LOCAL • INDEPENDENT • FREE Volume 11 • Issue 43 • November 3 – November 9, 2017
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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. City residents will cast their ballots to elect a new mayor, and vote on four commissioners, two supervisors and one city judge, in addition to taking part in a referendum on the City Charter. Meg Kelly, (D, WF, WEP), Saratoga Springs candidate for mayor.
Regional Election Coverage Pgs. 10-17.
Blue Streaks
Dominate
by Lori Mahan Saratoga TODAY
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Blue Streaks have had a record-breaking
season this year. They are currently 9-0 with their Sectional Game taking place Friday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. against Troy. This will be a neutral non-conference game.
The Blue Streaks have a record-breaking season. Photo by www.PhotoAndGraphic.com
Mark Baker, (R, C, I, RFM), Saratoga Springs candidate for mayor.
Inside TODAY
Ice Cream Dreams pg. 3 Blotter pg. 5 County Budget pg. 8 Home for the Holidays pgs. 23-34 Breeders Cup pg. 48
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NEWS
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
New Public Boardwalk Opens at Spring Run Trail
New public boardwalk ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 1, 2017. Photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening of a $200,000 public boardwalk connecting Spring Run Trail and preserve to the Excelsior Park complex on Nov. 1. The boardwalk project, designed and constructed by Witt Construction on property
donated by the company, will provide safe community to access Spring Run Trail - an off-road, handicapped-accessible recreational loop owned and maintained by the city of Saratoga Springs. The 55-acre Excelsior Park Apartment complex includes 70 apartments, condos, a hotel and a 20-acre preserve.
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
NEWS 3
Ice Cream Dreams by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY Paul Nasrani walked through Grand Central Terminal on a cold wintry day when a moment of opportunity suddenly intervened, offering him the possibility to fulfill a childhood dream. “Every summer, I’d spend a couple of weeks in August up in Lake George, in Silver Bay,” Nasrani recalled. “There was this well-over 100-yearold ice cream store that was everybody’s gathering place and I was allowed to have a hot fudge sundae, five nights a week, which was pretty awesome. That was etched in my mind as a child.” Nasrani worked in Manhattan and became the CFO of a mid-size corporation, his days occupied with his professional work in finance and accounting, his nights at play feeding a love of creating ice cream. “I started experimenting
in a small studio apartment in Manhattan. Imagine this tiny place with one room and a kitchen you stand in, making ice cream at night and bringing it in to work for my coworkers every day,” he says. “They loved it. They even got me a bigger maker, which I had to put in the tub because I couldn’t fit it in the kitchen,” he laughs. “It was insanity, but it was fun. Any time I had a free moment I’d visit dairies and ice cream plants. I’d knock on doors and hope somebody would let me in. I learned a lot from people.” It was this yearning he carried with him inside the cathedral-like building of the Grand Central Terminal, where among the bustling crowds on a landscape of marble he noticed some equipment from a former ice cream store up for auction. “I ended up buying a machine. I quit my job. I put the machine on a trailer and moved up to Silver Bay,” he says. Nasrani set up shop in
“Peace.” Adirondack Creamery’s Syrian Date and Walnut flavor ice cream. Half the profits from the sales of the ma’amoul ice cream will be donated to the International Rescue Committee.
the hamlet of Silver Bay, which sits alongside Lake George, an hour’s drive north of downtown Saratoga Springs.
“I can remember being about 12 years old and sitting there thinking: someday I’m going to have an ice cream
company and we’re going to sell the ice cream in the Silver Continued on page 42.
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NEWS BRIEFS
Tedisco Announces Grant for Malta Community Park MALTA — Senator Jim Tedisco (R-Glenville) has secured a $100,000 state grant to renovate the Malta Community Park, which is a popular destination among town residents for nature walks, visiting the playground and participating in summer camps. The 22-acre park has baseball
and softball fields, a basketball court, tennis and volleyball courts, a playground, a nature trail and a pavilion. The grant will be used for phase one of park improvements, which will include making the park more accessible, addressing drainage issues and infield improvements to the baseball and softball field.
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Malta Appoints New Building and Planning Coordinator MALTA — Last week, following a national search, Malta officials announced the appointment of a Long Island man to replace longtime building and planning lead Anthony Tozzi. In early October, Tozzi announced his retirement from the position. Anthony Trezza will replace Tozzi as the staff leader of Malta’s Building and Planning Department, having served as the
principal planner in the Town of Southampton, New York since 2014. “The Town of Malta presents some of the most unique planning opportunities in the Northeast, as a growing town with one of the most advanced technology manufacturers on the planet,” said Malta Supervisor Vincent DeLucia, in a prepared statement. Trezza will be working with
Malta’s team of professional planners to continue the town’s transformation related to the Luther Forest Technology Campus and update a Comprehensive Plan in 2018. At a special meeting on Oct. 25, the Malta Town Board approved Trezza’s appointment and he will begin his new role on Jan. 2, 2018.
Camp Boyhaven Workshops MILTON — The Town of Milton has scheduled three public meetings in November regarding the pending purchase of Camp Boyhaven, a 300-acre Boy Scout camp, for use as a town park. The purpose of each meeting is to provide residents with information
about the status of the project and to get input about what town residents would like to see the property used for if it becomes a park. All of the meetings are at 7 p.m. in Town Hall at 503 Geyser Road. The meetings are scheduled for Thursday,
Nov. 9; Tuesday, Nov. 14, and Monday Nov. 20. The Nov. 9 meeting will be held on the first floor of the town offices, while the others are scheduled for the second floor meeting room. All are welcome to attend.
Hospital to Offer Free Balance-Fall Risk Assessments SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Hospital Regional Therapy Center is offering “Don’t Fall, Stand Tall,” a free risk assessment designed to gauge risk for falls in the home or out in the community. The assessments will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Regional Therapy Center at 225 Washington Street from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. They are ideal for adults over 60, though others
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may benefit including neurologic or orthopedic patients. A series of tests will be performed by licensed physical and occupational therapists to help determine risk. Based on test results, tips and recommendations to minimize the risk of falling will be offered to each participant, which may include exercise programs, simple home modifications, or referral for additional
screenings or assessment by a primary care provider. Each screening will take approximately 30 minutes. Comfortable clothes and sneakers are recommended. The assessment is free, but registration is required. To register, call 518-580-2450 or visit saratogahospital.org/services/classes.
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Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
COURT Garrett M. Weatherwax, 23, of Ballston Spa, pleaded Oct. 25 to promoting a sexual performance by a child, a felony. Sentencing scheduled for Dec. 20. Frank J. Rossi, 26, of Mechanicville, was sentenced Oct. 24 to five years of probation, after pleading to criminal contempt, in connection with an incident in Malta. Victor C. Mattson, 39, of Rotterdam Junction, pleaded on Oct. 23 to robbery, in connection with an incident in Ballston. Sentencing scheduled for Dec. 18. Lisa M. Lyng, 37, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced Oct. 23 to five years of probation, after pleading to felony DWI in Wilton. Michael J. Davis, of Clifton Park, was sentenced Oct. 23 to 15 years in state prison and 1-1/2 to 3 years post-release supervision, for menacing a police officer, criminal contempt, and assault. On April 16, Davis, with a shotgun, entered the home of his wife and children in the town of Halfmoon in violation
of a stay-away order of protection. His wife and children, in addition to other children in the home at the time, were able to flee unharmed. Davis fired several shots out the window of the residence at officers, according to the county district attorney’s office, before eventually surrendering to authorities more than 20 hours after the start of negotiations with state police. Jeanne E. Gorcesky, 50, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Oct. 19 to felony DWI in connection with an incident in Wilton. Sentencing scheduled for Dec. 17. Angela M. Burnside, 36, of Ballston Lake, was sentenced Oct. 19 to three years of probation, after pleading to aggravated DWI, a felony, in Ballston Spa.
POLICE Lance M. Smith, age 23, of Mayfield, was charged Oct. 25 with tampering with physical evidence – a felony, DWI while operating a commercial vehicle, aggravated DWI felony, unreasonable speed, operating out of class, and fail to keep right. At 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 25, the Saratoga Springs Police
BLOTTER 5 responded to Geyser Road at the railroad overpass for an overturned box truck blocking the roadway, located about 1/2 mile west of Route 50. According to police, the truck went off the right side of the roadway colliding with the guiderail, and subsequently overturned on its side. The driver and sole occupant of the truck was not injured, but was allegedly found to be intoxicated. Christopher R. Bergeron, 38, currently at Greene Correctional Facility, was charged Oct. 24 with five counts burglary, in connection with five separate incidents reported in July and August of 2016, in which Bergeron is accused of burglarizing two homes in Corinth, and one each in the towns of Ballston, Providence and Greenfield. Kristopher F. Docherty, 29, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Oct. 27 with felony assault. he is accused of causing physical injury by throwing a bottle of wine at a woman following an alleged domestic incident in Wilton.
Richard A. Faria III, 39, of Mechanicville, was charged Oct. 20 with Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and Grand Larceny, after allegedly stealing a handgun from a residence he was conducting work in, in the town of Ballston. Brian A. Mollnow, age 21, Clifton Park, was charged Oct. 22 with misdemeanor DWI. Attilia M. Lee, age 20, Saratoga Springs, was charged Oct. 22 with criminal possession of a forged instrument – felony. Monique N. Williams, age 26, Schenectady, was charged Oct. 22 with seven counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, and one count false impersonation. Robert Ruiz, age 38, Schenectady, was charged Oct. 22 with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and criminally using drug paraphernalia second degree. Aniece M. Armstrong, age 29, Schenectady, was charged
Oct. 20 with Offenses: aggravated unlicensed operation, failed to signal a turn, no/ expired insurance. James A. Lorman, age 30, Saratoga Springs, was charged Oct. 20 with public lewdness. Louis W. Rondinello, age 52, Hampton Bays, was charged Oct. 20 with reckless endangerment of property. Anthony R. Fiorey, age 53, Ballston Spa, was charged Oct. 20 with speeding, and aggravated unlicensed operation. Chad F. Harrison, age 30, Saratoga Springs, was charged Oct. 17 with misdemeanor DWI and aggravated DWI, failure to signal a turn, failure to keep right. Brittany N. Sims, age 28, Schenectady, was charged Oct. 17 with unlawful possession of marijuana, operating mv impaired by drugs, speeding, criminal possession of a controlled substance.
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OBITUARIES
David Brown
Rita D. Alonzo
Andrea DeGeorgio
GREENFIELD CENTER — David Lloyd Brown passed away Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. Calling hours 4 to 8pm Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, Burke Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway. Funeral home services 11am Saturday, Nov. 4. Luncheon to immediately follow at Holiday Inn. Burial will be private. Please visit at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Rita D. Alonzo died October 24, 2017. Graveside services were held 1pm Oct. 31, 2017 at the family plot in Greenridge Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Andrea K. (Orrill) DeGeorgio passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2017. Relatives and friends may call from 2 pm to 4 pm Sunday, Nov. 5, at the Burke Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway. A memorial service will immediately follow at the funeral home. Please visit at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
Burke & Bussing
Burke & Bussing
Burke & Bussing
SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373
SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373
SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373
Funeral Homes
Funeral Homes
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Marguerite Clancy Marguerite E. Clancy slipped away peacefully from her home on 10/29/17 with loving family at her side. At Marguerite’s request, there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 1:30 pm at Gurn Spring Cemetery, Wilton, NY.
David Hunt David Hunt, age 64, passed away on Monday, October 23, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, November 5, 2017 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Family and friends may call from 11 am to 1:45 pm prior to the service.
Funeral Homes
Dear Members of the Skidmore Community: An incident of terrorism that takes the lives of innocent people anywhere in the world touches each of us in our fundamental humanity. But the effect is more pronounced – and far more personal – when our community is directly linked to such a horrendous event. I am deeply saddened to
inform you that yesterday’s truck attack in New York City took the life of a recent Skidmore graduate, Nicholas Cleves ‘16. He was 23 years old and living in New York, working as a software engineer, analyst, and web developer. At Skidmore, Nicholas was a Computer Science major and Physics minor,
and studied Italian. He also worked as an IT Help Desk assistant and astronomy tutor. Our hearts go out to Nicholas’s mother, Monica Missio, who is a member of the Skidmore class of 1981, the other members of his family, and his closest friends. At moments such as these, we realize anew how powerless are our words in the face of profound grief. Even so, we reach out to offer our thoughts and prayers, along with the hope that knowing that others are also touched by this loss may provide at least some small measure of comfort. For anyone who needs support, Counseling Services may be reached at 518580-5555. As a reminder, all employees may utilize the Employee Assistance
Program (EAP), which may be reached at 518-793-9768. Wilson Chapel is open from 9:00–11:00 p.m. today; 8:00 a.m.–2 p.m. Thursday; and 12:00–2:00 p.m. and 6:30– 10:30 p.m. Friday. When confronted by a seemingly endless series of tragic and absurd events, we naturally react first with sadness and then anger, and those emotions motivate us to take action to confront such senseless threats to public safety. However, our best actions – whether individual or political ones – are guided not just by emotion but much more by reason. As a college community especially, we need to reflect not just on the acts of violence but on their causes and, above all, on the most effective ways to prevent them in the future. Ultimately, we must
retain our faith in the future – of our nation and the world. In commenting on New York City’s decision to hold yesterday’s Halloween Parade as planned, as a symbol of normalcy and determination, NBC commentator Peter Howell praised the City’s commitment to remain “defiantly optimistic.” I hope we can embrace this attitude ourselves, remaining defiantly optimistic, even when challenged by events such as the needless death of a promising young member of the Skidmore family. The future, ultimately, is what we make it to be. And we must remain committed to this essential work. Sincerely, Philip A. Glotzbach President
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Good Cheers From Local Women
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Rotary Club Honorary Brunch at City Center
(Left to right) Rotary Foundation President Greg Grieco; and honorees Edward A Lenz, Maggie Fronk, and Rebecca Baldwin. Photo by Joyce Ure.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Sunday, Oct. 29 the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club held a brunch in honor of Maggie Fronk, executive director of Wellspring; and Saratoga Center for the Family, represented by Executive Director Rebecca Baldwin, with a special tribute to Edward A. Lenz.
(Left to right) Caitlyn Harley, Madison Dallas and Brenna Hart. Photo provided.
SYRACUSE — Three recent graduates of Suburban Council schools are on the sidelines this fall cheering on the Syracuse University football team. Madison Dallas (Saratoga Springs, Class of 2017), Caitlyn Harley (Shaker, Class of 2016) and Brenna Hart (Shenendehowa, Class of 2017) are all members of the
Syracuse University Coed Cheer Team. The team cheers for both the Orange football and men’s basketball seasons. The trio made the team during tryouts held in May 2017. They will be on the sidelines this Saturday, Nov. 4 at 12:20 p.m. on the ACC Network as the Syracuse football team takes on the Florida State Seminoles.
The Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation received more than $28,000 from proceeds of a recent home show to support post-secondary education and vocational training of public and private high school graduates in the greater Saratoga community. “I’m so honored to be recognized
by the Rotary Education Fund for the work that I do in the community and the work that we all do in the community to help youth. That’s really what it’s all about, a whole community making a better tomorrow for our young people,” Fronk said. “It is an incredible honor to be a part of this,” Baldwin said.
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NEWS
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Saratoga County Releases 2018 Proposed Budget by Larry Goodwin Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA — On Wednesday, county officials presented a tentative $320 million spending plan for the 2018 fiscal year. It includes $20 million for countywide road improvements and $32 million for the long-planned construction of a public safety complex. Projected sales tax revenue of $119 million will remain a reliable driver of Saratoga County’s favorable fiscal ratings, says County Administrator Spencer Hellwig. In the last year, Hellwig said, there also was $786 million worth of new construction and home or business improvements, bringing the total value of property in Saratoga County to over $25 billion. Yet “revenue from that
growth,” he explained, is offset by “a greater demand” on the county’s public services; and further complicated by reductions in state aid along with the imposition of various “unfunded” state mandates. “What we have to do is go back and reduce our operating costs,” Hellwig said. “The 2018 Saratoga County tentative budget still maintains virtually the lowest property taxes in the state with no major cuts to services,” Hellwig concluded in his formal budget statement. “In addition, Standard and Poor’s bond-rating service continues to give us their highest New York State rating of AA+, citing our healthy financial position and low tax burden. “At this time,” Hellwig added, “I am happy to report that the 2018 tentative budget is
A rendering of the planned Saratoga County public safety complex provided by David Pacheco of H2M architects + engineers.
fully balanced and provides the services our residents demand while addressing the planning for our long-term needs.” Stillwater Supervisor Edward Kinowski, who chairs the Board of Supervisors, said a months-long review of the budget revealed to him how “complex” the process of preparing it is for Hellwig and Deputy County Administrator Chad Cooke. Kinowski said a number of “outside” factors are driving up costs, but that a thorough review of expenses and revenues by supervisors and each of the county’s department
heads enabled Hellwig and Cooke to make the necessary arrangements. The supervisor also expressed caution about unexpected downturns in the state and national economies. “We must never forget how quickly the financial tide can turn,” Kinowski said, noting how various committees will continue to review the county budget through November. The full board of supervisors will vote on the final spending plan on Wednesday, Dec. 13, according to the official schedule. A total of $32 million has been budgeted for construction of a new public safety complex on County Farm Road west of Ballston Spa, which was first proposed in 2006. The facility will help consolidate the administrative functions of the Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Office, a call center for 911 dispatchers, emergency and health department workers and probation staff. The existing county jail complex will remain. Once construction begins, construction of the new complex is expected to last 16 to 18 months. In his budget statement, Hellwig indicated that the property tax levy of $2.29 per thousand dollars of assessed
value—a slight decrease from the 2017 fiscal year—is projected to yield more than $58 million in 2018, the second largest source of county revenue after sales taxes. “As was the case in 2017, all of our property tax revenue will be spent paying for unfunded state mandates,” Hellwig wrote. “The projected net cost of these mandates next year is more than $60.7 million and will consume every penny of the 2018 property tax levy, plus an additional $2.1 million from other general fund revenue.” He added, “Every year our Board of Supervisors travels to Albany to meet with our representatives in the New York State Senate and Assembly to urge them to work toward financial relief in the area of costly, mandated state programs that we are being forced to subsidize with no input on how these programs are managed.” The largest state mandate involves Medicaid spending of $26 million, with the next largest being $9.2 million for county pensions, according to the budget summary. Cooke pointed out that state aid has decreased by more than $3 million in the last year alone. It will be down to $27.1 million in 2018.
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Commissioner Against Charter Change I am your Commissioner of Accounts and I am running for re-election to a seventh term. I am honored that my fellow citizens have given me this chance to serve and I am grateful for your continued support. As I have pledged to you every year during my 12 years in office, I will not spend the estimated $2 million of taxpayer money to undertake an unnecessary, citywide reassessment of all properties in our city. As many of you know, the commissioner of accounts is the elected assessor in our city. While I can assure you I will not pursue this course, I am equally confident future Commissioners of Accounts— Republican, Democrat or
Independent—will not waste taxpayer money in this fashion because we have learned our lessons from the citywide reassessments of 2004-05. Conversely, I have no such confidence that a city manager would reach the same conclusion. If the proposed Charter passes, all administrative functions will be the responsibility of a city manager who may or may not live in the city (Proposed Charter Section 3.01). The decision to embark on a citywide reassessment will no longer be made by a commissioner who is accountable directly to you at the ballot box every two years, rather the decision will fall to an employee of the city. Why is this important? Our experience from 2004-05
was deeply troubling. An outside firm with little understanding of our city was retained to do “driveby” reassessments of all properties. In many cases our older neighborhoods saw their assessments dramatically increase. In some cases, the assessment actually doubled. That impact on many seniors and others on fixed income was both expensive and unfair. This is not the way to handle our assessment rolls in the city. The cost to the city of this reassessment was staggering. We had a huge bill from the firm retained by the city. When the reassessment was completed, the city was faced with hundreds of thousands of dollars of legal fees defending the many assessment challenges from property owners. Too often, the city was required to settle these cases and refund overpayments to property owners. During my 12 years in office
we have updated our assessment roll each year using sales data generated through filings at the County Clerk’s office. Every year our assessment roll is reviewed by the Office of Real Property Services (ORPS). Without exception, ORPS has found our methodology and our final assessment roll to be consistent with state law. We have no way of knowing how a city manager will handle assessments, but we certainly have every reason to be concerned about the impact of a bureaucratic decision. It’s a risk I am not prepared to take which is one of the many reasons I strongly oppose this proposed charter change. I urge my fellow citizens to consider this as you weigh your decision on charter change. John P. Franck Commissioner of Accounts Saratoga Springs
Three Reasons to Oppose Charter Change The debate about whether to change Saratoga Springs government is getting pretty heated. Let’s take a step back and assume the best about the other side instead of the worst. Charter change advocates love the city, and think the five-member commission form of government can be improved because it is slow and clunky. Charter change opponents love the city, and either think the city’s form of government is working fine as evidenced by Saratoga’s prosperity, or agree that the form of government should be changed—but not to the council-city manager form currently proposed. Reasonable people can disagree reasonably. Let’s do that in these last days before the election. With that, I will put out there that I do not agree with the charter change. I do agree with changing our form of government, but not in the way proposed. I have come to this conclusion for three reasons. The recent events where funding for the Saratoga Senior Center was going to be cut in the budget, before it was thankfully restored, brought this issue to the forefront for me, and made me dive into the proposed charter to see how it might affect nonprofit funding. If a majority of the city council can’t agree on a budget, what the city manager proposes would be automatically adopted. I strongly disagree with giving a single person the
power to control the budget of the entire city. The proposed system eliminates accountability of the city departments. Simply put, the city manager would be an unelected appointee with significant power over all city operations, with highly diluted accountability to the people of Saratoga Springs. Finally, one of the major justifications for the proposed charter change has been cost. It will supposedly save $403,000 per year based on firing five deputy commissioners, and having two unidentified city employees retire without being replaced. I do not believe there would be any cost savings (and possibly a measurable cost) to city residents for this new form of government. I believe Saratoga Springs, as a city known across the country and across the globe as a world-class destination for horse racing, horse sales, technology, innovation and culture, should have a strong mayor representing the city to the world and leading the city’s government. I believe the Charter Review Commission has worked long and hard on a proposed system to reform the city’s government, but I believe it still needs more work, which is why I am voting “no” on charter change. Michael Billok Saratoga Springs
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
11
Commissioner For Charter Change As a long-time skeptic of commission government, who has served on the Zoning Board of Appeals for seven years and the City Council for six years, I will be voting “yes” on Nov. 7 for Charter Reform. Commission form of government was originally set up to deal with a crisis. It is basically a local version of martial law where a small core of powerful officials controls all government functions. To use a baseball metaphor, Saratoga Springs commission government occasionally succeeds in hitting home runs such as politically popular solar parks and parking garages. But we strike out frequently and we often can’t hit simple singles and doubles. Examples include: While the beautiful exterior of City Hall compliments the appearance of our very successful downtown, a walk inside the
building reveals a dark, dingy, stuffy interior. Flooring should have been replaced years ago. Restrooms are inadequate and not code compliant. The council room is too small. Many city employees are crammed into offices that lack basic amenities and fail to provide needed workspace. Among the many surprising findings surrounding last February’s Van Rensselaer Street city-owned building fire was the fact that the room next to where the fire started was being used to store City Hall documents. City Hall is so filled with papers and documents stuffed into the building’s nooks and crannies that a DPW utility building became home for the overflow. For years it has been recommended that the city invest in a remote, climate controlled building for processing police evidence and for proper storage of evidence and City Hall
papers and documents. This very reasonable goal continues to elude commission government. When it became apparent in 2012 that there was no support for a new Police Department building, the council agreed to invest $660,000 to renovate, expand and improve the pre-existing, unsafe, unsecure and inefficient department space. However, the final cost was nearly $1 million due partially to asbestos abatement but also to the expense of having to correct egregious code violations of the building infrastructure. City taxpayers may be ‘on the hook’ for many hundreds of thousands of dollars because of a previous council’s decision to sell a parcel that has now been discovered to not be usable due to buried trash. The 1999 Comprehensive Plan included a listing of many streets and roadways in the city
Due to a large volume of letters received ahead of the Nov. 7 election, readers are encouraged to visit the Saratoga TODAY website at www.saratogatodayonline.com to view them all.
that required improved pedestrian access. The first such improvement project may finally be getting underway in 2018 on Geyser Road. There has not been a complete citywide property value re-assessment since the late 1990s despite the fact that a few neighborhoods have seen huge increases in value while most have not. Politics seems to have poisoned the process. The Accounts Commissioner wants to limit complaints. As a result, wealthy property owners
pay much less city, county and school tax than they should while most of us pay more than we should. A well-managed, democratically controlled city government will deal in an efficient, transparent manner with problems as they occur. Please join me in voting in favor of the proposed new City Charter. Chris Mathiesen Commissioner of Public Safety Saratoga Springs
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Wilton Councilman Looks Ahead You know me as John Lant. You also know me as fireman Lant, Councilman Lant, friend, husband, proud father, grandfather and local businessman. You know that next to my family, the Town of Wilton, where I grew up, live and conduct business, is the passion of my life.
You know that my hair is white; still you know I have the youthful enthusiasm to consistently explore new avenues for the best quality of life for all residents in this great town. You know I’ve saved many lives as a volunteer fireman, and in a few words I’m going to attempt to save the great
times yet to come in the town of Wilton. Here’s something you don’t know about me. Several weeks ago I donated a check to a Democratic candidate in another town. This candidate is not only a close friend of my daughter, but more important a better candidate for the job than her Republican opponent. On Oct. 25, at the League of Women Voters debate held at the Adirondack College, the only
adverse comments about Wilton’s current council were politically orientated with the old cliché, “We’re here to give people a choice.” Well, given a variety offered for selection, regardless of any party affiliation I assure you the clear “choices” are Judge Gerald Worth for Town Justice, Art Johnson for Town Supervisor, John McEachron and Duane Bogardus for town councilmen,
Sue Baldwin for Town Clerk and Kirklin Woodcock for Highway Superintendent. Look for these excellent candidates on Republican, Conservative and Independence lines. I ask you to please consider these exceptional candidates as you cast your vote on Nov. 7. Thank you. John Lant Wilton Town Councilman
Baker for Mayor Integrity and ethics are two of the highest standards that we should expect and be entitled to demand of our elected officials. This year Saratogians have a very clear choice for Mayor. For decades Mark Baker has exemplified integrity and ethics in our community. Mark was the Executive Director of the City Center for 33 years. While there he led by example. When decisions had to be made Mark left politics at the door - and he expected the same from his staff. His mission was first and foremost to serve the community.
His leadership has earned the respect of his colleagues. His energy is boundless and his enthusiasm contagious when directed and focused on keeping Saratoga Springs vibrant and strong. Mark’s professionalism in our city is only matched by his community service. He has served on the Saratoga Springs Convention and Tourism Bureau; the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce: the Viet Nam Commemoration Committee; and was a founding member of the Saratoga Arts Council. From his parents he learned at a young age the importance of
respect and hard work. He carried those disciplines with him as he represented our country as a member of the United States Air Force. Saratogians have a vital choice to make on Election Day. A vote for Mark Baker is a vote to restore integrity and ethics to the office of Mayor. Please join with me, and the women of the Saratoga County Women’s Republican Club (SCWRC), in electing Mark Baker as our next Mayor of Saratoga Springs. Dianne N. Freestone SCWRC President
Kelly for Mayor I am voting Meg Kelly for Saratoga Springs Mayor, as I believe she is the best candidate to represent our great city, its residents, its businesses and those who visit. I believe Meg Kelly is a true blue Saratogian. Meg grew up in Saratoga and raised her family here. She was an LPGA professional for 25 years and has helped to improve the golf swings of many (including mine). She started and worked tirelessly to grow the not-for-profit Saratoga Children’s Theatre, benefiting the lives of thousands of children (including mine) and young adults, their families and our community. Meg Kelly is a dedicated public servant and proven leader. Meg was appointed as the Deputy Mayor in July of 2016 where she has put her nononsense, results driven, hardworking and honest business ethic to work. She has demonstrated a balanced approach to serving our residents and businesses while incrementally and continuously improving efficiency
with the goal of effective collaboration. Saratoga needs this type of leadership regardless of the form of city government selected by the voters. Meg Kelly supports Code Blue. The homeless problem is a complex issue. Solving this problem is difficult, but important. Meg is interested in a long-term solution to this issue and not at the expense of ignoring the needs that exist in our city today. I was at candidate’s night at Skidmore earlier this week when I heard Meg say, “I support Code Blue, its extensive volunteer base, and every effort to stop any more homeless deaths on our streets.” This is the kind of leadership that I am for: Don’t stop addressing the obvious and immediate needs in front of us while working towards a long-term solution that works for the overall city. Meg Kelly will not rest on our city’s laurels. Yes, our city has had much success. I believe that Meg Kelly will responsibly protect and grow that success. She supports the
current charter’s “city-in-the-country” with “an intensively developed urban core and an economically vibrant central business district, with well-defined urban edges and an outlying area comprised of open lands, a landscape or rural character and low density residential development.” She understands the uniqueness and value of Broadway. She also has a plan for affordable housing that is based on the desire to have living opportunities for our workers and children. Along with my family, I love Saratoga and believe the best candidate to lead our great city forward as mayor is Meg Kelly. Please remember to vote and that it is our greatest privilege in a democracy. (Full disclosure: I am a registered Republican; my wife works at City Hall; and I believe strongly in Code Blue where I have volunteered since its inception 6 years ago.) Daniel P. Shields Saratoga Springs
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Republicans Right Choice for Wilton I am responding to Pat Tuz’s letter published in the October 13-19 issue of Saratoga TODAY. She makes a number of incorrect statements, so I am addressing only the most important errors. Traffic safety is an important issue and should be treated as such. Tuz and the Democrats want to preclude Wilton’s town planner and hired consultants from considering all options to improve traffic flow and increase pedestrian safety. This is both foolish and dangerous. When the safety of Wilton’s residents is at stake, all options should be on the table. In contrast, Wilton Republicans will allow trained professionals perform traffic studies and then let the people of Wilton make the final decision on any road improvements. Tuz is factually incorrect. There is no $6-$8 million addition at Town Hall planned. Maybe she is thinking of two other projects.
One is the replacement of the courthouse building. The current courthouse building is aging and needs repairs. More importantly, the building no longer complies with new Department of Justice safety standards. These safety standards relate to keeping our judges, courtroom staff, and law enforcement officials safe in case of courthouse violence. Studies show that the cost of courthouse repairs, modifications and safety upgrades will be equal to or greater than the cost of a new building, which is why the town is developing cost estimates for a new courthouse building. The second related project is replacing the current senior center. Wilton Republicans believe that seniors are an important part of our community, and that they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. A potential new senior
center would be built in conjunction with the courthouse project in order to keep costs down and in order to best utilize limited space available on town property. These projects are in the cost-estimating phase, and any project that goes forward will require no increase in town debt. It is not clear to me why the Democrats are against even considering these projects. It is clear where Wilton Republicans’ priorities lie. We are for professionally planned roads and improved traffic safety. We are for increased courthouse safety and code compliance. We support our seniors. If you agree with these priorities, please vote for the Wilton Republican team on Nov. 7. Dave Buchyn Chairman, Wilton Republican Committee
New Leadership Needed in Milton At recent Town of Milton board meetings we learned how the town came up over a million dollars short and now must double the tax rate and take out $700,000 in reserves to fix the “mistake.” Also disturbing is the lack of respect and civility that board members show each other and the public. For years, the town of Milton has been run by one political party that has continued bad financial and accounting practices administration
after administration. When even a fellow Republican like Barbara Kerr asks questions, she is disrespected and interrupted by the supervisor. It’s well past the time for new faces on the town board. Long time, community engaged citizens, Meg Stevens and Sergia Coffey, will bring new voices and ideas unrestricted by politics. They are committed to being open and responsive to residents by recording town meetings,
posting complete minutes, hosting public Q&A sessions, and creating greater transparency. Meg and Sergia have the expertise and experience to review expenses and budgets and make meaningful suggestions. They are truly interested in serving Milton and will bring back ethical behavior and civility to the Board. Sander Bonvell Ballston Spa
A Vote for Friesen as Supervisor We, the citizens of Saratoga Springs, will soon have the opportunity to elect Pat Friesen, a compassionate and dedicated woman to be one of our next county supervisors. I enthusiastically endorse Pat because I have known her for 15 years, and have always found her to be a tireless worker for various projects, which have helped make our city the jewel of upstate New York. Although Pat has never before ran or held elected office, she has had civic success because of her unique ability to understand people with political differences and negotiate with them for favorable results.
One of many notable demonstrations of this skill was evidenced soon after the popular Borders bookstore left our city, creating a void that concerned many citizens. Pat instinctively realized the magnitude of this loss, and was instrumental in working with local developer Sonny Bonacio and the Vermont-based ownership of Northshire Books to successfully bring a retail, mass-market bookstore here to increase the vibrancy of local shopping on Broadway. I have found that Pat has excellent consensus building and negotiating skills, which is all too rare in our current political landscape. When
these skills are supplemented by her focus and determination to deliver results, success usually follows. Therefore, on Election Day, I urge you to vote for Pat Friesen for county supervisor. Pat will continue to make herself available to hear your concerns, as she has throughout her campaign. I know that she will vehemently advocate for Saratoga Springs at the county committee and always represent us with the dignity and purpose we deserve. Philip H. Diamond Saratoga Springs
13
Wilton Councilwoman for Rosenberg For the past four years I have sat on the Wilton Town Board and I have heard many complaints from our residents relating to violations of our Town Zoning Code and observed the failure of our court system to enforce the law. I saw a hoarder being allowed to accumulate as much junk in his front yard as he wanted; a fellow doing auto repairs in a residential neighborhood; and a business owner being allowed to store nearly 50 unsafe, rusty and unregistered trailers, and in each of these cases year after year without being fined. We have a court system that is not the same for all. Because of this I see an outsider (running for Town Justice) who is not entrenched in our town as an
asset and not a liability. It must be difficult to properly enforce the law for friends or neighbors. Just think of it. A good town justice will be able to uphold the law, no matter who stands before him or her. Our Zoning Code in Wilton is pretty clear; there is no gray area. So before you jump on the bandwagon and vote for your “hometown” judge remember that our laws need to be enforced for one and for all equally to keep our roads and town safe and property values intact. Please consider voting for Eric Rosenberg. He is a lawyer who will bring his experience to Wilton and apply our laws fairly. Joanne Klepetar Wilton Town Councilwoman
14
NEWS
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Saratoga County - Milton Town Supervisor The Supervisor is the Chief Financial Officer, Budget Officer, and Chief Executive Officer of Town Government. The Supervisor is the Chairman of the Town Board, and conduct Town Board meetings, public hearings, and public information meetings. The Supervisor represents the Town on the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. This information is provided by the League of Women Voters of Saratoga County through its website Vote411.org, an electronic voter guide for county, town and city races in the November 2017 general election.
What are the most pressing issues facing your town today? How would you propose to address them during your term of office? Barbara A Kerr: There are several pressing issues which must be addressed, and primary is the balancing of the growth of our town and the demand for services with the ability to find increased sources of revenues while at the same time, controlling
unnecessary spending. Economic development of our Town Center is critical to providing the goods and services for our residents, which in turn generates additional sales tax revenues to help provide income for our capital projects. Our Town Hall is badly
in need of repair or replacement as well as new facilities for our Town Garage, and strategic long term planning is part of that agenda. Decisions made today will have long term ramifications on our residents, so communication and cooperation with the
members of the Town Board and employees, and developers is my vision as the key to success. Scott T Ostrander: 1) Budget issues - Secure a solid budget. 2) Transparency create a solid working relationship with the board members and the town.3)
Lack of leadership-Create a Liaison between the board members and the town employees.4) Economic Development- secure businesses to come into our town to help with our taxes.5) Create a grant writer to secure money for the town.
Biographical Information
Barbara A Kerr (RFM)Retired Skidmore College
Education Shaker High School Albany Business College
Scott T Ostrander (REP, CON, IND) Retired police officer Education High school diploma. Associates degree Criminal justice
Experience and Qualifications 1 Year Miltion Planning Board Zoning Committee for Abandon Cars and Solar Displays Six Years Milton Town Councilwoman
Experience and Qualifications Public servant past 30 years. Good people skills, able to solve difficult problems, good working relationship with the public Key Endorsements Jim Tedisco, Elise Stfanik.
Key Endorsements Upstate Conservative Coalition. Party Endorsements Reform
Party Endorsements Republicans, Independent, Conservative
Campaign Phone (518) 369-5271 Campaign Mailing Address 220 Stone Church Road Ballston Spa, NY 12020 Campaign Email bkerr@skidmore.edu
For more information Life long resident for 50 years Campaign Phone (518) 470-0484 Campaign Mailing Address 617 Sunny Lane Ballston Spa,NY 12020 Campaign Email Ostrander12020@gmail.com
Scott.
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
NEWS 15
Saratoga County - Wilton Town Justice Town courts have jurisdiction over a broad range of matters, including vehicle and traffic matters, small claims, evictions, civil matters and criminal offenses This information is provided by the League of Women Voters of Saratoga County through its website Vote411.org, an electronic voter guide for county, town and city races in the November 2017 general election.
What unique qualifications do you have that makes you a good candidate for this office? Eric D Rosenberg Wilton is a diverse and growing community; different town then it was even just a few years ago. Along with such growth comes more frequent and complicated issues. I have the types of qualifications and experience one would expect of a Town Justice in a community of over 16,000 residents. I have a legal education, having graduated in 1994,
Magna Cum Laude, from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law, located in Fort Lauderdale (Davie), Florida. I have been a lawyer (Florida) and a member in good standing of The Florida Bar since 1994. It is important to not only know the law, but to know how to interpret and analyze the law, tempered with common sense and a respect for the community.
Biographical Information
Eric D Rosenberg (DEM, WF, IND) Dealer in Antiques, Collectibles and Art
Gerald Worth (REP, CON) Town Justice
Education Juris Doctor (Law Degree), Magna Cum Laude, in 1994 from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law, located in Fort Lauderdale (Davie), Florida. Member, Nova Law Review, 19921994. Graduated from Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree
Education Saratoga Springs High School Office of Court Administration Classes
Experience and Qualifications Licensed attorney in the State of Florida since 1994 and currently a member in good standing of The Florida Bar. Owner of Star Title Services, Inc., 1999 to 2006. Licensed as a Florida Certified Public Accountant (CPA) from 1980 to 2004. Licensed as Florida Certified Residential Contractor from 1986 to 2004. Licensed as a Florida Real Estate Broker since 1983. Party Endorsements Wilton Democratic Committee. Working Families Party. Public Servants For more information Contact Eric D. Rosenberg at RosenbergFor WiltonTownJustice@gmail.com Campaign Mailing Address 16 Craw Lane, Gansevoort, NY 12831
Experience and Qualifications 39+ years experience as Wilton Town Justice Educated in NY State Law Party Endorsements Republican and Conservative Campaign Mailing Address 14 Hearthstone Drive Wilton, NY 12831 Campaign Email gzabala@verizon.net
Prior to becoming a lawyer, among other things, I was an accountant and held a license as a Florida Certified Public Accountant for more than 20 years. I have chosen to run for Wilton Town Justice as a way of using my experience for the benefit of our community. Gerald Worth I have been a Wilton Town Judge for 39 years and ten months. Over the course of my years as judge I have heard about 90,000 traffic cases, four to five thousand criminal cases, hundreds of civil and small claims cases, and probably 1,000 marriages. This experience gives me the knowledge to evaluate each case that comes before me and then enables me to apply
the law in a fair and equitable manner. We have the second largest court in Saratoga County. We take in about $700,000 each year and about one third of that comes back to the Town of Wilton. I have presided over arraignments and preliminary hearings for three murder cases, two in in Wilton, one in Northumberland. When you first become
a judge it is mandatory to receive judicial certification. I have attended both standard and advance classes for which I received certification from Albany Law School. Since then I have taken over 480 hours of additional classroom training and received certification for these studies.
16
NEWS
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Saratoga Springs Mayoral Candidates Talk City Goals Continued from front page.
Two candidates: Mark Baker (R, C, I, RFM) and Meg Kelly (D, WF, WEP), are vying for the city’s mayoral seat. Donald Brain (R, C, I, RFM) and Peter Martin (D, WF, WEP) are vying for the city’s Public Safety Commissioner position. Rounding out the five-person City Council, Accounts Commissioner John Franck and Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan, both Democrats, are running unopposed, as is incumbent Republican DPW Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco. There are five candidates running for two Supervisor seats, seeking to represent the city at the county level. They are: incumbent Supervisor Matthew Veitch (R, C, I, RFM), and candidates Patricia Friesen (D, WF); Tara Gaston (D, WF, WEP); Joseph Levy (GRN); John Stafford (R, C, I, RFM). Voters will also choose one of two candidates for city judge. They are: Andrew Blumenberg (R, C, RFM), and Francine Vero (D, WF, I, WEP). A local vote will also be held regarding the city’s form of governing to decide whether to switch from
a commission form of government to one run by a city manager. That ballot entry reads: “Shall the new city charter proposed by the city charter commission be adopted?” The vote requires a yes or no answer. There are 25 voting districts and approximately 18,000 registered voters in the city of Saratoga Springs. Those voters are distributed approximately evenly among three groups: registered Democrats, registered Republicans, and those either registered with parties other than Democrat or Republican, or voters unaffiliated with any party. City mayoral candidates Mark Baker and Meg Kelly recently responded to a questionnaire issued by the League of Women Voters of Saratoga County. Those responses may be viewed below. A list of candidate responses by those seeking seats city and county may be accessed at: http://www. lwvsaratoga.org/index.htm. Saratoga Springs Mayor Mark Baker (REP, CON, IND, RFM) Retired. Education: Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin: Habitational Resources. Experience and Qualifications: U.S. Air Force Veteran, President and Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs City Center (1983 - 2016), President of the Downtown Business Association, Saratoga Economic Development Council Advisory
Committee, Founding Board Member of the Saratoga Arts Council, Historical Society of Saratoga Springs. Party Endorsements: Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reform. Meg Kelly (DEM, WF, WEP) Deputy Mayor of Saratoga Springs. Education: Bachelor of Science SUNY Brockport, Saratoga Springs High School. Experience and Qualifications: Deputy Mayor - City of Saratoga Springs, Founder and Executive Director - Saratoga Children’s Theatre, LPGA Class “A” (retired), Editor - Saratoga Lifestyles Magazine, Author - Easy Golf. Key Endorsements Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman Paul D. Tonko, Mayor Joanne Yepsen, NYS Young Democrats, Saratoga County Central Labor Council AFL-CIO, NYS Young Democrats, Eleanor’s Legacy. Party Endorsements Saratoga Springs Democratic Party, Women’s Equality Party, Working Families Party. What unique qualifications do you have that make you a good candidate to meet the current needs of the community? Mark Baker: Proven Leadership. As the former Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs City Center for over three decades and former President of the Downtown Business Association, the relationships I
established and knowledge I gained are invaluable. My proven success of established credibility and integrity with 8 Mayors and over 20 City Commissioner allowed me to accomplish the growth and success of not only the City Center but to be the stimulus for the prosperity of downtown. I was a resident before downtown became what it is today - a vibrant, year ‘round destination. My partnership with the downtown business community and elected officials illustrate my ability to build coalitions and solution based partnerships. My past efforts have helped downtown to become “the place to be,” and business has become the lifeblood of our community. We must foster this prosperity and build upon the vibrant atmosphere and people our city attracts. I can do that. Meg Kelly: I grew up in Saratoga Springs, working in the healthcare field, teaching golf professionally, and eventually starting multiple small businesses centering around athletics and the arts. My professional experience and personal integrity provided a solid foundation for joining the mayor’s office as Deputy Mayor in 2016. City departments must work together to advance the community’s priorities, and I believe that my strengths of collaboration and negotiation are critical to achieving results. I’ve gained valuable insight into how the city’s government operates and will apply my leadership skills and business savvy as the next mayor of Saratoga Springs.
What do you want to achieve during your term? Mark Baker: I will serve as an accesspoint and voice for every resident of our community regardless of political leanings, because in our community, we are all Saratogians first. It is my goal to have a city government that is accessible, responsive and is responsible to our community. I want a strong, partnership with my City Council, focused on maintaining the trust our constituents place on us is of the utmost importance. The City Center taught me the skills required to balance a budget, and run a facility of its magnitude in a fiscally responsible manner. Over the 33 years at the City Center I worked cooperatively and created a positive relationship with all of the departments in City Hall; Police, Fire, Account, Finance and Public Works. These are the skills I will bring to City Hall next year, and ensure Saratoga Springs continues to move in a positive direction. As your next Mayor, my desire is to facilitate the continued prosperity of our downtown and the well-being of our citizens. Meg Kelly: There are specific opportunities to improve city services I want to focus on: Continue to optimize turnaround times for permitting in the building department, increase responsiveness to residents from all departments, improve collaboration with all departments by providing effective leadership. Work with public and private organizations to develop workforce housing projects that meet the needs of our community. Continue to establish the Greenbelt Trail. Establish a Downtown Parking Plan. Assist the community in finding a permanent home for Code Blue. Continued on page 17.
N OW B R IN G IN G YO U SP R IN G / SUM M ER
2 IS SUES Y E AR LY !
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Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
NEWS 17
Following the Money in City Elections by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Republican city mayoral candidate Mark Baker entered the final 11 days of his campaign with about $23,380 on hand, while Democrat city mayoral candidate Meg Kelly reported a balance of approximately $14,600 during the same period, according to campaign financial disclosure reports, provided by the New York State Board of Elections. Citizens for Yepsen, who also filed a report 11 days prior to the Nov. 7 election, has about $3,850 in the bank. Current city Mayor Joanne Yepsen has elected to not seek renomination to the two-year post. Baker’s campaign began with about $21,500 on hand in July. Financial contributors to Baker’s campaign include a handful of local builders, construction companies and developers, John Hendrickson
and Marylou Whitney, and local GOP political figures Shauna Sutton and Michael Lenz. Baker was previously the long-time president of the City Center Authority. Kelly, currently the city’s Deputy Mayor, entered the race with $6,000 on hand in July. Kelly’s financial supporters include prominent City Democrats Raymond Watkins, Bill McTygue and Bahram Kermmati, as well as current city Supervisor Peter Martin. Political committees supporting current officeholders Mayor Joanne Yepsen, Judge Francine Vero and Accounts Commissioner John Franck have also contributed to Kelly’s campaign. In the other contested race for a seat on the five-person City Council – Commissioners Franck, Madigan, and Scirocco are unopposed - Public Safety Commissioner hopefuls Don Braim (R, C, I, RFM), and Peter Martin (D, WF, WEP), reported balances of approximately $9,350, and
Mayoral Continued from page 16.
Do you support the proposal on the ballot to change the form of government in Saratoga Springs? Please explain your reason(s) for taking the position you hold.
Mark Baker: No. Any form of government will only work well depending
on the quality of people who are elected to represent the public. Meg Kelly: I am in favor of change to a Council-Manager form of government because I believe it will improve the quality and professionalism of our city leadership and increase efficiencies of city operations.
$3,500, respectively, as of their filings of Oct. 27. A local vote will also be held Nov. 7 regarding the city’s form of governing to decide whether to switch from a commission form of government to one run by a city manager. The group Saratogians United to Continue the Charter Essential to Sustain our Success, or SUCCESS, is in favor of maintaining the current form of governing, and reported about $25,000 on hand in its 11 Day Pre-General Report filing. Notable contributors to the group include
Charles V. Wait and W.P. Dake - each contributing $3,000; J.T. Roohan and John Hendrickson - each contributing $2,000; and Joseph W. Dalton, James Lavigne, Michael Hoffman, Frank Parillo, Thomas J. Newkirk, the Allerdice Building Supply Company and Mazzone Administrative Group each contributed $1,000 or more. It’s Time Saratoga! – the group in favor of changing the current form of governing in the city to one run by a city manager reported just under $19,500 on hand in its 11 Day PreGeneral Report filing. Among the
group’s largest financial contributors are the nonprofit International City/ County Management Association – who contributed $15,000, and the New York State City/County Management Association, who donated $2,500. Gary Dake ($500), and Gordon Boyd ($750), are among notable individual donors to It’s Time Saratoga! Boyd, who has acknowledged a change of mind regarding charter change in Saratoga Springs, initially donated $300 to the SUCCESS organization when it first started in 2006.
18
EDUCATION
Clean Tech ECHS by Lori Mahan Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA — On Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. the Clean Technologies and Sustainable Industries Early College High School (Clean Tech ECHS) will host the first student project exhibition of
seek
the school year at the Hudson Valley Community College’s TEC-SMART. Families, teachers, and community members are invited to come see what the students present their projects ranging from proposed activities for the Girls in STEM event, a mechanical car challenge, innovative solutions to problems identified in
find
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Mr. Ballstonian
the environment, and marketing ideas incorporating nanotechnology. Over 275 area students in grades 9-12 (representing over 20 high schools) will attend to discuss their projects in the TECSMART Atrium. For more information, contact ECHS coordinator Adrienne Snow at asnow@bscsd.org or 518-321-7274.
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Dylan Jacobs, a senior, won Mr. Ballstonian 2017. Photo provided by Stuart Williams.
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BALLSTON SPA — Dylan Jacobs, a shy senior from Ballston Spa, has been named this year’s Mr. Ballstonian. The Mr. Ballstonian Contest is a fundraiser held to raise money for this year’s prom. Mostly seniors partake but some juniors also get involved. There are five categories for this contest; the talent portion, sports wear, formal wear, spirit wear, and a clever pick-up line. Jacobs chose the pick-up line, “are you a 90 degree angle because you’re looking right.” When asked why he decided to do the contest, he had a simple answer, “I had friends who wanted me to do it. I went to it last year and thought, ‘I should do that.’ I’m really not the most popular person so it was kind of a surprise for me.” “It was so cheesy and I wanted to make sure the crowd understood it,” Jacobs laughed.
Jacobs is on the Robotics Team at school, the yearbook staff, and is in the National Honor Society. He is also an artist who displayed some of his 10x10 work at galleries over the summer and also participated in a New York City origami work exhibition. For the talent portion, Jacobs decided to do something a little different. “People know me for making weird noises so I just got on stage and made weird noises. It made people laugh, I’m not sure why. I just went up there and made some bizarre noises and the crowd loved it,” he said. Prom will be at the end of June and will have a rustic theme. Jacobs won a free prom ticket for being crowned Mr. Ballstonian. “I was a little surprised I won, but also not at the same time because I had a lot of fans. I accumulated a lot of fans throughout the contest so I had a feeling I was going to win. It was really exciting and I’m not a huge stage personality either so that was new to me,” Jacobs said.
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Saratoga Independent School to Hold Public Meeting About New Middle School SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Independent School (SIS) will be holding a public meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. to learn about SIS’s new middle school. They will be sharing information about curriculum, athletics, fine arts, their advisory and leadership programs and much more. Founded by parents in 1991, Saratoga Independent School is a New York State chartered private elementary school for children in pre-K through grade six.
Ballston Spa Donations to Puerto Rico BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District has begun taking donations of school supplies for children in Puerto Rico affected by the hurricane. They have already begun shipping boxes to those affected. Donations can be dropped off at the bus garage at 1458 Saratoga Road at any time. As of now, there is no cut off for the donations.
Ballston Spa Village Cemetery Association Halloween Writing Challenge BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Village Cemetery Association sponsored a Halloween writing challenge for local students. On Monday, Oct. 30, the students read their writing. Several Saratoga Central Catholic students participated. Miranda Constantine, Krystal Cordo, Grace Costa, Griffin Day, Anne McKenna, Sophia Russo, and Katie West were chosen to read at this event at the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa.
Soroptomist Violet Richardson Award SARATOGA SPRINGS — Soroptomist International of
Saratoga County is part of an international organization with 95,000 members in 120 countries and territories. Soroptomist is a volunteer service organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of woman and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. The Violet Richardson Award is a way to recognize girls for their volunteer service to their communities and schools. The award honors a young woman in Saratoga County between the ages of 14 and 17. To apply for this grant, email an application request to soroptomistVR@gmail.com or visit www.soroptomistsaratoga.org. Application submissions are due by December 31, 2017.
Upcoming at the Waldorf School SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Nov. 7 is a Parent Group Meeting; on Nov. 8 is the eighth grade field trip to Boston; Nov. 10 there will be no school; and Nov. 11 is Community Work Day.
Regional Robot Rumble BALLSTON SPA — Twentyfour FIRST robotics teams from throughout the Capital Region, other areas of New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire will be convening at Ballston Spa High School on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. FIRST Robotics Competitions combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources and time limits, teams of 15 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills and build robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors.
Lyndsi Wickert at Saratoga Central Catholic SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Thursday, Oct. 19 Lyndsi
EDUCATION BRIEFS Wickert spoke with our middle school students. She is a youth transition specialist from the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley and Chair of the Board of Directors for the Spina Bifida Association of Northeastern New York. Lyndsi discussed her life story growing up with a physical disability. She demonstrated that people with disabilities should not be treated differently by expressing that we all are different in some way and we all need to be treated with respect.
S.T.E.A.M. Saturday SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, families with children three and up are invited to join the museum for programs designed around science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Event is free with museum admission and pre-registration is required.
Dorothy Nolan Food Drive SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dorothy Nolan Elementary School is holding a food drive now until November 10. All food will be used to make up food baskets to help families during the holidays. Please
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bring in canned and dry goods to donate.
Family Saturday: Fish Sculptures
Story Time with the Glens Falls Symphony
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Saturday, Nov. 4 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Tang Teaching Museum will be making fish sculptures out of recyclable plastic bottles and other materials after examining Tim Hawkinson’s sculpture, The Fin Within. Admission is free.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Friday, Nov. 3 at 10 a.m. at the Northshire Bookstore, guest stars from the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra will be sharing their favorite picture books about music, they will also put on a violin performance. Free admission.
Little Chefs SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Saturday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Serendipity Cooking and Art Studio will be teaching preschoolers basic kitchen skills in an interactive cooking class. For ages 2-6 with reservations required. Waffles and Fruit will be the recipe on the fourth.
Pre-K Nature Hour at Camp Saratoga – Autumn Scavenger Hunt WILTON — A monthly program designed for young explorers, ages 3-6. Children and their guardians will go on a short walk, do a simple nature craft, and have a healthy snack. This takes place Monday, Nov. 13 at 10:30 a.m. at Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park. Pre-registration is required.
20 Saratoga Juice Bar Has New Wholesale Name and Premium Product Line SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Juice Bar has launched Legacy Juice Works, the company’s new brand name for its wholesale juice business. “As our wholesale presence grows, we believe it is important to have a universal name that pays tribute to the legacy of wellness that Saratoga Springs has enjoyed for over 200 years and readies us for national growth,” cofounder and co-owner Christel MacLean said in an Oct. 25 statement. In addition to its retail store at 382 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, the company’s line of cold-pressed juice and wellness shots can be found in over 500 locations including 104 Price Chopper/Market 32 grocery stores; 78 Wegmans grocery stores; 160 CVS stores in Boston and the New York City area; 55 Hannaford grocery stores; Whole Foods Albany; Healthy Living Market; GAP headquarters in New York
BUSINESS BRIEFS City; Peapod Home Delivery, plus Aramark and Sodexo food service facilities. The juices are also available in numerous corporate venues, coffee shops, specialty food markets, colleges and universities, food co-ops, spas, salons, gyms, wellness studios (i.e. yoga, cycling and Pilates), restaurants and hotels. Legacy Juice Works has also launched a new, ultrapremium line of organic, tart cherry-based, cold-pressed juices. The line is comprised of three 8-ounce, organic, tart cherry juices and one 2-ounce wellness shot featuring tart cherry. In the middle of a capital raise, Legacy Juice Works has plans for many other new products as well as an e-commerce platform that will allow for additional sales nationwide. The juices premiered at the Expo East Natural Foods Show, and these products have already made Legacy Juice Works a leader in the trending Functional Beverage category. Legacy Juice Works will have a strong social mission, donating a portion of sales proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Feeding America in addition to supporting health, education and wellness-related groups on a local and national level.
For more information, visit www.legacyjuiceworks. com or email juice@saratogajuicebar.com.
BSBPA Announces Award Winners BALLSTON — The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association (BSBPA), in partnership with Curtis Lumber, recently honored business owners and residents whose renovation, restoration and beautification efforts have enhanced the Ballston Spa community over the past year. The winners were chosen from nominations submitted by others in the community. On Monday, Oct. 23, at a reception in the Curtis Lumber Kitchen and Design Center, each award recipient was given a framed certificate along with a Curtis Lumber gift card in recognition of their efforts. Michelle Burlingame, the BSBPA vice president and Beautification Chairperson, Sandy Hassfurter and Curtis Lumber representative Doug Ford spoke prior to the presentation. The award winners were announced and certificates presented by Pete Bardunias from the Southern Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. The BSBPA congratulated
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
the following winners. Best Residential New Build: 9 Tomaselli Court, Chris and Jessica Tomaselli; and 3 Independence Trail, Philip and Amelia Pesez. Best Residential Renovation: 97 East High Street, Ken Fish; and 59 Hyde Boulevard, Michael and Barbara Jordan. Best Landscaping and Hardscaping Improvements: 30 Pleasant Street, Christopher and Meghan Zito. Best Commercial Interior Renovation: Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, 132 Milton Avenue, accepted by Michelle and Dan Larkin. Best Commercial Exterior Renovation: Route 67 Café, 1958 Amsterdam Road, Eran Wasserman. Best Commercial Complete Renovation: CMK and Associates Real Estate, 108 Milton Avenue, Christian Klueg, accepted on his behalf by Jamie Sittner. Best Community Renovation Project: 9/11 Memorial Park, Front Street, the Rotary Club of Ballston Spa accepted by PresidentElect Donna Dardaris and Pete Champagne. Photos of the winning properties can be found at www.ballston.org.
Former Ayco Marketer Joins Fenimore
Crisafulli, a Latham native, spearheads business development in the Capital Region and helps increase brand awareness. Prior to joining Fenimore, she was a marketing manager with The Ayco Company. Rachel earned a BS in Business Administration from Le Moyne College in Syracuse.
Saratoga National Bank Lending Gets Top Rank SARATOGA SPRINGS — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has again named Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company “Top Small Community Lender.” This is the fourth consecutive year Saratoga National Bank has received the award. The SBA recognizes the most active “7(a)” lenders in three asset-size groups. In the 2017 federal fiscal year ended Sept. 30, Saratoga National Bank approved 12 SBA loans worth over $550,000, making it the top-performer in its category for the Capital Region. Saratoga National Bank has been an SBA lending partner since 1988. Its commercial lending team covers the greater Capital Region from Albany to Saratoga counties. Headquartered in Saratoga Springs, Saratoga National Bank provides banking, wealth management, insurance and other financial services through 10 locations. For more information, visit saratoganational.com.
Sierra Nevada Ale on Tap for Food Drive
Rachel Crisafulli. Photo provided.
COBLESKILL — Rachel Crisafulli has been appointed regional sales director at Fenimore Asset Management, the investment advisor to FAM Funds, with offices in Cobleskill and Albany.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sierra Nevada representatives and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York have organized a food drive this weekend at beer taps from Albany to Lake George. From Friday, Nov. 3 through Sunday, Nov. 5 patrons can contribute to the food drive by donating canned items as they order Sierra
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017 Nevada’s recently released Celebration Ale. The food drive is scheduled at Saratoga City Tavern on Caroline Street; The Huddle Kitchen and Bar in Bolton Landing; Powers Irish Pub in Clifton Park; City Beer Hall in Albany; Slidin’ Dirty in Schenectady; The Ruck in Troy; World of Beer in Albany; Tipsy Moose in Latham; and Recovery Sports Grill in Amsterdam. For more information, email Korey Rahlre of Sierra Nevada Brewing at korey.rahrle@sierranevada.com. The Regional Food Bank can be reached at 518-786-3691 or through the website www. regionalfoodbank.net.
Author Joins Hospice House Board
Dr. Patrice Jenkins. Photo provided.
BALLSTON SPA — Dr. Patrice Jenkins has joined the Gateway House of Peace Board of Directors. Jenkins is an organizational psychologist who consults and speaks about the social and psychological sides of retirement. She is the author of “What Will I Do All Day? Wisdom to get you over Retirement and on with Living!” Her most recent work, “A Guide to Take the Weirdness Out of Retirement,” is an online retirement preparation course offered through Udemy.com. Jenkins is a part-time resident of Saratoga Springs. She joined the Gateway House of Peace Board of Directors with a desire to become an involved and contributing member in this purposeful community, which provides hospice care to individuals with terminal illnesses. For more information, visit the website www.gatewayhouseofpeace.org.
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BUSINESS
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Lithium Ion Battery Units Approved for Technology Campus by Larry Goodwin Saratoga TODAY STILLWATER — Four large energy-storage units resembling shipping containers will be installed next year in the Luther Forest Technology Campus, as part of a statewide effort to supplement
the existing electric grid with alternative sources of power. A Texas company, Key Capture Energy, announced in late October that it has received the necessary siteplan approvals from planning officials in the Town of Stillwater for its battery-storage units. The four oversized units
will utilize “cells” or “modules” and lithium ion to supply 20 megawatts of power to an existing New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) substation. Dan Fitzgerald, the chief development officer and co-founder of Key Capture Energy, said the state’s energy grid “needs to respond faster” to fluctuations in electricity supply as more projects get approved involving renewable
currently traveling and therefore unable to comment. Pending further approvals from NYSEG and local officials, Fitzgerald said Key Capture’s 1.5-acre project in the Luther Forest Technology Campus is expected to be complete by the summer of 2018. On Oct. 23, Stillwater planners conditioned their approval on the provision of fire safety training as well a letter of credit by Key Capture
and environmental future of Saratoga County,” offered Marty Vanags, president of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, in an Oct. 26 statement. He is working with other members of the county agency to move the Key Capture Energy NY 1 project forward. Vanags indicated that he is familiar with other types of battery-storage units, including the solid-oxide fuel
“We are delighted to assist Key Capture Energy in advancing this next-generation facility, which represents a significant investment in the economic, energy and environmental future of Saratoga County.” sources of energy, such as solar panels and wind turbines. The installation of individual lithium-ion battery units is part of New York’s plan to generate 50 percent of the state’s electricity needs with renewable sources by 2030. Juanita Washington, a spokeswoman for NYSEG, said in a phone message that she is
Energy. An additional 100foot buffer from Cold Springs Road in Stillwater must also be factored into the final site plan. “We are delighted to assist Key Capture Energy in advancing this next-generation facility, which represents a significant investment in the economic, energy
cells that reportedly will be installed near the Home Depot in Wilton to supply that particular store with 210 kilowatts of electricity. He also admitted to his own personal use of a battery-operated lawnmower, which captured the attention of at least a few people who approached Vanags to inquire about such a quiet machine. The Key Capture project and others similar to it are “not big job producers,” Vanags added, but they do help maintain the state’s electrical supply and, in general, stimulate economic growth in local areas. “You’re going to see a lot more these…attaching themselves to the grid,” he said.
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A Special Supplement to Saratoga TODAY • Pages 23-34
Home for The Holidays Thanksgiving inspires gratitude in many forms. It offers many of us a chance to gather around the table with loved ones and count our blessings. Some of the blessings we should be thankful for in this area are world-class providers that go to extra lengths, offering the best of nature’s bounty, to make your family’s Thanksgiving feast extra-special. On the pages that follow, you’ll find a treasure trove of tantalizing traditional temptations for your Thanksgiving table. Our year-round Farmers’ Market helps us create a bounty of dishes from our local farms. Putnam Market and Four Seasons Natural Foods helps us to create a succulent traditional Thanksgiving dinner that won’t let you leave the table hungry. Saratoga Wine & Spirits will show you the best wines to pair with all these delicacies. Also, check out the gadgets from Compliments to the Chef and gluten-free recipes from Saratoga Gluten-Free Bakery. And when Thanksgiving is over take the children for a memorable family outing to Bob’s Trees, where you can cut-your-own Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, Canaan Fir, or Blue Spruce Christmas tree. From our family to yours, Happy Holidays!
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Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Grab ‘N Go Thanksgiving
by Megin Potter for Saratoga TODAY
Finally, a few days off work but you’re dreading spending them in the kitchen? Didn’t make a reservation to go out for Thanksgiving dinner but still want to partake? The answer for your dinner dilemma is to grab ‘n go. It’s our Secret Order in advance, pick it up by the pound at their buffet, or pull a pie from off the counter, they won’t tell- and your guests won’t be able to either. “Everything here is made from scratch; the soups, cranberry relish, stuffing, gravy – it’s the real deal. Nobody will know we made it, it’ll be our secret,” said Cathy Hamilton, owner of Putnam Market, at 435 Broadway, in Saratoga Springs. Classic complete Thanksgiving meals are available to order per person, all you have to do is heat and serve. Finish off dinner with an outof-this world celestial chocolate torte, an incredible apple pie and some beautiful cheeses.
O.K., Start with the Cheese “The cheese makes a pretty picture,” said Hamilton. Served with some fruit, bread, and crackers, it’s the appetizer everybody loves. Order Putnam’s specialty cheese platter, or create one of your own. “Our experience with Thanksgiving is about tradition and family favorites. It’s also about people with a spectrum of tastes,” she said. Pop a bite of a Quebec cheddar aged for seven years, or a mild creamy brie like the St. Stephen from Four Fat Fowl in Stephentown. “It’s just this incredible mouth bomb of rich flavor – there’s not
anyone who wouldn’t like this,” said Hamilton. Her personal favorite, however, is the Kunik from Nettle Meadow, a tangy goat cheese mixed with a bit of cow cream. “It’s just delicious,” she said. Wind it Up with Wine For every $30 you spend on Putnam’s Thanksgiving pre-order menu, you’ll get $3 off wine. “You should get the wine that people like,” advises William Hamilton, Wine Director for Putnam Market. Not sure what that might be? Go with a Reisling or a Zinfandel, he says.
A Grenache or rosé wine is also a good pairing with traditional Thanksgiving fare, said Bill Schwinghammer, Putnam’s wine consultant for nearly 15 years. “Wine comes in a spectrum, so there’s some for every season. Now, it’s something heavy and warm, because it’s more comforting,” he said. Still not sure? Grab Underwood wine by the can, stick in a straw, and be done with it, said William.
Bring on the Beer By the can or the bottle, good organic hard apple and pear ciders are gluten-free and are full of fall flav-or. Find them, and a nice selection of craft beers, many of which are locally brewed, on the store shelves of Four Seasons Natural Foods, at 120 Henry Street in Saratoga Springs. Continued on page 25.
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Continued from page 24.
“We’re pretty well loaded around the holidays. If you like beer, it’s a good time to be alive,” said Michael Okon, Four Seasons buyer for 15 years. Because so many people have dietary restrictions, allergies, and sensitivities, the food-centered holidays can bring with them a sense of apprehension. “It’s the feast day among feast days. How do you do it (and appreciate it) without the hangover?” asks (and answers) Four Seasons owner Rich Frank. Alternative Answers If you’re looking for some non-alcoholic refreshments, Four Seasons has raw, organic, sparkling kombucha on tap, and in the refrigerator case, carries a variety of dairy-free milks and eggnog. Good quality coffees, such as Lucy Jo’s coffee, roasted in Salem, and a large selection of high quality Celebration
Herbals teas delight the taste buds. More and more vegetarian, vegan, and raw alternatives are making clean eating, even during the holidays, easier than ever. “Instead of traditional superprocessed foods, it’s less refined, nutrient dense, nutrient-rich food,” said Frank. Whether you’re grabbing a raw chocolate bar made by Saratoga Chocolate Co., a bag of cranberries, or a bunch of cauliflower, you can be sure that it meets Four Seasons uncompromising high standards. “If you know our standard, you don’t have to look anymore,” said Frank Spice it Up It’s easy to create special taste sensations with Four Seasons’ hundreds of spices from all over the world. Sold in bulk, the lack of excessive packaging results in a much cheaper price for spices here than can be found in supermarkets.
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Organic and non-radiated, these spices will achieve better flavor and maintain more of their nutritional aspects as well, explained Frank. Keep it Going Picking up products that aid in digestion is always a good idea with a big Thanksgiving meal. The probiotics and enzymes in Four Seasons Saratoga Fermentorium line of naturally fermented pickles are a new option for your table this year. Rounding out your shopping trip with all natural cleaners and soaps, to ensure you and your guests are happy at home, or just grabbing that one thing that makes you feel truly thankful this Thanksgiving is easy at Four Seasons. “People vote with their dollars. It feels like these little decisions don’t matter, but they do. It’s a huge force. It creates momentum,” said Frank.
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Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Be Thankful for Every Moment
by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY Hello, all my Foodie Friends! Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It is time to start the preparations of items needed to create your fabulous feast. At Compliments to the Chef, we have some gadgets that can make your Thanksgiving prep and serve a little easier. Good tools are essential to good cooking just like
good tools are helpful to a carpenter building a house. One tool I think a lot of foodies don’t have or know how to use is the thermometer. It is one of my must haves in a kitchen. Undercooked turkey is a recipe for Salmonellosis! Your turkey should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees for 15 seconds. You should check the temperature in at least two places and in the thickest part of the turkey. Do not discount how much this tool means to not just you but your whole family. Pre-school age school children’s immune systems are not yet developed and elderly people’s immune systems are failing. Our first recommendation is a simple Bi-Metallic stemmed thermometer. There are others, such as digital but this is the simplest, easiest, and most cost-effective choice. It’s easy to calibrate
and if you stop in to our new place I’ll personally teach you how. The second recommendation for a must have is a Flavor Injector and there are many types. Adding some flavor can really set your turkey apart from Mom’s recipe. Our third recommendation is an Open Roaster. The one we recommend is the All-Clad 13”x16” Roaster with Rack. It is one of the jewels of our store. Roast meat, poultry, and vegetables to perfection with this versatile large roaster. Holding up to a 20-lb. turkey, the heavy-duty stainless-steel roasting pan features tall, straight sides, which help prevent splatters and spills, while its upright handles ensure a secure hold when transporting the pan to and from the oven, even when wearing thick oven mitts. The roaster comes with a V-shaped nonstick roasting rack that elevates large cuts of meat to promote even cooking. Compatibility with all stovetops (except induction) Another cool tool is a Gravy/Fat separator. There are various sizes and styles of gravy separators. Among the types is a 1 ¾ cup gravy separator that is made of FDA-approved, BPAfree polycarbonate and plastic. This gravy separator strains out fat, seasonings, and lumps for flavorful gravy, broth, soup stock, au jus, and sauce with lower fat and calories The BPA-free polycarbonate and plastic structure resists breakage and is heat-safe to 248-degrees Fahrenheit. It has a large handle that allows for a safe grip; the pierced lid strains out
lumps and larger food bits with a low-set spout that pours flavorful liquids without the fat; drip-free spout for easy, mess-free pouring. The fat separator also has a widemouth opening and markings in milliliters and cups (from ½-cup) makes straining and measuring easy; microwave safe for easy reheats. The fat separator is easy to use and is great for everyday or holiday meals and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning At the Reardon household everyone has a job to do including doing the dishes, even the family dog who is great for cleaning anything dropped on the floor. Well, there is one person who seems to get out of working every year and her name is Gretta Garbo. She is a cat who oversees the whole operation from her plush tower of rugs. My son John has taken
over the job of head carver and my daughter Aubrey is our great pastry chef. Paula and I look forward to this day every year now that our children are older. Cherish your moments together. Remember my Foodie Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen!” Stop by and fulfill your holiday culinary needs at Compliments to the Chef ’s new location of 33 Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs. Take care, John and Paula.
Two Days to Save at Stewart’s Shops Ice cream cone, Donut Discounts to Recognize Upcoming Holiday and Election Day Election Day – T uesday, November 7 Do-Nut Forget to Vote! There will be 50¢ donuts (all day, any flavor) on Election Day at Stewart’s Shops to remind customers to head to the polls.
Veterans Day – Saturday, November 11 All Stewart’s customers will be able to enjoy a 50¢ single scoop cone in honor of our veterans and those who continue to serve our country. Promotion runs all day, November 11, at all shop locations. Founded in 1945, Stewart’s Shops is an employee and
family-owned convenience store chain based in Saratoga Springs. Stewart’s is known for New York State’s Best Milk, as well as ice cream, coffee, Easy Food; gasoline, and other convenience items. Today there are over 330 Stewart’s Shops located in 31 counties across upstate New York and southern Vermont.
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
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Wine Pairing for that Perfect Holiday Meal
by Gerard Moser for Saratoga TODAY The holiday season is right around the corner, and the owners and staff of Saratoga Wine and Spirits are ready to assist you in pairing the perfect wine with your holiday meal. We always recommend that first and foremost you drink what you like. Wine Spectator agrees, suggesting you choose a wine that you would like on its own, independent of the meal with which it is served. This advice sounds obvious, but sometimes the myriad food and wine pairing “suggestions” bog us down with rules rather than opening up possibilities. Don’t be afraid to experiment to discover your own favorite combinations. While wine and food pairing is neither an exact science nor are there concrete rules, we can make some suggestions. Often pairings emphasize opposing taste profiles (sweet and sour; fruity and dry). We often do this with food by adding spicy sausage to a stuffing, which will contrast and enhance the mild flavor of the turkey; the same strategy can work with wine and food pairings. Generally speaking, wine should be sweeter than the food it accompanies – but it is subjective: What is sweet to one palate will not read
the same to another. This is one reason why Saratoga Wine and Spirits hosts weekly wine tastings – join us, and discover your new favorite varietal! Traditionally prepared turkey with thyme, sage and cranberry do well with fruit-forward Zinfandels such as Rosenblum. A Grenache-based wine is always a great choice: Chateaunuf de Pape is one of our best sellers because it beautifully complements traditional fare. If you are looking for a contrast, the spice of a Syrah may balance and enhance the herbs and velvet gravy; for a different pop, try a full-bodied Rosé. Traditional meals also nicely pair with Chardonnays, such as a Petite Chablis, a full-bodied white with some acidity. Many of our customers love a full-body domestic Pinot Grigio or medium body Italian Pinot Grigio - both delicious possibilities that add a bit of fruitiness and acidity to a meal. Rieslings such as Trimbach are also excellent choices, and Saratoga Wine and Spirits carries labels from the very dry to those with an elegant sweetness - there is a Riesling for every palate! Let’s not forget that many of us like to bring a little individuality to traditional meals, and experiment with fried, smoked, or barbecue turkey, and a variety of less traditional side dishes, like roasted root vegetables finished with a Cajun spice, or horseradish-infused, whipped sweet potatoes. Each variation is punctuated by different spices, and will differently pair with wines across a spectrum of fruity, bold, dry, spicy, medium body or full body. For example, unlike what the name implies, fried turkey is lower in fat due to the steam layer that repels absorption
of the cooking oil. You will find that the turkey will have increased moisture, and because it will not hold spices like a roasted turkey, the flavor will be more intense and cleaner. With more subdued spices, we look to wines with structure, but that will not overwhelm the turkey, so let’s not forget the sparkle! Hard cider and sparkling wines, such as Tattingers Champagne or Abbese Rose` Cremant, are very popular, complement dishes like fried turkey, and make a fun and refreshing addition to your holiday table. New to Saratoga Wine and Spirits is Saratoga Apple Hard Cider – fast becoming a customer favorite. We also carry a variety of Prosecco and Cava, Italian and Spanish sparkling wines. Smoked or barbeque turkey turns us in yet another direction, with Sangiovese-based “Super Tuscans,” Rioja, and
Malbec enhancing the depth of smoky and barbeque flavors. When serving roast beef or game, we suggest Cabernet and Bordeaux to complement the stronger flavors of these meats. This year also saw the return of Merlot. Today’s Merlots are not like the Merlots of the 90s, which tended to be overly fruity. Saratoga Wine and Spirits carries Merlots with complexity and depth, such as Greystone, a
customer favorite. Remember, when it comes to wine and food, there are no rules - only suggestions. Experiment with food and wine pairings this holiday season, and design your signature twist on the merriment! From all of us at Saratoga Wine and Spirits, we wish you all a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season. We look forward to helping you discover a new taste to ring in the season!
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Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Farmers’ Market Holiday Dishes Evoke Family Roots
by Himanee Gupta-Carlson
for Saratoga TODAY Marcie Place, owner of The Chocolate Spoon, fills her
stall at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market throughout the year with festive treats: tahini-dark chocolate chip cookies, Turkish coffee shortbreads, saffron and citrus teacakes, and ma‘amoul, a rosewater infused shortbread style cookie with a filling of walnuts and cinnamon sugar. Baked into these treats is a love for her heritage, which is part-Syrian. “My father’s family came to America from Syria in the 1940s,” says Place. “He spent much of his childhood with his Syrian aunts learning the fine art of Syrian bread-making. He spent many Sundays
watching them make large loaves of Syrian bread, lathered in butter and piled high in wooden bushel baskets. Later my siblings and I were able to participate in these glorious day-long events.” Being Syrian also meant celebrating American holidays like Thanksgiving with meals that were deliciously nontraditional. As Place recalls, “Our holiday meals consisted of Syrian rice, stuffed kousa (a Syrian squash), m‘judrah (a savory dish of rice and lentils), rolled grape leaves and ma‘amoul.” “Our family,” she adds, “is
still not very good at preparing the traditional Thanksgiving meal.” Perhaps, however, there is tradition in breaking tradition, which is what the Saratoga Farmers’ Market invites you to try doing this holiday season. While the weekly offerings reflect the best of what’s local and seasonal, the faces of those who bring the market to life are diverse in ethnicity, nationality, and culture. Stroll through the market and you will meet vendors, staff, and volunteers who claim French, German, Israeli, Syrian, Indian, Mexican, Italian,
Dutch, Irish, and other roots. How they tell market visitors to prepare the meats, vegetables, and other items they sell reflects those roots, and the recipes that accompany this story are aimed at helping you innovate. While Place doubts she’ll ever be able to master Syrian cooking as well as her father did, she says that “honoring my dad and his heritage through my baking is a great privilege to me. After all, food is love.” Foods for your feast *Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market
Ma‘amoul
Cider-braised rib roast
From Marcie Place, The Chocolate Spoon: “Like many Syrian recipes, this treat is usually passed down generation to generation without a recipe or exact measuring. When I asked my dad to teach me how to make ma‘amoul, he made an attempt at a handwritten recipe but halfway through just started throwing ingredients into the mix and telling me stories from his childhood. My recipe does have his seal of approval. Here it is, without measurements”
From Christophe Robert, Longlesson Farm: Many of Robert’s recipes involve cooking meats slowly in wine, which he attributes to his French upbringing.. The following recipe breaks from that tradition and uses local cider instead.
Pastry: Flour Milk* Unsalted Butter* Rosewater Filling: Walnuts, Dates or Pistachios Sugar
Ingredients 4 lbs. meaty short ribs* 1 Tbsp. olive oil * 1 1/2 cups apple cider* 1 cup beef broth 1/4 cup dark brown sugar 3 Tbsp. tomato paste 2 Tbsp cider vinegar 1 tsp. prepared horseradish 1 cup dried cranberries
Cinnamon
1 onion*, chopped
Rosewater
2 cloves of garlic*, chopped
Confectioners’ Sugar for Dusting
Preparation: 1. Heat oil in a large skillet and brown ribs well on all sides. Transfer to slow cooker. 2. In a medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients and pour over ribs, stirring to coat. 3. Cook on LOW for 8-9 hours, stirring once about half way (if you are there and it’s possible. Otherwise, don’t worry.) 4. When ribs are fork tender, transfer them to a foil lined, rimmed baking sheet. Skim and discard as much fat as possible from the sauce. 5. Transfer juices to small pitcher or gravy boat for serving. 6. About ten minutes before serving heat the broiler. Broil about 4” from heat for about 5 minutes to crisp. Transfer to serving platter and serve with the pitcher of juices
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Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Grated Carrot Salad
Warm Potato Salad From Julia Howard, market director: “On Christmas Eve, my family traditionally lights the four candles of Advent and then feasts on a German meal of weisswurst and potato salad.” Ingredients
Preparation
2 pounds red potatoes*, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch cubes 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided 1/2 pound bacon*, cut into 1/2-inch dice 3/4 cup finely minced yellow onion (about 1 small) 1/3 cup white vinegar 2 tablespoons white sugar 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard* 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves* 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives*
1. Place potatoes and 1 tablespoon salt in large pot and cover with cold water until water level is 1 inch above potatoes. Set over mediumhigh heat until boiling. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until a paring knife can be inserted into potatoes with no resistance, 10-15 minutes. Strain potatoes and set aside. 2. While potatoes are cooking, place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove bacon to a paper towel lined plate, leaving as much rendered fat in the pan as possible. Pour out all but about 3 tablespoons of fat from pan. 3. Add onions to pan with bacon fat and cook over medium heat until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. 4. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, mustard, 2 teaspoons of salt, and pepper to make the dressing. 5. Place potatoes, bacon, onions, parsley, and chives in a large bowl. Add dressing and toss gently to combine. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve immediately while still warm.
Cheese and Onion Rolls From Julia Howard, market director: “On Christmas Eve, my family traditionally lights the four candles of Advent and then feasts on a German meal of weisswurst and potato salad.” Ingredients 1 dozen rolls, partially baked, with tops that can be easily split 1 onion*
Preparation 1. Heat oven to 425F. 2. Using a knife, slit tops of roles into halves or quarters, about one-third of the way through.
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated*
3. Dice onion and saute in butter or olive oil until soft.
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or a fresh jalapeno*, serrano, or sweet red frying pepper*, diced
4. Turn heat off underneath pan and add cheese, pepper and cumin. Gently mix with spoon until combined.
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
5. Spoon mixture into slit areas of rolls. After all of the rolls have received a fair share of the mixture, spoon the rest over the tops. 6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until browned.
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons white balsamic vinegar 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon 1 Tablespoon minced shallot* 1 teaspoon honey ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper ¼ cup olive oil* 1¼ pound carrots*, peeled and shredded 1 cup chopped fresh parsley* Directions: 1. In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, tarragon, shallot, honey, and cayenne. Let sit for 10 minutes. Whisk in the oil until emulsified, then add the carrots and parsley. Stir until evenly coated. Season with cayenne pepper. Serve or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
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Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
No Substitutions: Just Take the Food, or Send it on to the Right
by Judith White for Saratoga TODAY My Plymouth foremothers had it easy on that first Thanksgiving. The main course of venison and rabbit was cooked on the barbie outside (by the men, of course) and the video-deprived kids hadn’t heard of Disney, so there were no cries of “YUCK, Mom, that’s Bambi and Thumper!” Historians now confess that if there was turkey on the menu, it likely was stewed with some wild onions and limp cabbage in the 1621 version of the crock-pot. Maybe the appetizer was dried smoked codfish, prepared well in advance of the feast. Local guests likely brought their own version of fast food: pemmican (venison pounded with cranberries and dried), as a hostess gift. Those moms didn’t have to bribe the kids to eat their squash or peas, since there were few vegetable varieties available. “Just one bite of your Jerusalem artichoke puree,” the moms may have urged,” and then you can have your whortleberry pudding.” Yup, these women didn’t roll pie crusts for pumpkin and apple pies, since neither vegetable nor fruit were yet available. Corn or a nice succotash medley, you say? Nope; only maize was
in supply: hard, tasteless stuff that was boiled into porridge or pounded into a sort of flour for a mealy bread, both of which could be accomplished the day before. The women didn’t even have to clean up after the picnic: shells and hides and feathers were carried away as wampum favors by the native guests. There were no forks, and diners shared their wooden trenchers (rough plates), so the dishes were done in no time. And guess what? No one dictated the time dinner would be served as the 20-minute window during half-time of the game. Dinner was served after the blessing, and the feast continued until the food was gone. There were no paid holidays, so the guests had to leave that same evening to get back to their regular hunting jobs. No one spent the night. No clean sheets required. Sure, weapon-bearing guests using English as a second language and smeared with bear grease might have presented an intercultural challenge, but it’s likely these guests didn’t limit the menu with advance warnings of their dietary preferences and restrictions. To our knowledge, Massasoit had no food allergies, and none of his relatives were vegans. Neither guests nor hosts kept Kosher, and since this was a “first annual” harvest observance, the hosts didn’t worry about insulting anyone’s holiday traditions. The hostesses used local supplies or imports from known sources, thus keeping themselves above possible accusations of buying from companies that just might have investments in third world countries. Those Pilgrim homemakers had no idea how complicated their harvest festival would become for their 21st century progeny. Just last week a friend e-mailed to ask what foods might be appropriate for an American-born Indian Hindu and
his half-Jewish son who would be guests at Thanksgiving dinner. I recommended tofu turkey, but cautioned that no oyster dressing be served. My personal Thanksgiving challenge came many years ago, when I produced a feast for family and guests who presented a host of dietary challenges. My son was highly allergic to proteins from nuts, legumes, beef, eggs and chicken, and my Korean-born daughter was lactose intolerant. My mother-in-law became deathly ill whenever she ate turkey (particularly if prepared by me), and the grad student/babysitter staying with us was vegetarian AND Kosher in her diet. Also coming to enjoy this traditional American Thanksgiving dinner was a lovely teacher from England, who gave advance warning that she was diabetic and also sensitive to sulfites that might be present in cheese or wine. And was I aware that it’s dangerous to cook dressing inside the bird? My husband and his father represented generations of their family who considered cranberries
suitable for trimming Christmas trees, thought potatoes should have been left in Ireland, and who never permitted foods prepared with vinegar or mayonnaise to pass their lips. I have photos commemorating that feast, showing a turkey and turkey-eaters at one end of the long table, and my mother-in-law presiding over a roast chicken and a variety of salads, cranberry dishes and egg-free, yogurt-enriched vegetable casseroles at the other. The grad student’s place setting was Kosheracceptable plastic made by Dixie. The sweet potatoes sat nakedly
without marshmallows, in deference to insulin shock. A large bowl of plain white rice sat like an objective referee in the middle, beside a dish of ratatouille, being eyed skeptically by my daughter. She later informed me that NO ONE serves anything made with eggplant on Thanksgiving. I remember little of the actual event, having decided to finish off the wine well in advance, just in case it contained sulfites that might harm the teacher. I never made it to the whortleberry pudding.
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
31
Creating a Beautiful Thanksgiving Table
by Haley Grant for Saratoga TODAY Thanksgiving is a time of giving thanks, surrounding yourself with loved ones, and indulging in the abundance of the savory turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and the pool of gravy. However, if you are hosting the holiday dinner this year, you may be wondering, or perhaps even stressing, about how to prepare the perfect Thanksgiving table to go with your perfect meal. It turns out that this part of your to-do list can be a fun and easy way for you to impress your guests with your newly discovered creative side. Many may agree that the perfect Thanksgiving centerpiece begins with the perfect floral arrangement. This Thanksgiving, head over to Posie Peddler on West Avenue, a familyowned and operated flower market with the ideal seasonal arrangement for any table. Posie Peddler prides itself in its wide variety of flowers, as well as its creative designers who are eager to help you find exactly what you are looking for. Make Posie Peddler your first stop in your table decorating to find your floral arrangement and your creative inspiration. Now for the fun part of creating your centerpiece, or for those who
may not be too in touch with their creative side as others, perhaps the scary part of creating your centerpiece. Fear not, there are a variety of ways to perfect your Thanksgiving table décor with even just the untouched contents of your house. You could compliment your festive floral arrangement perhaps with homemade candle centerpieces. One option is to simply fill a vase with green lentils, red beans, and corn kernels and complete the look with a candle on top. This candle centerpiece is quite simple and puts the forgotten contents of your kitchen cabinet to good use. If you find your kitchen to be void of anything that will not be crucial in your Thanksgiving cooking marathon, simply collect a few mason jars and place candles in them. Complete the look by heading over to your nearest Michaels and purchase floral décor. This will give your table the final festive finishing touches, while requiring little effort or stress. Plans on having a kids’ table at your dinner? This is a great opportunity to encourage your child’s involvement with this year’s dinner. Take a break from the chaotic cooking and make your table decorating more of a family affair with very little extra work. During your next trip to the grocery store, pick up a few miniature pumpkins. While you are busy around the house, your children will be preoccupied for quite a while decorating the miniature pumpkins with markers or paint. Display their work of art in the center of the kid’s table this year to keep them even more enthusiastic knowing they contributed to the festivities. Whether you consider yourself an arts and crafts enthusiast or admit to not having an ounce of creativity in you, you will find that creating your perfect Thanksgiving table can be a wonderful stress relief and a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
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Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Gluten Free Thanksgiving Pumpkin Dip 15 oz canned pack pumpkin 1- 8oz brick softened cream cheese 1 large container marshmallow fluff 1 tsp.cinnamon 1 tsp. fresh orange zest Mix in mixer. Then chill 2 hours minimum. Serve with gluten free shortbread, graham crackers, or gingersnaps.
Broccoli Casserole In a 9x13 greased pan, place: 2 packages frozen chopped broccoli, cooked and drained Mix and pour over the broccoli: 1 can gluten free cream of mushroom soup 2 eggs well beaten 1 cup Hellmans mayonnaise 1 cup cheddar, grated 1 tbsp onion flakes Top with: 3 or more slices cubed gluten free bread, mixed with 1 stick melted butter. Bake at 400 for 20-25minutes until golden brown.
Cranberry Orange Relish 1 bag fresh cranberries 1 whole navel orange (sectioned with seeds removed- leave rind on) 1 apple, optional ž-1 cup sugar Puree the first 3 ingredients through the food processor. Stir in the sugar. Let marinate in refrigerator 2 hours if possible.
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
33
Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree
by Haley Grant for Saratoga TODAY I remember the day my family and I would go to get our Christmas Trees as one of the most magical days of the year while growing up. Every year, my parents would herd my siblings and I into our minivan, complete with a large assortment of snow gear. After about an hour drive, which always seemed more like three, we would arrive at the Christmas tree farm where we made an appearance every year. I remember the snow crunching beneath my little feet as I ran with my siblings and cousins through the forest of Christmas trees, searching for that year’s perfect tree. The cheers and jittery sprints as my father and uncle both chopped down the chosen trees echoed off the surrounding white abyss. This freezing cold expedition would always conclude with returning to the tree farm lodge for a cup of hot chocolate. I remember sleeping the entire way home with our magnificent tree displayed proudly on top of the car. Years later, I am still able to remember this wonderful family tradition as one of the happiest moments of my childhood. Choosing the perfect Christmas tree should be a magical experience that remains in the memory of both you and your family for years to come. This can be easily achieved by being sure you go to the right place this year to find your tree. For a special holiday experience for the entire family, head over to Bob’s Trees this year in Hagaman for your Christmas tree and have a great time while doing it. Bob’s Trees has served as a Christmas Tree destination and tradition since 1942. They have a large selection of Balsam and Fraser Fir fields that are guaranteed to have just the tree you
are looking for. What makes Bob’s Trees unique is that you have the option to purchase either a pre-cut tree or cut your own. Doug Eaton, the owner of Bob’s Trees, describes another unique option they offer, explaining, “We are also different from other Christmas tree places since we allow families to come out in September to tag their Christmas tree before they come to cut it down.” Along with their large selection of Christmas trees, Bob’s Trees also sells handmade wreaths, kissing balls, and garland, perfect for making your home festive this holiday season. Bob’s Trees Wreath Room manager says, “My favorite thing about the holiday season is the hustle and bustle.” With the option to either cut your own tree or purchase a precut tree, as well as the handmade decorations offered, Bob’s Trees definitely experiences the “hustle and bustle” of
the holiday season. If you choose to cut your own tree this year, Bob’s Trees will provide you with a map and a saw upon arrival, before sending you outdoors to find your tree. This is a wonderful opportunity to have fun in the great outdoors with the entire family and feel the sense of accomplishment knowing that you picked and cut down your own tree. At Bob’s Trees, the holiday fun is not only in hunting for the perfect tree, but in the Christmas activities that are offered as well. Eaton explains that many families return every year to Bob’s Trees because it is “the unique family fun environment that keeps them coming back.” The unique entertainment that Bob’s offers includes the opportunity for you and your loved ones to meet Santa Claus. Santa will be walking around the tree farm this year, and is more than
happy to take pictures with children and their families. Of course, where there is Santa Claus there are his reindeer as well. Two of Santa’s reindeer will be at Bob’s Trees this year for you to see and pet. Perhaps you may decide to treat yourself to a warm cup of hot chocolate while enjoying a tractor drawn wagon ride through the fields. The possibilities for a day of family fun are endless at Bob’s Trees. Sam, Bob’s Trees office assistant, says, “My favorite thing about the holiday season would have to be the chaos it brings; there’s never a dull moment.”
Be sure after your pick your tree, that you take part in all of the fun and excitement that Bob’s has to offer. Finding the ideal Christmas tree is much more than simply purchasing a tree. It is a long-lasting tradition that you and your children will be able to cherish always. “My favorite part of the holiday season,” says Eaton, “is that it’s nice to have gotten to know certain families and individuals that come back year after year”. Make this holiday season special at Bob’s Trees for not only you and your family, but for the entire community as well.
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Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
November Bird Feeding
by Peter Bowden for Saratoga TODAY Winter is just around the corner and it’s time to get our bird feeding stations ready. Nothing livens up a cold winter day like wild birds flitting and darting to and from your bird feeder. If you’re going to give bird feeding a try, the first thing you’ll need is a bird feeder. It’s a fact of life that feeding the wild birds attracts squirrels. You’ll want a feeder that can discourage squirrels Some feeders use the weight of the squirrel on the perch to move gates that cover the feeding ports. Small wild birds aren’t heavy enough to activate the mechanism but squirrels are. This is the bird feeder I use called the Yankee Dipper. Why do I like this feeder so much? The more your feeder holds, the less often you’ll need to fill it. This is something you’ll appreciate during the coldest days of winter. The Yankee Dipper holds 5 lbs. of seed. Equally important, it is easy to disassemble so it is easy to clean. It is also cleverly designed to stop squirrels. The Yankee Dipper is long enough so squirrels can’t reach the feeding ports when hanging by their rear legs from the top of the feeder. The perches at the feeding ports are spring loaded. They are strong enough to support perching birds but dip down under the weight of a squirrel. The only damage the squirrels have done to my Yankee Dipper is to the metal lid. Not bad for 15 years on the job. To get the most enjoyment out of wild bird feeding, make sure you invest in a good bird feeder. It is better to buy a good one that the squirrels can’t destroy than to keep replacing cheaper ones...in the long run a good feeder is less expensive and you also get the satisfaction of
Wash then sterilize with bleach.
Tufted Titmouse
Blend in 50% black sunflower.
Toss seed on the ground for Cardinals.
watching squirrels slide off the feeder without getting a snack. If you already own a bird feeder, now is the time to get it all cleaned up for the season. We need to keep the feeders clean to keep the birds healthy. The feeder attracts all the birds to only a few feeding ports so it is important to keep those ports clean. They are all eating from the same plate so to speak so is best to keep that plate clean. Wash your feeder in very hot soapy water. After it is clean, soak all the feeder’s parts in a mix of 1 part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water. This will kill any germs. Let it dry thoroughly and reassemble. Now you’re all set to fill it up. To endure such unrelenting cold, winter birds need to stay active.
Calories and protein fuel this activity. Black Oil Sunflower is higher in calories per pound than Grey Striped Sunflower. Black oil sunflower is grown almost exclusively for wild bird feeding. I’ve found that the smaller black oil sunflower kernels are more easily handled by chickadees and other small birds. The second most important food for wild birds is fine cracked corn. Cracked corn appeals to ground feeding birds like cardinals, doves and juncos. When you shop for cracked corn, be sure you get FINE cracked corn. Birdseed is most often purchased in a blend. There are dozens of blends on the market. Be aware that many blends contain “filler” seeds that no birds eat. The most
5 year old Yankee Dipper.
common “filler” seeds are red millet and milo. Their red color increases their “eye appeal” to the humans that buy it. It’s more important that the blend appeals to the birds than to you. A 50-50 blend of a premium seed blend and Black Sunflower (left) makes a perfect wild bird blend Make sure you place your feeding station where you can see
it. It is also nice to have a tree or shrubbery nearby. After the birds visit the feeder, they’ll flick to the nearest branch to peck away at their treat. This keeps them in close viewing range so you can enjoy watching your fine feathered friends at close range all winter long. Thanks for the read
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
BALLSTON SPA 599 Randall Rd., $185,000. Peter and Beverly VanAllen sold property to Shari and Elliot Kanarek. 40 Saunders Rd., $290,000. Joan McKiever sold property to Thomas and Arielle Joyce. 16 Parkwood Dr., $248,000. Douglas, Wayne III, Daniel and Wanda Wheeler sold property to Danielle Manning. 2 Jacob St., $125,000. US Bank National Association (As Trustee, by Atty) sold property to Schworm Enterprises Inc. 35 McLean St., $270,000. Steven and Re Becca Grace sold property to Janet and Paul Anderson. 69 Jenkins Rd., $108,000. Harold Dunham (by Exec) sold property to Joseph and Nancy Ducharme. 106 Church Ave., $205,000. Elizabeth Wilson Chavez sold property to Beth Woolston.
CLIFTON PARK 1585 – 1587 Route 146, $1,356,674. Daggett Development Company LLC sold property to Guidarelli Construction Development Company LLC. 989 Hatlee Rd., $89,000. Wilington Savings Fund Society (as Trustee, by Atty) sold property to Prediletto Realty LLC. 28 Woodside Dr., $190,000. Robert Deluccia and Constance McCormick sold property to Cody Putnam. 9 Hillside Dr., $268,000. Thomas and Elaine Carrubba sold property to Thor Mault and Jessica Meyers. 139 Boyack Rd., $340,000. Inge Parlo (by Admin) sold property to John and Meghan Spring. 35 Pepper Hollow Dr. $347,500. Rose Roberts (Ind and Life Estate) and Leslie Marciano sold property to Christopher and Rachel Harrington. 12 Honey Hollow Way, $459,556. Bordeau Builders Inc. sold property to Tian Shen and Min Sun. 42 Westchester Dr., $181,443.
PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS
Meghan Spring sold property to Joseph Charron. 12 Inverness Lane, $276,000. Alexander Liang and Dequan Yin sold property to John Franciosa.
MALTA 28 Garrison Lane, $276,000. Jonathan St. Clair and McKenzie King sold property to Robert Tucker. 290 Ruhle Rd. South, $258,500. Michael and Sue Gunther sold property to Julia Urban and Alexander Audino. 27 Vettura Court, $85,000. Lecmor Residential LLC sold property to DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders Inc. 94 Pepperbush Place, $161,67. Christian Manolakis sold property to Brett Devine and Patrick Ogar.
MILTON 213 Saratoga Ave., $200,000. Spencer and Christi Tacy sold property to Lawrence and Margaret Irving. 204 Saratoga Ave., $152,900. Gary and Susan Heselton sold property to Eric Labrecque. 12 Birchtree Lane, $146,000. Bank of America (by Atty) sold property to Donald Doherty. 51 Skylark Dr., $264,500. Michael and Amy Nickson sold property to Lois Leonard. 41 North High St., $220,000. Betty Collins sold property to Bradley Martin and Sonia Yau.
1 Pinewood Lane, $152,000. Timothy and Beth Getwright sold property to Deutsche Bank National Trust Company.
SARATOGA SPRINGS
TOWN OF SARATOGA
5 Sundance Dr., $448,000. Jeffrey and Margaret Bachand (CoTrustees) sold property to Marie Hoenings.
12 Burgoyne St., $115,000. Old Saratoga Property Management LLC sold property to 12 Burgoyne Street LLC.
115 Circular St., $825,000. Rory Whelan (by Agent) sold property to Dominick and Patricia Trimarchi.
296 Hayes Rd., $88,426. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development sold property to Ethan Kilburn.
7 Liz Ann Dr., $630,000. Andrew and Alison Hider sold property to Alan Walther.
100 Southard Rd., $435,000. Lisa and Edward Mitzen (CoTrustees) sold property to Mark Regan and Hope Plavin. 104 Trask Lane, $93,000. Point Four Associates sold property to Jose and Lora Segura. 83 Brown Rd., $2,575,000. Scott and Lisa Grimmett sold property to Jack and Susan Collett. 110 US Route 4, $338,000. Karen Gage Ellsworth sold property to David Bowden and Nancy Nicsevic. 343 County Route 68, $227,500. Craig Gaertner sold property to Kevin Hume. 108 Green St.,$208,000. Georgia Dumas sold property to Doyellon Garrett. 8 Pond St., $168,000. R and B Home Solutions LLC sold property to Nathaniel Fort. 103 Cemetery Rd., $120,310. Helen Fifield sold property to Kelly Paul.
2 Lakewood Dr., $315,000. Shirey Dillion (as trustee) sold property to Katrina Jackson. 17 Salem Dr., $326,000. Thomas Simmons sold property to Stephen Burger and Carmen Vasquez.
35 STILLWATER 8 Winners Place, $253,740. Torki Rabat sold property to Kyle Bennett. Groncziak Rd., $50,000. Gabriel and Sue Raia sold property to Michael Whitney.
WILTON 16 Tawny Terrace, $120,000. T and G Associates and Tra Tom Development Inc. and Galusha LLC sold property to DEC Development LLC. 13 Carlyle Terrace, $579,000. Charles and Monika Gronin sold property to Sheri Templar. 48 Whispering Pines Rd., $165,000. Mary Mottau sold property to Justin and Kristi Pliscofsky.
36
LOCAL BRIEFS
Annual Church Garage & Bake Sale Indoor, rain or shine. Saturday, November 11, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. No early birds admitted. All proceeds benefit church youth group activities. The sale will take place at the Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church, located at 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs. Something for everyone: Antique, vintage, gently used, new. Furniture, linens, housewares, books, CDs, toys, collectibles, appliances, jewelry, much more. No clothing or computers. Bring a box to fill! Plus, home-made cakes, pies and cookies. Come early for the best selection; come back again after 2 p.m. for the halfprice sale. Free Lunch The Malta Ridge United Methodist Church, located at 729 Malta Avenue Extension, in Malta Ridge, will hold its monthly Free Lunch on Saturday, November 11, 2017. Lunch will be served at no charge from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All are welcome. For additional information or directions please call the Church at 518-581-0210. 24th Annual Big Bake Sale The 24th Big Bake Sale will be held at St. Mary’s Church, located at 167 Milton Ave., in Ballston Spa, after the Saturday and Sunday masses. Raffle tables will be available with lots more to choose from. Proceeds will be sent to Fr. Giordano Belanich, director of the Cardinal Stepinac Children Center orphanage in Port-auPrince, Haiti and to wherever the need is the greatest for the children there. Haiti is a major, humanitarian catastrophe. Food is scarce, starving children are commonplace. These people are in desperate need for help. Baked items for this sale will be greatly
appreciated and can be left at the school before all the Saturday and Sunday Masses on November 11 and 12. Monetary donations, payable to St. Mary’s Church can be sent to Josie Uhlinger, 7 E. Grove St., Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or call her at 518-885-9620. To sponsor or adopt an orphan or a family, contact Fr. Belanich, CroatianReliefServices@gmail. com or call him at 201-7451145. Hester Street A portrait of the Jewish immigrant experience at the turn of the 20th Century comes to Saratoga Jewish Community Arts on November 12 at 7 p.m. at Temple Sinai, located at 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Hester Street, a small, independent film from 1975, is one of the first films to deal with the complexities of American Jewish identity. Much of the dialogue is delivered in Yiddish with English subtitles. All the characters have one thing in common - one day, they took a chance to start over, to leave their past behind, to move to an absolutely, new unknown world with a different language, customs, traditions, and rhythm of life. They did this to try to survive and succeed and not to lose their unique identity. Hester Street brings into focus the struggles and transformations of the Jews who settled in the Lower East Side and tried to reconcile the ordered values they brought with them alongside the diverse opportunities they found. The film presentation will be followed by a panel discussion and dessert reception. A $5 donation is requested. For information or reservations, please call 518-594-8730, option 2 or http://www. saratogajewishculturalfestival. org/contact or see us on Facebook. Paperback Sale The Friends of Saratoga Springs Public Library are having a 25-cent used paperback sale on November 14 and 15. Open to the
public, it’s held in the Dutcher Community Room from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Get some great reads for the winter ahead. Cash, credit cards and checks accepted. Library is located at 49 Henry St. in downtown Saratoga Springs. For questions, call the Friends Book Shop at 518-584-7860, ext. 333. Book Fair Benefit Barnes & Noble is hosting a book fair to benefit the Adirondack Folk School at their Saratoga Springs location. It’s Barnes & Noble’s way of giving back to the community. A portion of the proceeds from your purchases will benefit AFS at no additional cost to you. Come out and visit us on Saturday November 18 or make your purchases through Barnes & Noble online (www.bn.com) from November 18-23. Please use book fair ID 12082640 for all online purchases. Share the news with friends and family far and wide and help raise money for the Adirondack Folk School. Barnes & Noble is located at 50 Wilton Square, Saratoga Springs. Vendor Fair Stillwater United Church, located at 747 Hudson Ave, is holding a Vendor Fair on Saturday, November 18 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Some of the vendors include LuLaRoe, Tupperware, Usborne, Halfmoon Massage, Books by Darrin Renner, Old Saratoga Naturals, One Hope, Norwex, Thirty-One, LipSense and many more. Get a jump-start on your holiday shopping and shop local. Lunch will be available. Free Admission and handicap accessible. Call 518-664-7984 for more information. Havurah Vatik Rabbi Kenneth Blatt, spiritual leader of Congregation Shaara Tfille, located at 84 Weible Avenue in Saratoga Springs, will present a program on “Roosevelt and the Jews”. Rabbi Blatt has long had an interest in history, especially in the relationships between U.S presidents and American Jews.
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017 In this presentation he draws on a wealth of research to explore President Roosevelt’s close working relationship with Jewish advisors, contrasted with ambivalent policies regarding Jewish immigration and the effects of Nazi policies. A catered lunch follows the program. We need your RSVP by November 15. Call the Temple Sinai Havurah Vatik reservation line at 518-584-8730, ext. 4. Let us know if you plan to attend the luncheon, need to cancel your reservation, need transportation or you can provide transportation for another member. All Saratoga area seniors 55 plus are welcome. Holiday Cheer Bus Trip The Olde Saratoga Seniors is hosting a bus trip to New York Mills, NY at the Twin Ponds Golf & Country Club. The club will feature a Xmas show staring Vincent Talarico, who sells out in Atlantic City. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy an afternoon of Holiday Cheer with a delicious lunch included. This event will take place on Wednesday, November 29. Cost will be $48 per person. Please mail check to PO Box 60, Schuylerville, NY 12871. For further information, contact Pat at 518-338-2329. Deadline will be November 8. Community Emergency Corps and Toys for Tots During this upcoming holiday season Community Emergency Corps of Ballston Spa will again be an official drop off point for donations for the Toys for Tots program sponsored by the United States Marine Corps. For 2017, we will again be partnering with the Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Office. We will be accepting toys at our station at 78 Thompson St., Ballston Spa, until December 15. New, unwrapped toys, games, books, puzzles, sport balls, dolls, snow toys, and anything for kids from infant to teens are all appreciated. Stuffed toys are the only exception. You can drop them off anytime, days or evenings. If we are not at the building due to answering
emergency calls, we hope you will return at another time with your contribution. As a reminder, toys collected in this area are redistributed right back into this area to those in need. Folks may bring toys to donate during the annual Santa Parade in Ballston Spa on December 1. Step off is at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Ray Otten, Executive Director of CEC, at 518-885-1478. Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association’s annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting takes place, Friday, December 1. The step off time is 6:30 p.m., proceeding on Milton Ave. and ending in Wiswall Park on Front St. with Santa lighting the Christmas tree. The parade has become a hometown-style holiday tradition, with fire trucks, floats, animals, kids and Santa parading down the main street of the village. The Holiday Parade is a true community event so parade participants are welcome. If your organization, group or business would like to take part in the parade that night, go to www.ballston.org to register, or contact Ellen Mottola at the BSBPA office 518-885-2772 or info@ballston.org. Bus Trip to New York City Come celebrate Christmas in NYC on December 6. See the Rockefeller tree, browse holiday windows, get some Christmas shopping done or see a show. Bus trips and excursions are open to the public, regardless of age. Bring your friends, family or grandkids. For more information call the Saratoga Senior Center at 518-584-1621. Breakfast with Santa Come have breakfast with Santa on December 9 from 8 - 10:30 a.m. at the American Legion, located at 23 Pleasant St., Ballston Spa. Make some crafts and sit on Santa’s Lap to tell him what your wish is for Christmas. All Village children are invited to join us at this event.
Send your local briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com two weeks prior to the event.
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Family Friendly Event
Friday, November 3 Story Time with the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 10:30 a.m. Guest stars from the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra will share favorite picture books about music and a short violin performance, to preview their next concert. This is a great way to introduce the very young to the world of classical music. For more information and other events visit, www.northshire.com.
Colette Trips Informational Presentation Saratoga Senior Center, 5 Williams St., Saratoga Springs, 1 – 2 p.m. Interested in traveling next year? Join us for our first informational trip presentation for our 2018 excursions. Check out our trips page for complete list of destinations. Bus trip information will be available. Schedule: 1 - 1:30 p.m. – Imperial Cities featuring Prague, Vienna and Budapest. 1:30 - 2 p.m. – Colors of Morocco. For more information call 518-584-1621.
Fundraiser for After the Fire Saratoga-Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs, 8 p.m. “The Not Too Far from Home Comedy Tour” will perform. Aaron David Ward, Tom Anzalone and Steven Rogers will provide the laughs at this fundraiser. For advance tickets at $15, contact Maureen Smith at 518-581-1823, or tickets will be available at the door for $20. Come and join us for an evening of fun, and to help support After the Fire.
Corks, Forks and Brews Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m. Raise a glass to support Saratoga Center for the Family at the Fifth
Annual Corks, Forks and Brews. Guests will sample wine, beer, spirits, and food from vendors such as Adirondack Winery, Shmaltz Brewing, Pick Six, Stella Pasta Bar, and more – all while supporting SCFF’s programs. Tickets are $65 per person and may be purchased at www.saratogacff.org/event/corks or by calling 518-587-8008.
Saturday, November 4 Wait Till It Gets Dark - A Kid’s Guide to Exploring the Night Wild Birds Unlimited, Shoppes at Wilton, 3084 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Author and environmental educator George Steele will be signing copies of his new children’s book. Steele will also lead children’s activities at 11:15a, 12:15p, and 1:15p. For more information, visit www. saratogasprings.wbu.com.
Arts, Crafts and Gift Fair Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Dr., Malta, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Malta Department of Parks and Recreation will be hosting their annual Arts, Crafts and Gift Fair. Over 60 vendors will be on hand for your holiday shopping pleasure. This highly attended show has free admission and free parking. Call the center at 518-899-4411 for additional information.
Defensive Driving Class First Baptist Church, 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. New York State approved. Save 10% on your base auto insurance for the next three years and receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to New York State Department of Motor Vehicle guidelines. Fee $35.00. Bring a friend and fee is $30.00 each. A portion of the fee goes to First Baptist Church. Registration required and can be made by calling Ray Frankoski at 518-286-3788.
Annual Harvest Buffet Christ the Savior Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. First come, first served only. Menu: pork roast, stuffed cabbages, roasted potatoes, vegetables, salad, dessert and beverages. Take-out orders will be available. Donations are $12 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, under 6 are free. For further information, call 518-306-5754.
CALENDAR 37 Sunday, November 5 Breakfast Buffet Saratoga-Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Rt. 9, Saratoga Springs, 8:30 – 11 a.m. Now featuring eggs to order, fruit cocktail, French toast, pancakes, potatoes, breakfast sausage and ham, corned beef hash, sausage gravy and biscuits, scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, juice, coffee and tea. Donation Requested: Adults $10, Seniors and Military (Active/Retired with ID Card) $9, Children 5—12 $8, Under 5 Free, Take-outs $10. Call 518-584-2585 for more information.
Fall Back 5 Trail Race Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. Five miles on varied paths. Capped at 200 runners. Racing cap to first 140 registered. Age-group and Trail Blazer awards, raffle prizes. Register online at zippyreg.com or at iRun local on Saturday, November 4, 12 – 3 p.m. Day of race Admin Building, 8:30 a.m.
Monday, November 6 Saratoga Retired Teachers Meeting Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, Noon Prospective members, please call 518-587-5356 for membership information and luncheon reservations.
American Legion Auxiliary Monthly Meeting 23 Pleasant St., Ballston Spa,7 p.m. The American Legion Auxiliary, Henry Cornell Post 234, will hold their monthly meeting.
I.T.A.M. Ladies Auxiliary Meeting 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs, 6:30 p.m. All members are urged to attend. Those interested in becoming a member please contact IIAM35Ladies@gmail.com for information.
Tuesday, November 7 Election day Chili Feast Malta Ridge United Methodist Church, 729 Malta Avenue Extension, Malta Ridge. 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. The menu will feature chili, salad,
rolls, and cookies for dessert. Eat-in or take-out is available Donation is $8. For additional information or directions please call the Church at 518-581-0210.
conservative policies in local, state and national politics. Check us out at: www.upstateconservatives.org. We meet the first Tuesday of every month.
Annual Election Day Chicken & Biscuits Dinner
Wednesday, November 8
Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, 768 Charlton Rd., Charlton, 4 – 6:30 p.m. Cost: Adults-$10; Age 5-10-$5; Under age 5-Free. Menu: Chicken ‘n’ Biscuits, gravy, mixed vegetables, cranberry sauce, beverage, and a variety of cakes for dessert. Take-outs available. For more information, call 518-399-4831 or office@charltonfreehold.org.
Ballston Area Seniors Pickin’ Sessions
Adirondack American Legion Unit 70 Ladies Auxiliary Meeting 34 West Ave., Saratoga Springs 6 p.m. All members are urged to attend. Those interested in becoming a member please contact LadiesAuxiliarypost70@gmail.com for information.
Catholic Daughters of the Americas Meeting Knights of Columbus Hall, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m. Court McLaughlin #422 members will gather for refreshments and social time and are encouraged to bring a dish to share. The meeting will begin at 6:30pm. November is about supporting our local food pantries, so members are asked to bring canned goods and any other non-perishable items. New members are always welcome to attend a meeting and consider joining this wonderful community of faith-filled women. For questions or more information contact Regent Aileen Thomas at 518-583-2905.
Wilton Democratic Committee Meeting Ace Hardware Conference Room, 55 Northern Pines Rd. Gansevoort, 6:45 p.m. For information call Pat 917-2825297.
Upstate Conservative Coalition of Saratoga Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa, 7 – 9 p.m. We are a group of like-minded individuals determined to promote traditional conservative values in our community and beyond. Join us at our monthly meeting to discuss how we can help promote our
Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa, 6:30 9:30 p.m. Free to the public, ample free parking and please bring a snack to be shared. Amateur and professional musicians are invited to play solo, background or join up with a group. We are having a fun season with extemporaneous, off-the-cuff musical jamming by local talented musicians. Check out our web page, www.ballstonareaseniors.com Thursday, November 9
Korean War Veterans Association Luncheon Golden Coral Restaurant, 15 Old Gick Rd., Saratoga Springs, 11:30 a.m. Cost for members is $14, which includes the large buffet, beverage, tax and tip. Hosts are Jim and Cebe McConkey. Spouses, widows, relatives and friends are all invited to attend. Please phone your reservations in to the McConkeys at 518-581-7763 by November 7. For further information or an application to join the organization, please contact Comm. Roger Calkins at 518-584-3037. New members are always welcome. Annual dues for veterans are $10, all others are $5.
Kids Night Out – Fundraiser Lake Avenue Elementary School, 126 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, 6 – 9 p.m. A Blue Streaks Varsity Swim and Dive Team fundraiser. Drop your kids off for an evening of fun while you enjoy a night to yourself. There will be games, Legos, arts and crafts, movies. Babysitting and activities provided by the Saratoga High School Girls’ Varsity Swim and Dive Team. No pre-registration necessary. Just sign your child in at the main entrance. Only $10 per school-age child. Snacks and drinks for sale $1 each. For more information or questions, Contact Paul Benzon, pbenzojn@gmail.com.
38
FOOD
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Saratoga Farmers’ Market Winter Season Opens Tomorrow
Saturdays, 9 to 1 Lincoln Baths Building at the Spa State Park
by Julia Howard, Market Administrator for Saratoga TODAY As our clocks fall back and our days become shorter, it’s time for another seasonal transition. Tomorrow, our farmers and other vendors will kick off the winter season for the Saratoga Farmers’ Market by moving indoors to the Lincoln Baths Building in Saratoga Spa State Park. We look forward to our winter locale. Being indoors gives us a cozier
space. It also creates an opportunity to host special events that showcase our region’s fresh foods and local artisanal products. This winter season marks our 40th year of operation as a farmers’ market. Opening day kicks off at 9 a.m. with a ribbon cutting. We’ll feature music by Running the River, a series of special guests and community tables, and a free children’s activity hosted by The Children’s Museum of Saratoga Springs. One major change is under way: We are doing away with our market tokens, the traditional “wooden nickels.” We are making this change in an effort to reduce operating costs, and will have an ATM machine available on site. Please give us your feedback as we will have a trial period before making the change permanent. We will continue to offer tokens to SNAP/ EBT recipients, and will continue to accept Fresh Connect coupons as part of our partnership with New York state to make local food more available and affordable to our entire community.
We also will offer an expanded Holiday Market in November and December on the second floor of the Lincoln Baths Building. The holiday market will include local artisans, craftspeople, and specialty food and beverage makers. It offers a great opportunity to support local people by buying their uniquely crafted items as holiday gifts. As one of the oldest farmers markets in the area, we want our regular shoppers, weekend visitors, and area newcomers to have a space filled with amazing local produce, meats, dairy products, prepared foods, and crafts. We invite you to come to the market weekly and, if you can, to stay the whole morning. Have breakfast with us, fill your bags with your food needs for the week, dance with our musicians, and craft something cool with your children. The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through April at the Lincoln Baths Building at the Saratoga Spa State Park. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Sunshine Muffins Adapted from recipe by Jen Nikolaus of www. yummyhealthyeasy.com Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 18 mins Total time: 28 mins Makes 12 muffins
Ingredients * Ingredients can be found at the market
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
2 cups flour ¾ cup sugar 2 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 2 tsp. pie spice mix from The Chocolate Spoon* (or 1 tsp. cinnamon and 1 tsp. nutmeg) 3 eggs* ½ cup vegetable oil 2 tsp. vanilla 2 cups grated carrots* 1 cup apple, peeled and grated* ½ cup chopped nuts, optional ¼ cup coconut, optional Coarse sugar, for topping, optional
Directions
Lincoln Baths Winter Season
Winter Market Shopper, photo by Pattie Garrett
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. 2. Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, oil and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Mix well with wooden spoon. 3. Fold in remaining ingredients: carrots, apple, nuts and coconut. 4. Scoop into 12 regular-sized greased muffin tins and sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top of each muffin. 5. Bake for 18-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
ARTS 39 + ENTERTAINMENT
Yaddo Presents: Emmy Award-Winner Matthew Weiner at Skidmore
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Matthew Weiner will appear
as part of the popular “Yaddo Presents” series, an ongoing collaboration between Northshire Bookstore and the artist retreat, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 at Gannett Auditorium on the campus of Skidmore College. Weiner will be interviewed on stage by Yaddo President Elaina Richardson, about his chilling debut novel, “Heather, the Totality,” which was written at Yaddo. The conversation will be followed by a question and answer session, and a book signing. Weiner, is the Emmy
Award-winning writer, creator, executive producer and director of “Mad Men,” one of television’s most honored series. “When (Weiner) was in residence at Yaddo in 2015 we had a chance to talk about ‘Heather’ in its earliest stage--and now that I’ve read it, I have so many
Be There, or Be Square: Legendary Capital District songwriter Bob Warren performs 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 at Caffe Lena. Warren will be accompanied by his brother, Don Warren, Tony Markellis, Danny Whelchel, Matt Donnelly and Joy MacKenzie. Photo provided.
tickets which include a private reception with the author. For more information, call or visit Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, by phone at 518682-4200, or go to: https:// w w w.northshire.com/event/ tickets-required-yaddo-presents-matthew-weiner.
Upcoming Events at Northshire Bookstore This Month Upcoming Events at Northshire Bookstore This Month Northshire will host the following events this month. Except where otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public, and will take place at Northshire Bookstore Saratoga, 424 Broadway.
Paul Simon performs one of two songs at Skidmore College on Oct. 26, 2017, as Skidmore College President Philip A. Glotzbach looks on. Glotzbach held a question and answer session with Simon, whose daughter attends classes at the college. The singer, who performed two songs - "Questions for the Angels," and "American Tune," visited the campus to teach a master class to songwriting students. Photo: Christopher Massa/Skidmore College.
questions for him,” Richardson said, in a statement. Tickets are required for this event and space is limited. One Seat / One Book: $34; Bring a friend: Two Seats / One Book: $47. Other ticket pricing is available, including A limited number of VIP
KIDS - Friday, Nov. 3 at 10:30 a.m.: Story Time with the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra. Guest stars from the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra will share favorite picture books about music and a short violin performance, to preview their next concert. This is a great way to introduce the very young to the world of classical music. Friday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.: Paula Josa Jones – “Our Horses, Ourselves: Discovering the Common Body: Meditations and Strategies for Deeper Understanding and Enhanced Communication.” Jones will discuss the ways her expertise as a dancer and choreographer have shaped her work with horses and helped her to achieve a soft, fluid connection with her equine partners. The
stories, strategies and gentle exercises presented in this book build a closer and more intuitive connection between humans and horses. Friday, Nov. 10 at noon: Lunch with National Book Award Finalist Lisa Ko – “The Leavers.” Tickets Required. Venue: Hatties, 45 Phila St. Enjoy a buffet lunch while listening to the author discuss her debut novel - a finalist for the 2017 National Book Award and winner of the 2016 PEN/Bellweather Award for Socially Engaged Fiction. Tickets: $45 Lunch for one admit and one book; $60 Lunch for two admit, one book. KIDS! Sunday, Nov. 12 at 3 p.m.: Geyser Road Elementary School Favorite Books Show. Students from Geyser Road Elementary will share projects from their fourth annual Favorite Books Show. These projects were the culmination of the Parents as Reading Partners Program sponsored by the Parent Teacher Organization. Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.: Joseph Fink & Jeffrey Cranor in conversation with Mary Darcy
– “It Devours!” A Welcome to Night Vale Novel. Tickets required. The creators of the #1 international podcast Welcome to Night Vale discuss their new book with Mary Darcy from the All over Albany blog. It Devours! is a mystery exploring the intersections of faith and science, the growing relationship between two young people who want desperately to trust each other, and the terrifying, toothy power of the Smiling God. Tickets: $23.52 for one seat and one copy of the book. This event will take place in Gannett Auditorium at Skidmore College. Saturday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m.: A Night of Great Romance with Avon Authors Alisha Rai, Maya Rodale and Joanna Shupe. Join these three authors for an evening of drinks, mini cupcakes and fun as they discuss their new books. Thursday, Nov. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. - Multi Author Signing for Victorian Streetwalk. For more information, call 518-682-4200, or visit the Northshire Bookstore website at: www.northshire.com.
ARTS 40 +
ENTERTAINMENT
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Saratoga Arts Fest stages Masquerade Ball SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Canfield Casino played host to Saratoga Arts Fest’s annual fundraising gala on Thursday, Oct. 26. Titled the All Hallows’ Eve
Dark Faerie Tale Masquerade Ball, funds raised will assist the organization to bring free, familyfriendly Arts Fest Fridays events to the community in 2018.
Photos by PhotoAndGraphic.com.
Saratoga Arts Seeks Volunteers for First Night SARATOGA SPRINGS — First Night Saratoga 2018, one of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the country, seeks volunteers to help at First Night performance venues, ensuring that over 10,000 revelers rIng in the New Year in a fun and safe manner. Volunteers are needed to serve as Area Managers, Site Captains, and Hosts, for the 6 – 9
p.m. or 9 p.m. -- midnight shift. All First Night volunteers will receive a free First Night Saratoga Admission Button and a limited edition First Night Poster. Site Captains and Area Managers also receive a complimentary 1-year membership to Saratoga Arts. Volunteers area also needed for the annual First Night Button Stuffing and pizza party. The event is held at The
Arts Center, 320 Broadway, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017, to help prepare First Night Admission Buttons for distribution. Volunteers will enjoy pizza and soft drinks. For more information, visit: www.saratoga-arts.org or contact Mary Henninger at mhenninger@ saratoga-arts.org or 518-584-4132 ext. 208.
Pub Crawl for Preservation on Saturday SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation hosts the 7th annual Pints for Preservation Pub Crawl through neighborhood bars on Saturday, Nov. 4. The Pub Crawl kicks off with a 2:30pm registration at Druthers, 381 Broadway, and crawls to Harvey’s Restaurant & Bar, Bailey’s Saratoga, Spa City Tap & Barrel, Saratoga City Tavern, and Sinclair Saratoga. Each participating pub will be
offering drink specials to pub crawlers. Tickets are $35 for an individual, $60 for a couple and $120 for a group of four. All participants will receive a complimentary Pub Crawl t-shirt and pint glass with purchase of tickets, while supplies last. Proceeds benefit the Foundation’s preservation efforts and restoration projects. For more details go to: http://www.saratogapreservation.org/pints-for-preservation or call 518-587-5030.
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
ARTS 41 + ENTERTAINMENT
Pakistan Ensemble Weaves East and West at Saratoga Debut by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Tabla player Ballu Khan sat at center stage, thwonk-ing jubilant beats, breaking into contagious smiles and commanding the center of attention Monday night at SPAC’s Little Theater where the Sachal Ensemble staged their Saratoga premiere. The ensemble, perhaps best known for their role in the 2015 film “Song of Lahore,” was created by Pakistani investor and philanthropist Izzat Majeed. The “music-mad millionaire” – as a 2014 NPR interview referred to him – joined the Lahore-based group onstage for a curtain call. The eight-piece ensemble, making their debut U.S. tour, performed a 70-minute set, reimagining western based crowdpleasers such as Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me,” Henry Mancini’s “Pink Panther Theme,” and the jazz standard “Take Five” – first and most famously performed by
the Dave Brubeck Quartet more than a half-century ago. A rendition of French composer Michel Legrand’s “Windmills of Your Mind” was emotionally stirring. But it was the band’s own personal creations, imbued with syncopated dives, synchronous ascensions and a melodic sweetness that best ratcheted-up the sonic intensity. “Taxali Gate” – written about one of the gates of the old medieval Walled City of Lahore, and “Shalimar,” inspired by the garden complex located in the Pakistan metropolis known as the city of gardens, were the best of these. Khan’s tabla playing was collaboratively paired with the player of a double-headed hand-drum – called a dholak; the duo’s percussive resonance augmented by the bow-ing of a violin, the tinklings of a grand piano, and the gentle pluckings of a sunburst Gibson Les Paul. Well-placed accents were delivered by the multi-layered string arrangements of a sarangi - a small, box-shaped string
Izzat Majeed, wearing a dark suit, joins the Sachal Ensemble on stage at SPAC’s Little Theater during a standing ovation on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017.The Lahore-based ensemble performed at the venue in the Saratoga Spa State Park while on their first U.S. tour. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
instrument bowed with one hand and noted by fingers across the fret-board with the other. A flutist provided melodic accompaniment, occasionally infiltrated with short tonal flares reminiscent of the stylings of Roland Kirk - all of it held together by
the foundation-clang of the beatkeeping bells. Greeted warmly by a large audience inside the theater the ensemble’s performance was a poignant reminder, for those who may have forgotten, of the collective power of music to erase
geographic borders, melt cultural differences and served to transcend the musicians’ struggle to keep music alive under the auspices of a conservative Islamic regime in their native Pakistan, where music of a non-religious nature is discouraged.
ARTS 42 +
ENTERTAINMENT
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Ice Cream Dreams Continued from page 3.
Bay store. And I did do that. We did make ice cream there and we did sell it at the store.” Nasrani founded Adirondack Creamery at Silver Bay and with a yearning for growth found a dairy in Kingston where he was able to design his own ice cream based on an old-fashioned recipe of cream, milk, sugar and egg yolks. More expansion followed. One of the company’s primary distributors is located in Saratoga on Edie Road, and a dairy production facility in Queens enabled Adirondack Creamery to release all-natural flavors in pint packaging that could be sold at retail stores. Today, the company boasts more than a dozen different flavors and includes seasonal favorites like Pumpkin Pie, Peppermint Stick and Egg Nog, and limited-edition offerings such as Caramel Apple, made only with ingredients from upstate New York.
The latest flavor is a Syrian date and walnut creation inspired by the middle-eastern treat, ma’amoul. “I’m not Syrian, but immigration really reflects on my own personal life, my own family history. I grew up in a part in northeastern Pennsylvania where most of the people were ancestors of coal miners who came in the late 1800s and the 1900s for the same thing. They were suffering and there was famine. They were persecuted and came here to live a different life and to have a future,” Nasrani says. “My father was emigrated from post-partition India in the ‘60s in Pakistan, trying to get away from discrimination and find opportunity and growth, to have a family and be able to be who he wanted to be. My mother’s family dates back to the Mayflower and the pilgrims – and those people also came here looking for a better future - and so all of that has had an impact on me personally.” Nasrani found out about
a Syrian refugee family who started making ma’amoul treats and selling them online. “I ordered a whole bunch of them and I loved it. That’s when it all clicked,” Nasrani says. “I thought: you know let me make an ice cream flavor and see if I can put this together. The idea is that what’s unique about this is that in America we adopt flavors from other countries, put them in our kitchen and make them our own. The ma’amoul ice cream follows that same line. You know when people share food it breaks down a lot of cultural barriers. It reminds us that we’re more similar than we are different.” The label’s packaging proclaims “Peace” in Arabic, English and Hebrew and is designed to bring focus to the plight of Syrian families seeking refuge who do not have a voice. Nasrani is donating half the profits of the ma’amoul ice cream to the International Rescue Committee. The organization responds to the Paul Nasrani, owner of Adirondack Creamery.
world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. You might wonder what a love of ice cream does to a person’s personal life.
“When I met (the woman who would be) my wife, she assumed I was some boring finance guy. On our third date I told her, ‘You’re not going to want to date me anymore. I’m quitting my job and moving up to Lake George.’ I thought she was going to be like, ‘Goodbye. You’re not going to make any money and you’re moving.’ Well now we’ve been married for 12 years and have two kids,” Nasrani says. “I won her over. It’s been an exciting journey.” Adirondack Creamery’s Syrian Date and Walnut flavor ice cream is currently available at the following regional stores, with more stores to be added in the coming weeks: Four Seasons Natural Foods, 120 Henry St., Saratoga Springs; Just Meats, 1023 Route 29, Schuylerville; select ShopRite supermarkets in Albany, Colonie, Niskayuna and Slingerlands; the Honest Weight Co-Op in Albany, and Niskayuna Co-Op in Schenectady,
ARTS 43 + ENTERTAINMENT
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Former Teen Idol to Host “Totally Awesome 80’s Party” at Saratoga Casino SARATOGA SPRINGS — Multiplatinum recording artist, Tiffany, will make her Vapor debut on Thursday, Nov. 9. with her “Totally Awesome 80’s Party” that brings the sounds of her chart-topping
hits to the stage. All guests are encouraged to don 80’s attire. Also in November: celebrity psychic Rebecca Fearing - seen on the Bravo series “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” will
appear at Vapor on Saturday, Nov. 4, and country music performer Chase Bryant will stage his show on Nov. 16. Tickets for each show are $20 and on sale at SaratogaCasino.com.
week of 11/3-11/9 friday, 11/3: Alex Smith with Jake Brillhart, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 12801 Invasion, 7 pm @ Hudson River Music Hall — 832.3484 Mike O’Donnell — acoustic singer, songwriter, 7 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583.1890 Grame Francis Trio, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582 Steve Candlen, 6:30 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Super Dark Collective: Big Drops / The Coax / High Waisted, 9 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 The Wheel: Grateful Dead Tribute, 8:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Fenimore Blues, 8 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916
saturday, 11/4: Bob Warren Band, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022
Flying Rob and Friends, 8 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Hot Club of Saratoga — every Sunday, Noon @ Salt & Char — 450.7500
WeD: 7:00 PM
monday, 11/6:
hello again () 2D
WeD: 7:30 PM
Open Mic Night, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022
lBJ (r) 2D
Super Dark Collective: Stoker, Oz Alone & Devin B, Senor Sway, 10 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Glassjaw, 7 pm @ Upstate Concert Hall — 371.0012
tuesday, 11/7: JAZZ at Caffe Lena with Chuck Lamb Trio & Ali Ryerson, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Drank the Gold — trad. Irish, folk, 7 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583.1890
wednesday, 11/8:
Bushwack Anthony, progressive rock, 8 pm @ Hudson River Music Hall — 832.3484
Storytelling Open Mic, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Hot Club of Saratoga, 7 pm @ Hamlet + Ghost — 450.7287
Arch Stanton Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582
Tim Wechgelaer & Chris Carey — acoustic duo, 7:30 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583.1890
Cretin Hop, 9 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026
The Masters of Nostalgia, 8 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026
Holly Near, Brother Sun, 7 pm @ Proctors — 346.6204
Techno and House Dance party — DJ Scooter, 8:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066
Everyone Orchestra w/ Yes Darling, 8:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Frank Wakefield, 8 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Flogging Molly, 7 pm @ Upstate Concert Hall — 371.0012
sunday, 11/5: Another Spring: An Original Musical Play by Judy Wyle, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 The Oldies Show — 50’s and 60’s rock ‘n roll, 3 pm @ Hudson River Music Hall — 832.3485
(518) 306-4205 11/03/17-11/09/17
Conor MCgregor: noToriouS (r) 2D
Dirt Cheap, 10 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400
John Hill, 7 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583.1890
CRITERION 19 RAILROAD PLACE, SARATOGA SPRINGS
Fri - Sun: 10:20 aM, 1:20, 4:00, 7:00, 9:00 Mon - Thu: 1:20, 4:00, 7:00, 9:00
Thor: ragnarok (Pg-13) 2D
Fri - Thu: 12:00, 3:20, 5:50, 9:40
Thor: ragnarok (Pg-13) 3D
Fri - Sun: 11:00 aM, 6:30 Mon - Thu: 6:30 PM
Fri - Sun: 10:50 aM, 12:30, 2:00, 5:10, 6:20, 7:50, 10:30 Mon & Tue: 11:50 aM, 12:30, 2:30, 5:10, 6:20, 7:50, 10:30 WeD: 11:50 aM, 12:30, 2:30, 5:10, 7:50, 10:30 Thu: 11:50 aM, 12:30, 2:30, 5:10, 6:20, 7:50, 10:30 Fri: 10:10 aM, 12:40, 3:30, 6:45, 9:15 SaT & Sun: 10:10 aM, 12:40, 3:50, 6:45, 9:15 leT There Be lighT (Pg-13) 2D Mon - Thu: 12:40, 3:50, 6:45, 9:15
a BaD MoMS ChriSTMaS (r) 2D
Fri - Sun: 11:30 aM, 2:30, 5:20, 8:00, 10:10 Mon - Thu: 2:30, 5:20, 8:00, 10:10
SuBurBiCon (r) 2D onlY The Brave (Pg-13) 2D
Fri - Sun: 2:40, 9:30 Mon - Thu: 3:30, 9:30
The Foreigner (r) 2D
Fri - Thu: 3:00, 10:50
gooDBYe ChriSToPher roBin () 2D
Fri - Sun: 10:40 aM, 1:30, 4:30, 7:15, 9:50 Mon - Thu: 1:30, 4:30, 7:15, 9:50 Fri: 10:30 aM, 2:20, 10:00 SaT & Sun: 10:30 aM, 2:20, 6:10, 10:00 Mon & Tue: 11:50 aM, 2:20, 6:10, 10:00 WeD: 11:50 aM, 2:20, 10:00 Thu: 11:50 aM, 2:20, 6:10, 10:00
BlaDe runner 2049 (r) 2D
Fri: 9:50 aM, 11:45 aM, 3:10, 6:00, 8:50 SaT & Sun: 9:50 aM, 3:10, 6:00, 8:50 Mon - Thu: 12:20, 3:10, 6:00, 8:50
viCToria & aBDul (Pg-13) 2D
(518) 306-4707 11/03/17-11/09/17
Wilton, NY 12866 3065 Route 50, Wilton
Thor: ragnarok (Pg-13) 2D
Fri - Sun: 11:30 aM, 1:30, 2:30, 4:40, 7:40, 8:10, 9:20 Mon - Thu: 1:50, 3:00, 4:40, 7:40, 8:10, 9:20
thursday, 11/9:
Thor: ragnarok (Pg-13) 3D
Laura Cortese & The Dance Cards, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022
a BaD MoMS ChriSTMaS (r) 2D
Fri - Sun: 10:50 aM, 6:10 Mon - Thu: 11:50 aM, 6:10 Fri - Sun: 11:10 aM, 2:00, 4:30, 7:30, 10:00 Mon - Thu: 2:00, 4:30, 7:30, 10:00
Jeff Walton — acoustic folk.rock, 6 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583.1890 Hot Club of Saratoga, 6 pm @ Mouzon House — 226.0014 Cloud Lifter, 9 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Make Me Laugh — comedy night, 8 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066
Fri - Sun: 10:10 aM, 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 8:20, 10:45 Mon - Thu: 12:10, 2:50, 5:10, 8:20, 10:45 Fri - Sun: 10:30 aM, 1:40, 4:20, 7:00, 9:40 Thank You For Your ServiCe (r) 2D Mon - Thu: 1:40, 4:20, 7:00, 9:40 Fri - Sun: 2:40, 5:20, 11:05 geoSTorM (Pg-13) 2D Mon - Thu: 4:50, 11:05
JigSaW (r) 2D
TYler PerrY’S Boo 2! a MaDea halloWeen (Pg-13) 2D BlaDe runner 2049 (r) 2D
Fri - Sun: 10:20 aM, 1:00, 3:50, 6:40, 9:10 Mon - Thu: 1:00, 3:50, 6:40, 9:10 Fri - Sun: 10:00 aM Mon - Thu: 12:30 PM
44 It’s where NEED to be.
YOU
Publication Day: Friday
Ad Copy Due: Wednesday, noon
Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE
classified@saratogapublishing.com
Call (518) 581-2480 x204 ROOMMATE WANTED Seeking younger professional to share a house, apt. or condo in Saratoga Springs area. Please call Barry Thomas at 518-332-1047 (cell).
GARAGE SALES SARATOGA SPRINGS Indoor Garage & Bake Sale. Benefits youth groups. Sat., Nov. 11, 9am-3pm. Half price after 2pm. PresbyterianNew England Congregational Church, 24 Circular St. Everything but clothes & computers! Early birds not admitted.
ADOPTION Loving family from Europe, looking to adopt a baby into home filled with happiness, security, unconditional love. We wholeheartedly welcome a child of any race/ethnicity. Please contact Chantal, Geoffrey and big brother Noah, through our NY adoption agency! 1-914-939-1180 adopt@ foreverfamiliesthroughadoption.org LOVING COUPLE WISHES TO ADOPT BABY- Into a home filled with happiness, security, and endless love. Expenses paid. Call/text Michael and Maureen 917-975-9487 michaelandmaureenadopt.com
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
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
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
It’s where NEED to be.
YOU
Publication Day:
CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE
Friday
Ad Copy Due:
classified@saratogapublishing.com
Wednesday, noon
Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.
45
Call (518) 581-2480 x204 VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Over age 55 and like to Drive? We have the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. Saratoga County Office for the Aging is in immediate need of volunteer drivers to take seniors to and from medical appointments. We provide the vehicle, gas, schedule, and directions. Please call us for more information at 518-8844100. RSVP: Retired Senior Volunteer Program, helps recruit volunteers age 55 and older for many opportunities throughout Saratoga County.
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!
Urgent Need of Volunteers Got an hour? Why not give it back by spending time volunteering in your community? The Saratoga County office of the Aging is in immediate urgent need of volunteers to help deliver meals to homebound seniors in the following areas: Greenfield, Galway, Mechanicville, Saratoga, Schuylerville, South Glens Falls and Wilton. We are also currently seeking substitute drivers for many communities throughout Saratoga County. This program helps many seniors remain independent in their own homes. Nutritious meals are prepared, packed and ready for transport. Delivery takes about an hour. A training/orientation is provided. Being a volunteer for this program is a gratifying experience, seniors look forward to seeing a friendly face with their meal delivery. Please call Billie Jo or Stacey at The Office of the Aging, 518-363-4020 or 518363-4033 for details.
HELP WANTED
Seeking Tax Assistance Volunteers TaxAide, the free income tax assistance program sponsored by the AARP Foundation and the IRS, is seeking volunteers for the coming tax season. TaxAide volunteers answer questions, prepare and file returns for low to moderate income taxpayers and seniors from February 1 to April 15 at various sites in the Capital District. Volunteers typically participate one day per week, with flexible schedules to accommodate volunteer availability. No experience is required, but computer experience is helpful for tax counseling. Volunteers who do not wish to prepare returns are also needed to greet taxpayers, review documents, confirm appointments by phone, or assist with computer hardware/ software matters. Training is provided for all positions. Volunteers may be reimbursed for a moderate level of necessary travel expenses. For more information on how you can join our team in Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties contact Communication Coordinator Gail Carroll, 518-541-3173 at gcarrollaarp@gmail.com
FOR RENT
DONATE YOUR CAR
Wheels For Wishes
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.
REAL ESTATE Wooded upstate NY land with LAKES, PONDS & STREAMS being liquidated NOW! 20 tracts! 2 to 41 acres! 50-60% below market! No closing costs! Owner terms! 888-905-8847 NewYorkLandandLakes.com
AUCTIONS TAX FORECLOSURE AUCTIONS, SULLIVAN COUNTY. Homes, Land & Seasonal Properties. Online Only Ending November 8 @ 10AM at NYSAuctions.com. 800-2430061 AAR, Inc. & HAR, Inc. Free info: www.NYSauctions.com
46
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Puzzles Across 1 Alpine racing obstacle 5 Whisks 10 Thought-provoking 14 Arkin of “Argo” 15 Prenatal test, for short 16 Former “Fashion Emergency” host 17 Bug 20 Industrial Revolution power source 21 Kilt wearer’s refusal 22 Destructive insect 23 Bering Sea port 25 Invigorates 26 Bug 31 Cocoon and Posturepedic 32 Parks in American history 33 Cuba libre ingredient 36 Confident 37 Flags down 39 Cuba libre ingredient 40 Decorates with Angel Soft, briefly 41 “Now that you mention it ... “ 42 Places for French lessons 44 Bug 46 Backless furniture 49 Pallet piece 50 Put up with 51 One to hang with 53 Pro shop set 57 Bug 60 4-F’s opposite 61 Intense 62 Cuba libre ingredient 63 Part of a wine list 64 Migratory birds 65 It’s measured in inches Down 1 Some square dancers 2 Settled on a branch 3 Zap 4 Involve in a complicated way 5 Negative decree 6 “8 Mile” rapper 7 “Breaking Bad” Emmy winner Gunn 8 Buster Brown’s dog 9 Ground cover 10 Deeply religious 11 Dubai dignitaries
See puzzle solutions on page 51
See puzzle solution on page 51 12 Link between speakers 13 Reviewers of academic essays 18 Atlanta university 19 Scary name in 2014 news 24 Kitchen gadgets 25 Five-time NBA MVP Bill 26 Wordless summons 27 Do another stint 28 Couple in a dinghy 29 Superfluity 30 Moviefone parent co. 33 Othello or Iago 34 Hula strings 35 Difficult spot 38 __ carte 39 Instrument panel array
41 Cunning 43 Adjuster’s concern 44 Beverages sometimes made from potatoes 45 Archipelago parts 46 Relish 47 Chophouse choice 48 Quieted, in a way 51 Rate 52 Reason for cold compresses and extra blankets 54 Chief god of Asgard 55 Literary sea captain 56 Large quantity 58 Sign of a canine excitement 59 Bridal bio word
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: Benevolence, Malevolence Benevolence means being inclined to do charitable acts. His benevolence to the homeless was well known. Malevolence means wishing harm to others. The malevolence of a few destroyed his political aspirations. 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
48
SPORTS
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Arrogate Attempting Rare Feat
by Brendan O’Meara Saratoga TODAY The Breeders’ Cup Classic has its dream matchup: Arrogate vs. Gun Runner. For the first time all year, Arrogate (2-1) is not the morning-line favorite. Thanks in part to a two-race skid, Gun Runner
(9-5) nosed him out. Horse players, in their subterranean takeout bunkers, dig like moles for other horses capable of beating the two. They might find one or two. Bob Baffert, trainer to four horses in this year’s Classic, has three of the four favorites, which is stupid crazy. West Coast and Collected punch the clock at 6-1. Mubtaahij gets the long price at 12-1. Baffert is to this year’s Classic as Todd Pletcher is to the Kentucky Derby, at least w/r/t to starters. Anyway… What Baffert could do with this latest trip over 10 furlongs is unprecedented and coming at a point in a trainer’s career where stables tend to shrink. Baffert shoots for his fourth straight Classic, and he’s got a chance to do it in repeat, swan-song style with Arrogate. For all of Baffert’s success in the Breeders’ Cup at large, he had never
won a Classic until 2014 when Bayern cleaned Shared Belief’s clock at the start then traveled at ludicrous speed across Santa Anita to win by a head bob over Toast of New York. In 2015 American Pharoah happened. In 2016, the late-blooming Arrogate was just getting warmed up when he ran down (That stride!) California Chrome to win the Classic. In three years Baffert went from having zero Classic wins to being the race’s all-time leader. Since the Breeders’ Cup started back in 1984, the same year a tentacled Shadow Monster nearly conquered the little-known town of Hawkins, Indiana (Sorry, just got done watching Stranger Things 2), only one horse has won back-to-back Classics: Tiznow in 2000 and 2001. It’s not as if horses haven’t tried. For simplicity, let’s rewind the clock 10 years to 2007, a year Curlin won in the mud at Monmouth Park. A year later Curlin lost to—wait for it—Raven’s Pass, a European turf specialist who took advantage of Santa Anita’s Cushion Track. Curlin finished fourth. In 2010, we had what is the heart breaker of losses of the 21st century. Zenyatta, then 19-0 with Money Mike Smith in the irons, looked to end her career a perfect 20-0. At the break Smith let Zenyatta fall too far
Arrogate.
Gun Runner.
back. She failed to clip Blame at the wire. You can hear the agony in race caller Trevor Denman’s voice. By 2013, Fort Larned became the next in this relatively long line of Classic defenders to lose, this time to Mucho Macho Man, Will Take Charge and Declaration of War. Next up: Arrogate. The reports coming from Del Mar suggest that he’s training well, the best since returning from Dubai and posting two losing efforts both at Del Mar this summer. Arrogate’s win in the Dubai World Cup—subsequently Gun Runner’s last loss of the year—was an all-timer. We’ll watch that race in 30 years and still marvel at it. He broke poorly and cinematically charged around everyone winning going away. John Pricci, editor of and writer for horseraceinsider.com, noted that Arrogate’s World Cup win belongs in the same barstool talk with Secretariat’s Belmont Stakes and Seattle Slew’s Jockey Club Gold Cup, “same orbit,” as Pricci wrote. Efforts of that nature tend to bottom out a horse especially if that race is on the other side of Earth. The hope for Baffert is that a 95 percent Arrogate ranks better than the rest at full kinetic potential. The problem for Arrogate isn’t
just Dubai; it’s having run in the Classic the year before, then the Pegasus World Cup. His tires have significant wear and that accumulation is what, no doubt, makes repeating nearly impossible. The big difference between the horse that repeated and the rest is, well, rest. In 2001, the year of Tiznow’s defense, he was given a full six months off after winning the Santa Anita Handicap. He’d lose his two prep races, but he ultimately won the Classic, making it two in a row before retiring. Curlin, Zenyatta and Fort Larned kept up fairly regular campaigns throughout their final year and it cost them. Arrogate earned four months off after returning from Dubai. From our perch we can tell he needed more. But after Saturday, we may look back and say his losses—like Tiznow’s—are past us, the breaking of eggs to make a $6 million omelet. We remember Tiznow’s two Classics, not the losses leading up to the title defense. Arrogate has the power to erase our recent memory and give us something else entirely: something unforgettable. Brendan O’Meara is an independent writer and author of Six Weeks in Saratoga. Follow him on Twitter @ BrendanOMeara.
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
SPORTS 49
Schuylerville Seniors Honored with Heisman Scholarship by Lori Mahan Saratoga TODAY SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville seniors Sidney Gregorek and Derek Willson were selected as the one female and one male from New York to each receive a $1,000 college scholarship, after advancing through three levels of competition. They will now go on to compete for the title of National Finalist. “The Wendy’s High School Heisman was created by Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas in 1994. Twenty-two years later, Wendy’s High School Heisman has honored more than 600,000 of the nation’s most esteemed high school seniors who share Wendy’s values of giving back to their communities, treating people with respect, continuing education and excelling in the athletic field,” according to the official statement. The committee selected Gregorek and Willson as students who display excellence and integrity both on and off the field. To qualify for the honor, student-athletes must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be leaders in both the school and the community. Willson is currently the Valedictorian with a .31 lead over Gregorek. Gregorek is a captain on the varsity soccer team, an AP Scholar, a Student State Board Member, and was named Class B West Division All-Stars Team last fall as well as WNYT NewsChannel 13’s “Fidelis Care Athlete of the Week” this fall. Gregorek and Willson both have big plans for their futures; Gregorek will be studying premed in the fall and intends to be a doctor. Her top choices are Duke and Princeton. Willson intends to study biochemical engineering and hopes to attend either MIT or Cornell. Willson is the president of Honor Society, Gregorek is the treasurer. Both are members of the Math League and Spanish Club. Both are exceptionally active in the community as well. They participate in Relay for Life, Gregorek volunteers at the Glens Falls
Hospital information desk and coaches three local youth soccer teams, Willson volunteers and fundraises for Adirondack Save-A-Stray. As an athlete, Gregorek participates in indoor/outdoor track, rugby, and soccer. Willson plays football, baseball, and indoor track. “I was at soccer practice and [Willson’s] mother texted me right after saying that he and I were both winners. It was cool because I had all of my teammates there and we all celebrated as a group,” Gregorek explained how she found out she had advanced for the scholarship. “I was at a team dinner and my mom texted me so it was kind of cool because I was also with my whole team,” Willson explained. The scholarship has two phases, phase one was due in October, they had to explain all of their academic and athletic accomplishments. Phase two consisted of four mini essays and finding articles online that mentioned them and their athletic and academic and community service accomplishments. “It was big to me because I’ve never been the star athlete, I’ve always played more
Willson and Gregorek at a Schuylerville football game. Photo by Ruthann Thivierge
of a supporting role, I play defense on the soccer team. I’m not the one scoring goals and I’m on relay teams for track. It isn’t like I’m winning individual races. So to me, it was just really cool to be recognized as a student-athlete. Not just the academics, not just the sports, a combination of both,” Gregorek said. If Gregorek and Willson advance to the final round, each will win $5,000 toward their college education
and a gold medal. National Finalists will be announced on November 6. By making it
this far, they’ve received silver medals and each have a $50 gift card to Wendy’s.
50
SPORTS
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Head of the Fish Regatta Results by Lori Mahan Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 30th Annual Head of the Fish Regatta took place on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 28 and 29 at Fish Creek. This regatta is one of the largest in the country. Approximately 2,300 entries occurred this year, topping last year by at least two hundred more. The Saratoga Rowing Association (SRA) was successful both days. On Saturday, SRA finished fourth in race number 32, Men’s Junior U17 Single 1x; SRA placed first in race number 43, Women’s Masters Lightweight Double 2x. They also placed among the top 10 in
several other races on Saturday. Highlights for Sunday include placing fourth in race number 58, Girls Middle School Coxed Quad (8th Grade and Under) 4x; fourth in race number 59, Men’s Junior Lightweight Eight (155 lbs and under); first in race number 60, Men’s Junior Freshmen Eight 8+; second in race number 63, Women’s Junior 2V Eight; first in race number 64, Women’s Junior 3V Eight. SRA also placed among the top five in several other races. SRA is already gearing up for next years’ regattas. For more information, visit www. saratogarowing.com/sraregattas or call 518-587-6697. All results are posted on the website.
Photo by Bill DiMinno.
Photo by Bill DiMinno.
Saratoga Cross Country Classic by Lori Mahan Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Sunday, Oct. 29, 112 participants ranked in the annual Saratoga CX Classic 5K Race in Saratoga State Park. The top three overall male
winners were 22-year-old Mitch Ryan from Plattsburgh, he finished in 15:26; 28-year-old Eric Macknight from Ballston Spa with a time of 15:33, Macknight took first place in last years’ race with a time of 14:57.1; and 24-yearold Jacob Andrews from Troy, Andrews also placed third last
year with a final time of 15:27.4. The top three overall female winners were 37-year-old Mollie Turner from Averill Park, Turner placed first with a time of 17:53; 30-year-old Nicole Soblosky, from Albany, placed second with a time of 18:06; and 33-year-old Karen Bertasso, from Albany, with a
time of 18:14. Turner placed first last year as well. The 2K Race crowned an overall male and female winner. Nine-year-old Gianni Simpson, of Cornwall, was the overall male winner with a time of 8:14. Eight-yearold Anna Chrapowitzky of
Delmar, was the female winner with a time of 8:47. The 3K Race crowned 13-year-old Gordon Su from Delmar, who completed with a time of 11:38 and 11-yearold Rihanna Defreitas from Cornwall who completed with a time of 11:50.
SPORTS 51
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
LOCAL SPORTS AT A GLANCE FOOTBALL
CURRENT TEAM RECORDS
Saratoga Springs 9-0 // Schuylerville 8-1 Ballston Spa 4-5 // Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake 9-0
BOY’S SOCCER Saratoga Springs Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake
13-1-2 10-7
// //
Ballston Spa Saratoga Central Catholic
6-10 1-12
//
Schuylerville
14-4
GIRL’S SOCCER Saratoga Springs 9-5-2 // Ballston Spa 10-8 Schuylerville 12-5-1 // Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake 6-9-1
VOLLEYBALL Saratoga Springs Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake
12-21-2 14-2
// //
Schuylerville 5-14 Saratoga Central Catholic 18-1
//
Ballston Spa
16-13-3
FIELD HOCKEY
Saratoga Springs 16-2 // Schuylerville 18-0
THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE FOOTBALL:
SOCCER:
FIELD HOCKEY:
Friday, Nov. 3
Saturday, Nov. 4
Sunday, Nov. 5
Saratoga Springs vs. Troy at 7:00 p.m. at Troy
Ballston Spa vs. Queensbury at 10 a.m. at Colonie.
Saratoga Springs vs. Baldwinsville at 12:00 p.m. at Baldwinsville
Saturday, Nov. 4
VOLLEYBALL:
Burnt Hills vs. Schuylerville at 2 p.m. at Schuylerville
Saturday, Nov. 4
Schuylerville vs. Weedsport at 4 p.m. at Shenendehowa
Schuylerville vs. Glens Falls at 3 p.m. at Glens Falls Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake vs. Queensbury at 7 p.m. at Shenendehowa
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake vs. South Glens Falls at 5 p.m. at Saratoga Springs
Puzzle solutions from pg. 46 Send your sports stories or briefs to Sports@Saratoga Publishing.com
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake vs. South Glens Falls at 2 p.m. at Shenendehowa
Volume 11 • Issue 43
FREE
Week of November 3 – November 9, 2017
Saratoga defeats Shenendehowa 4-3 in Section II Class A field hockey final on Monday, Oct. 30.Photo by www.PhotoAndGraphic.com
Head of the Fish Regatta. See page 50.
Mr. Ballstonian Contestants Raise Funds for Prom Photo provided by Stuart Williams. See page 18.