FREE
Volume 5 • Issue 31 saratoga.com/today
Scout’s Honor Organization Turns 100 and Recognizes Local Businessman by Yael Goldman Saratoga TODAY
BUDGETS:
Ray O’Conor is this year’s Saratoga District Good Scout Award recipient and he is not even a Boy Scout. The award is presented to an individual who exemplifies the ideals of the national organization in all aspects of their daily life, Bob D’Avignon, Twin Rivers Council District Director, said. This year, the Saratoga District of Boy Scouts of America
See Good Scout page 29
• State budget passes • Saratoga Springs capital budget made public
See Budget pg 7
Racing for VLTs Lottery chooses Genting : What’s Next? by Yael Goldman Saratoga TODAY In the sprint to secure revenue before it’s too late, the desperate and indebted New York Racing Association cleared another hurdle
this week, but there’s still more to come. Finally, a decision made by deadline: New York State Lottery proudly announced on Tuesday, August 3 that Genting New York’s proposal had won the hearts of its Evaluation Committee, making the Malaysian-
based gambling enterprise the recommended VLT operator at Aqueduct Race Track. In a letter sent to Governor David Paterson, Gordon Medenica, NY Lottery Director said “Genting’s proposal was impressive on many levels,” and “reflects a deep and
insightful understanding of the opportunity and challenges of Aqueduct.” Financial challenges to be precise. Genting’s proposal, which received a score of 95 out of 100, was rein-
See Lottery page 5
Inside TODAY... New Voting Booths pg 6 Obituaries pg 8 Pulse pgs 10-17 Winner’s Circle pgs 22-27 Out of Kuwait: A Local Soldier’s Story pg 28 Your Home pg 35-40
10,000 copies distributed weekly • To Advertise Call • (518) 581-2480
SARATOGA
Friday, August 6, 2010
2
TODAY
One of Saratoga’s most famous horses is making an appearance in his hometown this week. Funny Cide – the only New York-bred to have won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes – has been in town since Tuesday, August 3 and will stay through Sunday, August 8, giving racing fans and horse lovers a chance to meet the celebrated racehorse. He is even being named guest star at Fasig-Tipton’s “Weanling to the Winner’s Circle” seminar at the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion on Sunday, August 8 at 9 a.m., with registration held at 8:30 a.m.
Funny Cide is the popular gelding who was named the 2003 Champion Three-Year-Old Male. “The last time he was in Saratoga was two years ago, and he’s certainly a fan favorite,” said Jack Knowlton, managing partner for Sackatoga Stable. “We’re real happy to have the opportunity to let his fans come out and meet him.” Aimed at prospective thoroughbred owners, “Weanling to the Winner’s Circle” will also feature recently retired jockey Richard Migliore, Hall of Fame trainer Nick
Zito, and consignor Becky Thomas. The seminar is free to attend and tickets are available by calling the New York Thoroughbred Breeders at (518) 587-0777 and at the NYTB booth at Saratoga Race Course. For his stay in Saratoga County, Funny Cide has taken up temporary residence at Old Friends at Cabin Creek: the Bobby Frankel Division, and fans will be able to visit with him and the other horses at the farm during three open houses this week. The farm will be open to visitors on Saturday, August 7 from noon to 3 p.m. Visitors will learn about how they can help the farm through donations, by sponsoring a running shed, and by volunteering. Tickets to “Weanling to the Winner’s Circle”
will also be offered. Cabin Creek, which officially opened July 22, is the home of Thunder Rumble and Will’s Way, making it the only farm that hosts two Travers Stakes winners. Other residents at Cabin Creek are Cool N Collective, Karakorum Patriot, Midnight Secret, Moonshadow Gold, Red Down South, Watchem Smokey, and Zippy Chippy. The farm, located at 483 Sandhill Road in Greenfield Center is a satellite of Old Friends Equine, which is located in Georgetown, KY. For more information about Old Friends, visit www.oldfriendsequine.org. Funny Cide’s visit was made possible by Jack Knowlton, the Kentucky Horse Park, whose Hall
Photo provided by NYRA.com
Funny Cide in Saratoga
of Champions representative John Veague accompanied him on his flight to New York, H.E, and Sutton Forwarding and Brookledge, who provided transportation.
SARATOGA
TODAY
BLOTTER
Friday, August 6, 2010
April M. Allen, 25, of 900 Rock City Rd., Lot 85, Milton, was sentenced to five years probation after she pleaded guilty to a charge of second-degree attempted forgery, a class-E felony. She was arrested on December 16, 2009 for an incident that occurred on July 3, 2009 in Milton. Rasheen M. McDuffie, 34, of 337 N. Hudson Ave., Apt. 704, Stillwater, was sentenced to two to four years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to a charge of second-degree attempted assault, and 60 days in Saratoga County Jail after he pleaded guilty to the charge of failure to register, both are class-E felonies. He was arrested on May 18 for an incident that occurred on April 5. Cody M. Bowker, 21, of 82 Jefferson St., Saratoga Springs, pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual misconduct, a class-A misdemeanor after he was arrested on July 3, 2009 in Saratoga Springs. He also pleaded guilty to a charge of first-degree rape, a class-B felony and second-degree rape, a class-D felony. He was arrested for this incident on July 14 and 15, 2009 in Saratoga Springs. He will return to court for sentencing on September 27. Shannon M. Waite, 35, of 9 Hemlock Dr., Greenfield Center, was pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a classE felony, after he was arrested on July 16 in Greenfield. She will return to court for sentencing on September 30. Jacob W. Lapasinskas, 20, homeless, was sentenced to one to three years in state prison after he was charged with third-degree grand larceny, a felony. He was arrested on May 3. Chad C. Fitzgerald, 33, of 110 Maple Ave., Apt. 2, Corinth, was resentenced to one and a half years in state prison with credit for time served and 10 years of post release supervision after he was found to be in violation of the terms of his parole. He was originally sentenced to six months in Saratoga County Jail after he was convicted of third-degree criminal sex act, a class-E felony. Guy J. Pucci, 36, of 34 Hudson St., Apt. 2, Waterford, pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree
criminal mischief, a class-E felony, after he was arrested on March 8 in Waterford. He was also placed on interim probation and will return to court for sentencing on September 15. Bernadette R. Rocco, 45, of 16 Leonards Rd., Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to time served and five years probation after she pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony. She was arrested on February 23 in Saratoga Springs. Michael S. Stephens, 22, address listed as Community Court Motel, Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to six months in Saratoga County Jail and five years probation after he pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a class-D felony. He was arrested on April 14 in Saratoga Springs. Denton J. Skiff, 32, of 299 West Circular St., Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to time served and five years probation after he pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree burglary, a class-D felony. He was arrested on March 20 in Saratoga Springs.
Brigitte E. Koziol, 45, of 3 Stage Run, Waterford, was sentenced to five days in Saratoga County Jail, three years probation and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine after she pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony, and seconddegree criminal contempt, a class-A misdemeanor. She was arrested on April 25, 2009 in Clifton Park. Heather M. Gates, 32, of 20 Avenue F, Mechanicville, was sentenced to time served and five years probation after she pleaded guilty to a charge of seconddegree attempted assault, a classE felony. She was arrested on March 14 for an incident that occurred on March 12 in Malta. Christian G. Gimenez, 29, of 96 Read Park Rd., Lake Luzerne, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony. He was arrested on March 6 in Saratoga Springs
and will return to court for sentencing on September 9. Shawn E. Bouchard, 27, of 11 Arbor Ave., Mechanicville, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony. He was arrested on March 17 in Clifton Park and will return to court for sentencing on September 9. Matthew P. McDonald, 29, of 7310 Bennington Dr., Knoxville, TN, pleaded guilty to the charged of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a class-E felony and driving
3
while intoxicated, a misdemeanor, after he was arrested on May 1 in Clifton Park and will return to court for sentencing on September 9. Barry J. Gronczniak, 44, of 586 Route 9P, Stillwater, was sentenced to one and a third to four years in state prison after he was convicted of driving while intoxicated, a class-D felony. He was arrested on November 20, 2008. - Compiled by Melissa Downer
4
BUSINESS
Friday, August 6, 2010
Eight Local Restaurants Recieve Awards from Internationally-Known Magazine 5 Case St., Saratoga Springs,NY 12866 Phone: (518) 581-2480 Fax: (518) 581-2487 www.saratoga.com/today
Hours of operation 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday Publisher/Editor Chad Beatty 581-2480 x 212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com
General Manager Robin Mitchell 581-2480 x 208 rmitchell@saratogapublishing.com
Advertising Chris Bushee 581-2480 x 209 cbushee@saratogapublishing.com
Cindy Durfey 581-2480 x 204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com
Art Department Tiffany Garland 581-2480 x 213 ads@saratogapublishing.com
Sam Bolles 581-2480 x 205 graphics@saratogapublishing.com
Editorial Melissa Downer 581-2480 x 203 mdowner@saratogapublishing.com
Yael Goldman 581-2480 x 214 news@saratogapublishing.com
Arthur Gonick 581-2480 x 206 entertainment@saratogapublishing.com
Obits & Anne’s Corner Anne Proulx 581-2480 x 202 aproulx@saratogapublishing.com
Calendar & Briefs Kim Beatty 581-2480 x 215 kbeatty@saratogapublishing.com
Contributing Writers Marion E. Altieri thoroughbredwriter@yahoo.com
Meghan D. Lemery meghanlemery@yahoo.com
Suzanne Voigt sfmascv@nycap.rr.com
Jill Sweet jsweet@skidmore.edu
Kate Towne Sherwin sksherwin@hotmail.com
Kerry Mendez pyours@nycap.rr.com
Marion Renning & Carol Obloy mrenning@earthlink.net
by Melissa Downer Saratoga TODAY Saratoga Springs-nationally known for health, history, horses and now wine. Eight local establishments were listed in Wine Spectator magazine's "Best Restaurants for Wine Lovers" section that hit the stands this month. The internationally-known magazine awarded 3,743 restaurants around the world with this distinction including Chianti il Ristorante, The Grey Gelding Bistro and Bar, Longfellows Restaurant, The Olde Bryan Inn, Prime at Saratoga National, The Village Pizzeria and Ristorante, Wheatfields Restaurant and Bar and The Wine Bar. Restaurant owners who have more than 100 bottles on their wine list can apply to win this award by sending a copy of their wine list, menu and a write-up about the establishment and their wine program to Wine Spectator magazine. The annual awards are given in three categories: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award. All eight of the local eateries won the Award of Excellence and according to winespectator.com, the winning restaurants "offer a wellchosen selection of quality producers, along with a thematic match to
the menu in both price and style." Next year, Sandra Foster, owner of The Village Pizzeria and Ristorante hopes to achieve the second-tier award, Best of Award of Excellence. This is her third year winning the Award of Excellence. "Wine is a focal point of our restaurant," she said. "All of our staff has taken courses with master sommeliers (wine stewards) and we travel to Italy and California each year to learn more and to meet winery owners to establish relationships with them." This year, 2,880 establishments won the Award of Excellence and only 788 won the Best of Award of Excellence. It is a requirement to have excellent breadth of wines over several growing regions, and Foster said that she believes her restaurant has what it takes to win the more prestigious award. The Village Pizzeria and Ristorante hosts educational wine paring dinners for the public frequently and hosts the "Toast to the
Ta Tas" event to support the Avon Breast Cancer Foundation with wine tastings, dinner, entertainment, raffles and a silent auction on August 16 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. with tickets costing $35. "We try to do a lot to educate the public and give to important causes," Foster, who is a breast cancer survivor, said. According to Wine and Spirits Manager Jon Vetter of Wheatfields Restaurant and Bar, having eight local restaurants win an international award says a lot about the quality of local businesses. "As a small resort community, for eight restaurants to win this title, it's incredible," he said. "You can go to Las Vegas where every restaurant has awards for their wine selection but we are a small city. This is just another reason why Saratoga Springs is becoming a year-round resort destination. It says a lot about the commitment to quality and hospitality we all have." At Wheatfields Restauant and Bar, Vetter said that while they carry nationally and internationallyknown brands of wine, they also search far and wide to find high quality yet lesser known wines as well. "For instance, Avalon Cabernet comes from the Napa Valley, and it is by far the best bottle of wine I've ever had that costs less than $50. You can't find a better one in my opinion," he said. "We rack sources and distributors to find off-the-beaten-path wines at a reasonable cost, and we think that may attribute to our winning the award."
SARATOGA
TODAY
in brief Matthew D. McDonald Joins Saratoga Hospital as New Surgeon Matthew D. McDonald, DO, General Surgeon, has joined the medical staff of Saratoga Hospital. D r . McDonald is McDonald p r a c t i c i n g with Saratoga Surgical Associates. Prior to arriving in Saratoga, he was the Chief of General and Bariatric Surgery as well as Critical Care at Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point. He completed an internship and residency in general surgery at SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, NY. Dr. McDonald earned his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is Board Certified in General Surgery. For more information or for a referral, please call HealthSource at (518) 5802450 or 1-866-580-2450 (toll free). Saratoga Hospital and Saratoga Care Nursing Home, affiliates of Saratoga Care, Inc., are a 207-bed community hospital and nursing home designed to serve as Saratoga County's community health resource. Saratoga Hospital is the first hospital in Capital Region to achieve the Magnet Designation for nursing excellence. The hospital has over 320 admitting physicians and offers more than 30 medical specialties and extensive clinical services. Saratoga Hospital, dedicated to providing a continuum of healthcare services to the people of Saratoga County, includes Wilton Medical Arts, Malta Medical Arts, Saratoga Surgery Center, Mollie Wilmot Radiation Oncology Center, Saratoga Family Physicians, The Saratoga Center for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Saratoga Hospital Pain Management Center, Saratoga Family Health, Schuylerville Family Health and Galway Family Health. To obtain additional information on all aspects of Saratoga Care, go to w w w. s a r a t o g a c a r e . o r g <http://www.saratogacare.org/> on the worldwide web.
SARATOGA
TODAY
Friday, August 6, 2010
5
Lottery Recommends VLT Operator On Time continued from Page 1
“I would characterize my attitude as cautiously optimistic that the Lottery Division was able to reach a recommendation by its stated deadline of August 3.” Hugh Farley New York State Senator
forced by a hearty $380 million upfront licensing payment –$80 million more than the State had actually requested – which surely had a stake in earning the Committee’s unanimous approval. Genting said its plans would create more than 2,000 construction and racino jobs, and that once the racino is fully operational, it will generate more than $500 million for New York State each year. And, if all goes as planned, NYRA is slated to receive seven percent of the revenues. The winning bidder proposes a facility equipped with two gaming floors, 4,525 video lottery terminals, a 2,100-space parking garage, a new pedestrian bridge to the Aqueduct subway station, and construction of a new porte cochere – all of which Genting will finance without borrowing any funds. “I would characterize my attitude as cautiously optimistic that the Lottery Division was able to reach a recommendation by its stated deadline of August 3. I would hope that the Governor keeps the process moving and accepts their recommendation of Genting because the process still has many hurdles before we see any revenues,” Republican Senator Hugh Farley said. But NY Lottery only makes the recommendation. Even though Genting is the sole contender vying for control over Aqueduct’s video gaming facility, the rest is still up to the State’s legislative leaders. Thus, heavy financial pressure will remain an incredible burden for NYRA until, or unless, Governor Paterson, Senate Democratic Conference Leader
John Sampson and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver give the final nod of approval. “[NYRA] is encouraged by the New York State Division of the Lottery’s timely selection of Genting New York LLC to develop and operate the VLT facility at Aqueduct Race Track. The community surrounding Aqueduct has expressed support for Genting’s plans, and we trust that the leaders of the State Assembly and Senate will approve the lottery’s recommendation at their earliest opportunity,” Charles Hayward, NYRA President and CEO said in a written statement. However, the wait for Patterson and legislator’s approval is not the only obstacle left on the track. New York Lottery made its recommendation less than a week after Aqueduct Entertainment Co. appeared before a state judge to protest its approval and then disqualification from the initial process and to request its bid to be put back in the running. Judge Barry Kramer dismissed AEC’s suit, but the company is pursuing an appeal, which could distract legislators from making the final motions to approve Genting. While the Lottery’s recommendation signifies landmark progress in the slow-moving yet selection process, NYRA is still in a dangerous situation. Without the money generated from the VLTs, NYRA faces fiscal insolvency, ultimately spelling disaster for the New York thoroughbred industry. And, as Genting’s proposal states: the racino would generate hundreds of in revenue for New York in a single year, which means every day is another dollar lost. “Get it done, and do it honestly,
Senator Roy McDonald said. “This needs to be completed as soon as possible to support the racing industry in New York The incompetence of this project has gone on way too long and has spanned the terms of governor’s from both party’s. We need to support racing, the delays thus far are unacceptable and have hurt not only the racing industry but also the tourism industry of New York.”
SARATOGA
Friday, August 6, 2010
6
TODAY
New Voting Booths To Be Used This Voting Season by Melissa Downer Saratoga TODAY
Mark Bolles â&#x20AC;˘ Saratoga Today
Donna Gundersen demonstrates how to use the new voting machines at Wilton Town Court Monday
Thie election year, citizens in Saratoga County will be using a new system to cast their votes in the upcoming primary and general elections. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to say goodbye to the old voting system behind a curtain and hello to a new computerized system. The ImageCast Optical Scan Voting System is a portable voting machine used in Saratoga County with at least one ballot marking device (BMD) assigned at the polling place. Inspectors are also required to be at polling sites to assist voters when necessary. Voters will obtain a preprinted ballot containing all of the candidates and different contests they are campaigning for. These will
be given to voters by the polling inspector. Once voters have received their ballot they will be directed to privacy booths to mark ballots with a special marking pen. Once the ballot has been completed, they will be placed in a privacy sleeve and taken to the ImageCast system to be scanned. The marked paper ballot will then be inserted into the ImageCast Ballot Counter which reads the ballot and deposits it into an internal compartment within the ballot box. The screen on the ImageCast will let voters know that their ballot is being scanned and when their votes are properly accounted for. There will be other devices available to assist the visually impaired or disabled voters. There is also an option display screen that can be
turned on at the beginning of the voting session to allow voters to view their ballot and make sure they have made their proper selections. This also has privacy barriers. The screen will also show voters how to add write-in votes as well. Once the session is completed, the BMD will print a marked ballot based upon the individual voterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selection and is placed into a privacy sleeve. At this point, the ballot is ready to be inserted into the ImageCast's ballot scanning station, just like the paper ballots. A screen will prompt voters to choose if they want an audio/visual session for a final review. When satisfied, voters then cast their ballot. They are automatically deposited into the same internal component as all of the other ballots. When the polls have closed, the ImageCast will print the results that include the number of ballots cast. The ImageCast is helpful because it allows a voter with disabilities to privately and independently vote on a paper ballot. Audio and tactile interfaces allow voters with sight challenges to complete their ballot. Voters can listen to the selections over headphones, or view an LCD screen with an image of their ballot that can be adjusted for size and contrast. A "Sip-NPuff" or paddle device may also be used by voters with limited hand dexterity. Bill Fruci of the Saratoga County Board of Elections said that after holding a pilot run of the new voting machines last year, they have made significant changes to ensure that voters receive their entitled privacy. A voting machine demonstration will be held on August 17 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Saratoga Springs City Hall. Important Dates: Registration for the Primary Elections held on September 14 must be postmarked by August 20 and September 7 is the last day to postmark an absentee ballot application. Registration for the General Election held on November 2 must be postmarked by October 8 and October 26 is the last day to postmark an absentee ballot application.
SARATOGA
TODAY
Friday, August 6, 2010
State Passes Budget, Finally by Melissa Downer Saratoga TODAY One-hundred-twenty-five days overdue, New York State finally has a budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Though not the latest-ever budget, this one is the third latest with the record being the 2004-2005 budget being passed on August 11, 2004. On Tuesday, August 2, lawmakers passed the legislation that will add new taxes on clothing by eliminating a sales tax exemption on clothing purchases less than $110 on October 1 with an expectation that it will raise $330 million for the state. There will now be a four percent sales tax on purchases under $110. Other tax hikes include sales tax for
online hotel reservation sites and cutting the amount of charitable tax deductions over $10 million by half. The $136 billion budget passed by a 32 to 28 vote, with a spending increase of 2.4 percent over last year’s budget. Governor David Paterson’s director of Communications Morgan Hook issued the following statement: “Today the state finalized a budget that closes a $9.2 billion budget gap. This was done primarily through spending cuts and with no borrowing. Additionally, for the first time in State history, we have taken action – through a FMAP (Medicaid) contingency plan, which was championed by the Governor – in anticipation of a loss of federal revenue, and put spending cuts in
7 place to fill the gap. Governor Paterson has spent the last eight months fighting for the fiscal health of New York on behalf of all New Yorkers. A fiscally responsible budget will help our State turn the corner on this economic crisis, and put us on a path to recovery.” The state will also increase its share of revenue from video lottery terminals and will also allow gaming organizations to extend their hours. Though Democrats praise the budget, Republicans are not so pleased. Local leaders expressed similar objections: “In my opinion, this is one of the worst budgets the legislature has ever passed. It will put an extra $4 billion in taxes on state residents when it is fully implemented, but still does not address the most important problems which are spending and Medicaid costs. Even
the Comptroller has expressed the opinion that the revenue projections utilized were wildly optimistic. The biggest issue remains the process, because the budget was not done in an open bipartisan discussion; this is why I joined every Republican in the Senate in voting against it” said State Senator Hugh Farley. “The only thing real about this budget is that it’s real bad. It’s especially devastating to Upstate with an unfair level of cuts to projects, human services along with more taxes, that’s why I voted against it,” said State Senator Roy McDonald. “This isn’t the right way to do business, the budget was concocted in a back room, with only one party and one geographic location represented, New York City. With complete disregard to the people and the process, a handful of legislative leaders doing the budget in a back room is completely disgraceful.”
According to Assemblyman Jim Tedisco, (R,C,I-SchenectadySaratoga): “This year’s late budget was devised in secret by a ‘Tri-ocracy’ of ‘Three Men in a Room’ – the Governor, Assembly Speaker and Senate Conference Leader, and does nothing more than kick the can down the road for future generations of taxpayers. They have kicked the can down the road so much it has rusted out and continue to leak huge amounts of taxpayer dollars.” He added, “It’s time for Upstate and Long Island Assembly Majority members whose districts are most impacted by high property taxes to demand that tax cap legislation move forward just like it has in the Senate. Real reform, both fiscal and legislative, will come when rank and file legislators rise up and retake the Legislature from the clutches of the Tri-ocracy.”
Mayor Makes Public Saratoga Springs 2011 Capital Budget by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY Prior to the Saratoga Springs City Council meeting on Tuesday, August 3, Mayor Scott Johnson presented a look at the proposed 2011 Capital Program at a public hearing. A total of eleven projects were ranked in order of priority, with the total increase to the debt limit at $1,199,000. The projects in ranked order are: (Requesting Agency / Project Name/ 2011 $ Total) 1- Public Safety (DPS) Workplace Violence Program Building Security Repair $36,000 2- DPS Blood Borne Decontamination and Cleaning Facilities $64.000 3- DPS Lake Avenue Fire Station Roof
$120,000 4- Public Works (DPW) * Beekman Street Infrastructure Improvement and Replacement $800,000 5- DPW Vacuum/ Sewer Cleaning Truck $225,000 6- DPS Civilian Fingerprinting Equipt. $19,000 7- DPW Canfield Casino Rehabilitation $300,000 8- DPW Public Works Garage Rehabilitation $175,000 9- DPW City Building and Facilities: Repair and Upgrades $100,000 10- DPS Reflective Sign Project $110,000 11- DPS Brush Truck
$ 50,000 * The Beekman Street Infrastructure Project will be paid for by the Water Fund and is not part of the total debt limit increase. Two other projects which are dependent on external funding were also named. The Mayor’s Department has scheduled Phase 2 of the Waterfront Park Property
Redevelopment if $800,000 in grant funding is obtained. The Recreation Department has scheduled $25,000 in Capital Improvements to the East and West side recreation fields subject to School District funding. Projections on funding needs through 2016 were also included in this presentation, although they will not be formally submitted until
before the individual budget year and thus might be changed. There will be two more public hearings (Wednesday, August 11 at 12:30 p.m. and Tuesday, August 17 at 6:45 p.m.) before the Council votes on this Capital Program on September 15. The Council is required to vote on the entire budget by November 30.
8
SARATOGA
OBITUARIES
Friday, August 6, 2010
Ruth E. McNulty
Saratoga County Deceased Veteren of the Month
John Joseph Kondrat, T/5, U.S. Army
John Joseph Kondrat from the Town of Providence served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945 with the 85th Infantry Division in the European Theater of Operations. He earned 3 battle stars. Mr. Kondrat retired after 32 years as Highway Superintendent for the Town of Providence. He is
Sam Fusto Saratoga Springs – Sam Fusto of Christina Court passed away Thursday, July 22, 2010 at his residence. He was 86. Born on June 14, 1924 in Brooklyn, he was a son of the late Nunzio and Grace Carano Fusto and attended the College School of Industrial Art in New York City. A United States Army veteran in the European Theatre during WWII, he worked in the art department for the United States Post Office, being the only artist to have painted a mural in one post office in NYC. Sam and his wife moved to the Saratoga Springs area in1976 and while enjoying his retirement, he stayed busy painting murals throughout many area malls. He was a member of Gurtler Brothers Post 420 VFW. Survivors include his wife, Josephine Lauricella Fusto of Saratoga Springs and one sister, Helen Garcia of Florida. Relatives and friends gathered to remember him on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at Our Lady’s Chapel in the parish center of St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church, followed by a funeral service also in the Chapel. Entombment with military honors followed in Memory Gardens in Colonie. Memorials may be made in his name to the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205. Arrangements were under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway (5845373). Online remembrances may be made at .burkefuneralhome.com.
survived by his wife Eileen, his sons Joseph, David and Gary and three daughters Carol, Shirley and Joan. A memorial program will be held in Mr. Kondrat’s memory on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. 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.
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@ saratoga publishing.com.
TODAY
Saratoga Springs, - Ruth E. McNulty of Northway Court passed away Thursday, July 22, 2010 at Mary’s Haven. She was 70. Born on July 3, 1940 in Corinth, she was the daughter of the late Ethan Allen and Beatrice (Viele) Priest and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Saratoga Springs. A machine operator for the General Foods Company for many years, her interests included crossword puzzles, visiting the Yaddo Gardens and spending time with her grandchildren. She was an avid NASCAR fan and loved her family, her numerous neighbors and the various local spring waters.
In addition to her parents, Ruth was predeceased by a brother, Burt Priest. Survivors include her son, Martin (Tonya) McNulty of Washington, PA; her daughter and son-in-law, Debora (Matthew) Diehl of Saratoga Springs; two brothers, Daniel Priest of Clifton Park and John Priest of Gansevoort; four sisters, Harriet Bishop of Middle Grove, Rebecca Woolley of Saratoga Springs, Margaret Dickson of Romona, CA and Janice Escola of Escondido, CA; three grandchildren, Steven Diehl, Victoria and Olivia McNulty; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Relatives and friends gathered to remember her on Sunday, July 25,
2010 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes in Saratoga Springs. Funeral services were conducted on Monday morning, July 26 at the Burke/Bussing Funeral Homes in Saratoga Springs. Burial followed in the family plot in Greenfield Cemetery. Memorials may be made in her name to Mary’s Haven, 35 New Street or to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online remembrances may be made at .burkefuneralhome.com.
Joan Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield – Joan Elizabeth Taylor of Daniels Road passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at her residence. She was 74. Born on Feb. 26, 1936 in Port Henry, NY, she was a daughter of the late Ralph and Anne (Esposito) Salerno and in high school was a volleyball player, cheerleader and voted Class Venus! A former resident of Malone, NY, prior to moving to Saratoga Springs many years ago, Joan had worked for the late John T. Roohan in real estate and was a former employee of Skidmore College. A communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Greenfield Center, she was a longtime active member of the Ladies Guild. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband and soul mate, James F. Taylor, whom she married on Oct. 6, 1956. He was taken from this life much too early on Feb. 9, 1994. She also lost her dear sister,
Mary Ann Saunders, to cancer a few years ago. Survivors include her son, Andrew J. Taylor and her adopted son, Bob Lane, both of Greenfield Center; her daughter and son-in-law, Jill TaylorD’Andrea and Frank D’Andrea; two sisters, Rose Capuano and Louise Wheelock, both of Port Henry; three brothers, Paul and Pat Salerno of Port Henry and Joe Salerno of VT; she was “Grandma Joanie” to many, especially her three beautiful and talented granddaughters, Taylor, Quinn and Zoe D’Andrea; and also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and many loving and dear friends. Her kindness, generosity and warmth were unrivaled. She touched many lives with her thoughtful, caring ways. She believed it was her mission in life to take care of everyone around her - even perfect strangers were welcome into her home and in her heart. As one who never forgot a birthday or
anniversary, she will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her. Relatives and friends gathered in her memory on Sunday, August 1 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of Saratoga Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010 in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Greenfield Center. Burial followed in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Saratoga Springs. Memorials may be made in her name to benefit children with HIV/AIDS at St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to any area agency that may benefit wounded service personnel of the US military. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.
Carol Ann Carmody Greenwich-Carol Ann Carmody, 78, of Greenwich passed away suddenly but peacefully into the arms of her savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Glens Falls Hospital, with her children and grandchildren by her side. Born on July 1, 1932 in Kerhonkson, NY, she was the daughter of the late George and Mabel Greene Kortright. Carol attended nursing school in Kingston, NY where she received her RN degree. While working as a nurse at Glens Falls Hospital, she met and married her lifetime love, John “Jack” Carmody, on August 8, 1954. In 1960, the very same day her son was born, Jack and Carol opened the doors to Carmody Ford-Mercury Inc. in Greenwich, which is still owned and operated by their son John Jr. During her 50 years in Greenwich,
Carol participated in many organizations and activities. She served on the boards of Mary McClellan Hospital and the regional Glens Falls National Bank. Having been raised with little, Carol loved being overly generous to her family and to others. Her beloved pet project was Operation Santa, which fulfilled her spirit of generosity. Carol continued to serve as VP of Carmody Ford, and loved going to work every day. Carol loved golfing, and enjoyed an honorary membership at the Battenkill Country Club. She also loved antiquing, gardening, and cooking for her family and old gourmet club. She loved impromptu gettogethers with friends, family and neighbors, and deeply treasured these relationships. She was happiest surrounded by the people she loved. Her loyalty, love, protection and faith
were unwavering. The family thought of her as their family “rock,” offering them guidance and help whenever they needed it. Carol truly appreciated the simple pleasures of life. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband John “Jack” Carmody who passed away in October of last year. Carol selflessly devoted the past 16 years patiently caring for her beloved husband; a brother Frank Kortright also predeceased her. Survivors include her daughter, Cindy Spence of Hebron and her son John (Maureen) Carmody of Argyle; four grandchildren, Christopher Spence of North Salem, NY, Cameron Spence of New Paltz, NY, and Ethan and Eve Carmody of Argyle. All of her grandchildren had a special connection with her. She is also survived by her brothers, Russell
and Lawrence Kortright of Kerhonkson, and Robert Kortright of Wappingers Falls, NY; her sister, Alice Smith of Ellenville, NY; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral mass was celebrated on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Church in Greenwich with Rev. Martin Fisher, officiating. Burial was held at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. The family wishes to give special thanks to Dr. Colleen Quinn and the staff at Glens Falls Hospital whose intelligence and compassion gave our mother comfort and dignity. Memorials can be made in her memory to the Greenwich Medical Center or Operation Santa. Online remembrances can be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com
SARATOGA
TODAY
Friday, August 6, 2010
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.
ANNE’S CORNER
Saratoga Sponsor-a-Scholar welcomes 2010-2011 Scholars The Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar Program (SSAS), in partnership with the Saratoga Springs City School District, hosted a celebration to welcome its third group of 10 students who will be enrolled in the SSAS program as sophomores at the high school in the fall of 2010. SSAS board members, administrators from the Saratoga Springs City School District, sponsors and donors as well as students, parents and mentors from the first two SSAS classes, were on hand to congratulate the new scholars.
Ms. Stevens receives degree Ms. Megan D. Stevens of Saratoga Springs received a bachelor’s degree during the 2010 Commencement Ceremonies of Hobart and William Smith Colleges recently.
Ms. Stevens, the child of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Stevens, majored in History and received a B.A. She also studied abroad while at HWS. Our congratulations to you!
Saratoga Springs High School and the Wilton Rotary Club sponsor ‘Respect’ awards Thirty-six students from Saratoga Springs High School received Respect Awards at the end of the 2010 school year during a special program in the Meade (teaching) Auditorium. This is the third year of the program, which is sponsored by the Wilton Rotary Club of Rotary International in collaboration with the faculty and staff of the high school, as well as the high school Parent-TeacherStudent Organization. The award recognizes high school students for the 2009-2010 academic year who have earned the respect of their teachers, parents, friends, others, and most importantly, themselves. The guest speaker was Judy Ekman, executive director of The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Council of Saratoga County. The recipients are listed below. Matthew Beckwith Catherine Carswell Abhishek Chopra Halley Choy Caitlin Cummings Conor Doolin
Hannah Doty Jessica Famiano Logan Fischer Eric Hayden Emily Hill Emma Hodgson Katelyn Hurley William Jayko Nicholas Kirkpatrick Kristi Krulcik Anthony Luciano Lauren MacNeill Renee Martin Douglas McEachron Alexandra Messier Mary Morris Margaret Morrissey Kaeleen O’Connor Jennifer O’Neil Nicholas Parry Joshua Rezsnyak Brooke Ruggiero Julia Sirianni Alan Spadafora Kamaal Stanley Hal Starnes Gabriel Sullivan Nina Talamo Jacob Veitch Joseph Wagner
“We are pleased to be inducting our third class of scholars, “said Acting Executive Director Jim LaVigne. “It has been gratifying to watch our scholars grow and mature in this program. We have students who have made Honor Roll for the first time and other students who have improved their grades through SSAS tutoring.” This class will bring the number of students enrolled in SSAS to 30 in the fall of 2010. The first class of SSAS scholars will graduate from high school in June, 2011. Congrats, everyone!
It’s a girl! Joannia and Jason Richesin of Saratoga Springs welcomed a baby daughter, Jenna Rose, on Friday, July 16, 2010. Jenna Rose weighed 8 pounds, .08 ounces and was 20 1⁄2 inches long. She was welcomed at home by big sister Jordan Lynn. Her maternal grandparents are Glenda and William Harrison of Lansing, Kansas; her paternal grandparents are Darrell and Patricia Opine of Arkoma, Oklahoma. Congratulations to everyone!
9
the
Tooth fairy club Take a look at this week’s new club members
Connor, age 7
Rachel, age 7
Garrett Sarah, age 10
Mason, age 5
Noah, age 6 The tooth fairy club is sponsored by:
659 Saratoga Rd., Gansevoort, NY 12831, (518) 226-6010
10
SARATOGA
PULSE
Friday, August 6, 2010
Members of the Racing City Chorus, Saratoga's Ambassadors of Harmony, will be presenting a cappella vocal music evenings during the racing season outside participating downtown restaurants. The “Barbershop on Broadway” performances are free to the public, and will feature popular music, show tunes, and barbershop standards in four-part harmony on August 5, 11, 19 and 26 between the hours of 7 and 10 p.m. Performance venues each evening will include Scallions on Lake Avenue, Hattie’s on Phila Street, Brindisi's, Holiday Inn and The Inn at Saratoga on Broadway, The End Zone on Ballston Avenue, and The Olde Bryan Inn on Maple Avenue. “We are thrilled to bring this unique form of entertainment to many downtown visitors who will be enjoying the summer evenings in Saratoga,” said George “Guv” Wallace, the marketing and public relations contact
for the chorus. “We are also grateful to these downtown restaurants for helping to make the Saratoga summer experience memorable,” he said. The Racing City Chorus was founded in 1956, and is the reigning Barbershop Harmony Society Mountain Division Champion in the Northeastern District. They present more than 35 public appearances annually, which in the past have i n c l u d e d Saratoga Arts Fest, Saratoga First Night, the Downtown B u s i n e s s A s s o c i a t i o n ' s Racing City Chorus
TODAY
“Hats Off to Saratoga” street fest for the opening of the race track season, and the Elk's Flag Day Parade. For more information concerning the “Barbershop on Broadway” summer performance schedule, visit the Chorus' website at www.RacingCityChorus.org
Photo Provided
Philadelphia Orchestra Highlights this Week Photo by ROBERT ASCROFT
Photo Provided
Photo by Tammaro
Photo Provided
Alec Baldwin , Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Chantal Juillet, MaestroCharlesDutoit The Philadelphia Orchestra’s residency at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center will run through August 21. Ticket prices for all Orchestra performances start at $18 for lawn seats; inside seating ranges from $31 - $72.50. The “GE Kids in Free” promotion entitles children 12 and under to free lawn admission for classical performances; middle school, high school and college student lawn admission is $10. Tickets are available at www.spac.org, by phone at (518) 584-9330 or at SPAC's Route 50 Box Office.
Upcoming performance highlights include: Friday, August 6: Alec Baldwin narrating ‘Peter and the Wolf’
Award-winning actor Alec Baldwin returns to SPAC’s stage to narrate Sergei Prokofiev's family classic ‘Peter and the Wolf.’ Originally composed in 1936 for a children’s theater in Moscow, ‘Peter and the Wolf’ has become Prokofiev’s best-known work. The composer, who wrote the story as well as the music, uses personified instruments to tell the tale of young Peter and his animal friends the Duck, the Bird, and the Cat (represented by an oboe, flute, and clarinet respectively). Peter, himself represented by the string section, outwits the Wolf (French horns), who is threatening his small Russian village. The well-loved work, which will have its first orchestral performance at SPAC this season, is
frequently used in music education to teach children about the different instruments of the orchestra. Saturday, August 7: Beethoven’s Ode to Joy with the Mendelssohn Choir The internationally esteemed 125member Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia will share the stage with the Orchestra to present a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Considered a work of musical genius and one of the most important orchestral pieces in the western classical repertoire, “Beethoven's Ninth” is his final complete symphony and the first example of a major composer using voices in a symphony. It is defined by its grandiose scale and structure as well as the innovation of the final
movement that uses Friedrich Schiller's ‘Ode to Joy’ for chorus and vocal soloists. Wednesday, August 11: All-Gershwin Program Piano virtuoso Jean-Yves Thibaudet will perform Gershwin’s jazz-inspired ‘Piano Concerto in F’ as part of an All-Gershwin program that also includes ‘An American in Paris,’ ‘I Got Rhythm variations’ for piano and orchestra and ‘Porgy and Bess,’ A Symphonic Picture Thursday, August 12: The Farewell Celebration Among the biggest highlights of the 2010 season will be the August 12 “Farewell Concert” for Charles Dutoit and Chantal Juillet. Dutoit has been the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of The
Philadelphia Orchestra’s SPAC Season since 1990; Juillet has been the Director of the Saratoga Chamber Music Festival since 1991. Recently, each announced that the 2010 SPAC Season would be their last in these roles, citing a desire to devote more time to other artistic responsibilities. Both Dutoit and Juillet, who were recently married, will participate in this special program. Dutoit will lead the Orchestra in performances of masterful works by Shostakovich, Debussy and Respighi. Chantal Juillet will be the evening’s soloist, performing Korngold’s Violin Concerto. The evening will conclude with a champagne toast to Dutoit and Juillet and a brilliant fireworks display.