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LOCAL • INDEPENDENT • FREE Volume 11 • Issue 11 • March 24 – March 30, 2017

Parents Push Back

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • (518) 581-2480

Building a Better Robot Local Schools Excel at Regional Competition

Featured Stories

City Explains Immigration Policy

Members of Saratoga Conservative Chicks during their interview on “Fox & Friends.”

See pg. 3

by Thomas Kika Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – After discovering what they saw as a questionably one-sided graphic in their childrens’ schoolwork, a local group of conservativeminded women decided to take action, and soon found themselves in the national spotlight on the popular morning news and talk program, “Fox & Friends.”

“Saratoga Conservative Chicks” is a Facebook group that launched early on March 22, but prior to that, its members had been chatting daily through social media and sharing information since early last year.

“The group has grown exponentially in the past 6 months,” said Amy, a member of the group who wished to be referred to only by her first name for the sake of her family. “We chat daily through social media, etc., and last week a concerned parent brought to our attention the assignment by a classroom teacher at Saratoga High School.”

Pages 12-14

Charles Oakley in Town Saturday.

See pg. 36

Inside TODAY Ballston Spa robotics team posing after winning the Chairman’s Award. Courtesy of Ballston Spa Central School District.)

See Building pg. 18

Realizing the American Dream

by Larry Goodwin Saratoga TODAY

See Fueling pg. 8 See Story pg. xx

Obituaries 6 Business 16-17 Education 18-19 Arts and Entertainment 28-31

Sports 35-39

MALTA — Zulfiqar Zulfi has come a long way since riding a bike to work at a Schenectady County gas station.

The friendly immigrant from Pakistan now owns two stations of his own and is planning an expensive renovation to the one located on Route 9 in Malta.

“I’m a true American dream guy,” Zulfi says.

“This is a great country. You get what you work for.”

The father of four settled in Clifton Park in 1993. Four years earlier, he had arrived in California from Pakistan, he says, “with $200 in my pocket.” A friend of his living in Albany at

See Parents pg. 19

Blotter 5

Weekend Forecast FRIDAY

40|37 SATURDAY

40|26 SUNDAY Zulfiqar Zulfi at one of his businesses. Photo provided.

43|35

2

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

Neighbors: Snippets of Life from Your Community Who: Wade Collins Where: Saratoga Springs Police Department.

Q. When did you join the police department?

A. In July 2013, so it will be four years this summer.

Q. How did you decide to be an officer?

A. I always wanted to be a police officer. I have a master’s degree in elementary education so I always wanted to be a teacher as well, but I definitely found my calling.

Q. You were just recognized by the Saratoga Springs Police Lieutenant’s PBA as the Officer of the Year.

A. That was a surprise and it means a lot. I love my job and I’m not out for the recognition, but it is nice to be recognized.

Q. Where are you from originally?

A. Corinth.

Q. Favorite music?

A. Country music, but I like all kinds. I’ll listen to anything.

Q. Favorite TV show?

A. Blue Bloods.

Q. What hobbies do you have?

A. I like sports. I grew up playing hockey, but I have two small children now - a 3-year-old girl and 9-month-old son, so I work and take care of my kids now.

Q. What’s the best part of the job?

A. When people are appreciative and say things like: Thank you for your service, or thank you for helping me. That’s why I became a police officer, to help.

Q. What’s an unexpected surprise that you’ve found to be rewarding?

A. It’s tough to put into words, but in everything bad that happens, there can be something good. Just getting out there and helping people; steering them in the right direction, whether it’s drugs or alcohol, or domestic violence. When dealing with kids especially, I like to be a good role model.

Q. What advice do you have for kids thinking about joining the police department as a career?

A. In my opinion, it’s the best profession there is. Once they get into college they can get an internship to ride along with a police officer for four hours at a time.

You just need to stay out of trouble, do the right thing and have integrity.

Q. Where do you see yourself in the future?

A. Just going up the ranks. I’ll be at the Saratoga Police Department until they kick me out.

Police Beat: Summer Camp for Kids The New York State Sheriffs’ Institute kicked off its annual honorary membership drive in Saratoga County this week.

The Sheriffs’ Institute was established in 1979 to advance criminal justice education, prevent juvenile delinquency and support victims of crime and their families.

Programs include: The Criminal Justice Scholarship Program, Victim Notification Programs, and the Sheriffs’ Summer Camp – a weeklong

camp for economically challenged children featuring activities such as sailing, archery and crafts, which is attended by nearly 900 kids from across the state.

“We rely on the support of our Honorary Members for the Sheriffs’ Summer Camp,” said Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo, in a statement. “These kids wouldn’t have a chance to go away to camp otherwise.”

For more information, go to: www.sheriffsinstitute.org.

NEWS 3

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

Notes From City Hall

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

income households indicate thresholds respectively set at less than 80 percent, and at 100 percent, of that $82,000 median income.

The affordable-housing ordinance proposal applies to both rental and owner-occupied housing. Year-round city residents would have first opportunity to apply for the affordable units.

The ordinance would apply to new projects consisting of

City Explains Immigration Enforcement Policy After receiving numerous inquiries from local residents about how the city would handle issues related to illegal immigration and the level of its cooperation with federal officials, Public Safety Commissioner Chris Mathiesen asked Saratoga Springs Police Chief Greg Veitch to formally address the issue.

“Given the number of people who come to our city, especially in the summertime, and some of whom may have immigration statuses that are questionable, I thought I would talk to our police chief,” Mathiesen explained to the City Council this week. “We do want these people to feel as if they have the public safety department, the police department, fire/EMS department as a resource, and should not feel as if they may have immigration complications should they require those services.”

The responding two-page statement from Chief Veitch, which Mathiesen called “a reasonable and caring approach” and was read to the council Tuesday night, assures that the police department serves the entire community and recognizes the dignity of all persons, regardless of their immigration status. However, it does not mean that members of the police department will refuse to cooperate with other law enforcement agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or I.C.E. Veitch said with regards to the reporting of a crime or cooperation with an investigation, the department does not require or encourage its officers to investigate the immigration status of victims or witnesses of crimes, and that Immigration enforcement is not a priority of the Saratoga Springs Police Department. “However, should a federal law enforcement agency request assistance from the Saratoga Springs Police, we

“Grand Olde Saratoga,” inside the Mayor’s office.

will provide assistance consistent with our policies and procedures, as we would for any other law enforcement organization needing assistance within city limits. “ Criminal offenders in custody, those who may be wanted by another law agency, or individuals verified to have a valid warrant from any federal agency, including I.C.E. will be detained by local officers in accordance with the law. “We will not, however, detain any individual solely for a civil violation of federal immigration laws. Nor will S.S.P.D. detain any individual that would otherwise be eligible for release, simply for the purpose of notifying federal authorities or to check immigration status.”

Council Revisits Affordable Housing Issues, Potential Solutions A proposal for “inclusionary zoning,” first floated a decade ago but never brought to a vote by the City Council, on Tuesday night received the first of what is anticipated to be two public hearings.

The SPA Housing Zoning ordinance would require new housing developments and apartment complexes across the city to include some units deemed affordable to residents with moderate incomes.

“This is a work-in-progress,” city Mayor Joanne Yepsen said during Tuesday’s 60-minute hearing, “but it’s

essential that we find a way to create more variety of pricepoints for housing.” The purpose of the hearing is to get public feedback regarding the proposal, which has not been finalized, Yepsen added.

There are various resident income target-points the city may choose to pursue – from “low” to “moderate” to “middle” income households; the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development sets the area median income for a family of four in Saratoga County at $82,000. As such, affordable units put up for sale that are made available to “moderate” and “middle”

10 or more residential units as well as to existing structures undergoing substantial renovation or conversion from nonresidential to residential use.

The ordinance stipulates that 10 to 20 percent of all new or newly converted units be set aside to meet the “affordable” criteria. To compensate developers, the program would allow them to increase See Notes pg. 11

4

NEWS BRIEFS

Democrats Win in Ballston Spa

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

Charity for Kids in Hospital

Voters and election officials do their civic duty on March 21 inside the Eagle Matt Lee fire station in Ballston Spa. Photo by Larry Goodwin.

BALLSTON SPA — Two out of three Democrats achieved political victory this week in a village government controlled for decades by Republicans.

Democrats Shawn Raymond and Noah Shaw both won seats on the Ballston Spa Village Board by a combined total of roughly 100 votes.

Republican Village Justice Michael Morrissey held on to his seat by 70 votes despite a significant tally of 363 for his challenger: Erika Tebbens, a third Democrat in the race.

The results in Ballston Spa were announced shortly after 10 p.m. in a crowded Village Hall on Front Street. “Congratulations to the winners and the losers,” stated Mayor John Romano, after the final two boxes of ballots had been delivered by election officials.

Throughout the day, more than 2,300 votes were cast inside the village’s two firehouses—twice as many as during the 2015 election. Romano said the village has about 4,400 eligible voters.

New Schuylerville Mayor SCHUYLERVILLE – On March 21, Village Trustee Dan Carpenter won his bid for mayor, and two new trustees also will join the village government next month.

Carpenter edged candidate Jason Young, a Schuylerville

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Chad Beatty 581-2480 x 212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com GENERAL MANAGER Robin Mitchell 581-2480 x 208 rmitchell@saratogapublishing.com MARKETING DIRECTOR Chris Bushee 581-2480 x 201 cbushee@saratogapublishing.com PHOTOGRAPHER Mark Bolles 490-1757 mbolles@photoandgraphic.com ADVERTISING Jim Daley 581-2480 x 209 jdaley@saratogapublishing.com Cindy Durfey 581-2480 x 204 Briefs, Calendar cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com COPY EDITOR Anne Proulx 581-2480 x 252 Obituaries, Proofreader

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restaurant owner, by about 30 votes, while candidates Nikki Proctor and Bryan Drew also were chosen by voters to fill two trustee seats on the Village Board.

A total of roughly 900 votes were cast for all five candidates in the race.

The Saratoga Hospital crew (left to right): Trisha Santiago, Kate Shoemaker, Irv Hilts and Klare Ingram.

BALLSTON SPA — TCT Federal Credit Union’s Care for Kids campaign raised a total of $2,000 to benefit pediatric healthcare at two hospitals within their service area of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties.

Glens Falls Hospital and Saratoga Hospital each received checks for $1,000 and a supply of stuffed animals to be given to children in their care.

TCT and their members have a long history of raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network, which supports the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center.

Expanding upon that success, TCT decided to help pediatric patients at the hospitals located in their service area as well. Funds were raised by donations from credit union members and staff. For a $10 donation,

donors received Penny the Panda – the TCT Care for Kids stuffed animal for 2016.

This year’s campaign kicked off in March with the arrival of Hootie the Owl. Donations are being accepted through April 30 at any of TCT’s four branch locations.

For more information, call 518-288-3715 or visit the website TCTFCU.ORG.

Visitors Up at Battlefield STILLWATER — In 2016, the 100th anniversary year of the National Park Service, visitation increased by 58 percent from the previous year at Saratoga National Historical Park. More than 102,000 visitors were counted.

The park witnessed an increase in visitors attending ranger programs, special events, hiking and cycling, and touring the park’s historic sites.

The Schuyler House also received increased visitation with 30 percent more visitors than in 2015.

Ranger programs, guided hikes, music events and children’s programs take place every month at the park.

For a full calendar of events, please see the park’s website at www.nps. gov/sara. The Visitor Center can be reached at 518-670-2985.

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Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

COURTS Gregory L. Lyons, 58, of Gansevoort, was sentenced on March 15 to five years of probation, after pleading to felony DWI. Fred F. Albright III, 35, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded on March 15 to felony DWI. Sentencing scheduled for May 10.

James R. Wright, Jr., 26, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced on March 15 to one year in Saratoga County Jail, after pleading to felony DWI. Craig L. Johnson, 54, of Schenectady, was sentenced on March 15 to 4 years in state prison and 1.5 years post-release supervision after pleading to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third-degree.

Jeanne Mosher, 38, and Michael R. Mosher, 38, were both sentenced on March 15 to aggregate sentences of 40 years-to-life, after each pleading guilty to two counts of predatory sexual assault against a child, according to the Saratoga County District attorney’s office. The criminal conduct, which continued over the course of several years, involved two children less than 13 years old.

POLICE Charles W. Fosmire, age 41, and Julie M. Ramos, age 48 – both of Malta, were charged on March 10 by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department on the suspicion of selling heroin. Fosmire was charged with three felony counts each criminal sale of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a controlled substance, and three misdemeanor counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance. Fosmire was sent to Saratoga County Jail without bail. Ramos was charged with one felony count each of criminal sale of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a controlled substance, and one misdemeanor count of criminal possession of a controlled substance. Ramos was released on her own recognizance. Both are scheduled to return to Malta Town Justice Court at a later date.

BLOTTER 5

Brian D. Bowden, age 41, Gansevoort, was charged on March 5 with assault in the third degree, and criminal mischief – both misdemeanors.

Nathaniel Harrington, age 34, Hudson Falls, was charged on March 14 with promoting prison contraband in the firstdegree, a felony.

Satin L. Dewitt, age 29, Saratoga Springs, was charged on March 2 with second-degree menacing, and criminal possession of a weapon – both misdemeanors.

damage accident with felony DWI as a second offense, refusing a prescreen test, and following a motor vehicle too closely.

Kimberly Loftis, age 44, Saratoga Springs, was charged on March 5 with resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental administration – both misdemeanors.

Donavan A. Lair, age 44, Schenectady, was charged on March 3 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor, and an equipment violation.

Wayne M. Bakken, age 19, Saratoga Springs, was charged on March 2 with two felony counts of grand larceny, and misdemeanor petit larceny.

David S. Riley, age 64, Glenville, was charged on March 1 with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, a felony, and two driving infractions.

Devin P. Robbins, age 23, Clifton Park, was charged on March 5 with criminal mischief in the third degree, a felony.

Kevin L. Dickinson, age 26, Troy, was charged on March 3 with speeding, following a motor vehicle too closely, and operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, a misdemeanor.

Kip R. Chapman, age 27, Saratoga Springs, was charged on March 2 with misdemeanor DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a felony, and use of portable electronic devices.

Tara F. Anderson, age 19, Saratoga Springs, was charged on March 1 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor, failure to keep right, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Raphael V. Duncan, age 22, Albany, was charged on March 5 with assault in the third degree, and criminal mischief – both misdemeanors.

Kyle P. Richman, age 22, Marietta, was charged on March 4 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor.

Benjamin B. Allen, age 21, Stoneham, Massachusetts, was charged on March 4 with misdemeanor DWI, refusing a pre-screen test, and failing to signal a turn.

Zachary M. Turner, age 24, Norfolk, Virginia, was charged on March 4 with obstruction of breathing, a misdemeanor.

Lamont L. Wilson, Schenectady, was charged on March 4 with criminal possession of a weapon, a felony, and menacing, a misdemeanor.

John L. Yakush, age 35, Saratoga Springs, was charged on March 3 with one felony count and one misdemeanor count each of criminal possession of a controlled substance and five counts of unlawfully dealing with a child in the first-degree, a misdemeanor.

Angela D. Osberg, age 42, Saratoga Springs, was charged on March 3 with five counts of unlawfully dealing with a child in the firstdegree misdemeanor.

Rick D. Teetz, age 54, Saratoga Springs, was charged on March 3 with assault in the third degree, and two counts of criminal mischief. All charges are misdemeanors.

Heather A. Salerno, age 26, Saratoga Springs, was charged on March 3 with refusing a pre-screen test, misdemeanor DWI, criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor, and two vehicle violations.

Gregory N. Ralph, age 34, Saratoga Springs, was charged on March 3 with misdemeanor DWI, and speeding.

Collin A. Hunter, age 28, Greenfield Center, was charged on March 2 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor, and following a motor vehicle too closely.

Larry E. Baldwin, age 48, Saratoga Springs, was charged on March 1 with misdemeanor petit larceny.

Jennifer M. Fuller, age 34, Gansevoort, was charged on March 1 after being involved in a property

Kristen Insardi, age 25, Clifton Park, was charged on March 1 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor, and failure to keep right.

Lisa R. Milo, age 55, Saratoga Springs, was charged on March 1 with first-degree criminal contempt first degree, and criminal mischief – both felonies.

6 Charles E. Clark GANSEVOORT — Charles E. Clark, 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at his home.

Services were held Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at the Burke Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

Burial will take place in the spring at Greenfield Cemetery.

Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373

OBITUARIES/NEWS on Wednesday, March 22 at St. Mary’s Church; burial followed in St Peter’s Cemetery in Saratoga Springs.

Memorial contributions in Mike’s memory may be made to Albany Medical Center.

Phillip J. Griffis, Sr. HIGHLAND, NY — Phillip J. Griffis, Sr., 85, passed away on Monday, March 13, 2017 at the Hudson Valley Rehab and Extended Care Facility.

A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Knauff Funeral Home in Williston, FL. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Donald E. Woodward Jr. SOUTH GLENS FALLS — Donald E. Woodward Jr., age 59, died on March 15, 2017.

Visitation was at Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 24, 2017 at the funeral home.

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

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373

Michael J. Aufiero BALLSTON SPA — Michael J. Aufiero, 55, passed away Friday, March 17, 2017, after a long illness.

Funeral services were held

SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373

Lawrence R. Porter, Jr. GREENFIELD CENTER — Lawrence R. Porter, Jr., 79, passed away March 22, 2017.

Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m.

Friday, March 24 at Burke/ Bussing Funeral Homes. Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, March 25, noon at St. Joseph’s Church, Greenfield Center.

Burial with military honors follows at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

Malta Officials Debate Scrap and Honor the Medal

by Larry Goodwin Saratoga TODAY MALTA — Earlier this week, the Malta Town Board temporarily held up the approval of a bid for seasonal trash hauling over concerns about the town’s trailer parks and apartment complexes.

Those types of properties would have been excluded from participating in the spring pickup program.

According to Malta Comptroller Kevin King, the only bidder was County Waste in Clifton Park. The board voted against paying the company a $29,500 fee for hauling away residents’ unwanted clutter and debris, plus a disposal fee of $65 per ton.

King said the amount of $50,000 had been budgeted previously for that expense.

Councilman John Hartzell was quick to question why County Waste had specified in its bid that trailer parks and apartment complexes were to be excluded this time around.

“I don’t think it’s fair to town residents who pay property taxes.

They’re citizens, too,” Hartzell said.

“I’m not prepared to say they can’t avail themselves of services.”

County Waste, King informed the board, considers trailer parks and apartment

complexes commercial properties, which are free to contract for trash services at any time.

Still, Hartzell made a motion to reject the company’s bid until such details could be arranged.

County Waste officials did not return a request for comment.

Malta Supervisor Vincent DeLucia queried King and other town staff members in the room about how to resolve any differences with County Waste. Then all four board members present approved Hartzell’s motion to reject.

“We can’t force them to do business with us,” DeLucia said.

“That’s the bottom line.”

In other business on March 20, the board voted to approve a resolution that officially designates Malta a Purple Heart town for the sake of soldiers wounded in combat. In neighboring Halfmoon and other towns, such resolutions often lead to the installation of honorary road signs and possibly community events.

A U.S. Army veteran, Master Sergeant Scott Kyle, gave a presentation to the board accompanied by two more members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Kyle leads the group’s Albany chapter and coordinates local outreach efforts.

Kyle, after describing his runins with explosives three times during combat in Afghanistan, spoke

about the growing number of New York towns that are thusly honoring soldiers awarded the prestigious Purple Heart medal.

“It’s so that communities are always doing something for our veterans,” Kyle explained to DeLucia, Hartzell and the other board members.

Kyle displayed for all present how each Purple Heart medal is etched with the image of President George Washington.

Reportedly, Washington had first begun awarding the nation’s combat medals on August 7, 1782. Memorial ceremonies are being planned on that summer date later this year.

The state of New York and a total of 34 towns and counties, Kyle said, have passed such Purple Heart resolutions. But some communities, he added, have resisted the move.

“There are places that don’t want us there, and it’s pretty disheartening,” Kyle concluded.

SEDC to Name Startup Accelerator SARATOGA SPRINGS — As part of the Advance Saratoga Startup initiative to promote, retain and grow business and jobs in the region, the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is enlisting community input to develop the

permanent name of this business accelerator.

Through Tuesday, March 28, the SEDC invites the public to vote at www.nametheincubator.com for their top three names of this early stage company accelerator and entrepreneur incubator.

The winning name will be unveiled at an event with regional community and business leaders, entrepreneurs and students featuring the regional premiere of the movie “Generation Startup” on April 12 at Bow Tie Cinemas at 5:30 pm.

City DBA Approves New Members SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On March 22, members of the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association (DBA) voted to approve a new board.

Elected for two-year terms were Maddy Zanetti, Impressions of Saratoga, President; Joyce Ure, Cudney’s Cleaners, Vice

President; Heidi Owen West, Life Styles of Saratoga/Caroline & Main, Secretary; Rich Richbart, Spa Net, Treasurer; Linda Ambrosino, G.Willikers; Matt McCabe, Saratoga Guitar; Deann Devitt, Adirondack Trust; Chris Morrow, Northshire Bookstore; and Nicci Miller, Wheatfield’s.

Additional board members are: Tim Holmes, WOW Restaurants; Clark Brink, McDonalds/CB Enterprises; Fran Dingman, Network Saratoga; Brian Martell, Druthers Brewing Co.; Marcia Murphy, Uncommon Grounds; Paul O’ Donnell, Celtic Treasures; and Pam Worth, Spoken Boutique.

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

Saratoga County To Honor Crime Victims

District Attorney Karen Heggen speaks at last year’s event. Photo provided.

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office will be hosting its 18th annual Crime Victims Candlelight Vigil on Sunday, April 2 as part of National Crime Victims Week.

District Attorney Karen Heggen said this year’s theme is Strength, Resilience and Justice.

The theme builds on efforts by

many nationally to support crime victims and emphasizes a vision for the future, focusing on victims’ rights and the services available to them.

The vigil will be held at 2 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, located at 2776 Route 9 in Malta (across from the Malta Drive-In). For more information, call the Saratoga County Crime Victims Unit at 518-885-2263.

7

Eagle Scout Award

Henry Burkert (center) at the Ballston Spa United Methodist church with his parents and brothers. Photo provided.

BALLSTON SPA — At a recent Troop 1 Court of Honor, Henry Burkert received his Eagle Scout Award at the Ballston Spa United Methodist church.

Burkert is the son of Amy and Karl Burkert.

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a scout has to master numerous scout skills,

demonstrate leadership skills and citizenship. A scout has to earn 21 merit badges of which 12 are required. A scout has to perform many hours of community service and have held leadership positions in the troop.

Finally, a scout has to plan, organize and supervise a major service project that will

benefit a chosen organization.

Burkert’s Eagle Scout project was to design a picnic area in Biose Family Park in Rock City Falls. The project coordinated the installation of picnic tables and grills and the clearing of a large area within the park.

Burkert is now attending SUNY Oneonta as an English major.

8

NEWS

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

Realizing the American Dream Continued from front page.

the time then invited Zulfi to the Capital Region.

Soon, he had begun biking to work at a gas station in Rotterdam and saving up his money. Through the years Zulfi did enough of that to spend $1.8 million on a

vacant property on Route 29A in Gloversville, where he opened his first official ZZ Mart in 2015.

The former Getty gas station in Malta, though, is where Zulfi’s efforts will be focused for the remainder of this year. He is planning a $2.5 million renovation there to create his second ZZ Mart.

“This is like my oxygen,” he said of the Malta business, which is located a short distance south of the Malta Ambulance building and a New York State Police barracks. “I feel like it’s my birthplace.”

On March 6, Zulfi gave a presentation regarding his proposed project to the Malta Town Board. He was joined by James Ether, general manager of RM Dalrymple Company in Saratoga Springs, which specializes in the construction of gasoline service pumps and canopies.

Zulfiqar Zulfi’s Malta service station on Route 9. Photo by Larry Goodwin.

Town officials in Malta are considering an amendment to zoning rules so that Zulfi can renovate as needed. His current gas station has only 300 square feet of space, so a new building with 5,000 square feet—as planned—will be more than welcome.

Ether told the board that a “raze and rebuild” was necessary at the Route 9 station as a means to create more efficient traffic flow near the gas pumps. He added that Zulfi has managed to create quite a “community” of loyal customers in the many years that he’s owned the Malta business.

Councilman Timothy Dunn informed Zulfi and Ether that he wanted to see “mitigation for the neighbors” in a nearby trailer park.

Dunn acknowledged the importance of improving infrastructure, but also said that Malta taxpayers should not be burdened in any way by the project.

Anthony Tozzi, the Town of Malta’s building and planning coordinator, said that current zoning rules for the site do not allow gas sales. But Zulfi was

grandfathered in as a “legal nonconforming use,” he added.

“The downtown was supposed to emphasize non-auto related uses,” Tozzi explained, referring to an original plan among town officials to create more sidewalks for pedestrians near Malta’s main retail district a quarter mile to the north.

“We’re trying to fine-tune it,” Tozzi said.

In addition to RM Dalrymple, Zulfi is working with other contractors to plan the project, which is not likely to start until later this year at the earliest. Zulfi said he assumed full ownership of the Malta property only one year ago, after competing against other bidders and winning with a $1 million offer.

He said the Gloversville ZZ Mart is taxed at a rate of $16,000 per year.

There may be electric car charging stations and a Tim Horton’s at the Malta ZZ Mart, he said. He added that most of the trees behind the station would need to be cut down.

“I want to make a ‘Wow,’” Zulfi said.

Treasures Expands Again SARATOGA SPRINGS — Treasures Consignment Boutique and Thrift Shop at 60 West Ave will mark the grand opening of the store’s 2,650-square-foot addition with a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 24 at 11:30 a.m.

Operated by the Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild, Treasures partners with 35 area nonprofit organizations, donating clothing, household goods and other items for those in need. More than 70 volunteers

provide services at Treasures under the leadership of manager Kate Zumback.

The expansion is the second since Treasures opened at 60 West Avenue in 2009. Three years later, 1,100 square feet were added to the rear of the store to create space to receive merchandise.

Treasures is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Donations are accepted until 5 p.m. For information, contact kzumback@saratogacare.org.

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

NEWS 9

NEWS 11

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

Notes from City Hall Continued from page 3.

the density of housing projects by up to 20 percent.

More than 400 municipalities across the country have adopted inclusionary zoning programs, Commissioner Mathiesen said, adding that any ordinance eventually adopted would only be one part of an overall strategy to meet housing needs. The City Council will continue its discussion of the topic at its next meeting, on April 4.

Saratoga Springs Senior Advisory Committee Sets Goals for 2017 City Mayor Joanne Yepsen announced a new mission statement and work plan regarding the Saratoga Springs Senior Advisory Committee.

Among the 2017 goals of the group is to: raise awareness regarding services available to senior citizens, address and advocate for senior concerns and support services, and to serve as a liaison between seniors, the mayor, and members of the City Council. The committee is comprised of eight individual members and representatives of up to seven area organizations.

In 2017, the Committee will advocate for special mobility needs of seniors, including a drive-up mailbox in the downtown area and additional handicap parking. Members of the Senior Advisory Committee are appointed by the mayor.

Public Safety Commissioner Mathiesen will not seek a Fourth Term City elections will be held in November when all five council seats and two supervisor positions will be up for vote. Last week, Peter Martin – one of two Saratoga Springs Supervisors representing the city at the county level - announced that he will seek to run as a Democrat for Commissioner of Public Safety.

Current DPS Commissioner Chris Mathiesen will not seek a fourth term. Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee

chairman Charles Brown said party members will vote on endorsements in May and that he was not currently aware of any other potential candidate seeking the Public Safety Commissioner seat on the Democratic line.

Urban Renewal County Supervisor Matthew Veitch will present a program, titled “Origins of Preservation Urban Renewal in Saratoga Springs: 1962-1986,” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28 at Universal Preservation Hall, 25 Washington St. The presentation about the often-controversial Urban Renewal Program will feature rare images from the 1960s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. Tickets are $8 general admission, $5 Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation members and can be purchased by calling 518-587-5030.

City Gifted “Grand Olde Saratoga” Painting “Grand Olde Saratoga,” an oil painting depicting a delivery by a horse-pulled Saratoga Vichy water company cart to the prestigious Grand Union Hotel, was gifted to the city

by Sharon Miller. The 24-by30-inch painting is valued at approximately $400 and was hung in the mayor’s office this week, following the acceptance of the gift by the City Council.

Upcoming Meetings The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a meeting 7 p.m. Monday, March 27 at City Hall. Taking place among other items will be a consideration for coordinated SEQRA Review regarding the proposed Station Park mixed-use development on the city’s west side, adjacent to the railroad station.

The Charter Review Committee will hold a public forum 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 29 at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. The Commission is recommending that a City Manager-Council form of government replace the current Commission form of governing. The referendum will be up for vote in November.

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Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

13

14

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

BALLSTON SPA 4 Harvester Way, $417,930.

Legacy Custom Homes LLC sold property to Legacy Custom Homes LLC. 33 Forest Rd., $220,000. Louis Hoebel sold property to Michael Turgeon and Cynthia Thomas-Turgeon.

412 Goode St., $190,000. Charles Sammons sold property to Geoffry and Karley Hoffman.

8 America Way, $412,391.

Briarwood Brooks Development LLC sold property to Joshua Terranova.

76 Church Ave., $180,000. Jean Dahlgren sold property to Scott, Rosemary and Avrum Tabachneck.

GREENFIELD 3483 Boyhaven Rd., $79,900.

Donald Sanders and Joyce Caver sold property to Geoffrey and Jillian Jones.

342 Middle Grove Road, $95,000.

Thomas Merrills, Jr. sold property to Joyce Anderson.

Fox Hill Rd., $55,000. Edward and Carole Siragusa sold property to Neil Risso and Tina Raia.

150 Medbury Rd., $340,000.

Audrey Belt and William Boehmke, Jr.

MALTA 140 Thimbleberry Rd., $190,000.

Katherina Duval sold property to Daniel and Lori Flatoff.

0 Raylinski Rd., $1,200,000.

Peter Belmonte, Jr. (Ind and Co-Trustee), Paul Belmonte (Co-Trustee) sold property to Mabeys Realty Inc. 18 Applewood Dr., $260,000.

James Moran, II sold property to Jessic Dechene and David Cayole.

MILTON 326 Stone Church Rd., $159,000.

Khris Clemens sold property to Casey Hart.

3291 Galway Rd., $110,000.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development sold property to Thomas Clark.

1375 Armer Rd., $70,000.

David Roner, and Elizabeth and Catherine Shrome sold

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS Andrew Kazanjian sold property to DGD Holdings LLC.

and Carla Rekucki sold property to Franesa and Bert Pyle III.

8 Morgans Run, $110,000. FE Saratoga Inc. sold property to Harold Reiser.

62 Greenfield Ave., $250,000.

Patrick Cronin (as Trustee) sold property to Thomas, Lisa, Peter and Theresa Buser.

7 Deerleap Place, $240,000.

Gordon and Terra Myers sold property to Steven Floch.

271 Hayes Rd., $30,000. US Bank Trust (as Trustee, by Atty) sold property to Donald Ormsby.

260 Ballston Ave., $220,000. 146 Middle Ave LLC sold property to Yuanzhao Chen.

443 NYS Rte. 32, $44,162. County of Saratoga and Terrence Sarro sold property to Mark Harrison.

354 Grand Ave., $228,500.

Robert Zetterstrom (by Exec) sold property to Timothy and Lauren Hatch.

property to Derek and Ashley Heald.

SARATOGA

27 Burgoyne St., $85,000.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development sold property to Davin and Jordan LeClair.

164 County Route 338, $104,369.

Paul Irish sold property to Katherine and Thomas Irish.

114 Chelsea Dr., $260,000. Jullian Reilly (by Agent) and Robert Reilly sold property to Meghan Myers.

SARATOGA SPRINGS 8 Sunset Dr., $117,950. Sunmark Federal Credit Union sold property to Gabryshak Construction Inc. 58 Fifth Ave., $1,100,000. Agatha and Victoria Benton and Maureen Colonell (co-Trustees) sold property to 519 Broadway LLC. 1 Tommy Luther Dr., $388,500.

Jayne Maahs sold property to John Waddell.

1 Spring Street Unit 202, $145,000.

Broadway Spring Corp sold property to McMahon Properties Inc. 25 Wedgewood Dr., $500,000.

Michael and Christiana Holland sold property to David Taylor and Annmarie Cipollo.

3 Sunset Dr., $133,875. Bank of New York Mellon (as Trustee,

by Atty) sold property to 146 Middle Ave LLC. 23 Park Place, $620,000. Alice O’Brien sold property to John and Marlene Wood.

7 Chloes Way, $495,993.

McKenzie Estates of Saratoga Springs sold property to Sean Donohue.

7 Michael Dr., $205,000. Marian Beckman (by Agent) sold property to Thomas and Marilyn Scott.

68 Putnam St., $200,000. BMC Property Development LLC sold property to Caroline Street Owners LLC.

45 Arrowhead Road Rear, $875,000. Michael and Ruth Perkins sold property to Virginia Touhey and Kathleen Simmons.

2 Balmain Ct., $1,200,000. Marcia Pascuito sold property to James and Kelli Tammaro.

8 Nelson Ave., $640,000. Sarah Morse sold property to Brian Vecchio.

60 Greenfield Ave., $250,000.

Patrick Cronin (as Trustee) sold property to Thomas, Lisa, Peter and Theresa Buser.

6 Quevic Dr., $215,000. Patricia and William Joubert, Sr. sold property to David and Sally Sheldon.

14 Richard Ave., $130,000.

3 Iris Dr., $569,900. Christopher

STILLWATER 18 West St., $103,500. Eighteen West Street Land Trust sold property to Francis and Kelly Callahan.

WILTON 13 Anyhow Lane, $310,000.

Kathryn Parker and Michelle Berry (co-Trustees) and Samuel Lantz (Ind and as Atty) and Sharon Lantz (by Atty) sold property to Karen Murray.

14 Northern Pines Rd., $232,500.

Jeffrey and Robin Irish sold property to Sebastian Whiting.

15 4 Cedarcrest Dr., $211,150. CP SRMOF II 2012 (a Trust by Atty), US Bank and Trust (as Trustee by Atty) sold property to Justin Orozco.

5 Ho Hum Lane, $225,000. Tyler Kelley sold property to Gina Sidway.

148 Ruggles Rd., $405,000. Paul and Lisa Vinsel sold property to Wayne and Diana Terwilliger.

9 Timberlane Dr., $200,000.

Richard Duerr (by Exec) sold property to Richard Duerr.

316 Northern Pines Rd., $138,000.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development sold property to Jeffrey Reale.

42 Worth Rd., $405,000. Abraham and Angie Sultan sold property to Paul Beasly and Wendy Mayes-Beasly.

16

BUSINESS

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

City’s New ‘Smart’ Apartments

by Larry Goodwin Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — With construction of the first building known as Excelsior Park Apartment Homes nearing completion, the Albany firm that manages the property hopes to have new tenants moving in before the end of March.

Peter Rosecrans Jr., president of Burns Management, calls the project “the first ‘Smart Apartment’ community in the country.”

In partnership with Epproach Communications, a North Carolina company, new tenants will be able to download Burns Management Apps on their smartphones in order to remotely operate thermostats, lights and door locks.

Epproach connects such devices through its specialized

The interior of an Excelsior Park apartment. Photo provided.

ZigBee system, utilizing digital deadbolts, a “learning thermostat” and 60-watt LED bulbs in all of the apartments.

Property Manager Rachel McDermott explained how that technology at Excelsior Park will enable tenants who are traveling

to make their apartments cozy by the time they return; or to simply extend the courtesy of letting in friends who arrive first.

There are 35 units in each Excelsior Park structure that will range in monthly rents between $1,100 and $2,500, she said.

Construction began in the autumn of 2015 at the end of Excelsior Avenue. At a later date, Burns Management is expected to add a third apartment building across the road from the first two.

According to a statement provided by McDermott, the Excelsior Park apartments will offer “modern kitchens, quartz countertops,

The first of two Burns Management apartment buildings on Whistler Court soon to be occupied by new tenants. Photo by Larry Goodwin.

porcelain tile, large balconies, custom closet organization, fireplaces…and a variety of unique floor plans ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartment homes.”

Burns Management partnered with another Albany company, First Light Fiber, to offer tenants “unprecedented Internet speed and quality” in the apartment buildings.

“The property’s gigabit capacity will accommodate video streaming, online gaming and Internet browsing across multiple devices,” the statement said.

During a recent showing of several Excelsior Park apartments, McDermott said that military service members often prefer studios—especially in new buildings.

Aside from the barely noticeable wall sensors of the Epproach Zigbee system, all of the apartments had high ceilings and very spacious rooms.

Each building also offers large garages with spots for about 30 tenant vehicles.

Rosecrans explained how Burns Management is looking toward a future of apartment living that caters to the “great” technology needs of young professionals. It’s part of a national trend, he said, affecting several urban real-estate markets.

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

BUSINESS BRIEFS 17

Bureau Celebrates 32 Years Two New PEP Hires

Kathy Price. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Wednesday, March 15, the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau (SCTB) held its 32nd annual meeting and dinner at the City Center. In addition to highlighting the successes of 2016 and initiatives for 2017, the SCTB welcomed new members of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. A crowd of over 165 bureau members, government officials and past chairs attended.

Kathy Price, office manager and SCTB executive director, also was recognized for 30 years of service.

Elected to serve on the 2017-2018 Executive Committee were: Cindy Hollowood, Chairperson, Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs; Thomas Newkirk, Immediate Past Chairperson, Saratoga National Golf Club; AJ Bodden, Incoming Chairperson, Townsquare Media Group; Marianne Barker, Treasurer, Impressions of Saratoga; and Robert Berrey, At-Large Officer, The Gideon Putnam.

Elected to serve 3-year terms on the Board of Directors are: Amy Smith, Saratoga Arms; Tom Wiedmayer, Saratoga Casino Hotel; Elizabeth Sobol, Saratoga Performing Arts Center; Steve Grasso, GlobalFoundries; Ryan McFadden, Henry St. Taproom; Carmine DeCrescente III, DeCrescente Distributing Co.; Jasper Alexander, Hattie’s Restaurant; and Sean Willcoxon, Mazzone Hospitality.

Continuing to serve on the SCTB Board of Directors are: Megan Hennessey, Courtyard

by Marriott; Paul Calhoun, Skidmore College; Joshua

Wesley Gets Grant

Wesley registered nurses (left to right) Amanda Duket, Jessica Ross and Vellecia Izzo. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Wesley Health Care Center, a component of The Wesley Community, announced on March 16 that it received a $14,000 grant from the Arnold Cogswell Health Care Fund of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.

The grant, which is designed to serve the center’s long-term care residents, supports the purchase of multiple EKG machines and stands, two mechanical InsufflationExsufflation machines, and an AED device. The new

equipment will assist clinical care teams at Wesley Health Care Center in providing the highest quality of care to their residents.

The Wesley Community, a 36-acre continuum of care campus, provides independent and enriched living, subsidized independent senior housing, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care, as well as outpatient therapies for individuals of all ages.

For more information, visit the website www.thewesleycommunity.org.

Cupp, Thirsty Owl; Matthew D’Abate, Adirondack Trust Company Financial Services, Inc.; Dan Fortier, Embassy Suites by Hilton; Todd Shimkus, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce; and Ryan McMahon, Saratoga Springs City Center.

In addition to announcing the new board, the SCTB recognized three 2016 Hometown Ambassadors, local people who brought their convention or event to Saratoga. The honorees were Nancy Trimbur, Soroptimist International of the Americas; Cassandra Latour, Association of YMCA Professionals; and Jeff and Becky King, National Holstein Association.

Also honored were SCTB volunteers of the year: Leonard DiLisio and Karen Longobardi for their service at the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitors Center and with the Convention Services team.

The Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau’s Annual Report for 2016 can be found on the website http://discoversaratoga.org.

Tressie LaFay. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Tressie LaFay, a copywriter, and Elizabeth Zarecki, an account director, are the newest hires at the Patient Experience Project (PEP), a full-service, patientcentric communications and marketing agency based in the city.

LaFay is responsible for writing content across various media, including print and digital formats. Before joining PEP, she worked at SUNY Adirondack where she was responsible for writing and securing multimillion-dollar grants, coordinating the college’s Title IX program, and assisting the President with numerous strategic, managerial, and community-focused initiatives.

Previously, LaFay led educational seminars at Columbia University for medical, dental,

Elizabeth Zarecki. Photo provided.

nursing and public health students. She earned her master’s degree in narrative medicine from Columbia University in New York City and her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Vermont in Burlington.

Zarecki works directly with clients on the day-to-day planning and execution of brand strategies and tactics. She ensures projects are completed on time, on budget, and with the highest quality.

Previously, Zarecki supported pharmaceutical and healthcare clients through her work at the firms CDM Princeton and Rosetta in New Jersey.

Zarecki received a bachelor’s degree in advertising, with honors, from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

18

EDUCATION

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

Building a Better Robot Local Schools Excel at Regional Competition

by Thomas Kika Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA COUNTY — Two local robotics teams stole the show at a recent regional competition, paving the way for their trips to the national level in April.

Robotics club teams from the Ballston Spa and Schuylerville school districts competed at the NY Tech Valley FIRST Robotics competition, a regional division of the FIRST Robotics Competition, an international youth event designed to give students practical engineering experience.

Each school put in strong work at the competition, which ran from March 16-18 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, with Ballston Spa receiving the prestigious Chairman’s Award, and Schuylerville finishing in second place and putting up the highest score of the weekend during the quarterfinals, 450 points. Both teams will be competing at the national championships in St. Louis, MO, which will run from April 26-29.

At the regional competition, teams were challenged to design and build robots that could receive and place gears, fire wiffle balls, and climb five feet. Each challenge would net the teams a certain amount of points, and it was up to the teams which actions they designed their machine’s to specialize in. Ballston Spa chose to

Schuylerville group. Courtesy of Schuylerville Central School District.

design a robot that could do all three actions, with club advisor and coach Darrel Ackroyd being particularly proud of the machines ability to place gears by itself.

“We can receive gears from the human player station and place the gear on the peg via an active placement of the gear,” Ackroyd said. “Most teams have a passive gear system where the pilot has to pull the gear out of the robot.”

Schuylerville, on the other hand, chose to focus on gearplacing and climbing, as they determined that shooting

Schuylerville robot. Courtesy of Schuylerville Central School District.

wiffle balls would be too difficult to design for, and would not yield as many points as the other challenges.

Every team competing in the FIRST Robotics competition was informed of the challenges they would face in January, and then had six weeks to design and build the robot they would take to the competition. After that, their machine had to be submitted, or “bagged and tagged,” so that they could not utilize it again before the competition weekend. Both teams, however,

built practice robots at the same time as their competition robots, so that they could continue practicing after the six week time limit.

“Our robot performed incredibly and we won quarterfinals,” Ackroyd said about his team’s performance. “We came up short in semi-finals, but our alliance with Cambridge and Troy was a great one to be a part of in eliminations.”

“I couldn’t have asked for anymore,” said Mark Belden, advisor and coach for the Schuylerville team. “We’re not a

Ballston robot. Courtesy of Ballston Spa Central School District.

big team, but we went right out there. Our team, our mentors, our alliance partners… it went as well as I could’ve expected.”

This will be Ballston Spa’s third time competing at the national level, and their second time in a row, having made it to the finals at RIT last year. This will also be Schuylerville’s second year in a row competing at nationals. Neither team has won at that level, but they are hopeful heading into the event.

“We are making changes to our climber and gear mechanism for our competition this weekend at Rockland County,” Ackroyd said. “I feel with these changes we should be a top-performing robot at the competition.”

“We’re feeling really good,” Belden said.

“Some other teams we competed against have already gotten in touch with us with suggestions.”

Schuylerville is currently raising money to help fund their trip to St. Louis. Belden estimates that it will cost around $20,000 to transport the team. They will be hosting a spaghetti dinner and raffle to help raise funds on March 31 in the elementary school cafeteria, from 5-8 p.m. Donations can also be made directly at www.gofundme.com/schuylerville-robotics-team-4508.

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

EDUCATION BRIEFS

19

Parents Push Back Continued from front page.

The graphic in question was from a power-point discussion in a 10th grade class at Saratoga Springs High School on the topic of the rise of fascism during World War II. Within the power-point, cartoons depicting President Donald Trump with facial hair similar to Adolf Hitler, as well as comparing the President’s appearance to Benito Mussolini, were used to link the topic of the lesson with current events. Once the concerned parent showed them the cartoons, the group mutually agreed that the content was “one sided and inappropriate.”

“The particular power point in question here was about WWII,” said another group member who wished to remain unnamed for the sake of her children. “Trump was not president then and has no relevancy to that war. I would be equally

upset finding a cartoon like that of Obama, or Bush, or Clinton inserted into this lesson in this manner. It is clearly biased, clearly pushing an agenda. The power point and the fascism debate handout support the lack of balance in this lesson. That is what is at the crux of this group and how we formed.”

At an earlier point, the graphic and its accompanying lesson were available online through the teacher’s website, for the sake of student reference. However, as of March 22, the site has been closed-off from public viewing.

Following this, a member of the group got in touch with conservative columnist and commentator Todd Starnes with the information. Starnes, a frequent “Fox & Friends” contributor, conducted his own research on the issue for a column on his website. According to Amy, Starnes’s involvement is what led to their group’s spot on “Fox &

The graphics that a concerned parent brought to the attention of Saratoga Conservative Chicks.

Photo taken from a teacher’s site where it was in place for student reference.

Friends,” as the interview process “escalated quickly” after he began looking into the issue. Starnes also states in his column that the lesson became blocked once he started asking questions about it.

“We are very proud of the two women who represented us on Fox News,” Amy said. “They did a great job in a short amount of time.”

As of 11 a.m. the day after their interview, their segment had received 144,000 views on the

Schuylerville Students Win Battle of the Books

Schuylerville’s winning students at Battle of the Books. Photo courtesy of Schuylerville Central School District.

SCHUYLERVILLE — In a moment five years in the making, nearly a dozen Schuylerville fourth graders took first place at the Battle of the Books competition at Skidmore College on March 13. The aim of the competition was to test the reading

and memorization skills of local students, tasking them with reading 10 books, both fiction and non-fiction, and then answering a series of questions based on what they read. The school’s Battle of the Books club was founded in 2012 by librarian Maria

Stewart’s Donates to Franklin Community Center SARATOGA SPRINGS — Through the company’s Holiday Match Program, Stewart’s has made a donation of $5,000 to the Franklin Community Center (FCC) to help with the costs of operating its afterschool program, Project Lift.

FCC recently expanded its operations of the program, so that it now

serves all six Saratoga Springs City School District Elementary Schools. The aim of the program is to provide positive role models and education to help get students in grades 1-5 on better developmental paths. For more information on FCC and Project Lift, go to www.franklincommunitycenter.org.

Weeks, and initially had only one team of 14 third graders. Now, the club has three teams, with close to 40 students from grades 3-5 participating. For more information, go to www.schuylervilleschools.org.

“Fox & Friends” Facebook page.

Amy said that the group’s hope moving forward is to encourage members of the local community to join them in debate and discussion of these issues.

“Especially young girls,” Amy said.

In an official statement, the Saratoga Springs City School District (SSCSD) said that after an investigation into the lesson, they found that it did not violate the district’s rules

about keeping classroom activities non-partisan, as the images were used to visually display the idea of potential media bias. Further, the school found that the lesson was used to teach students to debate and research fascism on their own terms.

“We continue to reinforce the District’s policy which states that employees will in no way impair the non-partisan position of the schools,” said Michael Piccirillo, superintendent of schools for SSCSD.

Galway School Transportation Requests Due GALWAY — Residents of the Galway Central School District who are eligible for transportation to a non-public school under the 15-mile limit are required to file an application each year for such transportation in accordance with Chapter 363 of the NYS Laws of 1960.

Residents of the Galway Central School District requesting such transportation for the 20172018 school year must submit a

written request by April 1, 2017.

The written request should be sent to Michael Sherman, Transportation Supervisor, Galway Central School District, 5317 Sacandaga Road, Galway, NY 12074 and must include the student’s name, address, telephone number, date of birth, grade level and school expecting to attend. For more information, contact Sherman at 518-882-1003 ext. 3201.

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Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

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Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

Gavin Park, Wilton, NY www.townofwilton.com (518) 584-9455

Wilton Recreation offers summer camp for children entering grades 1 through 9, for 7 weeks. It is a place where “kids can be kids,” as they learn and grow through social interaction with their peers, as well as with their counselors.

limited to movies, playground, game room, free play in the gym, simple crafts and may not be offered every day. Based on availability, only available for those in camp. (See registration form for details)

PROGRAMS

BUSING

On Site Campers participating in our On-Site activities will remain at Gavin Park for the day except when campers participate in supervised walks to off-site activities. Daily activities include crafts, sports, playground activities, and much more. Creative minds keep our campers entertained throughout the day.

On Site & Swimming Campers participating in On Site & Swimming will enjoy three days of On Site activities that include crafts, sports, playground activities, and much more. Swimming will be offered two days per week. Each age group will be assigned specific days of the week that they will swim. Swimming is offered at Peerless Pools, Million Dollar Beach, Shepard Park Beach, Moreau, and Haviland Cove. Based on availability.

Trips Campers participating in Swimming & Trips will enjoy swimming at least two days per week and three off site activities per week, which may include bowling, skating, etc. Only one special trip per week is planned which will include visits to museums and other area attractions. Campers have the option to stay On Site for the day with parent authorization. Based on availability.

AGE GROUPINGS

Pioneers (Grades 1-2) are our youngest campers who are entering grades 1-2.

Pioneers are placed into groups with no more than six campers per counselor.

Blazers (Grades 3-4) are those entering grades 3-4. Blazers are placed into groups with no more than seven campers per counselor.

Trail Seekers (Grades 5-6) are those entering grades 5-6. Trail seekers are placed into groups with no more than eight campers per counselor.

Trackers (Grades 7-9) are those campers entering grades 7-9. Trackers are placed into groups with no more than ten campers per counselor.

EXTENDED CARE

Extended care will be offered daily from 8:00 am - 9:00 am and 3 pm - 5:30 pm.

Pre-registration is required. Busing is NOT available for those participating in extended care. Extended care activities are

Busing is available for Wilton Residents per household for an additional fee. Actual pick up/drop off points will be determined once all campers are registered. Pick up/drop off locations are not “home pick up & drop offs,” but will be within developments, etc. (unless there are no other pickup/drop offs within the area or a road is deemed unsafe by SSCS Transportation).

Campers should be at their pick-up point at least 10 minutes prior to pick up.

Those entering first grade will NOT be dropped off in the PM unless a parent/ guardian or other designated responsible person is at the pickup location to meet the child. Riding the bus is a privilege. All bus rules that apply during the school year will be adhered to during the summer program.

• CAMPERS RIDING BUSES MUST RIDE BUSES DAILY. • NO REFUNDS IF BUS PRIVILEGES ARE REVOKED.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Camp registration is for Wilton Residents ONLY and begins on March 6th.

Registration is open until May 26th, or when camp capacity is reached, whichever comes first. There are no refunds for fees or deposits related to summer camp.

Space is limited and registration must be done in person at Gavin Park, 10 Lewis Drive, Saratoga Springs, NY. Camp registration forms, which include pricing, are available at www.townofwilton.com or can be picked up at the park office weekdays 9am-5pm. Any questions, please call 518-584-9455.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Registration MUST be done in person • Wilton Residents must show two proofs of residency (license, tax bill, phone bill, National Grid or water bill) • Shot records must be submitted each year (Health Department Regulations) and are due at registration • Payment options include check, money order, or MasterCard/Visa – no cash payments are accepted

22

FOOD

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

Celebrate Spring at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market Potato Gratin Topped with Fresh Spinach Ingredients

Saturdays, 9 to 1

* Ingredients can be found

Lincoln Baths Saratoga Spa State Park

-1½ cups heavy cream* -1 cup salt free chicken broth

by Julia Howard, Market Director

for Saratoga TODAY More often than not, spring arrives in Saratoga with snow.

Temperatures still struggle to climb above freezing, and a warm cup of soup seems more soothing than a frozen fruit smoothie.

Still, we know spring is coming as the snow starts to melt and the days lengthen. And with it comes a fresh start, an opportunity to reflect on lessons of the past alongside a chance to learn something new. In this spirit, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market will host its annual Spring Festival at the Lincoln Baths Building in the Saratoga Spa State Park tomorrow.

Last year’s inaugural festival drew a rousing crowd of newcomers and regulars, eager to learn about keeping bees, cultivating mushrooms, and preserving fresh foods.

This year, we hope to see an even bigger crowd. Our lineup includes: One-hour workshops: - 9-10 a.m. Using Native Plants in Your Landscape, with Susan

- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese* - 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 8 cups fresh baby spinach* Cornell Master Gardeners by Pattie Garrett

- 3 garlic cloves, minced*

Directions 1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease 9 X 13 inch baking dish. Whisk milk, broth, ½ cup Parmesan and nutmeg together in bowl. Set aside.

2. In 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove, allow to cool on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Chop the bacon into small pieces. Add spinach and garlic to the skillet and cook until spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes, stirring often. Transfer spinach mixture to paper towellined plate to drain.

- 4 ounces thinly sliced 3. Arrange potatoes in even layer in prepared dish. Distribute bacon, chopped fine* spinach mixture evenly over - 2 pounds potatoes, russet or desired potato, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick*

potatoes. Pour cream mixture over spinach mixture and sprinkle remaining ¼ cup Parmesan. Bake until potatoes are tender and cheese is spotty brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes. Serve.

Flowers at Wild Things Rescue Nursery by Dawn Foglia

Schurman O’Donnell of Dutch Girl Garden Design - 10-11 a.m. Food Preservation 101: Canning, Freezing and Dehydrating, with Diane Whitten of Cornell Cooperative Extension.

- 11-Noon a.m. The Ins and Outs of Composting, with Michael Cohen of Sustainable Saratoga - Noon-1p.m. Live cooking and food sampling, with Chef Dan Spitz Cornell Cooperative Extension information tables, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

- Master Gardener advice on gardening, soil preparation, plants and trees, along with soil testing for $1 - Food preservation methods.

- Cooking with seasonal produce, healthy eating, and nutrition Children’s activities, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

- Planting seeds in eggshells, with Sustainable Saratoga

Photo by Pattie Garrett

- Making paper plate banjos, with the Northeast Parent and Child Society All workshops are free and will take place on the second floor of the Lincoln Baths Building.

Please ask market volunteers or staff at the informational table for elevator access, if you need it.

All workshop attendees also will receive a gift for attending.

In addition, many of our regular farmers will be providing information on their seasonal community shared agriculture programs (CSAs).

CSAs offer subscribers a chance to receive seasonal produce on a regular schedule while investing in local farms.

Like our Spring Festival, they build community and help sustain our region’s rich agricultural heritage for the generations to come.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market remains at the Saratoga Spa State Park, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April 29. The summer season at High Rock Park begins Wednesday, May 3, 3-6 p.m.

FOOD 23

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

“Big Boy Driving the Boat”

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY Hello my Foodie Friends. I love to tell this story this time of year especially now since our son Johnny just celebrated his 26th birthday this past week.

This winter season has certainly been a tough one. The New England coast has been getting hit hard with multiple large snow storms along with the big one we just experienced. Our son Johnny lives in Boston and our daughter Aubrey goes to school in the Boston area. Each time the coast receives a large storm or blizzard we speak with Johnny who then tells us of dealing with the shut down of public transportation issues and “where do you put all of this snow” concerns that Boston deals with. As our conversations progress; we begin talking about our summer experiences on the coast of Rhode Island and dreaming about warmer months on the water. Prior to moving to Upstate New York, we lived on the coast of Connecticut. Our good neighbors and friends, Ron and Deede, owned a fifty foot “boat” named “The Graduate” that they docked in West Greenwich Rhode Island in Narragansett Bay. Weekend excursions included boating to Newport Rhode Island or just hanging out on the boat.

Ron is a master captain in boating he also comes from a military background in the Navy. He is also a master chef !! He was always very proud driving “The Graduate”and serving his crew incredible seafood dishes. Ahh…what fabulous memories of our rides. Our children were very young at the time of most of our adventures. There was one very special time when Ron allowed three year old Johnny to take the helm and to sit in Ron’s chair to drive the boat. Johnny sat proudly with a very determined

look in Ron’s captain’s chair, holding firmly onto the boats’ steering wheel and exclaimed “big boy driving the boat!” It was precious. Each summer that we were able to join Ron and Deede on “The Graduate”, Ron would allow Johnny to take the helm and be the “big boy driving the boat”. These are among the special memories of being on the water, with amazing friends, breathing in the sea air and feeling it on your skin. With boating brought the feasting on spectacular seafood meals made by Ron and Deede.

Clams and oysters were one of Ron’s favorite seafood items to create delightful dishes with. Special tools that Ron would use included a clam and oyster knife and a cut proof glove. The clam knife was important for proper shucking of the clams. Once you learn the basics, shucking clams and oysters is not difficult. Practice makes perfect and the reward is delicious. It all starts in the preparation.

1. Make sure the clams you’re going to be shucking are alive. A clam shell that is open or opens easily by hand is dead.

Throw away any open clams.

2. Clean your clams using a stiff brush under cold running water to remove any sand and salt.

3. You may skip this step, but soaking your clams will flush through any sand they may have inside. Use 1/3 of a cup of salt per gallon of cold water. Stir the salt until it dissolves. Soak the clams for 30-45 minutes then drain.

4. Either refrigerate your clams for at least an hour or pack them in ice for 30 minutes. This puts them to sleep and makes it easier for you to open them. I prefer the ice method.

5. Make sure you have a towel and a clam knife.Dexter S129 clam knife Here is a fantastic Clam and Oyster Chowder recipe that is delicious anytime of year.

INGREDIENTS • 3 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only), quartered lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick slices • 1 cup water • 40 small (2-inch) hard-shelled clams (4 pounds) such as littlenecks, scrubbed well • 30 medium or large oysters, shucked and liquor reserved

• 3 bacon slices, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide strips • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 1 large onion, chopped • 5 celery ribs, cut into 1/3-inch dice • 1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf • 2 pounds russet (baking) potatoes (4 medium) • 1/2 cup dry white wine • 2 1/2 cups bottled clam juice or water • 1 cup heavy cream • 3/4 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley PREPARATION 1. Wash leeks well in a bowl of cold water, then lift out and drain well.

2. Bring 1 cup fresh water to a boil in a 5-quart heavy pot, then add clams and cook over moderately high heat, covered, until clams are fully open, checking every minute after 5 minutes and transferring clams with a slotted spoon to a bowl as they fully open. (Discard any clams that have not opened after 8 minutes.) Pour cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into another bowl.

3. Remove cooked clams from shells, discarding shells. Coarsely chop clams and transfer to a bowl,

then coarsely chop raw oysters and transfer to another bowl. Pour reserved oyster liquor through sieve into bowl with clam cooking liquid.

4. Cook bacon in cleaned pot over moderate heat, stirring, until crisp, about 6 minutes, then transfer bacon with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Add butter to pot and when foam subsides, cook onion, leeks, celery, and bay leaf, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, 12 to 15 minutes.

5. While vegetables are cooking, peel potatoes and cut into 1/2inch cubes. Add wine to softened vegetables and boil until reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes.

Add potatoes, clam cooking liquid, and bottled clam juice.

(If potatoes aren’t fully covered with liquid, add more clam juice or water.) Simmer, covered, until potatoes are tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

6. Purée 2 cups soup in a blender until very smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids) and return to pot. Add cream, salt, pepper, Old Bay, and cayenne and cook at a bare simmer, stirring, until soup is heated through (do not let boil). Add clams and oysters and cook, stirring, just until oyster pieces begin to curl, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from

heat and discard bay leaf, then stir in parsley. Serve topped with crumbled bacon.

Another great item to have when serving a seafood dish is a lemon stretchy that is a lemon wedge straining cover. This fine mesh cotton tool helps to keep seeds out of your food. You simply cut the lemon, stretch the elastic open and place the wrap over the cut end.

Getting through these winter months can be challenging.

Now that it is officially Spring, we can start dreaming of the ocean and warmer temps. We can’t help but smile at the priceless memories we had with Ron and Deede on “The Graduate” and our big boy driving the boat!! We have lots of tools for your seafood creations at Compliments to the Chef located at 46 Marion Avenue Saratoga Springs.

Stay safe and warm, and keep dreaming of the warmer days ahead. In the meantime, make some seafood meals to remind you of the ocean and those precious memories you have made with friends and family. In my mind I am dreaming of being the “big boy driving the boat”! Remember, “Life Happens in the Kitchen” with good times, friends, and great food. Take care. John and Paula

24

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

Puzzles Across 1 “Dragnet” star Jack 5 Campus military prog.

9 Die-hard 13 Gillette razor 14 Bridal path flower piece 15 Hindu princess 16 Apply crudely, as paint 17 Samuel on the Supreme Court 18 To be, to Tiberius 19 “Fiddler on the Roof” song 22 “What a relief!”

24 Continental trade gp.

25 Ritzy residence 26 Corned beef-and-Swiss sandwich 28 Quantities: Abbr.

30 ‘60s hallucinogen 31 Like businesses specializing in international trade 34 Second in command: Abbr.

35 Golfer’s concern 36 Convenience 40 Beatles hit that begins, “You say yes, I say no” 45 Sci-fi saucer 48 Bears or Cubs 49 At the back of the pack 50 Poe’s “The Murders in the Rue __” 52 ATM access code 53 __ Moines 54 Like some government partnerships 58 Hipbone parts 59 “__-ho!”

60 European capital west of Helsinki 63 No longer working: Abbr.

64 Forgetting to carry the one, say 65 In the sack 66 Scots Gaelic 67 Sheep fat 68 Unit of force Down 1 Fistful of bills 2 Approx. landing hour 3 Quick reviews, as before a test 4 Hindu title of respect 5 Archaeologist’s find 6 Big name in elevators 7 London gallery

See puzzle solutions on page 38

See puzzle solution on page 38 8 In the vicinity of 9 “__ you clever!”

10 Feudal servant 11 Enlarged map segments 12 Cut down on calories 14 PepsiCo, to Quaker Oats, e.g.

20 __-do-well 21 SALT I participant 22 Opera solo 23 Garment edges 27 This and that 28 Geometric given 29 Video file format 32 Jazzy Fitzgerald 33 Kennedy and Turner 37 Obeys, as rules 38 “Auld Lang __”

39 Brain scans, briefly 41 Small needle case 42 Freeloaders 43 Twist who asked for some more 44 Chaplin of “Game of Thrones” 45 Judge at home 46 More unpleasant 47 Planetary paths 51 Air freshener brand 52 Turn on one foot 55 Ecuador neighbor 56 In very short supply 57 Creek croaker 61 “Dancing With the Stars” judge Goodman 62 Keats’ “To Autumn,” e.g.

Writing the Right Word by Dave Dowling

Accuracy in word choice is a key to effective communication. In your daily writing and speaking, try to make sure you use the right word in the right place with the right spelling. By doing so, its effect will affect your communication in a positive way. This quick weekly tip will help you filter the confusion in some of our daily word choices.

This Week: Take a different tack, Take a different tact Take a different tack is the correct phrase. It means to take a different strategy, and it derives from the nautical term tack, which is a ship’s direction in relation to the position of its sails.

We are going to take a different tack later and focus on quality.

Dave Dowling is the author of The Wrong Word Dictionary and The Dictionary of Worthless Words. Both books are available from many book retailers, and signed copies can be obtained by contacting Dave at dave.dowling65@gmail.com

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

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LOCAL BRIEFS please call 518-587-5356 for membership information and luncheon reservations.

Saratoga READS! Bus Trip Invites You to Walk in the Footsteps of Frank Sullivan Participants will depart by bus from Wilton Mall at 7 a.m. on April 1 and enjoy a full day in the midtown Manhattan neighborhood frequented by Sullivan and the other members of the Algonquin Round Table. The cost is $72 per person and includes bus transportation, lunch, and walking tours. To register, please contact Rhona Koretsky at busplus1@gmail.com or 518505-1303 and mail a registration form, which can be picked up at the library’s Information Desk, and check payable to SSPL to: 3 Longwood Drive, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. For more information about Saratoga READS!, please visit www.saratogareads.org Hop Out Hunger Easter Egg Hunt Help the JCI Saratoga Springs Jaycees Hop Out Hunger at this year’s annual Hop Out Hunger Easter Egg Hunt.

Kids up to fifth grade are welcome.

Admission is a non-perishable food item. Monetary donations welcome.

Games, prizes, visit from the Easter Bunny. Special thanks to the Town of Milton and the Village of Ballston Spa for their support of this event.

The event will be on Sunday, April 2 at 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Milton Community Center located at 310 Northline Road, Ballston Spa. Contact Kim at 518-528-1787 for questions or www.saratogajaycees. org for more information.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Have breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Malta Ridge Firehouse, located on the corner of Route 9 and Malta Avenue Extension, on Sunday, April 2. Full menu served from 8 a.m. to Noon. By donation.

Tour of the trucks and firehouse upon request.

Saratoga Retired Teachers Meeting Saratoga Retired Teachers will meet on Monday, April 3, at noon, at Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Avenue (Rte. 9P), Saratoga Springs. Prospective members,

Democratic Gala State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli will be the featured guest at a gala reception set for Monday, April 3. The theme, “Resist, Revamp and Re-Amp,” reflects Democratic resurgence nationally and in the local area.

The Gala will be held on April 3, 6 – 8:30 p.m. in the Saratoga Hilton Ballroom, located at 534 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. The cost is $60 per person. Recognition levels $100, $200 (2 people), $700 (table of 8). Please RSVP to SCDC, P.O. Box 484, Clifton Park, NY 12065.

Include name(s), address, and email. Checks payable to Saratoga County Democratic Committee or pay on ActBlue:: https:// secure.actblue.com/contribute/ page/saratoga2017 . For more information call Jay Partridge 518894-6851.

Spring 2017 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series This month’s program will take place on April 6 at the Saratoga Springs Public Library in the H. Dutcher Community Room, located at 49 Henry St., in Saratoga Springs from Noon to 1 p.m. The title and speaker is, “The History of the Saratoga Chip,” presented by Alan Richer, local Saratoga Chip historian and collector. Mr. Richer will speak on the origins of the Saratoga Chip as well as some of the mythology surrounding the invention of the potato chip. Mr. Richer will share an illustrated presentation of his extensive collection of chip memorabilia and collectibles and will also provide some actual items from his collection. This educational program is produced by the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Public Library. All programs are free and open to the public – no registration required. For more information call 518-587-3241, www. saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com.

Easter Craft Fair Fundraiser Lou Gehrig’s Disease Awareness, Saturday, April 8, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 50 pine St., Saratoga Springs. All proceeds donated to St. Peter’s ALS Regional Center.

Easter Egg Hunt Hop in for our annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 15 at 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. The event will include a fun make and take craft-time, a special visit from the Easter Bunny, and of course, the egg hunt. Light refreshments will be served. Must register by April 10 for this event at www. maltaparksrec.com or call the Malta Community Center at 518899-4411.

Annual Rummage Sale Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church will be holding their annual Rummage Sale on Friday and Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and April 8, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

All proceeds benefit the Deacon’s Fund. To drop off items, come to the church April 4, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. or April 6, 9 – 11 a.m. No books or electronics, please. The church is located at 768 Charlton Rd., Charlton, NY. For more information call 518-399-4831 or email office@charltonfreehold.org.

Food Drive to Benefit Greenfield Food Pantry The Town of Greenfield Lions Club is sponsoring a food drive at the Stewart’s Shop in Greenfield Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 8. Items needed are sugar free items for diabetics, personal care items or toiletries, spices, crackers, or tortillas, soups, canned meats or jerky, socks (assorted sizes), canned fruit (any variety), diapers and diaper rash ointment, baby food and baby care items.

Take Control of Your Chronic Condition The Chronic Disease SelfManagement Program is an amazing evidence-based workshop created by Stanford University enabling those living with chronic disease to regain control of their lives. Many essential, valuable skills and techniques are taught in this program to educate and empower those living with chronic conditions, as well as those caring for them. Topics covered include: medication management, dealing with stress and difficult emotions, nutrition, exercise, pain and fatigue management, effective communication skills, problem solving, and decision-making skills. Participants will receive a free book entitled, “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017 Conditions.” This free, lifechanging, 6-week workshop series will meet from 1-3:30 p.m. at the Milton Community Center located at 310 Northline Road in Ballston Spa on Mondays beginning April 10. The rest of the dates are as follows: April 17, 24, May 1, 8, and 15. Please call Jen Buscema at 518884-4110 for more information and to register for the workshop.

Call soon as classes fill up quickly.

Concert to Honor Dr. David Wasser The Saratoga Chamber Players return to the United Methodist Church, Fifth Avenue & Henning Road on April 23 at 3 p.m. with a program in honor of Dr. David Wasser who retired after almost 30 years of distinguished and varied service to all facets of the organization. The concert will feature the voice of soprano Charlotte Dobbs with songs by Schubert and Shostakovich’s “Seven Romances on Verses by Alexander Blok for soprano, violin, cello and piano. The program also includes Schubert’s Piano Trio in B flat Major, op. 99 with SCP regulars, cellist Eliot Bailen and SCP Artistic Director/violinist Jill Levy, and with pianist Renana Gutman. Adults: $20; Seniors: $18; Students: $15; Children are admitted free of charge. Tickets may be purchased on-line at http:/ www.saratogachamberplayers.org/ event/voice-piano-strings-beckon/ or at the door.

The concert is underwritten by a large group of friends and supporters of David Wasser and by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.

Fighting for Mya Fundraiser The American Legion Post 234, located at 23 Pleasant Street in Ballston Spa, will host a fundraiser for 15-year-old sophomore, Mya, who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

This benefit will take place on April 29, 2017 at 2p.m. All support will be greatly appreciated.

Treasure or Trash?

Antique expert Mark Lawson of Mark Lawson Antiques and sponsor of Antiques Road Show will be doing an evaluation of your antiques and other items of interest May 6 at 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Malta Community

Center located at One Bayberry Rd. in Malta. Everyone will get to hear the appraisal/evaluation of each interesting item or fantastic finding. Pre-register

by April 21 to bring an item to be appraised or come to watch.

We are limited to 40 items, so register early. Visit www. maltaparksrec.com or call 518899-4411 for more information.

7th Annual Baskets for Ben Fundraiser Ben’s Fund helps children with need in 32 schools in conjunction with Warren, Washington and Saratoga Counties! Baskets for Ben benefits the Ben Osborn Memorial Fund, a regional nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization which was created in loving memory of our Cpl. Benjamin D. Osborn of Queensbury.

Ben was killed during combat operations in Kunar Province, Afghanistan on June 15, 2010 while serving in the United States Army during Operation Enduring Freedom. The benefit will be held on May 12 at the Queensbury Hotel in beautiful downtown Glens Falls. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. The auction begins at 6:30 p.m.

For additional information, please contact: William D. Osborn, President, Ben Osborn Memorial Fund, 518-792-4514.

All Veterans Volunteers Needed The Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association provides military burial ceremonies for all branches of service at the Saratoga National Cemetery.

We are always looking for veterans to join us, no matter what branch you served in (male or female); you must have been honorably discharged. We will provide our uniform (at no cost) and training. You can choose which day of the week (MondayFriday) that you want to be there. For information go to our web site www.snchga.com or contact Mark Brockway at reconplt260@gmail.com, phone 518-260-9933 or contact the Cemetery Administration Office located at 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871, 518-581-9128.

Send your local briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com two weeks prior to the event.

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

Family Friendly Event

Friday, March 24 Lenten Fish Fry Saratoga Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, 5 – 7 p.m.

Every Friday during Lent through April 14. Cost $10 at the door, Take-outs $11. For more information call 518-584-8547.

Fish Fry Fridays Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, Route 32 south of the village of Victory, 4:30 – 7 p.m.

Fish Fry Friday will continue each Friday of the month.

Menu: fried fish, fried clams, fried chicken tenders, popcorn shrimp, buffalo shrimp, and clam chowder by the bowl or by the quart. Eat in at our club house or to call ahead for take-out 518695-3917. Everyone is welcome.

Fiddler on the Roof Hubbard Hall, 25 E. Main St., Cambridge, 7 p.m.

By Joseph Stein, Music

by Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick. Directed by Kyra Fitzgerald. Watch high school students from Cambridge Central School perform this beloved musical theatre classic! Tevye, Golde, and their five daughters struggle to preserve tradition and cultural identity while trying to find their own place in a rapidly changing world. Tickets: $10 General Admission/$5 Students.

Showing Fridays & Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through April 2.

Saturday, March 25 Craft/Vendor Show The General Schuyler Rescue Squad, 901 Route 29, Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

CALENDAR 27

We have over 35 spaces, refreshments, raffles and fun.

Please support your local rescue squad.

together before pirates steal their instruments? For preK- to grade 6. For more events at the library visit www.sspl.org.

Behind-the-Scenes Collections Tour

Chickien and Biscuits

Tang Museum, Skidmore Campus, Saratoga Springs, Noon Take a behind-the-scenes tour with Elizabeth Karp, Head Museum Registrar & Collections Manager, and Jessica Lubniewski, Assistant Registrar for Collections. This event is free and open to the public.

Tax-Aide Tax Preparation Assistance Saratoga Springs Public Library, Susman Room, Noon – 3 p.m.

The volunteer-based AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program offers free tax preparation help to low to moderate income taxpayers. Appointments are on a first come, first served basis. Tickets for same-day appointments may be picked up at the Information Desk at opening time. Filers should bring ID, W-2s, a copy of the previous year’s tax return and any other necessary tax documents. For more information contact Caitlin Sheldon at 518-584-7860 ext.

241.

Tang Family Saturdays Tang Museum, Skidmore Campus, Saratoga Springs, 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Suitable for children ages 5 and up with their adult companions.

Programs include a brief tour of a current Tang exhibition followed by a hands-on art activity. Free and open to the public. Reservations are strongly suggested by calling 518-580-8080.

The Bremen Town Musicians with Opera Saratoga Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room, 3:15 – 4:15 p.m.

John Davies has adapted the Brothers Grimm Folk tale into this delightful children’s opera.

The donkey, General Boom, seeks to form a town band with farm animals as musicians. Can the four different creatures band

S. Glens Falls United Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, S. Glens Falls, 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Homemade Soup and desserts.

Adults $10, Children 5-12 $5, Children under 5 are free. Takeouts and home deliveries please call 518-793-1152.

Sunday, March 26 Breakfast Buffet Sons’ of ITAM Post #34, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs, 8 – 11:30 a.m.

We have made-to-order omelets.

Cost is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, children under 5 are free.

Dharma Meditation with Pierre Zimmerman One Big Roof, Center for Mindful Practices, 538 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Health & Wellness Building, Saratoga Springs, 9-10:15 a.m.

Weekly meditation followed by short discussion. All contemplative traditions honored. By donation. For more information call 413-992-7012 or visit www.oneroofsaratoga.com.

Indoor Craft and Garage Sale Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs 11 a.m.

- 3 p.m.

Admission is free, over 40 vendors; great parking, bargains galore, lunch, books, household items, sports equipment, handmade items, clothing, jewelry, party vendors, pet supplies and just about anything you can imagine. New vendors are signing up every month.

Karen’s Cupboard is back with lots of home-made goodies.

All proceeds go to our local charities. All markets are held the fourth Sunday of each month: next sales dates are, April 23 and September 24. Tables are $15 for an 8 ft. table; call Linda at 518-2895470 for information or to sign up for a table(s).

Monday, March 27 Wellness Walk Camp Saratoga North, Wilton Wildlife Preserve, 80 Scout Rd., Gansevoort, 10 – 11 a.m.

Enjoy nature with others looking to get outside! The walk is geared towards gentle exercise and is for participants at basic fitness levels. Free for members and $3 for non-members. For locations, as well as to register, please call 518-450-0321 or email: info@ wiltonpreserve.org.

Tuesday, March 28 New Saratoga Friends Saratoga Springs Public Library, Susman Room, Saratoga Springs, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

This is a social group for baby boomers in the Saratoga area who are interested in making new friends to socialize with.

This is not a dating or singles group. Couples and singles are welcome and there is no membership fee. Group members plan social activities based on their interests. For more information or questions, contact newsaratogafriends@gmail.com or join our New Saratoga Friends Meetup group (go to www.

Meetup.com).

Wednesday, March 29 Man o’ War’s Birthday Party National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 10:30 a.m. – Noon.

Join the National Museum of Racing as we celebrate the 100th birthday of one of Thoroughbred racing’s superstars, the great Man o’ War. Beginning with a kidfriendly tour of our new exhibition, Man o’ War at 100, children will learn all about the Hall of Fame legend and create birthday cards to celebrate this

special occasion. Birthday refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the event.

This family fun program is suggested for pre-school aged children, accompanied by an adult chaperone (required).

If interested in attending this event, please RSVP to Karen Wheaton by March 22 at 518584-0400 x118. Space is limited.

Please contact Karen if you are bringing a group.

Cancer Support Group Saratoga Hospital, 211 Church St., Saratoga Springs. Noon – 1 p.m.

The cancer support group is a safe container to explore common physical, financial, emotional, cognitive, developmental, familial and spiritual issues. Pierre Zimmerman, who facilitates this group, has been working with people who have cancer for the last 12 years, leading support groups, mindfulness based stress reduction programs and spiritual retreats. Pierre is a survivor of stage 4 cancer, diagnosed in 2001 and given a few months to live. He has been dedicating a large part of his life since then to supporting people on their journeys with cancer. Call Pierre at 413- 9927012 to register and confirm, as schedule may be subject to change.

Thursday, March 30 Jazz Concert Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College Campus, 8 p.m.

Jazz greats Eric Harland on drums, Taylor Eigsti on piano, and Larry Grenadier on double bass return to Skidmore for a special night of jazz. $8 adults, $5 senior citizens and Skidmore community, free for students and children. For ticket information call 518-580-5321 or go to www.skidmore.edu/ zankel

Send your calendar events to calendar@saratogapublishing.com two weeks prior to the event.

ARTS 28 + Saratoga Comic Con Comes to City Center for Two Shows in May

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Comic Con spring show will be held May 6-7 at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

This year’s event features actor Brian O’Halloran and actor/musician Scott Schiaffo from the cult hit

film “Clerks,” Ninja Turtles artist Jim Lawson, a cosplay contest and a variety of other events and special guests.

Admission is $20 Saturday, $15 Sunday, or $30 for a two-day weekend pass. For more information, visit: http://www.saratogacomiccon.com/.

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT Celtic Woman Brings New Show to Palace Theatre April 5

Celtic Woman performs at the Palace Theatre, 19 Clinton Ave. in

Albany on April 5. Tickets starting at $42 are available at Ticketmaster.

com, by phone at 800-745-3000 and at the Palace Theatre Box Office.

Dave Matthews Band Violinist to Perform Local Club Date April 1

Arts Fest Friday Series Marks Return with Dance Program SARATOGA SPRINGS — SaratogaArtsFest kicks off its Arts Fest Friday series with “Gotta Dance!” from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 31 at The National Museum of Dance.

Designed for audiences of all ages and previous exposure to the arts, Gotta Dance! brings nine of the area’s leading dance organizations together under one roof to perform short works showcasing tap, ballet, swing, salsa, contemporary, and multicultural dance traditions.

The free event features dance performances by The School of the Arts, Skidmore Dance Ensemble

(including Jason Ohlberg), Nacre, Tina Baird Tap, SPA City Swingers, Tango Fusion, Aakriti Classical Indian Dance, Saratoga City Ballet, Irish Step Dancers, and Elaina; music by The Joey Thomas Little Big Band; and fashion show.

A Shirley Temple Station offers crafts and light refreshments for kids. A classic dance film will be screened at 8:15 p.m.

Arts Fest Fridays are collaborative community arts experiences held at varied months during the year in arts spaces and venues throughout Saratoga Springs.

Crystal Garden, featuring Boyd Tinsley of Dave Matthews Band, will perform Saturday, April 1 at Putnam Den. Tickets are $20 and showtime is 9 p.m. Photo provided.

SPAC Sets New Initiatives for 2017 Season SARATOGA SPRINGS — Discounted ticket packages, a new gazebo stage, an expanded commitment to youth arts education and a new collaborative music series with Caffè Lena will be featured this summer SPAC’s Board of Directors revealed during their meeting at the Hall of Springs on March 16.

The initiatives are aimed at enhancing access to programming and “strengthening the bridge between SPAC and the community,” said Elizabeth

Sobol, the recently-minted president and CEO of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Sobol, who succeeded President and Executive Director Marcia White in October, will spend her first summer at Saratoga in 2017, following a successful 50th anniversary campaign by the organization last year.

“As we approach a new season and usher in a vision for our next 50 years, our strategy will be centered on

engaging more people in the SPAC experience – audiences, artists, community partners and young people,” Sobol said.

The 2017 season will feature a “Sampler Flex package” that allows the public the purchase of a package of tickets – one each of their choosing, from the residencies of the New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center – at a 10 percent discount.

Additional new ticket incentives include: the expansion of SPAC’s popular “Kids in Free” classical lawn admission promotion to age 15, up from age 12; a $30 amphitheater ticket for classical

performances in select sections – which is just $4 dollars more than the price of a lawn ticket, and $20 child and student amphitheater tickets for Freihofer’s Jazz Festival.

SPAC will also replace its existing gazebo stage with an updated version before the start of the season. The new structure will benefit SPAC’s jazz festival which features a popular gazebo stage lineup of rising artists, and also help support SPAC’s growing focus on developing free, community-oriented programming and events. A three-show series, which will take place one Sunday per month during the summer,

marks a new programming collaboration with Caffè Lena.

Performances, which will be announced at a later date, will be free and open to the public.

SPAC will also be expanding its school and communitybased arts education programs in 2017 by featuring its first program designed specifically for young children under the age of 10 - “The Fish Who Could Wish” will be staged Aug. 11-12 – as well as an educational outreach into elementary and middle-school classrooms around the Capital Region, and a twoweek summer dance intensive for children 9-12 that culminates with a dance production on SPAC’s stage on July 20.

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

ARTS 29 + ENTERTAINMENT

Reality TV Star Comes to Saratoga

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY The long line of humanity stretches far as the eye can see. It flows past the rows of fiction titles and shelves filled with historical tales. It weaves beyond bookcases that cradle publications with lessons about eating well and losing weight.

It crisscrosses through the bookstore’s neighboring café, curls around a table that boasts new releases and spills out the front door, eventually coming to rest in an adjacent alley on the north side of the building.

The line is composed of 500 people who have come to “meet-andgreet” Theresa Caputo – author and TV star of the reality show “The Long Island Medium.” She said she had been given “The Gift” at a young age.

“I’ve been seeing, feeling, and sensing Spirit since I was 4 years old, but it wasn’t until I was in my 20s that I learned to communicate with souls in heaven,” Caputo says.

She came to Northshire Bookstore Saratoga in between tour dates in New Jersey and Connecticut and Pennsylvania and Wisconsin to promote the release of her fourth book, “Good Grief: Heal Your Soul, Honor Your Loved Ones, and Learn to Live Again.” Five hundred tickets were offered for the Saratoga Springs event. They were quickly gone.

“We watch her on TV and love her,” said Lela Barber-Pitts, who made the journey from Schenectady to Saratoga Springs to meet Caputo, and who holds the last place on the long line. “I’m thrilled she’s come to our area.”

The cost of admission requires a simple process: purchase a copy of the new book and in exchange receive an autographed copy of the publication and a picture standing alongside the author.

Sunday morning, Caputo held court in the center of the bookstore, her Long Island accent fully engaged and her small

black-draped frame accented by a gold neck chain that reads: Blessed.

The event guidelines for ticketholders are clear: all books are presigned by Caputo - which she does Sunday morning in the bookstore’s offices upstairs - with no additional personalization possible. Every fan gets a professional photograph taken of themselves with Caputo and instructions on how to retrieve it. Asking for a personal “reading” is not permissible; the line must be kept moving quickly. Do the math: 500 people in two hours’ time equates to four people per minute. It does allow for brief exchanges: “Hi. How are you? Nice to meet you. I hope you enjoy the book.”

Despite an understanding of event instructions, the mind inevitably wanders. Whether people are here for the TV star factor and in appreciation of Caputo as an entertainer, or believe she has a way to connect with those who have left this mortal coil, everyone has got

Theresa Caputo, star of the TV reality show “The Long Island Medium,” at Northshire Bookstore on Sunday, March 19, 2017. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.

someone who they have lost – an Aunt Mary, a cousin Bill, a mother, a father, a family pet – and some can’t help to thinking: wouldn’t it be nice to hear from them again.

“I hope my mother comes through. She was a feisty one, and she loved Theresa,” said Michelle Milks, who arrived at the bookstore two-and-a-half hours prior to the signing and

scored one of the first positions on line.

“I’m hoping to get help in healing,” said Liz Witbeck, while waiting in line to meet Caputo. A few moments later, the two women engaged in a brief discussion and posed for a photograph together.

Then Witbeck was on her way, book in hand and the trace of a smile on her face.

ARTS 30 +

ENTERTAINMENT

One Last Time Around the Neighborhood

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

Photo Fusion Photography Classes at Dance Museum with Lawrence White

Lawrence White will lead a photography class series at the National Museum of Dance this spring. Photo by Lawrence White.

After more than a decade of service, retiring equine officer Jupiter, at left, is joined by King Tut, at right, while making his final rounds on Caroline Street Friday afternoon, March 17, 2017. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.

Record Club Finds New Home at Caffè Lena

Rochmon Record Club founder Chuck Vosganian at UPH on March 21, 2017 announcing that the popular music series will be relocating in April to Caffè Lena.

Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Rochmon Record Club has hosted monthly learning and listening parties featuring classic rock ‘n’ roll albums since last fall at Universal Preservation Hall.

With the Washington Street space set to undergo a lengthy renovation, Rochmon brainchild Chuck Vosganian announced this week – during a listening party that featured

Queen’s “Sheer Heart Attack” – that the sound and vision show will be relocating to Caffè Lena for the foreseeable future.

Vosganian credited the local creative arts community for making the relocation to Lena’s café possible. The Rochmon Record Club series continues Tuesday, April 18 at Caffè Lena where the album focus will be on Jethro Tull’s 1971 album, “Aqualung.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A photography class series, in conjunction with photographer Lawrence White, will be held at the National Museum of Dance and School of the Arts next month.

Students will learn how to properly use their photography equipment, further explore

digital darkroom software and have opportunities to photograph School of the Arts dancers during classes and rehearsals. An exhibition of student work will have an official opening for both levels on Thursday, May 25th at 6:30 pm.

Beginner photo classes will meet at 5:30 p.m. on April

27, May 4 and May 18, and 9:30 a.m. on May 13; Advanced class will meet at 9:30 a.m. on April 29, May 6, May 20 and 5:30 p.m. on May 11.

The cost for the five-session class is $250. For more information and to register visit www.dancemuseum.org or call 518-584-2225 x3001.

Local Filmmaker’s “Denial” on April Fool’s Day SARATOGA SPRINGS — Filmmaker Derek Hallquist will host a local screening of his film, “Denial,” on Saturday, April 1 at Bow Tie Cinemas in downtown Saratoga Springs.

The 92-minute documentary follows the story of Dave Hallquist, CEO of a Vermont electric utility, seen through the lens of his filmmaker son Derek Hallquist.

As a self-described closet environmentalist, Hallquist is dedicated to addressing the way electricity use in America contributes to climate change. But, his mission is balanced with the utility’s charge to provide affordable and reliable service to their customers. Business, and the needs of the environment, have collided. For Hallquist, increasing the efficiency of the grid is the only meaningful route to merging these priorities.

While Hallquist struggles to build the kind of transparent company whose honest approach can get stakeholders to accept the realities of how we generate and deliver electricity, he realizes he lacks transparency in his personal life and reveals to his son a lifelong secret. Dave Hallquist - who presents himself as a chainsaw-wielding, hardhat-wearing CEO in a male-dominated industry - is a woman inside.

“Denial” emerges as a

common theme linking all of these issues together.

The movie will be shown at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 1 at Bow Tie Cinemas. A filmmakers’ Q&A session

will follow the screening. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at: http:// denialdocumentary.com/screenings.

A trailer of the film may be viewed at: https://youtu.be/t9pwIqqJEFM

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

ARTS 31 + ENTERTAINMENT

Aztec Two-Step at The Strand HUDSON FALLS — Legendary folkrock duo Aztec Two-Step will stage a show Friday, March 24 at the Strand Theater, 210 Main St. The musical duo originated from a chance meeting at an Open Mic night in a Boston folk club in 1971. In 1972, Aztec Two-Step, whose name comes from a poem by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, burst upon the scene with their self-titled debut album on Elektra Records, and since then, Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman have spent a lifetime making music together.

Showtime is 8 p.m. and tickets are $28. For more information, call 518-832-3484, or go to www.mystrandtheater.org.

week of 3/24-3/30 friday, 3/24: Guy Davis, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Kelly MacFarland, 7:30 pm @ Comedy Works — 275.6897 Aztec Two.Step, 7 pm @ Hudson River Music Hall — 832.3484

tuesday, 3/28: Traditional Open Irish Session w/ Drank The Gold, 7 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583.1890

Mike O’Donnell, 7 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583.1890

wednesday, 3/29:

Scott Bassinson Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582

Hot Club of Saratoga, 7 pm @ Hamlet + Ghost — 450.7287

Tim Lok Chan, Birthing Hips, Gridlock Christmas, Disco Cream, 9:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066

saturday, 3/25:

Open Mic, 7:30 pm @ Hudson River Music Hall — 832.3484 Tim Wechgelaer & Chris Carey, 7:30 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583.1890

Driftwood, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022

thursday, 3/30:

Kelly MacFarland, 7:30 pm @ Comedy Works — 275.6897

Brother Sun, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022

Shiri & George, Jazz Duo, 7 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583.1890 Michael Benedict Jazz Vibes, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582

sunday, 3/26: “Folk Roots of The Grateful Dead” with Canal Street String Band, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Hot Club of Saratoga, noon @ The Merry Monk — 584.6665

monday, 3/27: Open Mic Night, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022

Open Mic — every Thursday, 10 pm @ Circus Café — 583.1106 Jeff Walton, 6 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583.1890 Hot Club of Saratoga, 7 pm @ Mouzon House — 226.0014 Bryan Ferry, 7:30 pm @ Proctors — 346.6204 Deadbeats & Friends (residency), 9:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066

32 It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

Publication Day: Friday

Ad Copy Due: Wednesday, noon

Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE

classified@saratogapublishing.com

Call (518) 581-2480 x204

AUTO DONATIONS Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish.

We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible.

Call 518-650-1110 Today!

FOR RENT OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily.

Holiday Resort Services. 1-800638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com

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WSWHE BOCES SUBS NEEDED. TEACHERS, T. A.’s,

AIDES, RN/LPN, & CLERICAL POSITIONS. APPLY wswheboces.org/jobs.cfm OR Sub Registry: 746-3375

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Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866-296-7094

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

THRIFT SHOP

HOME FOR SALE

LAND WANTED

Second Hand Rose Thrift Shop, located at 116 Broad St., in Schuylerville is continuing its 20 % off sale on all children’s toys and books. The Shop sells wedding dresses and prom gowns at reasonable prices. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers are needed and appreciated. Our proceeds after expenses are given back to community service organizations.

For more information, please call Second Hand Rose Thrift Shop at 518-695-4640

Home For Sale by Owner: 3 bdrm/2.5 bath; oak hardwood flooring; quartz countertops in kitchen; backyard screened-in porch adjacent to deck; new furnace; Prime Lot next to forever wild green space; South Glens Falls school; Town of Wilton (no town taxes). See photos on Zillow.com for 7 Maya Dr. Gansevoort, NY. Call 518-755-2035.

Cash buyer seeks large acreage 200+ acres in the Central/Finger Lakes and CatskillsRegions of NY State. Brokers welcome. For immediate confidential response, call 607-353-8068 or email info@NewYorkLandandLakes.com

DIVORCE DIVORCE $349 - Uncontested divorce papers prepared. Only one signature required. Poor person Application included if applicable.

Separation agreements Custody and support petitions. - 518-274-0380

MISCELLANEOUS SAWMILLS from only $4397.00MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship!

FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Chemung County: Tax Foreclosed Real Estate Auction, Wednesday, March 29, 2017; Registration: 9:00AM, Auction Start: 11:00AM, Location: 760 E Water Street, Elmira, (Holiday Inn), Elmira-Riverview, New York 14901, Parcel OpenHouse Inspections: Saturday, March 18 & Sunday, March 19, 2017, Pre-Auction Bidder Seminar: Monday, March 20, 2017 Starts: 6PM, 100+ Parcels Available, For Details VISIT; auctionsinternational.com or CALL 800-536-1401 ext 110

LAND REPO! 21 acres-$39,900 Overlooks the Mohawk Valley 1/2 hr from Albany! Views, fields, woods, twn rd, utils. Terms.

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33

DONATE YOUR CAR

Wheels For Wishes Benefiting

*Free Vehicle/Boat Pickup ANYWHERE *We Accept All Vehicles Running or Not *Fully Tax Deductible

Make-A-Wish® Northeast New York

WheelsForWishes.org Call: (518) 650-1110 * Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. To learn more about our programs or financial information, visit www.wheelsforwishes.org.

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

SPORTS 35

Saratoga YMCA Gymnasts Soar on Home Turf

by Thomas Kika Saratoga TODAY WILTON — The Saratoga Regional YMCA’s “Springettes” jumped, spun, and balanced their way past the competition at a recent home meet, landing several first place wins over the visiting teams.

The competition was held in the Wilton Branch’s gymnastics center from March 18-19, and saw the Saratoga Regional YMCA’s competitive girls gymnastics team – or, the Springettes – face off against both the Glens Falls and Oneonta YMCA gymnastics teams. Gymnasts age 6-17 competed in four events: vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. Overall, 116 young athletes competed at the event, ranging from levels 2-9, according to gymnastics director Kim Hewitt.

“The Saratoga Y did very well,” Hewitt said. “We had 13 athletes come in first place in the all-around competitions in their levels and age divisions. We also had 46 1st place medals on individual events during the meet.

We have really been consistently improving throughout the year.”

According to Hewitt, a number of Springettes gave standout performances at the event. The two level 9 competitors, Sophie Hrebenach and Marissa Verro, competing in their last home meet before graduation, both put in strong work. Hrebenach placed 2nd allaround for level 9, and placed 1st on the vault with a well-executed Tsukahara flip. She also placed 2nd in floor exercise with 9.425 points, a season high for her. Verro, meanwhile, placed 3rd overall for level 9, and was 2nd on the vault with two front-front vaults. This was all the more impressive for Verro because, as Hewitt noted, the front-front vault was a new maneuver for her.

Beyond Hrebenach and Verro, a handful of other Springettes placed first at different levels and in different events. These individuals are as follows: Abby Moller, level 8, all ages; Jordan Toma, level 7, ages 16 and up; Kaitlyn Kidder, level 7, ages 14-15; Alina Williams, level 6, masters division; Brynne Wright, level 6, ages 13-15; Morgan Thompson, level 5, ages 12 and up; Leah Torres, level 5, ages 9-11; Lauren Closson, level 4, ages 12 and up; Erika Sudigala, level 4, age 11; Erin Ward, level 3, age 11; Addison Furze, level 2, age 9A; Lola

Photo by PhotoandGraphic.com

Alina Williams lunges forward in the vault event.

Jordan Toma keeping low in the balance beam event.

Ferrillo, level 2, age 8; and, Amelia McBain, level 2, ages 11 and up.

From here, the Springettes will be focused on the upcoming championship meets, beginning with the League Championships in Watertown, which will take place from April 1-2. Following that,

Samantha Brantigan with an impressive showing in the floor exercise event.

Marissa Verro goes high on the uneven bars, while Sophie Hrebenach performs behind her, and Anna Martindale watches from the floor on the right.

there will also be the State YMCA Gymnastics Championships at SUNY Oneonta and the Regional YMCA Championships in Redfield, ME. The team also has 19 girls attending the National Championships in Savannah, GA, which will run from June 29-July 2.

36

SPORTS

Young Tour de Cure Veteran to Participate in Third Ride

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

Saratoga Stadium to Host Former Knicks Player

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Stadium sports bar will be hosting a visit from former Chicago Bulls and NY Knicks player Charles Oakley on Saturday, March 25. The event will take place from 1-3 p.m., and

will include photo opportunities with the 19-year NBA veteran, as well as NCAA March Madness games playing on screens throughout the restaurant. For more information on the event, go to www.saratogastadium.com.

Amateur Boxing Night Benefit

John Bouzy, 11, onstage with his mother, Jennifer Musial. Photo by Edward Parham.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — John Bouzy, 11, of East Schodack will be competing in his third Tour de Cure ride this year when the annual cycling event and fundraiser kicks off in Saratoga Springs on June 4.

Bouzy, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 4, raised over $1,200 for the event last year.

“When you support the Saratoga Tour de Cure you create happy endings for kids like me,”

Bouzy said, speaking at a recent Tour de Cure event at the Glen Sanders Mansion.

For more information on this year’s Tour de Cure, go to www. diabetes.org/saratoga.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City Center will play host to a night of amateur boxing on March 25. The doors will open at 6 p.m. with the first bout set to commence at 7 p.m.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Bob Miller Fund, which was

established last October to provide medical care and equipment for renowned Capital Region boxing promoter Bob Miller, who was left paralyzed by a serious car accident. For more information on this event, go to www.saratogacitycenter.org.

Equestricon Teams with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance SARATOGA SPRINGS — The inaugural Equestricon convention has announced a partnership with the Lexington-based Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), which organizers say will bring 20 accredited aftercare groups from across the country to the event. Thoroughbred aftercare refers to the practice of retiring, retraining, and relocating horses once their days on the racetrack

are over, which has become a preeminent issue in the racing industry, according to TAA. In addition to these groups, the TAA will present two panels intended to educate attendees about aftercare: “Aftercare Pathways” and “Stories: OTTB Successes.” Equestricon will be held on Aug. 14-15 in the Saratoga Springs City Center. For more information on the convention, go to www.equestricon.com.

Ballston Spa Hall of Fame Names 2017 Inductees BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Athletics Hall of Fame has announced the individuals and teams that will be honored at its 2017 induction ceremony. They are as follows: coaches Ed Banovic and Harry Lomasney; athletes Mark Carey, Gerry King, and

Dan Vergine; the 1958 football team; and the 1981 wrestling team. The ceremony will be held in the Ballston Spa High School auditorium on May 6, from 2-5 p.m. For more information on the ceremony, go to www.ballstonspaathleticshalloffame.com.

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

SPORTS 37

Did Syracuse Make the Right Call?

by Damian Fantauzzi for Saratoga TODAY Well, are we surprised that Mike Hopkins, long time assistant basketball coach at Syracuse University under legendary Head Coach Jim Boeheim, is moving on to the University of Washington to be its next head basketball coach?

Hopkins has been in the middle of the Orangemen’s

basketball program for 19 years, and had hoped and dreamed to one day run his own program at ‘Cuse, his alma mater.

His patience dwindled, and now it’s time for him to finally move forward.

Hopkins, 44, having been on Boeheim’s Syracuse University basketball staff since 1995, helped guide the Orange to 494 winning games in 19 seasons. His contributions during his time on the bench included bringing the team to a national championship, a 31-14 NCAA tournament record, and three trips to the Final Four.

Hopkins was the supposed next head coach, the guy who would replace Boeheim.

Boeheim, who will be 73-yearsold on his next birthday and just finished his 41st year as master of the Orangemen’s basketball program, has now reversed his plans to retire.

Coach Boeheim says he is happy for Hopkins, while also stating that he feels he can turn the Syracuse program back to where it used to be. SU’s Athletic Director John Wildhack and the SU Administration extended Coach Boeheim’s contract to 2021-22. That’s five more years. The question I have and many others have: Did Syracuse make the right call in extending Coach Boeheim’s contract? Only time will tell.

In 2015, Hopkins was SU’s “coach-in-waiting” and the university did not have any formal letter of intention to retire from Boeheim. The Director of Athletics at UW was looking for a man with experience to build their men’s basketball program. The search led by UDUB’s Jennifer Cohen, who is one of the few female D-1 AD’s in the country, sought Hopkins.

A note of interest here:

10-Week Freihofer’s ® Run Training

CAPITAL REGION — Online registration for the 39th annual Freihofer’s® Run for Women (Saturday, June 3 at 9 a.m.) — the Capital Region’s premier all-women’s 5K road race — began Saturday, Feb. 11. To sign up, visit freihofersrun.com. To help participants get in shape for race day, registration is now also underway for the 7th annual Freihofer’s® Training

Challenge, which started Monday, March 20. You can sign up for the 10-week program when you register online for the Freihofer’s Run 5K. Online registration through the 5K registration is the only method of registering for this program. The program, which costs $55 and includes a specific Training Challenge t-shirt, is an enhanced version of the

Couch to 5K Running Plan and features beginner, intermediate and advanced options. Locally, it is held through iRunLocal (18 Congress Street, #3, Saratoga Springs) — Thursdays at 6 p.m.

For more information about the 39th annual Freihofer’s® Run for Women, 30th annual Kids’ Run and 7th annual Freihofer’s® Junior 3K Run, visit freihofersrun.com.

Cohen worked on her master’s degree at Pacific Lutheran University, where she worked on a variety of roles in intercollegiate athletics, in Parkland a suburb of Tacoma Washington. My late brotherin-law was the head of the education department at PLU during that period of time.

The hire was made a day after the Orangemen lost the NIT game. At that time the rumor was that Hopkins might already have a staff pulled together. Hopkins is a perfect hire for Jen Cohen with some excellent selling points.

Hopkins is a coach with big game experience, including in the postseason. He’s been able to manage the egos of high-caliber players who have become pros, and was able to handle the adversity during the sanctions that were administered by the NCAA on Boeheim and the University.

UW fans should be elated with the fact that Hopkins is the brain-trust behind Syracuse’s player development program, as he is also known as an outstanding recruiter.

Now, with Hopkins gone, where does this leave Boeheim and the Syracuse basketball

program? With two recent Final Four appearances, last year and in 2013, Syracuse is 28-28 in the ACC over the past three seasons, which is counting the post season tourney.

The Orangemen are a mediocre team in ACC, a league that’s dominated by Duke and UNC. Recruiting for the Orange without Hopkins might not make the job any easier.

Boeheim remains the yard-boss and is completely in charge. When Boeheim is gone, will it be McNamera, Autry, current assistants, or a new face? He now has five more years. Can he, or will he, be coaching by the age of 78? Also, how attractive is the job going to be in five years for anyone outside of the system?

Will the sales pitch be: Come to Central NY, bring your snow shovel, follow the legend and beat Duke and North Carolina? Boeheim is signed until 2021-2022. Maybe then he’ll be ready to sign another extension.

Now that’s a thought. I wish him the best of luck and I also wish Mike Hopkins good fortune and hopefully a Final Four for UW in the very near future.

38

SPORTS

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

COMMUNITY SPORTS BULLETIN New Venue For Tour de Cure SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2017 edition of the American Diabetes Association’s annual Tour de Cure cycling event and fundraiser will kick off on June 4, but this time from a new venue. As opposed to previous years where the event began at the Saratoga Springs High School, this year it will commence at the Peerless Pool in Saratoga Spa State Park. Other changes this year will include a streamlined check-in system and new 100-mile route that circles the Great Sacandaga Lake. For more information on the event, go to diabetes. org/Saratoga.

Recreation Department Playground Program SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Playground Program is a seven-week program for ages 5-12. Physical and mental wellbeing will be promoted through daily recreational activities and socialization to keep children’s minds sharp and encourage creativity.

Registration is March 20-May 15. Sign up at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue Monday– Friday 9 a.m. – 7p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. or Sunday 12 6 p.m. For additional information or to download forms go to SaratogaRec.com.

Blue Needs You 8K Run SARATOGA SPRINGS — The third annual “Blue Needs You” 8K run, Kids Fun Run, and Race Expo will be held this year on April 15. Proceeds from the event will go to support Code Blue Saratoga, an organization that provides emergency shelter for the homeless in cases of severe weather conditions. For more information on the event, go to codeblueneedsyou.org.

West Mountain Racing Alumni & Friends Weekend QUEENSBURY — West Mountain is inviting all of its racing alumni to its Alumni and Friends Weekend, from March 24-25. Festivities will include races, a BBQ lunch, awards, and a silent auction to benefit the West Mountain School. All ages and skill levels are welcome. For more information, go to westmtn.net.

West Mountain 5K Obstacle Race QUEENSBURY — West Mountain will be holding a 5K obstacle race on April 8, starting from the Main Lodge.

The event will feature two age groups: one for registrants ages 7-17, and one for those 18 and up. Participants will be treated to a complimentary BBQ lunch and live music from James Hood. For more information, go to westmtn.net.

Recreation Department Drop-In Sessions SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Recreation Department offers drop-in sessions in adult basketball, pickleball, racquetball and wallyball.

Visit SaratogaRec.com and click on Rec Center calendar for the latest schedule. For additional information please call 518-5873550 x2300 or email recreservations@saratoga-springs.org.

Recreation Department Zumba Fitness Classes SARATOGA SPRINGS — Teens 16 and up and adults are welcome to join. Session and drop-in options are available. Sign up at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Sunday 12 to 6 p.m. For additional information or to download forms go to SaratogaRec.com. Contact the Recreation Department at 518587-3550 x2300 or recreservations@saratoga-springs.org.

Recreation Department Summer Clinics SARATOGA SPRINGS — Registration for 2017 summer clinics and programs at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center begins April 10. A wide

Puzzle solutions from pg. 24 Send your sports stories or briefs to Sports@Saratoga Publishing.com

variety of programs will be offered. Early bird registration is from April 10 to June 19. For additional information, go to SaratogaRec.com, or contact the Recreation Department at 518587-3550 x2300.

Adirondack Hawks Baseball WILTON — The Adirondack Hawks 13U team is looking for players to round out the 2017 roster. Interested players can contact Coach DellaPorta at 518-852-7191 or email tdellapo@me.com. The deadline for registration is April 1. For more information, visit www.adirondackhawks.com.

Saratoga Senior Men’s Baseball SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Senior Men’s Baseball League is looking for players ages 28 and over for the upcoming season, which runs from May through August. For more information, call or text 518-470-7894.

Senior Tennis WILTON — The Saratoga– Wilton YMCA is hosting a Senior Tennis Drop-In on Mondays and Wednesdays at 12 p.m. Sign up after 8 a.m. the day of play. Contact the Saratoga-Wilton YMCA for more information at 518-5873708. Ask for Frank Piliere.

Recreation Department Spring Soccer SARATOGA SPRINGS — This program is open to children grades Pre K-12 and will run April 22-June 17. Players will be separated by grade and exposed to skill development based on age and skill level. Two volunteer coaches per team are needed at all levels. Early Bird registration is February 6-March 27. Sign up at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue Monday–Friday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. or Sunday 12 - 6 p.m. For additional information or to download forms go to SaratogaRec.com. Questions?

Contact us 518-587-3550 x2300 or email recreservations@saratogasprings.org.

Golf League Sign-Up’s SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Lake Golf Club’s Summer League sign-up’s have been announced. Monday Senior League runs May 15-August 28; Tee Times starting at 9 a.m. Limited to 40 players. No golf Memorial Day or 4th of July Weekend.

Monday COED League runs May 15-August 28; 5:30 p.m. shotgun each week. Limited to 72 players. No golf Memorial Day or 4th of July Weekend. Tuesday Ladies League runs May 16-August 29; Tee Times starting at 5 p.m. No golf 4th of July Weekend. Call 518581-8492 ext.100 to sign up or visit www.saratogalakegolf.com for more information.

Week of March 24 – March 30, 2017

SPORTS 39

Saratoga Boys Lacrosse Gears Up for Spring

by Mike Gyarmathy for Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — As the sun begins to shine longer each day, there is a changing mentality at Saratoga Springs High School. Spring sports have started and the Boys Lacrosse team is eager to get some grass beneath their cleats. With the first scrimmages beckoning the end of a long off-season, coach Joe Hayes is confident his team will get off to a strong start this year. The first scrimmage of the season will take place on Saturday, March 26 on Shenendehowa’s turf field. Faceoff will take place at 10 a.m.

The team finished their season last year breaking even with a record of 9-9, and like any team the Streaks will look to best those numbers this year.

“This year we have a winning mentality,” senior Dylan Honis, four-year attackman for the Varsity squad, said. “I expect a better record than 9 and 9.”

“Something that’s hurt us in the past has been our ability to hold and possess the ball,” captain Griffin Taylor, a senior said. “This is the time of the year we go back to the basics and create a good foundation to build off.”

The team worked with Peak Performance in the offseason, doing conditioning and metabolics twice a week under a professional training regimen, leaving the team extra preseason time to work on fundamentals, according to Honis. The first scrimmages this weekend will serve as a kind of warm-up where the team can wiggle out their jitters, vet their problems, and see what they are up against.

“The scrimmages will definitely help in getting younger guys ready for Varsity level competition,” Hayes said.

“Were coming in hot from the offseason,” Taylor said. “Even though some guys haven’t picked up sticks in a

Saratoga Lacrosse player prepares for the spring season. Photo by Peter Fiorino.

Saratoga Lacrosse players in the midst of practice. Photo by Peter Fiorino.

Saratoga Boys Lacrosse Coach Joe Hayes. Photo by Peter Fiorino.

while, it’s nothing passing drills and some good practices won’t fix…. In our Scrimmage this week we’ll look to make better connections on our passes and play smarter lacrosse”.

“As far as the scrimmages go we certainly have a lot of work to do,” said Honis “We lost some key Seniors last year.”

Carrying a younger roster this year than pervious years on account of fewer returning players, the team will miss last year’s graduates like attackman Justin Degener, left-handed

attackman Wyatt Christy, and midfielder Jack Hardy.

Younger players will step up and fill the holes, according to Honis, who mentioned promising sophomores and juniors on the team like Ryan Flatley, midfielder Andrew Lipscomb, and left-handed attackman Matt Shamberger.

“I’m excited to see Cam Stuer and Will Fox stepping up to the plate this year,” captain and defensive long-pole Greg Polmatier said. “I expect to see them get a lot of playing

time this season. When everyone shakes off their nerves, I think we’ll be left with some really talented players” Captain Tucker Pierce, an attackman, put it well.

“This year our mentality is different,” he said. “We know we can do it. We’re going to go into games knowing we can dominate and win. Then we’ll see where we can go from there. The phrase winning mentality keeps echoing from the field. We’ll have to see if that mindset is enough to earn the boys a winning season.“