran-related fund raising programs.

Judy serves on the Shelters of Saratoga Board of Directors and has held two fund-raising events for the Estherville Animal

Shelter in Greenfield Center.

All of Judy’s endeavors, combined with a recently awarded $212,000 VA grant are helping to

ensure that the “Guardian House” women veteran’s transition home will be up and running before the end of 2011.

photo provided

(Above) Gene Ratigliano, Commander, Hudson Mohawk Counties Council presenting the District 3 Outstanding Citizen Achievement Award to Saratoga Springs Veteran Judy Boyce; (left) The award winning design.

SARATOGA

TODAY

OPINION

Friday, February 25, 2011

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letter to the editor February 21, 2011 To Saratoga TODAY: “Everyone wants a downtown Malta, don’t they?”

That was the rhetorical question posed by Malta’s planning consultant in the opening presentation to the Town Board on the proposed downtown Master Plan.

Everyone nodded yes as the consultant - filled with a sense of agreement - continued to explain a plan to “reset” the community vision so that downtown Malta would be a dense 1.8 mile long city of 3 and 4 story buildings built 20 feet from the street edge – very much like Saratoga Springs.

Buildout would result in a whopping 9,300,000 square feet of gross floor space, the equivalent of about 30 more Ellsworth Commons, (Ellsworth Commons is the 3 and 4 story apartment/retail complex currently being constructed across from Town Hall.)

Yes indeed, there is a community consensus for a downtown, but the grand urban vision of the planners is not even close to the desires of the residents. In e-mails, phone calls and conversations I have with people each day, residents report that they do not want

an urban downtown. They are particularly offended by the scale and density of Ellsworth Commons.

Surveys taken show only 6 percent of the residents want an urban area. The majority (76 percent) wants a hamlet-like downtown of 1 and 2 story buildings with sidewalks and green space in the front; yes, green space – nice tall trees that are in harmony and scale with existing buildings. The new 2 story Wilber Bank across the street from the Community Center is seen by the citizens as a nice model for Malta’s downtown future.

Questions on the financial implications, traffic, parking and the pedestrian safety related to cross the 5 lanes of Route 9 have not been answered. Yet the consultant’s report did offer a hint as to what is ahead; namely, hundreds of thousands of dollars in planning studies; redevelopment of our Town Hall (presumably we would tear down our current buildings and rebuild 4 story buildings of “mixed use” to match Ellsworth Commons across the street); bonding to build sidewalks to a width of 12 feet instead of the current width of 5 feet; converting Route 9 to an urban street and installing pedestrian activated traffic lights so that people could safely cross Route 9.

Not recognized in the consultant’s report are warnings from our fire departments that urbanization will force us from an all volunteer department to a costly paid department. Alarms and red lights should also be going off on the new costs for police and snow removal in an urban environment.

Who will pay for all of this?

Consultants answer this by proposing a business assessment

district for the downtown area. My guess is that businesses on a tight financial plan to make ends meet will have something to say about this proposal. More likely, Malta taxpayers will pay the bill.

On March 7 at 6:45 pm, the Town Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed Master Plan. Come, listen, ask questions and share with us your opinion on the proposed downtown plan. If

you can’t attend or feel uncomfortable speaking before large groups and “stuffed shirts,” call Town Board members for a oneon-one conversation. Their phone numbers are on our Town web site: www.malta-town.org.

Call me. I will listen.

Sincerely, Paul Sausville, Malta Supervisor

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SARATOGA

NEWS

Malta Town Councilwoman Tara Thomas to hold “Cabin Fever” fundraiser “This is a great opportunity for

neighbors to thaw out from a rough winter, enjoy great conversations with their neighbors, and network with members of our community.”

Friday, February 25, 2011

Malta Town Councilwoman Tara Thomas invites you to join her at a "Cabin Fever" fundraiser on Sunday, February 27 at Bentley's Tavern Downtown. The event will highlight Thomas’s accomplishments during her first term and provide an opportunity for questions and comments in a meet-and-greet style – all are welcome.

“I always knew I wanted to be a different type of elected official, engaging the community and working through issues in the open,” said Thomas. “It’s natural for me to host an effort to raise resources for my campaign at a great community establishment that is open to all residents.”

First elected in 2007, Thomas has been a driving force for positive change in the town. Some of her accomplishments include: reforming the town’s Downtown Master Plan; being a pivotal member of the team that facilitated bringing Global Foundries – and thousands of jobs – to Malta; as well as helping to secure $4 million in host community benefits.

Thomas founded the all new notfor-profit Malta League of Arts and is part of continued recreation/open space initiatives with the ongoing planning of the Round Lake Preserve and athletic fields. In addition, Thomas has worked closely with the Village of Round Lake on many key issues and has stood consistently with residents against a town tax.

“I am looking forward to a great time,” said Thomas. “With all the snow and cold weather we’ve had, I welcome the opportunity to get out of the house as I have a bit of cabin fever myself.”

The “Cabin Fever” fundraiser will

be held at Bentley’s Tavern Downtown, located in the Parade Ground Village from 4 to 6 pm. For more information, email: tarathomasformalta@gmail.com.

Frequent Fliers Can Help Make Children’s Wishes Come True “I wish to go to Hawaii.” “I wish to go to Great Britain.” “I wish to go to Walt Disney World Resort.”

These are just some of the destinations that children wish to go to through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is asking travelers across the country to contribute their frequent flier miles and help make wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses.

When Make-A-Wish volunteers ask a child what they wish for, very often the response begins with, “I wish to go somewhere.” In fact, over 50 percent of all wishes granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York have involved travel. Fortunately, most major airlines have created programs that allow members of their frequent traveler loyalty programs to donate their unused miles to charity. Such contributions have enabled the chapter to send hundreds of children and their families on the trip of a lifetime. However, with the number of wishes constantly rising, the need for frequent flier miles is greater than ever.

For a complete listing of participating airlines and detailed contribution procedures, visit the chapter’s web site at www.neny.wish.org and click on “Ways To Help.”

Canal Corporation teams up for April event; volunteers

TODAY

needed The New York State Canal Corporation, in partnership with Parks and Trails New York and the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, is seeking volunteers for the Sixth Annual "Canal Clean Sweep" scheduled for the weekend of April 15 through 17 in preparation for the 187th navigation season of the New York State Canal System and to mark Earth Day 2011.

The Canal Clean Sweep highlights the canal system as a major recreational and tourism destination in New York State by encouraging communities, businesses and notfor-profit organizations to engage in cleanup and beautification activities on Canal lands and along the Canalway Trail. Last year, more than 90 groups participated in the Canal Clean Sweep weekend.

The Canal Corporation, Parks and Trails New York and EFC are seeking the assistance of canal communities and partners to organize clean-up activities in Canal parks, along public promenades, and on the Canalway Trail. The Canal Corporation will provide large bags and trash pickup at each of the events. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves and supplies, and to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

For more information on the Sixth Annual Canal Clean Sweep, or to help coordinate an event in your community, please contact Wally Elton of Parks and Trails New York at (518) 434-1583 or email canalsweep@ptny.org. To register for events online, please visit Parks and Trails New York's website at www.ptny.org.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, February 25, 2011

Officer of the Year continued from Page 1 was named the 2010 Officer of the year in a Tuesday, February 22 ceremony at City Hall’s City Council room.

The award is chosen by the Lieutenants Police Benevolent Association, and Officer Ahigian was a unanimous choice. Officer Ahigian is assigned to patrol on the afternoon (3 to 11 pm) shift, and was nominated by Lt. Sean Briscoe. He was introduced at the ceremony by Lt. Greg Veitch, and was joined by Lt. Briscoe, Lt. Bob Jillson, Police Chief Christopher Cole and Commissioner of Public Safety Richard Wirth.

Officer Ahigian was not informed about the honor too far in advance. A call from Lt. Briscoe earlier Tuesday morning began the process. “He (Lt. Briscoe) just told me to come in early,” Officer Ahigian said. It was only upon arrival at the station that he learned about the award.

2010 was a year in which Officer Ahigian was credited with handling over 1,000 calls for service and he was one of the top performing offi-

cers in terms of arrests and citations issued. His thoroughness and proactive approach to his assigned investigations were lauded by his supervisor, Lt. Briscoe: “Officer Ahigian always shows great attention to detail.”

Officer Ahigian noted that his daily work might involve him in all kinds of investigations. “I enjoy the variety,” he said, “I’ll be enforcing vehicle traffic laws when a call comes in that could involve anything.”

In the course of answering these calls in 2010, Officer Ahigian was responsible for several high-profile arrests that certainly contributed to his award.

- On January 19, he arrested a suspect outside a Rite Aid pharmacy on West Avenue who had just delivered a note demanding drugs and threatening violence. The suspect did not obtain any drugs, but Officer Ahigian recovered the note and the suspect was charged with felony attempted robbery.

- On July 20, in response to a robbery in progress call at Saratoga

9 “…this is an award that everyone in this Department, which I am privileged to be part of, deserves. We all take the same risks, and we all have the best training to respond when the call comes.”

- Officer Justin Ahigian 2010 Saratoga Springs Officer of the Year

National Bank’s West Avenue branch, Officer Ahigian observed a suspect fleeing from the rear of the bank. He apprehended the suspect within fifty feet of the bank, and recovered all the money stolen in the robbery.

- On November 3, a routine traffic stop on South Broadway led to a major arrest when Officer Ahigian noticed suspicious behavior and nervousness from the vehicle’s occupants while conducting an interview.

This led to a search of the vehicle, during which Officer Ahigian located nine pounds of marijuana in the trunk. Officer Ahigian’s role in the discovery and arrest was singled out and noted by Public Safety Commissioner Wirth at the following City Council meeting on November 16.

Photo by MarkBolles.com

L to R: Lt. Greg Veitch, Lt. Sean Briscoe, Officer Justin Ahigian, Lt. Bob Jillson “The award is satisfying and I am honored,” Officer Ahigian said, “but this is an award that everyone in this Department, which I am privileged to be part of, deserves. We all take the same risks, and we all have the best training to respond when the call comes.”

Officer Ahigian was born in California. His family moved to the region (Greenwich) when he was in the first grade, and he went on to graduate from high school there. His family still resides in the area. After receiving an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Adirondack

Community College, he joined the Cambridge-Greenwich Police Department in 2005. “That Department gave me some good grounding and made me want to go further.”

After attending the Police Academy in 2006, he joined the Saratoga Springs Police Department in June of 2007. Officer Ahigian is the third of seven siblings and his older brother is a New York State Trooper. “I was actually hired before him, but he was always encouraging me to go to the Academy,” Officer Ahigian said.

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EDUCATION m o o r s s Corner a l C Friday, February 25, 2011

SARATOGA

TODAY

Ballston Spa student engineers win awards in model bridge competition

photo provided

Kailey Rothacker and Ryan Gifford show off their competitionwinning bridge designs

Ballston Spa High School pre-engineering students recently participated in the annual Model Bridge Competition.

The competition involved building a truss-type or arch-type model bridge out of balsa wood with the parts joined by carpenter's glue. Each model was judged on its aesthetics and weighed and loaded to failure by a testing machine. Model efficiency scores were computed based upon maximum load at failure divided by the weight of the model. Cash prizes were awarded for the first, second and third place scores in efficiency, load capacity and aesthetics.

Junior Ryan Gifford's bridge was awarded first place and a $150 cash prize in the Aesthetics Design portion of the competition. Kailey Rothacker, a sophomore, took second place in the Aesthetics Design portion of the competition and received a $100 cash prize.

Xavior "Sam" Mastrianni Scholarship applications available The Xavior "Sam" Mastrianni Committee recently released funds for scholarships to area residents in the mental health field. The Mastrianni Fund honors the memory of Saratoga Springs psychiatrist and resident, Dr. Sam Mastrianni, whose vision and leadership guided the expansion of mental health services in Saratoga County until his death in 1995.

Each year, multiple scholarships are awarded to residents within the Saratoga Springs region who are advancing their education or professional development in the field of mental health. Scholarship applicants can represent a broad range of experiences and backgrounds, but preference is given to individuals working in a community health setting.

Applications are available at the following locations: Four Winds Saratoga Human Resource Department, Saratoga County

Mental Health Clinic, Skidmore College's Office of the Dean of Studies and Saratoga Springs Transitional Services.

The deadline is April 13.

For further information or to receive a scholarship application, call Four Winds Hospital Human Resources Department at (518) 5843600, ext. 3294.

Local students win SkillsUSA competition, head for regional competition High school students attending the Washington-Saratoga-WarrenHamilton-Essex BOCES' F. Donald Myers Education Center in Saratoga Springs competed and placed in its annual local SkillsUSA competition.

During the local competition, held from February 16 to 18, students vied for top spots by demonstrating hands-on skills in their various career choices. The top winners from the Myers Center were: Action Skills: 1st Place: Joe Malatesta, Schuylerville, criminal justice studies; 2nd: Mason Hosier, Ballston Spa, culinary arts; 3rd: Charles Rivenburg, Stillwater, welding Extemporaneous Speech:

1st Place:Walter Hatz, Waterford/ Halfmoon, graphic arts; 2nd: Piper Lyons, Saratoga Springs, cosmetology; 3rd: Broderick Robarge, Corinth, heavy equipment Prepared Speech: 1st Place: Rebecca Strevy, Galway, horticulture; 2nd: Jacob Saltsman, Galway, graphic arts; 3rd: Shannon Wadsworth, South Glens Falls, criminal justice studies Job Interview: 1st Place: Tyler Couse, Schuylerville, welding; 2nd: Alek DeCrescenzo, Mechanicville, cosmetology; 3rd: Brie O'Keefe, Schuylerville, HVAC/R Job Skill Demonstration: 1st Place: Kayla Christman, Mechanicville, cosmetology; 2nd: Mike Marzello, Corinth, automotive technology; 3rd: Zack Olmo, Saratoga Springs, construction trades Promotional Bulletin Board: 1st Place: Emily Corbett, Mechanicville, and Karissa Kirk, South Glens Falls, cosmetology; 2nd: Jayson Teeling, Ballston Spa, and James McCambridge, Saratoga Springs, criminal justice studies; 3rd: Katie Mae Horn and Kathryn Frinton, Hadley/Luzerne, graphic arts Related Technical Math: 1st Place: Christopher Stanton, Saratoga Springs, horticulture; 2nd: Wesley Chmielewski, Hoosic Valley, information technology; 3rd: Zachary Gill, Saratoga Springs, information technology The winning students qualified to compete against six other BOCES in Regionals on Wednesday, March 16, at Schenectady County Community College and the Stratton Air National Guard Base where they will be judged by professionals in the industry. Regional winners will then go on to compete on the states in Syracuse and, perhaps, Nationals in Kansas City.

27th annual F. William Harder Endowed Lecture at Skidmore College J. Joel Quadracci, chairman, president and CEO of Quad/Graphics, will discuss "Transforming a Company in a Complicated World" when he delivers the 27th annual F. William Harder Endowed Lecture at Skidmore College on Wednesday, March 2.

The lecture is scheduled to begin at 5:15 pm in the Gannett Auditorium of Palamountain Hall.

The event is free and open to the public. A reception will follow the lecture.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, February 25, 2011

11

Summer Camp Directory This Week’s Spotlight YMCA Camp Chingachgook YMCA Camp Chingachgook, located on beautiful Lake George, has three camping options: overnight camp, day camp, and adventure trips. Summer sleepaway camp is the experience of a lifetime. The camp is divided into junior and senior boys' and girls' units; junior campers between the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13 to 15 years old. All Chingachgook counselors go through extensive training and preparation prior to the beginning of the first session.

Campers enjoy a full schedule of skill classes, which they can choose on their own, and special

events and programs: sailing, swimming, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing, nature, arts, outdoor living skills, theater, newspaper, riflery, archery, dance, guitar, outdoor cooking, sports zone, woodworking, softball, soccer, tennis, photography, high ropes, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Each camper's daily schedule includes four skill classes and cabin, unit, or all-camp activities.

Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook feature a three-day hike, where campers get out and experience the wilderness and overnight camping in small groups.

Chingachgook also offers a vari-

ety of adventure trips for teens and tweens looking to explore unique destinations and experience a whole new level of fun and challenges.

Trip length varies from 5 days to several weeks, and include backpacking, sailing, kayaking, boat building, rock climbing, canoeing, community service, white-water rafting, bicycle touring, and mountain biking. Adventure campers benefit from activities with smaller, coed groups of 10 or less.

Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun option for children 5 to 10 years old. Campers enjoy a full day of fun activities from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Day Camp program is

divided into eight one-week segments with the first session starting June 27.

Chingachgook, a branch of the Capital District YMCA, is offering tiered pricing this summer to help families provide their children the life-changing experience of living in a cooperative community, on a mountainside and lake shore, with kids who will become their life-long

friends. Spaces are limited at Chingachgook, so be sure to sign up as soon as possible! For more information, to sign up for a tour, or to register for camp, visit www.capital districtymca.com or call (518) 656-9462.

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ANNE’S CORNER

Anne’s

Mackenzie’s First Birthday!

Mackenzie Hosford turned one year old Wednesday! Wishing you the happiest of birthdays Mackenzie, and a wonderful year to follow, from Mom and Dad, Nana and Pop, Uncle Mike and Chelsea, Uncle Sam and Seth, and all of your relatives!

corner

FREE Rich earns third Dean’s List honor Johnny Rich of Saratoga Springs has been placed on the Dean’s High Honor List for the Fall 2010 semester at Sage College of Albany for the third consecutive semester. He is currently enrolled in the School of Management and will be graduating this May. He finished the semester with a 3.75 GPA, meeting the criteria of at least a 3.70 GPA and receiving no letter grade below a B. Rich is a Business Administration major and is a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School. He is the son of Patricia Rich of Saratoga Springs and John Rich, also of Saratoga Springs; he is the grandson of Mary and Robert Eckardt of Saratoga Springs and Evelyn Kolinoski of Malta. Mr. Rich is aggressively pursuing a career in Law Enforcement.

SARATOGA

Friday, February 25, 2011

Volunteerism pays off in more way than one

TODAY

the

Tooth fairy club

Take a look at this week’s new club member!

Two local teens advance to Eagle Scout On January 25, 2011, Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 was part of an Eagle Scout ceremony involving two Boy Scouts of Troop 55. The event took place at Galway High School.

During the ceremony, Robert Lounsbury, Exalted Ruler of the local Elks Lodge, presented framed National Elks Eagle Scout certificates with American flags to Eagle Scouts David Goldstein and Ray Bailey.

David Goldstein’s Eagle Scout project was building and installing five snowmobile signs for the Charlton snowmobile club. The signs were put up in the Galway and Charlton area and gave direction and information to snowmobilers using the 55 miles of trails.

Ray Bailey’s Eagle Scout project

was building six picnic tables for the Crossing Park in Colonie for public use. Four of the tables were 6 feet in length; the remaining two were 8 feet in length for easy accessibility for the handicapped. Supplies for both projects were donated by the local Curtis Lumber and Lowes stores.

Pictured here, left to right, are David Goldstein, Robert Lounsbury and Ray Bailey.

Chris Cook from Verizon FiOS and a member of Leadership Saratoga’s Class of 2011, presented a check to Bo Goliber of Franklin Community Center Friday, February 7. The donation is part of Verizon’s volunteer match program which gives employees $750 for every 50 hours of volunteer service they put in. Cook and his Leadership Saratoga team are working to enhance the efficiency of Franklin Community Center’s food pantry. This $750 will help pay for shelving to maximize the space inside FCC’s pantry at 10 Franklin Street.

Alyssa The tooth fairy club is sponsored by:

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

Friendly Sons of St. Patrick to hold annual dinner The Saratoga Springs chapter of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick will celebrate their 59th anniversary with a dinner on March 17, 2011.

The group is a fraternal organization that meets once each year on St. Patrick’s Day to honor the patron saint of Ireland and to raise money for local Catholic charitable organizations. Officers for 2011 are pictured here, from left (standing) Secretary Dr. Stephen R. Foley and Treasurer C. Michael Ingersoll; (seated) seated Vice President James Mitchell and President George Hathaway.

Many cities throughout the country have chapters of the society, locally including Albany and Troy.

One of the first chapters of the society was founded in postRevolutionary War New York City

by Irish American Daniel

McCormick, with the purpose to help the unusual number of impoverished and displaced Irishmen who had arrived in New York in the wake of the British evacuation. The first meeting of the New York City

chapter was in 1784 at Cape’s Tavern.

The Philadelphia Society of the Friendly Sons is believed to be the first chapter, and it was founded in 1771.

Don’t be left out! Send your hometown people news to Anne at aproulx@saratogapublishing.com!

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, February 25, 2011

13

Library offers programs for all continued from Page 1 “Personally, I think very few people are actually interested in the arts nowadays,” Biales said. “More and more of the arts are being cut – even sports are being cut now.”

Which is why programs such as these, held throughout the area’s public libraries, are becoming more and more crucial, especially while school districts continue to struggle with daunting budget deficits and potentially difficult program cuts.

For teens, the cartooning workshop is just one of many programs currently overseen by Trevor Oakley, the teen services librarian at Saratoga Springs Public Library.

Along with special programming, such as Biales’ cartooning workshop, teens can meet at the library every Thursday for programs such as the Anime Club, the Rebel Book Club, a Video Game Design Lab or the Teen Advisory Group meeting.

“The Teen Advisory Group is kind of like my think-tank,” Oakley said, who believes in a hands-on approach to developing interesting curriculum for teens. “I shoot my ideas at them, or I ask them for their ideas on event planning – things I should buy for the library’s collection like comics and graphic novels, books, music, movies, or even our video game collection here, which they’re really active about suggesting titles for.”

Each of Oakley’s programs is designed to be interesting and exciting for teens; a constructive social outlet providing a bit of structure that Oakley hopes will feel less like added homework and more like hanging out with close friends, sharing a common interest.

“Looking around town, I think of when I was growing up,” Oakley said. “It’s hard to find things that are both social and have a little bit of structure – something that’s not just hanging out in your friend’s basement. More than anything else, I believe that programs for teens are more about giving them a constructive social outlet than it is about enrichment or complementing what they’re doing in school.”

The library’s programming isn’t exclusive to just the teen demographic, however.

Jennifer Ogrodowski oversees a robust children’s program at the library as the head of the youth services department, which hosted three showings of Rudyard Kipling’s “The Elephant Child” by popular local performers,

photo by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga Today

Nick Cavotta and Jack Wartmann work on their drawings during the Cartooning Workshop. the Puppet People.

“The Puppet People have been performing at the library since before I started working here, which was a couple of years ago,” Ogrodowski said. “Every year at Christmas they perform the Christmas Carol, and we invite them back for other performances throughout the year and during school breaks.”

Ogrodowski also helps to run the after school program for children K5 at the library, including Story Time Science, after school Spanish lessons, poster making sessions, and a dancing program.

New to the library this March will be the band StarFish, a five-piece family-friendly band with a bit of a unique twist.

“It’s basically classic rock music with children and family friendly lyrics, so we’re hoping it will be fun for kids and their families, ages four and up,” Ogrodowski said, who indicated that the band will be performing free of charge at the library on March 6.

For adults, the library offers a wide array of different programs and courses. Over the next few weeks, the VITA Tax Program is front and center, offering free tax help on Saturday on Sunday afternoons as residents beginning to file their tax forms.

Other workshops include learning how to manage and operate digital pictures and cameras, constructing homemade movies with Windows Movie Maker, and tips on selling items on eBay for beginners. And that’s all just within the next couple of weeks.

“We’re really lucky here in Saratoga Springs,” Ogrodowski said. “I value that this community is so supportive of this kind of programming, especially for children and youths. Without their support, I think it would be very difficult to offer the types of programs and services we’re allowed to do here.”

For more information on programs and scheduling at the Saratoga Springs Public Library,

Former Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau President Joins NYU as Adjunct Professor Gavin Landry, long-term President of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau from 1995 - 2007, has been asked to join the NYU faculty as an adjunct professor of the Preston Robert Tisch School for Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Management. He is instructing a graduate level course in Tourism Policy Analysis.

"I am having the students view the topic through the lens of New York State tourism, NYC as a Case Study and Brooklyn as an emerging market. We are also doing various case studies on emerging markets overseas and country

branding."

Gavin lives in Brooklyn, NY and is principal of a hospitality services company he founded in 2008, aptly named Landry Hospitality Consulting Services, L.L.C. Gavin's company specializes in optimizing revenues for hotel developers and existing hotels. He was a NYSHTA 2007 Tourism Executive of the Year Finalist and also served as Senior Vice - President of the New York Racing Association. In his role with NYRA, he was credited for creating strategic relationships with various private sector firms which conveyed over $9 million in sponsorships for NYRA.

photo by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga Today

The Puppet People perform “The Elephant Child.” please visit their events calendar, which can be reached through their main webpage at www.sspl.org.

Saratoga Springs isn’t the only library in the area to offer programs

such as these, of course. To learn more about a library near you, please visit http://directory.sals.edu/ to find your local library and a listing of their events and schedules.

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SARATOGA

BUSINESS

Friday, February 25, 2011

TODAY

An eye-opening experience at Vaughn Vision

by Yael Goldman Saratoga TODAY Fortunately, this story has a happy ending.

A few weekends ago, I made a horrible decision in an attempt to be "responsible" with my reading glasses.

These weren't just any glasses.

They were black, thick-framed Fendis, perfectly crafted with the signature flashy "F" encrusted in crystal along both sides. A gift from my father my sophomore year of college, this exceptional pair of spectacles commemorated my good grades with style - and I LOVED them. It's also important to note that, as a writer, I need them.

This story begins on Saturday morning, February 12 on Lake George, where my boyfriend, B, and I were gearing-up to go ice fishing.

Prepared for a full day of reading (and shivering in the cold), I packed my book and reading glasses.

While zipping up my last layer, I was struck by a vision of my glasses inexplicably sliding off of my face and into the frozen abyss.

Confusing irrationality with premonition, I removed the case at the last minute and placed it in a recycled shopping bag, quietly patting myself on the back for taking such exceptional care of my designer frames.

The day was an action-packed success. It seemed like every five minutes another tip-up was going off. We caught four fish, including a 25-inch Northern Pike, and, needless to say, my book was never removed from its zip-lock seal.

All of our gear intact and fish in tow, I had no reason to worry or even consider my prized glasses the one object I always took extra care with.

The next day, when B was packing up after a round-two solo excursion on the ice, he made the unusual decision to clean out his car AND take out the trash (this is actually the most shocking part of my story).

Likely just as proud of himself then as I was contemptuous the day before, he failed to notice the oblong eyeglass case turned casket resting in the corner of my shopping bag the bag he conveniently turned into a dumpster.

Moments later, my precious spectacles were gone.

I didn't even realize he'd thrown them away until Monday evening,

Valentine's Day. Long story short, we spent the second half of our date picking through garbage.

I couldn't be mad at him, after all he is the most handsome boy in Saratoga. But a full week of work ensued - each hour punctuated with headaches, blurred vision and complaints. I needed to stop mourning and get new glasses.

I was in luck! Vaughn Vision, a new family eye care practice, recently opened at 170 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs and I was to write a business story. Why not kill two birds with one stone?

I stopped in to meet with Dr. Chad A. Vaughn, who gave me the tour of his modern, yet welcoming, facility, as I admired the state-of-the-art equipment and atmosphere -including a telling exam poster with the repeating phrase "Do what you love to do" shrinking from top to bottom.

In our discussion, it became immediately clear that for Dr. Vaughn, optometry is medicine, not business.

The Saratoga Springs resident is ecstatic about now running his own practice because he can control the quality and service of care, focusing on his patient's overall health which is of the utmost importance.

He was shocked to hear I'd gone so long without an eye exam, and explained why an annual visit, every other year at most, is so important.

"The eyes are your most precious sense. Vision is more than 80 percent of how we learn," he said.

"Like windows to your body, they tell you a lot about your health."

As a family practitioner, a good portion of Dr. Vaughn's treatment plan involves educating patients and parents, and I certainly got my money's worth.

"Only one-seventh of pre-kindergarten children have received an eye exam before entering school, even though one-fourth of children this age have eye problems," he told me.

"Children don't really know their vision is blurry, because they don't know what clear is. But vision is such an important aspect of learning, especially at that age."

The benefit of working with a community-based, private practice is the ability to establish a personal, trusting relationship with your optometrist. I wasn't rushed in and out of my exam, and it was quite obvious that Dr. Vaughn considered my health his priority.

Photo provided

Dr. Chad A. Vaughn recently opened Vaughn Vision, a family eye care practice on South Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

Dr. Vaughn explained that regular check-ups are preventative, just like an annual physical, and are invaluable in monitoring the health of your eyes.

We moved into the first of two exam rooms where three high-tech machines assessed my vision, including a retinol camera that Dr. Vaughn used to take a picture of the back of my eyes.

After part two of my comprehensive exam, which doubled as a crash-course in visual health, Dr. Vaughn led me to the front of his office where Kate Root, his experienced optician, helped me choose my frames.

I must also note that thanks to his paperless operation, my transition from medical assessment to fashion evaluation was entirely seamless.

Root, who spent the past five years working for a practice in Clifton Park, was outwardly thrilled to be a part of Dr. Vaughn's team in Saratoga Springs. She was meticulous and informative.

"It's not just about finding the right look," she explained. "Your prescription and lifestyle will determine what lens is best, and help you choose a style that's practical and desirable."

She helped me try on nearly every

frame in stock (I can be difficult).

With several designer and highquality value brands to choose from, I had a handful of favorable options.

But one pair caught my eye.

Although a little overwhelming for my petite face, I fell in love with red, thick-framed Gucci spectacles that kicked my worn-down Fendis' butt.

I may have lost my glasses and spent more time picking through garbage than I'd like to admit, but at the end of my blurry, headachy week it turned out to be a positive, educational experience.

1.) Thanks to Dr. Vaughn, I now have a local optometrist, so I'll be sure to stay on top of my yearly check-ups. 2.) I learned my lesson and picked out a neon-color container for my new glasses, just in case B gets the cleaning bug again.

One last thing: Vaughn Vision accepts a number of insurances, including CDPHP, MVP, BlueShield, Empire Plan, Medicare, and two vision plans (Eye Med and VSP), so there's really no excuse for waiting as long as I did to get your eyes checked out.

For more information about Vaughn Vision, stop into the 170 South Broadway office or call (518) 306-5290.

SARATOGA

TODAY

BUSINESS

Friday, February 25, 2011

Saratoga Casino and Raceway welcomes new Marketing Media Specialist

Local Business News:

Crystal Beauchemin joined Saratoga Casino and Raceway as the Marketing Media Specialist last week, replacing Casey Weakley.

In her new role, Beauchemin is responsible for copywriting all marketing materials and assisting with coordination and implementation of advertising strategies. She will act as company liaison for the press.

She graduated from the University at Albany in May 2009 with a degree in journalism and a minor in marketing.

Prior to joining Saratoga Casino and Raceway, Beauchemin interned with the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District, worked for Hart Agency, a marketing company specializing in promotions and branding strategies for Southern Wine and Spirits. She also has experience working in the non-profit sector, planning special events and coordinating development and communications.

Beauchemin grew up in the Capital Region and worked as a promotional model for six years. She currently resides in Brunswick with her fiancé.

Roohan Realty to honor eight associates

Barre Strength moves to High Rock Sports and Fitness Saratoga Springs core-strength workout program, Barre Strength, has moved from 468 Broadway to the new High Rock Sports and Fitness facility located at 165 High Rock Avenue.

Barre Strength owner Connie Crane announces the move nearly one year after introducing the distinctive, nationally-recognized workout to Saratoga Springs. Crane cites parking as one of her reasons for relocating off-Broadway.

"I loved Broadway but there was always an issue with parking, especially for people who wanted to get in and make classes on time," she explained.

"Moving Barre Strength to High Rock and into a whole world of dedicated fitness people was just the perfect combination; it has everything: spinning classes, Pilates, yoga, and I have my own studio on the second floor."

Classes are not scheduled to continue until mid-March, when Connie and her specially-trained instructors are settled into their new studio.

"This is a really exciting move for me," Crane said, commenting on how High Rock Sports and

Fitness was the perfect location for her increasingly popular workout program. "I wouldn't have just chosen anywhere to go."

For more information about Barre Strength, visit www.barrestrengthny.com or call High Rock Sports and Fitness at (518) 584-5005.

The Capital Region Women's Council of Realtors will be honoring the area's top Realtors at the 11th Annual "Breakfast of Champions" awards ceremony being held on March 10 at the Holiday Inn in Colonie.

Roohan Realty is proud to have eight real estate professionals being recognized as top producers for their excellence in sales volume in excess of three million each for the year 2010. These agents combined for over $51.5 million in sales last year. Congratulations to Julie Bonacio, Meg Minehan, Valerie Thompson, Gail Macaioni, Bill Walker, Palma Pedrick, Chris Benton and Carole Tarantino.

Roohan Realty has been serving the community's residential and commercial property needs since 1969 and is celebrating its 42nd anniversary. Conveniently located at 519 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, Roohan Realty is the largest locally based and familyowned real estate company in the area with over 50 professionally licensed agents. For further information, call (518)587-4500 or visit their website at www.roohan realty.com.

Portfolio PR Group chosen to represent local techcompany, launches new website Apprenda, the multi-million dollar Clifton Park-based tech company that created SaaSGrid, has chosen Portfolio PR Group as its

agency of record. SaaSGrid is the industry's leading application server for Software-as-a-Service. Porfolio PR Group is a technology consulting practice run by Clifton Park native and one of PR News Magazines "Top 15 PR Professionals to Watch," Nicole Messier.

The Saratoga Springs PR group began working with the venture capital-backed tech company early last year, and has provided council to and executed Apprenda's public and media relations campaigns. As Apprenda's agency of record, Portfolio PR Group will now manage the company's public relations, social media, press and analyst relations as well as product and communication strategies.

Portfolio PR Group also announced the launch of its new website on Monday, February 21. For more information, visit www.portfolioprgroup.com.

2010 was steady year for Stewart’s Shops Stewart’s Shops announced this week that it has continued steady growth in 2010, with sales once again topping the billion dollar mark. The company also opened two new shop locations last year.

“We believe this is the result of the personality our partners bring to our shops, and the value we provide for our customers from having our own warehouse, plant and distribution sys-

15

tem.,” said Stewart’s Shops President Gary Dake. “We have seen an increase in sales from “grazing” with people eating smaller, more frequent meals.”

The company made a $10 million contribution to the company’s ‘Sharing Profit Plan.’

“Giving our 4,000 employees flexibility and, those who qualify, profit sharing motivates them to give great customer service.” Dake said. Stewart’s will continue to hire in 2011.

In addition, Stewart’s Holiday Match had a record-setting year, with customers donating $640,000.

“We have been fortunate to have continued to grow in these difficult times.” said Dake. “thanks to our partners and our commitment to being “closer to you.”

Racing Restaurants of America to operate second Saratoga venue The investment group that bought Siro's last summer has finalized plans to run a second Saratoga Springs restaurant.

Racing Restaurants of America, which includes a mix of top celebrities and thoroughbred industry figures, will be operating The Lodge, a finedining restaurant located on Nelson Avenue, under the name "Siro's Trattoria." The new name is part of a branding-scheme, which includes plans to open a third Siro's in Manhattan. The New York City location has not yet been named.

SARATOGA

TODAY

RELIGION

Friday, February 25, 2011 St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 149 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-0904.

Services: Saturday evening at 5 p.m. with Holy Communion. Sundays at 8:30 and 11 a.m. with Holy Communion.

St. Peter Lutheran Church 2776 Route 9, Malta Contact: 583-4153 Services: Sunday mornings 8:30 and 10:30.

St. Thomas of Canterbury 242 Grooms Road, Halfmoon Contact: st-thomas-ofcanterbury.org Service: Sunday at 10am

Saratoga Abundant Life Church Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

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

Handicapped accessible.

Contact: 584-6122.

Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8, 9:30, 11:15 a.m. and 5 p.m.

St. George's Episcopal Church 912 Route 146, Clifton Park Contact: 371-6351; stgeorge@csdsl.net Services: Saturday at 4:30pm, Sunday at 8 & 9:30am

River of Hope Fellowship St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church 100 Saratoga Village Blvd.

Malta Commons, Suite 3 Malta, NY 12020 Contact: 881-1505; www.riverofhopefellowship.co m Services: Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-2375.

Services: Eucharistic Celebrations: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m.

St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs

3159 Route 9N, Greenfield Center Contact: (518) 893-7680; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com; www.rcda.org/churches/ St.JosephsChurch Services: Saturday 4:00 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church 771 Route 29, Rock City Falls Contact: (518) 893-7680; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com; www.rcda.org/churches/ St.JosephsChurch Services: Sunday Mass 8:30 a.m.

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

Saratoga Chabad 130 Circular St., Saratoga Springs Contact: 526-0773; saratora@aol.com www.saratogachabad.com

Saratoga Friends Meeting (Quaker) Corner of Routes 32 and 71, Quaker Springs Contact: 587-7477; 399-5013.

Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Saratoga Independent Church New Location: Knights of Colombus Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs Contact: 306-4652; Edgeministry1@yahoo.com.

Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

Food Pantry Tuesday 9-11 @ KoC

Saratoga United Methodist Church Henning Road at Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-3720;

www.saratogaumc.com.

Services: Sunday 9 and 10:45 a.m. Handicapped accessible.

Shenendehowa United Methodist 971 Route 146, Clifton Park Contact: 371-7964.

Services: Sunday 7:45, 9 and 10:45 a.m.; Acts II Contempory 10:45 a.m.

Simpson United Methodist Church Rock City Road, Rock City Falls Contact: 885-4794.

Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

Soul Saving Station for Every Nation Christ Crusaders of America 62 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-3122 Services: Sunday 10am & 6:30 pm

Temple Sinai 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-8730.

Services: Friday 8 p.m.

Handicapped accessible

Trinity United Methodist Church Rev. Gail Falsetti-Pastor 155 Ballard Rd., Gansevoort

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Contact: 584-9107; www.tumcwilton.com Service: Sunday 10:00 a.m.

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

Unity Church in Albany 21 King Avenue, Albany Contact: (518) 453-3603: Services: Sunday, 9 am and 11 am

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

Wilton Baptist Church 755 Saratoga Rd, Wilton Contact: 518-583-2736; wiltonbaptist@gmail.com; www.wiltonbaptistchurch.com Services: Sunday Service 11 a.m.

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SARATOGA

RELIGION

Places of Worship Please contact Robin Mitchell for any copy changes: 581-2480 x 208 rmitchell@saratogapublishing.com

Adirondack Christian Fellowship 8 Mountain Ledge, Wilton Contact: (518) 587-0623; www.acfsaratoga.com Services: Sunday 8AM & 10 AM

The Alliance Church 257 Rowland St., Ballston Spa Contact: 885-6524.

Services: Morning worship 10:30

Assembly of God Faith Chapel Rev. Jason Proctor 6 Burgoyne St., Schuylerville Contact: 695-6069 Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

Baha’i Community of Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-9679; 692-7694; www.usbnc.org.

Ballston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 58 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa Contact: 885-7312; www.ballstoncenter arpchurch.org Services: Sunday Worship service, 10:30am.

Ballston Spa United Methodist Church 101 Milton Ave.

Contact: 885-6886.

Services: Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Bethesda Episcopal Church 41 Washington St., Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-5980.

Services: Sunday, 6:30, 8, 10 a.m.

Church of Christ at Clifton Park 7 Old Route 146, Clifton Park Contact: 371-6611, www.cliftonparkchurch ofchrist.com Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

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

Services: Sundays 9:15 & 11 a.m.

Christ Episcopal Church Corner of Routes 50 and 67, Ballston Spa Contact: 885-1031.

Services: Sunday 8, 10 a.m.

Congregation Shaara Tfille 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-2370.

Services: Saturday 9:00 a.m.; 3rd Friday 7:30 pm.

Handicapped Accessible

Corinth Free Methodist Church 8 Mountain Ledge, Wilton Contact: (518) 587-0623;

Friday, February 25, 2011

TODAY

www.acfsaratoga.com Services: Sunday 8AM & 10 AM

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

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

Services: Sunday: 9:15 a.m.

First Baptist Church 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-6301.

Services: Sunday: 11:00 a.m.

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

First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa 22 West High Street Ballston Spa, NY Contact: 885-5583 Services: Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Grace Brethren Church Rev. Dan Pierce 137 W. Milton Road, Ballston Spa Contact: 587- 0649

Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

Greater Grace Community Church Pastor David Moore 43 Round Lake Rd. Ballston Lake (Malta Mall) Contact: 899-7777; www.ggcc-malta.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Highway Tabernacle Church 90 River Road, Mechanicville Contact: 664- 4442.

Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Hope Church 206 Greenfield Avenue, Ballston Spa Contact: 885-7442.

Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Jonesville United Methodist 963 Main St., Clifton Park Contact: 877-7332.

Services: Sunday 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a..m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Living Springs Community Church 59 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs Contact: 584- 9112.

Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Living Waters Church of God 4330 State Rt. 50, Saratoga Springs Contact: 587-0484; www.livingwaterscog.us Services: Sundays 10 a.m.

Malta Presbyterian Church

Dunning Street, Malta Contact: 899-5992.

Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Malta Ridge United Methodist Church 729 Malta Avenue Ext., Malta Contact: 581-0210.

Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Middle Grove United Methodist Church Pastor Bonnie Bates 429 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove Contact: 518-581-2973 Services: Sunday 9:00 a.m.

Handicapped accessible

New Horizon Church 150 Perry Road, Saratoga Springs Contact: 587-0711.

Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

NorthStar Church Shenendehowa High School, West Auditorium, Clifton Park Contact: 371-2811; www.northstarchurch.com.

Services: Sunday: 10 a.m.

Old Saratoga Reformed Church 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville Contact: www.oldsaratogareformedchurch.org Services: Sunday at 10:30am.

Handicapped accessable.

PresbyterianNE Congregational Church 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-6091; www.pnecc.org

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Friday, February 25, 2011

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Jenny Middlebrook inspires community continued from Page 1 recently moved into an independent apartment with her roommate.

As head maintenance person at the BACC, where she is a loyal employee and friendly face, Jenny holds herself to a uniquely high standard. She works diligently and passionately, never misses a day and has to be convinced to stay home in bad weather.

She has an important job that she is very proud of, and it shows.

“It keeps me happy,” Jenny said, smiling ear-to-ear.

Jenny’s charisma and seemingly infinite happiness is a mood-lifter and day-brightener for children, parents and staff. She is known for her “incredible memory,” specifically her ability to recall every name and face to walk through the BACC doors.

“Jenny is very unique in that she makes all the children and parents feel important,” said Kathi Leigh, the Executive Director of the BACC who has supervised Jenny since hiring her in 2004.

“She’s always very aspiring, especially when she was losing all the weight and nobody else here was,” said Leigh, explaining how Jenny establishes a goal and sticks to it. “She is still very diligent with her lunches, and she still walks to the post office or somewhere on her lunch break.”

While the BACC certainly bene-

fits from its end of the deal, Jenny asserts the important role that her job has played in her life and growth.

“I’ve been struggling,” she said, looking back to her more youthful experiences. “This job helps me keep focused; it’s stable.”

The goal of the employment placement program is to give individuals the tools they need to be successful in the work place, which makes finding the right fit for both the employer and employee a top priority.

“I think that it goes without saying that when the employer is happy and the employee is happy, it’s the perfect match,” said Pamela Polacsek, Saratoga Bridges communications specialist, referencing Jenny as an ideal match. “Our individuals are very loyal, dedicated employees. Once they are placed in a job, they’ll be there indefinitely.”

Jenny has proven to herself that she can work and earn her own money, which prepared her for living in an apartment. Moving out of family care and into her own place is a significant accomplishment; it’s been Jenny’s long-term goal.

“I’ve wanted this for so many years. My fingers were crossed,” Jenny said.

Now that she’s moved in, decorations and all, Jenny said she feels “fantastic,” and that the apartment really feels like her own place.

It seems a part of her excitement

HELPING HANDS Organization

Angel Names Association Mission The Angel Names Association is a nonprofit, 501(C)(3), charitable organization dedicated to assisting families of stillborn children through programs designed to provide financial assistance for end-of-life expenses and counseling services, and funding for stillbirth research. More than 26,000 babies are stillborn each year. Recognition and acknowledgment of a stillborn baby’s life is essential. The baby’s existence, however short, touches the lives of all who knew he or she existed and all who learn of his or her death.

How to Help 100 percent of all donations are used to fund ANA programs. ANA is made up entirely of volunteers with no paid staff, so your donation goes directly to the programs. Because we assist families in end-of-life expenses and counseling services, our needs are mainly monetary and any size donation is appreciated. If this is not possible for you right now, you can also help by donating items (i.e. new, single-use cameras, handmade baby blankets, etc.) to the Memory Box Project, helping with special events such as the Memorial Walk or Still Parents Luncheon and spreading the word about ANA's mission. Please visit our website for more information on all our programs.

Contact You may visit our website at angelnames.org for more information on our programs and to donate.

Photo by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga Today

Jenny is head of maintenance at the BACC. is linked to the new goals she’s had to establish from living independently: “One goal leads to another,” she said.

Like any young adult gaining this independence, she takes on new responsibilities, such as laundry, cooking and cleaning, which she’s excited to tackle by herself.

And as Jenny continues to grow, set new goals and surpass them by leaps and bounds, so do many other individuals in similar shoes.

“It proves that if people are

Pepe is an adorable 8 month old male tiger kitty with a magnificent thick tail. He is a pretty mellow boy who was found and hand-raised from a very young age.

Sadly, his rescuer/owner became ill and can no longer care for him.

Please call H.O.P.E. for more information on adoption, 518.428.2994 and visit our website for additional pets looking for homes at www.hopeanimalrescue.org

given the tools and opportunities, and some support by our agency, they can succeed; their abilities know no limits,” Polacsek said.

Success stories like Jenny’s are more than material for a heartwarming piece. They are the reason why Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a positive celebration of those who have reached their goals and the many individuals who will be able to thanks to supportive programs like those offered through Saratoga Bridges.

TODAY

SaratogaArtsFest offers admission discounts SaratogaArtsFest is gearing up for its fifth annual citywide celebration of the arts, June 9-12, and as an early-bird incentive for arts enthusiasts of all types, festival organizers are offering a discount for the adult ARTSPASS through March 31. At the same time, festival passes for youth, ages 5-17, and military personnel can be reserved free of charge.

The ARTSPASS for adults and seniors is being sold online a discount of $5, resulting in a price of $30. An ARTSPASS not only provides admission to the full range of events and cultural activities during the multifaceted arts showcase in June (including discounts at Saratoga Springs restaurants and shops during the festival), but also offers various yearround discounts at area arts organizations.

To purchase an adult ARTSPASS or to reserve a free youth or military pass, visit SaratogaArtsFest.org.

"We've always offered free admission to children under five and will continue to do so. This incentive is about making access to the arts as affordable as possible to as many people as possible," said Mary Ellen O'Loughlin, executive director of SaratogaArtsFest. "Families and young people can take advantage of this incentive to explore some or all of the varied offerings of the festival, including programming specifically for young families."

O'Loughlin added, "The free pass also enables us to extend special thanks to those who serve our country in the armed forces."

Beginning April 1, military passes for the festival weekend will cost $15 and youth passes will cost $5. Students age 18 and older can purchase a pass at any time for $20.

SaratogaArtsFest 2011 will offer a wide variety of arts experiences, including music, dance, visual art, film, theatre, and literary art. The festival is designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences, from the arts aficionado to the casual arts consumer to families with young children.

More information about the festival, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, is available at www.SaratogaArtsFest.org.

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TODAY

Friday, February 25, 2011

19

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Tips for restoring your property this spring Restoring a yard after a long winter is a springtime rite of passage for many homeowners. Harsh winds and heavy snow can take their toll on even the most beautiful landscape.

Spring is a homeowner's first chance to survey the damage and begin restoring the yard to where it was before all those strong winds and snowstorms.

According to Fran Murphy, owner of West Glenville Landscaping, early spring is an excellent time to do property assessment and planning, and prune any fruiting non-deciduous trees.

To get started on your yard this spring, consider the following tips. * Don't begin too early. The early bird might get the worm, but the early homeowner might get a damaged lawn. If temperatures for an upcoming free weekend are unseasonably warm, it's best to avoid doing spring yard cleanup until there have been several warm weekends to thaw the ground. Unless the ground has completely thawed, footsteps on the yard can be damaging, compacting the soil and preventing air and moisture from doing its job and penetrating the soil.

Moreover, if the yard is raked before the ground has thawed, the rake might just be pulling the grass out by its roots.

If you're insistent on beginning your yard work, Murphy recommends staying clear of any spots that collect water.

"You can get out and do some work on areas that are very sandy and don't hold moisture, but stay away from spots where your water table is going to be a little higher and harder to work on without doing injurious deeds," he said. * Survey the property. A close survey of the property will give homeowners an idea of just how big or small their restoration project will be.

A thorough survey will reveal any problem areas and may also reveal some unexpected guests. Rabbits and

squirrels often nest in yards during the winter. Rabbits will nest in the ground, while squirrels typically build nests made of leaves in the trees. Unless it's entirely necessary, avoid removing any nests, and be sure to carefully inspect the yard before the season's first mow. *Analyze your soil. Early spring is also a good time to do soil analysis "as soon as things are dry and earnest," Murphy said.

By conducting a soil analysis, you'll be able to determine the pH of the soil and establish a plan for liming. There are two types of lime, granular and hydrolyzed. Murphy recommends the former, as it stays in the soil for a longer period of time.

"It will take a while for the pH to change because it has to leech into the soil," Murphy explained. "But when you lime your lawn, your soil allows for better absorption of nutrients into the root."

He said that in a "perfect world," the pH would be around 7. * Out with the old. When the cleanup process is ready to begin, it's time to remove remnants from last season. This includes removing any dead plants as well as last year's mulch. If new mulch is simply thrown on top of old, plants could suffocate.

Dead leaves also tend to gather during the winter, often up against fences or a home's exterior walls.

Rake up these dead leaves and add them to the season's compost. * Get rid of thatch. Thatch can be soil's worst enemy, preventing its access to the sunlight, air and moisture it needs to make the lawn look beautiful and healthy. Thatch removal can be tiresome, but visit the local hardware store and pick up a dethatching rake to make the job a little easier. Thatch removal isn't always necessary every spring. Many homeowners have found removing thatch every other year is effective enough.

"If your lawn is dry, then get out

there and remove the thatch," Murphy said. * Aerate the yard to revive the soil.

Soil often becomes compacted as spring becomes summer and summer becomes fall. This is especially true of yards that are heavily used, be it by kids playing outdoors or families who love to host warm weather gatherings in the yard.

Aerating in the spring removes plugs of sod from the soil, loosening it up and making it easier for air and water to reach the roots. * Address those ugly bald spots. Bare spots in a yard can result from any number of things, be it a dog urinating in the yard or even disease. Early spring, when temperatures are a little cooler and promote grass growth, is a great time to address the yard's bald spots. Do so by clearing away the spots and sprinkling the freshly exposed soil with some grass seed. Then add some fertilizer and be sure the newly seeded areas get some water until the new, healthy grass begins to grow in.

-Compiled by Yael Goldman, provided by Metro

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Friday, February 25, 2011

TODAY

Budget-friendly paint projects Given the sluggish economy, now is not the time most of us want to spring for a costly remodeling project. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money to spruce up your home with paint.

The nation’s number one do-ityourself project holds that title for a reason (two reasons, actually): painting is easy and it’s inexpensive, making it just right for budgetminded consumers.

What’s more, even small paint projects can greatly enhance the appearance of your home.

Meredith McClain, who attended RIT for Industrial Design and worked in New York City for four years as an Art Director, is currently a freelancer living in Saratoga Springs. McClain, who has overseen numerous home design projects, reminds the motivated do-ityourselfer that a little forethought and planning can go along way when spicing up a tired room on a smaller budget.

“Design of all sorts, whether it be

product, packaging, advertising, interior, architectural, media/graphic, has its base in the elements and principles of art. One of those elements being color is essential to DIY home renovators,” said McClain. “Keep in mind the unifying theme of your house. Do you have soft neutrals that are found on the beach or bright Mediterranean flavor? Tone is also important. If you want a room to stand out, try a lighter or darker value than the remaining rooms in your home. If you’re looking for a balanced, harmonious look try a color of the same tone.”

Debbie Zimmer, a spokesperson for the Paint Quality Institute, had these few tips for quick and easy home design: Paint just an interior accent wall.

Don’t have the time or energy to paint an entire room? Give the space an exciting new look by painting just one wall in a different color. A so-called accent wall can add visual interest to a room and introduce

another hue into your color scheme.

Paint the area above (or below) a chair rail. According to Zimmer, if your home is blessed with chair rails, you don’t have to paint the entire wall. “You can choose to repaint only the wall area above the rail, or the area below it,” Zimmer said. “It’s a simple project that can dramatically change the appearance of the room.”

Paint the interior windows and trim. Love your wall color, but still yearn for a new look? Give the room a makeover by painting your windows, molding, and trim. You’ll be surprised how different a room can look when you change the intensity of color there.

Paint a room’s standout feature.

Play up what’s special about a room by painting it a different color. This could be a fireplace surround, a curved archway, the backs of builtin bookshelves or cabinets, or something else. Using a strong “punch”

color will draw immediate attention to your standout feature.

Paint the front door. Studies have shown that visitors get their first impression about a home from the condition of the front entrance, according to Zimmer. A freshly painted door helps ensure that first impression will be favorable.

Paint just a few exterior architectural details. Even if you don’t have to paint your home exterior for maintenance reasons, consider changing the appearance of your home by painting a few architectural details. Shutters are good candidates. “But if you’re lucky enough to own a house with ornamental fretwork, call attention to the trim by painting it a strong or vibrant color that contrasts with your walls,” Zimmer said.

Regardless of the type of project the homeowner tries to tackle, it’s important to “use good paint and buy the right tools,” said McClain,

who recommends Benjamin Moore paint and the use of an edger.

Zimmer advises that you always use a top quality 100 percent acrylic latex paint. These paints have superior “hiding” capability when painting over dark colors, they are stainand mildew-resistant, and many function as both primer and paint, and best of all they offer tremendous durability, so your paint job will continue to look great for years to come.

Deciding what colors to use for a project is, of course, one of the more important steps in the process, but it can also be one of the more difficult steps too.

“You can choose a color that compliments your home by using any free online paint guide,” McClain recommended. “They show you what the rooms look like before you paint. To add texture to a room without changing the surface of the wall, which can get very expensive, try vertical stripes of two subtle hues.”

Online blog sites, such as www.designspongeonline.com and www.apartmenttherapy.com are also two great resources for finding new ideas and designs for your home – websites that McClain admitted are two of her favorites for home design.

For more ideas on budget-friendly do-it-yourself painting projects, visit www.paintquality.com.

To contact Meredith McClain for her home design expertise, or to hire McClain for an interior design project, you may contact her by email at Meredithhope@gmail.com.

-Compiled by Daniel Schechtman, provided by Metro

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Friday, February 25, 2011

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BRIEFS Manufactured home replacement funds available to Saratoga residents The Town of Saratoga has been awarded NYS Community Development Block Grant Funds which, in conjunction with a countywide initiative through Saratoga County Rural Preservation Company, will replace substandard older mobile homes with new, Energy Star units.

Income eligible homeowners residing in the Town, including the Villages of Schuylerville and Victory are encouraged to apply. Both the mobile home and the land on which it is located must be owned by the grant applicant (mobile homes in parks are not eligible at this time).

The Town of Saratoga is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Contractors, including Minority and Woman Owned Businesses and HUD Section 3 Businesses and Individuals are encouraged to submit a Contractor Qualification Form, available through Marvin & Company, for inclusion on the Participating Contractors List.

Program guidelines and applications are available at 12 Spring Street,

Suite 103 in Schuylerville.

Applications can also be downloaded at www.marvinandcompany.com.

For information, please contact Marvin & Company at (518) 695-3344.

Information about tax refund anticipation loans It's tax time, and many New Yorkers will try to collect their refunds as quickly as possible. Some will consider a refund anticipation loan (RAL) or refund anticipation check (RAC) to speed up the process, at a high cost. The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance and the New York State Consumer Protection Board urge taxpayers to educate themselves about RAL and RAC loans and consider lower-cost or free alternatives to receiving federal tax refunds.

Here's what you need to know: A RAL is not a quick, fast or instant refund. Instead, it is a high-interest bank loan secured by the taxpayer's anticipated federal refund. While the promise of quick cash can be tempting, RALs are expensive, as some lenders charge substantial fees and

very high interest rates that reduce the amount of a refund.

Fortunately, there are fast and inexpensive ways to get both federal and state tax refunds: • Taxpayers who file electronically and use direct deposit will get their federal and State tax refunds the quickest.

• Taxpayers without bank accounts can get fast refunds by filing electronically and having their refunds deposited to a prepaid debit or payroll card which can be used for everyday financial transactions. The card can be an existing prepaid payroll or debit card that the taxpayer already has, or a new MyAccountCard issued by the U.S. Treasury's financial agent.

MyAccountCard is part of a debit card pilot program being conducted by the IRS this filing season.

MyAccountCards are only available to those who received an offer letter from the U.S. Treasury Department.

RACs are marketed to taxpayers who don't have bank accounts and/or who do not have the ability to pay tax preparation fees up front. A temporary bank account is established by a

tax preparer on behalf of the taxpayer so that a tax refund check can be direct-deposited. After the refund check is deposited into the temporary account and the preparation fees are deducted by the preparer, the institution then issues a check to the taxpayer and the account is closed.

While a RAC is generally cheaper than a RAL, taxpayers would be wiser to open a bank account of their own and arrange to have tax refunds direct-deposited.

New York's Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers prohibits tax preparers from advertising RALs as refunds. For example, advertising a RAL as an instant refund is prohibited. Additionally, any advertisement by a tax preparer that mentions RALs must conspicuously state that a RAL is, in fact, a loan and that a fee or interest will be charged by the lending institution.

The lending institution must be identified in the advertisement.

In addition, before a taxpayer enters into a RAL, the tax preparer facilitating the loan must provide a disclosure statement to the taxpayer,

in writing and in at least 14-point type, setting forth key information that explains: • A taxpayer isn't required to take a RAL in order to receive a tax refund • The amount of fees and interest charged for a RAL • The amount the taxpayer will receive after the fees and interest are deducted • The annual percentage rate that will be charged • The amount of the refund if the taxpayer doesn't take a RAL • The anticipated date a refund will be received if the taxpayer doesn't take a RAL Before a taxpayer enters into a RAC agreement, the tax preparer must provide a written disclosure statement that explains: • A taxpayer isn't required to take a RAC in order to receive a tax refund • The amount of fees a taxpayer will pay for a RAC For more information about filing your taxes, visit the Tax Department's website at www.tax.ny.gov or the Consumer Protection Board's website at www.nysconsumer.gov.

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Friday, February 25, 2011

TODAY

Rotary Home Show will benefit community

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, February 25, 2011

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Saratoga Springs Rotary Home and Garden Show is this weekend, from Friday, February 25 through the afternoon of Sunday, February 27 at the newly expanded Saratoga City Center.

The majority of the proceeds from the annual event will benefit Saratoga area community service organizations and youth scholarships.

Show hours are 5 to 9 pm Friday, 9 am to 7 pm Saturday, and 10 am to 4 pm Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults; children ages five to 12 are $1; and children under five are free.

Visitors will find hundreds of great products and residential service providers with over 130 exhibitors displaying a wide range of services from energy saving green-based technology to kitchen and bath remodeling and trends in landscaping and outdoor living.

For owners of historic homes, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is highlighting home restoration services by sponsoring the first ever Preservation Restoration section. Local builders, architects, landscape architects, stone quarries, flooring specialists and painters are available to discuss your plans for your older home.

"The Home and Garden Show marks the annual transition from winter into spring. The public is invited inside the City Center to enjoy colorful garden displays, innovative landscape designs, and fantastic home improvement ideas that remind us that warmer weather is ahead," said

Chuck Martin, event chairman.

"Our show's proceeds are returned to the community with donations made to dozens of local charitable and community service organizations. Some of the past recipients have been the Shelters of Saratoga, the Salvation Army of Saratoga Springs, and the Franklin Community Center. There is also a focus in supporting youth programs as well as providing scholarships to area high school students who are pursuing a post secondary education including vocational training, or in two and four-year college programs."

Fun for Kids and Prizes Kid-friendly incentives include balloons and an array of free promotional door prizes, including a chance to win the grand prize of a Bose 3-21 Entertainment system and a 32" Panasonic flat-screen TV. The Saratoga City Police Department will be on site with their "Operation Safe Child" program.

Seminars Informative seminars run on Saturday and Sunday to help visitors learn about specific home and garden topics. More information about the show, including a list of exhibitors with a floor map and seminar schedule can be seen at www.saratogahomeshow.com Seminar Schedule Saturday, February 26 9:30 - 10:30 Prepping the Garden for Spring Presented by Sue Beebe, Master Gardner, Cornell Cooperative Extension 11:00 - 12:00

23 Basements & Crawl Space: Flooding, Moisture, Smells, & Humidity; presented by Adirondack Basement 12:30 - 1:30 Modular Homes Make Sense; presented by Cecil Provost 2:00 - 3:00 Non-Toxic Interior Stains and Treatments; presented by Karen Totino, Green Conscience Home & Garden 3:30 - 4:30 What to Look for When Hiring a Contractor; presented by Dave Lajeunesse, D.A. Lajeunesse 5:00 - 6:00 Prioritizing Your Home Repairs and Your Costs: Saving Energy without Spending Cash; presented by

Rich Martin, Northern Dean Sunday, February 27 10:30 - 11:30 Home Energy Efficiency; presented by Sustainable Saratoga 12:00 - 1:00 Capital Region Builders & R e m o d e l e r s Association; presented by Pam Krison 1:30 - 2:30 Basements & Crawl Space: Flooding, Moisture, Smells, & Humidity; presented by Adirondack Basement

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Friday, February 25, 2011

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ROTARY HOME SHOW VENDOR LIST Adirondack Appliance Adirondack Basement Systems Adirondack Overhead Doors Adirondack Paving Adirondack Trust Company Advanced Custom Modular Homes Aerus Electrolux AFSCO Fence Supply Co. Aird Dorrance Inc Alden Floor Service, Inc Allerdice Building Supply Allerdice Rent All Allerdice/Marvin Amsterdam Overhead Doors Askus Consulting Services Aztech Geothermal Ballston Spa National Bank Balzer Hodge Tuck Architecture Bennett Stair Company, Inc. Best Dressed Windows in Town Bio Fusion Design Birds Unlimited Brookside Nursery California Closets Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Assoc.

Capital District Supply Champion Window & Patio Champlain Stone Chestwood Remodeling CKH Industries Classic Interiors Classic Wall Finishes Clearview Window Washing & Home Maintenance Cleveland Brothers Landscaping Collegiate Entrepreneurs Comfort Windows & Doors Concord Pools Concrete Raising of Upstate New York Crawford Door & Window Culligan of Scotia Curtis Lumber DA Lajeunesse Building-Remodeling Delanson Supply Denali Construction Dil Sheji Mason Constractor Direct Buy Dog Watch Earl B Feiden Elegant Kitchen Design Emerich Sales & Service Empire Building Products Family Danz First National Bank of Scotia First New York FCU Fridholm Painting & Remodeling Furniture House G.A. Bove Fuels Galarneau Builders, Inc. Garden Time Granite & Marble Works Grasshopper Gardens Green Conscience Home & Garden H2O Solutions Harvest Homes Hayes Paving Herrl Woodcraft Home Depot at Home Services

N8,N9 B2, B3 E5 K9 N2 F3 D7 K10 O1,O2 O7 M2 C2 E1 M1-04 M1-13 I8 E4 O3 D5 J12 K4 G1 A5 G4 E6 J5, J6 F8, G8, L4 O6 D2 F1 I4, I5 I7 M1-06 D3, D4 F9 K5, K6 M1, N1 D6 H1, I1, M4 M3 K7, K8 N4, N5 G9 A1 G5 M1-05 K3 F10, G10, L3 H5 B10, L1 M1-07, 08, 09, 10 A3 C3 M1-03 M1-0 D8, D9 C10 J4 A7 H2 H6, H7 F7 G7 M1-25 B7, B8, C7 I6 A4

Huff ‘N Puff Instant Bath Fitter Insurance Agency Group of NY Invisible Fence Islander Pools Ehrlich Pest Control Jerome Roofing & Siding Katydid Interiors Kirby Vacuum Kodiak Construction Mandy’s Spring Farm Nursery Marshall & Sterling McCauley Electric Mohawk Heating Navco Windows and Doors North Country Water Systems Northeast Awning & Window Decor Northeast Basement Solutions Northeast Seamless Gutter Northeast Spray Foam Northwestern Mutual / Travco Financial Group Overhead Doors of Glens Falls Pet Stop of Eastern New York Phillips Home Solutions Police Finger Printing Pure Home Queensbury Tile & Spa

E2, F2 H3 F4 D1 D10, E10, L2, JC J7 M1-21, 22 M1-16 M1-26 E3 K2 M1-15 M1-23 F6 J9 C8 B9 M1-24 B1 E7 K12 C1 M1-18 M1-27 N6 M1-20 A6

Racing City Realty The Radiant Store, Inc. RAY Supply Re Bath of Albany Robins Nest Home Improvement Rotary Booth Saratoga Builders Association Saratoga Fireplace & Stove Saratoga Home Restorations Saratoga Masonry Supply Saratoga Modular Homes Saratoga National Bank Saratoga Sod Saratoga Springs Window Company The Saratogian Security Supply Corp Sherman Tile Stone Industries Suburban Services Group Teakwood Builders Inc. Thermal Associates Toadflax Nursery TRD Design Vermont Timber Frame Warren Electric Supply Well Home Whalen’s Horseradish Products, LLC Winslow Brothers

F5 G6 H9, H10, I9, I10 E8, E9 C9 O8, O9 M1-14 M1-11, 12 C4 I2, I3 A2 G2 G3 C5 J8 B5, B6 B4 C6 J2, J3 O4 H4 J10, J11 M1-19 M1-02 H8 M1-17 K11 O5

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Friday, February 25, 2011

ROTARY HOME SHOW MAP

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living Feb.

25 - Mar. 4 events Weekend-Long Saratoga Springs Rotary Home and Garden Show Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 25, 26 and 27 at the Saratoga City Center. The show will feature over 130 exhibitors displaying a wide range of services from energy- saving green technology to kitchen and bath remodeling to trends in landscaping and outdoor living.

Join the fun from 5 to 9 pm on Friday, 9 am to 7 pm on Saturday, and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday. $6 for adults, $1 for children ages 5-12, with kids under 5 free.

Saturday, February 26 Saratoga Farmers’ Market Division St. School Saratoga’s premier market, featuring meats, local produce, eggs, soaps, seasonal items and more. From 9 am to 1 pm. For more information, call (518) 638-8530.

Tang Museum family day Suitable for children ages 5 and up with their adult companions. Programs include a brief tour of a current Tang exhibition followed by a hands-on art activity. Free and open to the public. Reservations are strongly suggested. From 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Tang Museum at Skidmore College. For reservations and information, call (518) 580-8080.

Roast Beef dinner Saratoga United Methodist Church, Henning Road and 5th Ave. From 4 to 6:30 pm, enjoy this delicious dinner with homemade pies for dessert!

Adults $9, children and seniors $7. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling (518) 5843720, ext. 17.

Sunday, February 27 Breakfast buffet At Sons of ITAM Post #35, 247 Grand Avenue in Saratoga Springs from 8 til 11 am. All are welcome! $7 adults, $6 for seniors, children 5 and younger are free.

Film Forum Saratoga Arts Center, 320 Broadway Made in Dagenham will be showing at 3 pm. General admission $7, members and students $5. Visit www.saratoga filmforum.org for more information.

Monday, February 28 English Spoken Here beginner class Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. Begins at 9:30 am in the Glasby room. Open to all.

Community bingo Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga.

An evening of fun for old and young, every Monday evening at 7 pm. Doors open at 4 pm.

Refreshments will be available.

(518) 584-2585.

Tuesday, March 1 Saratoga Turf Talkers Toastmasters Saratoga Turf Talkers Toastmasters club will meet from 12:30 to 1:30 pm at Longfellows Inn, 500 Union

Ave. Saratoga Turf Talkers practice communication and leadership skills, offer each other feedback and support, and have fun together. Our meetings are free and guests are welcome. For more information, please call Mary Alice at (518) 884-2806 or visit our website: http://saratogaturf talkers.freetoasthost.biz.

Celiac–Sprue Support Group From 6:30 to 8:30 pm, we’ll meet at Glens Falls Hospital in Auditorium A. Dr. Anita Burock Stotts will speak on Celiac and associated secondary diseases.

For more information, contact Jean McLellan, president, at (518) 584-6702 or the Nutrition Center of Glens Falls Hospital at (518) 926-2615.

Wednesday, March 2 Seussian Celebration Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 69 Caroline St. Come at 2 pm for this fun celebration, featuring Thing 1 and Thing 2. Free with museum admission.

K of C bingo The Knights of Columbus, Pine Road, Saratoga Community bingo each Wednesday at 7 pm. Doors open at 5 pm. Refreshments will be available. Call (518) 5848547 for more information.

Democratic Social Club meeting Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. A non-partisan social and informational club, Saratoga Springs Democratic Social Club, meets at 7 pm in the Glasby Room.

The speaker is John Penzer, Executive Director, Shelters of Saratoga, Inc.

Congregation Shaara Tfille Congregation Shaara Tfille, 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga

Friday, February 25, 2011

Satellite broadcast ‘Live from NY’s 92nd Street Y.’ Lectures, interviews and readings from political figures, entertainers, newsmakers and authors to community organizations and provides an opportunity to take part in discussions with some of the world’s most fascinating people. Open to the public.

Congregation members $5 for each program; non-members $10 for each program. Program begins at 8 pm. Refreshments will be available; no outside food items please. For more information or to make reservations, call Carole at (518) 584-2370 or saratogajcc@verizon.net.

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Gymnasium, attendees can win door prizes, attend seminars, get swing analysis, and get club demonstrations. For information, please call (518) 899-4411.

Ceilidh fundraiser The Friends of the Stillwater Free Library will be holding a Ceilidh Fundraiser on Sunday, March 6 from 3 to 6 pm at the Stillwater Area Community Center, 19 Palmer Street, Stillwater. The family-friendly event is a celebration of Irish music and dance. Admission is $5 per person or $15 per family.

All proceeds help the Friends support the Stillwater Free Library. For more information, email sflfriends@gmail.com or call the Library at (518) 6646255.

Bingo

Saratoga Reads!

The Jewish Community Center of Saratoga Springs, 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Doors open at 6 pm with the first game beginning at 7:15.

Pull tabs are on sale throughout the evening. The building is wheelchair accessible and has one floor that is non-smoking and another that is smoking.

Refreshments for sale; no outside food items please. For more information, call (518) 584-2370.

Saratoga Reads will join forces with Sperry’s Restaurant on Caroline St. for a “books and brunch” event on Sunday, March 6, from 11 am to 2 pm.

The culinary celebration will include special food and drink items based on the themes of The Housekeeper and the Professor, as well as fun activities, raffles, and more. For reservations, call Sperry’s at (518) 584-9618.

Friday, March 4 Life is Short book club Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. At 10:30 am. Please read The Weaver’s Grave by Seumas O’Kelly and Guest of the Nation,

by Frank O’Connor and join us for the discussion. Copies of the stories are available at the circulation desk.

Upcoming Malta Spring Golf Show Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Dr. The Malta Spring Golf Show will be held on Saturday, March 5 from 9 am to 3 pm. Held in the

The McKrells At 8 pm on March 12 at the Homemade Theater. Tickets are $15. For more information, please visit www.homemadetheater.org.

Defensive Driving class Wilton Senior Center, 18 Traver Rd., Gansevoort.

On Saturday, March 12, beginning at 8 am, this class costs $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Bring a bag lunch. Make checks payable to AARP and mail to Wilton Seniors, 18 Traver Rd., Gansevoort, NY 12831. Call (518) 587-6363 from 9 am to 3 pm on Tuesdays or Thursdays to reserve your spot.

Send your calendar items to Kim Beatty at kbeatty@saratogapublishing.com before 5 pm on Monday for Friday publication.

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Friday, February 25, 2011

local briefs Retired teachers meeting The Saratoga Springs Retired Teachers Association will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, March 7 at 12 noon at Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs. The group is open to retired educators who taught in and/or live in Saratoga County. For new member information and luncheon reservations, call (518) 587-5356.

Catholic Daughters of the Americas The March meeting will be on Tuesday, March 1 at 6:30 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs. Please bring donations for Birthright. Items needed include baby clothes, baby bottles, formula, diapers… Refreshments to be brought will follow a St. Patrick’s Day theme. New members are welcome. For more information, please contact Eileen Tuohy at (518) 5843472 or Shirley Tellstone at (518) 581-2942.

Rebuilding Together fundraiser Circus Cafe is donating 15 percent of your food bill to Rebuilding Together Saratoga County during your lunch or dinner visit on March 1.

Circus Cafe is located at 392 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. For more information, call Rebuilding together at (518) 695-3315 or visit their website at www.rebuildingtogethersaratoga.org.

Vendors needed The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Ladies Auxiliary is looking for flea market/craft fair vendors for an indoor market to be held once a month at the Lodge, 1 Elks Lane on Sundays from 11 to 3:30 pm. The cost for an 8 foot table space will be $10 each paid in advance. Doors will open to set up at 10 am. All merchandise must be cleaned up by 4:30 pm and no large garbage left. The dates already planned are March 27 and April 24.

A.L.L. spring term For its spring term, the Academy for Lifelong Learning at Saratoga Springs is offering Empire State College Speakers Series, an eightweek study group of presentations by members of the college faculty on a different subject each week. Titles include: Are John Dewey’s Ideas Relevant for Adult Learners?; Dream Life of Indigenous People; Energy 101; From the Desert to the Arctic: Travels through Iceland and Jordan;

Healthy Soil for Healthy Plants; Poetry in Translation; Samurai and Geisha: Icons from Japan’s Fabled Past; and, Women Shaping Global Gender Policy across the 20th Century. Registrations are currently being accepted for the Academy’s eight-week spring term, set to begin April 4. For information or to receive a brochure and membership application, visit the web site at www.esc.edu/ALL or call the A.L.L. office at (518) 587-2100, ext. 2415.

National Park volunteer opportunities Saratoga National Historical Park needs you! We are preparing for the 2011 season and are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to assist as Volunteers in Parks (VIPs) in several areas. As a volunteer at Saratoga Battlefield you will receive training and a uniform, plus you’ll get to work in a beautiful environment with knowledgeable and friendly rangers. For more information, please call the Saratoga National Historical Park volunteer coordinator at (518) 664-9821, ext. 225. The following positions are available: Schuyler House guides – provide 35-minute guided tours of historic Philip Schuyler House in Schuylerville Visitor information specialists – greet visitors and provide basic site orientation to the battlefield Battlefield interpreters – stationed at Neilson House to provide historical information to visitors touring the battlefield Bookstore sales associate – assisting visitors with suggestions for book or gift purchases, operating computer-based sales system Musket corps – participate in living history programs through demonstrations of 18th century soldiers’ musket drilling, firing, marching and maneuvering Special event volunteers – help during large events

Spice Up Your Life luncheon All women are invited to attend a luncheon Tuesday, March 8, from noon to 1:30 pm at Longfellows Restaurant, Rt. 9P, Saratoga. Cost is $13.00 inclusive. We will be featuring Barbara Devlin of Santa’s Attic & Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen. Barbara will give tips on how to use spices, herbal blends and dips to enhance any meal.

Our speaker, Helen Walton from Spencerport, NY, will talk about being widowed at age 31 with 4 young children and how to move from anger to love. For reservations, please call Ellie at (518) 584-3779 or Anita at (518) 583-4043 by March 4.

No membership or dues required.

27 Presented by Saratoga Christian Women’s Club.

Boston Flower and Garden Show trip The Senior Citizens Center of Saratoga Springs and the Saratoga Casino and Raceway are sponsoring a bus trip to the Boston Flower and Garden Show at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston on Wednesday, March 16. This exciting trip is offered at a great value and seating is limited. For Senior Center members, the price is $45 including transportation and admission to the show. The non-member price is $60.

The tour bus leaves the center, located at 5 Williams Street in Saratoga, promptly at 8 am and returns between 9 and 9:30 pm. The bus will also visit Quincy Market. A “transportation only” package is also available for those not wishing to attend the show.

For details, membership information and reservations, call the center at (518) 584-1621.

Old Saratoga Seniors trip We’ll be traveling to Hawley, PA on Thursday, March 17 for a St Patrick’s Festival lunch and show at Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Banquet Center. The cost is $37. The bus will pick up at the Saratoga train station, 26 Station Lane (off West Avenue) at 6:30 am and at the American Legion on Clancy St in Schuylerville at 7 am.

Return time is estimated at 8 pm. For more information, call Mary LaMora at (518) 584-7986.

Busy Hands group meeting “Busy Hands” group of the Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church will be meeting on Wednesday, March 2 and March 16 at 1:30 pm. We will be making Easter tray favors for the residents of the Baptist Retirement Rehabilitation Center in Scotia. We welcome newcomers. Come and enjoy the fellowship while we do a project for community service.

Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Group on Tuesday, March 8 from 9 to 10 am at the Inn at Saratoga.

Third Thursday Breakfast on Thursday, March 17 from 7:30 to 9 am at the Gideon Putnam. For reservations to either of these events, please contact the chamber at (518) 584-3255.

Recreation Programs Home Made Theater Youth Conservatory Home Made Theater is pleased to announce open registration for children and teens ages 8 to 18 years old

for the HMT Youth Theater Conservatory production of ANNIE JR. All students who register will be cast in our production of ANNIE JR. to be performed at the Spa Little Theater. Performances will be open to friends, family and the general public.

No experience is necessary; children of all levels and experience are welcome. For further information, call Home Made Theater at (518) 5874427, or visit the web site http://www.homemadetheater.org/co nservatory.php to view registration flyer.

Malta Recreation Center 1 Bayberry Dr. Malta Spring antique appraisal show Join us at the Malta Community Center for a fun and informative event featuring Mark Lawson of Mark Lawson Antiques. This special event will take place on Saturday, April 30 from 10 am to noon.

Admission for Malta residents with one appraisal item is $7 with non-residents paying $8. General admission for Malta residents is $2 and non residents $3. Pre-registration is being accepted now. Please call (518) 8994411 for more information.

Toddler Time This class is for the preschool child ages 15 to 36 months and their parent or caregiver. This class will meet Tuesday mornings for six weeks starting March 1. Malta resident fee $42, non-resident fee $46. Call (518) 899-4411 for more information on how to register.

Making Music A fun music and movement class for children 18 months to 4 years old to attend with their parent or caregiver. This class will meet Wednesday mornings for six weeks starting March 2. Malta resident fee $42, nonresident fee $46. Call (518) 899-4411 for more info on how to register.

Auditions For Spotlighter’s Theatre Troupe on Monday, March 21 and Wednesday, March 23 from 6 to 8 pm. Children, teens and adults are needed for the June 25 and 26 production of The Rockin’ Tale of Snow White. Please schedule your audition with Elyse Young by calling (518) 899-4411, ext. 305.

Saratoga Spring Recreation Register for all programs at the Recreation Center, 15 Vanderbilt Ave. For more information, call (518) 5873550, ext. 2300.

Junior Sluggers baseball clinic On Fridays, beginning March 4 and ending April 1. Ages 7 and 8 from 5 to 6:30 pm and ages 9 and 10 from 6:30 to 8 pm. The cost is $70 for city residents, $90 for non-city residents.

Send your local briefs to Kim Beatty at kbeatty@saratogapublishing.com before Monday at 5 pm for Friday publication

upcoming town meetings Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org 2/28: Board of Trustees meeting, 7:30 pm Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com 3/1: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:30 pm 3/3: Town Board agenda meeting, 7:30 pm Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 899-2818 www.malta-town.org 2/28: Town Board workshop, 6:30 pm Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org 3/2: Town Board meeting, 7 pm City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org 2/28: Zoning Board of Appeals agenda meeting, 7 pm 3/1: City Council meeting, 7 pm 3/2: Design Review Commission meeting, 7 pm Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org Town of Stillwater: 66 East St., Riverside Mechanicville, NY 12118 www.stillwaterny.org 2/28: Zoning Board meeting, 7 pm 3/3: Town Board meeting, 7 pm Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com 3/3: Town Board meeting, 7 pm

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28 Skidmore graduate returns to town with new band/album

Friday, February 25, 2011

TODAY

Local Gigs

Photo Provided

Hotels & Highways Lisa Piccirillo, a dynamic singer-songwriter with a promising solo career, has branched out in new directions to form a band called Hotels & Highways along with friends and fellow musicians Erin "Syd" Sidney and Patrick Thomas.

What began as a joyful experiment evolved quickly into an emerging full-length album entitled “Lost River” (to be officially released on March 8) and a well-received tour. Lisa also reports that “Our first single, ‘Train Whistle,’ is already getting some airplay on Albany’s WEXT!” Recent Skidmore College graduate Lisa brings the new band to the Saratoga City Tavern’s (21 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs) 3rd floor on Wednesday, March 2 at 8 pm for a sneak peek before venturing off again on another six-week US tour.

This is a free show, and well-worth attending based both on the pedigree of the performers and also that of the venue – the Tavern’s 3rd Floor is not often used for performances, but it provides a warm, cozy atmosphere that is as close as you can get to a house concert feel in a bar venue.

But these guys are worth seeing anywhere.

-Arthur Gonick

Saturday night dance party at the new Arthur Murray Studio!

Arthur Murray’s dance studio recently moved to a new 3400 square foot location at 543 Broadway, which is above Forno Bistro restaurant in the Old Firehouse building. The management is inviting the public to join them for an evening of Latin, swing and social dancing this Saturday, February 26 from 7 to 11 pm.

This will be the first of a series of social dances that will be open to the public on Saturday evenings through

the spring and beyond. Ms. Leslie Valencia, franchisee, reports that you might meet a potential dance partner and/or friend earlier as many who will be attending will also be dining (optional) at Forno Bistro earlier that evening.

Admission to the social dance party is $10. For more information, call the Arthur Murray studio at (518) 691-0432

Send listings to entertainment@ saratogapublishing.com

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Friday, February 25, 2011

Singing for our local children’s future

Photos by Rob Spring

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY

Left: Alique (“AJ”) Wicks with Melissa Tyler Right: With SCT Executive Director Meg Kelly

The pending return of the “Singing Anchors” ensemble (comprised of WRGB’s Jerry Gretzinger, WYNT’s Benita Zahn and Jessica Layton under the musical direction of Fort Salem Theater’s Jay Kerr) for a March 19 performance promises to be another exciting affair, as the newscasters you watch daily step out of their regular roles and show a unique and delightful dimension. The fact that they are all lending their talents on behalf of Saratoga Children’s Theatre (SCT) makes this worth considering, particularly when you see how dramatically the lives of our local children are enhanced by the scholarships they receive as a result.

One such individual who epitomizes what the scholarship program is all about is a young man named Alique (“AJ”) Wicks, for he represents some of the finest qualities and possibilities that the organization fosters.

“AJ” is 17 years old, an eleventh grade student at Saratoga High School. He recently portrayed the role of the baker in “Into the Woods” to rave reviews, and he received a scholarship from SCT to defray the cost of his participation. AJ recalled “I was flattered and honored to be granted a scholarship.

Without one, I wouldn’t be able to do the thing that I love.”

“I had always thought about acting, my impulses were always there,” AJ noted, but except for a chorus role in “The Bells are Ringing,” he did not have the means to pursue his love in depth.

But encouraged by his friends and family, he looked up the auditions for “Into the Woods” online, and decided to go for it.

Meg Kelly, executive director of SCT says that “during his audition, we were sitting there in shock. He had a tremendous presence that belied his experience - a natural if ever there was one.”

“This represents the best of what we are trying to achieve with our scholarship program. The goal is to have the best professional trainers to interact with these children so their talents are maximized.” Meg said.

One such professional is choreographer Rosie Spring. She worked with AJ during “Into the Woods” and enthusiastically said “AJ doesn’t even have a grasp of his natural abilities yet, but he has it all – timing, talent and movement. It’s up to us and him to cultivate it, but there’s no reason to believe that with the proper training going forward that his potential is limitless; we are looking at Broadway quality!”

AJ is but one success story that this theatre company has been able to achieve. Saratoga Children’s Theatre’s goals are ambitious and

their standards of quality are uncompromisingly high. Meg Kelly stated that for 2011, SCT hopes to be able to offer up twenty full and partial scholarships for their summer camp program, as well as have up to five scholarships available for each of their productions and workshops.

This is where your money goes. To our local children’s future.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, AJ can now pursue a “slowly unfolding and awakening dream” that will continue through a performance of SCT’s “Guys and Dolls” in June, as well experiencing a full slate of performances at SCT’s summer camp including roles in “Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr.” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Beyond that, he sees a future that he hopes includes a college education for Theater Arts and an eventual goal of participating in a touring company and/or Broadway.

But these dreams don’t get realized without help along the way.

“I’m humbled and grateful for the experience, and it makes me want to try even harder for more,” AJ said. “I’ve never expected to have the feeling that I received when people were cheering for me!”

“The Singing Anchors” Presented by Fort Salem Theater Fundraiser for Saratoga Children’s Theatre Saturday, March 19 at 8 pm St. Peters School 64 Hamilton Street, Saratoga Springs Tickets: $25 Reservations / Information (518) 580-1782

Photo by MarkBolles.com

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Ready to Barack and roll again!

Since this week started with President’s Day, the gentleman in the middle wanted to remind everyone that it’s never too early to think about something warm, enjoyable and funny! Which is our way of saying that The HUMOR Project’s 54th international conference on “Survive AND Thrive: The Photo Provided Positive Power of Dr. Joel Goodman and Margie Ingram, CoHumor and Directors of The HUMOR Project, are joined by a Creativity” will take surprise guest speaker at their 2010 international place at Silver Bay conference.

Conference Center on Lake George from June10 to12.

This world-class weekend includes over 50 sessions focusing on the positive applications of humor and creativity in business, health care, education, therapy, parenting and life.

The best news of all is that there are several substantial early registration discounts before March 10 – that’s no joke!

For more information about the 54th International Conference and to receive a free copy of the hot-off-the-press, 24-page 2011 Humor Sourcebook, visit www.HumorProject.com or call (518) 587-8770.

Baritone Timothy Mix to perform at Zankel SARATOGA SPRINGS Baritone Timothy Mix will make his Saratoga Springs premiere in a Skidmore College recital scheduled at 8 pm Friday, February 25, in the Arthur Zankel Music Center’s Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall.

Pianist Christopher Cano will be the collaborative artist with the singer in a program titled “Operatic Inspirations,” including pieces that are closely identified with famous baritones from the past.

General admission to the Skidmore performance will be

$12, or $5 for students. Tickets are available online at www.skidmore.showclix.com.

Mix will also lead a master class from 10 am to 12:30 pm Saturday, February 26, in Zankel’s ELM (Room 117). The class is free and open for the public to watch.

A former Pittsburgh Opera Center artist, Mix has sung with the Pittsburgh Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Asheville Symphony, the Yaraslavl Symphony in Russia and the Finnish National Opera Orchestra.

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Friday, February 25, 2011

TODAY

Saratoga Chamber Music Festival announced: July 26 - August 14 at SPAC Festival Founder Chantal Juillet to Receive “Walk of Fame” Star

Photo Provided

Music Director André-Michel Schub Saratoga Springs – Acclaimed pianist André-Michel Schub will direct the 2011 Saratoga Chamber Music Festival at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, July 26 – August 14, in a season that will feature renowned artists and ensembles including the Tokyo String Quartet, Sarah Chang, Gabriela Montero, the Kavafian-Schub-Shifrin (KSS) Trio and violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn who will perform on her legendary “Red Violin” – the Stradivarius of 1720 that inspired an award-winning film.

Pre-season online ticket sales for the Chamber Music Festival begin for SPAC members on February 24; online sales to the public begin March 24. Tickets and information are available at www.spac.org.

“We are proud to welcome André-

Michel Schub as the Music Director of the 2011 Saratoga Chamber Music Festival. An accomplished classical pianist, orchestra soloist and chamber musician, AndréMichel brings a wealth of experience to his role, and it shows in the stellar season program he has developed for the festival this year. Rich repertoire, virtuoso soloists, and globally renowned ensembles will delight audiences and uphold the tradition of excellence that has made this program an artistic gem,” said Marcia J. White, SPAC’s president and executive director.

In addition, a special highlight of SPAC’s 2011 Season will be a July 30 dedication of a star in SPAC’s Walk of Fame for Chantal Juillet, founder of the Saratoga Chamber Music Festival, and Music Director of the program for two decades, from 1991 to 2010. Juillet celebrated her final season as Music Director last year. “Chantal Juillet is among a select circle of artists who have had a profound impact on SPAC, its mission and its audiences.

Her passion for the arts and for classical music inspired two decades of innovative, exhilarating performances on our Little Theatre stage and built a legacy that will continue far into the future. By dedicating a star in SPAC’s Walk of Fame to Chantal, we will recognize her extraordinary contributions and affirm her place in SPAC’s rich history,” said White.

2011 Saratoga Chamber Music Festival Schedule: Tuesday, July 26 at 8 pm – The Kavafian-Schub-Shifrin (KSS) Trio Ani Kavafian, violin, viola André-Michel Schub, piano David Shifrin, clarinet Mozart: Trio in Eb K 498 “Kagelstadt” Bartók: Contrasts Stravinsky: Suite from “L’Histoire du Soldat” Bolcom: Afternoon Cake Walk-Rag Suite of Joplin, Lamb, Scott and Bolcom Sunday, July 31 at 2:15 pm – The Spectacular Sarah Chang Sarah Chang, violin Kirsten Johnson, viola Yumi Kendall, cello André-Michel Schub, piano Beethoven: Sonata op. 2 No. 3 Beethoven: Sonata op. 57 “Appassionata” Brahms: Piano Quartet in c minor op. 60 Tuesday, August 2 at 8 pm – All Mozart The Wister Quartet: Nancy Bean, violin Davyd Booth, violin Pamela Fay, viola Lloyd Smith, cello with Jennifer Montone, horn Jonathan Chu, viola Mozart: String Quartet K. 465 in C Major “Dissonance” Mozart: Quintet for Horn and Strings K. 407 in Eb Major Mozart: String Quintet in c minor K. 406 Sunday, August 7 at 2:15 pm – An Afternoon with the Tokyo String Quartet Martin Beaver, violin Kikuei Ikeda, violin Kazuhide Isomura, viola Clive Greensmith, cello Haydn: Quartet in G Major op. 77 No. 1 Ives: Quartet No. 1 Schumann: Quartet in a minor op. 41 No. 1 Tuesday, August 9 at 8 pm – A Special Evening with Gabriela Montero Gabriela Montero, piano Members of The Philadelphia Orchestra Martinu: 3 Madrigals H. 313 for violin and viola Dvofiák: Piano Quartet in Eb Major op. 87 Montero: Solo Piano improvisations Sunday, August 14 at 2:15 pm – An Afternoon with the REAL Red Violin (with video) Elizabeth Pitcairn, the Red Violin TBD, piano André-Michel Schub, piano Luzerne Chamber Players: Danielle Belen, violin Elbert Tsai, violin Brett Deubner, Viola Abe Feder. Cello Corigliano: Red Violin Chaconne Kreisler: Praeluidum and Allegro Massenet: Meditation from Thais Dinicu: Hora Staccato Sarasate: Zigeunerwesen Brahms: Piano Quartet in g minor op. 25

Photos Provided

From Top: Sarah Chang July 31, Tokyo String Quartet August 7, Gabriela Montero August 9, Elizabeth Pitcairn August 14

SARATOGA

TODAY

PULSE

Friday, February 25, 2011

Saratoga Shakespeare Company to present “The Merchant of Venice” this summer

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Shakespeare Company returns in July for its 11th season with one of Shakespeare’s most thrilling and controversial plays, The Merchant of Venice. The Company will transform Congress Park into Shakespeare’s Venice, where desire, racism and greed are recognized as the law of the land.

“The Merchant of Venice is a play about justice and mercy, human nature, and the power of forgiveness,” said William Finlay, artistic director of Saratoga Shakespeare Company and director of this year’s production. “This is not a play about

revenge, but one that focuses on the qualities of being human – our ability to love, grieve, and forgive.”

“Merchant challenges us in ways that other Shakespeare’s works do not because of its push and pull between good and evil in each of the characters. What makes this play still relevant is that its issues still impact us today, 400 years after it was originally performed,” said Finlay.

The Merchant of Venice will be performed on the Alfred Z. Solomon Stage in historic Congress Park.

Performances will be Tuesdays

through Saturdays, July 12 to16 and July 19 to 23 at 6 pm and on Sundays, July 17 and 24 at 3 pm.

Performances are free, and Congress Park is entirely accessible.

Since its inaugural production of Twelfth Night in 2000, over 35,000 theater lovers have seen the Saratoga Shakespeare Company’s free performances of 9 different plays.

For more information about Saratoga Shakespeare Company, contact Mr. Finlay at (518) 2095514 or finlayw@union.edu.

Reopens March 4

Image Provided 2011 Exhibits at the National Museum of Dance

The National Museum of Dance will be reopening March 4, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Exhibits entitled ‘MJ: A Michael Jackson Tribute;’ ‘Dancing with the Stars;’ ‘Postage Paid: Dance Around the World;’ ‘NMD 25th Anniversary Celebration;’’ Washington Bathhouse’ and the C.V. Whitney Hall of Fame will be on display.

The National Museum of Dance is located at 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs. For more information, please visit the museum’s website at www.dancemuseum.org

or call the museum at (518) 584-2225, ext. 3004.

31

Skidmore College theater kicks off spring 2011 season “Hortensia and the Museum of Dreams” by Nilo Cruz begins Skidmore’s spring theatre season at the Black Box Studio in the Bernhard Theater on campus.

Directed by Ilanna Saltzman ’11, “Hortensia” details a brother and sister’s return to Cuba from which they fled as children. In Cuba, the sister stumbles into Hortensia’s life where she discovers a world of miracles and warmth that help her come to terms with her past. This magical and poetically told story challenges our capacity for hope and forgiveness.

Performance dates: Friday, March 4 at 8 pm Saturday, March 5 at 8 pm Sunday, March 6 at 2 pm Monday, March 7 at 8 pm Tuesday, March 8 at 8 pm Wednesday, March 9at 8pm TICKETS: $12 general admission, $8 students and senior citizens.

Seating is limited and reservations are highly recommended.

For reservations or information, call the Skidmore Theater Box Office at (518) 580-5439 or email boxoffice@skidmore.edu.

32

SARATOGA

FOOD

Friday, February 25, 2011

TODAY

Surf and Turf – All available at the Saratoga Farmers’Market!

Saratoga Farmers’ Market’s newest vendor...

Suzanne Voigt Farmers’Market The rumors are true! The Saratoga Farmers’ Market now has a fishmonger at the winter market!

(See sidebar for details). Their debut last Saturday was a resounding success and gives us a whole new dimension to local food recipes!

First, of course, is combining the best we have new and the best we have already for the ever so popular meal, Surf and Turf! (for four)) ...is Rick Lofstad, a 3rd generation fisherman. Rick, along with his brother and cousins, own 5 boats and harvests 2-3 million lbs. of fish annually. Rick’s business is called “Pura Vida,” which translates to “Pure Life” and is named for the 55’ fishing boat that he sails out of Hampton Bays, Long Island, NY. Rick, for eight years, has represented NYS on the seafood management boards. He also helped form 2 NYS fishermen’s cooperatives, which together, represent 85 percent of New York’s fish production. All of Pura Vida fish are wild caught; local Long Island produced seafood under permits from the Department of Commerce and National Marine Fisheries Service.

You can be assured that the fish at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is harvested following sustainable practices.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market operates its winter season at the Division St Elementary School, on Saturdays, 9am-1pm.

The Surf: Herb-Dusted Seared Scallops (Please read all directions before starting for best timing of preparation of steak and fish so food is served warm and its most delicious state.)

Ingredients: 8 rectangle buttery crackers (such as Club) 1/2 tsp dried oregano (fresh+, 1 tbsp crushed) 1/2 tsp dried basil (fresh+, 1 tbsp, minced)

1/2 tsp dried marjoram 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp dried thyme 1/4 tsp white pepper 1 lb sea scallops (fresh NY—yeah!)

1 1/2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley NOTE: fresh herbs are available from Sushan Hydroponics at the market.

Directions: 1. Place first seven ingredients (spices and crackers) in a food processor and process until crackers and spices are finely ground. Place

crumb mixture in a shallow dish – pie pan works great.

2. Pat scallops dry with paper towel, and dredge through crumb mixture.* 3. Heat 1 1/2 tsp. of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add half of the scallops and cook until each side is golden brown – about 3 minutes per side.

NOTE: for a golden crust be sure the skillet is hot, don’t crowd scallops and turn scallops only once during cooking.

4. Repeat step 3 for the remaining olive oil and scallops.

5. Sprinkle scallops with lemon juice and parsley and serve immediately with steak.

The Turf: Steak of Choice Ingredients: 1 to 1 1/2 lb. grass fed local beef (Delmonico, sirloin, filet mignon cuts best).Garlic minced, ground pepper and kosher salt – according to taste

Directions: 1. Set oven to high broil.

2. Rub steak in garlic, pepper and salt, both sides. Place on broiler pan.

3. *After herbs and scallops have been mixed above, but before scallops are cooking, put steak in to broil. Broil on both sides just long enough for steak to get to rare/seared.

4. Turn off oven, put meat on lower rack and let stand in oven while scallops cook. (This will keep steak warm while fish cooks, and steak will not get overdone.)

NOTE: I would serve this dish with sautéed fresh spinach and local shitake mushrooms with minced garlic and onion.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, February 25, 2011

Words to know: somniloquist: n, a sleep talker

Sudoku

PUZZLES PUZZLES PUZZLES

33 A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.

Crossword

See puzzle solution on page 36

Scrabblegram

See puzzle solution on page 36

ACROSS 1 Rigged support 5 Curve of a cabriole leg 9 Sheet of stamps 13 “So that’s how it’s going to be” 14 Anago and unagi 15 An amulet may ward it off, purportedly 16 Move from Crystal to Caesar’s?

19 Danish poker star Gus 20 Curling surface 21 Texter’s “Heavens!”

23 Oscar night figure 24 Small, vocal bird 26 __ market 27 Cliff, Carlos and Derrek of baseball 28 Antelope of questionable virtue?

30 Mag wheels?

31 Pound output 32 Has a powerful desire (for) 33 “Another regulation, sorry to say”?

36 Gait between walk and canter 39 Wine Train valley 40 MoveOn.org, e.g.: Abbr.

43 Greengrocer’s grab bags?

46 Hole maker 47 Mongol sovereign 48 Trap, in a way 49 “Cheers” waitress 50 Sixth rock from the sun: Abbr.

51 Rye go-with 52 Repartee 53 1997 Kevin Spacey film, and a hint to this puzzle’s theme 57 Lowdown 58 “Exodus” novelist 59 Compass __ 60 Riding 61 Took off 62 Dot and Flik, in “A Bug’s Life” DOWN 1 “Glee” star Lea __ 2 Embarrassed 3 Medium settings 4 Time indicators of a sort

Top Video Rentals 1. You Again 2. Paranormal Activiity 2 3. Red 4. Despicable Me 5. Death Race 2

Raising Hector

George Bernard Shaw

See puzzle solutions on page 36

5 Gung-ho 6 Rebirth prefix 7 “The Silmarillion” being 8 Uses binoculars, say 9 Athlete dubbed “O Rei do Futebol” 10 Gardner of “Mayerling” 11 French president Sarkozy 12 Gold or silver 17 “Hmm ...”

18 Embarrassing marks 22 Roams 24 Troubles 25 Jennifer Crusie’s genre 26 Obstacle for Santa?

28 Mauna __ 29 2004 Anne Hathaway title role 31 Responded in court 33 King of comedy 34 Shed tool

Broom Hilda 6 . Takers 7. The Social Network 8. For Colored Girls 9. Machete 10. Dinner for Schmucks

Animal Crackers

35 Adds to 36 Sets a price 37 Jackson dubbed “Queen of Gospel” 38 Sticking out 40 Helping 41 In any case 42 River to Boston Harbor 44 Seven-time N.L. batting champ Musial 45 Two or three bags of groceries, say 46 Transforming syllable 49 Lockup 51 Stud alternative 52 As good as it gets 54 Corp. exec 55 Fury 56 “What’s the __?”

SARATOGA

Friday, February 25, 2011

34

classified TODAY’s

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SARATOGA

TODAY

classified

Friday, February 25, 2011

SERVICES

PETS

FOR RENT

35

FOR RENT WILTON McGregor Village Apts.

Winter Special...Now $725/month, 2 bdrm, 1 bath. Cats only.

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SERVICES

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When attention to detail matters.

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VACATION RENTAL OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure.

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36

SARATOGA

SPORTS

Friday, February 25, 2011

TODAY

Community Sports Bulletin Liberty League: Four Thoroughbreds earn weekly honors SARATOGA SPRINGS – Skidmore College men’s basketball juniors Brian Lowry and Melvis Langyintuo and men’s tennis junior Luke Granger and freshman Oliver Loutsenko all received Liberty League honors for their performance during this past week.

Lowry (West Hartford, Conn.) and Langyintuo (Tamale, Ghana) were each named a Performer of the Week, while Granger (Allendale, N.J.) received CoPerformer of the Week honors and Loutsenko (Bellmore, N.Y.) was named Rookie of the Week.

Lowry averaged 14.5 points per game off the bench

photo provided

photo provided

Brian Lowry

in a 2-0 week in which the Thoroughbreds clinched the #3 seed in the Liberty League Tournament. In Skidmore’s playoff clinching win over St. Lawrence, he scored 15 points on five three-pointers and came back on Saturday to score 14 first half points on 4-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc in a win against Clarkson.

Langyintuo scored 18 on 4-of-5 shooting from threepoint range to go with seven rebounds against St. Lawrence and had 12 points and eight rebounds in just 18 minutes against Clarkson. The Thoroughbreds

Melvis Langyintuo

town after the 2010 Olympics

briefs to Daniel Schechtman, Sports Editor at sports@saratoga publishing.com

photo provided

Oliver Loutsenko

Strengthening & Conditioning for Runners

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - Ballston Spa native and hometown hero Trevor Marsicano put the rest of the speed skating world on notice after taking the top spot Saturday, February 19 at the World Cup 1,500 meter men’s race in Utah.

Marsicano finished with a time of 1:43:54, beating fellow American teammate, Shani Davis, by 0.03 seconds to take home the gold.

Marsicano, who won the silver medal during the 2010 photo by MarkBolles.com Winter Olympics, also won gold during his previous outTrevor Marsicano rides through ing, November 27 at the World Cup event in Norway.

sports stories and

photo provided

Luke Granger

Saratoga Hospital presents free community education programs and screening

Hometown hero takes gold

Send your

improved to 16-9 overall and 10-4 in the Liberty League, setting a program record for league wins and tying a school record for regular season victories. They will face Rensselaer in the Liberty League tournament at Hobart, Friday, February 25 at 6 pm.

Granger and Loutsenko both went undefeated in Skidmore’s 9-0 win at Union. Granger won 6-0, 6-1 at number one singles and team with Yahia Imam for an 84 victory at number two doubles. Loutsenko posted a 61, 6-1 win at number two singles. The Thoroughbreds will host Vassar on Saturday, February 26 at 1 pm.

puzzle solutions from pg. 33

Regional Therapy Center therapists will teach new and experienced runners how to integrate running-specific strengthening, stretching, and conditioning into your training routine.

Presenters: Dominick Marchesiello, PT, DPT, Senior Physical Therapist Ashley Smith, PT, DPT, Physical Therapist Date & Time: Tuesday, March 1—6-7pm Location: Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs Running Screening Regional Therapy Center staff will provide runners with a free, running-specific screening of flexibility and strength, and provide an analysis of stride and feet for improved running mechanics. Also, learn what running sneakers are right for you.

Date & Time: Saturday, March 19—9am-12pm Location: Wilton Medical Arts, 3040 Route 50, Saratoga Springs (1/2 mile North of Exit 15)

SARATOGA

TODAY

SPORTS

Friday, February 25, 2011

How Title IX changed everything

Damian Fantauzzi I can recall when Title IX (1972) went into effect, which prevents discrimination on the basis of sex in schools. This amendment has

led to increased participation and greater opportunities that are now available for women in sports.

Over Title IX's 39 years on the books, a significant growth in the number of women who participate in sports has developed, along with an increased number of women who receive scholarships and benefit from increased budgets. Lately, in the local newspapers, several area high school girls have been featured signing letters of intent for different sports at various Division I schools. Thanks to Title IX, there are more opportunities for women

to compete through high school sports and at higher levels, such as college athletic programs, the Olympics, World Championships (e.g. soccer) and professional athletics.

What this means for preteen and high school girls is that they are less likely to smoke, drink and use drugs. Playing sports will also make women healthier. Among the many other positive effects playing sports can have on women, the health benefits of this physical activity have been proven to reduce incidences of breast cancer

and osteoporosis in their future years. These attributes for the female athlete are as good as any reason to keep Title IX as a necessary and positive influence on women!

This amendment has done so much for the female gender, setting the groundwork for opportunity starting at the scholastic level. For approximately 39 years, many doors have been opened for women in sports. Consequently, I feel that in today's world girls have higher self-esteem, confidence, academic focus and are able to be more com-

37

petitive in the work place, all as a direct result of Title IX. I have had the experience of coaching from both sides of the sport's gender gap. In the four decades of being a mentor and a coach for both boys and girls, I am of the opinion that young women are just as competitive as the young men, and are just as coachable and eager to learn. Often I have wondered how different it would have been for the female gender, of my time, if the many potential female athletes had been given the opportunities that I had.

Unfortunately, there weren't many places for them to play sports what a disservice!

Saratoga Springs High School: Six athletes sign with division I universities

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS - Five track & cross-country runners and one lacrosse player from Saratoga Springs High School signed letters of intent to play with division I universities Wednesday, February 16 as proud family members, coaches and community members stood by in support of their hard work and outstanding accomplishments.

"First of all, we're very proud of all of these kids for maintaining high averages. And they excel not only in their academics, but in their athletics," said Linda Kranick, the veteran coach of Saratoga's track & cross-country team. "That shows a lot of dedication and a lot of self discipline.

So we're very proud of that."

Representing Kranick's runners at the signing ceremony were Sydney King, Molly Pezzulo, Amanda Borraughs and Sam Place. Kara Gilholly, who has played on the lacrosse team under her coach, Susan Hoffman, was also on hand for the signing ceremony.

"Kara was a high impact player immediately," said Hoffman, who watched Gilholly grow in leaps and bounds during her time with the lacrosse team. "I am so happy for her that she's found a place where she's going to be academically comfortable...and that she's found a place where she's going to be athletically comfortable."

Gilholly will be moving on to Manhattan College, where she

will continue to play lacrosse at the division I level.

"I always wanted to play at the upper-levels when I was younger," said Gilholly, who's older sister plays lacrosse at Oneonta. "I love the city, the coaches are great, and I think I'm going to be able to learn a lot from them," she added.

Sydney King signed her letter of intent with the University of Maryland, where she will become a member of the school's cross-country and track team.

"I really liked the location, the team and the coach," said King, who has been running with Saratoga since the seventh grade.

King has made an appearance in Oregon for the national crosscountry meet for the last four years in a row.

For fellow runner Molly Pezzulo, the choice to sign with Auburn University in Alabama seemed like a perfect fit.

"I went on a visit there and I immediately fell in love with it. I loved the campus, and there's a ton of school spirit down there.

They've got tiger's paws in the streets!" Pezzulo said, adding that the warmer southern temperatures, combined with a former Olympian for a head coach, certainly doesn't work against the school's appeal either.

Amanda Borraughs will be joining the running program at Villanova in Pennsylvania, who recently won their second consecutive NCAA cross-country crown.

"They have a prestigious pro-

photo by Daniel Schechtman - Saratoga TODAY

From left to right: athletes Kara Gilholly, Sydney King, Amanda Borraughs, Molly Pezzulo, Brianna Freestone and Sam Place sign letters of intent with division I universities while their families stand by in support. gram down there, and it was kind of the perfect fit for me," Borraughs said, who indicated she is excited to be joining a championship winning team.

Brianna Freestone has been a runner with Saratoga since the seventh grade, and will continue to run next fall at Marist College.

"I just love the academics and the running program, and I also love the coach, coach Williams," Freestone said. "I think he has a similar philosophy about running as I do."

Sam Place has continually put up some impressive performanc-

es during his time running with Saratoga, and the young athlete hopes to continue his success next year at Columbia University.

"I went out to visit Columbia twice and I really liked the coach, and the guys seemed to be really close too," Place said. "And then also the academics there - it's one of the best schools in the country." Place added, almost as an afterthought, "Great location too."

Congratulations to all these athletes as they continue their careers at division I universities.

38

SARATOGA

SPORTS

Practical Outdoor Skills seminars begin early March SARATOGA SPRINGS Saratoga Springs Continuing Education (SSCE) has announced a new program being introduced to the 2011 spring session's curriculum. In addition to SSCE's continued high level of course offerings, SSCE has developed several "Practical Outdoor Skills" seminars in their latest innovative approach to adult learning.

Program Director Charles Kuenzel indicated that he believes a program of this nature is the first of its kind for the community of Saratoga Springs. In its initial foray, four distinctly separate seminar topics are being offered: 1. Basic freshwater fishing knowledge and skills, beginning Monday, March 7 2. Intermediate/advanced freshwater fishing skills, beginning Wednesday, March 9 3. Nature appreciation and local plant and wildlife identification, beginning Monday, March 14 4. Wilderness survival and disaster preparedness, beginning Wednesday, March 16.

"There [will be] something for every outdoor enthusiast, from the rank beginner through the seasoned professional," Kuenzel said. "What makes this approach unique, what sets it apart, is that the facilitator has amassed an extremely qualified panel of the region's foremost authorities in these topics to disseminate their years of personal experience and knowledge to the student."

Facilitated by Saratoga native John Huppuch, all seminar classes and labs are taught by a 5 to 15 member panel with a collective experience level exceeding 500 years. Huppuch, a graduate of the

University of Vermont's well regarded School of Natural Resources with a major in wildlife management, said "I am proud and privileged to be involved with an educational program that gives back to the community in a real and practical way. The enthusiastic response from these professional panel members to share their knowledge, experiences and love of the outdoors is truly heartwarming and very impressive."

Pending their availability, panel members will include Ed Noonan, Ron Michon, Mike Lapointe, Tim Blodgett, Bill Parry, Nick Kearney, Jim Bruchac, Trevor Stay, Sue Van Hook, Rick Wilhelm, Bob Penicka, Don Weber, Phil Colarusso, Jr., Chris Leach, Bob Johnson, members of the Department of Environmental Conservation, members of the Saratoga County Emergency Services, and members of the American Red Cross.

Due to the time constraints facing most working individuals and their families, each seminar is composed of a single, three-hour-long classroom session, followed at a later date by a one-day, six-hourlong hands-on locally-held lab, which will be arranged after the instructors have had an opportunity to speak with their participants.

Each seminar will hold its first three-hour session from 6:30 to 9:30 pm in room B-103 at the Saratoga Springs High School, with a $25 price tag per topic.

Interested parties, ages 12 and up, are directed to call (518) 583-4782 for further information regarding course content, brief bios of panel members, fee structures, date/ time schedules and enrollment procedures.

Friday, February 25, 2011

TODAY

Saratoga faces Shenendehowa in section II championships

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Blue Streak Varsity ice hockey squad has earned their spot in the section II championship game, a door-die moment for a team stepping into the spotlight against their longtime rival, Shenendehowa.

The number two seeded Streaks defeated Bethlehem last Saturday, February 19, to join the number one seeded Plainsmen in the title match.

Saratoga outscored Bethlehem 6-4 in the semifinal victory.

Alex Luse led the scoring for Saratoga with two goals and one assist for the night. Teammates Dan Going, Jimmy Murray, Luke Fauler and Devon Smith also scored one goal apiece during the match.

Meanwhile, Shenendehowa advanced to the championships with their 5-1 win against CBA last Friday, February 18. The Plainsmen, who won six consecutive championships starting in 2003, are hungry

photo by MarkBolles.com 路 Saratoga TODAY

The Saratoga offense puts the pressure on Bethlehem. for the title trophy after failing to nab it for the last two seasons (it was Saratoga who won last season's title game).

In Saratoga County, there is perhaps no greater rivalry than between Saratoga and Shen. The two teams met twice during the regular season, and twice the games were decided in Saratoga's favor. Still, at the end of the regular season, it was Shenendehowa who beat Saratoga

in the standings, earning the number one seed over the Blue Streaks.

Needless to say, both teams will have something to prove in the Thursday, February 24 title match at Union College.

While the game takes place after our newspaper goes to press, please visit our website, www.saratogatodaynewspaper.com, for additional coverage.

South High Dance Marathon SOUTH GLENS FALLS South Glens Falls High School students are planning their 33rd annual dance marathon, a charitable event set to take place on Friday, March 4 through Saturday, March 5.

"This is an amazing event because the students bring the whole community together to help organizations and individuals in need. Even though we are just a small town, we have been able to help so many lives by donating to charities," said Brooke Oligny, a student at South Glens Falls High School.

During the 28-hour event, a group of 700 students will collect

donations and dance for 24-hours with just a two-hour break for a nap. Local businesses will donate their time and services during the event, as well as auction items for participants to bid on. All proceeds will benefit local charities.

In the past, charities that have benefited from the community effort have included the Ronald McDonald House, the Glens Falls Hospital Cancer Unit, Make a Wish Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Double H Hole in the Woods, anti-violence programs, Caritas, Juvenile Diabetes Association, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Homeless Youth

Coalition, and special donations to individuals and their families facing life threatening illnesses.

"This is such an inspiring event," said Oligny. "For one weekend a year, an entire community works together for the needs of others. There is no feeling like the one we get at the ending ceremony, when the recipients are honored, the donations are tallied and given to the recipients. There is just nothing like it!"

There are many ways to make a donation: You can mail a check payable to "South High Marathon Dance" to Brooke Oligny, 390 WiltonGansevoort Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831; make a donation online at www.shmd.org by searching "Brooke Oligny"; sign up to donate an item for the silent or live auction by calling (518) 798-3409; or come to the dance and bid on an auction item, get a haircut from local hairstylists donating their time, get a massage, purchase food or a raffle ticket.

SARATOGA

TODAY

SPORTS

Friday, February 25, 2011

39

First Touch Futbol Academy dominates HALFMOON - Saratoga's First Touch Futbol Academy had a great showing at the Sportsplex during Halfmoon's President's Day Tournament. The club put on a dominating display, going 11-1 overall for the day, scoring a total of 52 goals and only allowing 13.

First Touch Gold went a perfect 40 en route to the Division One Championship. Gold defeated the Albany Alleycat Madcats 4-2, the Binghamton Bruisers 6-2, and the Clifton Park Broncos 2-0. Gold then faced the Broncos again in the Championship match, winning 4-0.

First Touch White I also went a perfect 4-0 on the day to win the Division Two Championship, defeating the Highland Ninjas 7-0, Clifton Park Bullets 4-0, Albany Alleycat

Coolcats 4-1, and First Touch White II 4-0.

In the same division, First Touch White II took home 2nd place with wins over the Highland Ninjas 6-1, Clifton Park Bullets 6-2, Albany Alleycat Coolcats 5-1. The teams lone loss came to their fellow clubmates, First Touch White I. In addition, The First Touch Futbol Academy ended their indoor season with an 8-3 win over the Albany Falcons and a 5-3 victory over the Niskayuna Fire. The First Touch Gold, Blue, and Green teams went a combined 20-2-2 this session. First Touch Gold ended up tied for 1st place in Division 1 while First Touch Green and Blue ended up in 1st and 2nd place respectively in Division 2 at Afrims Soccer Center in Latham.

photo provided

First Touch Futbol Academy athletes

South Glens Falls, Burnt Hills boys advance in section II playoffs

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SOUTH GLENS FALLS - The opening round of section II basketball playoffs have been a mixed bag for area high schools, with the South Glens Falls (SGF) and Burnt Hills boys teams advancing to the next round, while the Saratoga boys and girls, SGF girls and Schuylerville girls teams suffered season-ending losses.

The No. 8 seeded SGF boys defeated No. 9 seeded Schalmont Wednesday night with a final score of 56-44, led by a last minute push from the team's leading scorer, Jordan Greene. Greene totaled 14 points for the evening.

SGF will move on to play the No. 1 seeded Scotia team Sunday, February 27, beginning at 5:30 pm at Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC). SGF was defeated twice by Scotia when they met during the regular season.

The Burnt Hills boys team found similar success in their match-up against Glens Falls. Although the No. 12 seeded Burnt Hills team was by far the underdog against No. 5 seeded Glens Falls, the Spartans jumped ahead early on in the first quarter before burying their opponents, final score 57-43. Burnt Hills was led by sophomore Robbie Knightes, who scored a game-high 32 points to lead his team to victory.

Burnt Hills will face Bishop Gibbons in the quarterfinals this Sunday, February 27, beginning at

1 pm at HVCC. The Saratoga girls team lost their opening round match to Catholic Central 36-46.

Saratoga boys ran into trouble against a dominate CBA team, losing 28-70.

Schuylerville girls lost to Ravena, 32-45.

The SGF girls fell to Hudson Falls, 42-47.

Still to come in the opening round of playoffs: Averill Park vs. Burnt Hills girls at Scotia, Friday, February 25 at 6 pm Saratoga Catholic vs. Schuylerville boys, Saturday, February 26 at 1 pm

photo by MarkBolles.com · Saratoga TODAY

South Glens Falls’ Zach Lennox works from beyond the arc.

photo by MarkBolles.com · Saratoga TODAY

South Glens Falls’ Jordan Greene shoots over two defenders.

Ice Hockey page 38

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sports

Division I page 37 Friday, February 25, 2011

Vol. 6 • Issue 8 • FREE • Saratoga TODAY

photo by MarkBolles.com - Saratoga TODAY

South Glens Falls advances to section II quarterfinals see pg. 39 for section II coverage