Saratoga Taxi 2.5x2.5 Lo c a l
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I n d e p e n d e n t
Volume 9 • Issue 51 • December 31 – January 8, 2015
by Stephanie Hale-Lopez Saratoga TODAY
Vision 2018
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education recently heard progress reports from school administrators regarding Vision 2018, the fiveyear plan approved by the board in 20213 that focuses on planning for students’ future. During each of the five years, the district will develop action steps to achieve goals and outcomes for each school in the district. The Saratoga Springs City School District is home to a school that has been nationally recognized as having a standard of high excellence – Lake Avenue Elementary. In 2012, the school was designated a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education and was one of 19 New York state schools to win the award. ”It [National Blue Ribbon designation] was such an honor,” said Dr. Barbara Messier,
“We just want to make a difference and we’re trying to figure out what we can do to improve. We have a very committed district and board of education that help us in reaching our goal of Vision 2018.” – Dr. Barbara Messier, Principal
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Featured Stories
principal. “When you put yourself out there like that, it is something that you have to be sure you’re living up to and everybody in the building realizes that. It’s a standard that you need to live up to.” But even with such a high accolade, Lake Avenue is still evolving and striving to give students the best, most well-rounded education they can offer – part of Vision 2018. To help achieve Vision 2018, Lake Avenue created a building leadership team made up of teachers, staff and parents. The BLT then divided into four subcommittees, each with a different focus: combat bullying, enrichment opportunities, increasing the involvement and achievements of economically disadvantaged students and students with disabilities, and the physical needs of the school – like healthy eating and healthy living habits. “The BLT is looking at what can we do outside of the classroom,” said Messier. “They’ve See Vision pg. 10
A New Record!
First Night
Stewart’s Holiday Match Raises Over $1.5M for Children’s Charities SARATOGA SPRINGS — Donations to the Stewart’s Holiday Match program set a new record in its 28th season; raising funds which will help support hundreds of local children’s charities year round. From Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day, Stewart’s customers donated over $770,000 to the program, which is then doubled to more than $1.5 million with the Stewart’s match.
This impressive number was made possible by the generosity of Stewart’s customers, many regularly giving their spare change and others who contributed larger gifts, as well
Twins Sign Stauffer
See Stauffer pg. 29
Skidmore Culinary Challenge See Skidmore pg. 17
Inside TODAY Blotter 5 Obituaries Business
12, 13
Education 14 Pulse 22-24
as the hard work of Stewart’s partners and support from media partners. “Each year our customers meet the challenge of raising more funds for children’s charities,” said Stewart’s Foundation President Susan Dake. “We are so grateful to our customers for their generosity and loyalty to Stewart’s Shops.”
Sports 29-32
Weekend Forecast FRIDAY
34|19 SATURDAY
39|25 SUNDAY
See Stewart’s Holiday Match pg. 9
6, 7
See pgs. 22–23
37|14
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Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
Nutcracker Debut at Dance Museum Photos by Alice Corey Photography
SARATOGA SPRINGS – On Saturday, Dec. 20 the National Museum of Dance’s School of the Arts performed their debut production of the classic Nutcracker’s Act 2: “Kingdom of the Sweets.” The production boasted a beautiful scenic backdrop designed by Laura DiRado and over 50 young dancers from all over the Capital Region. Joan K. Anderson and Raul Martinez restaged the production. Ballerina Lilah DuBoff had an outstanding performance as the beloved Sugar Plum Fairy, dancing alongside Sam Epstein. A rainbow of intricate costumes that were designed by Kim Vanyo also complimented these dancers. This one-hour show was completely sold out for three weekend performances; even Friday’s dress rehearsal was heavily attended. It appears that NMD’s School of the Arts has started a new tradition that will be a ‘must-see’ for many years to come.
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
NEWS 3
Local Students Give Back During Holiday Season Community Groups Receive Well Wishes from SSCSD by Stephanie Hale-Lopez Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – Fifth grade students at Dorothy Nolan Elementary School had a unique holiday party in which they spread holiday cheer to the local community just before winter break. Ms. Knight’s fifth grade class made holiday placemats for Meals on Wheels, stuffed socks and gloves with non-perishable food items for Code Blue, and created get well cards that attach to coloring books for children at Saratoga Hospital.
The efforts of these students were just a few examples of students in the Saratoga Springs City School District giving back during the holiday season. Additionally, the Saratoga Springs High School National Honor Society students wrapped presents for “Be a Santa to a Senior,” a program administered by Home Instead Senior Care. The program collects almost 1,000 gifts for senior citizens who are either financially needy or without family and friends during the holiday season.
(L-R) Jared and class volunteer, Lora.
Sophie works on a placemat for Meals on Wheels.
The Saratoga Springs High School freshman boys basketball team joined the St. Mary’s junior boys basketball team to sponsor an entire family of six as part of the “Give a Child a Christmas” program. Maple Avenue Middle School students created the “Maple Avenue Tree of Hope.” The tree was decorated with cancer ribbons that included inspirational words and delivered to the Saratoga Hospital Radiation Oncology Center. In addition, more than 50 students from Maple Avenue’s select chorus and Spanish 7 went caroling at The Wesley Community.
Noelle, a fifth grade student at Dorothy Nolan.
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week in Review
Jim Murphy Sworn In as Saratoga County Court Judge
Judge Jennifer Jensen swears in Jim Murphy as his wife Laurie holds the Holy Bible. Behind him are daughters Caroline and Claire. Photo by MarkBolles.com
SARATOGA COUNTY – Saratoga County Court Judge Jim Murphy was sworn in Monday, Dec. 29 as his predecessor Judge Jerry J. Scarano’s 20-year term comes to a close. Murphy was joined by other members of the judiciary and sworn in as County Judge by Family Court Judge Jennifer A. Jensen, along with Supreme Court Justices Thomas Nolan, Robert J. Chauvin, retired Supreme Court Justice Frank B. Williams, retiring County Judge Jerry Scarano, and many other members of the bench. Murphy is expected to serve his initial months assigned to Schenectady County Court until those cases about which he has knowledge pass through the Saratoga County Court system, after which time he will return to Saratoga.
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Murphy’s resignation in September from his position as Saratoga County District Attorney prevented Governor Cuomo from appointing someone to the position, securing the employment of Murphy’s 21 assistant district attorneys. Additionally, an election for DA was held in November allowing the people to choose who the DA should be. “This 90 day unpaid ‘sabbatical’ has been a wonderful experience for me and for my family,” said Murphy. “I have never had a full break like this, nor will I again until I retire. I loved being the DA, but after 27 years of a job that is basically 24/7, I needed a break. This time off allowed me to completely rest, clear my mind, and enjoy things I’ve never been able to.”
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BALLSTON SPA – The Ballston Spa Central School District Board of Education recently appointed Kent Baker as the new principal of Gordon Creek Elementary School. “Mr. Baker was clearly the strongest instructional leader and most qualified to sustain a trajectory of continuous improvement for the students and staff at Gordon Creek and to further support district initiatives,” said Superintendent Joseph P. Dragone, Ph.D. Mr. Baker currently serves as the Director of Educational Data and Reporting at the New York State Education Department. He previously served as the Chief Information Officer for the Ballston Spa Central School District from 2009-14. His prior service included positions at the City School District
Kent Baker, new principal of Gordon Creek Elementary School. Photo provided.
of Albany, including Instructional Technology Coordinator, Technology Integration Specialist and as a 6th grade teacher at the New Scotland Elementary School. Mr. Baker lives in Altamont and is scheduled to begin his leadership role in the Gordon Creek Elementary School on January 5, 2015.
Skidmore Announces Exercise Research Study SARATOGA SPRINGS – Dr. Paul Arciero, Professor of Health and Exercise Sciences and Director of the Human Nutrition and Metabolism Laboratory at Skidmore College and his research team are conducting a 12-week exercise and nutrition study. Participants must be healthy and currently exercising men and women between the ages of 25-55 years old. Dr. Arciero and his team will be conducting the study at Skidmore College beginning in January 2015.
If you or someone you know may be interested in participating, please attend an informative meeting Tuesday, Jan. 6 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Gannett Auditorium on the Skidmore College campus. Email Arciero’s research coordinator, Matt McCrary at jmccrary@skidmore.edu and let him know you plan on attending. The study will be limited to 60 participants. All participants who successfully complete the study will be compensated $150.
Orchard Project Announces Move to Saratoga SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Orchard Project, the 8-year-old program that has served as a starting place for major, award-winning dhows that have debuted in theaters across the United States and world, is pulling up roots and transplanting itself to Saratoga Springs in the summer of 2015. In addition to continuing to serve as a laboratory for theater teams and companies, the Orchard Project will now be able to offer public performances, adding a theatrical component to the vibrant cultural life of Saratoga, which presently provides summer homes to the New York City Ballet, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Philadelphia Orchestra. In its former home in Hunter, NY, the Orchard Project supported more than 500 artists and 100 shows - including this year’s All the Way (Broadway), The Object Lesson (BAM Next Wave Festival), and I Promised Myself to Live Faster (Humana Festival) - and has grown to become a world-renowned accelerator for new theater development. In Saratoga Springs, the Orchard Project will be able to support even more artists and deepen its public impact through a performance program that will give audiences sneak peak access to innovative new theatrical work.
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New Principal Announced at Gordon Creek Elementary School
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Next Deadline: Saratoga BRIDE 1/16/2015
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015 Daniel L. Selby, 29, of Louisville, was arrested Dec. 13 and charged with DWI, BAC more than .08 percent, driving the wrong way down a one way street and failure to stop at a stop sign. Mashell D. Rudock, 48, of Ballston Spa, was arrested Dec. 13 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and speeding. Emmanuel Rivera, 26, of Troy, was arrested Dec. 14 and charged with criminal impersonation, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and unlawful possession of marijuana. David A. Kmen, 35, of Porter Corners, was arrested Dec. 14 and charged with DWI and failure to keep right.
unlicensed operation of a vehicle, failure to stop at a stop sign and failure to signal a turn. Milton Curry, 49, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Dec. 19 and charged with criminal contempt. Cynthia R. Gillespie, 44, of Corinth, was arrested Dec. 20 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, unlawful use of a mobile phone while in a motor vehicle and operation of a motor vehicle without a license. William H. Vanderburg, 39, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Dec. 20 and charged with criminal trespassing.
William H. Clark, 25, of Schenectady, was arrested Dec. 14 and charged with assault.
Joseph M. Marchitto, 24, of Burnt Hills, was arrested Dec. 20 and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and criminal possession of a controlled substance.
William Thompson, 53, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was arrested Dec. 14 and charged with DWI, BAC more than .08 percent, aggravated DWI, failure to signal a turn and failure to keep right.
Robert C. Partridge, 30, of Wilton, was arrested Dec. 21 and charged with DWI, an unsafe lane change, passing a red traffic signal, failure to signal a turn, resisting arrest and refusing a prescreen test.
Nathan M. Brennan, 38, of Malta, was arrested Dec. 14 and charged with DWI.
Joseph P. Sharpe, 23, of Fort Edward, was arrested Dec. 21 and charged with DWI.
Milton Curry, 49, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Dec. 15 and charged with criminal possession of a weapon, attempted assault, menacing and unlawful imprisonment.
Landon M. Moore, 21, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Dec. 21 and charged with harassment. Julianne D. Girard, 27, of Boston, was arrested Dec. 21 and charged with disorderly conduct.
BLOTTER 5 Andrew Arpey, 23, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Dec. 23 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and failure to keep right. Eric M. Cangey, 40, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Dec. 24 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. Nathaniel C. Hatch, 35, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Dec. 24 and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Victor J. DeMarco, 56, of Mechanicville, was arrested Dec. 26 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and improper vehicle equipment.
SENTENCINGS Michael R. Zakrzewski, 37, of West Avenue in Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to 1-3 years in state prison Dec. 23. Zakrzewski pled to the charge of burglary on Oct. 31. Vince C. Golish, 53, of Rock City Road in Milton, was sentenced to 1-3 years for each count of DWI and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle Dec. 23. He was also sentenced on criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana. Golsih was sentenced to an ignition interlock device for 3 years as well as condition of discharge.
Celestino G. Moreira, 51, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Dec. 17 and charged with petit larceny.
Latasha C. Thomas, 22, of Ballston Spa, was arrested Dec. 23 and charged with criminal mischief, endangering the welfare of a child, harassment and disorderly conduct.
Shane Hawthorne, 29, of Seward Street in Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to 1 year in the Saratoga County Jail consecutive with eight months in the SCJ on violation of probation Dec. 23. Hawthorne pled to the charge of failing to register as an internet identifier Dec. 28.
Bjorn O Burke, 29, of Schuylerville, was arrested Dec. 19 and charged with DWI, aggravated
Shannon L. King, 38, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Dec. 23 and charged with assault.
Nicholas J. Janiszak, 27, of Earl Lynn Court in Cohoes, was sentenced to time served, 5 years
Karl F. Stewart, 50, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Dec. 15 and charged with failure to keep right and DWI.
probation, an ignition interlock device for 3 years and a $1,000 fine Dec. 23. Janiszak pled to the charge of DWI Oct. 30.
Nicholas A. Podrazik, 27, was sentenced to 2-4 years in state prison Dec. 23. Podrazik pled to the charge of escape Oct. 29.
Zeppelin S. R. Murphy, of Lamplighter Acres in Moreau, was sentenced to time served and 5 years probation Dec. 23. Murphy pled to the charge of criminal possession of a controlled substance Oct. 30.
Russell P. Hulst, 54, of New Haven Road in Vergeness, Vermont, was sentenced to time served and conditional discharge Dec. 22 after pleading to criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Lawrence P. Lee, 27, of Salzburg Village in Palmyra, was sentenced to 1 year in state prison and 1 year post-release supervision Dec. 23. Lee pled to the charge of attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance Nov. 3. Joseph C. Golden, 44, of Bockes Road in Greenfield Center, was sentenced to 1-3 years in state prison Dec. 23. Golden pled to the charge of criminal contempt Nov. 5. Golden was also sentenced to 1 year in the Saratoga County Jail and an ignition interlock device for 3 years Dec. 23, after pleading to the charge of DWI Nov. 5. Kyle R. Gregoire, 39, of Grace Street in Waterford, was sentenced to 5 years probation and $17,312.50 restitution plus surcharge Dec. 23. Gregoire pled to the charge of grand larceny Nov. 6.
Kevin C. Leno, 30, of Stonechurch Road in Ballston Spa, pled to the charge of attempted burglary Dec. 22. His sentencing will be Feb. 17 at 1:30 p.m. Shane S. Curran, 43, of Galway Road in Ballston Spa, pled to the charge of criminal possession of stolen property Dec. 22. Sentencing will be Feb. 17 at 1:15 p.m. Curran also pled to the charge of criminal possession of a forged instrument and forgery. Ismael Maxwell Jr., 26, of Jay Street in Cohoes, pled to the charge of robbery Dec. 22. Sentencing will be Feb. 17 at 9:30 a.m. Therese A. Close, 51, of Edgewood Avenue in Albany, was sentenced to 10 months in the Saratoga County Jail and 3 years of an ignition interlock device Dec. 22. Close pled to the charge of DWI Oct. 27.
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obituaries
Gale C. Brodell
Tracey L. Spencer DelVecchio
GALWAY — Tracey L. Spencer DelVecchio, 44, of Parkis Mills Road, passed away Monday, Dec. 22 at Saratoga Hospital, following a three-year courageous battle with Melanoma. Born on Dec. 26, 1969 in Baltimore, she is the daughter of Dean and Lynda Lee Spencer and was a 1987 graduate of Broadalbin Central School. She received an associate degree in 1989 from Fulton Montgomery Community College and later attended SUNY Oneonta. Tracey worked for many years for Stewart’s Corporation as
a district coordinator. Tracey enjoyed spending time with her daughter, Sarah, the light of her life, and her husband John. We will always remember her clear blue eyes, infectious smile and generous personality. The integrity with which she lived her life was embodied by Strength in Numbers, a group who rallied in support of Tracey’s journey against Melanoma. In addition to her parents of Broadalbin, survivors include her husband of 19 years, John J. DelVecchio; their daughter, Sarah DelVecchio, both of Galway; her brother, Gregory M. Spencer of San Diego; her sisters, Cynthia S. DeYoung of Schuylerville and Christine R. (Travis) Purvis of Adams; her sisters-in-law, Marian (Ed) Ross of Galway, Michele (Mark) Phillips of Saratoga Springs and Lisa (Greg) Doriski of Greenwich; eleven nieces and nephews, uncles and aunts.
Katherine (Kay, Kitty) Bereza SARATOGA SPRINGS — Katherine (Kay, Kitty) Bereza died peacefully Saturday, Dec. 20 at Wesley Nursing Home where she had been a resident for the last five years. Born Nov. 17, 1916 to the late Tichon and Martha Adamovich in New Haven, Connecticut, she graduated from New Haven High School and was a manager of the J.D. Plant Glove Company in Branford, Connecticut for 25 years. She was a member of St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Cohoes. Katherine was a joyful and thoughtful human being who loved to laugh, sing and do the Hula.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Paul, in August 1992 and her beloved daughter, Diane LaVine, in November 2011. Katherine was laid to rest next to her husband, Paul, at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cemetery in Latham. Thanks go out to the staff of Wesley Nursing Home (2 Springs) for their tireless and compassionate care of Katherine. May Katherine rest in eternal peace in the company of her loving husband, Paul, and her devoted daughter, Diane, who cherished her above all else in this world.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gale C. Brodell passed away Thursday, Dec. 25 at Albany Medical Center, after a brief illness, with her loving family by her side. She was 66. Born on June 9, 1948 in Keene Valley, she is the daughter of the late William and Alice Blanchard Gill. Gale was the second of 13 children. She was a graduate of the Hadley /Luzerne Central School class of 1967. While working at the Painted Pony in Lake Luzerne, she met her husband, Joseph. On August 30, 1967 they were married and began 47 wonderful and inseparable years together. They regularly walked together with her treasured dog Sophie (“Sophalina”), who never left her side. Her favorite time was traveling to Wildwood, New Jersey every summer with her grandchildren Jacob and Jenna. She looked forward to, and always cherished every moment that was spent with them. Gale was actively involved in all their events, whether it was sports, concerts, birthdays, time at the lake, or simply an overnight stay with grandma. She worked for 35 years as a teacher’s assistant for special needs children at BOCES in Saratoga Springs. She
person who will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Vera enjoyed knitting and crocheting hats for the infants at the Saratoga hospital and volunteering in the gift shop at Wesley Health Care Center. Vera was also a member of the Arvin Hart Fire Company Aux. in Stillwater. Vera is survived by her son, Carl Decker and his wife, Eva
loved her job and loved working with each and every student. Since retiring 4 years ago, she would often run into past students in town, where smiles, hugs, and laughter were always refilled. This would always leave her filled with joy as she would talk about it for days. Gale was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to everyone and anyone that ever crossed her path. She never wanted or asked for anything, she always made sure everyone else was taken care of. Gale lived a very simple life. She always said that material things in life didn’t matter. Her No. 1 priority in life was for everyone to be happy! In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by one sister, Cathy Gill, and two brothers, Arthur and Dicky Gill, as well as her maternal and paternal grandparents. She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Joe; two daughters, Tina (Tim) Deyoe of Greenfield Center, Sherry Brodell (Rich Maxon) of Middle Grove; grandson, Jacob Deyoe and granddaughter Jenna Deyoe, both of Greenfield Center; Gale’s siblings, Bill (Rose) Gill of Corinth , Brenda Gill of Lake Luzerne, Dot Petrie of Queensbury, Donna (Bob) Brown of Queensbury, Lois (Rick) Thompson of Corinth, Lori (Dan) Lucia of Queensbury, Jeannie (Mike) Venables of Lake Luzerne, Timmy (Yolanda) Gill of Corinth, Renee (Frank) Palangi of Queensbury; father and mother inlaw, Francis and Anna Brodell; brother-in-law Richard Brodell, all of Lake Luzerne as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Eva Virginia “Ginnie” Stone
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Eva Virginia “Ginnie” Stone, 89, passed away at Maplewood Manor in Ballston Spa on Monday, Dec. 15. Ginnie was born in Schroon Lake on Sept. 20, 1925 to the late Charles and Lena Richardson Pelkey. She graduated from Schroon Lake School and worked as a checker/cashier at
Vera Decker SARATOGA SPRINGS — Vera Decker, 93, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 21 at Wesley Health Care Center. Vera was born June 1, 1921 in Mechanicville, the daughter of the late Earl and Maude (Flower) Thompson. Vera married Weston O. Decker on June 29, 1939 and they had a remarkable fun-filled life together. Vera was a homemaker, who was a kind, loving and a warm
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
May; grandchildren, Kelly Doughty (Mark), Jill Decker, Darcy Morris (Keith), Kyle Decker, Richard Decker (Sherrie), Scott Decker (Kristina), Robin Decker (Danielle); and eight great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Weston O Decker, and her son, Earl Decker. A private family service will be held in the springtime.
the Saratoga Springs Raceway for many years. She enjoyed playing the lottery and scratch-offs, shopping and yard sales, and her siamese cats and pug dog. She and her husband traveled to several states as well as Aruba and Mexico for vacations. Ginnie was also a proud member of Principessa Elena and ITAM affiliations. In addition to her parents, Ginnie was predeceased by her husband, Anthony (Tappy); daughter, Teresa Stone, and grandson, Damian Stone. Survivors include a brother, Francis Pelkey (Ruth), of Windham; sons Lex Stone (Kathy) and Mike Stone of Saratoga Springs; daughter, Sharon Erickson (Marty), of California; grandchildren Dennis Stone of Michigan, Victor Pickard, Mailey Baldwin (Larry), Rick Dailey (Sophie Blackburn) all of Cambridge, and Josh Stone of Ballston Spa; greatgrandchildren, Angel, Autumn, Damian and Johnny Stone, Vegas, Paris and Victor Pickard, Marissa, Alexis and Elizabeth Stone, Austin Dailey, Devon Casertino and Payton Baldwin as well as great-great-grandchildren Ava and AJ La Rosa.
MaryLou Folts SARATOGA SPRINGS — MaryLou Folts passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 20 at Maplewood Manor in Ballston Spa. She was 84. Born on Sept. 20, 1930 in Schuylerville, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Dortha (Blanchard) Almy. MaryLou enjoyed listening to country music, especially Alan Jackson, and was a collector of glass figurines. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Walter L. Folts, in 1992 and several brothers and sisters. Survivors include one son, Donald J. Swift of Porter Corners; two daughters, Virginia L. Sovey of Malta and Betty Ballou of Saratoga Springs; four sisters, Joyce Salmon of Porter Corners, Patricia Kail and Alice Williams both of Saratoga Springs and Charlene Ennis of Chesapeake, Virginia as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
obituaries 7
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
Virginia F. Feeny
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Virginia F. Feeny, 93, passed away on Dec. 28 at Wesley Health Care Center, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Oct.16, 1921 in Lynn, Massachusetts to the late George Clay and Charlotte Annis Clay. Virginia graduated from Lynn English High School in 1939.
Margaret Sullivan Roohan SARATOGA SPRINGS — Margaret Sullivan Roohan passed away Wednesday, Dec. 24 at Saratoga Hospital. She was 87. Born on July 12, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Gerald F. and Margaret (Flynn) Sullivan. Margaret was a lifelong resident of Saratoga Springs and a graduate of St. Peter’s Academy and Mildred Elley School of Business. She worked more than 15 years for the Saratoga Springs Central School District and was a member of the Church of St. Peter. Margaret’s greatest joy was her family and spending time with her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Harry, who passed away in 1996. Survivors include two daughters, Patti (Scott) Uzzel of Marietta, Georgia, Linda (James) Ruth of Waterford; two grandchildren, LeighAnn Uzzel and Collin Ruth; her sister Patricia Mangona and nephew Gerald Mangona, both of Saratoga Springs.
Virginia was a homemaker who was a kind, loving and a warm person who will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She spent more than 40 years doing volunteer work at local Hospitals in Lynn and Saratoga Springs. She had been an active member of the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church. Virginia was an artist who enjoyed oil painting having created more than 65 paintings. She also enjoyed ceramics, quilting and jewelry making. Virginia is survived by her son, Ronald Feeny (Mildred); daughter, Susan Nyren; grandchildren, Sharon Pavelchak (Michael),
Sean Feeny (Rebecca), Amy Juelis (Craig), Jeffrey Nyren (Kristen), and eight great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Harold L. Feeny, of 52 years, and her sisters Dorothy and Barbara. A Memorial service in honor of Virginia’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Visitation for family and friends will be on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to The Wesley Foundation, 131 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Robert J. Welch BURNT HILLS — Robert J. Welch, 84, passed away Sunday, Dec. 28. Born in Ballston Spa on Aug. 10, 1930, he was the son of Chester and Ellen Welch. He was a graduate of Ballston Spa High School. Bob worked for S. M. Merchant and Son Apple Orchards for 35 years. He later worked for the Town of Ballston Highway Department for 10 years, retiring in 1993. He was a member of the Burst Clear Hunting Club and the Ballston Spa Merchants Bowling League. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ballston Spa. Bob was associated with the Saratoga County Fair Antiques Department for 25 years. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, traveling and visiting museums. His greatest joy was his family and the time he spent with his grandson. He was predeceased by his infant son, brother Edward and sister-in-law Emily.
Bob is survived by his wife, Sarah Lou (Potter) Welch, whom he married on April 25, 1964 and they renewed their vows in 2014; son Timothy J. Welch and his wife, Mei, of Ballston Spa; grandson Robert D. Welch; brother William Welch “Vince” and his wife, Jacqueline, of Ballston Spa; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 2 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, Jan. 1 from 4-7 p.m. at Armer Funeral Home. Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be made to the Saratoga County Fair, 162 Prospect Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. The family would like to thank Dr. Richard Toll and the staff at Ellis Hospital for their care and compassion.
Anthony (Tony) Dipasquale SARATOGA SPRINGS — Anthony (Tony) Dipasquale, 45, passed away on Dec. 17 at Saratoga Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 4, 1969 in Saratoga Springs, to Mary Jane Miner and Joseph Dipasquale. Anthony graduated from Ballston Spa High School and
went on to work as a laborer for the Saratoga Springs D.P.W. Anthony enjoyed NASCAR (Jeff Gordon), baseball (Yankees) and football (Giants). Anthony is survived by his father, Joseph Dipasquale; grandfather, Arthur Dipasquale; brother, TimothyDipasquale (Lynn);
sister, Sandra Eldredge (Bill); aunt, Jamie Dipasquale; three step-sons: Michael Vangundy, Christopher Vangundy and Jordan Vangundy; a niece and several nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Jane Miner Dipasquale, and grandmother, Regina Lanzara.
8
NEWS
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
Schumer In Support
Pledges to Fight for Funding for Arts Master Plan by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS—A major push has been launched that would leverage the creative arts, already a prominent asset in this community, to an elevated stage. The goal of utilizing the arts community to fuel continued economic growth and increase the attraction of this region to young professionals was defined and supported during a visit by United States Senator Charles Schumer to
Saratoga Springs on Monday, Dec. 22 – the last stop on his annual 62 county tour of New York State. Speaking before an audience at Fingerpaint Marketing on Broadway, Schumer pledged his support to help the city obtain Federal funding for the development of a Master Arts Plan – which, he said, was a key component in propelling Saratoga Springs’ arts and culture community to the next level. According to a report by the Center for Economic Growth, the
The Arts Commission memCapital Region has almost 24,000 (NEA) in order to develop this people employed in creative indus- master plan, for which Schumer bers have begun the process of tries, including 5,000 in Saratoga pledged support from his office. gathering the data needed to apply County, the second highest concen- The plan would allow the city to for the NEA grant, which has a tration of creative jobs among metro- take inventory of its existing assets, deadline of January 15. During the politan regions of similar size in the identify current needs and develop conference, Yepsen noted that the grant might be as high as $120,000. country. Development of a master an external marketing strategy. plan would help to grow that local creative scene and market it with the goal of boosting the economy generally, and an emphasis on attracting firms and young professionals who see the arts as a desirable quality of life magnet. At the Tuesday, Dec. 2 city council meeting, Mayor Joanne Yepsen announced the formation of a Saratoga Springs Commission on the Arts, naming Ardie Russell, Meg Kelly, Susan Rivers and William Finlay as the Commission’s initial members. Speaking at the Dec. 22 meeting, Yepsen noted that the city was applying for a grant from the National L to R: Saratoga Springs Mayor Joanne Yepsen, Senator Charles Schumer, Endowment for the Arts Fingerpaint Marketing’s Ed Mitzen
Local Soroptimists Make $20,000 Available
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Soroptimist International of Saratoga County (SISC) announces the availability of $20,000 in grant funding for organizations that serve the needs of women and girls in Saratoga County. These awards, given by the club each year, seek to improve the lives and quality of life of women and girls in our local community. In 2014, SISC awarded 14 grants totaling $24,346 to the following organizations for
projects that realize SISC’s mission to assist women and girls: Children’s Museum at Saratoga, League of Women Voters, Adult & Senior Center of Saratoga, CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services, Bridging People and Places Inc., To Life!, Fast Break Fund, Rebuilding Together, Shelters of Saratoga, I Am, I Can, Inc., Franklin Community Center, Alcohol Prevention Council, Ballston Area Community Center, and Saratoga Foundation for Innovative Learning.
In order to qualify, candidate organizations must be in or serve the needs of citizens of Saratoga County. Consideration will be given to the number of people served. Grants are typically awarded for programmatic, startup or capital projects. Individual endeavors such as pageants and competitions are not funded. The application deadline is January 31, 2015. For a grant application, visit the SISC website soroptimistsaratoga.org. You can send your completed application to Lynn Farenell at the email address below or mail it to the address provided on the application. Grants will be awarded in April of 2015. SISC is part of an international volunteer service organization of business and professional women dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. SISC’s two signature fundraisers, the Secret Garden Tour in early summer and the Cabin Fever fundraiser in late January, fund all club grants. For more information, contact Lynn Farenell at Lmfarenell@hotmail.com
NEWS 9
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
Stewart’s Holiday Match Sets Another Record! Continued from pg. 1
This was a 15 percent increase in customer donations compared to the past two years, where $1.34 million was raised. The previous Holiday Match record, set in 2011, was $1.39 million. After this year’s funds have been distributed, the Stewart’s Holiday Match program
will have allocated more than $20 million since the program’s inception in 1986. Donations were collected from Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day at all 331 Stewart’s Shops in upstate New York and western Vermont. Stewart’s then
matched all individual customer donations. There are no administrative costs and 100 percent of the funds collected and matched benefit children’s organizations directly within the communities where Stewart’s Shops are located. Those funds will be allocated in March.
Children’s charities can still apply for funding from the Holiday Match program. Applications are available at all Stewart’s Shops or online at stewartsshops.com. Applications must be submitted or postmarked by January 31, 2015 to be considered for
Where Your Contributions Go
funding. All groups applying must be locally based, benefit children under 18, and be a qualified, charitable 501c3 organization. For more information visit stewartsshops.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Stewart’s Shops uses the tag line of “We are closer to you,” and nowhere is that more true then with its Holiday Match. When you drop your change into the Stewart’s Holiday Match containers at any of their shops, you are making a direct impact upon a staggering number of organizations right in your own community. All of these organizations are not-for-profit and benefit children under 18 years of age. The following are a list of Saratoga County groups – touching every aspect of society – that received funds from last year’s Holiday Match: —Arthur Gonick
Corinth Youth Hockey
Mechanicville District Public Library
Spa Christian School
The Salvation Army
Cub Scouts Pack #18
Mechanicville-Stillwater Youth Soccer
Stillwater Area Community Center
The Saratoga Automobile Museum
Cub Scouts Pack #25
Miss Scotties Softball
Stillwater Battle Youth Football
The TEARS Foundation
Division Street PTA (12-082)
Miss Shen Softball
Stillwater Education Foundation
The Wildlife Institute
Domestic Violence/Saratoga Rape Crisis
Moreau Elementary School
Stillwater Free Library
Transitional Services, Inc.
DonovanHouse/Catholic Charities
National Bottle Museum
Streaks Running Club
Troy USBC Youth Association
National Museum of Dance
Tesago Elementary School PTA
Venturing Crew 936, BSA
Newmeadow, Inc.
The Beagle School
Village of Round Lake
Nick’s Fight to be Healed Foundation
The Fisherman’s Net Youth Program
Waterford Little League
Northeast Mobile Search & Rescue
The Karen & Gary Dake Foundation for Children
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park
The King’s School
Youth2-Youth Helping Youth
Opera Saratoga
4-H Fillies & Colts
Friends of the NYS Military Museum Friends of the Stillwater Glen Hollow Park
Race Track Chaplaincy of America
After the Fire AIM Services, Inc. Angel Names Association Arthritis Foundation of NENY Ballard Elementary H S A Ballston Area Community Center Ballston Spa Education Foundation Ballston Spa High School PTSA Ballston Spa HS Robotics Team 3044 Ballston Spa Jr Baseball Bemis Heights CAR BH-BL Education Foundation BH-BL Junior Baseball Birthright Boy Scout Troop 18, Middle Grove Boy Scout Troop 24, Wilton Brave Will Foundation Bridging People and Places Capital District Young Life CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services Catholic Charities of Saratoga County Catie Hoch Foundation Charlton Historical Society Charlton School Children’s Museum of Saratoga Christopher Dailey Foundation Civil Air Patrol, Wullenwaber Clifton Park Chabad/Chabad Center Clifton Park Nursery School Corinth Cub Scout Pack 22 Corinth Youth Comm. Summer Theatre
Dramahawks Corinth School Drama Club Faith Baptist Church Food Pantry First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa floydwarriors.com Franklin Community Center Friends and Neighbors of Ballston Spa Friends of Shendehowa Crew Friends of the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library
Northeast String Orchestra NorthStar Church Not So Common Players Odyssey School of Fine Arrts Okte PTA Old Saratoga Athletic Association
Gabby Rocco Let It Shine Foundation
Round Lake/Malta Youth Baseball League
Galway Ambulance Corps, Inc.
Rugrunners Robotics Inc.
Galway Food Panty
Saratoga American Little League
Galway High School Drama Club
Saratoga ArtsFest
Galway Players Youth Theatre
Saratoga Bridges
Galway PTSA, After Prom Party
Saratoga Center for the Family
Galway Public Library
Saratoga Challengers Inc.
Girl Scout Service Unit 165
Saratoga Children’s Theatre, Inc.
Girl Scout Troop 3228
Saratoga Co. Children’s Committee
Girl Scouts of NENY – Troop 3126
Saratoga County 4-H
Gordon Creek Elementary PTA
Saratoga County E.O.C.
Greater Schuylerville Youth Program
Saratoga County Historical Society
Halfmoon Baseball League
Saratoga Hospital – Community Health Center
Halfmoon Girls Softball, Inc. Harrison Avenue Elementary HAS Harvest Church Hawley Foundation for Children Helping Hands School Historical Society of Moreau Hudson Crossing Park, Inc. I Am I Can Iroquois Reading Council Jake’s Help From Heaven Junior Achievement of NENY KIDS Reaching Out Club, Inc. Koda Mentor Program Lake Ave. Elementary School Drama Club Little Ones Child Care Center Inc. Malta Avenue Elementary PTA Mechanicville Area Community Services Center
Saratoga Mentoring ProGram Saratoga PLAN Saratoga Reads! Saratoga Regional YMCA Saratoga Rowing Association, Inc. Saratoga Sponsor A Scholar Saratoga Springs Recreation Saratoga Synchronized Skating Schuylerville Community Theater Schuylerville High School After Prom Party Schuylerville Robotics Search Team 5-1 Second Chance Sports Shelters of Saratoga Shenendehowa Dollars for Scholars Skribblers Magazine Inc. Southern Saratoga County YMCA
The Moreau Community Center The Prevention Council
Wilton Youth Baseball Source: Stewart’s Shops.
10
NEWS
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
VISION 2018
Lake Avenue Elementary Plans for Students’ Future Continued from pg. 1
talked about having ‘Tuesday Talent’ or ‘Musical Mondays’ where one day a week, students can display their talent whether it be playing an instrument or singing. We’ve connected with the National Dance Museum and we want to incorporate ballet with our third graders and really build it up from the history, music, and physics.” Those are just two of the many goals and ideas for the school created by the BLT that will add to Lake Avenue’s already existing programs such as Project Lead the Way, a student garden, drama club and a science lab staffed completely by volunteers with an expertise in science. Lake Avenue Elementary School was chosen as the only school in the state to pilot Project Lead the Way, an elementary-level, pre-engineering program. “Children don’t just jump into a love of engineering, math and science in high school; they have to have that foundation…particularly girls,” said Messier. “We wanted to spark the interest of STEM in the younger grades. They’re so interested in it and we’re starting early, so I hope that will have great benefits for them in the future.” Outside of the classroom, Lake Avenue offers students an opportunity to explore the great outdoors with its Outdoor Education Program, where students spend three nights and four days in the woods and learn about their surroundings. “We’re going in on our 13th year with the program and every
year, with rare exception, all of our fifth graders participate,” said Messier. “We have many adults that go as well – the staff that will be working with them and parent chaperones. We dissect owl pellets, we learn to read maps and go on hikes and even canoe. At the end of the day we’ll go down to the pond for a period of reflection and it’s pitch dark and we all have our flashlights; but when you turn off your flashlight and you look up at the sky, it’s like a fireworks display. You don’t see those things when you’re in the city and going about your day, but there’s really an opportunity to connect with nature and everyone loves it. It’s a strong, Lake Avenue Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Photo by Sharon Castro wonderful program.” Perhaps one of the she ordered chicken wings for the Every year the club puts on produc- to build inclusiveness and a strong strongest programs at kids to dissect. While they’re get- tions with a cast of 100 students and sense of belonging.” Lake Avenue Elementary School Another parent offered to ting ready to dissect, she has a live since its inception, has put on 10 is the science laboratory that was bird on her shoulder and a presen- productions total. Messier says all start a student garden a few years started a couple of years ago by Jane tation on the big screen, so the stu- of the plays have some sort of local ago and although that particuAnn McCullough, a retired teacher dents are seeing the muscles, seeing element to them and the children lar parent has since left, a teacher and grandmother. Her daughter, picked up the reigns and the garthe bird and are getting ready to cut look forward to performing. Evelyn Hefner, also helps run the “We’ve just started our ‘try-ins’ den is still alive, growing and well. into it…and I thought, ‘What chillab. Together, the two women have dren, at this age, have that benefit?’” as we call it, because no one gets It offers students the opportunity created a science lab in which there The science lab and the out- turned away,” said Messier. “You’re to grow plants, vegetables and are classes every single day, all day. door education program aren’t the not trying out, you’re trying in. fruits while learning about sus“For the last two years now, she only programs started and ran by The club does a good job of mak- tainability in a hands-on, inter[McCullough] hasn’t missed a beat,” volunteers; the drama club is also ing everyone feel like such a strong active way. The students plant, said Messier. “She’s raised thouorganized by a group of parents. part of the play. It’s an amazing way harvest and cook their crops. sands of dollars and the other day Messier says the school is fortunate to have tremendous support from parents and others invested in public education and everyone is committed to improving what many already consider to be an excellent school. “We just want to make a difference and we’re trying to figure out what we can do to improve,” said Messier. “We have a very committed district and board of education that help us in reaching our goal of Vision 2018.”
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS
Property Transactions BALLSTON SPA 1, 3, 5 Staulters Farm Rd., $115,000. Barbara Staulters sold property to Patrick and Stephanie Wade. 3 Beach Tree Court, $275,000. Elenor Fadeley (by Exec) sold property to John and Annette Patterson. 211 Sunset Ave., $195,000. Edward Canavan sold property to Justin and Margaret Sutherland.
GALWAY Rte 147, $185,000. Frank Marra, Jr. sold property to Pedro Vinatea.
GREENFIELD 387 Spier Falls Rd., $40,000. Michael Palma sold property to Stanley Westhoff and Stanley Westhoff, Jr. 78 Desolation Rd., $33,000. Sandra Kilmer sold property to Trevor Flynn. 195 Alpine Meadows Rd., $355,000. Todd and Wendy Fisher sold property to Matthew and Crystal Petrich. 500 Allen Rd., $25,000. State of New York Mortgage Agency sold property to Jonathan Szemansco. 205 North Greenfield Rd., $196,000. David and Diane Gates sold property to Derrick Barss. 210 Ballou Rd., $151,000. Derrick Barss sold property to Garrett and Kayla Jenkins.
MALTA 10 Sierra Trace, $307,500. Glen and Darlene Gali sold property to Mindy McDermott. Lot 44 Fenlon Lane, $331,651. John Luke Development Co., LLC sold property to Roderick and Febie Layug. Cramer Rd., $65,000. Thomas Nolen (by Receiver) and Suzanne Daley (by Receiver) sold property to Semenza Contracting, Inc.
38 Admirals Way, $433,255. Malta Land Company, LLC sold property to Bradley Borisenok.
MILTON 17 Glowgee Dr., $4,000. Darlene Fordham sold property to Raymond Jones IV. 702 Stone Church Rd., $170,000. Jacalyn Eichorst, Josephine Potter, Joy Card, Neil Cullen and Jeanette Smith sold property to Bruce and Pamela Boghosian. 416 Crooks Grove Rd., $30,400. US Bank National Association (as Trustee) sold property to James Anilowski. 11 Fawn Dr., $193,000. Traver Properties LLC sold property to Jason and Danielle York. 10 Knollwood Hollow Terrace, $215,000. Craig and Ingrid Boyko sold property to Edwin and Sandra Gawinski. 13 Coachman Dr., $200,000. Suzanne Barnes sold property to Alyce Bates. 57 Chapman St., $170,000. Robert Griffin (by Exec) sold property to Morgan and Julie Gazetos.
MOREAU 1 Willow St., $222,000. Jeffrey and Linda Peek sold property to Edward and Gerianne Sanok. 10 Jackson Ave., $176,000. Monica McCann sold property to Beth Cossart. 31 Main St., $29,422. County of Saratoga sold property to Joel Development LLC. 2 Dorrer Ave., $50,000. William Carma sold property to Ty
Wrobel and Karen Karnes. 41 Spring St., $45,000. Fannie Mae (By Atty) sold property to Kenneth and Holly Wheeler. 69 Potter Rd., $115,000. Vincent Cardinale sold property to Geremia Barody.
SARATOGA 28 Jay St., $5,000. Randy Manhey sold property to Vladimir Pratt. 1009 US Route 4, $100,000. Arthur Thivierge sold property to Tanner Cross. 49 Myers Lane, $155,000. Eric and Diana Harper sold property to Randall Parker (Ind and As Agent), Jeffrey Parker, and Loretta Gebhard (by Agent).
SARATOGA SPRINGS 64 Trottingham Rd., $122,500. Trustco Realty Corporation sold property to Michael and Cynthia Wall. 143 Caroline St., Unit #2, $310,000. Glenn Liney sold property to Eileen and Susan DiDonato. 3 McKenzie Way, $480,767. McKenzie Estates of Saratoga Springs, LLC sold property to Robert and Cynthia Pastore. 4 Maria Lane, $358,047. McKenzie Estates of Saratoga Springs, LLC sold property to Janet Howells. 4 Round Table Rd., $327,054. Gregory and Karen Winters (by Ref) sold property to American General Home Equity Inc. 378 Caroline St., $415,000. Michael Chille sold property to Franesa and Burt Pyle III.
36 Pamela Lane, $412,960. Blitman Saratoga LLC sold property to Bert and George Sloan and Suzanne Lance. 14 Ellis Ave., Unit 2, $267,500. Maynard Farren sold property to Melvin and Anne Strauss. 30 Sicada St., Rear, $300,000. Phyllis Morton sold property to Jeffrey and Penny Morton.
STILLWATER 8 Devoe Rd., $135,000. Martin and Patricia Below sold property to Robert Evans. 862 Hudson Ave., $108,750. Michelle McMahan sold property to Shaun and Nicole Bezona.
WILTON 98 Old Gick Rd., $120,000. Marie and Richard Wait sold property to Wendy Millard and Ritchie Gregory. 29 Donegal Way, $330,000. Frank and Andrea Martinez sold property to Nowwarat Rappaport. 34 Greylock Dr., $385,000. David and Nicole Eddy sold property
11
to David Moulton and Amy Hogan-Moulton. 2 Kerr Dr., $474,000. Peter and Sandra Hanley sold property to Katherine Olan and Valarie Olan-Dohn. 38 Donegal Way, $375,000. James McPhee sold property to Donald Bilgore. 6 Ridge View Rd., $435,000. Brian K. Smith Inc. sold property to Suzanne and Bruce Laplante. Ingersoll Road (Lot 1) $180,000. George Pravada sold property to Floral Estates LLC.
12 Adirondack Trust Grants $40K to 23 Local Non-Profits SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund recently announced that the Independent Advisory Committee has awarded Lend-A-Hand Grants to 23 local non-profit organizations. The grants were handed out at the Community Fund’s annual grant award reception. Grant awards were provided to: After the Fire, Inc.; Amorak Youth; Ballston Spa Film Festival; Ballston Spa Partnership for Innovation in Education; Ben Osborn Memorial Fund, Inc.; First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa; Lake George Music Festival; National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame; North Country Wildcare; Opera Saratoga; Prospect School a.k.a. Center for Disability Services; Racing City Chorus; Rebuilding Together Saratoga County; Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York; Saratoga Bridges; Saratoga Center for the
BUSINESS Family; Saratoga Community Health Center/Saratoga Hospital; Saratoga Independent School; Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar; Saratoga Springs Synchronized Program; Senior Citizens Center of Saratoga; Shelters of Saratoga; and Wait House. “The message we want to send is one of sincere gratitude, both to our donors, as well as to the nonprofits that tirelessly work to better our community,” said Joan Taylor, volunteer chairperson of the ATCCF Independent Advisory Committee. “The culmination of our year-long efforts, the 2014 Lend-A-Hand Grant Award Ceremony was a moving event. Thank you to all the business and individual donors who contributed to the 2014 Autumn of Giving Match Campaign which supports our Community Fund’s grant program. Your belief in and support of our mission to foster and perpetuate the local philanthropy that is so integral to the strength of our community, is making a difference for all of us.”
Record Amount Donated from Hospital Employees SARATOGA SPRINGS – Employees at Saratoga Hospital generously donated $87,617 to this year’s Annual Campaign – an increase of $26,000 over last year’s campaign. This is the largest donation from employees in the history of Saratoga Hospital. Employees were given the opportunity to choose which hospital programs they wanted their donations to support. Donations made were earmarked to the Surgical & Intensive Care Services campaign, the Saratoga Community Health Center, Staff Education Fund, the Oncology Patient Fund, and to the Nursing Scholarship Fund.
Ring in the New Year with Free Coffee SARATOGA COUNTY – Stewart’s Shops wants to help you stay awake this New Year’s Eve, and save money too! Stewart’s is continuing a New Year’s Eve tradition by giving customers a free cup of hot coffee from 6 p.m. until close, at all 331 Stewart’s locations. During this promotion last year, Stewart’s Shops gave away 12,725 cups of coffee on New Year’s Eve. The free coffee can be any size, any way you like to make it. This promotion will also include hot chocolate and tea.
Local Businesses Assist in Free Fitness Festival SARATOGA SPRINGS – On the drive into Saratoga Springs, you are bound to pass the city signs saying Health, History and Horses. On Tuesday, Jan. 6, join some of the local fitness professionals at the free Fitness Fest at Excelsior Springs Conference Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Light refreshments provided by the Marriott Hotel. Designed to support the Saratoga Chamber’s Health and Wellness Week, the Fitness Fest is free to the public. The event includes group activities led by Saratoga’s leading fitness and health professionals: iRun Local, Staccato Barre & Bodyworks, GoKids, and Raw Fitness. All attendees will be entered into a raffle to win an assortment of health and fitness gift baskets. To learn more, email Jamie@irunlocal.com.
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
Lazer Pix Moving Saratoga Retail Shop
SARATOGA SPRINGS – After being in business in Saratoga Springs for more than 22 years, the Lazer Pix Media Center will close its Broadway retail location at the end of the year. However, the digital media business will continue to provide a drop-off location at Timberline Printing & Signs at 75 Weibel Avenue. Lazer Pix owner, Tim Welch, says the business, which started in 1992, has evolved into a digital media center where services range from web site development to customized DVD presentations. Welch says that much of those services will continue through the LazerPix.com website. Lazer Pix will continue to provide select media transfer services including the digitizing of slides, video tapes and film. But now, customers can drop off and pick up those projects at Timberline Printing & Signs on Weibel Avenue. Timberline is a full service printing center specializing in signs, banners and business forms. Lazer Pix will retain the same phone number (584-9080) and website, LazerPix.com.
New Year’s Events at The Crown Grill SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Crown Grill is inviting everyone to join them for New Year’s Eve in Saratoga Springs. The restaurant will be featuring regular menu items plus several specials. While the list of specials has not yet been finalized, by popular demand it will be offering the lamb and sausage wellington that was
debuted during Restaurant Week, as well as several other appetizer, entrée and dessert selections. In addition, The Crown Grill will be open for New Year’s Day serving brunch and dinner. Brunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will offer a full a la carte menu including eggs benedict, German apple pancake, prime rib hash, pasta and more. Highlighted will be cocktails featuring cold pressed juices from Saratoga Juice Bar. Dinner will be served beginning at 4:30 p.m. and will feature a regular menu, plus a $20 three-course Prix Fixe menu. The Crown Grill is located at 390 Broadway. For more information or to make a reservation, call 583-1105 or email crown@ crowngrillsaratoga.com.
Holiday News from Circus Café SARATOGA SPRINGS – Circus Café, located at 392 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, will be featuring a New Year’s Eve dinner service beginning at 4 p.m., which will feature the regular menu plus a special, three-course Prix Fixe menu for $30. The menu includes lobster ravioli in a champagne cream sauce, prime rib and chicken marsala. The kitchen will serve the full menu until midnight. Drink specials will include Circus Café’s sugar plum martini and champagne cocktails. First night fun begins with tableside magician Alan Edstrom from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; then the George Boone Blues Band will start at 10 p.m. and play until after midnight with no cover charge. For information or to make a reservation call 583-1106 or email circus@circuscafe.com.
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
BUSINESS 13
Saratoga Courage Debuts Devil’s Den Moonshine After successful Pick Six Vodka, Local Distillery Expands its Product Line
(Right) Saratoga Courage owner, Serge Shishik. All photos by MarkBolles.com
by Stephanie Hale-Lopez Saratoga TODAY GREENFIELD CENTER — Saratoga Courage, a new local distillery in Greenfield Center, recently released a new product — Devil’s Den Moonshine. The moonshine, a product of Saratoga Courage Distilling Company, is owner Serge Shishik’s second-ever spirit and is available in two flavors — apple pie and strawberry jam. “Moonshine is fun, it’s exciting right now, it’s a fanciful name and it’s gaining in popularity,” said
Shishik. “You can flavor it a lot of different ways, you can make your own moonshine and we did that ourselves with the flavors.” Moonshine, also known as white whiskey, is a high-proof distilled spirit, typically made with corn mash as the main ingredient. While different areas of the country have their own versions of moonshine, Shishik said he wanted Devil’s Den to have a New York-feel to it. “We wanted to make a moonshine that’s a New York moonshine, not like a southern, sweet moonshine. We don’t want to
The distillery is located in Greenfield Center, at the base of the Palmerton Mountain Range.
emulate them, we wanted it to be our own,” said Shishik. “With our apple pie flavor, we used a very New York-ish apple and we put some cinnamon in it. The strawberry jam is kind of a similar story. We used natural flavors and we developed a proprietary formulation for our flavor profile, to make our strawberry jam.” Shishik says the strawberry jam flavor mixes well with club soda or lemonade, and is designed to be enjoyed year-round. Saratoga Courage is a relatively new distillery located in Greenfield Center, nestled at the base of the Palmerton Mountain Range. Its historic location provided the perfect name for the moonshine, Devil’s Den. “Devil’s Den is actually an area of the woods where the distillery is located,” said Shishik. “The distillery is actually at the base of the Palmerton Mountain Range —which is one of the five ranges in the Adirondacks. There’s an area on the map where the distillery is, and that’s called Devil’s Den. We kind of stumbled upon that and if you look at the label, we incorporated an old antique map that we found. That’s how we found the name and it fit quite nicely with the moonshine, so we went with it.” The distillery quickly made a name for itself this summer with its first and popular
spirit, Pick Six Vodka. Named after the exotic horse wager, the vodka is also six-times distilled, contributing to its name. Saratoga Courage partners with DeCrescente Distributing Company out of Mechanicville, to get both Pick Six Vodka and Devil’s Den Moonshine into local bars, restaurants and liquor stores. “We’re going into stores every day,” said Shishik. “We’re available at Brix, Saratoga Wine & Spirits, Purdy’s, we get picked up daily by bars and restaurants.” Saratoga Courage is truly a family affair. Shishik’s daughter thought of the names for the moonshine flavors and Shishik says his family has been very involved and supportive of the distillery. In fact, his brother-inlaw helped create the name for the distillery and Shishik’s cousin Rich Gabriel, a well-known thoroughbred and horseracing artist in Saratoga, designed both the Pick Six label and the Saratoga
Courage logo. Plus, Shishik says everyone else pitches in wherever they can. Shishik’s Pick Six Vodka was recently awarded a silver medal at the New York International Spirit competition in New York City. Even more impressive, Pick Six Vodka was also named “New York State Vodka of the Year.” But don’t think Shishik is slowing down any time soon. Saratoga Courage hopes to extend its success with Devil’s Den Moonshine; both flavors, along with Pick Six Vodka, will be entered in an international competition in Berlin, Germany in March. “We have a full plate right now, but we really want to do bourbon,” said Shishik. “We’ve done a lot of research on bringing a dedicated bourbon still into the facility. To do that, we’d have to get some more buildings on our property. That’s kind of a longterm project, four or five years down the road.”
Devil’s Den Moonshine is available in two flavors – apple pie and strawberry jam.
14
Education
Local Robotics Teams Receive Grants from GlobalFoundries
Bryant & Stratton College Celebrates First Graduating Class from Malta Site MALTA – Bryant & Stratton College recently honored its first graduating class from its new location in Malta. The Malta site, which opened in September 2013, prepares students for careers in medical administration and medical assisting, with a focus on hands-on learning opportunities tied directly to the local
The Saratoga High School Blue Streaks Robotics Team. Photo by MarkBolles.com
The Ballston Spa High School Robotics Team. Photo by MarkBolles.com
MALTA — The GLOBALFOUNDRIES-Town of Malta Foundation recently presented its 2014 slate of grants totaling
$172,915, benefiting 43 local organizations and community projects. While a great variety of organizations benefited from the grants, robotics was clearly emphasized as tech-minded Malta helps prepare local students for the future. Area robotics teams who received grants included: Ballston Spa, NY Tech Valley Robotics; Rug Runners Robotics; Saratoga Springs; and St. Mary’s School. The 2014 grant awards were presented at a reception hosted at the David R. Meager Community Center in Malta Wednesday, Dec. 17.
SSCSD Admin Honored with State Award
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Jennifer Drautz, an assistant principal at Maple Avenue Middle School, has been selected as the 2015 New York State Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State. This award is given annually by SAANYS and the National Association of Secondary School Principals to an assistant principal who has set the pace, character, and quality of education for the students in his or her school. “Jennifer Drautz is deserving of this honor. She is highly respected by faculty and colleagues,” said Michael Piccirillo,
superintendent of schools. “Of her many accomplishments, she has been instrumental in the implementation of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports at Maple Avenue Middle School, which has had profound impact on students.” Drautz will be honored for her accomplishments at a May awards ceremony in Albany. As the NYS Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year, Drautz is now a candidate for the award of National Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year. A forum and awards ceremony will be held in Washington, DC in April.
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
community. Bryant & Stratton College identified a need for trained medical graduates in the Malta community specifically because of recent growth in the health industry in that area. “We are very excited about the success we’ve had in Malta over the past year and are extremely proud of our graduates, who live
and work in the community,” said Mike Gutierrez, Assistant Director of New York State Campuses. “Bryant & Stratton is committed to helping students develop the knowledge, skills and abilities that employers want, so they can enter the workforce with the competitive advantage of proven performance in the field.”
Ballston Spa’s National Junior Honor Society Completes Pajama Drive BALLSTON SPA – The students and staff of Ballston Spa Middle School collected more than 110 sets of new pajamas for the Scholastic Reading Club’s annual Pajama Drive. The program is coordinated through the Pajama Program in New York City and items are donated to local youth in need through the St. Catherine’s Center for the Children in Albany. The collection was spearheaded in the Ballston Spa Middle School by the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). The goal was to collect 100 sets of pajamas and as many children’s books as possible.
NJHS representatives included: Megan McMahon, Caroline Leva, Alexis Mrzyglod, Amanda Parsons, Michael Poirier, Luke Gold, Alex Hodge, and Evan Piscitelli. Photo provided.
A Holiday Tradition Grows in Schuylerville
Schuylerville Elementary School students get in the holiday spirit with a festive sing-along. Photo provided.
SCHUYLERVILLE – The last day of school before the holiday recess is always a special one for Schuylerville Elementary School students. That’s because for the past 18 years, students and teachers have
gathered for a holiday sing-along, led by music teacher Christopher Tucker. “It started with me and a synthesizer in the cafeteria, but over the years it has grown into a big production,” Tucker said.
The production now involves the high school auditorium, a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and a “reindeer band,” made up of faculty members and high school band students, accompanying Tucker’s singing. Each year, Tucker tries to do something different to make the experience exciting for the older students who have been to several sing-alongs. One year, he made it snow on stage. Another year, he opened the show with a video. He always decorates the stage to look like a winter wonderland. “The reaction of the kids is priceless,” Tucker said. “Everybody is always excited to sing, no matter who it is, how good they are or what song it is, they just want to be part of it.”
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food
Eating More Fresh and Local Food in 2015
Saturdays, 9 to 1 Lincoln Baths, 65 So. Broadway Saratoga Spa State Park Will your list of New Year’s Resolutions include eating healthier food or cooking more at home?
If so, the farms and vendors at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market can provide terrific products and suggestions for you in the coming year. To keep you moving forward on your path to better health and fun in the kitchen, here are a few tips for enjoying the market, which is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the historic Lincoln Baths in Saratoga Spa State Park. (While you are at the park, make time to enjoy a walk or run on the paths surrounding the Lincoln Baths and down Avenue of the Pines.)
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
Come hungry! Breakfast, lunch and take-home entrees are all available at the market. If you don’t have time to cook during the week, this is an easy place to purchase homemade food. In addition to many beverage, bakery, fresh juice and dairy selections, the market’s weekly menu of hot prepared foods includes: egg and sausage sandwiches, soups, stews and many hearty entrees of Mediterranean origin (such as moussaka, spanakopita, cabbage rolls and eggplant parmesan). Also, hot beverages are available in the front lobby. Try something new. Snack on some crunchy kohlrabi (tastes like a cross between broccoli and an apple), delight in the brilliant fuschia color of a “beauty heart” radish or roasted beet in your salad, or add spicy chorizo to your next batch of chili. Just ask the farms and vendors, “What’s new?” You’ll be surprised by what you find out. Bring your own bags or baskets. While the market’s vendors always stand ready to offer you a bag when needed, you can help to curb unnecessary use of disposable bags by using a re-usable tote or shopping basket when at the market. Know your farmer, know your food. Take a minute to meet
the vendors and farmers and ask about their farm or production facility. With only a few exceptions, the vendors at the market grow or make their products in Saratoga, Washington, Schenectady or Rensselaer counties. From exotic mushrooms to grass-fed beef to goats’ milk cheese, there are interesting stories to uncover. Ask for help when you need it. Most vendors know what’s available throughout the market, and can help with preparation ideas, so don’t be shy about asking for some recipes or tips. The friendly team at the market’s information table, at the top of the front staircase on the second floor, can also answer many of your questions. If you are low on cash, this is the spot to obtain market tokens with your EBT, debit or credit card. Saratoga Farmers’ Market wishes you a healthy 2015. Thanks for supporting our local farms and small businesses! More information about the market is at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org. On the website, you can sign up for a weekly e-newsletter that includes vendor specials and a seasonal recipe. You can also follow the market on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
Ingredients
black-eyed peas, ham hocks, tomatoes, pepperoncini, bay leaf, garlic powder, thyme, and salt and pepper. Cover and simmer until peas are tender, ham meat is falling off the bones, and the broth is thickened, about 3 hours.
Blueberry-KaleYogurt Smoothie Smoothies are simple, healthy beverages that can be made with so many different ingredients you find at the market. This one uses frozen berries from last summer’s harvest. Vary the flavor by changing the type of milk, flavor of yogurt and added sweetener. Note: This recipe makes about 6 to 7 cups, but can be scaled down as desired.
Ingredients * — Items available at the Market 3 cups frozen blueberries or other fruit of your choice 3 cups milk* 1 cup kale leaves* (with stems removed) 1/2 cup Greek yogurt* (plain or flavored) 1 Tbsp. maple syrup, honey, or fruit jam Directions Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
Photo by Eric Jenks
Lucky New Year’s Food
by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY Hello my Foodie Friends! It’s that time again for us here at CTTC to thank all the wonderful acquaintances that have helped us throughout the year! As Clarence said to George Bailey: “No man is a failure who has friends.” We have Foodie Friends, which is even better! So many great people have come through our door with questions and some with suggestions. We believe that we have a great extended family that shares in our joy of cooking and creating our own masterpiece meals.
As we get ready to ring in the New Year and welcome 2015, some memories of some New Year traditions come to mind. Upon meeting my wife Paula, I had the opportunity to be exposed to some of the southern traditions her mother made based on her father’s background growing up in Virginia. The serving of black- eyed peas on New Year’s Day has been considered a lucky New Year’s food that dates back almost 1500 years. The tradition arrived in America during the 1930’s in Georgia and spread after the Civil War. In the Southern states, the tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is considered good luck to bring prosperity to the New Year. The traditional meal includes collards, turnips, or mustard greens and ham. The swelling of the black-eyed peas symbolizes prosperity; the greens symbolize money; the ham represents positive motion. Here is a great recipe that includes all of the ingredients we hope bring good luck to you for 2015!
(This recipe makes 10 servings) 1 pound dry black-eyed peas 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large yellow onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 (32 ounce) cartons chicken broth 8 cups water 1 pound smoked ham hocks 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes 5 pepperoncini peppers 1 bay leaf 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time
20 minutes (plus 8 hours soaking time)
Cook Time 3 hours
Directions
Place the black-eyed peas into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let stand 8 hours to overnight. Drain and rinse before using. In a large stockpot over medium heat, cook and stir onion and garlic in olive oil until onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and 8 cups water, bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in soaked
We have wonderful round ovens from Le Creuset, Staub, and Lodge that can help you with this wonderful dish. Paula was born in Fort Benning, Georgia and her family moved to Connecticut when
she was 4 years old and she still had a southern accent. Her mom told me when she first saw snow for the first time she yelled out “Mama what’s all that cotton doing falling from the sky?” Have a safe and happy New Year and remember: “Life happens in the kitchen” Take care, John and Paula
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
food 17
Skidmore gears up for fourth annual ACF culinary competition and conference Jan. 7-9, 2015, on campus
Photo by MarkBolles.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS — In what is becoming a new-year tradition, Skidmore College will host the fourth annual American Culinary Federation Culinary Conference and Competition Wednesday through Friday, Jan. 7-9 in the College’s Murray-Aikins Dining Hall. Registration continues for the event, which is sanctioned by the American Culinary Federation. Currently eight teams from throughout New York and New England have registered. Mark Miller, director of Skidmore’s Dining Services coordinated the event, which traditionally combines education and competition-level work in the kitchen. Skidmore is in a special position this year, serving as both host and gold-medal winner of last year’s competition. Said Miller, “Last year was so exciting for us when we won our first gold medal in competition. Our team has been practicing and we believe that we are well positioned to repeat. It will all depend on the market basket of goods that day.” The theme for 2015 will again emphasize local foods and sustainable choices. Just as important, from Miller’s perspective, is the chance for participants to “learn, network, eat and compete.” The competition is a chance for chefs, many of whom work for institutional employers such as schools and colleges, to develop new skills and enhance their repertoire of recipes during a slower time of the year. The event offers these chefs a chance to strengthen their professional skills through seminars, culinary demonstrations featuring unique trends and techniques, tastings, networking in addition to the culinary competition. Among the program’s highlights is a presentation titled “Growing Mushrooms in the Hudson Valley,” focusing on Bulich Mushroom Farms of Catskill, which produces about 700,000 pounds of several kinds of mushrooms annually. All program participants also will have the chance to take a bus tour of historic Saratoga Springs and visit the Olde Saratoga Brewing Company for a tour and tasting. The program also includes a presentation and demonstration titled “Chocolate Tasting: Bean to Bar,” by Dédé Wilson, founder of “Bakepedia, the Baker’s Resource;” and a session on food preservation by Chef Rob Mullooly, who will discuss canning and jarring fresh food.
But the high point of this event is the market basket competition. Each fourperson team will be required to prepare a four-course menu and a buffet platter that will be judged by a team that includes Noble Masi, Michael Morgan, Victor Sommo, Fritz Sonnenschmidt (lead judge), and James G. Rhoads III. Each team will receive the same market basket of goods late Thursday and will develop menus to include all items in the market basket. On Friday, throughout the kitchens of Skidmore’s dining hall, the teams will work to create dishes that will be judged for originality, taste, and presentation. Points also are awarded for teamwork, culinary skills and sanitation. Each team will be allowed to use just four butane burners to prepare the main course of their menu.
Exceptions are allowed for desserts, which could, for example, incorporate use of an oven or freezer in the preparation process. Awards will be presented during the closing ceremony on Friday afternoon, Jan. 9.
Skidmore’s 2014 Chefs won the college’s first gold medal in the competition. Provided.
Limoncello’s Winter “Taste of Italy” on Tap Nine Regions to be Spotlighted
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Limoncello Ristorante (1 Ballston Avenue, Saratoga Springs) has finalized a nine-menu festival of cuisine that will be debuting on Jan. 11. Conceived as a great way to beat winter’s chill, their “Taste of Italy” will spotlight a different region of Italy’s fare each week for nine weeks between Jan. 11 and Mar. 28. During the designated week, diners will have the option of choosing a specially designed three-course menu highlighting the featured region. A new menu debuts each week on Sunday and will be available throughout the week including weekends (Limoncello is closed on Mondays,) when a new regional menu will take center stage. Each three-course menu will be available for $19.99 (plus tax and gratuity). “We are promoting it as an ‘Armchair Traveler Series’ for people who would like to experience an authentic culinary tour of Italian cuisine with a native Italian guide without having to travel all the way there,” said co-owner Nancy Balestra. “In this case, your hosts Giancarlo and Maurizio will be leading this adventure. They will begin your tour in their hometown of Rome with some of their favorite traditional and authentic Roman dishes.” As an example, the “Roma” menu, which debuts Jan.11 offers two choices of appetizers, three entrees and a special dessert of the day. The featured ‘antipasti’ include a choice of Zuppa Romana (escarole, bean and bacon soup) or Bruschetta Di Melanzane (toasted bread topped with an eggplant and ricotta cheese puree.) For entrees, you can choose from Spaghetti All’amatriciana (tossed with tomato, onion and bacon), Pollo Trifolato (chicken breast with mushrooms and peas), Salsiccia Rossa (grilled Italian sausage with red peppers, potatoes and a light tomato sauce) followed by that day’s dessert.
The entire regional Taste of Italy schedule is:
Week One – Jan. 11 – Jan. 17: Rome Week Two – Jan. 18 – Jan. 24: Florence Week Three – Jan. 25 – Jan. 31: Sicily Week Four – Feb. 1 – Feb. 7: Puglia (Note: No regional menu Feb 8 through 21)
Week Five – Feb. 22 - 28: Sardegna Week Six – Mar. 1 - 7 Naples Week Seven – Mar. 8 - 14 Liguria Week Eight – Mar. 15 - 21 Piemonte Week Nine – Mar. 22 - 28 Venice For complete descriptions of each region’s featured menus, phone (518) 580-8700 or visit limoncelloristorante.com
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LOCAL BRIEFS all others are $60. Registration ends Jan. 9. You can register in person at Gavin Park, or visit online at www. townofwilton.com/departments/ parks-and-recreation. Questions may be answered by calling the park office at (518) 584-9455.
Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic Games of the second annual Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic pond hockey tournament will take place Feb. 6 – 8 at the Saratoga Spa State Park. All games are played fouron-four, round robin style. Games shall be 40 minutes long consisting of two 20-minute halves with a two-minute break between halves. Register your team today at www. saratogafrozenspringsclassic.com. Second Hand Rose Thrift Shop Second Hand Rose Thrift Shop, 116 Broad St. in Schuylerville, extends its store hours for the Holiday Season. The Thrift Shop Holiday hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with in-store sales. Special sales items are picture frames, wine & cocktail glasses, Christmas cards and stockings. Snow days policy: when Schuylerville District Schools are closed because of inclement weather, Second Hand Rose Thrift Shop is closed as well. For further information, please call the Thrift Shop at 695-4640. Over-30 Basketball at Gavin Park Grab your sneakers and get ready for Over-30 Basketball! Designed with the mature, basketball-playing crowd in mind, the Over-30 Basketball Program is for adults, ages 30 and over. This is a drop-in activity which runs Mondays, 8 – 10 p.m. now through May 19. The weekly fee is $5 per person (cash only), and a maximum of 20 players can participate on any given night. Any questions, please contact the park office at (518) 584-9455. Yoga at Gavin Park Gavin Park is now offering Yoga on Sunday mornings, 8 – 9 a.m. beginning Jan. 11. This class is designed to help you become familiar with basic yoga postures, breathing and healthy alignment. Focus will be on standing poses and key principles of alignment to increase strength, balance, stamina, and flexibility. Pre-registration is required. No drop-ins will be allowed. A minimum of eight people must register for a session to run. Cost for Wilton Residents is $45, Saratoga Springs School District Residents is $55, and
Gavin Park Pickleball Come on down to Gavin Park and join the fun playing the net court game of pickleball. This game is played by 2 or 4 people on a badminton-sized court using wood, or composite paddle racquets and a plastic, poly baseball with or without holes. No commitment required. Drop-in registration takes place in the park office, Monday – Friday, now through April. Session fee is $3 per person, per visit, 9:15-11:15 a.m. Any questions, contact the park office at (518) 584-9455. Saratoga Winterfest 5K Snowshoe Run/Walk The Saratoga Winterfest 5K Snowshoe Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. in the Saratoga Spa State Park. The Camp Saratoga 8K Snowshoe Race will be held on Sunday, Feb. 15 at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. Camp Saratoga will begin at 10:30 a.m. and is a qualifier for the U.S. National Snowshoe Championship. Go to www.saratogastryders.org to download an application or link to online registration at www.active. com. A limited supply of Dion Snowshoes will be available at a $5 rental charge. Email Laura Clark at laura@saratogastryders.org to reserve a pair or phone (518) 581-1278. For information about the entire Dion Snowshoe Series and for snow updates visit www.runwmac.com. Office of the Aging Looking for Volunteers Are you 55 and over and looking for a volunteer opportunity? Saratoga County Office of the Aging is looking for kitchen volunteers to assist with serving meals for the Senior Nutrition Program. There is a current need at the Saratoga Senior Center. This opportunity is flexible to fit into your schedule, MondayFriday availability between 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Call Billie Jo at the Saratoga County Office for the Aging for more details on this volunteer opportunity at (518) 884-4100. SSHS Drama Club: ‘Calvin Berger’ Saratoga Springs High School Drama Club presents the musical “Calvin Berger” by Barry Wyner, on Friday, Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday
Jan. 10 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The musical is directed by Leigh Berenis, with music direction by Kathleen McCarty, and features a cast, crew and orchestra of 25-30 students. In addition to the directors, other adults filling key roles are Bob Berenis, Scott Walrath and Lisa Shields. The production is presented through special arrangement with Tams Witmark. Calvin Berger will be presented in the high school’s Meade Teaching Auditorium. Tickets, which are on sale now, are $12 for adults, $7 for senior citizens and $5 for students. Calvin Berger is recommended for PG-13 audiences. More information can be found at www.sshsdramaclub.com. Hattie’s 14th Annual Mardi Gras Benefit One of the region’s “must attend” fundraising events of the winter is Hattie’s Mardi Gras Party at Canfield Casino. Located in Congress Park, the benefit will be held Saturday, Jan. 17 from 6-10 p.m. Cost is $100 per person. Every year, this fundraiser raises thousands of dollars to support local causes - and it’s always a ton of fun too! This year, all funds will benefit Jake’s Help From Heaven!
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015 Teen/Adult Acting and Performance Academy Join Malta’s Artistic Director Elyse Young in a new acting and performance class to improve you acting skills during the cold winter months. The class runs for nine weeks from Jan. 14 through March 18 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. (skip February 18). She is looking for teen and adult actors and actresses to work on monologues of their choice and scenes from classics like “Importance of Being Earnest” or “Skin of Our Teeth.” There are many great character roles to “sink your teeth into,” so call the Malta Community Center at (518) 899-4411 or visit www. maltaparksrec.com for more information.
Photographic Swap Meet Did you receive any new camera equipment for Christmas? Did that upgrade something you already had? Is there something in your kit that you just aren’t using as much as you expected to when you bought it? Come down to Exposure Saratoga for a Photographic Swap Meet at 6:30 on Jan. 9 to sell or barter your excess equipment and give it a new life. Or to see if someone is selling that lens, flash or other gadget that you have always wanted. Exposure Saratoga is located at 67 Davidson Drive at the corner of Northern Pines Road in Wilton, above KC Fabric and Framing. Info@ExposureSaratoga. com, (518) 450-1438.
Adult Sports and Fitness Opportunities in the Ballston Spa Schools The Ballston Spa Community Education Program is currently offering adult sports from 8-10 p.m. with co-ed Indoor Soccer and co-ed volleyball held on Mondays and men’s basketball on Wednesdays. A 10-week session begins the week of Jan. 5 and requires a $30 fee for school district residents. The popular Walk About program provides a safe, indoor walking course for those interested in a low impact fitness activity. The program continues through April when school is in session. A $15 registration fee is required for this program and non-residents are charged $18 to participate. Walkers may join the program at any time throughout the session. Pre-registration is required and fees are due at the beginning of each course. Those interested may register for courses by mail or inperson at the District Office, 70 Malta Avenue. Additional information regarding any of the courses offered is available online at www.bscsd.org or by calling 884-7195, ext. 1329.
Military Service Ceremonies The Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association provides military burial service ceremonies for all branches of service at the Saratoga National Cemetery. We are always looking for veterans to join us, no matter what branch you served in (male or female) you must have been honorably discharged. You can choose which day of the week (MondayFriday) that you want to be there. For information go to our web site www. snchga.com or contact the Cemetery Administration Office 200 Duell Road in Schuylerville. Call (518)-5819128 for more information.
Ballston Spa School District Offers Community Swim Opportunities The Ballston Spa Aquatics Program is currently offering opportunities for public use of the pool during adult lap swimming sessions, from 6-7 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6-7 p.m. A family/open swim is also offered on Saturday afternoons from noon to 2 p.m. Additional opportunities are offered throughout the year, including adult Aqua Cardio classes and a Learn-To-Swim program. The Community Swim Program is
open to district students, families and community members. District residents need to show identification and pay a $1 entrance fee to utilize the pool. Non-residents are admitted, as space allows, for a $2 fee. The pool is closed during school vacations, emergency cancellations (i.e. snow days or early dismissals) and when school activities necessitate closure. Information is available online at www.bscsd.org, by clicking on the aquatics/pool button on the left side of the homepage. For more information, please contact the pool office directly at (518) 884-7150 ext. 2324. Register at Academy for Lifelong Learning Spring class registration forms are now available for the Academy for Lifelong Learning (A.L.L.). Registration starts Jan. 26. With 23 classes including two speaker series starting the week of April 6 and running through June 4, there is something for everyone! A sampling of classes—which typically meet for two hours once a week for eight weeks and are led by volunteers- include: Photo Workshop, Spring Birding, Gothic Fiction, Economics for Beginners, Seeking Spirituality, Ancient Israel, Justice, Learning to Storytell, Saratoga Sandplains, Conflicts in the Bible Part 2, Hollywood, Painting Lab, Writers Circle, Hikes at Moreau State Park, Military Medicine, and Wildflower Identification. Annual membership (through June) is $50. The first two eight-week classes or speaker series are $50 each with each additional class at $25. For more information, contact the Academy office at (518) 5872100 ext. 2415. Defensive Driving Class A defensive driving class will be offered Jan. 10 at First Baptist Church, 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. New York State approved. Save 10 percent on your base auto insurance for the next three years and receive up to four points off your driving record according to New York State Department of Motor Vehicle guidelines. Class size is limited. Fee $35. Bring a friend and fee is $30 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.
Send your local briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com before Monday at 5 p.m. for Friday publication.
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
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Thursday, January 1 Sunday, January 4
Family Friendly Event
Wednesday, December 31 Annual Members’ Art Show The Art Center, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 5 - 11 p.m. The ever-popular, year-end show is a great opportunity for established and emerging member artists to display their best works in a professional exhibition at The Arts Center Gallery and celebrate their many talents with fellow artists and the community. Annually, with over 150 artists exhibiting artworks ranging from painting, drawing and printmaking to sculpture, functional fine art and photography, the annual Members’ Show promises to be a real treat. For more information call (518) 584-4132.
17th Annual First Night Saratoga 5K Run Skidmore College Athletic Complex, 5:30 p.m. The event is limited to 1,500 runners. All race finishers will receive a commemorative First Night Saratoga medal. Registration is $30 per person. Entry fees are nonrefundable and non-transferable.
First Night Saratoga 2015 Downtown Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m. – Midnight First Night Saratoga is the largest New Year’s Eve event in New York outside of NYC. As one of the oldest and largest First Night celebrations in the country, the event is the most affordable, accessible, family-friendly, safe and exciting way to spend New Year’s Eve in the region! This year, Saratoga Arts brings over seventy regional and touring performing groups to over thirty venues throughout Historic Downtown Saratoga Springs for this evening of live music, dance, comedy and other performances. Annually, over 10,000 people ring in the New Year with Saratoga Arts and First Night Saratoga.
New Year’s Day – BINGO
Breakfast Buffet
Jewish Community Center of Saratoga Springs, 84 Weibel Ave. 7 p.m. They will have ‘Bonus Ball’ and ‘Early Bird Progressive’ games with a maximum prize of $6,000. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and games begin at 7 p.m. There are both smoking and non-smoking areas. Bingo will continue every Thursday. For more information, please contact the JCC at (518) 584-2370 or saratogajcc@verizon.net.
Saratoga-Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Rt. 9, Saratoga Springs, 8:30 – 11 a.m. Fruit cocktail, French toast, pancakes, potatoes, breakfast sausage and ham, corned beef hash, scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, juice, coffee and tea. Donation Requested: Adults $8, Seniors and Military (Active/Retired with ID Card) $7, Children 5—12 $6, Under 5 Free, Take-outs $8. Call (518) 584-2585 for more information.
New Year’s Day Polar Plunge Swim Shepard Park, Lake George, 1 p.m. Dip in the frigid water and see how far you get. First 400 swimmers at 1pm followed by each group of 400 every 1/2 hour. Pre-register at Duffy’s Tavern, Amherst Street, Lake George on Wednesday, December 31st, 11am-5pm or 10:30am on January 1st.. Free. For more information call (518) 668-5323; or visit www. lakegeorgewintercarnival.com
Friday, January 2 Wiggle & Giggle Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 69 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs, 11:15 – Noon This is a special time for younger children to learn what they can do with their bodies through guided free play. Together, caregivers and the museum foster the physical development of children in a social and creative environment. For more information call (518) 584-5540.
Saturday, January 3 6th Annual Birthday Party Fundraiser Old Friends at Cabin Creek, 483 Sand Hill Rd., Greenfield Center, Noon – 3 p.m. Please join us for the 6th Annual Birthday Party Fundraiser for our Retired Racehorses. Enjoy delicious steaming hot soups from area restaurants, birthday cake, tours and lots of quality time with our horses. Your generous presents will help to feed and maintain our horses during the hardest time of the year. Old Friends at Cabin Creek is a 501(c) 3 organization. For more information call (518) 698-2377 or email, cabincreek4@hotmail.com. www.oldfriendsatcabincreek.com
Metaphysical Book Discussion Woodlawn Commons, 156 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m. Albany-Saratoga Spiritual Adventures is hosting a discussion of the book “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck. For more information, visit www. newthoughtnewyork.org or call (518) 423-3569. All are welcome to come whether they’ve read the book or not.
Monday, January 5 American Legion Auxiliary Unit 234 Meeting American Legion Post 234 at 23 Pleasant St., Ballston Spa, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, January 6 Lose Weight and Change the Way You Think About Food Forever AAC Family Wellness Center, 402 Rowland St., Ballston Spa, 6 p.m. You are invited to a free information night. Please join Janey Klotz , a wellness and weight loss consultant. Call to reserve your seat (518) 363-0202.
Get Paid to Get Fit and Improve Your Health Gannett Auditorium, Skidmore College Campus, 7 – 8 p.m. Dr. Paul Arciero, Director of the Human Nutrition and Metabolism Laboratory and Professor of Health and Exercise Sciences at Skidmore College and his research team are conducting a 12 week exercise and nutrition study at Skidmore College. Participants must be healthy and currently exercising men and women between the ages of 25-55 years old. If you or someone you know may be interested in volunteering to be a participant in this exciting exercise and nutrition study, please attend this information meeting. Please email Dr. Arciero’s research coordinator,
Matt McCrary at jmccrary@ skidmore.edu and let him know you plan on attending. The study will be limited to 60 participants. All are encouraged to attend the information meeting. All participants who successfully complete the study will be compensated $150. Briefly, the study will provide the following nutrition, exercise and performance information for study participants: State of the Art body fat, belly fat, and muscle mass analysis using the iDXA scan from GE, Exercise training and nutrition counseling, Blood lipid and sugar (glucose) analysis, Resting and exercise metabolism measurements, Measurement of upper and lower body strength and flexibility, Comprehensive analysis of all your results at the completion of the study.
Wednesday, January 7 2015 Winter Storytellers Series Begins SUNY Empire State College, 2 Union Ave., Room 126, Saratoga Springs, Noon - 1pm The Academy for Lifelong Learning presents the seventh annual storytellers series every Wednesday through March 4, starting on January 7 with Kate Dudding: Muslim Stories - Long, Long Ago and Now. Sponsored by Prestwick Chase at Saratoga. Free and open to the public. Postponed if Saratoga Springs City Schools are closed. For more information, call the Academy at (518) 587-2100 ext. 2415.
Poetry Readings by Suzanne Parker & Kate McNairy Caffe Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, 7:30 p.m. An open reading will follow. Doors open for sign-ups at 7pm and the readings will start at 7:30. The host for the event will be Carol Graser and the cost is $5. For more information call (518) 583-0022 or visit www.caffelena.org.
Thursday, January 8 Interfaith Prayer Meeting Courtyard of Longfellows’ Restaurant, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 7:15 a.m. The meeting begins at 7:30 a.m. and concludes no later than 8:30. Sign-in and continental breakfast begins at 7:15. There are no charges or donations. All are welcome. For more information call (518) 450-1615.
Local Town Websites Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road (518) 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street (518) 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road (518) 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 (518) 899-2818 www.malta-town.org Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road (518) 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway (518) 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville (518) 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street (518) 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org Town of Stillwater: 881 N. Hudson Avenue Stillwater, NY 12170 (518) 664-6148 www.stillwaterny.org Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road (518) 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com Saratoga County Board of Supervisors: 40 McMaster St, #1 Ballston Spa, NY 12020 (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov
Send your local briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com before Monday at 5 p.m. for Friday publication.
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RELIGION
Adirondack Christian Fellowship
Corinth United Methodist Church
8 Mountain Ledge, Wilton 587-0623; acfsaratoga.com Services: Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.
243 Main Street, Corinth 654-2521 cfumc@cnyconnect.net Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Cornerstone Community Church
Adirondack Friends Meeting 27 Saratoga Ave., S. Glens Falls 793-3755; AdirondackFM@nycap. rr.com; www.adirondackfriendsmeeting.org Regina Baird Haag, pastoral minister Services: 10:30 a.m. Sunday The Alliance Church 257 Rowland St., Ballston Spa 885-6524 Services: Morn. Worship 10:30 a.m. Assembly of God Faith Chapel 6 Burgoyne St., Schuylerville 695-6069 Rev. Jason Proctor Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m. Assembly of God Saratoga 118 Woodlawn Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-6081 Services: Sunday Worship 10 a.m., coffee served at 9:45 a.m. Bacon Hill Reformed Church 560 Route 32N, Bacon Hill 695-3074 Rev. Janet Vincent Services: Worship service 10 a.m. Sunday School 10 a.m. All are welcome. Handicapped accessible. Baha’i Community of Saratoga Springs 584-9679; 692-7694; usbnc.org. Ballston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 58 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa 885-7312; ballstoncenterarpchurch.org Services: Sunday Worship Service, 10:30 a.m. Ballston Spa United Methodist Church 101 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa 885-6886 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Bethesda Episcopal Church 41 Washington St., Saratoga Springs 584-5980 Services: Sunday 8 & 10 a.m. Church of Christ at Clifton Park 7 Old Route 146 371-6611; cliftonparkchurchofchrist.com Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Christ Community Reformed Church 1010 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-7654; ccrc-cpny.org. Services: Sundays 10 a.m. Christ Episcopal Church Routes 50 & 67, Ballston Spa 885-1031 Services: Sunday 8 & 10 a.m. Christian Restoration Ministries Saratoga Senior Center 5 Williams St., Saratoga Springs 796-4323 Pastor Pat Roach Services: Sunday 10 a.m.; 6:30 p.m. Congregation Shaara Tfille 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs 584-2370; saratogasynagogue.org Services: Saturday 9:30 a.m., (1st & 3rd Sat., also 10:30) Monday & Thursday 7:30 a.m., third Friday each month 7:30 p.m. Handicapped Accessible Corinth Free Methodist Church 20 Hamilton Ave., Corinth 654-9255; 792-0271 Services: Sunday at 10 a.m.
516 Park Ave., Mechanicville 664-5204 Pastor Frank Galerie mycornerstonechurch.org Services: Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Community 2001 Route 9, Round Lake 877-8506, ccorpusc@nycap.rr.com Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.; Weekday Masses: MondayFriday 9 a.m. Eastern Orthodox— Christ the Savior 349 Eastline Road, Ballston Spa 786-3100; xcsavior@yahoo.com. Services: Sunday: 9:30 a.m. First Baptist Church of Saratoga Springs 45 Washington St. 584-6301 Services: Sunday: 11 a.m. First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa 885-8361; bspabaptist.org Services: 10:30 a.m. worship 9 a.m. Sunday School (all ages) First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa 22 West High St., Ballston Spa 885-5583 Services: Sunday at 10 a.m. Full Gospel Tabernacle 207 Redmond Road, Gansevoort 793-2739 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.; Bible Study: Thursday 6:30 p.m. Galway United Methodist Church 2056 East Street (at intersection of Route 147), Galway 882-6520 www.galway-united-methodist-church. com Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. (9 a.m. in July and August) Grace Brethren Church 137 W. Milton Road, Ballston Spa 587-0649 Rev. Dan Pierce Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Handicapped accessible. Grace Fellowship Saratoga 165 High Rock Ave 518-691-0301 Website: http://saratoga.gracefellowship. com/ Pastor: Mike Adams Service Times: Sundays 9 & 11 a.m. Greater Grace Community Church Pastor David Moore 100 Saratoga Village Blvd. #17 899-7777; thechurch@ggccmalta.org www.ggccmalta.org Services: Wednesday 7:30 p.m. Good Times Restaurant, Lake Rd. 2nd floor; Friday 7:30 p.m. Saratoga Chapel, Eastline & Lake Rds; Sunday 10 a.m. - Glenville Senior Center, 32 Worden Rd. Greenfield Center Baptist Church 30 Wilton Rd., Greenfield Center 893-7429 Services: Sunday School for all ages - 9:45 a.m. Church Service - 11 a.m. Prayer Meeting - Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Highway Tabernacle Church 90 River Rd., Mechanicville 664-4442 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Hope Church 206 Greenfield Ave., Ballston Spa
885-7442 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Jonesville United Methodist 963 Main St., Clifton Park 877-7332 Services: Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Living Springs Community Church 59 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs 584-9112 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Living Waters Church of God 4330 State Rt. 50, Saratoga Springs 587-0484; livingwaterscog.us Services: Sundays 10 a.m. Malta Presbyterian Church Dunning Street, Malta 899-5992 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Malta Ridge United Methodist Church 729 Malta Ave., Ext., Malta 581-0210 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Middle Grove United Methodist Church 581-2973 Pastor Bonnie Bates Services: Sunday 9 a.m. Handicapped accessible New Horizon Church 150 Perry Road, Saratoga Springs 587-0711 Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. New Life Fellowship 51 Old Gick Road, Saratoga Springs 580-1810; newlifeinsaratoga.org. Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Childcare is available at all services. NorthStar Church Gowana Middle School , Clifton Park 371-2811; northstarchurch.com Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. + 11:15 a.m. Old Saratoga Reformed Church 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville oldsaratogareformedchurch.org Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Handicapped accessible. Old Stone Church (American Baptist) 159 Stone Church Road, Ballston Spa 583-1002 Services: Sunday 9 a.m.; Adult Sunday School 9 a.m.; Service 10:30 a.m. Coffee and Fellowship in Living Stone Hall; Wednesday: noon potluck luncheon; 1 p.m. choir rehearsal; 2 p.m. Bible Study Group Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church 73 Midline Road, Ballston Lake 399-5713 Services: Saturday 5 p.m. Sunday 8:15 & 10:15 a.m. Handicapped accessible. Presbyterian-NE Congregational Church 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs 584-6091; pnecchurch.org Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m. Quaker Springs United Methodist Church 466 Route 32 South, Quaker Springs
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015 695-3101; qsumc.com Pastor Al Johnson Services: Sunday 9 a.m. Handicapped accessible. River of Hope Fellowship 100 Saratoga Village Blvd. Malta Cmns., Ste. 3, Malta 881-1505; riverofhopefellowship.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-2375 Services: Eucharistic Celebrations: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m. St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-6122 Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8, 9:30, 11:15 a.m. & 5 p.m., 1 p.m. Spanish Service St. George’s Episcopal Church 912 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-6351; stgeorge@csdsl.net Services: Saturday 4:30 p.m.; Sunday 8 & 9:30 a.m. St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church 3159 Route 9N, Greenfield Center 893-7680; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com; www.stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter. org Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m. Handicapped accessible St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church 167 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa 885-7411; stmarysbsta.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon. Handicapped accessible St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church 771 Route 29, Rock City Falls 893-7680; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com; www. stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter.org Services: Sunday 8:30 am. Handicapped accessible. St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 149 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-0904 Services: Saturday 5 p.m. with Holy Communion. Sundays 8:30 & 11 a.m. with Holy Communion. St. Peter Lutheran Church 2776 Route 9, Malta 583-4153 Services: Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. St. Thomas of Canterbury 242 Grooms Road, Halfmoon st-thomas-of-canterbury.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Saratoga Abundant Life Church 2325 Route 50 South, Saratoga Springs 885-5456; saratogaabundantlife.org Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. Saratoga Chabad 130 Circular St., Saratoga Springs 526-0773; saratora@aol.com; saratogachabad.com Saratoga Friends Meeting (Quaker) Rts. 32 and 71 Quaker Springs 587-7477; 399-5013 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Saratoga United Methodist Church Henning Road, Saratoga Springs 584-3720; saratogaumc.com. Services: Sunday 9 & 10:45 a.m.
Handicapped accessible. Saratoga Seventh-Day Adventist Church 399 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs 882-9384; saratogasda.org Services: Sabbath School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 11:30 a.m. Shenendehowa United Methodist 971 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-7964 Services: Sunday 9 & 10:30 a.m. Simpson United Methodist Church Rock City Road, Rock City Falls 885-4794 Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m. Soul Saving Station for Every Nation Christ Crusaders of America 62 Henry St., Saratoga Springs 584-3122 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 1 Grove St., Schuylerville 695-3918 Services: Sunday 8a.m. & 9 a.m. (Sunday School at 9:00 also) episcopalchurch-schuylerville.org Temple Sinai 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-8730 www.saratogasinai.org Shabbat Services: Friday 6 p.m. Preceded by 5:30 p.m. Oneg. Handicapped Accessible. Terra Nova Church 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs 833-0504; terranovachurch.org saratogaquestions@terranovachurch. org, Services: Sunday 5:30 p.m. Childcare: six months–four years and expanding. Handicapped accessible. The Salvation Army Worship, Service & Community Center 27 Woodlawn Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-1640; Mail-P.O. Box 652 Captain Aaron A. Boone, Sr.; Captain Amber S. Boone Commanding Officers/Ministers Services: Sunday School 10 a.m.; Praise & Worship 11 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church 155 Ballard Road, Gansevoort 584-9107; tumcwilton.com Rev. Robert Kersten Services: Sunday 11 a.m. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs 624 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-1555; uusaratoga.org Services: Sunday 10:00 a.m. Unity Church in Albany 21 King Ave., Albany 453-3603 Services: Sunday 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. West Charlton United Presbyterian Church 1331 Sacandaga Road, West Charlton 882-9874 westcharltonupc.org Rev. Thomas Gregg, Pastor Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Wilton Baptist Church 755 Saratoga Road, Wilton 583-2736; wiltonbaptist@gmail.com; wiltonbaptistchurch.com Services: Sunday Service 11 a.m.
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
21
A Christmas Present Worth Waiting a Little Extra For! SARATOGA SPRINGS – Welcome to the neighborhood Jordan William Ritota! Jordan was born at Saratoga Hospital on December 26 at 10:40 p.m. to proud parents Amanda DeLyser and Adam Ritota. Jordan tipped the scales at 6 pounds, 14 ounces and was 20 inches long. Congratulations to everyone from your friends at Saratoga TODAY!
Happy “Frozen” Campers!
Photos by markbolles.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Future thespians, ages 6 –12 are learning the tricks of the trade at Saratoga Children’s Theatre’s threeday Frozen mini-camp from Dec. 28-30 at St. Clements School. During the intensive sessions the students were instructed in stage presence, characterization, improv, dance, choreography, proper vocal technique and projection. On the last day of the camp, family and friends were invited to a brief showcase. Congrats to all the attendees and their families! Christa Flinton Allie Richard Garrrett Wilson Brendan Kantscheidt Christian Thibeault Brenya Thibeault Avery Cantanucci Nadine Mitchell Amelia Deluke Keira Rogan Katelyn Hogan Hannah Citron Brian Wilson
Courtney Guyett Madison Pohl Emily Bush Marissa Daly Grace Soukup Julia Mittler Megan Cook Kerry Kantscheidt Camden Feldhaus Lucy Dwyer Riley Hite Hope Tidgewell Ranjit McGuire
SOS Says Seasons Greetings! Wishing you health and happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year. — Staff and Board, Shelters of Saratoga
PULSE
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Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
Sirsy Keeps It Real Faithful To Their Roots; Expanding Their Horizons
Photo Credit: Celia Kelly
By Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – This is a band that has always done it right, and it continues to pay off big time. Audiences nationwide are learning what many Capital Region music aficionados have known for years – Sirsy is a standout. Whether you are long-time fans of this duo or just about to learn about them, it is worth circling them on your dance card as you plan your travels around downtown Saratoga Springs on New Years Eve. Local favorites Sirsy (Melanie Khramer and Rich Libutti) will be making an appearance for two sets as part of First Night Saratoga 2015 festivities. They will be playing two sets, at 8 and 11 p.m., at
the Saratoga Springs City Center’s Meeting Room number 1. If it will be your first time experiencing a Sirsy performance, expect to see instrumental multi-taskers extraordinaire. The Boston Globe has pretty much summed it up when it deemed them the “Little band. Big sound.” Indeed, the band has a unique visual appeal. In fact, you may not quite believe what you are seeing. Melanie (“Mel” to her fans) has the responsibility for being a oneperson percussion section, spiced up with frequent flute solos, while providing the vocals for the band’s infectious, mostly original tunes that are alternatively powerful and introspective, danceable and heartfelt. Rich plays everything else, including seething guitar; bass (on a keyboard at his feet.) He is the
23 PULSE anchor to Melanie’s on stage tornado. Indeed, he appears to have as much going on below his ankles as above during a show. Sirsy is nothing if not prolific. They both write the music; Mel takes care of the lyrics, which often are surprisingly meditative and self-examining. It’s an interesting contrast to their between songs banter, or when you talk with them between sets, as the conversation is usually littered with laughter and optimism. They are about to release their sixth studio album in 2015. “We’ve got about 15 songs half-done,” Melanie reported, “and we already have five that we consider complete. We’ll work with our producers and with their help eventually pare the album down to about 15 songs on the finished product.” Translating the dynamism of a live performance into a studio album is not an easy thing, and so Sirsy has a lot of praise for the producers who make it happen. Paul Kolderie and Sean Slade are Grammy-winners who have worked with accomplished artists such as Hole, Radiohead, Dresden Dolls and Pixies. “Our fans have said that the energy of our live show hasn’t translated onto our previous recordings,” Melanie said. “They are going to notice a different energy level on this record and it’s because of how Paul and Sean worked with us.”
Yet, there is no doubt that to date, fans have already been buying Sirsy’s CD’s in copious numbers, not to mention other assorted souvenirs of their experience. If anything distinguishes Sirsy as a distinctive power duo above and beyond their music, it’s their ability to ingeniously promote themselves. If they weren’t great musicians, they could easily make a living as a creative agency. Simply put: people want their stuff. These purchases usually occur at the ever-present “merch” table— a staple at every show – usually staffed with a few members of “The Sirsy Army” – a legion of fans that faithfully volunteer to help sell assorted products. In addition to studio CD’s, these goods have included t-shirts, “authorized” bootlegs (of their live performances) and even panties! All of which helps to put gas in their van (“We’re on our third now,”) Mel noted. That third van has helped Sirsy log well over 100,000 miles in the past two years, with signature appearances such as the prestigious South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) and leading listening rooms from coast to coast such as West Hollywood, CA’s Viper Room and NYC’s Gramercy Theatre. They have already been asked back to SXSW and will have a featured showcase at the legendary Bluebird Café in Nashville next March.
Overall, Sirsy has perfected an audience dynamic that you rarely, if ever, see elsewhere. For one thing, Sirsy’s fans have told me on several occasions that they are there because they find it easy to root for Mel and Rich. But that door swings both ways. The vibe at their shows is very inclusive and collegial – everyone feels welcome and it has a feel similar you to going to see members of your family perform. In this context, attending a Sirsy show is fulfilling for everyone – the energy of the performers interacting with attendees is mirrored by the sustenance Mel and Rich draw from those fans, and the result is a ‘nuclear synergy’ of good will. The end result: A great time had by all. Go see them, and tell me if it isn’t so. For more information, visit sirsy.com
PULSE Yo-Yo Ma Returns in August!
24
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
World-Renowned Cellist to Headline Performance of The Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC SARATOGA SPRINGS — The many-faceted career of cellist Yo-Yo Ma is testament to his continual search for new ways to communicate with audiences and to his personal desire for artistic growth and renewal. One of the world’s most highly-lauded performing and recording artists, his discography consists of over 90 albums, including more than 17 Grammy Award winners. Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has announced that they will welcome back Mr. Ma as the featured guest artist of The Philadelphia Orchestra’s August 7, 2015 performance during its summer residency. Mr. Ma maintains a balance between his engagements as soloist with orchestras throughout the world and his recital and chamber music activities. He draws inspiration from a wide circle of collaborators, creating programs with such artists as Emanuel Ax, Daniel Barenboim, Christoph Eschenbach, Kayhan Kalhor, Ton Koopman, Bobby McFerrin, Edgar Meyer, Mark Morris, Riccardo Muti, Mark O’Connor, Kathryn Stott, Michael Tilson Thomas, Wu Man, Wu Tong, Damian Woetzel and David Zinman. Each of these collaborations is fueled by the artists’ interactions, often extending the boundaries of a particular genre. One of Mr. Ma’s goals is the exploration of music
Yo-Yo Ma © Todd Rosenberg
Yo-Yo Ma © Michael O’Neill
as a means of communication and as a vehicle for the migration of ideas across a range of cultures throughout the world. To that end, he has taken time to immerse himself in subjects as diverse as native Chinese music with its distinctive instruments and the music of the Kalahari bush people in Africa. Mr. Ma serves as the Artistic Director of Silkroad, an organization he founded to promote cross-cultural performance and collaborations at the edge where education, business, and the arts come together to transform the world. More than 80 works have been commissioned specifically for the Silk Road Ensemble, which tours annually. Mr. Ma also serves as the Judson and Joyce Green Creative Consultant to the Chicago Symphony
Orchestra’s Negaunee Music Institute. His work focuses on the transformative power music can have in individuals’ lives, and on increasing the number and variety of opportunities audiences have to experience music in their communities. Mr. Ma was born in Paris to Chinese parents who later moved their family to New York. He began to study cello at the age of four, attended the Juilliard School and in 1976 graduated from Harvard University. He has received numerous awards, among them the Avery Fisher Prize (1978), the National Medal of Arts (2001), and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2010). In 2011, Mr. Ma was recognized as a Kennedy Center Honoree. He has a very strong interest in the importance of culture in society and the ways in which it can produce positive social change. He is currently serving as a UN Messenger of Peace and as a member of the President’s Committee on the Arts & the Humanities. Most recently, Mr. Ma has joined the Aspen Institute Board of Trustees. He has performed for eight American presidents, most recently at the invitation of President Obama on the occasion of the 56th Inaugural Ceremony.
26 It’s where NEED to be.
YOU
Publication Day: Friday
Ad Copy Due: Wednesday, noon
Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
Classified marketplace classified@saratogapublishing.com
Call (518) 581-2480 x204 HELP WANTED Part Time / Full Time COUNTER HELP ASSEMBLY, SHIRT PRESSER Apply in Person, 228 Washington St., Saratoga Springs. WELDING CAREERSHands on training for career opportunities in aviation, automotive, manufacturing and more. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. CALL AIM 888-205-1735 AIRLINE CAREERS begin here Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance Technician training. Financial aid for qualified students – Housing available. Job placement assistance. Call AIM 866-296-7093
LOST & FOUND LOST A silver & gold earring in the vicinity of Ballston Ave. Price Chopper parking lot, on Monday, Dec. 29. Call 584-1724.
ADOPTION ADOPTION: A childless young married couple (she‐30/he‐37) seeks to adopt. Will be hands‐on mom/devoted dad. Financial security. Expenses paid. Call/text. Mary & Adam. 1‐800‐790‐5260. ADOPTION: Unplanned Pregnancy? Caring licensed adoption agency provides financial and emotional support. Choose from loving pre‐approved families. Call Joy toll free 1‐866‐922‐3678 or confidential email:Adopt@ ForeverFamiliesThroughAdoption.org
FOR SALE Beautiful Oak Bar High Table w/2 matching swivel stools, 43” high, 36” round, never used. $250. Call 518-852-2505.
AUTO CAR 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! *CASH TODAY* We’ll Buy Any Car (Any Condition) + Free SameDay Pick-Up. Best Cash Offer Guaranteed! Call For FREE Quote: 1-888-477-6314
HOME IMPROVEMENT HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Brothers Inc, for straightening, leveling, foundation and wood frame repairs at 1-800-OLD-BARN. www.woodfordbros.com. “Not applicable in Queens county”
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Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
It’s where NEED to be.
YOU
Publication Day: Friday
Classified marketplace FOR RENT
Ad Copy Due:
classified@saratogapublishing.com
Wednesday, noon
Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.
Call (518) 581-2480 x204
AUCTIONS
MISCELLANEOUS
Tiny house AUCTION, Vermont post & beam sheds, Livestock shelters & firewood storage January 22, 2015 Absolute no reserve Bid online 802-297-3760 JamaicaCottageShop.com
SAWMILLS from only $4397.00‐ MAKE & 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
LAND FOR SALE Out of State Real Estate Sebastian, Florida Beautiful 55+ manufactured home community. 4.4 miles to the beach, Close to riverfront district. New models from $99,000. 772-5810080, www.beach-cove.com
DIVORCE $349 Uncontested divorce papers prepared. Only one signature required. Poor person Application included if applicable. Separation agreements available. BBB rated. Info/Appt. - 518-274-0380
NYS LAND SALE ADIRONDACK TIMBERLANDS 80‐2000 acre hunting clubs. Starting at $385/acre. Financing available. Call 1‐800‐229‐7843. Or visit www.LandandCamps.com
FOR RENT
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fun and games Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
Puzzles
Across 1 Moll’s leg 4 Word after fire or power 9 Like some wedding dresses 13 Biblical priest who trained Samuel 14 Zellweger et al. 16 Together, in music 17 Architect’s add-on 18 *Make it not hurt so much 20 Tre times due 21 Bark relative 22 IHOP array 23 *Marching order 26 Type of cranial nerve 28 Role for John Cho in “Star Trek” 29 Jets and others 31 __ nutshell 32 Mex. neighbor 34 Motor extension? 35 At any time 36 *Has unfinished business with the IRS 40 Spot on the tube 41 Good buddy 42 Play about Capote 43 Ran across 44 Film critic Jeffrey 46 Long haul 49 __ de Chine: light fabric 51 *Entice with 54 Eggheads 56 Govt. surveillance group 57 PTA meeting site 58 *Sagacious 60 __ out: barely make 61 Aleutian island 62 Faunae counterparts 63 Grassy area 64 Harness part 65 Yeats’ “The Wild __ at Coole” 66 Many AARP The Magazine readers: Abbr. Down 1 Silly sorts 2 Strike zones? 3 Social setting 4 Mr. Holland portrayer 5 Put on again
See puzzle solutions on page 30
See puzzle solution on page 30 6 Hip joint 7 Author Harper 8 Conversation opener 9 Drink à la Fido 10 Capable of change 11 Cookbook categories 12 Nikkei Index currency 15 Lacking the required funds 19 Winged god 24 Turned around 25 Opponents of the ‘60s-’70s New Left 27 Golf, for one 30 Simpsons creator Groening 33 “Eight Is Enough” wife 35 Bedroom community 36 Orthodontic concern 37 Ride the wake, say 38 Awakenings
39 Some auction transactions 40 “Movies for movie lovers” network 44 “Aren’t you a little short for a Stormtrooper?” speaker 45 Isabel Allende title 47 Stands for things 48 Any of the top 25 NFL career scoring leaders 50 Song of praise 52 Egyptian dam 53 MLB team, familiarly (and what’s missing from the sequence found in the answers to starred clues?) 55 Bad check letters 58 Card game for two, usually 59 “What are you waiting for?!”
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: Triumphal, Triumphant Triumphal means to celebrate or to honor a success or victory. The baseball team had a triumphal celebration in its home city. Triumphant means to show a feeling of rejoice for success. The crowd greeted the players with triumphant shouts of joy. 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 davedowling59@yahoo.com
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
SPORTS 29
All Outdoors: Walking on Water By Tim Blodgett for Saratoga TODAY
Ice fishing season is finally here, despite the recent stretch of winterless weather. It’s been my experience that we have fishable ice on Saratoga Lake within a week of New Year’s Day. Which side of Jan. 1 this occurs on is decided by nature alone. Those of us who look forward to walking on water root for Canadian highs, Arctic lows and Polar vortices to bring the frigid temperatures needed to freeze our favorite fishing holes. Those who don’t just think we’re nuts. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I can vouch with complete confidence that some of us are not nuts. “Why?” is the first and most frequently asked question about ice fishing. “Why?” is always followed by the compound question: “How much ice do you need and how do you know if it’s safe?” “Why?” for the third time and then a derogatory statement about the sanity of ice fishermen concludes the usual exchange. At this point in the conversation, I can confirm their suspicions or present the ancient art of ice fishing as a worthy pursuit.
Ice fishing, I explain, is a noble winter sport, the sublime juxtaposition of modern man and winter’s savage beauty. Man’s primal struggle against the harsh, unforgiving elements—the eternal… What I actually say is “The fishing is great this time of year and ice fishing is fun.” While there are risks involved in ice fishing, preparation and good judgment will keep you safe and comfortable on the ice. The first thing to remember is this: NO FISH IS WORTH SWIMMING FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR! This brings us to the second most frequently asked and possibly the most important question. What is safe ice? There are many different opinions on how much ice you need to be safe. Some people (nuts) feel that they can safely venture out on less than three inches of ice. Others wouldn’t feel safe even if there were a foot of ice or more. Ice thickness can vary across a body of water depending on its condition, currents, snow cover, springs and other factors, so there is good reason to take precautions and educate yourself before heading out. While writing this column, I went online and typed “ice thickness chart” in the search box. There were
numerous reliable sources of information on the minimum thickness required for different activities and the relative strength of ice depending on its condition. I strongly recommend that you look at this information as it may help to keep you and yours safe and sound. One thing all the different sources agree on is that the ice is never 100 percent safe, but if you are observant, take care and use your head, you can enjoy your time on the ice safely and catch a mess of fish too. Most of the charts agree that 3-4 inches of clear/black ice is safe for a single person to walk on. I prefer to wait until the ice is 5-6 inches thick before I go out. I don’t miss very many meals, so I don’t like being on thinner ice than that. It’s a good idea to check with local tackle shops or to speak to people who have been on the ice for current conditions and advice about areas to avoid. You’ll find that people will have different comfort levels and that some of them measure the ice (and the fish they catch) with variable scale rulers that show them the measurements they want to see. I use a carpenter’s tape measure to get true measurements and
recommend that you do the same. Follow the trails blazed by those before you and check the thickness periodically as you go.”Trust but verify” is sound advice for the ice fisherman heading out for the first time or striking off for new territory. Establish your own parameters for safety and don’t compromise those standards. Dress in layers and avoid getting chilled. Hypothermia occurs quickly and is dangerous. Keep a close eye on your fishing partners, especially children and be self aware. Shivering shouldn’t be ignored. Eating high energy snacks and staying hydrated will help keep you warm. If you or those with you start showing signs of hypothermia or fatigue, it’s time to leave and get warmed up. I know I get preachy about safety, but I want you to avoid misfortune and enjoy this season on the ice with me. Assuming I haven’t scared you off, there are a few things you’re going to need to get started. I recently read an article on outfitting yourself for ice fishing. The author expounded on the necessity of a power auger, shelter, electronics and all the other gear required for a successful outing. According
to him, you could be ready to fish for a little under $1,000, as long as you could do without the snowmobile or ATV that would convey you to your favorite fishing hole in style and comfort. I don’t know about you, but that’s a lot of jingle just to get started. The basic startup kit consists of a spud bar or hand auger to cut a hole in the ice, a jigging rod and a few jigs to fish with, bait and a bucket to carry your gear out and sit on while fishing. The bucket is also handy for carrying your fish fry home. All of this can be purchased for well under $100 to $200 depending on your choices. Once initiated, you can add a shelter, sled, tip-ups, electronics and other gear as desired. As I said before, ice fishing is fun and I’m sure you’ll agree if you give it a try. Pick a nice day, join us on the ice and you’ll be an ice fisherman before you know it. Tim Blodgett, owner of Saratoga Tackle & Archery, can be reached at (518) 584-3952. His store is located on Route 9P, Saratoga Lake next to the state boat launch. For further information, visit Saratogatackle.com or find Saratoga Tackle on Facebook.
Stauffer Leaves Padres After 9 Seasons
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Former member of the Saratoga Central Catholic Saints and current professional baseball player Tim Stauffer is making the move from San Diego to the Twinkies. The Minnesota Twins announced the signing of the 6-foot-1, 205-pound right-handed pitcher Dec. 23. Stauffer signed the one-year deal worth $2.2 million after making 44 appearances for the Padres in 2014, which included a 6-2 record, a 3.50 ERA and 67 strikeouts. In a mix of starts and relief appearances, Stauffer—has a career 32-34 record in the pros with a 3.87 ERA and 435 strikeouts in parts of nine seasons with the Padres. He was originally selected fourth overall in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft after pitching for the University of Richmond for four years. Specifically as a reliever, Stauffer owns a 2.85 ERA over 170.1 innings pitched, while holding the
opposition to a .240 batting average. Over four of the last five seasons, he has thrown in at least 31 games. In each of the past two seasons, Stauffer has hurled 60-plus innings of work. As a senior at Spa Catholic in 2000, Stauffer was part of one of the most successful high school baseball teams to ever come out of Section II. That year, the Saints went 27-2 en route to a Section II and regional title and a trip to the Class C state championship game. Along with going 13-0 with a 1.10 ERA and 171 strikeouts on the mound that year, Stauffer set New York State Public High School Athletic Association records in hits (61) and runs scored (57). “He’s the greatest player I ever coached and he just worked extremely hard at his game, had a great attitude and was a great leader,” said Phonsey Lambert, Spa Catholic head baseball coach and athletic director. “He only struck out six times his senior year, but
every time he did, he sprinted back to the dugout and cheered on his teammates. He was a team guy and a competitive guy. He might have thrown more strikes from center field than most pitchers.” Maple Hill head coach Rico Frese recalled one of the games Stauffer was playing center field against his team in the Class C-CC crossover to advance to the 2000 regionals. “We had one of our fastest kids on third when a ball was hit to right center field,” Frese said. “It wasn’t too deep, but it wasn’t too shallow either. He threw the kid out on a line by a good four steps…He was a class act and a real gentleman.” Stauffer is also the all-time NYSPHSAA leader with four career grand slams (two in one game in 1999).
STATE RECORDS
Single Season Hits: 61 Single Season Runs: 57
Padres pitchers (from left to right) Clay Hensley, Greg Maddux, Jake Peavy, Andrew Brown, Tim Stauffer and David Wells watch a drill during the first day of spring training in 2007.
PITCHING
Single Season Shutouts: 6 (second all-time) Career No-Hitters: 3 (fourth) Single Season Wins: 13 (fourth) Single Season Strikeouts: 171 (ninth)
HITTING
Career Homeruns: 28 (fifth) Single Season Homeruns: 13 (sixth) RBIs in a Game: 9 (ninth)
30
SPORTS
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
Community Sports Bulletin Saratoga Rugby Appoints New Director, Enhanced Travers Day, Whitney Festival Top Commercial Manager Saratoga Stakes Schedule
Brian White in home match against Burlington this past fall. Photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Rugby Club announced that Brian White as Director of Rugby, and Eric Huss as Commercial Manager of SRC. Saratoga Rugby Club is one of the only clubs in the United States to have these positions to progress rugby in the area. Many international and professional rugby clubs have these positions, and SRC’s dedication to producing professional quality rugby is just one way that the organization sets itself apart from every club in the United States. White has a wealth of rugby knowledge with over 15 years of rugby experience. He has served as President for the Stampede for over 3 years. Brian was also an international player and been on a number of top New England area teams including Boston, White Plains, Albany, and even Saratoga. He will be succeeding Jaco Visser, who is now the President of Saratoga Rugby Club. The Director of Rugby position is designed to progress the sport of rugby through game development, recruitment, and overall quality of rugby throughout each of our brands. Eric Huss has been confirmed as Saratoga Rugby Club’s Commercial Manager. Huss was CM earlier this year, with over 25 years of rugby experience. With his efforts, in 2014 he managed to secure sponsorship with top businesses among Saratoga Springs, made SRC a member of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau, produced over 17 participants for the Saratoga Youth Rugby Discount Card and secured an outfitter in Rugby Athletic for the next couple of years. These two appointed positions will play a pivotal role this spring, as the Club’s 15s team, the Stampede, will compete for a USA Rugby National Championship in April. For more information on Saratoga Rugby Club, contact Rob Michelin at recruiting@saratogarugby.org or visit saratogarugby.org.
Send your sports stories or briefs to Brian Cremo, Sports Editor at brian@saratoga publishing.com
OZONE PARK — Two of the biggest days in North American racing will highlight the historic 147th meet at Saratoga Race Course this summer, with the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers the centerpiece of a supercharged Travers Day and the Grade 1, $1.25 million Whitney anchoring five stakes on Whitney Festival Day, Saturday, Aug. 8. The 40-day meet, which includes 69 stakes worth a record $18.7 million in purses, will run from Friday, July 24, through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. After opening weekend, racing will be conducted six days a week, Wednesdays through Mondays. Joining the 146th running of the Mid-Summer Derby for 3-year-olds on Saturday, August 29 will be five other Grade 1 stakes, including the 1 ½-mile Sword Dancer Invitational on the turf, whose purse has been enhanced to $1 million. Also added to the card and receiving purse hikes are the $750,000, 1 1/8-mile Personal Ensign for fillies and mares and the $700,000 Forego at seven furlongs. Rounding out the stellar card are the $500,000 Ballerina for fillies and mares and the $500,000 King’s Bishop, both at seven furlongs, and the Grade 2, $400,000 Ballston Spa for turf fillies and mares. “We have made improvements to Travers Day to keep in line with the creation of our ‘must-see’ events,” said Senior Vice President of Racing Operations for the New York Racing Association Martin Panza. “We are developing
Puzzle solutions from pg. 28
Travers Day into a national event— a mini Breeders’ Cup— by increasing the purses for the Personal Ensign and the Forego. By including the Sword Dancer and raising the purse to $1 million we hope to create international involvement in that race.” Additions to the Spa stakes schedule include the Grade 2, $250,000 Bowling Green at 1 3/8 miles on the turf on Saturday, Aug. 1, which will serve as a prep for the Sword Dancer, and two new juvenile turf stakes at 5 1/2 furlongs: the $100,000 Bolton Landing for fillies on Wednesday, Aug.19, and the $100,000 Schenectady on Friday, Aug. 21. “Both of these 2-year-old turf stakes were created with a look ahead to the Breeders’ Cup,” said Panza. A prelude to the Travers will be New York Breeders’ Showcase Day, which will be moved to Friday, Aug. 28, instead of on Sunday. The popular state-bred card will include six stakes, highlighted by the $250,000 Albany for 3-year-olds going 1 1/8 miles. Opening Day, Friday, July 24 will kick off with a pair of graded stakes: the Grade 3, $150,000 Schuylerville for 2-year-old fillies and the Grade 3, $200,000 Lake George for 3-year-old turf fillies. Continuing the traditional juvenile dirt stakes are the Grade 3, $150,000 Sanford on Saturday, July 25; the Grade 2, $200,000 Toyota Saratoga Special on Sunday, Aug. 16 and the Grade 1, $350,000 Hopeful on Monday, Sept. 7, along
with their sister races: the Grade 2, $200,000 Adirondack on Saturday, Aug. 15 and the Grade 1, $350,000 Spinaway on Saturday, Sept. 5. Grade 1 action commences with the $500,000 TVG Diana for turf fillies and mares on Saturday, July 25, and the $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks for 3-year-old fillies on Sunday, July 26. Continuing the world-class Grade 1 offerings are the $350,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap for sprinters on Saturday, Aug. 1; the aforementioned Whitney and Test on Aug. 8; the Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama on Saturday, August 22, and the Travers, Sword Dancer, Personal Ensign, Forego, Ballerina and King’s Bishop on Saturday, Aug. 29. Closing weekend Grade 1 features include the $600,000 Woodward for 3-year-olds and up and the Spinaway on Saturday, Sept. 5, along with the Hopeful on Monday, Sept. 7. The prestigious 1 1/8-mile Whitney will pair with the Grade 1, $500,000 Test for 3-yearold fillies atop the festival card, which also offers the Grade 3, $200,000 Fasig-Tipton Waya for turf fillies and mares going 1 1/2 miles. Also on Aug. 8 are two additional turf stakes: the $100,000 Lure at 1 1/16 miles and the $100,000 Fasig-Tipton De La Rose at a mile for fillies and mares. The traditional local prep for the Travers, the Grade 2, $600,000 Jim Dandy, will be held on Saturday, Aug.1.
SPORTS 31
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
Is Cuba a Legit Source of Talent for MLB?
by Damian Fantauzzi for Saratoga TODAY There has been some mixed reactions about what is developing with the mending of fences between the United States and the socialist government/country of Cuba. Well, I think after 50 years of tension along with our ancient embargo on shipped goods to Cuba, now the time has come to bury the “old rusted” hatchet between the two nations. There is a modest presence of outstanding Cuban baseball players who have defected to Major League Baseball and the good old USA. Cuba is an excellent resource of untapped baseball talent. It’s a country that loves and breathes the game. Cuba can be compared to the America of old when baseball was a major part of what little kids dreamed about. We were a country that had a history of the game because America is where the birth and origin of baseball began and where fantasy grew in the starry eyes of budding young players. A big part of those dreams and days have faded for America,
through the changing times, with the birth of other sports, such as football, basketball, hockey, soccer and other modern era sports, like lacrosse. These options have changed the landscape and fantasy for the young and old in American athletics. The Cubans have a love and infatuation, the way we used to, for what can be labeled now as the former favorite American pastime— baseball. Don’t get me wrong, baseball is still a popular game in America, but it now has plenty of company! If, and it’s more like when, diplomatic relations become more improved between the two neighboring countries, there will be an influx of new baseball talent “legitimately” coming from Cuba. A factual note: In recent decades, baseball has become the major sport of interest on the international scene in places like the Dominican Republic, Japan, Canada (three obvious nations connected to MLB), the Netherlands, South Korea, the UK, Taiwan and even India (see the movie “Million Dollar Arm”). Presently, as most of you know, there are many Latino and Japanese/Asian players in Major League Baseball. Baseball has become more internationally known and loved throughout the world. Football, basketball and lacrosse have dug deeply into the status of America’s favorite pastime. Ice hockey is etching a groove into the limelight as a fashionable sport in the American world of sports. But hockey is not our sport. We borrowed it from our northern neighbors. We’re still at arm’s
length with the popularity of soccer, another sport that has been imported from other nations! Back to Cuba and what it means to baseball. I am of the opinion that we will see untapped talent that will infiltrate the pros, once the sugar cane curtain is lifted between Cuba and the U.S. It’ll be interesting to see things develop, diplomatically and athletically. My wife has had the good fortune to visit Havana, Cuba. She traveled with a group from the Albany Chamber in November of 2013. She loved the city and the people, and she felt that the time has come for us to settle our differences with Cuba. She thought travel to Cuba would be a great tourist destination. She felt that we all, as Americans, would benefit from the Cuban culture and its people. Not to mention what we can do for our neighbor! A note of interest: the late and renowned author Ernest Hemingway, who had a home in Cuba, loved baseball and Cuba. He lived about 30 minutes outside of Havana. On his property was a farm in an area called Finca Vigia, which was on the edge of a small hill. At the foot of a hill he built a baseball field for the locals and his two sons from his second marriage who would visit in the summer. Ernie needed to find some activity for his boys, which became the motivation to establish the baseball field. There were many local boys who played with Ernest’s boys who were from poor families of the area. Hemingway, who the locals called “Papa,” pitched for the teams picked, as they played! Ernest had a passion for the game, as did the
young Cuban boys. This went on for years, until the young Hemingway boys grew up and stopped coming to Cuba. Cuba’s national sport is baseball. In 1882, the first baseball stadium was built in Havana and in 1905, Cuba had its first national amateur championship. Baseball is their passion. People and fans
have, and still do, family outings at many of the baseball games across the country. A new history is about to be written for America’s favorite pastime. When the legitimacy of a Cuban baseball influence comes, it will change the game. Who knows, maybe Cuba will have its own MLB team in the near future!
Evan Pescetti • Spa Catholic • Junior • Forward Evan Pescetti led the Saints in scoring over this past weekend’s Christmas Tournament at Saratoga Central Catholic. Spa Catholic (5-3, 3-1) fell to Bishop Maginn, 57-53, as Pescetti dropped a game-high 23. Pescetti averaged 20 points per game over the weekend a few days after scoring a season-high 33 against Mayfield Dec. 23.
Star Athlete of the week!
SARATOGA
TODAY 581-2480
Photo by MarkBolles.com
Send “Star Athlete” nominations to Brian Cremo • brian@saratogapublishing.com
Volume 9 • Issue 51
See Children’s Theater pg. 21
FREE
Week of December 31 – January 8, 2015
See Jim Murphy pg. 4
Stauffer Signs with Minnesota Twins
After nine seasons with the San Diego Padres, Tim Stauffer signed with the Minnesota Twins Dec. 23. The two-time Atlantic 10 Conference Pitcher of the Year played his high school ball at Saratoga Central Catholic, where he helped the Saints reach the New York State Class C title game in 2000. Tim Stauffer as a junior at Saratoga Central Catholic in 1999 (left). Photo provided.
See Stauffer pg. 29