Saratoga Today Newspaper March 4th 2011

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Volume 6 • Issue 9 SaratogaPublishing.com

Angels Among Us Investors promote growth, secure high tech jobs

by Yael Goldman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA COUNTY – Capitalizing on comparisons between Tech Valley and our West Coast counterpart requires a climate that attracts new talent and gives young minds a reason to stay put.

Supporting start-ups is a vital component of high tech climate-

“Giving students a place to go when they graduate ensures we are keeping the young educated people in our region.”

Shelby Schneider SEDC

building: with more companies in the region, the demand for talent grows.

“In areas like Silicon Valley, where they have the eco-system to support high tech growth, talented people have a place to work,” said Shelby Schneider, Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).

In an attempt to bring us up to

See Investing page 5

SOS

Saving Our Schools

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA COUNTY – School districts across the region face millions of dollars in projected budget deficits, and with record lows in state aid funding, low investment returns and with a proposed 2 percent tax cap, the ability to collect revenue needed to close the financial gap has taken a severe blow.

The numbers vary from district to district as they begin to assess their financial standing for the coming year. While still in the early stages, districts like Ballston Spa are reporting a $6.41 million budget deficit; Saratoga Springs is roughly estimating a $5.5 million dollar gap; the Schuylerville Central School’s website names a $2.4 million gap; and school dis-

See Districts page 8

Inside TODAY...

Kid Critic Your Home Sweeps Oscars pg 15-23

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY ALBANY - Lights-Camera-Jackson Murphy recently returned from his trip to Hollywood, where not only did the 12-year-old movie critic have a chance to cover the Academy Awards for his first time – he also made an appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

“It was the second time I’d been to Hollywood, but the first time being out there for Academy Awards Week,” Murphy said. “It’s tough to say what I enjoyed the most since it was all great: Photo Provided

Jackson Murphy on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

City Council pg 4 Obituaries pgs 6-7 Business pgs 13-14 Pets pg 25 Pulse pg 28-31

See Lights page 4

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

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TODAY

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A Seussical Celebration!

SARATOGA SPRINGS - On March 2, the Children’s Museum at Saratoga hosted a Seussian Celebration. As part of National Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss's birthday, special guests Thing 1 (Erin Pruckno) and Thing 2 (Laura Henebryand) led the

children in crafts and story telling to celebrate the wacky world of Dr. Seuss.

Top, Jonathan Reynolds and Gabrielle Bozeth face the camera while fishing for one fish. Maybe two fish? And possibly a red fish and a blue fish.

photos by MarkBolles.com Saratoga Today

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BLOTTER

Friday, March 4, 2011

Jeffrey J. Wagner, 47, of 473 Rowland St., Milton, pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated driving while intoxicated, a classE felony. Wagner was arrested August 2 in Milton. He has been sentenced to time served and five years of probation to include drug treatment court.

Ronald L. Bordeau, 46, of 493 Maple Ave., Ballston Spa, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-D felony.

Bordeau was arrested October 17, 2009 in the Town of Malta and has been sentenced to time served and five years of probation.

Karen L. Kilmer, 34, of 2302 State Rt. 4, Fort Edward, pleaded guilty to a charge of fourth-degree grand larceny, a class-E felony.

Kilmer was arrested April 28 in Saratoga Springs and has been sentenced to one and a half to three years in state prison.

Scott D. Retell, 20, of 45 Dewey Ave., Mechanicville, was resentenced on March 1 by Judge Jerry J. Scarano to nine months in the Saratoga County Jail with credit for time served, probation terminated. Retell was originally convicted December 19, 2007 of resisting arrest, when he was sentenced to time served and three years of probation.

Shahid A. Fecunda, 22, of 235 5th Ave., Waterford, pleaded guilty

to a charge of first-degree reckless endangerment, a class-D felony.

Fecunda was arrested November 2 in Waterford and is expected to return to court for sentencing April 26.

Adolfo Merino-Lopez, 38, of 45 Hanna Ave., Indianapolis, IN, pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree assault as a sexually motivated felony, a class-D felony; first-degree stalking as a sexually motivated felony, a class-D felony; first-degree attempted sexual abuse, a class-E felony; forcible touching, a class-A misdemeanor; third-degree assault, a class-A misdemeanor; third-degree stalking, a class-A misdemeanor; and thirddegree attempted sexual abuse, a class-B misdemeanor. MerinoLopez was arrested April 10, 2010 in Saratoga Springs and will return

to court for sentencing April 26.

Kyle Czajkowski, 22, of Mechanicville, was charged with operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, a misdemeanor; and operating without insurance, an infraction.

Czajkowski was arrested February 26 in Stillwater and is expected to return to court at a later date.

Douglas E. Johnson, 47, who currently resides at the New York State Department of Corrections, was charged with first-degree promotion of prison contraband, a class-D felony. Johnson was arrested July 21 in the Town of Moreau.

Donald L. Hayes, aka "Jose Miranda," 47, of 658 Coy Rd., Greenfield Ctr., was charged with failing to register as a sex offender,

a class-D felony; first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, a class-E felony; and resisting arrest, a class-A misdemeanor.

Hayes was arrested October 11 in Greenfield for incidents that occurred June 25, July 6 and October 11.

Timothy P. Barrett, 48, of 56 Gailor Rd., Apt. C, Gansevoort, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony. Barrett was arrested March 13 in the Town of Wilton and is expected to return to court for sentencing May 2.

Daniel P. Collins, 39, of 885 Middleline Rd., Lot 15, Ballston Spa, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while ability impaired by drugs, a class-E felony. Collins was arrested July 16 in Milton and

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is expected to return to court for sentencing May 2.

Marcus V. Salvador, aka "Dirty," 33, of Grooms Rd., Clifton Park, pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class-C felony. Salvador was arrested December 15, 2009 in Malta. He has been sentenced to two years in state prison, as well as one and a half years of post release supervision.

Tami M. Demers, 41, of 36 Stratton La., Stillwater, pleaded guilty to a charge of second-degree grand larceny, a class-C felony.

Demers was arrested December 1 in Halfmoon for incidents that occurred between October 4 through 7 and will return to court for sentencing May 2.

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Lights-CameraSaratoga Springs City Council Jackson L-shaped .61 acre parcel that the At the Tuesday, March 1 meetcontinued from Page 1

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Contributing Writers Marion E. Altieri thoroughbredwriter@yahoo.com

Meghan D. Lemery meghanlemery@yahoo.com

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Jill Sweet jsweet@skidmore.edu

Kate Towne Sherwin sksherwin@hotmail.com

Kerry Mendez pyours@nycap.rr.com

doing appearances on shows, watching the Oscar sets being constructed during the week, and visiting some fun places and meeting some celebrities.”

Despite being surrounded by all of Hollywood’s glitz and glamour, Murphy kept his cool on the late night talk show, correctly predicting the winners for six major categories at the Oscars.

“I wasn’t nervous, except about not tripping on the steps that led to the stage,” Murphy said about his appearance on the show. “Watching the [Academy Awards] was very exciting (even though it wasn’t a great show). I was worried about Best Supporting Actress and Best Director, but when I got both of them right I knew I was home free.”

Always the critic, Murphy was nevertheless impressed by actress Emily Blunt, who appeared on Jay Leno’s show alongside Jackson.

“Emily Blunt is soooo nice. She really appreciated that I liked “Gnomeo & Juliet,” and we chatted during the break about her favorite movie (“Jaws”). I haven’t liked all of her movies but she is definitely now my favorite actress.”

To learn more about LightsCamera-Jackson, to view his blog or read his movie reviews, please visit his website at http://lights-camerajackson.com/

ing of the Saratoga Springs City Council, a presentation on proposed 2011 water and sewer rates for 2011 was given by Commissioner of Public Works Anthony “Skip” Scirocco. The public and Council were updated on various infrastructure projects within the City. The Council later unanimously adopted two percent increases in water and sewer rates. Commissioner Scirocco, in comparing the rates in the City to surrounding municipalities, noted that even with the increases the rates for these utilities in the City were “still a pretty good deal,” and cited various expense-cutting measures that were undertaken to keep the rates low. The increases are designed to build a contingency fund for emergencies, according to Commissioner Scirocco.

Saratoga Hospital and Saratoga Golf and Polo unanimously received zoning amendments that would permit a land swap in which the Golf and Polo club will receive 1.5 acres from the Hospital in exchange for an

hospital will use to expand its parking.

During the Mayor’s agenda, Bradley Birge delivered a Citizen Advisory Committee’s recommendations on recipients for 2011 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the Federal Government for social service and not-for-profit organizations that benefit City low and moderate income residents. 17 organizations had applied seeking over $600,000 in grants; just under $400,000 was available this year. A public hearing on the committee’s recommendations was scheduled for March 15 at 6:50 pm.

The Council voted unanimously to enter into an agreement which would provide the American Red Cross access to the indoor recreation center for use as a shelter site in the event of a disaster in the City. This agreement will entail negligible or no costs to the City.

In a discussion about the closing of Borders Bookstore on Broadway, Mayor Scott Johnson noted that this was a “reflection

Petrified Sea Gardens reopen The Petrified Sea Gardens, a rare fossil formation in western Saratoga Springs, will be reopening in the spring of 2011. The living reef existed 500,000,000 years ago when

what we now know as upstate New York was a coastal area. The Sea Gardens formation has extraordinary potential for scientific study; in the past at least one trilobite fossil was found here which has been found nowhere else on Earth.

The site has been closed for several years due to a storm that brought down dozens of trees and destroyed the buildings. The park will be seeking non-profit status from state and federal governments.

TODAY

of Borders’ problems nationwide” rather than one on the Saratoga Springs downtown business district. The Mayor said that he “was not sitting back” but rather was working actively with the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Association to have conversations with the building landlord (Myron Hunt of Buffalo) to offer whatever support they could to speed up the process of finding a replacement tenant.

In a presentation on 2010 final sales tax results, Commissioner of Finance Kenneth Ivins noted that a robust November and December of 2010, in which consumers spent over $45.5 million on taxable items in the City than during the same period in 2009, enabled the City to achieve a sales tax total of $9,045,606.32. Commissioner Ivins cited hard work and marketing efforts by merchants in the City, increases in gas prices (where the City collects sales tax), and the coming of GlobalFoundries to the area as possible factors behind this increase.

In the meantime, a local not-forprofit has offered to provide fiscal sponsorship so we can proceed with fundraising and applying for grants.

In the future, the park will be open year-round and will be available for environmental-education programs, winter hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, fairs and special events.

For more information, please call Ebie Brown at (518) 309-3157 or email walkingowl51@yahoo.com and indicate "PSG" in the subject line.

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Investing in tech growth continued from Page 1 speed, Eastern New York Angels (ENYA), a newly formed angel investment group aimed at accelerating growth in our region, is ready to pump nearly $1 million into early stage companies that show promise of creating jobs.

ENYA will invest approximately $150,000 in early stage companies that fit their criteria.

Qualifying companies will have a product that is close to market and a formal business plan that looks to the future, and must be willing to work with an ENYA investor, who will be actively involved in decision-making and strategizing.

According to Dick Frederick, cofounder of ENYA, investors are looking to support a wide range of business ventures, including software, bio, nano and tech material companies – companies that have the potential to grow and create jobs.

“We have three goals: to create jobs and a climate of success for entrepreneurs, and to make money,” said Frederick. “Our area has not yet had the momentum for developing early stage companies. We need to identify young entrepreneurs, and help them grow.”

Helping start-up companies become successful has a direct impact on the rest of the community and economic environment.

“There is a great benefit to the overall community,” Schneider said.

“If people are creating jobs and making investments, then they are able to go out and buy a house and shop with the money they are making – and that’s just the basics.”

“We have the local colleges and universities; the talent is here,” Schneider said. “Giving students a place to go when they graduate ensures we are keeping the young educated people in our region.”

Having talent attracts more talent, as Schneider explained using Silicon Valley as an example.

“The new paradigm is that industry follows people. If you have a fantastic place for people to live and

work, companies can attract the talent they’re looking for,” she said.

“It’s important to keep building critical mass.”

Establishing a climate for growth is at once a motivator for and side effect of keeping the brightest, most innovative thinkers in the region.

Although GlobalFoundries commands an infrastructure all its own, the major company, which was at one point a start-up itself, is an anchor that will certainly help accelerate ancillary development.

“An individual that came to the area to work for them [GlobalFoundries] could come up with a great idea and leave the company to develop their own product and business,” Schneider explained.

“We see that from the GE research and development labs all the time.

We see companies that have spun out of places like RPI.” This climate has already proved beneficial for Kitware, a Clifton Park-based open-source software developer and supporter.

As an evolving presence in the area tech sector, Kitware, which has collaborated on research projects with RPI and GE, is growing at an annual rate of 30 percent. The company hired eight people at the end of 2010 and, according to Vice President Lisa Avila, may be looking to hire 20 more in 2011.

“We definitely benefit from the fact that there are other tech companies in the area,” Avila said. “We hire folks from out [of the area], and it’s reassuring when there are multiple options; many come with a spouse who is also in a tech field and needs a place to work.”

For Barbara and Bruce Hodge, owners of Tech Valley Technologies, another Saratoga County company that’s in “growth mode,” establishing the climate to support tech sector development is a necessity and a potentiality.

The vet-owned business leads the way in developing tactical solutions for soldiers and officers, and has been steadily growing over the past

five years. Barbara attributes the business environment and available resources, like the SEDC, as a contributing factor to the company’s success.

“We have the academic infrastructure and that allows for good partnerships,” Barbara said, citing geographic location as another plus.

“We’re moving in the right direction but it’s in true risk-taking and entrepreneurial start-ups that we’re a lagging a bit.”

With available capital and investors like ENYA who are looking to plant seed money and increase the opportunity for growth and job creation, the tech valley climate is growing stronger.

“There is such potential and opportunity here,” Barbara said. “If we coordinate all of these things, anything is possible.”

Letter to the Editor Thank you from Skidmore Early Childhood Center for “Preschoolers go to jail” I teach a nursery school class of four year olds at the Skidmore College Early Childhood Center. We recently completed a unit entitled, Me and My World. In this unit the children investigated their immediate world, including their family and home to their school environment, including the classroom and Skidmore Campus. We branched out to communities and our Downtown Saratoga Springs. I contacted the Downtown Business Association and asked local businesses to be part of our downtown walking tour. Many downtown businesses opened their doors to us! Our downtown tour was a walking tour, which limited the number of businesses we could visit; there were many accommodating hotels and banks we could not get to. I would like to publicly acknowledge and thank the spots along our way. We went to Impressions, Aayco, Adirondack Trust Bank, Wheatfields and the Police Station. We had a wonderful day and are so appreciative to all the local businesses that welcomed us and those we did not get to visit. Thank you to Saratoga TODAY for taking interest and following our story in the paper, covered

by Yael Goldman and Daniel Schechtman. I also want to thank photographer, Mark Bolles, who accompanied us on our downtown journey!

Thanks again, Mary Ellen Towne

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OBITUARIES Charles W. St. George, Jr.

Saratoga Springs – Charles W. St. George, Jr. passed away Friday, Feb. 25, 2011 at Wesley Health Care Center. He was 89.

Born on Nov. 20, 1921 in Worcester, MA, he was the son of Charles W., Sr. and Olean (St. Denis) St. George. He was a graduate of Worcester Boys Trade High School, attended the evening division of Worcester Junior College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute before moving to Auburn, MA where he lived for 43 years. Charles was active in town affairs, serving on many committees. He was a lector, Eucharistic Minister, served as the pastor’s representative on the parish council and was the chairman of the church property committee for many years at St. Joseph’s Church in Auburn. Charles was a member of the John Cardinal Wright Assembly Knights of Columbus #4158 Third Degree and a charter member of the John Cardinal Wright Assembly Knights of Columbus #4158 Fourth Degree. At the time of his retirement he was the Deputy Fire Chief and the Superintendent of the Auburn MA

Sewer Department. He was also involved in the American Society of Metals, Society of Manufacturing Engineers and a charter member of the American Society of Safety Engineers. Charles was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Greenfield Center, NY. In addition to his parents, Charles is predeceased by two brothers, Eugene and Edmund St. George and a son-in-law, H. James Ryan.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Margaret G. (Rosseel) St. George of Saratoga Springs; three daughters, Janet A. Ryan of Wilton, Karen L. (Andrew F.) Lemister of Cooperstown, Patricia E. (Ronald) Bushee of Auburn, MA; five grandchildren, Kimberly M. (Clayton)

Knapp, Elizabeth A. (Matthew) Carpenter, Christopher C. Ryan, Andrew C. (Christine) Lemister, Pamela L. Ryan; five great-grandchildren, Caleb C. and Zachary A. Carpenter, twins Addison E. and Andrew J. Lemister and Makenna G. Knapp and several nieces and nephews.

Relative and friends gathered to remember him Thursday, March 3, 2011 at the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central Street, Auburn, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Thursday in St. Joseph’s Church, 189 Oxford Street North, Auburn, MA. Burial was in the family plot at Hillside Cemetery, Auburn, MA. Memorial donations may be made to the Auburn Fire Fighters Association, 47 Auburn St., Auburn, MA 01501.

Local arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of Saratoga Springs.

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

Mary Koval Bogus Saratoga Springs – Mary Koval Bogus passed away peacefully Sunday, February 27, 2011, surrounded by her loving family at Saratoga Hospital. She was 91.

Her beloved husband, Edward J. Bogus, preceded her in death on December 10, 2010. Mary was the daughter of the late Paul Koval and Mary Bejowski Koval and was born on April 8, 1919 in McDonald, PA. She was one of six children and was the oldest of three daughters. Mary moved to New York as a child with her family and began working on the family farm in Stillwater, NY. As a young woman Mary worked at Van Raalte Company, a lingerie and undergarment company in Saratoga Springs. She then went on to join the war effort, working at General Electric during World War II. In her later years, she happily devoted much of her time to her sister Anna’s business, Koval Farm and Garden Supply in Saratoga Springs.

A member of the Saratoga Harness Women’s Association and St. Clement’s Parish in Saratoga Springs, she was a longtime volunteer for the St. Clement’s Horse

Show. Her love for horses was a deep family tradition.

She and her family owned several standard bred horses over the years, many of which raced at the Saratoga Springs harness track. She enjoyed cheering her family’s horses to victory, especially in the late 1970s. In her spare time, Mary enjoyed gardening at her Saratoga Springs home. She canned her homegrown tomatoes in the fall and whipped up her sweet strawberry jam in the early summer.

Whether it was a night out on the town or an evening at home, Ed and Mary complimented each other well.

After 60 years of marriage, it was the quiet evenings at home that Mary enjoyed the most. She would pass the time doing word searches, while he worked on crossword puzzles.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary joins her brothers John, Paul and Steve Koval in heaven.

She is survived by her caring son, Robert P. Kirkpatrick and his wife, Betty; her granddaughters and their spouses, Mary Theresa and Scott Sobon, Lisa Maria and Scott Clark; her sisters, Anna Koval and Betty Dorsey; a great-grandson, Ridge

Michael Koebbeman and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Community Hospice of Saratoga, Saratoga Hospital and her sister, Anna Koval for their kind and loving care.

Relatives and friends called on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 in Our Lady’s Chapel in the parish center of St. Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in St. Clement’s Church by the Rev. Francis E. Sullivan, C.Ss.R., associate pastor.

Burial followed in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Avenue in Saratoga Springs.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of Saratoga Springs.

Memorials may be made in her name to Community Howspice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St. or to St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

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

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.

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John P. Brown Saratoga Springs – John P. Brown, 70, passed away February 21, 2011 in the loving arms of his granddaughter, children, and brother after a courageous fight with cancer.

A life-long Saratoga Springs resident, John was born on March 23, 1940 to the late Jay and Anna (Gorman) Brown. His brother Jim predeceased him on March 22, 2001.

John was a retired Saratoga Springs firefighter, serving from December 1967 to October 1988. He also worked for the New York State Racing Association for 35 years.

“Brownie” was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, and old westerns on AMC, but most of all he loved visiting with his friends at Sarge’s Triangle Diner.

John is survived by his companion, Barbara Marshall of Saratoga Springs; his three children, Jacalyn

Keenan (Edward) of Wilton, Stephen Brown of Wilton and Derek Brown of Clifton Park; his brother, Thomas Brown (Patricia) of Malta; two grandchildren, Justin and Valene Keenan and six nieces and nephews.

Per his request, there were no calling hours and funeral services were private.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of Saratoga Springs.

For those who would like to remember Brownie with a charitable contribution, please contact the Saratoga Springs Retired Firefighters Association, 183 East Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

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

Rozella A. Jones Ballston Spa – Rozella A. Jones passed away Monday, Feb. 28, 2011 in the loving arms of her family at Saratoga Hospital.

She was 72.

Born on Oct. 27, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Lincoln A. Dunn, Sr. and Esther Mosher. Roz was an avid animal lover and supporter of the ASPCA. She loved camping, trips to the Indian reservation, playing cards and dice with her family.

Survivors include her loving husband, Henry A. Jones, Sr. of Ballston Spa; her children, Steven F. Jones, Sr. also of Ballston Spa, Linda S. (Robert) Pratt of Milton, James F. Jones (partner William Holland) of Stillwater and Henry A. Jones, Sr. of

Queensbury. Also raised as one of her own are Melissa S. (Steven) MacDonald of Galway and Steven F. (Korina) Jones, Jr. of Milton.

She is also survived by two step-sons, Michael and Mark Mumblo of Orlando, FL and several grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

There will be a celebration of her life with family and friends to be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of Saratoga Springs.

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

Linda Lee Howk Troy – Linda Lee Howk entered into eternal rest on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy. She was 63.

Born on January 19, 1948 in Saratoga Springs, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Alice S. (Washburn) Chiperno. Linda lived in Saratoga Springs for many years and was a 1965 graduate of St. Peter’s Academy. She was most recently employed at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.

In addition to her parents, Linda is predeceased by her husband Edwin Howk.

Survivors include her loving and much loved companion, Richard C. Marriner, Sr. of Troy and her cousins, Ralph and Stephen Chiperno of

Alaska and Elizabeth McKinsey, Mary Casazza and Thomas Lollias all of Saratoga Springs.

Relatives and friends gathered to remember her Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of Saratoga Springs.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Thursday, March 3, 2011 at St. Clement’s Church by the Rev. Neil Draves-Arpaia.

Donations may be made to the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204.

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

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Friday, March 4, 2011

Saratoga County Deceased Veteren of the Month

Gustave “Gus” Frieberger Gustave “Gus” Frieberger from the Town of Malta served in the US Army as a Combat Infantryman in the Pacific Theater of Operations, Philippine Island Campaign.

He received two Purple Hearts.

Mr. Freiberger was employed as a meat manager for Price Chopper Supermarkets.

He was a past member of the Malta Ridge Fire Company and was a founding member of the Malta Ambulance Corps. He was a member of the Ballston Area

Senior Citizens as well as a charter member of the Eagles Club and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #420 Mr. Freiberger is survived by his wife Pauline, his daughter Lillian and his sons Charles, Edward and Henry.

A memorial program will be held in Mr. Frieberger’s memory on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 2:15 pm in the Supervisor’s Meeting Room of the County Building at 40 McMaster Street in Ballston Spa. The public is invited to attend this ceremony and the reception that will follow.

Henry James (Jim) Hughes, Jr. Clifton Park – Henry James (Jim) Hughes, Jr. passed away Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 70.

Born on November 5, 1940 in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Henry and Millicent (Horton) Hughes. Jim was raised in Schuylerville and graduated from the local school in 1958. He made a career in sales with Streever Agency, Tappan Stove, Broyhill Industries and as an Independent Sales Representative and Sales Manager in the furniture business. Jim was married to Christa Anne Miller Hughes for 48 years prior to her passing in 2007.

Survivors include his three children, Henry James (Beth) Hughes III of Glens Falls, Kelly Anne (Stephen) Fortin and Kevin (Joanne) Hughes all of Saratoga Springs; seven grandchildren, Jamie Ramirez, Dana Flinton, Katelyn Hughes, daughters of Henry James and Dawn Mullen, Stephen “Buck,” James, William and Jacob Fortin, sons of Stephen and Kelly Fortin; five greatgrandchildren, several nieces and nephews; brothers and sister-inlaw Siana Lyons (Tom), Tom Miller (Shirley), Joe Miller (Theresa), Linda Miller (widow of William) and Dawn Mitchell, a very special love, friend and

companion.

Relatives and friends gathered to pay their respects Thursday, March 3, 2011 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of Saratoga Springs.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 am this morning, Friday, March 4, 2011 in St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs.

Burial will be in the family plot at Union Cemetery, Route 4 in Hudson Falls.

A special thanks to Saratoga Hospital and its fine staff, Dr. David Mastrianni, Dr. Desmond Del Giacco and Norm Bovee for their professionalism and personal attention through Jim’s illness.

In lieu of flowers, just do a good deed for someone to make up for what Jim didn’t do.

Contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211 or Ronald McDonald House, The Children’s Oncology Society of NY, Inc., 405 East 73rd St., NY, NY 10131-0781.

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

OBITUARIES

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Helen Elizabeth Baker Bolster

Saratoga Springs – Helen Elizabeth Baker Bolster of Walton Street died peacefully surrounded by her loving family members on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 98 years of age.

Born on April 18, 1912 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Courtney and Mary Ellen (McGinnis) Baker. She graduated from Fort Edward High School in the class of 1930. She earned her Registered Nursing Degree at Saratoga Hospital School of Nursing in 1933. Helen worked in the local Hospital’s Emergency Department for several years and then was a private duty nurse, followed by a short time as a nursing supervisor at Maplewood Manor in Ballston Spa. On October 17, 1938 she married the late George S. Bolster, photographer, in the Church of St. Peter in Saratoga Springs. Ms. Eloise Burke, maid of honor, attended her and

George’s brother, Frederick L. Bolster was best man. A reception for the couple was held at the Hotel Russell following the ceremony.

Helen and George celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends in 1988 prior to his death in 1989.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her brother Donald Baker and her sister Betty Mae Baker.

She is survived by one daughter, Suzanne (Stephen) Toussaint; one son Frederick Baker (Margaret Armstrong) Bolster; twelve grandchildren, Renee, Marcelle, Collette, Allisse, Stephen, Brigitte, Ginelle, William, Neil, Suzanne, Carolyn and John and twelve great-grandchildren.

There were no calling hours.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, February 28, 2011 at St. Clement’s Church, by the Rev. Arthur B. Tuttle, C.Ss.R.,

Associate Pastor.

Burial will be at the family plot in Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Avenue in the spring.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Wesley Health Care Facility for the truly exceptional care given during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to The George S. Bolster Collection of the Saratoga Springs Historical Society, c/o The Canfield Casino, PO Box 216, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866.

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

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

George “Butch” D. Doherty Saratoga Springs – George “Butch” D. Doherty passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford, NY. He was 66 years old.

Born on April 25, 1944, he was the son of the late George and Edna Mae Colgan Doherty. Upon graduation, he served in the US Army. After his discharge, he owned and operated his own roofing company. In 1967, he married Betty Symonds. He was known as “Butch” to his close family and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was pre-

deceased by his brothers, Arthur and John Doherty.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Amy Doherty of Saratoga Springs; stepson, Christopher Mangan of Monroe, NY; step-daughter, Tina Mann of

Sweden; grandchildren, Cara and Carissa Doherty of Saratoga Springs; sisters, Patricia Potter of Middle Grove and Gail Hanna and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends gathered to remember him Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of Saratoga Springs. A funeral service followed at the funeral home by the Rev. Neil Draves-Arpaia.

Burial will be at the family plot in Middle Grove Cemetery in the spring.

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

ATTENTION! “Welcome Home ” Saratoga’s Community Guide Book will be published in April.

If you would like your organization to be listed under…

• Non-profit • Civic • Charitable • Religion • Medical Facilities • Senior Clubs • Calendar of Events

Please email: • Organization’s name • Address • Phone number • Website cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com Mark the Subject box “Welcome Home”

Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 • SaratogaPublishing.com • (518) 581-2480

SARATOGA

Friday, March 4, 2011

8

TODAY

Districts look for new ways to cut costs, close budget gap continued from Page 1 tricts state-wide face similarly daunting figures.

“The normal increases that we have are contractual things that have already been put in place. So you’ve got salary increases that were already there; then the pension payment and the health care costs,” said Stuart Williams, the community relations coordinator for Ballston Spa Central Schools. “In a normal year you would be anticipating that and know it was coming, but you don’t know that the state is actually going to also decrease your aid that much more.”

As New York State tries to right its own financially sinking ship, the governor has proposed cutting total state aid to local school districts by as much as $1.5 billion dollars. For Ballston Spa, that figure translates to $3.24 million, roughly a 14 per-

cent cut in state aid. Saratoga Springs is losing $2.4 million in state aid, a little over 11 percent compared to last year. Schuylerville is expecting a $1.8 million decrease in funding.

Retirement costs, health care expenditures and salaries are some of the driving forces behind ballooning budgets – but perhaps the bigger problem is the lack of a legal mechanism for districts and municipalities to put aside money to handle the increases.

“A few years back, [the government] proposed legislation that would set up irrevocable trusts that employers would be able to put money into. It was going to be a state-wide trust administered by the office of the state comptroller,” said Kurt Jaeger, the assistant superintendent for business with Saratoga Springs schools. “You would put money into these trusts adminis-

tered by the state as a vehicle to fund these obligations. But the legislation never passed.”

In fact, after legislation failed to see the light, schools in the southern section of the state decided to set up a reserve of their own to handle the costs, under the impression that such a maneuver would be a legitimate way to provide funding.

“As I understand it, the comptroller’s office said no, you can’t use that. It got even more complicated because they were told after the money had been put in that it was illegal to get it back out,” said Jaeger.

Fortunately local districts did not follow suit, and the money has since been made available. But still, a legal framework has yet to come to fruition to deal with an issue that’s affecting the ability of every district and municipality in the state to pay for benefits.

Governor Cuomo has proposed instating a 2 percent tax cap on local property taxes – great news for residents hoping to save money on taxes – bad news for districts that rely on those taxes as one of their main sources of revenue. The cap could mean many things for school districts – including larger class sizes, streamlining or cutting nonessential, undersubscribed programs, and an increase in staff reductions.

The tax cap will certainly have a far-reaching effect on school districts, and as Frank Palumbo, a

News Briefs Albany Times Union to close Saratoga, Troy bureaus A Wednesday, March 2 release

member of the Saratoga Springs Board of Education pointed out during the Tuesday night meeting, the troubles it can cause will only compound over time. Palumbo pointed out that a 2 percent tax cap will likely result in an increased number of staff reductions. As the staff is reduced, there will be less active members and employees working for the district paying into the retirement system, which due to the reductions will have about one retired member for every two active members. As a result, employer contributions will have to go up to meet the increased number of retirees – but lacking a means to do so puts districts in even a tighter bind.

“I think that’s conceptually correct,” said Jaeger of Palumbo’s assessment. “The main point I was trying to make is that I believe that there will be long-term pressure on the contribution rates that employers have to make. I think we’re probably in for significant employer contributions for quite some time.”

The news isn’t all bad, however, and districts are currently in the process of finding new and innovative ways to save money and cut costs. Ballston Spa has worked out several partnerships, including one with Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), where students spend time at the HVCC campus earning both high school and college credits. Because the program shares resources and staff, it results

in sizeable financial savings for the district.

“There is no magic wand, no federal or state money that will come in and fix everything. Change is necessary,” said Joseph Dragone, the superintendent of schools for Ballston Spa. “We must be flexible when creating the budget, but not at the cost of our core values, goals or our programs.”

On March 1, the governor’s office released a preliminary report on mandate relief, promising no new unfunded mandates, an independent review of current mandates, the creation of a pension tier 6 to help address escalating pension costs, and the possible end of the Wicks Requirement, which would effectively reduce the cost of labor for building projects by as much as 15 percent. All of this is great news for school districts, who have perhaps been offered a life line – a relief valve to help save money after their revenue sources have been restricted.

When push comes to shove, the bottom line is that school districts will simply have to adjust the way they do business.

“We can’t keep doing the same old, same old thing that’s been going on for 50 years,” said Williams. “We’ve already been developing new programs and new partnerships so we can do things with a different kind of model, and that’s what has to happen with public education.”

reported that the Albany Times Union will be shutting down two of its Capital Region bureaus.

Slated for closing are the bureau in Troy in April, and the bureau on

Broadway in Saratoga Springs at the beginning of June. The release stated that reporters will continue to cover the respective areas equipped with mobile technology that will allow them to file stories and photos from remote locations.

Reward offered in Bread Basket bakery robberies After a series of overnight robberies earlier this year (on February 17 and January 20) the owner of the Bread Basket Bakery, Matthew Tallman, has offered a $1000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the responsible individual(s) in an email distributed by the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association.

Both robberies were discovered

by Tallman the following morning.

Saratoga Springs police have characterized the investigation as ongoing, and no arrests have been made to date. Anyone with information about either incident is requested to call Saratoga Springs Police at (518) 584-1800.

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EDUCATION Classroom Corner Skidmore receives grant for civic engagement Skidmore College was awarded a $250,000 grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations to create a comprehensive civic engagement program and strengthen links between academics and the local community. This program will build upon the college's Responsible Community Task Force.

The college currently offers a number of courses that require student community service.

With the help of this grant, Skidmore will increase aspects that foster responsible citizenship and community engagement by expanding the roster of courses that entail such interaction, preparing faculty for new advisory roles, creating a program for student mentors, and funding faculty development.

HVCC offers Spring 2011 cultural affairs programs Award-winning author Joyce Carol Oates highlights the spring

SARATOGA

Friday, March 4, 2011

2011 events calendar at Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) with a reading and discussion of her work on Friday, March 11 at 11 am. Her free talk takes place in the Bulmer Telecommunications Center and is open to the public.

In addition to Oates' appearance, the cultural affairs program at HVCC offers a variety of educational events from now through April, all open to the public free of charge.

The following is a list of the programs offered in March in the Bulmer Telecommunications Center auditorium: Thursday, March 10 at noon Lisa Dodson: "The Moral Underground: How Ordinary Americans Subvert an Unfair Economy" Thursday, March 17 at 11 am "People as Commodities: The Growth of Economic, Genetic and Sexual Exploitation in America" Monday, March 28 at 6 pm "THE HERETICS" ( featurelength documentary)

Just Desserts Cabaret Night Ballston Spa High School Troupes is hosting its second annual

TODAY

Just Desserts Cabaret Night on Friday, March 4 at 7:30 pm in the Ballston Spa High School auditorium. The community is invited to enjoy a relaxing evening of songs and sweets to help support the theater group. The event will feature talented high school student performances and wonderful desserts for purchase during intermission.

Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. For more information, contact Patti Mullen: (518) 885-6510 or pschullin@yahoo.com.

Open House at Little Angels Nursery School Little Angels Nursery School, which is sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church, will hold an open house from 10 am to noon on Saturday, March 12. Parents can meet the teachers and register their children for classes. The event is intended for families of three and four-year-olds, and all are welcome.

The school and church are located at 22 West High Street in Ballston Spa. For more information, call (518) 885-3540 or email ballstonpres@yahoo.com.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, March 4, 2011

11

Summer Camp Directory This Week’s Spotlight Saratoga Children’s Theatre

For kids who have a passion for performing arts, Saratoga Children’s Theater summer camp is a dream come true.

Saratoga Children’s Theater offers performance camps, which means each camper, will be working on a full-fledged production throughout their session. Campers will learn all aspects of performance, and will have the opportunity to perform in two shows at the end of camp:

a matinee and an evening show both are open to the public.

Campers will perform on stage at St. Peters’ Auditorium, Saratoga Springs. Camp hours are 9am3pm.

Performance camp is divided into Two Age Groups.

Ages 6-9 will participate in one week camps. These camps will include Disney’s Sleeping Beauty kids; Cinderella Kids, Aristocats Kids, 101 Dalmatians kids and Lemonade. These camps will be directed by Megan O’Sullivan, a

local elementary school music teacher and assisted by Karey Trimmings also a local elementary school music teacher.

Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week camps. Each camp will practice and perform a different show. These camps include Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr., Cinderella Jr., Fiddler on the Roof Jr., and Once on this Island Jr. These camps will be directed by Michael Lotano, local actor and elementary school music teacher and choreographed by Sarah Sutliff.

Saratoga Children’s Theater

also offers a one-week camp at the end of the summer “Master your Audition.” This camp will help your child get ready for fall and winter auditions. These audition workshops have been very popular and sell out quickly.

Any child at any skill level with an interest in performing arts is welcome to join in on the fun.

Saratoga Children’s Theater Executive Director, Meg Kelly, aims to give each camper the most

rewarding and enjoyable camp experience and every camper will get to perform. At Saratoga Children’s Theatre we hire professionals to help your child gain the most from their summer camp experience.

The cost for a two-week session is $450 and $250 for the one-week session.

For more information, visit saratogachildrenstheater.org or call (518) 580-1782.

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ANNE’S CORNER

Anne’s corner

FREE This page is dedicated to you, the families who live, work and play in our great region. It is your opportunity to boast about your kids, announce your engagement or tell people about your accomplishments.

Send Anne your news! aproulx@saratoga publishing.com

Local Animal Shelter receives over $4000 from Hilton’s Holiday Event The Saratoga Hilton’s General Manager Shawn Goodway (left) is shown here presenting Dan Butler, Saratoga County Animal Shelter’s Supervisor, with a check for $4,300 resulting from the total proceeds of the downtown hotel’s 16th annual “Breakfast with Santa” event held on Christmas Eve day.

The Saratoga County Animal Shelter will use these funds to help defray the operational expenses in their newly built facilities.

SARATOGA

Friday, March 4, 2011

TODAY

the

Tooth fairy club Take a look at this week’s new club members

Brooke

Alexa

The tooth fairy club is sponsored by:

KronePhuong Engagement

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

Friendly’s ticket giveaway for The Lion King

Mr. and Mrs. James Krone of Clermont, Florida are pleased to announce the engagement of their son, Joseph of Wilmington, Delaware to Ly My Phuong of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, daughter of Mr. Ly Minh Hai and his wife Pham My Phuong of Can Tho City, Vietnam.

Mr. Krone is a graduate of the University of Phoenix with an Associates of Arts degree. He is Global Events Manager for Battlefront Miniatures. He is the grandson of the late Charles and Ada More of Saratoga Springs and the nephew of Laurie Feldhaus of Saratoga Springs.

Miss Phuong is a graduate of Ho Chi Minh University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She is an Administrative Assistant for a cosmetic company in Ho Chi Min City.

A spring wedding in 2012 is being planned at a location to be determined.

Friendly’s Albany District Manager Vince Salerno surprises this Saratoga Springs resident 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 recently 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.

SARATOGA

BUSINESS Martial Arts facility is cutting-edge!

TODAY

Friday, March 4, 2011

by Yael Goldman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS - The grand reopening of Cutting Edge Martial Arts celebrates the entire Miller family.

Owner Brian Miller and his wife Eva, recently combined their services to relocate and reinvent Cutting Edge Martial Arts as a wellness center to better serve the students and clients they've grown to call their family.

The new facility, moved from its previous location at 109 West Ave., opened on February 21 with the help of more than 50 loyal students.

Taking over the former Hollywood Video location in the Route 50 Price Chopper Plaza, the Millers turned the nearly 10,000 square-foot warehouse into a full service facility that now offers something for everyone. The goal was to create a community space for families to connect and for people to improve their overall wellbeing.

"It's been our dream to open a wellness center housing all different arts," Brian said, pointing to his blue-eyed daughter Vera as the final push to get the ball rolling.

Not only will Brian continue his martial arts classes, camps and programs, but the facility is opening its doors to many new services, including massage (Eva's specialty), reiki, tai chi, Saratoga Fit Boot Camp, and a variety of fitness classes.

With added touches, like a full-wall waterfall in the foyer, which Brian helped build, the best mats on the market, gorgeous bamboo floors and plenty of room to grow, the new Cutting Edge facility is even better suited to fit the community's needs.

Eva relocated from Massage at Saratoga on Broadway, along with partner Christina Madadore, and she is excited about what she can offer her customers in the new space.

Designed for relaxation and comfort, two soundproofed rooms with impeccable details (hardwood floors, lit crown molding and electric fireplaces) complement the Martial Arts facility and its goals.

Like Brian, Eva prides herself in building relationships with her clients. She gets to know every individual to establish a level of trust and comfort, and relieve pain and tension.

"I start each appointment like it's their first one," she said.

With all that the new center has to offer, parents are able to get a massage, take a fitness class or watch their child in action from a comfort-

able viewing room that also doubles as a babysitting center. They also have the option to step outside of the facility and enjoy neighboring businesses.

"They can do their grocery shopping at Price Chopper or have dinner next-door at Mama Mia's while their kids are in class," Brian Miller said.

"It's a wonderful location."

But even though the new state-ofthe-art location marks a significant upgrade, the most important aspect of Cutting Edge Martial Arts is unchanged: instruction and integrity.

Brian emphasized how character building is a vital component of the Cutting Edge program. For him, martial arts is "a lot more than kicks and punches."

"Students only earn their belts when they earn them," he said. "This isn't a business, it's an art, and if you keep that strong the belts retain their value."

Referring to his students as artists in training, Brian explained that character education is crucial. He adopted a new technology, similar to the electronic white boards used in area schools, to expand his lesson plan and further enhance his students' learning experience.

With hopes of welcoming more specialists, arts and a dance studio

down the road, Brian is keeping the 3,500 square-foot space in the back open for when they find the right "fit."

Until then, he is using the space for band practice (he's the drummer for Spaceman Africa) and for his students to hang their uniforms and get homework done while they wait for their parents to arrive.

Every square foot of the new Cutting Edge Martial Arts facility, even the unfinished spaces, is designed for the students, families and community members who use it, because that's what matters to the Millers.

"Our school has grown by taking care of people and trying to provide services that they can't find at other places," Brian said. "The little things add up to one big powerful statement."

"We always tell families this is our second home. It's not just about us, but all of them as well," Eva said.

For more information about Cutting Edge Martial Arts, visit www.SaratogaTKD.com. For more information about Massage at Saratoga, visit www.MassageatSaratoga.com.

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Photo by Brian Miller

The new martial arts facility is equipped with state-of-the-art mats and bamboo floors.

Photo by Brian Miller

Serene massage rooms are just one of the new wellness features at Cutting Edge Martial arts.

MarkBolles.com • Saratoga Today

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SARATOGA

BUSINESS

Friday, March 4, 2011

TODAY

Piper opens on Broadway!

by Yael Goldman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS - The newest boutique on Broadway fills a much-needed niche.

Alessandra Coffenberg, 24, is celebrating the grand opening of Piper, a contemporary women's boutique located at 441 Broadway.

With an earthy, yet urban-chic feel, Alessandra transformed the former Rockabella location into a calming, natural space that feels like a little piece of SOHO. Inspired by all of her favorite big city boutiques, Piper is a unique mix

of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Saratoga tastes with a hint of Alessandra, that appeals to young women much like herself.

With everything from laid-back cargo skinnies to dresses fit for a day at the track, stylish bags and accessories, Piper offers something for every occasion.

A combination of industrial piping and reclaimed barn wood, the handcrafted Piper racks are just as much a statement as the trendy BBDakota, Jack, Ellison and JPK Paris pieces that fill them.

"I'm so proud of my brands," she said.

The newlywed and first-time shop

owner hopes to fill a much-needed vacancy in fashion offerings for young women in transition - for the not yet affluent but still entirely stylish age group that craves couture but can't always afford it.

Having lived in expensive NYC and worked in couture fashion, Alessandra knows first hand how frustrating it is to balance style and budget. She knows how hard it is to find exceptional pieces that are affordable.

"At the end of the day, most girls can't buy what they see in Vogue," she said.

Opening the boutique with the "in between" shopper in mind, Alessandra carefully chose each piece for its own transitional quality.

Everything in Piper is wearable and versatile, and can be dressed up for a night out or paired with a simple pair of jeans for a casual look.

"The days of buying something for Saturday night are gone," she said, explaining that fashion is about being able to mix great pieces for any occasion. "Girls want to open their closet and feel like they have a great color

Photo by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga Today

Owner Alessandra Coffenberg celebrates the grand opening of her boutique this weekend. scheme."

Having already sold out and restocked a few pieces thanks to a successful Facebook preview of Piper, Alessandra is confident that her Broadway storefront will be well received.

She is thrilled to be a part of the local business community, and credits a handful of downtown boutique owners for helping her get Piper off the ground.

"I had amazing mentors in the

Local Business News Moon Brand Chips will be sold at two major retail stores Saratoga Specialties Company announced this week that it has finalized an agreement with Williams-Sonoma and Cracker Barrel to sell its original potato chips.

The local Moon Brand Chips manufacturer will sell its snack product in 270 U.S. and Canada Williams-Sonoma stores and in 610 Cracker Barrel gift shops. The agreements double the company’s market.

Afternoon Soiree to welcome new wedding vendor, highlight Beekman businesses

Deborah DePasquale Designs, a wedding, event-planning and styling company, is holding a Grand Opening of its new studio in the Beekman Arts District in Saratoga Springs on Saturday, March 5 from 2 to 5 pm. The studio is located at 51 Ash Street at the corner of Beekman Street behind Rena's Fine Flowers.

This afternoon soiree is co-sponsored by Rena's Fine Flowers and Heather Bohm Tallman Photography. The event will feature the work and services of these three wedding and event vendors along with the offerings of Saratoga Springs businesses Bread Basket Bakery, Lily and the Rose, Lily of Saratoga, Mimosa, Paper Dolls of Saratoga, and the music of John

area," she said, pointing to Rockabella owner Jackie Szurek, Pam Worth of Spoken Boutique, Denise Eliopulos of Something Bleu, Sabina Rogers of Saratoga Saddlery and Sarah Ellis of Dawgdom.

Alessandra also thanks her mother and husband Craig for their help and relentless support.

Stop into Piper this Saturday, March 5 for the grand opening celebration from 10 am to 8 pm. Mimosas and champagne will be served.

Charles Cook. This open house is held to bring attention to the flourishing Beekman Street Arts District and the unique shops and businesses that support its Association, as well as to note the beginning of wedding and event season in Saratoga Springs.

Local company expands Lean and Mean Ice Cream, the only high protein low fat ice cream on the market, is now over-nighting its product to anywhere in the USA. Lean and Mean Ice Cream has been steadily growing since the local company's inception in 2009.

The high protein ice cream is currently sold in more than 30 health clubs, gyms, fitness centers, restaurants and personal training locations, and is now available online for shipments across the country.

For more information about Lean and Mean Ice Cream, visit www.LeanandMeanIceCream.com or call Jeff Miller at (518) 588-3025.

New manager at Gideon Putnam Chance Jorgensen is the new general manager of the Gideon Putnam Resort. Jorgensen replaces Tim Smith and will begin work April 1.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, March 4, 2011

15

Your Home

Special supplement to Saratoga Today

Winter wreaking havoc on my poor little home

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY Every morning on my way to work I drive past the Malta Drive-In Movie Theatre. Though closed for the season, the theatre acts as a constant reminder for me that warmer weather will, someday, return to Saratoga County.

Someday.

I'm not just riding along on nostalgia here, thinking of summers past.

Starting in January, the theatre has updated their marquee, which is visible from the road, on a fairly regular basis.

"Movies under the stars - less than 90 days," it read the day after New Years.

"Movies under the stars - less than 80 days," it read a week and a half later.

"Movies under the stars - less than 70..." You get the point. But I swear each successive ten-day chunk seems to drag by slower and slower. Winter is passing by with the same kind of urgency you'd expect to see watching spotted slugs race through molasses, while also drowning in said molasses.

I'm not one to usually complain about the winter. I grew up here in the capital district, spent several years north of the boarder in Montreal (where in 2008 the city experienced the heaviest snowfall it had seen in 100 years - no joke), and moved back to the region late in 2010 - so I'm no stranger to the cold and the snow.

Most years, I actually enjoy the stuff.

But this year, I have to admit - winter is killing me.

All right. That's probably a little overdramatic. But living in a house for the first time since I moved out of my parent's place nearly 7 years ago, the challenges of maintaining a structure and its property has presented a whole host of new difficulties that liv-

ing in apartment buildings all this time has thoroughly under-prepared me for. High heating bills, frozen and busted pipes, a leaking ice-covered roof and subsequent water damage have all taken their toll on my poor little home. It's been a learning process.

High heating costs and frozen pipes - "Basically that boils down to inadequate insulation and the placement of the pipes when they freeze," said T.R. Pennell, co-manager at Allerdice Building Supplies on 41 Walworth Street in Saratoga Springs.

Pennell is absolutely right in my case.

The house, which when built was intended primarily as a summer home, has struggled to maintain temperatures over 60 degrees with the heat cranked.

"No problem!" I thought. "That's what hooded sweatshirts and bathrobes are for!"

What's that they say about 20-20 hindsight? Turns out, extra layers

only take you so far, and no matter how closely you try to model yourself after the Michelin Man - all that extra padding is useless when your pipes freeze and burst. Who knew?

Apparently I should have spoken with T.R. a little sooner.

"If you feel any air infiltration coming around those pipes, you've got to find it and seal it off," said Pennell.

"On real cold nights, open your kitchen or bathroom cabinets so they can get the extra warmth from the house. Heat tape is also something you can use. It's a low voltage tape that is plugged in and put around the pipe, and then wrapped with insulation. If unattended, sometimes they can create hazards and cause fires.

But the technology is a lot better than it was, and they do have a thermostat on them now that makes it a lot more viable."

Another tactic I eventually picked up was to keep the tap running low on the coldest of nights, so that the

Photo provided

Removing fresh snow with a roof rake prevents pileups like this.

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SARATOGA

Your Home

continued from Page 15 water's constant movement made it unlikely to freeze. To be honest, a little part of me felt guilty for using this method, especially after all those Saturday mornings gone by watching "Captain Planet" as a kid. After a while though - Mother Nature be damned - my need for a morning shower far outweighs all other concerns. (And I swear, Captain, it was only a trickle.)

Poor insulation can also be the leading cause of the second largest problem I've faced this winter - leaking roofs. I know, I know. First I don't have enough water, next I'm being flooded out of my living room.

Beggars can't be choosers.

"The attic area is probably the most important for additional insulation.

But you have to have the proper ventilation in the attic to avoid ice dams," said Pennell, who indicated that the ice buildup along the eaves of the roof are the primary reason for leaks.

Using the proper Styrofoam panels, ensuring there is adequate ventilation and (if redoing the roof of your home, which for me will surely be taking place this spring) using a product known as Grace Ice and Water Shield beneath the shingles will all work to reduce ice dams and the resulting leaks. Purchasing a snow rake isn't the worst idea either, so long as you can reach up and safely remove the snow while it's fresh, powdery and light. Not when it's already frozen solid. For that the solution is limited - a hammer and an ice pick are two of the only options.

Coming from experience, I'd say it's best to avoid that if you can.

Leaks, of course, can cause water damage. When inspecting the damage done to your home, "first make sure the area is thoroughly dry," said Pennell. "Everyone is concerned these days, especially in newer homes that don't breathe as well, that mold could form. If it's really bubbling and

Friday, March 4, 2011 the plaster is peeling, it may be best to cut a 2 by 3 foot square and look behind there to see that it's good and thoroughly dry. Otherwise the mold will fester and grow."

So long as nothing seems to be growing in your walls, using a Bin product, a shellac-based primer, will seal the water stains. After that, any latex paint over the top can be applied to restore the ailing area.

I passed the Malta Drive-In again this morning on my way to work.

Thirty days until movies under the stars, they said, thirty days until spring.

Uh-huh. I'll believe it when I see it.

Allerdice Building Supply is great for any and all home improvement projects. They can be found at 41 Walworth Street in Saratoga Springs, or at their second location at 19 Trieble Avenue, Milton, NY. Visit them on the web at www.allerdice.com.

TODAY

The Biggest Losers "Win": Sustainable Saratoga campaign promotes energy efficiency and conservation SARATOGA SPRINGS - The local Biggest Loser Energy Challenge sponsored by Sustainable Saratoga came to a close last week as a group of Saratoga Springs neighbors representing ten households ventured in sub-zero weather to focus an infrared camera on their houses in the last educational activity of the contest. As participants looked on, glowing lights signified heat escaping into the cold night air. The camera visually demonstrated where heat losses were the greatest.

After the chilly outing, participants compared the final tally of their energy consumption over a six-month period to see which group had managed to cut energy use and waste by the largest percentage over the same period last year. Both teams were happy with the results: each were significant "losers."

The participants encountered some surprises. First, energy use trends over time showed unexpected spikes and dips in therms (gas) and kilowatts (electricity). Several people who halved their electricity usage speculated in hindsight how they did it. One had unplugged her clothes dryer and used line drying in her basement instead. Another had purchased a new refrigerator that replaced a 30 year-old one, exchanged an old cable box for a new one and put the flat screen TV on a plug that could be turned off in order to prevent significant stand-

by energy these modern TVs burn.

Team member and host of the final meeting for the group, Diane Denny was very pleased with the results. "It was extremely informative to see how we all use electricity and discuss how to save energy.

As a teacher, I want to share the final results to my seventh graders and discuss how we all can do a better job of saving energy".

The contest was intended to educate the neighbors and the general public about energy conservation and efficiency measures available through state and federal incentives. The group kicked-off their effort with a press conference that showed typical air leaks in a home by using a blower door test. The Biggest Loser members and the press were stunned at the number of air leaks the home had, many of which are easily remedied through simple weatherization measures like weather stripping, foam around outdoor faucets and caulking.

The contest left a deep impression on the participants in terms of how much more they can do. From large things like insulating the attic - one of the most important energy measures in a house - to smaller things like caulking and air sealing, saving energy is good for our pocketbooks, our environment and it can be a fun challenge.

For energy tips and more about the contest visit www.sustainblesaratoga.com.

Ground-breaking eco-friendly process comes to Saratoga Cudney's Cleaners, a locallyowned dry cleaner, announced this week that it has implemented the new SYSTEMK4 by Kreussler, Inc., a groundbreaking dry cleaning process.

Cudney's is the first cleaner in New York State to convert entirely

cleaning

to the new solvent which is halogen-free, biodegradable and has the same excellent cleaning capabilities of industry standard solutions.

Cudney's is the second facility in the United States to completely rely on SYSTEMK4.

As a company that cares for its customers, community, and the environment, Cudney's naturally wanted to partner with Kreussler to bring these advancements to the Saratoga market.

"With nearly 60 years of experience, we are as committed today as we were in 1952 to bringing a caring approach to our business. We are proud of this investment and the difference we make in our community," said Lyn Whaley, owner and president of Cudney's Cleaners.

For more information, visit www.cudneys.com and www.kreussler.com.

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TODAY

Friday, March 4, 2011

Your Home

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Everything for Your House at the Click of a Mouse!

Home Tech Showroom connects homeowners and contractors through new website

by Yael Goldman Saratoga TODAY Home Tech Showroom is a virtual one-stop shop for all of your home project needs.

Formerly located on Maple Avenue in Saratoga Springs, owner Anthony Parella has turned his showroom into a one-of-akind virtual showcase of the area's top talent.

Featuring contractors from all trades and specialties - everything from lawn care to flooring, pest control and seamless gutters - the new online Home Tech Showroom location is an expanded marketplace and resource for homeowners across the Capital Region.

Categorized by trade for your convenience, the area's topnotch specialists are available right at your fingertips and at one location, saving you time and energy.

Home Tech Showroom takes care of the review process, so you can select a contractor with confidence.

"We're providing reputable prescreened contractors," Parella said. "Homeowners don't want to check with contractors to make sure they are insured and meet all of New York State's criteria, especially if they're doing multiple projects - that's a job in itself."

Home Tech Showroom makes it easy to select who you want to work with; they make sure contractors have workman's compensation and liability insurance, and provide customer ratings based on a five-star scale.

The company also offers general contracting services, which can be especially helpful for homeowners completing multiple projects at once. Home Tech Showroom will help put together a team of contractors, handle coordination and payment, oversee all aspects from start to finish and, most importantly, guarantee the project in its entirety.

"We provide convenience, peace of mind and [assurance] that the job is going to get done," he said.

Aside from the benefits of choosing a contractor through

Home Tech Showroom, the website offers a plethora of tools for do-it-yourselfers like seasonal pointers and expert advice to make your project-planning a breeze.

"If you have a question about a project you're working on, our contractors will give you advice," he said, explaining that the website doubles as an educational resource for homeowners.

Contractors also reap the rewards of what Home Tech Showroom has to offer.

Those meeting Home Tech Showroom's selection criteria will only have to pay a $100 membership fee, and Parella and his team will take care of the rest.

Contractors will have their business and services listed on the website, enjoy the opportunity to work on projects that Home Tech Showroom is overseeing (based on a rotation schedule), connect with other specialists through networking events, and showcase their services at the company's annual home show, which is scheduled to take place in the fall.

Parella and his team will bring their contractors up to speed with modern marketing and online networking tools to help maximize their outreach.

"This is the new age, and contractors have to be promoting online," he said. "Our background is in web design, search engine optimization and social media; we're up to date with all the new strategies."

With 24-7 visibility offered through the Home Tech Showroom website, the opportunity to collaborate through networking events, and community outreach potential through the annual home show, contractors are sure to benefit from their membership.

Plus, Home Tech Showroom doesn't charge contractors for leads, which is why the virtual showcase is so unique.

"It's the first [website] like it.

It's convenient for the homeowner and contractor," Parella said.

For more information about Home Tech Showroom, call 855484-HOME or visit www.hometechshowroom.com.

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SARATOGA

Your Home

Friday, March 4, 2011

TODAY

The Thieves Stole My Spring Cleaning hold.

The definition of toxins even sounds toxic:

Erin SmithAnthony of Essential Living The sun is shining and the weather is sweet. This can only mean one thing....SPRING! Spring is a time for rebirth and renewal, and all the world seems new again. Then you look around and notice all the mess father winter has brought upon our homes. Let the spring cleaning begin!

This year with the birth of my second child, I have made a vow to my family to remove all chemicals and toxins from the Anthony house-

a poisonous substance, especially a protein, that is produced by living cells or organisms and is capable of causing disease when introduced into the body tissue Ew, gross. Why would I want those in my home?

In my research about raising my children in a toxic-free environment, I have learned many shocking facts, most of them about chemicals I cannot even pronounce! We have made a deal in our house. If it cannot be pronounced or is not derived from natural plants and living things, it is not to enter the home.

No one else should be left hundreds of years from now having to clean up our mess from our poor choices.

Yes, I once was a woman who bought every new cleaning potion, lotion and gel that hit the shelves.

But I would always get headaches and feel miserable when sitting back to admire my work after a cleaning binge. I am now aware of the damage I was doing to myself and my children just to get that “clean smell.�

I once read that clean does not have a smell, that it is just the smell of chemicals that make us think something is clean. So, I started

doing some serious label-reading.

I realized I had to make a change for the better for my loved ones. It is MY RESPONSIBILITY to protect my babies and I have choices.

Let me share with you some of the astonishing health risks from chemicals found in the average home: Air fresheners interfere with your ability to smell by coating your nasal passages with an oil film, or by releasing a nerve-deadening agent. Known toxic chemicals found in an air freshener are: formaldehyde, a highly toxic, known carcinogen; and phenol, a substance that can cause your skin to swell, burn, peel and break out in hives, and can also cause cold sweats, convulsions, circulatory collapse, coma and even death.

These are also found in candles!

Ammonia is a very volatile chemical; it is very damaging to your eyes, respiratory tract and skin.

Bleach is a strong corrosive. It will irritate or burn the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. It may cause pulmonary edema or vomiting and coma if ingested. WARNING: never mix bleach with ammonia as it may cause fumes that can be DEADLY. Carpet and upholstery formulas are designed to overpower the stain itself. They accomplish the task but not without using highly toxic substances. Some include: Perchlorethylene, a known carcinogen that damages the liver, kidney and nervous system; and ammonium hydroxide, a corrosive material that is extremely irritable to eyes, skin and respiratory passages.

Dishwashing products contain chlorine in a dry form that is highly concentrated. This is the number one cause of child poisoning according to poison control centers.

Drain cleaners contain lye, hydrochloric acid or trichloroethane. Lye is caustic and

can burn the skin and eyes: if ingested it will cause esophagus and stomach damage; hydrochloric acid is corrosive, and an eye and skin irritant that can damage the kidney, liver and digestive tract; and trichloroethane is an eye and skin irritant and nervous system depressant that damages liver and kidneys.

Furniture polish is made with petroleum distillates, which is highly flammable and can cause skin and lung cancer; phenol (see air fresheners); and nitrobenzene, which is easily absorbed through the skin and is extremely toxic.

Mold and Mildew cleaners are comprised of sodium hypochlorite, a corrosive that irritates or burns the skin and eyes, and causes fluid in the lungs which can lead to coma and death; formaldehyde, a highly toxic known carcinogen that is an irritant to the eyes, nose, throat and skin. It may cause nausea,

headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, memory loss and shortness of breath.

Antibacterial cleansers and wipes contain triclosan, which can be tied to liver damage when absorbed through the skin.

Laundry soaps and detergents are made with sodium or calcium hypocrite, a highly corrosive material that irritates or burns skin, eyes or respiratory tract; linear alkylate sulfonate, which is absorbed through the skin and is a known liver damaging agent; and sodium tripolyphosphate, which irritates skin and mucous membranes, causing vomiting, and is easily absorbed through the skin from clothing.

Now let me share with you my latest obsession at the Anthony home!

THIEVES Household Cleaner is an all-purpose, concentrated cleanser formulated with 100 percent plant and mineral-based ingredients. THIEVES is biodegradable and complies with EPA standards.

Its ratios are easy to follow and can be used straight for extra strength or diluted with water. There are two sizes available, 14.4 fl oz or 64 fl oz.

I know I am doing the best for my family using THIEVES Cleaner.

Not only is it safe and non-toxic for children, but it contains THIEVES essential oils which kill 99.96 per-

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, March 4, 2011

cent of all bacteria. Plus my children are breathing in the essential oils from the NON-TOXIC cleaner and it is actually benefitting them....how many cleaners can do that?

Lemon and Thieves oil are both in the ingredients list. Lemon is great for mental clarity and uplifts the mood, all while breaking down petrochemicals in our bodies.

Thieves oil is comprised of 100 percent unadulterated therapeutic oils of clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus radiata, and rosemary.

Now, those were easy to pronounce!

Many forms of bacteria and mold spores linked to common aliments can travel throughout our home air.

By using the Thieves cleaner, we are adding an extra layer of protection while adding wonderful therapeutic oils to our home. Throw the candles away...you’re breathing in formaldehyde anyhow!

A $28.29 (retail) Thieves Cleaner makes 457.2 oz of cleaner.

Clorox Clean Up makes up only 32oz.

To get the same amount of clean-

ing from Clorox you will need over 14 bottles.

One cleaner replaces a whole laundry basket of cleaning supplies totaling over $350. Thieves is my new cleaner for windows, kitchen, bathrooms, dusting, laundry, dishwasher and even all the carpets!

Happy Mommy and happy wallet!

Now that just makes sense, doesn’t it? Do it for yourself and your loved ones. Make the pledge today to provide your family with a toxin-free home!

Join me next month as I help teach you to detoxify your home naturally!

Erin Smith Anthony is a mother of two: Connor, 3 years old and Caitlin, 1 year. She is the owner of ESSENTIAL LIVING, and holds free interactive and informative workshops teaching families how to live chemically-free lifestyles.

If you are interested in learning more or hosting a workshop, please contact her at (518) 309-4549 or email erin.anthony@rocketmail.com.

Your Home

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Your Home

Friday, March 4, 2011

TODAY

Condo/hotel complex features innovative concept in luxury living SARATOGA SPRINGS - The region's first downtown joint condominium and hotel complex unveiled on Tuesday, March 1, two newly completed model units as 38 High Rock continues to welcome new residents.

The project is an innovative partnership between Bette & Cring (one of the nation's largest multifamily homebuilders) and Turf Hotels (developer and operator of several premier hotels throughout the Saratoga-Capital Region), and Frank Parillo (local investor and businessman).

Uniquely designed with custom

furnishings and the finest amenities, the newly completed one-ofa-kind spaces fit the same highclass appeal reflected throughout the 44-unit complex directly adjoining the 123-room Hampton Inn & Suites hotel, which opened in July 2008.

"The designers have done a wonderful job on our new units.

Many of the furnishings and floor plans are custom made and designed, providing a truly unique living space," said Matthew J. Bette, principal of Bette and Cring.

With custom book shelves and

closets, luxury baths and gourmet kitchens with appliances fit for a chef, both two-bedroom units showcase the exceptional quality of life created within 38 High Rock.

The 38 High Rock condominium complex and adjoining Hampton Inn & Suites hotel ushers in one of the hottest trends in the real estate industry and brings to Saratoga Springs a movement that has gained traction in some of the largest and most desirable real estate markets throughout North America.

Owners of the condominium

Continued on page 22

Photos by Randall Perry Photography

Each unit in 38 High Rock has its own unique style.

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TODAY

Friday, March 4, 2011

A gourmet kitchen and luxurious bathroom makes this unit both lavish and cozy.

Your Home

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22

Your Home

SARATOGA

Friday, March 4, 2011

TODAY

Continued from page 20 units will have access to the same hotel amenities as hotel guests, including concierge and housekeeping services, an aquatic and exercise facility and exclusive indoor parking within a secured garage. The condominium building and hotel are directly connected to each other so that resident-owners will not have to travel outside to utilize the hotel's pool and fitness center.

Located one block off Broadway, in the heart of downtown Saratoga and within walking distance to the area's premier shops and restaurants, the complex features a variety of exceptional one, two and three bedroom units, priced between

$399,900 and $1.5 million, available from the third floor plaza level to the sixth floor penthouse.

With an exclusive third-floor garage, condominium residents will have the luxury of enjoying all that downtown Saratoga has to offer without the hassle of parking.

"Many visitors see Saratoga as the summer place to be. Our units are designed to provide an appealing year-round home as well as an alternative to high-cost summer rentals," Bette said.

For more information about the one-of-a-kind complex, contact Scott Varley Group, the exclusive real estate agent for the property, at (888) 384-4762.

Photo by Randall Perry Photography

At 38 High Rock, details are what matter most. Custom furnishings and exceptional cabinetry create an atmosphere that feels like “home.�

SARATOGA

TODAY

Your Home

Friday, March 4, 2011

23

Do it NOW!

Are you waiting until the spring to put your house on the market?

That could be a HUGE mistake!

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY According to Scott Varley, president of the The Scott Varley Group based out of Saratoga Springs, many home sellers in this area believe it’s best to wait until the spring to put their homes on the market. The reason? Because it will look ‘prettier’ when the grass is green again and the trees/flowers are in bloom. This thought process, however, can end up costing the home seller significant money.

The housing price market, like most things in this world, is driven by the basic economic principle of supply and demand. This means, in a nutshell, when there is a lot of something available to purchase, the price is forced downward.

Conversely, when there is less of something available, the price is forced upward.

“This has become particularly true in our market,” Mr. Varley said, “with the doubling of projected employees from GlobalFoundries and their related businesses. They have hired several employees already who are relocating from as far away as Texas, Germany or even

Singapore. These people are currently living in hotel rooms and are anxious to sign a contract to get into a house and have a lifestyle that they were used to before. Obviously, they can only buy from what is available and if your home is part of a small, select pool your chances to sell and get your price go up considerably.”

In the spring, because everybody was holding out for the piles of snow to disappear, invariably there will be an insurgence in the number of houses that are put on the market.

Another reason available home supply will increase is the expected release of home foreclosures in the spring. It is anticipated that banks will soon be releasing foreclosures that have been piling up due to increased foreclosure filing scrutiny over the fall/winter.

“Foreclosed homes sell, on average, at 58 percent of their actual market value and this in turn continues to put downward pressure on all home prices,” Scott said. “Even one home foreclosure in a neighborhood can bring down home values in that neighborhood by 8 percent, on average.”

The more houses on the market

the more choices potential homebuyers have, and the more room they have to negotiate the price down as there are apt to be several other houses on the market concurrently that are similar to yours.

The moral? If you are considering selling your home, put it on the market NOW and have photos available

during open houses of what your yard/gardens, etc., look like in the spring or summer when the plants are in bloom. Waiting until the spring can actually backfire on you, and cost you in the long run.

For more information, contact Scott Varley at The Scott Varley Group at (518) 583-SCOT (7268) or svarley@realtyusa.com

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SARATOGA

OPINION

Friday, March 4, 2011

TODAY

Education for All Students - A Responsibility of the State With the release of Governor Andrew Cuomo's proposed budget, we are reminded more than ever of the difficult economic times in which we find ourselves.

The proposed cuts in education, however, are not equitable between the public schools and the independent and religious schools. Archbishop Timothy Dolan, on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 testified at a budget hearing

on behalf of the children in independent and religious schools, particularly the students in our Catholic schools, regarding this injustice. Archbishop Dolan had three points he emphasized with the legislators.

First of all, any cuts in the allocation of state funds to independent and religious schools should be equitable to those of public schools.

Governor Cuomo's

budget calls for an eight percent cut in Mandated Services Aid (MSA) and the Comprehensive Attendance Program (CAP) for independent and religious schools while proposing a 7.3 percent cut to public schools.

Also, Governor Cuomo proposed an additional $250 million in new initiatives for public schools.

In addition, due to an error in calculating the formula for reim-

bursement for MSA and CAP, there has been a shortfall in the reimbursement for independent and religious schools for the past several years. While the figure is not finalized yet, the amount is in excess of $250 million.

We strongly urge the State Education Department to correct the formula and acknowledge the amount that the state owes our schools. While public schools have access to reserve funds and have tax levy authority, our Catholic schools have only one choice - raise tuition. Raising tuition for families who are already struggling to pay tuition is unfair and puts an unnecessary burden on families who choose a Catholic school.

Second, although this does not affect the Catholic schools in this area, the state needs to reimburse the independent and religious schools for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority payroll tax.

All schools in the New York City area, pay this tax but only the public schools are reimbursed. This puts an ever greater strain on the budgets of the independent and religious schools.

Finally, we strongly encourage full parental choice for all parents. Parents and guardians deserve the right to choose the best school for their children and they deserve to use their tax dollars for that choice.

Certainly we support our public schools, but parents should have the freedom and assistance to take advantage of a faith-based education for their children. The charter schools provide an option

for families who desire a choice for their children but that choice is limited and not available for all schools.

Let the families use their tax dollars for a school of their choice, an independent or religious school for their children.

The Catholic schools save the taxpayers over $8 billion per year. Parochial schools provide a wonderful option to the local public schools. Parents deserve the right to choose this option for their children. The state has the responsibility to educate all children - why not give parents the choice of what school they wish for their children and offer them tax credits to support that choice.

The independent and religious schools serve our society, just as public schools do. Our schools adhere to the mandates that the state requests of us, and we deserve reimbursement for those mandates. While any proposed cut to public schools affects the allocation going forward, the cuts proposed for our Catholic schools are cuts in funds already spent.

The education in the Catholic schools is equal to or surpasses an education in some of the public schools, and we do so at onehalf the cost.

It is simply a matter of justice if any cuts are made in education, let the cuts be equitable, and the state needs to acknowledge the debt to our schools. The children in our schools deserve nothing less.

Mary Jane Herb, IHM, PhD Superintendent of Schools Diocese Albany, NY

SARATOGA

TODAY

PETS

Friday, March 4, 2011

Three Tales: a cat, safe pets and kids

Jill Sweet Whiskers and Tales I have three short tales I’d like to share today. The first has to do with a cat and YouTube. It seems that lately on the web there have been a rash of cat videos. Some are cute, some are funny, and some are offered as a testament to a cat’s intelligence. A local woman from Greenwich put her cat on YouTube to show his intelligence. Joan Kosby and her 13-year-old cat, Sullivan demonstrate that he can identify his name, specific colors and shapes. He even can perform simple addition. Of course, my training as an anthropologist makes me something of a skeptic.

It looks to me like Joan’s subtle and subconscious body language and tone of voice is prompting her cat to respond correctly. I do not think Joan is a fake or someone trying to pull the wool over our eyes because I think she is unaware of her subtle prompts.

Nevertheless, if I am correct in my observations, it still shows that Sullivan is a very perceptive and smart cat. A cat that can “read” the subtle body language and tone of his owner is a cat that has successfully adapted to his social environment and in doing so, shows he is a very smart cat indeed! To see Sullivan and Joan yourself, go to YouTube or Google and type in “Sullivanthecat.”

Next, I would like to alert my readers to an important project from Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County. The project is called the “Safe Pet Partnership.” This project addresses the problem of domestic violence victims staying in an abusive relationship or environment because they are afraid to leave their pets behind. This is not an irrational fear. The fact is that shelters or safe houses for victims of domestic violence typically cannot take in pets. And unfortunately there are examples where an abus-

er takes his or her anger out on the victim’s pet. In some extreme cases a dog or cat has been taken to an animal shelter with instructions for the animal to be put down. As horrible as it sounds, this can be a way for an abuser to get back at a victim for moving out, or a way to further hurt the victim by harming something very dear to him or her.

Safe Pet Partnership provides victims of abuse with a resource network of kennels, rescue groups, farms, and pet foster homes where a pet can be kept temporarily. The project “helps minimize the difficulty of separation, until the owner and their pet can be safely reunited.” People who would like to help with this project can do so with financial donations for pet food and veterinary care. Volunteers can also help by providing a temporary foster home for pets from a situation of domestic violence. For more information, call (518) 5830280 or Hotline (518) 584 8188 or write to DVRC, 480 Broadway LL20, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Finally, I would like to offer some suggestions for ways kids could help make a difference for homeless pets. There are many ways kids can raise money for animal rescue groups and shelters.

The money raised can go for food, toys, beds or medicine.

One way kids have raised money for homeless animals is by holding

a garage sale. To get items to sell, kids can ask their family and neighbors to donate objects they no longer need or use. They can ask themselves if they have toys they no longer play with or clothes that no longer fit. Kids also can offer to clean out closets, basements, or the garage in search of saleable items. Once there are plenty of things to sell, it is time to get the sale advertised in the newspaper or on signs stating when and where the sale will be held. It should also indicate that all proceeds will be donations to care for homeless shelter animals.

Holding a drive to collect supplies for shelters is another way kids can help. Blankets, towels, animal carriers, food, and sturdy toys like Kongs are needed by animal shelters all the time. Kids can also raise money by looking for jobs such as raking leaves, shoveling snow, washing cars, collecting cans and bottles for recycling, walking dogs, or feeding a neighbor’s pet while they are out of town. Some kids have made cookies or cupcakes to sell while others have raised money by putting on a play, a puppet show or an art show and selling tickets. The subject of these shows can teach younger children about kindness to animals.

Whatever way kids want to raise money, they should be sure to tell people that the proceeds are to benefit shelter animals.

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Animals Available at the Saratoga County Animal Shelter for adoption.

For More Information Call (518) 885-4113.

Timber is an adult neutered male German shepherd who was found as a stray in the Town of Day near Allen Road.

Chloe is an 11-month-old spayed domestic short haired kitty.

She is litter trained; she would prefer to be the only four-legged resident. She is a very sweet cat.

Cupcake is the sweetest cat ever. He is an adult neutered male Himalayan kitty, is litter-trained, good with children and other cats; not too fond of dogs.

Paprika is a very sweet, but quiet, adult spayed Main Coon kitty. She was found as a stray in Wilton.

Tonto is a handsome adult neutered male domestic longhaired kitty who was found in Clifton Park.

Find me a forever home, please!

Niko has been in a foster home since he came up from NYC to Estherville Animal Shelter on Jan. 16, 2011. He is 2-years-old, neutered and up-to-date on his shots. In his original home, he lived with children and cats. He is learning to leash walk and enjoys meeting other dogs. Niko will need a fenced-in yard, so he can run and play to expend all his youthful energy. Niko is learning to spend time in his crate. He still barks when he is left alone but the duration is getting shorter. Niko would do best with someone who will be home with him to work him through his anxiety. Niko is a big mush and thinks that his 57 pounds entitles him to be a lap dog! He would love to find his forever home, perhaps with you! Please call his foster Mom, Joette at (518) 681-1700.

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SARATOGA

CALENDAR

living Mar.

4 - Mar. 11 events Friday, March 4 First Friday in Ballston Spa Visit the village of Ballston Spa from 6 to 9 pm and enjoy live music, art displays and demonstrations, refreshments and featured shop promotions. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, March 5 Defensive Driving Course First Baptist Church, 45 Washington Ave, Saratoga Springs From 9 am to 3 pm, take this stateapproved course to save 10 percent on your base auto insurance and take points off your record. Fee is only $40 or $35 if you come with a friend. Register by calling Ray Frankoski at (518) 286-3788.

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.

Gansevoort Farmers’Market Every other Saturday, 11 am to 1 pm at the Northumberland Town Hall on Catherine St.

Malta Spring Golf Show Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Dr. Held in the gymnasium from 9 am to 3 pm, attendees can win door prizes, attend seminars, get swing analysis, and get club demonstrations. For information, please call (518) 899-4411.

Essential Oils for Moms and Babies Essential Living, 73 Ballston Ave, Ballston Spa From 2 to 4 pm, a local mom shares her tips on how to raise children in a toxin-free environment! Kindly RSVP to Erin at (518) 309-4549 or erin.anthony@rocketmail.com.

Tang Museum family day Children ages 5 and up with an adult can enjoy a brief tour of a current Tang exhibition followed by a hands-on art activity. Free and open to the public. From 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Tang Museum Skidmore College. For reservations and information, call (518) 580-8080.

First Saturday Arts Night Local galleries and exhibition sites in Saratoga Springs will stay open from 5 to 8 pm for artist’s receptions, performances and other happenings as part of the First Saturday Arts Night. Visit the website at www.saratoga-arts.org for a listing of participating venues.

Beer and Wine tasting Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elk Lane, Saratoga Springs From 6:30 to 10 pm, this night benefits ASPIRe N.Y., inc. (Autism Spectrum Peer Integration & Recreation) Hors d’oeurvres, live music by John Bagnoli, as well as the Skidmore College Acapella Group “Drastic Measures.” Tickets $35 or $20 for designated drivers.

Register online at www.aspireny.org. For more information, call Julie Marks (518) 9324356.

Sunday, March 6 Breakfast at the Elks Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161, 1 Elks Lane, Route 9, Saratoga Springs.

Let us do the cooking this morning with a delicious breakfast, even offering Eggs Benedict! From 8:30 to 11 am. Adults $7, seniors and military with ID $6, children (ages 5 to 12) $5, under 5 free, takeout $8.

Starfish children’s concert Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. in the Dutcher Community Room From 2 to 3 pm. The band performs original, energetic, classic rockbased tunes with kid-friendly lyrics.

For ages 4 and older.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Ceilidh fundraiser

Wednesday, March 9

Stillwater Area Community Center, 19 Palmer Street This family-friendly event is a celebration of Irish music and dance.

From 3 to 6 pm. 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) 664-6255.

The Shriver Report: A Women’s Nation Takes on Alzheimer’s

Saratoga Reads!

Saratoga Reads will join forces with Sperry’s Restaurant on Caroline St. for a “books and brunch”event 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.

Flute concert Skidmore College, North Broadway, Saratoga Springs

By Linda Chesis, a world-renowned flutist and a full-time faculty member at the Manhattan School of Music. At 3 pm in the Arthur Zankel Music Center. For ticket information, call (518) 580-5321, or go to www.skidmore.edu/Zankel.

Monday, March 7 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 young and old, every Monday evening at 7 pm.

Doors open at 4 pm. Refreshments will be available. (518) 584-2585.

Tuesday, March 8 Distinguished Scientist Speaker Series: “Physical Chemistry” Skidmore College, North Broadway, Saratoga Springs Dr. Geraldine Richmond, professor of chemistry at the University of Oregon, will deliver the lecture at 5 pm in Gannett Auditorium. For more information, call (518) 5805178.

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. Two-thirds of people who have Alzheimer’s and 60 percent of caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer’s are women. At 6 pm, join us for a reading and discussion of Maria Shriver’s groundbreaking report. Reserve your seat today by contacting Jamie Mitchell at (518) 867-4999, ext 209 or Jaime.mitchell@alz.org.

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) 584-8547 for more info.

Thursday, March 10 Bingo Jewish Community Center of Saratoga Springs, 84 Weibel Avenue. Doors open at 6 pm with the first game beginning at 7:15.

The building is wheelchair accessible and has one floor that is nonsmoking and another that is smoking. Refreshments for sale. For more information, call (518) 584-2370.

Healing with therapeutic grade essential oils Green Conscience Home & Garden, 33 Church St., Saratoga Springs From 6:30 to 8:30 pm, join Robert Ridpath to learn how and why essential oils work, how to use them to enhance your health, and how they can replace common toxic house cleaners. Free and open to the public.

Book discussion Schuylerville Public Library, 52 Ferry St. From 7:30 to 8:30 pm, join us for a discussion of Farmer Boy, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s story which recounts the boyhood adventures growing up on a farm in upstate New York in the 1860s.

TODAY

At 1 pm. When civil war came to Rose Mapendo’s Congolese village, she was separated from her 5-yearold daughter. Rose managed to escape with nine of her 10 children and was eventually resettled in Phoenix, Arizona. More than a decade later, mother and daughter are reunited in the U.S. where they must come to terms with the past and build a new future.

Upcoming Joanne Barrie pasta dinner St. Clement’s School, 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs On Saturday, March 12 this dinner honors Joanne Barrie, a beloved teacher at St. Clements, and benefits the Joanne Barrie Scholarship Fund. Sponsors include Mama Mia’s and Longfellows. Choose your seating time, at either 5 or 6:30 pm. costs $7 per person or $15 per family with reservations, or $10 per person or $20 per family at the door.

For more information, call (518) 584-7350.

Chicken dinner Trinity United Methodist Church, 155 Ballard Rd., Wilton On Saturday, March 12, from 3:30 to 6:30 pm, enjoy chicken, biscuits and mashed potatoes with assorted desserts. No set price, donations accepted. Take- outs available. For more information, call (518) 5849107.

Pinewood Derby Held at Milton Terrace Elementary School on Wood Rd. in Ballston Spa from noon to 4 pm on Saturday, March 12, this event is open to all Cub Scouts and Webelos. To register, contact Dave Croteau at dcroteau1@nycap.rr.com.

Café Malta Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Dr. On Saturday, March 12, at 7 pm.

Professional and semi-professional musicians and performing artists entertain in a coffee house setting. $6 per person for advanced tickets.

Call (518) 899-4411 for ticket information.

Friday, March 11 Community Cinema: Pushing the Elephant Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St.

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

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Friday, March 4, 2011

local briefs Brooks House of BBQ Fundraiser Benefitting Spa Catholic High School, on April 10 at the high school, 247 Broadway. $10 for a chicken dinner, $12 for a rib dinner.

Take-out or eat in. Pre-order or walk in. For more information, call (518) 587-7070.

Genealogy 101 Brookside Museum hosts “Genealogy 101,” a 3-part seminar that teaches the basics of researching your family history. The cost of this 3-part seminar is $35 per person. Class dates and hours are March 23, 30 and April 6 from 1 to 3 pm. Please call (518) 885-4000 or email jhoule@brooksidemuseum.org to register.

Relay For Life Kick-Off The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Kick-Off will be held Thursday, March 10 at 6 pm at the VFW on Excelsior Avenue in Saratoga Springs. The Saratoga Relay for Life will be held June 10 and 11 at the East Side Recreation Field in Saratoga and is a national fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Please come and join the fun; find out more about the Relay, sign up for the 2011 Relay for Life and join a team. To RSVP or for more information, call Marcy at (518) 893-0671 or Nicole at (518) 857-0161. Relay information can be found at http://relayforlife.org/ saratogaspringsny.

the A.L.L. office at 587-2100, ext.

2415.

Green Living Join this four-week study group focused on recognizing the need to adapt our lifestyles to create a more balanced, healthy, and sustainable life. The study group will be led by Karen Totino, owner of Green Conscience Home & Garden. In this series, participants will learn about how their habits and purchases affect the environment globally and within their own living and work spaces. A field trip to a “green” house will be included.

Digital Storytelling study group In a digital age, there are new tools and frameworks for the ancient art of storytelling which the Academy for Lifelong Learning will introduce to participants in its spring eight-week Digital Storytelling study group. The course will guide participants in creating family memoirs or other stories they wish to share. Participants will learn about the new digital tools and frameworks. The group will meet weekly in the Empire State College Computer Lab at 111 West Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Participants should also have access to a computer with internet access at home or access to a computer at a library.

Busy Hands group meeting “Busy Hands” group of the Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church will be meeting on March 26 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.

A.L.L Courses For information on the following programs, visit the web site at www.esc.edu/ALL or call

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.

Beginner Golf Instruction 5-week course providing beginning and intermediate training in the sport of golf. Lessons will take the student from grip, stance, posture, etiquette and methodology to learn an effective golf swing. Fee is $70 for Malta residents, $77 for non-residents and $35 for Malta senior residents. The program begins Friday, March 18. Please call the Community Center for more information and to register at (518) 8994411.

Golf Season Tune-Up 2-hour clinic covering relaxation techniques, mental outlook and physical preparation after the long winter layoff. Please bring a five iron and towel to class on March 11 at 6 pm. Fee is $39 for residents, $43 for non-residents and $19.50 for Malta senior residents. Please call the Community Center for more information and to register at (518) 899-4411.

Saratoga Spring Recreation 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.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 234 will meet Monday, March 7 at 7 pm. For more information, call Catherine at (518) 885-3369.

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Recreation Programs 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 as he educates us on the world of antiques and performs appraisals. 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) 899-4411 for more information.

Auditions For Spotlighter’s Theatre Troupe

Register for all programs at the Recreation Center, 15 Vanderbilt

Ave. For more information, call (518) 587-3550, ext. 2300.

Community Music Workshop On Mondays from 4 to 6 pm, beginning March 14 through April 18 for ages 12 and up. The cost is $70 for city residents, $90 for noncity residents and $35 for seniors.

Learn all aspects of music making and production with guitar, bass, drums and keyboard.

Golf World On Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 pm beginning March 16 through April 13 for ages 6 through adult.

The cost is $70 for city residents, $90 for non-city residents and $35 for seniors. Learn how to improve your golf swing with Terry Minsch and Charles Veeder.

Recreation Center schedule Saturday, March 5 Game room open 11 am to 7 pm, 3-on-3 basketball tournament from 2 to 9 pm.

Sunday, March 6 Pickleball from 11 am to 1 pm, game room open from 1 to 6 pm.

Monday, March 7 Game room open from 3 to 7 pm, open gym from 3 to 5:30 pm and open adult basketball from 7 to 9 pm.

Tuesday, March 8 through Friday March 11 Pickleball from 9 to 11 am, open gym from 3 to 5:30 pm and game room from 3 to 7 pm.

HELPING HANDS Organization

Fresh Air Fund Mission Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences in the country to more than 1.7 million New York City children from disadvantaged communities.

Each year, thousands of children visit volunteer host families in 13 states and Canada through the Friendly Town Program or attend Fresh Air Fund camps.

How to Help Through our Friendly Town program, you may host a child from the city in your home for 10 to 14 days. The Fresh Air Fund provides transportation for children to and from Friendly Towns and arranges for payment of any medical expenses for children without insurance.

The Fund also provides liability insurance for hosts and committee volunteers. Families receive no pay for hosting, but the personal reward for the families involved is more than enough. If you cannot host a child, you may donate monetarily. It costs approximately $920 per child for a visit with a host family, so donations are always appreciated.

Contact The local contact for hosting a child is Patty LeRoy, who may be contacted at (518) 885-9505 or you may contact the New York City offices at (800) 367-0003 or visit www.freshair.org.

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 3/8: Jenkins Park Advisory Board meeting, 7 pm Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org 3/9: Planning Board meeting, 7:30 pm Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com 3/8: Planning Board meeting, 7 pm 3/10: Town Board meeting, 7:30 pm Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 899-2818 www.malta-town.org 3/7: Town Board meeting, 7 pm Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org 3/9: Planning Board meeting, 7 pm City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org 3/7: Planning Board workshop, 5 pm 3/8: Design Review Commission workshop, 5 pm Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org 3/8: Board of Water Management meeting, 7 pm 3/9: Board of Trustees meeting, 7 pm Town of Stillwater: 66 East St., Riverside Mechanicville, NY 12118 www.stillwaterny.org 3/7: Planning Board meeting, 7 pm Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com 3/7: Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, 7 pm

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Ray Lamontagne & the Pariah Dogs on sale Saturday The first of many SPAC summer special Bud Light concerts go on sale this weekend: Ray Lamontagne & the Pariah Dogs with special guests Brandi Carlile and Secret Sisters will perform at SPAC on Friday, June 3. This pavilion-only show goes on sale this Saturday, March 5 at 10 am. Tickets are $45, $35 and $29.50. Tickets are available online at www.LiveNation.com or Charge by Phone at (800) 745-3000.

Johnny Rivers highlights “Sixties Spectacular” April 2 at Proctors.

Four great acts, one great night of music, will be featured at the annual “Sixties Spectacular” at Proctors Theatre Saturday, April 2 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $34.75, $42.75 and $49.75.

To order, call the Proctors Box office at (518) 3466204 or online at www.proctors.org. Proctors is at 432 State Street, Schenectady.

The headliner for the evening is Johnny Rivers, one of the most accomplished American musicians associated with the 1960s. Also on the bill are fan favorites from that era The Association, Gary Puckett and Tony Lee.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Local Gigs

TODAY

Send listings to entertainment@saratogapublishing.com

2011 Season of New York City Ballet at SPAC: July 5 - 16 July 5 – 8 pm OPENING NIGHT Fearful Symmetries (Adams/Martins) I’m Old Fashioned (Gould & Kern/Robbins) Stars and Stripes (Sousa & Kay/Balanchine)

July 6 – 8 pm* MIXED REP: BALANCHINE, MARTINS, WHEELDON Serenade (Tschaikovsky/Balanchine) Valse-Fantaisie (Glinka/Balanchine) Polyphonia (Ligeti/Wheeldon) The Magic Flute (Drigo/Martins) *Evening begins with “See the Music” - JUNIOR BALLERINA NIGHT

SARATOGA

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Friday, March 4, 2011

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New York City Ballet presents season of stunning ballets at SPAC July 5-16

July 7 (Matinee) – 2 pm MIXED REP: BALANCHINE & MARTINS Square Dance (Corelli & Vivaldi/Balanchine) The Magic Flute (Drigo/Martins) Stars and Stripes (Sousa & Kay/Balanchine)

July 7 – 8 pm MIXED REP: MARTINS, ROBBINS, WHEELDON Fearful Symmetries (Adams/Martins) Polyphonia (Ligeti/Wheeldon) I’m Old Fashioned (Gould & Kern/Robbins) - THE SAGE COLLEGES DATE NIGHT - GLEE NIGHT with the Princeton Tigertones

July 8 – 8 pm ALL BALANCHINE Serenade (Tschaikovsky/Balanchine) Tarantella (Gottschalk & Kay/Balanchine) Square Dance (Corelli & Vivaldi/Balanchine) Stars and Stripes (Sousa & Kay/Balanchine) - CDPHP FAMILY NIGHT

July 9 (Matinee) - 2 pm MIXED REP: BALANCHINE & MARTINS Valse-Fantaisie (Glinka/Balanchine) Square Dance (Corelli & Vivaldi/Balanchine) Fearful Symmetries (Adams/Martins) The Magic Flute (Drigo/Martins)

July 9 – 8 pm BALLET GALA: GATSBY Plainspoken (Lang/Millepied) Thou Swell (Rodgers & Kelly/Martins) For the Love of Duke (Ellington & Strayhorn/Stroman)

July 12 – 8 pm MIXED REP: MARTINS and ROBBINS Circus Polka (Stravinsky/Robbins) Dances at a Gathering (Chopin/Robbins) Thou Swell (Rodgers & Kelly/Martins) - EMMA WILLARD AMERICAN GIRL NIGHT

July 13 – 8 pm JEWELS Jewels (Fauré, Stravinsky, & Tschaikovsky/Balanchine) - GIRLS NIGHT OUT

July 14 – 8 pm* MIXED REP: BALANCHINE & MARTINS Apollo (Stravinsky/Balanchine) Tarantella (Gottschalk & Kay/Balanchine) Agon (Stravinsky/Balanchine) Thou Swell (Rodgers & Kelly/Martins) *Evening begins with “See the Music” - THE SAGE COLLEGES DATE NIGHT

July 15 – 8 pm FOUNDING CHOREOGRAPHERS: BALANCHINE and ROBBINS Circus Polka (Stravinsky/Robbins) Dances at a Gathering (Chopin/Robbins) Valse-Fantaisie (Glinka/Balanchine) Agon (Stravinsky/Balanchine) - CDPHP FAMILY NIGHT

July 16 (Matinee) – 2 pm MIXED REP: BALANCHINE, ROBBINS, MARTINS Circus Polka (Stravinsky/Robbins) Apollo (Stravinsky/Balanchine) Serenade (Tschaikovsky/Balanchine) The Magic Flute (Drigo/Martins)

July 16 – 8:00 pm JEWELS Jewels (Fauré, Stravinsky, & Tschaikovsky/Balanchine) - GLEE NIGHT with Columbia University’s Nonsequitur

Photos by Paul Kolnik

2011 Saratoga Premieres: “For the Love of Duke” and “Plainspoken“ SARATOGA SPRINGS – The 2011 New York City Ballet, July 5 – 16 Season will have among it’s many highlights a major revival of Peter Martins’ The Magic Flute; Saratoga Springs premieres of Susan Stroman’s For the Love of Duke and Benjamin Millepied’s Plainspoken and presentations of Balanchine masterpieces Agon and Apollo. Online sales to the public begin March 24. Tickets and information are available at www.spac.org.

“New York City Ballet brings artistic excellence to the forefront with a gorgeous program of masterpieces interwoven with striking contemporary works and new choreography,” said SPAC President and Executive Director Marcia J. White. “We are particularly pleased to present the major revival of Peter Martins’ The Magic Flute,

after an absence of nearly three decades. With a beautiful score, wonderful costumes and elaborate scenery, this production is perfect for children and families and is set to be one of the summer’s biggest draws,” said White.

“We are also excited to offer Gala audiences the exclusive opportunity to experience Susan Stroman’s much-talked-about new ballet For the Love of Duke set to the music of Duke Ellington and Benjamin Millepied’s Plainspoken with a commissioned score by award winning composer David Lang. Peter Martins’ glamorous Thou Swell, performed with an onstage jazz trio and vocalists, will add more glitter to the Gatsby Gala evening,” said White.

“We will also welcome the City Ballet’s new ‘See the Music’ program, which has quickly become a

very popular feature with New York audiences. Brief presentations

by NYCB Music Director Fayçal Karoui will offer fascinating insights on the evening’s music and program. Also new in 2011, pop culture comes to life as we add ‘Glee Nights’ to our schedule of popular Pre-Shows with Columbia University’s a cappella group Nonsequitur and the world renowned Princeton Tigertones serenading ballet and orchestra audiences on two exciting evenings. We’ll also add many new ‘extras’ to favorite nights such as ‘Date Night’ which will offer generous tastings of imported wines, cheeses and meats, courtesy of the Italian Trade Commission and more free edibles and entertainment for family nights, girls night out and American Girl night,” said White.

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Friday, March 4, 2011

“Two by Two” fundraiser at Mimosa Gallery

Pre-St. Pat’s Day festivities at Home Made Theater - Kevin McKrell and Train of Fools in concert

Sales benefit Big Brothers / Big Sisters Mimosa Gallery, at 70c Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs invites the public to an opening reception for their current show/fundraiser this Saturday, March 5, from 5 to 8 pm.

The exhibition is entitled "Two

By Two," and is a group show featuring work by two artists who are related in some manner (i.e.: parent/child, spouses, partners, teacher/student).

Twenty-five percent of the sales from the 2011 fundraiser go to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Saratoga Springs whose mission "is to help children reach their potential through one-to-one relationships with mentors that have a measurable impact on youth."

This group show will run through March 20. For more information, contact Rebecca or Michelle at (518) 583-1163 or mimosagallery@ yahoo.com

TODAY

On Saturday, March 12th at 8 pm Home Made Theater will present Kevin McKrell and Train of Fools just in time to get ready for St. Patrick’s Day! Kevin McKrell has been performing on the regional, national and international music scene for many years. He has performed at Folk, Bluegrass and Celtic Festivals around the world and on the stages of some of the world’s most prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Berklee School of Music, Godfrey Daniels, The Towne Crier and The Night Eagle Cafe.

All tickets are $15 and seating is by general admission. For tickets and information, please call the Home Made Theater box office at (518) 587-4427 or visit www.homemadetheater.org.

Student soloists to take center stage at March 5 Concert - Skidmore Orchestra to celebrate the music of Maurice Ravel Images Provided

Spouses Ann (“Quiet Harbor”) and Gary Larsen (“Motif No. 1”) are part of the ‘Two by Two’ exhibition at Mimosa Gallery

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Two talented Skidmore student musicians will perform as soloists Saturday, March 5, with the Skidmore College Orchestra in a program primarily celebrating the music of Maurice Ravel at the college’s Arthur Zankel Music Center.

Flutist Katherine Murphy, this year’s winner of the Skidmore’s annual student concerto competition, will be soloist in George Hue’s “Fantaisie for Flute and Orchestra,” written in 1913, the only non-Ravel work on the program. The “Fantaisie” was written for Paul

will begin at 8 pm in Helen Filene Taffanel, a legendary professor of Ladd Hall. It is free and open to the the Paris Conservatory. public.

Violinist Hanna Tonegawa, who won the concerto competition two years ago and was the official runner-up in this last competition, will also solo with the orchestra, playing Ravel’s “Tzigane” (Gypsy), written in 1924.

Conducted by music director Anthony Holland, the concert Photo Provided

Hanna Tonegawa, Katherine Murphy

‘White Party’ with Soul Session and Frivolous Fashion Show Photos by MarkBolles.com

Saturday, Feb. 26 at PrimeLive Ultra Lounge

SARATOGA

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Friday, March 4, 2011

Friends of Schuyler Park hosting fundraiser at Longfellows Restaurant Image by Susan Reynolds

On Thursday, March 10 Friends of Schuyler Park will host a cocktail party fundraiser at Longfellows Restaurant in Saratoga Springs. Proceeds from this year’s “Party for the Park” event will help fund a playground area and playground equipment for our youngest community members.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $45 each. If you’d like to receive an invitation or be on the Schuyler Park mailing list, please contact Kim Delaney kdelaney2@nycap.rr.com. The event runs from 6:30 to 10 pm.

Schuyler Park is a 27-acre recreational park created through the joint efforts of the Town of Saratoga and the Town of Northumberland, community volunteers and local businesses. Is it located on Route 29, west of the village of Schuylerville and across from Farmer’s Daughters’ Ice Cream. The park has 6.3 acres of active recreational/ball park areas, complemented by passive recreational/hiking areas. Plans are in the works to add a playground, pavilion areas, basketball courts and a building to house a concession stand and restrooms.

Hyde to exhibit new acquisitions The Hyde Collection announces the opening on March 8 of its newest exhibition – “What’s New? Acquisitions from 2008 to 2010”.

The exhibition, which will be on display through May 29, features approximately twenty-four works of art acquired by The Hyde Collection between 2008 and 2010. During this period, the Museum obtained an unprecedented ninety-six objects Images Provided into its permanent collection through L: Thomas Moran, The Gate of Venice, 1888; R: Gregory Amenoff, Lake Trasimino, 1997 bequests, gifts, and purchases from a variety of donors and sources.

(1837-1926).

“What’s New?” highlights a selection of these recent addiThe works will be on view in the Hoopes Gallery tions, many of which introduce artists who have not been rep- and in the Education Wing of the Museum. The Hyde resented in the collection to date. The exhibition also empha- Collection is a non-profit institution located at 161 sizes the variety of media in which these artists worked. Warren Street, Glens Falls. For more information, visit Featured are such works as the monumental etching, The Gate www.hydecollection.org or call (518) 792-1761. of Venice from 1888 by American artist Thomas Moran

Benefit for SPAC

Photo by MarkBolles.com

Saturday, Feb. 26 at Hall of Springs

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Local Producer/Actor hosts film debut On Sunday, March 6 at 5 pm, Extra/Ordinary Film Project will premier the feature film And See All the People at The Great Room Theatre, 13 Gansevoort Rd, Gansevoort.

This film was shot during November 2010 in Upstate New York.

The film is produced and has an appearance from local entrepreneur James Pentaudi. James is the founder of Albany Talent and travels the country hosting acting workshops. This is his first time producing a feature film. He is also the owner of The Great Room Theatre.

And See All the People is the story of Pastor Jamison Bellamy, a man of the cloth wearing many hats. A father of two children and husband to a wife in a marriage facing midlife conflicts, he has also become the counselor to an abused wife while balancing the politics and mediation of a local church, complete with opinionated staff and traditional parishioners.

The movie is a dramatic, but often comedic look at the odyssey taken by a man of faith- whose faith has seemed to take an odyssey of its own. A spirited film absent judgmentalism and religiosity, And See All the People is a deeper look into a profession that proclaims the “deeper walk.”

Tickets are $5.00 and available at the door or online at www.extraordinaryfilmproject.com, with group discounts available.

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Friday, March 4, 2011

TODAY

Do you Kohlrabi?

The newest vegetable entertainment at the Farmers’ Market

Suzanne Voigt Farmers’Market

A few weeks ago I had a chance to meander around the Saratoga Farmers’ Market and take in the vast and diverse inventory of fresh products being sold. I couldn’t help being amazed. Five years ago this market had a strong, but dedicated few vendors. Now it stands over 2530 strong, even in March, with tables overflowing with fresh NYS products. It’s exciting to behold,

and it lets your culinary mind salivate. Many of my favorites were there, fresh spinach, yogurt, eggs, goat cheese, mushrooms to name a few, and now fish, lamb, honey, salsa, dips to add to the great grassfed beef and pasture- raised pork.

However, there was one unique vegetable, large and round, and rather ugly, that caught my eye. I had no idea what it was, so I asked the vendor, Paul Arnold of Pleasant Valley Farm. This led to a wonderful story and the discovery of an interesting new vegetable to add to our family’s table, the Kohlrabi.

The Kohrabi is a very popular vegetable in Central Europe and Asia. Historically, royalty in Europe enjoyed it after explorers brought it back home from their travels. It is in the cabbage family and has a tough outer shell that makes it store well.

One chef describes the Kohrabi as

Kohlrabi possesses many attributes worth noting: • Low in calories, only 19 for a half-cup raw, sliced • High in dietary fiber, 2.5 grams for a half-cup • Potassium content peaks at 245 grams for a half-cup • Vitamin content for that same half-cup includes 25 I.U. vitamin A, 43.4 mg. vitamin C, 11.3 mcg folic acid, and 16.8 mg. calcium.

an “organic green Sputnik that tastes like fresh crunch broccoli accented by radish.” Its name derives from the German language and basically says it is a cross of a cabbage with a turnip. It looks like a root vegetable, but it actually grows above the ground, and while not particularly known in America, it is slowly making its way into our lives, thanks to farmers like Sandy and Paul Arnold.

Sandy tells us that their discovery of the Kohlrabi was in the early spring of 2008 when she and Paul visited Essex Farm in Essex, NY. The farm had large Kohlrabi, which looked perfect after many months of storage in a root cellar and even tasted better! Always looking for new vegetables to increase their diversity at winter markets, the Kohrabi was a “super find” and the Arnolds began growing them that year!

Kohlrabi have many varieties including smaller ones in green and purple for fresh market sales in season. They are sweet and crisp which kids love and European teachers use them for a healthy classroom snacks. As Saratoga clients discover

them, their popularity is increasing.

The big “Kossack” variety the Arnolds grow and sell at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market will store many weeks in a customer’s refrigerator in a plastic bag (in the colder vegetable drawer is best), as well as 8 months or longer in a root cellar at 34 degrees and 95 percent humidity.

The Kohlrabi has become a favorite with the Arnold family, especially with the kids. They enjoy them peeled, sliced and eaten raw or with a dip, but the family’s favorite way to eat them is sautéd, in bitesize cubes, in a skillet with butter and a little water until tender, then adding them to a cup of white sauce.

In my discovery and experimentation with the Kohlrabi, I found it to be a great addition to grated vinaigrette salads when freshly grated. I also have tried serving sliced Kohlrabi on a raw vegetable dish, finding it popular dipped in Gar-la-la’s vegan dips or with a yogurt-based cream dip. Kohlrabi is a great substitute for radishes, better if you lightly salt it first and let stand for several minutes and squeeze out any excess water before using. The way my family and I like Kohlrabi best, however, is served as a sort of scalloped potato substitute.

Preparation calls for washing them unpeeled, then hard steaming until bulbs are tender, peel skin, slice and season with butter, salt, and pepper.

While steaming the Kohlrabi, make up a white cheese sauce (I use Hard Rock Cheese from Homestead Artisans and Battenkill Creamery half and half in my white sauce).

Then after the Kohrabi is prepared, I pour the white cheese sauce on top – oooo this is so good. It was delish served alongside our steak and sautéed onion, spinach and mushroom. My vegetarian son likes to add the fresh spinach, mushroom and onion right into white sauce and steamed Kohlrabi for a one dish meal. There are many ways to Kohlrabi!

Why this vegetable has been slow to be discovered in the United States may be for many reasons. It isn’t pretty. Broccoli and asparagus have much stronger flavor and look a lot more exciting. But I am thrilled to have made acquaintance with this much-overlooked vegetable and thank our vendors, Sandy and Paul Arnold for bringing it to my attention. I love its mild, sweet flavor, its texture and the fact that it’s crisp and moist when eaten raw, and tender and mild when cooked.

Our family definitely Kohrabis!

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, March 4, 2011

Words to know: visceral: adj, intensely emotional.

Sudoku

PUZZLES PUZZLES PUZZLES

33 What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.

Crossword

Ralph Marston

See puzzle solutions on page 36

ACROSS

See puzzle solution on page 36

Scrabblegram

See puzzle solution on page 36

1 The word?

4 You might need to watch yours 8 Like some Disneyland passes 14 Downed 15 __ bene 16 It may involve an exaggerated age 17 With 19-Across, serious warnings 18 Not much 19 See 17-Across 20 Halloween breakfast pastry?

23 1938 “The War of the Worlds” broadcast, for one 24 Keystone enforcer 25 Blazing 28 Go-aheads 32 __’acte 33 Lone breakfast pastry?

37 Garden product word 38 Attacks 39 Igloos and yurts 41 Sch. attendance notation 42 Cherished breakfast pastry?

46 End of a boast 48 Got for nothing 49 Make official 51 Newspaper supply 52 Islamic leader 56 Ones hooked on breakfast pastry?

60 Type of sauce served with falafel 62 Gaucho’s weapon 63 Homework amount?

64 Puck’s king 65 “Dulce et Decorum est” poet Wilfred __ 66 Flow out 67 Henry VIII et al.

68 Hitch 69 Wall St. monitor DOWN 1 Orderly movement 2 Nirvana #1 album “In __” 3 Scorned lover of Jason 4 Lose it

Top Video Rentals 1. Megamind 2. You Again 3. Red 4. Paranormal Activity 2 5. Despicable Me

Raising Hector

5 Michael’s nemesis on “The Office” 6 Boarding pass generator 7 Sponsors 8 Brand of nonstick cookware 9 Half a city 10 Michael of “Caddyshack” 11 Gallantry 12 River island 13 NFL stat 21 Show-what-you-know chances 22 Machinating 26 Prelate’s title: Abbr.

27 Unevenly worn 29 Cross words 30 Actors Rogen and Green 31 Big gun or big cheese 33 Desire and then some 34 Clinton Treasury secretary 35 In one piece 36 Award with a Sustained

Broom Hilda 6. Social Network 7. Takers 8. Death Race 2 9. Dinner for Schmucks 10. Inception

Animal Crackers

Achievement category 40 “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini,” for one 43 Broad 44 Endangered great apes 45 x, at times 47 Baseball star who reportedly said, “I think there’s a sexiness in infield hits” 50 Caruso, for one 53 A couple 54 Acrobat developer 55 Rachel Maddow’s station 57 Serious lapses 58 Zeno’s home 59 Dangle 60 Tater __ 61 __ Simbel, site of Ramses II temples

SARATOGA

Friday, March 4, 2011

34

classified TODAY’s

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Friday, March 4, 2011

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36

SARATOGA

SPORTS

Friday, March 4, 2011

TODAY

Community Sports Bulletin Nine Thoroughbreds pick up weekly awards SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Liberty League announced Monday, February 28 that nine Skidmore College student athletes have received weekly awards for their performances during the preceeding week.

Men’s basketball juniors Melvis Langyitnuo (Tamale, Ghana/ Lawrenceville), Gerard O’Shea (West Sand Lake, N.Y./ Averill Park) and Terron Victoria (Albany, N.Y./ Bishop Maginn) were all named Performers of the Week after being selected to the Liberty League All-Tournament Team.

Langyintuo was named Tournament MVP, scoring 11 points and grabbing nine boards in the semifinal win over RPI and then scoring a game-high 20 points in the championship on 6-of-8 shooting from three-point range. O’Shea scored in double-figures in both contests, while not committing a turnover in either game, averaging 36 minutes played.

Victoria led the Thoroughbreds with 17 points in the semifinals and contributed eight points and four assists in the championship. Skidmore is 18-9 on the season; they will face Amherst on Friday, March 4 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

The 2011 men’s lacrosse season opened with a 9-8 win at Babson as J.P. Sullivan (Floral Park, N.Y.) was named Offensive Performer of the Week along with senior Jacques Ward (New York, N.Y.), and freshman Matt Diaco (Kinnelon, N.J.) was named Rookie of the Week. Sullivan led the Thoroughbreds with four goals, including the game winner. Ward had a team-high eight ground balls to go along with three forced turnovers and an assist, while Diaco made 17 saves to pick up the win in his first collegiate start.

Skidmore is at Western Connecticut State Saturday, March 5

at 3 pm.

Rachel Loeb (Greenwood Village, Colo.) was named CoPerformer of the Week and Robyn Baird (Potomac, Md.) received Co-Rookie of the Week honors after a 9-0 win at NYU. Loeb posted a 2-0 record, winning 6-1, 6-2 at number one singles and 8-2 at number one doubles. Baird also posted a 2-0 record, winning 6-1, 6-0 at number four singles and 8-6 at number two doubles. Women’s tennis returns to action on March 5 at William Smith.

Oliver Loutsenko (Bellmore, N.Y.) earned Rookie of the Week after the men’s tennis team defeated defending league champions Vassar, 7-2. Loutsenko was a 6-1, 6-2 winner at number three singles and won 8-4 at number three doubles.

The Thoroughbreds are off until March 14, when they face LaFayette in Claremont, California.

photos provided

From left to right: Melvis Langyitnuo, Gerard O’Shea, Terron Victoria, J.P. Sullivan, Jacques Ward, Rachel Loeb, Robyn Baird, Oliver Loutsenko (Matt Diaco not pictured)

Registration begins for 32nd annual St. Peter’s Keys Run

Ballston Spa Boys swim to victory at sectionals

Golf Instruction at the Malta Community Center

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Warm weather runners rejoice! Spring is on its way to Saratoga County - and what would spring be without the St. Peter’s Keys Run, returning for the 32nd year at Columbia Pavilion at the Saratoga Spa State Park.

Taking place Saturday, April 16, the 10K run will begin at 9 am, followed by the Children’s 1 Mile Fun Run at 10:30 am. The 5K run will start at 11 am.

The route will follow paved roads throughout the park. Walkers are welcome.

To register, visit www.saratogastryders.org to download an application, and visit www.active.com for online registration. For more information, email laura@saratogastryders.org, or phone Jeff Clark at (518) 581-7550.

Proceeds benefit Saratoga Community Hospice and St. Peter’s Youth Ministry.

BALLSTON SPA - Chris Heckman led the way for the Ballston Spa boys swim team at sectionals, taking home three first place finishes in the 50 yd. freestyle, 100 yd. freestyle, and 4x50 yd. freestyle relay.

Heckman, who reset the school’s record in the 50 yd. freestyle, was also named “Competitor of the Meet.”

Brandon Keating, Dave Gardiner and Phil Piombino joined Heckman in the 4x50 yd. relay win.

Piombino also won first place honors for his finish in the 100 yd. breaststroke, resetting the school record in the process.

Gardiner and Keating also reset the school’s record in the 100 yd. backstroke and 100 yd. butterfly, respectively.

MALTA - The Malta Community Center is offering several instructional golf courses beginning early March.

"Beginner Golf Instruction" is a five-week course providing beginning and intermediate training in the sport of golf. Lessons will teach the student grip, stance, posture, etiquette and methodology to learn an effective golf swing. Fee is $70 for residents, $77 for non-residents and $35 for Malta senior residents. Courses begin Friday, March 18 and will continue to meet every Friday for the remainder of the course.

The Malta Community Center is also hosting a "Golf Season Tune-up" - a two hour clinic covering relaxation techniques, mental outlook and physical preparation after the long winter layoff. Students will learn drills and exercises to prepare for the golf season. Please bring a five-iron and towel to class on March 11 at 6 pm. Fee is $39 for residents, $43 for non-residents and $19.50 for Malta senior residents.

For more information and to register for either the "Beginner Golf Instruction" course or the "Golf Season Tune-up," please contact the Malta Community Center by phone at (518) 899-4411.

Send your sports stories and briefs to Daniel Schechtman, Sports Editor at sports@saratoga publishing.com

puzzle solutions from pg. 33

SARATOGA

TODAY

SPORTS

Friday, March 4, 2011

37

Player’s salaries and the priorities of a nation

Damian Fantauzzi If I may be blunt - and at the risk of making a few sports fans upset with me - I feel that there is a real problem with professional athletics. To start, I believe that most professional athletes are paid ridiculously high salaries.

Part of the critical dig here is with professional basketball, where the players are paid much more than their coaches.

I know that this is also a fact for baseball and football, but in

the NBA it seems most of the coaches are treated more like a token figure on the sidelines. At least with pro-baseball and football, the coaches and managers seem to have more control and authority within their positions (granted, there are some exceptions in basketball, like when Pat Reilly was coaching the LA Lakers, or like Phil Jackson, who is the current Lakers coach). I can't imagine, as a coach, calling a timeout, setting up a play, or critiquing an individual for missing an assignment when these players might be making up to ten times the money compared to the coach's salary. How much of an impact does the coach really have? Will the players listen to the team's custodian?

Wait a minute! Changing gears for a moment - it occurs to me that no one in pro-sports should

Skidmore faces Amherst in first trip to NCAA tournament SARATOGA SPRINGS - For the first time in its 27-years of NCAA play, the Skidmore College men's basketball team is heading the "Big Dance" after a 68-52 win over Hamilton College in the Liberty League Championship game.

Playing in its first Liberty League final, the Thoroughbreds dominated the Continentals from start to finish, improving to 18-9.

It was Skidmore's third win of the season over Hamilton (16-9) as the Continentals played in their final Liberty League tournament.

Skidmore connected on nine three pointers (47.4%) in the first half with Tournament MVP Melvis Langyintuo accounting for four of them as the Thoroughbreds took a 33-19 lead into the half.

The Thoroughbreds came out strong in the second half, pushing the lead out to as many as 20 points after back-to-back threes from Jeff Altimar and Langyintuo.

The lead never fell below doubledigits as Skidmore controlled the tempo of the second half and secured its first NCAA Tournament berth with the win.

Langyintuo led all scorers with

20 points. Gerard O'Shea added 10 and four assists. O'Shea and Terron Victoria joined Langyintuo on the All-Tournament Team.

Ryan Wright and Pat Sullivan of Hamilton were also named to the All-Tournament Team. They finished with 11 and 10 points respectively.

The Thoroughbreds dominated from beyond the arc, hitting 16 three-pointers compared to just one from Hamilton.

The Thoroughbreds will face Amherst College in the first round of the NCAA Division III Championship on Friday at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

The Thoroughbreds (18-9) are one of nine teams playing in their first NCAA tournament. The 18 wins are the most since the program began NCAA Division III play in 1985. First year coach Joe Burke's team will take a fivegame win streak into the tournament.

Amherst (22-3) has been ranked in the NCAA III top-10 for most of the season. The Lord Jeffs are playing in their 13th NCAA tournament, winning in 2007 and finishing in the top eight on six separate occasions.

be making more money than the President of the United States.

How can an individual who is shooting a basketball, swinging a baseball bat, catching a football or hitting a golf ball for a living be making more money than our country's leader? Think about the responsibility our president has to 300 million Americans, and now think about the only responsibility professional athletes have: themselves.

Where and what are the priorities of our free enterprise? I hear people complain about teacher salaries, public employee benefits, overtime of the different law enforcement and fire safety agencies and the taxes they pay. Hold on here - don't we all benefit from these services? Come on, admit it - we do. These are some of the real necessities of our society. Professional athletes - well,

let's face it - we don't really have a need for their services. It's entertainment, and we do have the more palatable athletics of scholastic and collegiate sports.

(Editor’s note: Damian brings up an interesting point here regarding the taxpayer contribution towards public employees vs. the kind of money spent to support professional sports. Here in New York State, an interesting case study may be the construction of the new Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. After numerous grants, tax breaks and subsidies from local and state governments, New York taxpayers have effectively contributed over $1 billion to the project. While at the time there were certainly those who were questioning if this kind of taxpayer investment was a sound idea, the vitriol surrounding the debate scarcely reached the kind of

intensity that can be heard today when discussing compensation for public employees. -DS) Hypothetically, take one pro athlete's salary of 37 million dollars over 5 years and cut it in half, along with the rest of professional athletes and their exorbitant paychecks. Might this alleviate much of our nation's financial problems? Do you think that they can live on 18.5 million dollars, over the next five years? I know that this sounds ridiculous, but think about it and realize that the people who are losing jobs, homes and healthcare just might be more important than that homerun or slap-shot that's accomplished by a pro-athlete.

Let's work on keeping the people who really do us a service on their jobs - it's good for America, and it should be our main priority.

Whirlwind weekend for globetrotting judo center Athletes from the Jason Morris Judo Center (JMJC) enjoyed a stellar weekend in competitions from all over the world, winning medals in Denmark, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and California.

In Helsingor, Denmark, Hannah Martin, 22, started the weekend off for the JMJC by winning a bronze medal in 57kg at the Denmark Open.

Muffa Hermansson, 22, picked up a bronze medal at 52kg, and Natalie Lafon, 30, placed fourth at 52kg.

In Wakefield, Massachusetts, Kyle Vashkulat, 20, won gold at the Pedro's Challenge - the second leg of the Zebra Tour. Vashkulat picked up $250 for winning the +100kg division, adding this to his win at the first Zebra Tour event for the Starrett Cup. Kyle is still in the running for the $1000 bonus if he can win the last two legs of the tour, the Ocean State International on March 19, and the JMJC's own Morris Cup X beginning May 14.

Ethan Stanley, 24 won gold in the +100kg Novice division as well as a bronze in the +100kg Elite division.

Brice Rudat, 21, closed out the JMJC medal count picking up a silver in the 90kg Novice category.

In San Jose, California, Tony Sangimino, 20, posted a 5-1 record in the 81kg weight class to

win a bronze medal at the San Jose Open. Cammi Kaichi, 23 finished in fourth place in the 52kg division.

In Concord, New Hampshire,

Peter Stanley, 26 won a silver medal, going 5-1 in the 100kg Novice division at the Wildcat Open to close out a busy weekend for athletes from the JMJC.

photo provided

Hannah Martin (blue) throws her opponent in Denmark

38

SARATOGA

SPORTS

Friday, March 4, 2011

TODAY

Schulyerville soars in section II

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY GLENS FALLS - The No. 4 seeded Schuylerville boys varsity basketball team is headed to the section II class BB championship game after stellar performances against the Saratoga Catholics and Schenectady Christians.

The Black Horses took to the court against the No. 5 seeded Saratoga Catholics in the quarterfinals Saturday, February 26, a closely contested match-up that tested the limits of Schuylerville's skill and heart.

Schuylerville was by far the bigger and stronger team of the two, with the height advantage at nearly every position against a smaller but agile Saints team. Through the first half of play, the Horses used size to their benefit, muscling their way through the defense and absolutely dominating off the boards, out-rebounding the Saints 21-9. But the Saints hung in there, scoring a series of crucial baskets as time ran down in the second quarter to

photo by MarkBolles.com

Luke Foote scores the lay-up

cut what was once a Schuylerville eight point lead down to 28-24 going into halftime.

The Saints continued to push back against the Black Horses at the start of the third quarter, rallying to tie the game at 40 buckets apiece before heading into the final, often chaotic fourth quarter.

The Saints and Black Horses changed leads six times as the seconds ticked down, trading shot for shot to keep things tight.

With three minutes left on the clock, Dan Waldron of Schuylerville connected from long range with a three point shot, giving the Black Horses the advantage, 51-49.

With 2.9 seconds left on the clock, it all came down to the final play of the game for Saratoga. Brad Scammell took the ball from the referee following the game's final timeout, searching the court for an open teammate. Scammell connected with Casey Cohan in the corner, looking for a three-pointer to end Schuylerville's season. But the shot fell wide, and the sound of the buzzer meant the Black Horses were moving on to the semifinals against the No. 1 seeded Schenectady Catholics, who defeated Schuylerville last year in the quarterfinals.

Kyle Waldron led Schuylerville with 14 points, followed by teammates Shane Lyon (13 points) and Evan Denisoff (11 points).

Two days later, Monday February 28, the Black Horses faced the Falcons for their chance to advance to the class BB title game. Schenectady, who had only lost one game during the regular season against their 18 victories, were ranked 11th in the state and the night's heavy favorites.

Someone must have forgotten

to mention all this to Schuylerville, though.

The Black Horses systematically dismantled the Falcons from the opening whistle, shutting down Schenectady's highest scorer, Collin Stewart (who averaged over 20 points per game) from beyond the three point arc and holding him to only 17 points for the night. At the end of the first half, Schuylerville held a ten point lead over the Falcons, 28-18.

"In the locker room I told the guys that they're going to come after us," said Schuylerville's head coach Matt Sgambati, who impressed upon his team not to let up during the halftime break.

"I told them either we could weather the storm, or we can make it storm a little harder."

Sgambati's message reached through to his squad.

Schuylerville came back during the third and fourth quarter to score 15 straight unanswered points, widening their lead to well over 20 points against the Falcons. In the end it was Schuylerville by a landside, defeating their opponent 64-36 and catapulting themselves into the title game against the No. 3 seeded Catskill Cats.

An all around team effort provided everything Schuylerville needed to win the game, with Shane Lyons scoring 16 points, Luke Foote with 14, Evan Denisoff with 12 and Kyle Waldron scoring ten and grabbing 11 rebounds.

Schuylerville meets Catskill at the Glens Falls Civic Center Thursday, March 3 at 7:30 pm, after Saratoga TODAY goes to press. For follow-up coverage, please check our website at www.saratogatodaynewspaper.com.

photo by MarkBolles.com

Mike Vargues shoots from long range.

Section II Basketball Round-up The Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake boys and girls varsity basketball teams, along with the South Glens Falls boys, have come to the end of their season after admirable performances during the section II playoffs.

The No. 8 seeded South Glens Falls boys faced a tough opponent in the No. 1 seeded Scotia team in the quarterfinal match-up Sunday, February 27 at Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC).

Scotia jumped out to an early lead, outscoring the South High Bulldogs 19-6 in the first quarter, a commanding advantage that the Tartans never relinquished.

Thanks in part to Scotia's dominating performance from beyond the three-point arc (five players combined for 24 points from longrange), Scotia ended the South High season with a 34-55 victory.

As their season comes to a close, South High will say goodbye to Jordan Greene, who will be graduating at the end of the school year. Greene, who led the Bulldogs with 19 points against Scotia, was only the third player

in school history to score over 1,000 points in his high school career.

The Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake boys were the surprise winners after the No. 12 seeded team defeated Glens Falls to advance to the quarterfinals against the No. 4 seeded Bishop Gibbons, but Sunday's game was a different story for the Spartans. While Keaton Flint and Robert Knightes each scored 17 points apiece for the Spartans - the game's two highest scorers - it wasn't enough to overcome a well rounded Bishop Gibbons team, whose players scored more consistently across the board to finish with a 57-44 win.

The No. 5 seeded Burnt HillsBallston Lake girls took to the court against No. 4 seeded Averill Park Friday, February 25 for their opening round in section II playoffs. Florie Comley led the Spartans with nine points, but a struggling offense kept the Spartans from ever really gaining momentum in their season-ending 28-56 loss.

SARATOGA

TODAY

SPORTS

Friday, March 4, 2011

39

Saratoga Bantam B Hockey sweeps Troy-Albany River Rat Tournament

photo provided

Saratoga Bantam B Youth Hockey

ALBANY - Is there anything these kids can't do?

Coming off of their tournament winning performance in Skaneateles, NY, the Saratoga Bantam B Youth Hockey team trekked down to Albany for the Troy-Albany River Rat Tournament late last month, sweeping the competition and once again bringing the first place trophy

back to Saratoga Springs.

The team first faced-off against Troy-Albany, who were completely shut-out by Saratoga's dominating defense, ending in a 2-0 victory for Saratoga. The same night Saratoga defeated Clifton Park, 6-2, to advance to Sunday's game against Salisbury.

During their first meeting,

Saratoga outscored Salisbury 8-2.

The teams met again during the championship game, where once more Saratoga trounced their opponent, 5-2.

Goals by Ian Frey, JT Rafferty, Niko Scolamiero, Carter Fritch, and Chris Thompson led the way as Saratoga added another trophy to their mantle.

Lakeside Volleyball attracts hundreds of teams to area during Gator Classic, Great Nor’Easter matches

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS Starting Saturday, February 26, the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Lakeside Volleyball Club hosted the Gator Classic tournament one of the largest boy’s volleyball tournaments held in the northeast. Over forty different teams, including Lakeside themselves, took to the courts for two days of volleyball action.

“It was great,” said Club Director Gary Bynon. “We had some of the best teams east of the Mississippi here for boys.

Groups like Pace Bootleger Volleyball, the Long Island Volleyball Club - these are groups that compete for national

championships in Minnesota in July.”

While boy’s and men’s volleyball have less clubs than their female counterparts (roughly 90 men’s teams across the country vs. 900 women’s teams), Bynon indicated that the smaller numbers actually worked to the tournament’s benefit, where they were able to attract top teams to compete in their close-knit community.

Next weekend, beginning March 12, Lakeside will be hosting the first part of the Great Nor’Easter tournament across much of the capital region. For the girls tournament, “we’ll bring over 140 teams here over two weekends. In Saratoga, we will have our 15 & under divisons -

24 teams at the Rec. Center and Gavin Park,” said Bynon. “The next weekend, the 19th and 20th, we will bring 40 16-year-old teams to the Rec. Center, Skidmore and Gavin Park, along with nine 12-year-old teams to the Malta Recreation Center.”

The other half of the tournament will take place throughout the Albany area.

“Bringing your family to a volleyball tournament in Saratoga County is just such a great thing because the businesses are great, there’s a lot for your family to do, and we’re excited to be a part of that - excited to be able to bring that type of business into the county,” Bynon said.

photo by MarkBolles.com - Saratoga TODAY

Lakeside Volleyball hosted the Gator Classic at the Saratoga Springs Rec. Center for boys 18 and under. Lakeside will host a girls tournament, the Great Nor’Easter, beginning the weekend of March 12 and continuing the following weekend, March 19.

Damian Fantauzzi page 37

40

sports

Gator Classic page 39 Friday, March 4, 2011

Vol. 6 • Issue 9 • FREE • Saratoga TODAY

photo by MarkBolles.com - Saratoga TODAY

see pg. 38 for additional section II basketball coverage