Saratoga Today 1-11

Volume 8 • Issue 1

FREE

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

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Local Woman Leads the Way for NY Restaurants

by Patricia Older Saratoga TODAY

Colleen Holmes

SARATOGA SPRINGS – An established restaurateur with an amazing background, Colleen Holmes is making history. For the second year in a row, she has been elected as chairwoman of the New York State Restaurant Association – the first woman in its 76-year history. NYSRA has over 3000 members and serves over 10,000 restaurants, taverns, and dining establishments throughout New York State. Colleen, along with her husband Tim, owns Wheatfield’s in Saratoga Springs, and Wheatfield’s Bistro

& Wine Bar in Clifton Park.

Growing up in a suburb of Detroit, Colleen moved to the Windy City after graduation from Michigan State with a degree in science. She had already dug her hands into the restaurant business when, at 16, she and a friend catered parties, so entering the food industry after graduation from college seemed a natural course of events.

She began working with Lettuce Entertain You, a business which partners with creative business owners and employees to establish successful restaurants and dining establishments. Lettuce

currently owns, licenses or manages more than 80 places in Illinois, California, Arizona, Maryland, Virginia, Minnesota, Georgia and Nevada.

“The idea of the company is to surround yourself with successful and creative people who know more than you do,” explained Colleen.

It was while working with Lettuce that she operated her first restaurant – a fine dining French restaurant called Tuxedo’s – in which she learned all the behind the scenes details.

“It was a full French

See Local Woman pg. 8

GlobalFoundries Commits Another $2 Billion to Malta

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY

MALTA — In a move that will bring 1,000 new, permanent high tech jobs to the greater

Saratoga region, GlobalFoundries announced January 8 that they will be bringing a $2 billion research and development facility to its Maltabased Fab-8 plant. The Technology Development Center (TDC) is envisioned by the microchip

manufacturer as a resource to develop new innovation, in hopes of providing their customers with cutting edge technology. The move drives the company’s total capital investment in the plant to more than $8 billion.

Construction on the facility is currently projected to begin early this year, and hopes to be completed by the end of 2014. The TDC will feature over 500,000 square feet of versatile space designed to See GlobalFoundries pg. 9

Featured Stories Gun Show Controversy Saratoga Springs finds itself at the center of a divisive issue: guns in the community.

Learn more inside TODAY. See Publisher’s Desk pg. 5 and Local Gun Show pg. 14

Malta and Wilton Town Board Meetings Both Wilton and Malta held their first Town Board meetings for 2013. Find out what you might have missed inside TODAY. See News pg. 13

Inside TODAY Blotter 3 Obituaries 6–7 Business 10–11 Families TODAY

15–25

Pulse/Local Gigs

30–33

Weekend Forecast FRIDAY

41|34 SATURDAY

46|38 SUNDAY

48|34

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Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

Kinderskate at Weibel Avenue Ice Rink Teaches the Basics SARATOGA SPRINGS – Winter is definitely the best time to learn how to ice skate. Just ask these kids taking part in the Weibel Avenue Ice Rink’s Kinderskate Program. The program was thought up to introduce children to ice skating early on. Whether they go on to figure skate, speed skate, play hockey or just skate recreationally, these skaters will definitely be ready.

The Kinderskate program is open to children ages 3-6, and takes place Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1-2 p.m., with a second session on Saturdays from 2-3 p.m.

The season runs from January to March, and reopens each fall from October to December.

Top Left: Tess Shields Center: Valentina Henao Top Right: Lucia DeVito Bottom Left: From left to right, Tess Shields, Valentina Henao, Lucia DeVito Bottom Right: Cole Gibson and mom Kristina Gibson Photos by MarkBolles.com

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013 Justin T. Spencer, 22, of Sheffield Road in Gansevoort, was arrested January 1 along South Broadway and charged with disorderly conduct, a violation.

Spencer allegedly refused to cooperate with police following an altercation.

Shanique T. Coore, 25 of Albany, was arrested January 1 along Broadway and charged with criminal mischief in the thirddegree, a Class E felony. Coore is alleged to have entered a restricted area of MINE Bar on Broadway before breaking glasses and other items valued at over $500.

Devan M. Printy, 21, of Sylvan Trail in Ballston Lake, was arrested January 1 along Railroad Place and charged with driving while intoxicated, a Class A misdemeanor. Printy was also charged with improper lane use, a violation. Police received a call reporting an accident, and when they arrived found Printy still in his vehicle, which appeared to have struck two parked vehicles. The responding officer issued a field sobriety test and made the arrest.

Aaron J. Elliot, 25, of Lakeside Way in Johnsonville, was arrested January 1 along Route 50, and charged with a litany of crimes, including driving while intoxicated, a Class D felony, and reckless endangerment in the first-degree, a Class D felony. He was also charged with unlawful fleeing of a police officer and reckless driving, both Class A misdemeanors. There were also seven

related violation charges stemming from an early morning car chase with police through Saratoga Springs.

Jerome Monroe Jr., 32, of Florence Street in Schenectady, was arrested January 2 along Broadway, and charged with false personation and criminal contempt in the second degree, a Class A and Class B misdemeanor, respectively. Monroe was arrested after providing police with false information during a domestic dispute.

Upon determining Monroe’s real name, it was revealed there was a warrant for his arrest and was taken into custody.

Lisa J. Reid, 44, of Route 29 in Rock City Falls, was arrested January 3 along Ballston and charged with petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. Reid is alleged to have been stealing various items from Price Chopper, totaling over $100.

Nicholas W. Callahan, 26, of Claremont Road in Stillwater, was arrested January 4 along Caroline Street, and charged with assault in the seconddegree, a Class D felony. He was also charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance and obstructing a governmental administration in the seconddegree, all Class A misdemeanors. Callahan allegedly caused a disturbance at a Caroline Street bar and refused to leave. When officers attempted to remove him from the bar, he attempted to flee on foot. He was taken down two blocks later and

BLOTTER taken into custody. Police would then found the suspect in possession of cocaine and other various pills determined to be Schedule II narcotics.

Gregory M. Arnold, 26, of Ridge Road in Glenville, was arrested January 4 along Ballston Ave and charged with driving while intoxicated with a blood-alcohol content greater than .08 percent, aggravated driving while intoxicated (blood-alcohol content greater than .18 percent), both Class A misdemeanors. He was also charged with three different violations related to the stop.

Zebadiah J. Jackson, 22, of Third Street in Troy, was arrested January 4 along Putnam Road, and charged with criminal possession of marijuana in the fifth-degree, a Class B misdemeanor, as well as obstructing governmental administration in the second-degree and resisting arrest, both Class A misdemeanors. Jackson was the passenger in a vehicle which police had deemed suspicious, and when asked to step out of the vehicle, pushed the officer out of his way and began running. He was caught and taken into custody.

Giuliano Isopo, 23, of Phillips Street in Ballston Lake, was arrested January 5 along

South Broadway, and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation, and obstructing governmental administration in the seconddegree, a Class A misdemeanor.

Police noticed a strong smell of marijuana following a routine traffic stop, which Isopo then denied. He was placed in the police vehicle, so officers could speak with the passengers individually. It was at that time officers noticed Isopo moving around in the back of the police cab, and eventually discovered him attempting to stash marijuana and a marijuana pipe in between the seats of the police cruiser. He was then arrested.

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Brian J. Park, 49, of County Road 69 in Schuylerville, was arrested January 5 along Excelsior Avenue, and charged with reckless endangerment in the first-degree, a Class D felony, along with driving while intoxicated and reckless driving, Class A misdemeanors.

Park was stopped by officers responding to an accident, which was later determined to be the fault of Park’s vehicle.

Park was taken into custody after refusing field sobriety tests and a breathalyzer. No one was harmed in the accident.

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week in Review Drue indicted on 52 Counts Relating to Fatal Crash

Locally Owned and Operated 5 Case Street, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 Phone: (518) 581-2480 Fax: (518) 581-2487 SaratogaTODAYNewspaper.com Hours of Operation 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Monday–Friday Publisher/Editor Chad Beatty 581-2480 x 212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com General Manager Robin Mitchell 581-2480 x 208 rmitchell@saratogapublishing.com Advertising Chris Bushee 581-2480 x 201 cbushee@saratogapublishing.com Jim Daley 581-2480 x 209 jdaley@saratogapublishing.com Cindy Durfey 581-2480 x 204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com Art Department Richard Hale 581-2480 x 202 Production Director rhale@saratogapublishing.com Eric Havens 581-2480 x 207 ehavens@saratogapublishing.com Jessica Kane 581-2480 x 215 jkane@saratogapublishing.com Editorial Andrew Marshall 581-2480 x 206 Managing Editor, Sports amarshall@saratogapublishing.com Chelsea DiSchiano 581-2480 x 214 Features Editor, Pulse, Community Corner chelsea@saratogapublishing.com Patricia Older 581-2480 x 203 Business Editor, Obituaries, Briefs patricia@saratogapublishing.com Calendar Cindy Durfey 581-2480 x 204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com Photographer Mark Bolles 490-1757 mbolles@photoandgraphic.com Distribution Kim Beatty 581-2480 x 205 kbeatty@saratogapublishing.com

HALFMOON – A 52-count indictment was handed up by the Saratoga Grand Jury in a sealed indictment on Friday, January 4 against Dennis Drue, the 22-yearold man accused of causing the fatal accident on the Northway last month that took the lives of two students and seriously injured two more.

Drue was arrested Friday night on a warrant and arraigned Monday, January 7 in front of Judge Jerry Scarano when the indictment was unsealed. Bail was set at $50,000 bond or $100,000 cash.

It is alleged that Drue was speeding on the night of December 1 on the Northway. Eyewitness accounts have him allegedly driving aggressively, speeding and changing lanes erratically. He was reported to have been in the far left lane when he switched to the center lane, then quickly into the far right.

It was then his 2004 Volvo crashed into the rear of Chris Stewart’s 2000 Ford Explorer sending the SUV careening off the highway and flipping over several times. Stewart, 17, along with Deanna Rivers, also 17, died in the accident. Bailey Wind and Matt Hardy, both 17, survived the collision, but spent time in the hospital. Both are expected to spend extensive time in physical

therapy during their recoveries.

Drue’s driving record came into account during his arraignment, as well as the fact that a small amount of marijuana was found in his vehicle and a bank statement showing he had tens of thousands of dollars even though he is unemployed. Prosecutors also brought up the allegation that Drue insisted police retrieve two keys for a safe deposit box from his vehicle on the night of the accident.

Drue’s attorney, Stephen Coffey, argued the points being raised by the prosecution were inflammatory and unnecessary since an agreement had already been reached for bail.

The indictment alleges Drue drank alcohol and smoked marijuana in the hours before the crash, and the combination of the two removes the threshold of being over the legal limit for alcohol for the severity of charges. According to Saratoga County District Attorney James Murphy III, prosecutors need only prove “impairment to any extent” in cases involving driving under the influence of drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol.

The District Attorney’s office showed an abstract of Drue’s driving record that show he has amassed a number of driving offenses including more than a dozen speeding tickets, five license suspensions, one revocation, and

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

was faulted in four accidents prior to the December accident. Three of those accidents were in Troy and one was in Colonie. In addition, many of Drue’s tickets were plea bargained down to minor offenses, such as one infraction where he cited with driving more than 15 miles an hour over the speed limit that was reduced to parking on the highway.

Local Leaders Respond to 2013 State of the State Address

ALBANY – In an address which has been described as “ambitious” and heavily favoring left wing initiatives, local political leaders in Saratoga County wasted no time issuing responses to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s third State of the State address.

New York State Senator Kathy Marchione (R-C, Halfmoon) commended the governor on his “commitment to no new taxes, growing our entrepreneurial and innovation economy to create more good-paying jobs, helping New York maintain and expand its educational edge, along with rewarding excellent teachers with performance pay.” However, the State Senator was not pleased with the Governor’s lack of a specific plan for the state’s “unfunded mandate crisis” and his call for more gun-restrictive measures, saying in her statement that this would weaken New Yorkers’

Second Amendment rights.

Marchione added that she believes the state should begin focusing on having an “honest and adult conversation about mental illness.”

Assembly Republican Leader Pro Tem Tony Jordan (R,I,CJackson) echoed Marchione’s sentiments about the mandate crisis, saying “We must address unfunded mandate relief and state regulatory reform during the 2013 Legislative Session to grow our economy and help struggling families.” Jordan said this topic should be a priority in the state.

NYSEDC Executive Director Brian McMahon said the Governor’s address “provides an aggressive, realistic, and innovative blueprint for moving New York’s economy forward.” McMahon praised Gov. Cuomo’s efforts in investing in technology and advanced manufacturing, saying “Tax-free innovation ‘Hot Spots’ and the proposed $50 million Innovation Venture Capital Fund will help catalyze the invention-to-production process in regions throughout New York State.” Though he praised much of the address, McMahon did add that he was “disappointed the Governor made no mention of either shale gas development or local government mandate relief. Both are priorities for improving economic development opportunities for New Yorkers.”

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Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

From the Publisher’s Desk . . .

by Chad Beatty Saratoga TODAY [Editor’s note: this was originally published January 8 on SaratogaTODAYnewspaper.com] As the gun debate rages on and Saratoga Springs finds itself smack-dab in the middle (due to our upcoming gun show at the Saratoga Springs City Center), I decided I would clear up a few facts so everyone is speaking the same language. Whether I am for or against gun controls has nothing to do with this editorial. This is simply to help people make informed decisions and to better understand the meaning of the terms everyone is freely throwing around.

The first term is “automatic.”

Over the past two weeks, I have heard the following phrases or questions far too many times: “We need to ban automatic weapons” or “Do you think people should be allowed to buy machine guns?”

I am happy to say that neither of these are an issue.

Automatic (or machine guns) can’t be purchased by a regular citizen. In 1986, the federal registry, which was created with the National Firearms Act of 1934, was officially closed. So if you wanted to buy a “machine gun,” you are actually about 26 years too late.

(Just for the record, “automatic” simply means you can hold the trigger down and the gun will continuously fire bullets.)

Next, is the term “semi-automatic.” Before we ban all semiautomatic guns, as many people are demanding, we need to understand what a semi-automatic gun does. The term semi-automatic means that every time you pull the trigger, the action cycles and loads another round. Therefore every time you pull the trigger, the gun fires a bullet. Almost every handgun produced and most rifles will fall into this category, so banning them all simply is not a viable solution.

The last term, and the one that seems to be the hottest, is “assault weapon.” What is an assault weapon? If you spoke to 50 people you could probably get 50 definitions of what an assault weapon is.

In New York State, there is a specific category that addresses assault weapons and provides a set of criteria differentiating a firearm versus an assault weapon. Some of the qualifying features are: pistol grips, collapsible stocks, high capacity magazines, flash suppressors, etc. All these things can make a gun look

pretty scary, but if the gun happens to meet the requirements of an assault weapon, they would be illegal in New York and can’t be purchased anyway.

So as you can see, a lot of the arguments are moot points or nonsensical. The discussion really has to be narrowed down to specifics and when everyone is speaking the same language, hopefully a reasonable compromise will be reached.

One other point I think needs to be addressed is the number of gun-related homicides. I will be the first to say that one good guy dying from a gunshot is one good guy too many. But let’s understand the real numbers related to homicides in America. Below is an overview of the weapons used: • • •

• • • •

Fire - 75 Strangulation - 85 Rifles – 323 (This is the category that “assault weapons” would fall into as a subcategory) Hammer - 496 (Includes blunt objects) Hands/fist - 728 Knives - 1,694 Handguns – 6,220

Also, although I didn’t include this category in the “homicide” statistics, it is important to note the number of annual deaths which result from drunk driving, which I feel is even more disturbing…12,000!

(Statistics from 2011 FBI.gov)

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obituaries Lucille Clark Taylor SARATOGA SPRINGS – Lucille Clark Taylor passed away Saturday, December 29. She was 89.

Born on June 1, 1923 in Melrose, MA she was the daughter of the late E.G. Clark and Ruth Nevins Clark. Lucille married Walter Taylor (Wally) after meeting in a lunch line at Boston University. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary with their family this past year.

A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Lucille is survived by her husband Walter;

her children, Susan Sellers of Westchester, PA, Bob (Barbara) Taylor of Falmouth, ME, JoAnne (Jeff) Gabriels of East Greenbush; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, January 5.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Walter Taylor and Lucille Clark Taylor Award Fund, c/o Boston University Office of Gifts and Records, 595 Commonwealth Ave. Suite700 West, Boston, MA 02215.

Bernice Crosby Shirley MALTA – Bernice Crosby Shirley passed away on Sunday, December 23 at the age of 91. She was the fourth of six children born to the late Joseph and Florence Crosby of Syracuse.

In the mid 70’s she met and later married Robert B. Shirley. Bob passed away in 1988.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Bernice was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph and William Crosby and a sister, Marie Delaney.

Survivors include her sisters, Sister Eileen Crosby of Latham and Patricia Crosby of Syracuse; stepdaughter , Taber Rehbaum of Ester, AK; step-son,

R. Bruce Shirley Jr. of Schuylerville; her stepgrandchildren; several nephews, nieces, cousins and her special friends, Bob and Barb Wilson of Burnt Hills.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, January 5 at St. Clements Church followed by a gathering of family and friends at The Wesley Community.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Donations may be made in her name to Saratoga Emergency Corps Inc., 166 West Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Laura Janet Crandall Dashnaw NASSAU – Laura Janet Crandall Dashnaw of Nassau, formerly of Saratoga Springs, passed away suddenly at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson on December 19 at 47 years of age.

She was born on November 20, 1965 in Burlington, Vermont, to Georgia A. and Preston D. Crandall.

Laura is survived by her mother, Georgia A. Lyman (David) of Glens Falls, her father Preston Crandall of Wildwood, FL, a sister

Justin Moran SARATOGA SPRINGS – Justin Moran passed away unexpectedly on Friday December 28. He was 32.

Born November 23, 1980 in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of John Moran and the late Linda Cummings Moran.

In addition to his father, Justin is survived by his fiancée Janel Sweet; children Mya and Liam Moran; step-daughter Lily Sweet; his sibling Kevin and Debra Moran; his aunt Nancy Ryle and several other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services were held January 2. Burial will be private.

Gwyneth Burrow (Tommie) of Edmund, OK, a nephew Andrew P. Davis of Normand, OK and an Aunt, Bonnie May Benoit of Concord, VT. She is also survived by her fiancé, Raymond Skudera, of Nassau.

She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, George and Laura Sidman, of Albany and her paternal Grandparents, Ted and Janet Crandall of Hardwick, VT.

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

Ernie Graf SARATOGA SPRINGS – “Ernie” Graf, 81, peacefully passed away at home, in his sleep, on Wednesday, January 2.

He is survived by his daughters Debbie Graf, Janet (Don) Fehsenfeld, Jill (Patrick) Russell and stepdaughter Becky (Ken) VanEk, along with many close friends. He also leaves behind his beloved birds, Jamie and Oscar. Ernie was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Bertha Graf and his infant son, James.

Ernie was born on April 29, 1931 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

A memorial gathering will be held in Ernie’s honor on Monday, January 14 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Stone Soup Antiques Gallery, 19 Low Street, Ballston Spa. All friends are welcome.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke

& Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

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

Raymond J. Hoffmann SARATOGA SPRINGS – Raymond J. Hoffmann formerly of Nelson Ave and Embury Apartments died on Wednesday December 19. He was 84 years old.

Born on August 9, 1928 in Brooklyn, he was the son of the late Henry Hoffmann and Mary Nostrom.

Raymond was married to Mildred Hoffmann who died on July 31, 2005.

Mr. Hoffmann is also predeceased by his parents and a son Keith Hoffmann and a sister Jean Allen.

Survivors include one son, Bruce Hoffmann and his partner Bill Chase of Rock City Falls, three sisters Barbara McDonald (Gerard) of Rock City Falls, Nan Till (Jim) of Saratoga Springs, and Lorraine Montgomery (Allen) of Ballston Spa, grandchildren, Ian Till and his fiancé Aray Montalvan, Dylan Till, Brianna and Colette McDonald, Kyle, Travis and Connor Montgomery and Antony Hoffmann, one great-granddaughter, Samantha Nicole Montgomery.

There are no services at this time.

Rachel A. Rametta Zimolka

Rachel A. Rametta Zimolka GANSEVOORT – Rachel A. Rametta Zimolka, 36, died on Friday, December 21.

Born on March 17, 1976 in Annapolis, Md., she was the daughter of Mary (Perrino) Rametta and Concetto and Lisa Rametta.

In addition to her parents, husband and daughter, Rachel is survived by brothers, Thomas (Tracy) Rametta of Freehold, NJ, Benjamin (Anne) Rametta of Gansevoort, Robert (Michele) Rametta of Warwick, Michael Rametta, Matthew Rametta and Joey Rametta, all of Goshen; grandmothers, Lucy Rametta of Goshen and Carol Orza of Middletown; parents-in-law Gerald and Anna

Zimolka of Scotia and sister Melissa Zimolka of Halfmoon; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on December 28. Burial was at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Rachel requests donations be made in her memory to the Lucy Zimolka Fund, Sunmark FCU, P.O. Box 16370, Albany, NY 12212-6370 (or drop off at any Sunmark FCU location). Rachel also requests friends and family write “Letters to Lucy,” written memories about her and how you knew one another. Please mail letters to 16 Dakota Drive, Gansevoort, NY 12831.

obituaries

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

Edward Darren Beliveau Edward Darren Beliveau SARATOGA SPRINGS – Edward Darren Beliveau of Beach Street in Ballston Spa died peacefully Friday, December 14 after a long and courageous battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer. He was 42.

Born October 26, 1970, in Schenectady, he was the son of the late Joseph “Rey” Beliveau and Elaine Siegel Beliveau.

Edward was a 1989 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School.

Survivors include his mother, Elaine Beliveau of Delray Beach, Fla.; two brothers, Randy S. Beliveau of Ballston Spa and Joseph Beliveau and his wife,

Nancy Elaine (McDonald) Crouch

CANTON – Nancy Elaine (McDonald) Crouch passed away

Rosie, of Faribault, Minn.; a niece, Jami-Lynn Beliveau; and a great-nephew, Jericho.

Services were held December 17.

Robert Phillips

Marion enjoyed knitting, playing bridge, loved to travel and shared many interesting stories to all.

Marion is survived by her husband, Walter Kehl and his children Walter Kehl, II (Kimberly) of Lansingburg, and daughter Tina Roberts (Michael Licata) of Saratoga Springs; several grandchildren, and her dearest and closest friends, Millie Herbert, Phyllis Kuczek, and Nancy Griffis.

There will be no public calling hours and graveside services will be private at the convenience of the family.

BALLSTON SPA – Robert Phillips, 90, formerly of Slingerlands, passed away Friday, December 28.

Bob was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Betty.

He will be missed by his daughters, Linda of Cambridge, MA and Barbara (Steve Byrne) of Ballston Spa. There will be no public hours and services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Donations may be made in his memory to your local animal shelter.

Helen “Foo” V. Donohoe Armstrong SARATOGA SPRINGS – Helen “Foo” V. Donohoe Armstrong, 87, of Embury Apartments, formally of York Avenue, passed away January 3.

Born on February 8, 1925 in Saratoga Springs, she was the daughter of the late Charles Hayes and Ody Helen Donohoe.

In addition to her parents and her husband John, who passed away in 2001, Helen was predeceased by her three brothers, Joseph, Hayes and Edward Donohoe and a sister Rita Piccarreto.

Survivors include her three sons, John (Jack) M. Armstrong and his wife Roma Armstrong

of Saratoga Springs, Paul C. and Bruce E. Armstrong of Saratoga Springs; two daughters, Corinne M. Scirocco and her husband Anthony “Skip” Scirocco of Saratoga Springs and JoAnn M. Rosebrook and her husband Richard Rosebrook of Porter Corners. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, three great grandchildren and two step-grandchildren; Anthony Scirocco and his wife Heather Scirocco, their two children Madison and Vincent Scirocco of Saratoga Springs, Mark Scirocco and his son Schuyler Scirocco of Saratoga Springs, Marisa Shickel and her husband Stuart Shickel

of Palmyra, VA, Jonathan, Ashley and Nicholas Rosebrook of Porter Corners and Matthew Rosebrook of Boston, MA and Michael Rosebrook of Saratoga Springs as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, January 8. Burial was at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saratoga Bridges, 16 Saratoga Bridges Boulevard, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Andy; one step-son, Dean Crouch and his wife Dee; three nieces, Stephanie Veitch and her husband Matt, Jessica Youngberg and her husband Jeff, Julie Marshall and her husband Charles, one sisterin-law, Sylvia Crouch and two great nephews, Jacob and David Veitch.

A memorial service was celebrated on Thursday, January 3.

Christopher M. Snyder SARATOGA SPRINGS – Christopher M. Snyder of Tiffany Place, passed away Friday, January 4. He was 57.

Born on May 31, 1955 in Syracuse, he was the son of Frederick H. and Virginia A. Snyder.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Gerald Snyder.

Marion McClausland Simon Kehl Saratoga Springs – Marion McCausland Simon Kehl, 93, died peacefully at Saratoga Hospital on Saturday morning, December 15, 2012.

Born in Walden on December 1, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Beatrice Saehloff and James McCausland and later moved to Mayfield. Marion worked much of her life as a business teacher in Rockville Centre.

She loved teaching so much that right up to her passing she kept in touch with some of her students who had become teachers themselves.

Thursday, December 20. She was 57.

Born October 26, 1955 in Troy, she was the daughter of the late Roy Martin and Elaine Smith McDonald.

She is survived by her husband, Marvin Ansley Crouch; one son, Thomas Crouch; her brother, Roy J. McDonald and his wife Angela; one step-daughter- Lynn Timmerman and her husband

Survivors include his sister, Jeanne Snyder of Saratoga Springs and several cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Thursday, January 10 and private spring interment will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in his memory to Saratoga Hospital Foundation, 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Rita I. (Guerriero) Parisi SARATOGA SPRINGS – Rita I. (Guerriero) Parisi, of Ballston Ave., passed away Friday, January 4. She was 86.

Born on November 1, 1926 in Saratoga Springs, she was the daughter of the late Gennaro and Louise (Ruscitto) Guerriero.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband, Albert and a brother, Sylvester.

Survivors include her eight children; Albert (Maryjo) Parisi of Baldwinsville, Gerri (Patrick) MacMonagle of Fairfield, CT, Mary Therese (Vito) DiSalvi of Amsterdam, Mark (Ann Marie) Parisi of Saratoga Springs, Louise (Timothy) McGowan of Darien, CT, Rita (Jim) Vanyo of Saratoga Springs, James (Denise) Parisi of Saratoga Lake and Frank (his fiance’ Joy) Parisi of Saratoga Springs; 10 grandchildren, Tyler (Racheal), Matthew, Vincent, Sophia and Francesca Parisi, Elaina (Alan) Lambkin, Andrew

and Sarah McGowan, Julia and Stephen Vanyo; one great-grandson, Shay Lambkin; one sister, Mary Louise Guerriero of Schenectady and one brother, Robert (Christine) Guerriero of Salem, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday and burial followed at the family plot in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in her name to Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), 5817 Old Leeds Rd., Irondale, AL 35210; American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211; or to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Saratoga Springs, NY - Marion McCausland Simon Kehl, 93, died peacefully at Saratoga Hospital on Saturday morning, Dec. 15, 2012.

Call TODAY for “In memoriam Ads” Personalized memorial ads for your loved ones. Call Saratoga TODAY for more details.

518-581-2480

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Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

First Woman Chair of 76-Year-Old Organization continued from page 1 kitchen and the customers never saw me,” said Colleen. “I got to work out of there with some of the best culinary chefs. It is the true definition of fine dining.”

From there she went on to manage a Greek restaurant – the first female manager at the male dominated establishment in its history. It was another stepping stone for her.

“Everyone spoke Greek and Yorgo (pronounced Ur-Oh-Go) took me under his wing and taught me Greek and the correct pronunciation of all the words,” said Colleen, who said it was a fabulous learning experience for her.

“It was an opportunity for me to work with skilled culinary teams while also learning the intricacies of the restaurant business. I was able to learn profits and loss, payrolls, tax and liabilities,” continued Colleen. “[Lettuce] had a lot of great training programs.”

She met Tim while working with Lettuce – he was also a partner with the entertainment-based company – and after they married, the couple realized they needed to move closer to his young children who lived in Saratoga County.

“My stepchildren live here and

when they became school-aged, we knew they couldn’t be shuttled back and forth,” she explained.

To make the move, Colleen and Tim opened a consulting business for restaurant owners – Restaurant Consulting Partners.

“We decided to open a com-

owners, the resources and capital needed to address problems that are universal for the business are often not available. “The issues are the same no matter where you are. The guys in New York City still have the same issues as the guys in Upstate New York, just add a bunch more

“You have 150 years of the Saratoga race track, the arts, the business community,” explained Colleen. “One of the things my dad taught me was not to put all your eggs in one basket. That is something good about growing up where the place is economically depen-

pany to help independent restaurant owners,” said Colleen, noting that for many small business

zeroes.”

With the business established, they moved to Boston, but that too, still required too much travelling for the kids and themselves. It was then the couple began to eye the Capital Region for a restaurant they could hang their star on.

“We first moved to Massachusetts, but hundreds of hours later in the car we started looking here,” said Colleen. “We looked at a lot of places all over the entire Capital Region – Albany, Clifton Park, Schenectady. We looked all over.”

But it was the charm and draw of Saratoga Springs that won their hearts, and the thrill and passion of operating a restaurant that dealt with fresh, homemade pastas.

“There were three things that sealed our choice to be here,” said Colleen. “One is location – downtown Saratoga. Two – the bones of the restaurant business is fresh pasta and going back to its roots of the pasta industry; and three, Saratoga Springs – it is still the sunny spot of the state. It has a strong community, the landscape is changing in a positive way and the diversity of Saratoga Springs is second to none.”

It is that diversity, she explained, that helps the community and business environment of the Spa City continue to grow in positive ways.

dent on one industry – it teaches you to look for that diversity.”

Since Colleen has always been involved with the community she lives in, it was natural for her to join the New York State Restaurant Association, an organization that strives to protect and advocate for its members.

NYSRA got its start in 1935 when the country was grappling with the Depression and many New York restaurants were struggling to survive. Add to the mix the avalanche of governmental agencies and legislature that were being formed because of Roosevelt’s “New Deal.” That is when six businessmen from throughout that state got together and organized the New York State Restaurant Association in an effort to deal with all the changes coming about.

The real test of NYSRA as a liaison for restaurant owners came with World War II when rationing, price controls, workforce shortages and blackouts posed huge problems for restaurants and eateries. It was during that time period the Association became the accepted spokesperson for the industry and was consulted on a continuous basis.

Offering brainstorming sessions, educational opportunities and a legislative voice, NYSRA has grown to be a powerful tool for

owners of restaurants, taverns and bars.

“There are thousands of legislature and judicial decisions that could affect restaurant owners,” explained Colleen, adding that even one little word could drastically affect an owner’s establishment and way of operating. “While some of the laws may look good on paper, if left worded that way it could affect small businesses adversely.

What has been fun and refreshing is our renewed relationship with the Governor’s office.”

Colleen’s involvement with the organization was a natural progression. As soon as she moved to Malta, she joined the organization and within months was on their Board of Directors, which consists of 13 members from across the state.

From there she went on to be its treasurer and in 2010, her name was being mentioned as a possible nominee for chair.

“I knew my name was being kicked around,” said Colleen.

“Then they asked me if I would be interested.”

She pointed out being involved with NYSRA has been a tremendous resource for her and easy to be passionate about.

“If I don’t understand something I can depend on others in the Association to help me boil it down,” said Colleen. “Dues are nominal – I get my money back tenfold.”

She said she feels at home in Saratoga and that taking over Wheatfield’s in 2004 was a great opportunity for her and her husband and their children, step-kids Jessica, 20, Timothy, 18, and daughter, six year old Sarah.

“The expansion of the City Center, the Woodlawn parking lot and the promotions of the city all make a difference,” said Colleen, pointing out the Chowderfest held in February as yet another way the Spa City works to promote local businesses and growth. “[Saratoga restaurants] serve thousands and thousands cups of chowder – you can’t believe the number of people who come through the doors. It could be the dead of winter anywhere else,” said Colleen. “But in Saratoga it is a party.”

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

$2 Billion Investment for Malta R&D Facility continued from page 1 bolster the company’s technology development and manufacturing capabilities, including cleanroom and laboratory space.

“As the industry shifts from the [personal computer] era to a market focused on mobile devices, we have seen increasingly strong interest from customers in migrating to advanced nodes on an accelerated schedule,” said GlobalFoundries CEO Ajit Manocha, in a statement released on the company’s website.

He continued, “To help facilitate this migration, we are making significant investments in strengthening our technology leadership, including growing our workforce and adding new capabilities to make Fab 8 the hub of our global technology operations. New York State’s continued support of the semiconductor industry has created a strong collaborative ecosystem and helped pave the way for this additional investment. The new TDC will help us bridge between the lab and the fab by taking research conducted with partners and further developing the technologies to make them

ready for volume manufacturing.”

The hope for the TDC is that it will be able to produce “end to end solutions covering the full spectrum of silicon technology,” including new ways that their microchips interact, as well as how they’re shipped.

Governor Andrew Cuomo acknowledged that the investments made in nanotechnology all across New York State are paying dividends, adding that the highpaying jobs and economic growth were “essential to rebuilding our state.”

GlobalFoundries currently employs over 2,000 people at the Fab 8 plant, and expects that number to grow to 3,000 by the end of 2014.

“New York has become the world’s hub for advanced semiconductor research and now, the Technology Development Center will further help ensure the innovations developed in New York, in collaboration with our research institutions, are manufactured in New York,” said Governor Cuomo.

9

A First Look at 422 Broadway SARATOGA SPRINGS – If you regularly drive or walk down Broadway, this is what you could expect to see in place of all the construction currently going on

in the parking lot next to Lillian’s Restaurant. 422 Broadway, being built by Bonacio Construction, has already announced that their first two long term tenants will be

the much-anticipated Northshire Books and high-end chocolatier Kilwin’s. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2013.

Original rendering provided by Bonacio Construction, text and additional graphics by Saratoga TODAY

10

BUSINESS

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

New Style Stewarts to Be Built in Galway

by Patricia Older Saratoga TODAY GALWAY – A new look is coming for Stewarts with the latest store being built on Route 29 in Galway. The largest of all Stewarts, the Galway shop will also feature, for the first time, a peaked roof instead of the flat, mansard roof typical of most Stewarts.

“The architecture is much different with this shop,” said Tom Lewis, Real Estate Representative for Stewarts. “Instead of the mansard roof this one will be a peaked roof.”

The shop will also be the largest to date for the 68-year-old company.

“In the 90s we did only 2400-square-foot shops,” said Lewis.

From there, he said, the company went to 2800 square feet, and eventually 3000 square feet buildings, while keeping the same recognizable and familiar façade.

The Galway Stewarts will be 3384 square-feet, but will still offer the same services and amenities as every other Stewarts. It is their 325th store in upstate New York and Vermont.

“There is one other shop that

has a similar look – in Halfmoon,” said Lewis. “But it is not quite the same and it is smaller.”

Stewarts first began in 1945 when the Dake family purchased an ice cream shop from Ballston Spa native Donald Stewart. The company is still based out of Saratoga

part time. Both employee and company owned, Stewarts offers its employees a number of incentives to make a career with them including profit sharing and a retirement plan in which the company pays 100 percent. The balance of the retirement plan, after five to six years,

and use of the company Lake Placid condominium.

Ten of the 325 stores are located in Vermont, with the remaining 315 spread throughout 30 upstate counties and the company employs approximately 4000 people.

Lewis said the Galway store

Springs.

Initially famous for its fresh ice cream and the make-your-own sundaes, Stewarts gained popularity as a quick stop for coffee, milk or small convenience store items. For most upstate residents, the shops seem to be located around every corner.

It also became a staple for residents seeking employment, even

should equal a year’s pay. They also offer health, vision and dental insurance, as well as vacation time, dependent care reimbursement,

will operate much like every other Stewarts and will have six full-time and six part-time employees.

He added that it was an ideal

location for a new store with the Broadalbin store eight miles west of it, Charlton, about 10 miles south, Saratoga, 11 miles east, and Middle Grove approximately nine miles away.

“It’s like the center of the donut,” said Lewis.

The new shop, which will be located on the corner of routes 29 and 147, is being built where a former Mobil gas station was located and a small deli and convenience store. Lewis said they had been trying to acquire the site for some time, but that the property had been tied up in bankruptcy court. The gas station and store closed about nine months ago.

“It was purchased the end of December and we then had to get all the permits,” said Lewis.

“Demolition is starting this week.”

Groundbreaking for the new store will begin the first week of March, depending on the weather.

“It will be the same efficiently run store and our focus will be on the customer,” said Lewis.

The new shop is slated to be open by early May.

Holiday Match Raises $1,344,000 for Charities SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 26th annual Stewart’s Shops’ Holiday Match program has once again topped the million dollar mark in contributions for local children’s charities. The company announced that Stewart’s customers donated $672,000, Stewart’s Shops is matching that amount, with a total of $1,344,000 to be distributed in March, 2013.

The Holiday Match program is based on customers making contributions in the 324 Stewart’s Shops, located in upstate New York and western Vermont, from Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day. Stewart’s then

matches all individual customer donations. The money raised benefits children’s organizations directly within the communities where Stewart’s Shops are

located. There are no administrative costs and 100% of the funds collected and matched benefit the communities that have made this

program so successful. After this year’s funds are distributed, over $17 million will have been allocated since the program’s inception in 1986.

The $672,000 that Stewart’s is matching is about 30% of the $2,250,000 donations budget for Stewart’s Shops in 2013.

C h i l d re n’s charities can still apply for funding from the Holiday Match Program.

Applications are available in all Stewart’s Shops or online at www.stewartsshops. com.

Applications must be submitted or postmarked

by January 31 to be considered for funding. Visit www.stewartsshops.com for more information.

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

BUSINESS

Pilates Studio Owner Attends International Pilates Convention SARATOGA SPRINGS — Meghan Del Prete, owner of Reform, A True Pilates Studio in Saratoga Springs recently returned from the annual international Romana’s Pilates Convention in Nice, France. True Pilates studio owners and instructors gathered to learn from master level instructors trained

by Romana Kryzanowska, former colleague and successor to Joseph Pilates.

Presentations included the history of Joseph Pilates, working with

dancers and acrobats, and the science of why Pilates works from

a physical therapy perspective.

The convention was an invaluable

opportunity to network and plan for master level instructors to come to the Reform Pilates studio in Saratoga Springs to offer private lessons and specialized workshops for clients in 2013. For further details about the trip, check out the studio Facebook page or the blog at www.reformyourbody. com. For questions about the studio and special opportunities offered to clients, including private and group lessons and classes, call (518) 871-1315 or e-mail info@reformyourbody.com.

Adirondack Trust Nominates Wait and Mabee SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Adirondack Trust Company announced that Charles V. Wait, Jr. and Douglass T. Mabee have been nominated to stand for election to the Board of Directors of The Adirondack Trust Company.

The election will be held at the annual stockholders’ meeting on February 6.

Wait is a vice president of Legal and Regulation at Adirondack Trust, which includes the analysis of regulations, credit and vendor information. He joined the company in 2009. He is a resident of Gansevoort and serves locally as a board member of the Empire State College Foundation and Saratoga Springs Rotary Club.

In addition to his experience at The Adirondack Trust Company, Wait has served as an associate at one of the world’s most prestigious law firms, Jones Day in New York City. He is admitted to practice law in the State of New York and in the United States

Charles V. Wait, Jr.

Douglass T. Mabee

District Court for the Southern District of New York. He is currently a member of the New York State Bar Association and has a B.A. in Psychology from Cornell University and obtained his J.D. magna cum laude (Order of the Coif) from New York University School of Law. Mabee is a third-party consultant for Tetra Tech, an

environmental consulting firm that is ranked number one in Water Services by Engineering News-Record. He works as an environmental inspector, overseeing permitting issues for pipeline construction projects. He is the son of director, Douglass M. Mabee, and is the fifth generation of the Mabee family to be associated with the bank.

Roohan Realty Welcomes Minehan SARATOGA SPRINGS — Roohan Realty is pleased to announce that Jack Minehan, licensed sales associate, has joined the company. With over two decades in the construction industry and six years in residential mortgages, Jack has experience that will translate into a successful career in residential real estate sales. Jack lives in Malta with his wife Meg. He can be reached at (518) 421-8662 or at jminehan@roohanrealty.com.

Jack Minehan

11

Solomon Honored as Best Hearing Healthcare Professional SARATOGA SPRINGS — Audiologist Dr. Robin Solomon of Hearing Care Resources, LLC in Wilton has been selected as one of the Best Hearing Healthcare Professionals of 2012 by The Hearing Review, a leading monthly trade publication for the hearing healthcare industry. Dr. Solomon was profiled in The Hearing Review’s annual supplement naming the hearing industry’s top hearing healthcare professionals.

The special supplement was published during December 2012.

The Hearing Review is read by 21,000 audiologists, medical professionals, hearing instrument specialists, and others allied to the hearing healthcare field. The editors of The Hearing Review with the assistance of a professional review panel, selected

Dr. Robin Solomon

from nominees who practice in the United States or Canada.

Dr. Solomon is the only hearing healthcare professional in the Capital/Saratoga region of upstate New York appearing in the publication.

12

Happy 18th Birthday, Noelle!

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

A.L.L. Presents 5th Annual Storytellers Series

“Stand by my side while I blow out your 18 candles”

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Academy for Lifelong Learning at Saratoga Springs (A.L.L.) invites the public to its fifth annual Storytellers Series. This popular, free, six-week brown bag lunch and learn series will begin January 2, 2013. A different A.L.L. professional storyteller will entertain the audience each Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. in SUNY Empire State College room 126 (the Rotunda) at 2 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs. This year, the storytellers will tell on the Academy’s 20th Anniversary theme: Nourish Your Body, Nourish Your Mind. Come bring your lunch and enjoy these well-known area storytellers, each exhibiting their own personal style.

It’s a Boy! H.O.P.E. Clinic Adoptable Pets P.O. Box 2497 Wilton, NY 12831 (518) 428-2994 Info@HopeAnimalRescue.org

Dawn Rowan and F. Garrett Shattuck IV of Saratoga Springs welcomed son Jude Robert Rowan to their family on January 3 at 12:32 p.m.

Jude weighed 8.5 lbs. and was 20 ½ inches long.

Jude joins siblings Christian and Anneliese and is also welcomed into the family by maternal grandparents Robert and Eileen Rowan and paternal grandparents Alexandra F. Shattuck and Frank G. Shattuck III. “He’s amazing!”

It’s a Girl!

Joseph and Jennifer Anderson welcomed 8 lb., 10 oz. baby Emma Marie Anderson into the world on December 12, 2012 at 8:42 a.m. Emma was 21.5 inches long and joins big brother Brian D. Law, III at home. Also welcoming Emma into the family are maternal grandparents Ed & Lynn Conway and Ken & Donna Snay, and parental grandparents Jay & Judy Anderson.

Congratulations to the Anderson family!

Schools Donate Thousands of Items to Local Food Pantries

Sandy is a 4 year old Chihuahua.

She was used for breeding and had to have caesarians because she had 7 puppies! Sandy has been spayed

by HOPE and is healing nicely. She is very quiet and a bit timid, but is fine around other dogs, cats, and children.

Joey was abandoned outdoors and wound up with a badly injured tail, most of which had to be amputated. He loves attention, but can get a little nippy with small children. Joey is a young, gorgeous kitty!

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Student Councils at the high school and elementary schools are helping to fill the shelves of local food pantries through a coordinated food drive resulting in the donation of thousands of items. At the high school alone, an estimated 4,000 items have been donated, and large quantities have also been contributed by students and staff at the Division Street, Geyser Road and Greenfield Elementary Schools. Other schools in the district held their own food drives earlier in the year.

PIC CAP: High school students stand behind fourth-graders in Marc Baldwin’s class. Mr. Baldwin, at far right, is co-chair of the Student Council with library media specialist Sue Demick, at far left in the photo.

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

Malta Town Board Meeting Recap for January 7, 2013

by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY MALTA - The majority of the January 7 Malta Town Board meeting focused on resolving the ongoing issue of a resident’s lack of driveway maintenance at his home on Ruhle Road North, which has allegedly been causing problems in his neighborhood for around four years.

Paul Snyder’s unpaved driveway has been a topic at various public meetings since the town got involved in the matter in December 2011, as water and debris have continually washed down his driveway to the main road, causing safety issues. A neighbor across the street previously told the board his daughter fell and broke her arm after slipping on the ice and debris that had run down from Snyder’s driveway.

Snyder’s failure to fix the problem on his own prompted the board to create a driveway maintenance law in October 2012. The law states that “Property owners having access to a public road shall have an ongoing responsibility to maintain their properties, including any driveway, and may not permit any condition to occur or develop that results in the deposit of water, snow, ice, gravel, rubbish, dirt or other debris into any Town Roadway, including unpaved portions of any such roadway.”

Several steps must be taken before violators of the law are punished, but the ultimate punishment if the resident doesn’t solve the problem by a certain deadline is to pay a fine of up to $50 a day until it is fixed.

At the public hearing, Snyder admitted that his driveway has been a problem but said that he has been “diligently trying to fix it” by installing a drain at the bottom of the driveway. Roger Crandall, Malta Highway Supervisor, said that though Syder did put a drain across his driveway, it still clogged up and is allowing a runoff of ice and debris into the road. Crandall

added that his department has been by the house several times to scrape ice off the road.

After the public hearing and discussion period, the board officially adopted the resolution of giving Snyder a deadline of May 31 before taking the next legal steps against him.

The board also adopted the Exit 11 Mini-Master Plan, which states in its conclusion that though controversial, roundabouts will be the preferred method for the intersections in the plan, a subject previously reported on by Saratoga TODAY in December 2012.

Councilpersons John Hartzell and Maggie Ruisi got into a small quarrel about the wording of the comprehensive plan’s conclusion, as Hartzell introduced an amendment that would change the wording to note that the town accepts the plan “…with the exception that the Town Board hereby determines to not identify roundabouts as the preferred alternative of the Town Board for the referenced intersections pending further engineering evaluation.”

Ruisi, who spearheaded the entire comprehensive plan, scoffed at Hartzell’s amendment, telling him that “if we don’t accept the current conclusion, we might as well not accept the whole report.”

After a few minutes of discussion, the amendment was denied on a 3-2 vote. The board then proceeded to vote on the actual adoption of the comprehensive plan as is, which was accepted on a 4-1 vote.

Other resolutions adopted by the board at the meeting were the amendment of moving the Adirondack Deck Planned Development District to the planning board for review and the adoption of the 2013 Fire Protection Contracts, which state that the town is moving forward with the planning process of a joint fire station.

NEWS

13

Wilton Town Board Meeting

by Patricia Older Saratoga TODAY

WILTON – After a backlash of complaints from residents feeling they had been blindsided by the proposed changes to the current zoning laws, the Wilton Town Board held off on voting on the changes at their January 3 meeting. Instead, they informed residents they would hold an informational meeting later in the month so that residents could have the time to understand the proposed changes and the ramifications of the changes.

The meeting will be held Wednesday, January 23 at 7 p.m. at the Wilton Town Hall.

Residents who attended the Thursday night meeting all expressed gratitude toward the board for their decision.

“I would like to thank Art [Johnson] and board members for not rushing into this,” said David Gabay. “I am glad to see this fireside chat set up. It is a wonderful and informative opportunity for residents to know and understand and recognize what are good and not good changes.”

Bob Walsh of Worth Road agreed, adding, “Thank you. Folks deserve a synopsis of what is being proposed. I just had problems with the process itself.”

Ernst Road resident Connie Towers also thanked the board, but added that she was bothered by the way the board initially went about the changes.

“The December meeting raised significant concerns for me,” said Towers. “People who came to Wilton researched where they wanted live and they came to Wilton because they appreciated the rural character.”

Continuing, she said that the proposed changes could significantly impact the residents and up to that point, no one on the board had bothered to adequately explain the changes or the impacts they could have.

“We want someone to say where we were in 2005 and why are we making these changes now

and how will we be affected,” said Towers. “People want to keep the quality of life we have and respect it.”

At the November meeting, the town board announced that the Zoning Revision Committee had finished their work and would be submitting an amendment to the town’s zoning law. Immediately residents began to question the alterations, many of which Councilman Robert Pulsifer had termed as “minor housekeeping.”

Most expressed anger at the process, pointing out that residents had not been included. It was after that meeting that board officials realized they needed to give the residents the opportunity to understand and process the changes.

14

NEWS

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

Local Gun Show to Go On Despite Protests

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – The NEACA Arms Fair, a gun show scheduled for January 12-13 at the Saratoga City Center, will go on as planned despite over a dozen people calling for its cancellation during the public comment period of the City Center Authority’s January 9 meeting.

The city has seen more anti-gun activism in the wake of the attack on Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. The gun show, an annual event at the City Center, was first opposed by Susan Steer, who organized an online petition in hopes of cancelling the show.

She was in attendance, along with many of her supporters, to address the board directly.

“I started the petition because I wanted the board to know I wasn’t the only one that felt this way. I wanted to know if there were others.

I didn’t know if there were going to be five people, ten people. Now we

have over 1,000 signatures,” Steer said during the public comment period held before the meeting.

Steer also had the support of the Saratoga Springs City Council, who unanimously passed a nonbinding resolution during their January 2 meeting asking the promoters of the show not to display or sell “semi-automatic weapons and high capacity ammunition magazines of the type used in the Newtown tragedy.”

The City Center has stated that they are contractually obligated to hold the show, which has been a fixture at the venue for the last 30 years. Steer countered by stating that the contract between the NEACA and the City Center had already technically been breached.

She said the contract stipulates the promoter, David Petronis, provide proof of liability insurance to the venue no less than 30 days prior to the beginning of the rental period.

Given the date of the gun show, the document was due no later than December 12.

“That certificate of insurance was not given to the City Center until December 28; therefore the plain language of the contract is violated. Mr. Petronis is seen as violating the contract and the City Center doesn’t have to be seen as making a decision for some other reason as a way to say the contract is cancelled.”

Steer says when she brought this up to the City Center’s president, Mark Baker; he told her that was only her interpretation of the contract.

Steer would only be the first of many to voice their displeasure to the City Center Authority board, which included Mayor Scott Johnson and a host of other influential members of Saratoga Springs like Tom Roohan, Susan Farnsworth and Shelby Schneider, among others.

Local activist Charlie Samuels made his presence felt more than a few times during the meeting.

Samuels spoke very highly of Susan Steer, commending her efforts to

see the gun show cancelled. He challenged the board to cancel the show.

“This is about guts. We need to [squelch] this madness. This is a small step by cancelling the gun show in order to do it. I encourage you to take the challenge,” Samuels stated.

“We’re in a post-Sandy Hook world now. Everything has changed,” Samuels continued.

Only one person spoke in favor of the gun show going on as planned. Local blogger John Tighe prodded the opposition, asking that since drunk driving annually kills thousands, whether the city has considered cancelling the upcoming Saratoga Beer Week.

By the end of the public comment period, the assembled crowd was beginning to stir in anticipation that the board would announce its decision. When Mark Baker announced the show would go on as scheduled, some members of the audience were apoplectic.

Many in attendance were upset

that the board would invite them to voice their opinions on a matter which had already been decided prior to the meeting.

“The eyes of the nation are upon this city right now, and you have embarrassed yourselves and you’ve embarrassed this city. I just want you to know publically that we’re all disappointed in you that you would let us come up here and give our comments before giving us your decision. Obviously you made a decision before you got here and you didn’t have the guts to stand up to a contract for $6,700,” said Mike Winn.

There are currently three protests scheduled to take place outside the City Center this weekend during the Arms Fair. The Facebook group started by Susan Steer called “Saratogians for Gun Safety” has announced their intentions to be there, along with the Saratoga Peace Alliance and a group representing moveon.org.

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

D OT

15

sFamilies eilimaF

TODAY A Special Supplement to Saratoga TODAY • Pages 15-25

Healthy Eating Tips for Families in 2013 from Saratoga Farmers’ Market With many families adopting healthy eating resolutions at the beginning of the new year, here are some tips to make it easy and fun to explore local food at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

Bring the whole family, at least once. Food is important, so encourage everyone in your family to take part in its selection, at least some of the time. Transform the must-do chore of “food shopping” into a Saturday morning family adventure. Coax sleepyheads to come along by offering a taste of one of the market’s breakfast options, including a range of beverages, mouth-watering baked goods, fruit, creamy yogurt and other dairy items, and hot prepared foods such as burritos and egg sandwiches.

Try one new item each week.

While there are many familiar items at the Farmers’ Market (such as carrots or cheese), there are always opportunities to try a unique variety (purple carrots, goat cheese), or something completely new, like kohlrabi or chorizo or tomato jam.

Even a well-known item like a carton of eggs becomes something to behold when the assorted shells are different shades of white, cream, brown, blue, and green.

Discuss the advantages of buying local foods in season, versus purchasing food at a grocery store that has been flown or trucked from a distant location. The benefits include eating fresher food of higher quality, supporting local producers and employers, and reducing the energy expended in transporting food from farm to table (think: climate change).

Photo provided by Saratoga Farmers Market

Hold a family “tasting” to compare flavors. We can learn a lot about the special qualities and taste when comparing like items.

For example, there are several types of apples at each weekly market. Buy one or two of each, and set up a family tasting session to find out who likes what.

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. (Mushrooms come from Columbia County and fish/seafood from the waters off Long Island.) Some farms offer

opportunities during the growing season to visit the farm and observe production methods first-hand.

Make market soup or stew, or a pasta dish accented with market items. Let every family member choose an item at the market to contribute. For kids (and even adults!), choosing and chopping an item, placing it in the pan, and helping to season and stir can take a meal from ho-hum to yum-yum.

If you need recipe ideas, the market’s weekly recipe using seasonal ingredients is published in Saratoga TODAY, and all are archived on the market’s website.

Play “I Spy” or go on a scavenger hunt. Choose one person to be the scout, noting five or six items in a quick walk around the market.

Then ask others to find them.

Eat a rainbow of colors. Even during the winter, the market stands are full of a wide range of colors. Young kids will enjoy the visual stimulation of seeing a rainbow of colors on their plates when they return home, and eating from different color groups provides a diverse array of nutrients for your family.

Watch for the market’s special events, like the wintertime “soup day” and “cookie bakeoff.” They can add an interesting and tasty accent during a trip to the market. The market publishes details for such activities in its weekly e-newsletter and on Facebook, as well as through local media.

Encourage each member of the family to plan a market meal or snack. As appropriate for their age, children can learn about cooking, budgeting, nutrition, and hospitality by preparing and serving a meal or snack for others. Even a simple snack of carrot sticks or cut apples and cheese, when kindly prepared and presented, can make a young child feel very special and more interested in eating it.

Ask for help when you need it. The friendly team at the front information table (in the front lobby when you first walk in) can answer many of your questions.

This is also the spot to obtain market tokens with your EBT/debit/ credit card, if you are low on cash.

Most vendors also know what’s available throughout the market and can help with preparation ideas, so don’t be shy about asking for recipes or tips!

Saratoga Farmers’ Market wishes you and your family a healthy 2013, with many enjoyable local food adventures. Thanks for supporting local farms!

The indoor Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open from November through April every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Division Street Elementary School (220 Division Street), with roughly 30 farms and vendors bringing a wide variety of products. More information about the market is at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org.

16 Families TODAY

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

Space: The Healing Frontier

by Meghan Lemery LCSW-R As we welcome in the first few months of a New Year, I have been reflecting on the themes of 2012. It seems every year there are common themes that we all go through and I no longer feel surprised when I hear the same stories week after week in my practice. This year, the theme was creating space to deal with past hurts and the pain of disappointment. The truth is, we all long for inner peace and contentment, yet we continually avoid dealing with our true innermost feelings to avoid any pain we may feel on the journey.

In some ways this is very comforting to me; when we are going through a particular dark time in life we tend to feel isolated, alone and scared. One of the greatest gifts I receive in working with people every day is observing that we are all on the same path of searching— some further along than others— but all searching for the keys to happiness, peace and contentment.

What I have observed repeatedly this year is that for the many who are on this quest to happiness, there is a fear in slowing down to create space.

This space can be as simple as taking time to look at the full moon, welcome the silence of a quiet morning or refrain from blaring the radio on our way home from a long day at work. This space is like pressing the pause button on your DVD. The pause allows you to stop and take in your surroundings. You are able to tune in to your intuition and it is in this space that we will be guided to the wisdom we need to move forward and create the life, relationships, career, home and soul health we long for.

The problem is, when we fail to create space our lives begin to look like a cluttered attic. You can’t remember what you have stored

away and the clutter begins to make you anxious in heart, mind and spirit. You know you have to open the attic door and begin the process of moving furniture and polishing off the antique clock you love, but the thought of opening the door is terrifying.

Many times when people first start counseling to deal with the cluttered attic of their heart, they feel a sense of relief mixed with paralyzing anxiety. If you have spent years avoiding the attic of your heart, the idea of taking a tour through your past hurts and lost dreams is too much to bear.

Most of us plow through the dark times of our lives by quickly numbing the pain. We numb the pain by jumping into a new relationship, watching TV, being on Facebook 24/7, overeating, overdrinking or oversleeping. It really doesn’t matter what your drug of choice is because each one brings the same desired result: distraction from the pain.

While this distraction creates a temporary relief from the ache in your heart, the result is more clutter, more dust, more anxiety and less peace in your everyday life.

The healing process of our hearts is much like the healing process of our bodies. When we fall down and skin our knees we feel immediate pain. The next few days we are stiff and achy and even the slightest movement brings great agony. You may have a big black and purple bruise that bleeds and

builds up with fluid. Over the next few days the colors of the bruise changes, and while you still feel the ache, the pain begins to dull as do the colors of your bruise. In a few weeks you may have a scab or even a scar, but the agony you initially felt has dulled down. You have been putting the necessary ointment on your cut to allow it to heal and you know that in time you will fully recover.

Like our bodies, our spirits need the time and space to heal.

If we fail to create the ointment of space and allowing the pain to reveal itself we walk around with a heart that has a giant band-aid of avoidance on it. The longer we avoid the pain and fail to create space to heal, the worse this wound gets.

When we create space to deal with our pain, we are welcoming the healing process into our lives.

The space you create does not have to be a ten-week retreat to Bali to find yourself—rather, you can make room for space in your everyday life. Silence and quietness of the heart is the healing ointment we need to apply to get to the place of serenity and peace of mind.

After the business of the day and listening to the hurts and heartbreaks I hear on a daily basis, I have one ritual. I always walk to my car and look for the moon. This simple daily ritual creates a space where I silently let go of stress and anxiety and make room to acknowledge something greater than myself.

Some days I still feel overwhelmed or bogged down by my own cluttered attic, but I know that I have created a space within my heart to acknowledge how I feel and honor the day.

My wish for you in this brand new year is to make time for space.

Create a daily quiet time in which you truly tune into your heart so that you can be clear on what direction you need to go in to find peace and happiness.

The result of being busy and on the go is an exhausted person in mind, body and spirit. Don’t wait until your body breaks down to create the space you need to live in wellness. Make it a priority now: Choose one daily ritual that allows you to hear the silence of your heart and the quietness of your spirit.

Throw away the band-aids of distraction and face your attic door.

Just like a newly skinned knee, your heart will heal with the ointment of space, love, allowing, and silence.

Wishing you all a blessed new year free of the clutter and cobwebs of the past!

Ms. Lemery is a psychotherapist practicing in Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Visit meghanlemery. com or email meghanlemery@yahoo for more information.

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

Families

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Heritage Hunters: Uncovering the Unknown

by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY “Who were my ancestors?

Where did they come from?”

“Do I have relatives I don’t know about?”

“Is it possible that some of my ancestors were involved in the Battle of Saratoga or another war?”

These are just some of the many questions that have sparked the curiosity of the members of Heritage Hunters, a local organization dedicated to genealogy and history research.

Though only 23 people were in attendance at the group’s first meeting back in May 1993, the organization has since grown to almost 300 people, including members not only in Saratoga but throughout the United States, with one member even living in Canada.

“People who start searching out their families are amazed at some of the information they find,” said Joan Cady, president of Heritage Hunters. “They can find relatives that they didn’t know they had and connect with them, and have family reunions and bring their families together, all kinds of things—I’m completely hooked.”

Cady said she has been researching her own family’s genealogy for over 40 years.

“I’ve researched both sides of my family and my husband’s family, and I’m still in the process of going through it—I’m constantly adding and constantly trying to search out other names,” she said. “We’ve been trying to find a connection with Elizabeth Cady Stanton on my husband’s side of the family, though I have yet to make the connection line, so I’m still looking for that.”

Former president of Heritage Hunters, Pat Peck, was able to reconnect with relatives in Michigan she didn’t know she had until she began researching her family tree.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Peck said.

“And you learn a lot about the local

history of the area as you try and track down what folks did and what their contributions may have been or their occupations.”

Cady added that Heritage Hunters is a helpful resource for those who have been researching genealogy on their own but have gotten stuck.

“We have a lot of dedicated people who are willing to help other people get started and take down brick walls that form—our group is very good about helping each other, ” Cady said. “Some of our members have started genealogy classes so that people with questions can ask them during the class, and research is carried out to find family names and historical things in relation to that.”

Heritage Hunters isn’t just about finding answers to questions about your own family, though.

The group conducts major research projects on historical events and locations around Saratoga Springs every year.

Peck said the organization recently finished a 10-year project of transcribing local deeds from the Saratoga County Clerk’s office, which is now available for the public to view online. Another big project regarding the Saratoga Battlefield was completed several years after it was started by Frank Goodway, a former member of Heritage Hunters who has since passed away.

“A couple years ago, we finally got permission from Saratoga National Historical Park to put a computer at the battlefield that contains the people’s names Frank had collected at that time into the program, so people can now go to the battlefield and look up their ancestors and see if they fought in the Battle of Saratoga,” Cady said.

The organization also keeps busy with smaller projects such as researching local cemeteries, helping anyone who requests assistance with their own family research, and putting out a 24-page bi-monthly newsletter to all its members that contains helpful hints, information on new technology, local happenings with the group, birth and death records, and information on big research projects.

Heritage Hunters also has monthly meetings hosting different speakers on various topics— this month, the group will feature John Cromie of Ballston Spa who will speak about learning how to research your house history.

The group also hosts a History Faire every April and a genealogy conference every October.

“At the History Faire, we have exhibitors come in, and last year we had a wide variety of people come— we had an 11-year-old boy who liked to collect military things and he set up a display with that,” Cady said. “We had a wide range of various people who dealt with history and genealogy come, and we’re trying to expand that this year.”

Until then, Cady, Peck and the rest of the members of Heritage Hunters will continue to research their family lines and work on various projects.

“The more you know about your family and the more you connect your family with various [historical] things, it brings your family and history more alive so you get more of a sense of family and pride,” Cady said. “Finding out about your ancestors is a mystery and you have to be a very good detective, but it’s always well-worth what you come up with.”

Those interested in joining and/or learning more about Heritage Hunters can email Membership Chair Carol Waldrin at cwald36709@aol.com.

18 Families TODAY

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

Timing IS Everything

by Clare Colamaria So many times, my clients are faced with a very difficult decision: when is the right time to transition a loved one suffering from some form of dementia from their home into a care facility? Sometimes they are so overwhelmed, paralyzed in fear or guilt that they are unable to make the decision and end up waiting too long until they have no options left other than a nursing home. Don’t wait—there are numerous and wonderful options available for you and your loved one. There is a better way.

For those of you who are curious about what is available in a

Our Elders, Our Actions

care facility, I prefer the term care residence; this term speaks more appropriately of the setting, style and care plan that is offered in so many places today. These care residences range from a three to fourperson residence, up to as many as 80-person residences, sometimes more. If you are imagining an institutional setting, think again! Their styles vary in luxury and accommodations. These care residences range in styles, some are like a private home and others are more like a luxury hotel with private suites, minus a stove. Their meals are provided three times a day in a formal dining room and snacks are typically offered twice a day but are available at any time. There is plenty of friendly and compassionate staff, aides and in most cases nurses to assist at any time, day or night. These care residences are designed to take the pressure and worry off of the family members and/or caregivers making sure all your loved ones’ needs are met and ensuring them a greater quality of life. Your loved one will make new friends who are in similar stages of life, finding comfort

and companionship. There is social interaction available at all times, yet if your loved one prefers solitude they can find it in the comfort of their own suite. Care packages, including but not limited to medication management, are designed based on each resident’s specific care needs.

Here is a typical question from an anonymous and overwhelmed caregiver: Q: I promised my mother many years ago that I would never place her in a nursing home. My mother is getting worse with Alzheimer’s; I am so worn out physically, and really even more emotionally. I myself have health issues. Should I consider Mom being placed in some kind of care facility, and how would I approach this with her? This is the most difficult decision I have ever had, and it’s all on my shoulders, all alone. I love her so, and all I can think of is how I promised her those many

years ago. I’m just so, so tired.

Ans. by Kenneth Robbins MD: I certainly understand your struggle, and you clearly meant what you said when you promised your mom to never place her in a nursing home. However, what you were really promising is that you would be there for your mom and only do what you believed would be in her best interest. In the end, that is the best thing we can do for our parents. One never knows what life is going to bring. In the abstract we would all say we don’t want to end up in a nursing home, but nursing homes exist for a very good reason and many loving families end up having to put relatives in nursing homes because that is the best place for them to be. I might add in your case, it may be your mom belongs in an assisted living facility, rather than a nursing home, so you may fulfill your promise after all.

The decision about the right time to move a parent with Alzheimer’s to a care facility is always challenging, but keep in mind you are not looking at putting your mom in a warehouse. As someone’s dementia progresses, it is important they are in a safe place in which they have care when they need it 24 hours a day, and where they can continue to be active, both physically and mentally. At some point it is simply

not possible to provide all this yourself, and if you allow your guilt to get in the way of making the best decision for your mom, you are doing her (and yourself) a disservice. If you take the time to carefully look over the various facilities that can help your mom and find a caring place with a staff who have the training to help her, you have done everything you can do for her. It is important to keep in mind that if you wait too long, her memory will be so impaired that the facility will never become familiar and she will never feel at home there. Once she is there, you can spend as much time as you like with her, but as her son rather than her caretaker. This may also help her to not feel guilty about having to trouble you to get her needs met. If your guilt continues to wear you down, I would strongly suggest a few sessions with a mental health professional to talk it through.

So take a deep breath, know you are not alone in feeling the distress, guilt and anxiety and reach out for guidance and assistance.

Clare Colamaria is the founder of “A Senior’s Choice.”

Call her directly for guidance (518) 424-2527 or visit www.aseniorschoiceonline.com.

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

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Senior Events Calendar

At the Senior Citizens Center of Saratoga Springs • 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs And the Saratoga Springs Public Library • 40 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs “Art Classics & Cultures” and “Creative Connection”

Staff member and artist, Patrice Mastrianni is hosting two new weekly art programs for members of the Center. “Art Classics & Cultures” is on Mondays from 9-11 a.m. In this class, projects are inspired by a different artist or art culture. For the month of January students will create 3-D art inspired by the history and rituals of African cultures using various mediums. On Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m., join us for the “Creative Connection,” with easy art projects geared towards both the timid and the talented! During January we’ll explore the art of beading. Make beaded jewelry such as eyeglass cords, bracelets and more. It is a well-known fact that art is both relaxing and therapeutic. Even if you can’t draw a straight line, join us for the fun and social benefits of being creative! The fee for each class is $10/month. Membership and sign-up is required.

“Friday Picture Shows” Program

The Center presents “Friday Picture Shows” featuring a mix of older and new release movies every Friday from 1-3 p.m. January’s schedule: 1/4: “The Odd Life of Timothy Green”, 1/11: “American President”, 1/18: “Sparkle” and 1/25: “Trouble With the Curve”.

Space is limited! Advance sign up and membership is required. Full movie descriptions are available at the Center. The cost is $2 including snacks.

“EPIC” Program Presentation

Supplement out-of-pocket drug costs with New York State’s EPIC program. At 10 a.m. on Friday, January 11 learn how EPIC could save you money! There is no deadline to enroll as long as you meet these requirements: Age 65 or older, have an annual income below $35,000 (single) or $50,000 (married) and be eligible for Medicare Part D. This presentation is open to the public.

Hearing Aid Cleanings Miracle Ear will be at the Center on the Monday, January 14th from 10-12 to clean and service all brands of hearing aids at no charge!

Appointments recommended.

Open to the public

Excursion to Pacific Northwest Slideshow

The Center is hosting an informational slide show on January 23 at 2 p.m. with details about an excursion to the Pacific Northwest from August 5-12, 2013. You’ll visit the highlights of our nation’s northern Pacific coastline including Seattle, Mount St. Helen, Portland, the Columbia River Gorge, Redwood National Park and a cruise on the Rogue River. The trip ends with a visit to exciting San Francisco. Cost is $2,499/double occupancy. Please sign up for the slide show.

“Keeping Health in Mind” Presentation

Karen Britt from The Alzheimer’s Association presents “Keeping Health in Mind” on Tuesday, January 29 at 1 p.m. Learn what you can do to help keep your mind sharp as you age. Karen also hosts our Alzheimer’s Support Group for caregivers on the second Tuesday of each month. For additional information, call (518) 867-4999 ext. 303. Both programs are free and open to the public. Sign-up is suggested.

Florida Bus Trip Dates Moved

Our Florida getaway bus trip has been moved to April 13-21, 2013, visiting Amelia Island, St. Augustine & Jacksonville, FL. The cost is $798 per person, double occupancy. The trip runs for nine days and eight nights and includes motorcoach transportation, lodging, guided tours and 14 meals.

A $75 deposit is due at sign-up and payment in full is due by March 1, 2013. For details, go online to www.SaratogaSeniorCenter.org.

Saratoga Springs Library and Classes 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs (518) 584-7860 (Call to register for classes)

Learn to Set Up a Free G-Mail Account

January 14, 3:30–4:30 p.m.

With assistance, set up a free G-Mail account through Google at this one-hour session. This will enable you to have free web-based e-mail as well as opening a door for you to enjoy many features Google offers such as free Voice and Video Chat, or Google Drive (cloud storage). A suggestion is to take this course before taking “Intro to Google Voice and Video” (offered Wednesday, January 30 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.) so you will be able to

fully participate in that session.

Skype for Absolute Beginners January 15, 1:30–3:30 p.m.

Learn to use the free version of Skype, a 2003-founded software program, now a part of Microsoft, that is available online. Anyone can use Skype to make voice or video calls using a computer. Discover how people both young and old

use this program to keep in touch with family and friends all over the world, and even do job interviews with this type of technology.

Plans are for the program to be demonstrated in class. Learn the basics, and learn about the free versus the paid version of the program.

20 Families TODAY

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

NYS Education Committee Seeks Major Changes in Public Education System

by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY After establishing a New York Education Reform Commission last April, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced January 2 that the commission, made up of nationally recognized education, community and business leaders, has finished a Preliminary Education Action Plan with eight recommendations on how the public education system in New York can be improved.

The recommendations, if implemented this fall, could shake up several aspects of New York’s education system.

Some of the key recommendations include creating a full-day prekindergarten for at-risk students,

extending the school day and year to expand learning time for students, creating statewide models for “community schools” that use schools as a community hub to improve access to public, non-profit, and private services/resources, and a proposal for a bar-like assessment for prospective teachers along with a performance management system for district leadership.

According to the commission’s report, New York spends more than any other state on education, but still lags far behind in student achievement and graduation rates.

The dropout rate in the state is 26 percent, but that rate jumps even higher in low-income schools and areas.

“An abundance of research finds that investing in high quality

pre-kindergarten programs has a positive long-term impact on children’s life outcomes, helps narrow the achievement gap between poor and affluent youngsters, and provides benefits to children and the taxpaying public that outweigh its costs,” according to the commission’s report.

The commission isn’t just recommending changes for youngsters—the report is also suggesting raising the bar for new educators, a change that is supported by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

Currently, prospective teachers and leaders in New York face no test of academic proficiency as a criterion for admission to teacher or principal preparation programs, and candidates don’t need to pass a basic skills assessment requirement until they are ready to apply for licensure. The commission wants to change this by adding an assessment for prospective teachers to take, along with tougher admissions requirements into teaching or graduate programs.

“I am pleased that the commission included an AFT proposal for a bar-like assessment for prospective teachers to ensure that the

people who teach our children are well prepared for the job,” said AFT president Randi Weingarten. “This assessment would replace today’s patchwork of pre-service tests as well as require prospective teachers to show a clinical-based understanding of how to teach before walking into a classroom.”

The commission recommended that New York require programs to use an assessment, such as the GRE or equivalent for graduate programs or the SAT/ACT for undergraduate programs, in tandem with a minimum 3.0 GPA (instead of a 2.75 GPA) requirement to demonstrate that candidates are academically competitive with all peers, regardless of their intended profession.

Another major change listed in the report is the possibility of extending the school day and possibly school year for all public schools. The report states that the public education system is based on agrarian and factory traditions and has not been updated to the way the public works in modern society.

Currently, students in kindergarten through sixth grade only have to be in school five hours a day, while students from seventh to 12th grade attend school for fiveand-a-half hours. Students must be in school for only 180 days out of the 365 days of the year, essentially giving them around a total of six months off of school every year.

Massachusetts has begun an

initiative in recent years called the Expanded Learning Time Initiative, which provides $1,300 per student to participating schools that submit a higher quality plan to expand learning time and enrichment programs. The program began in 2006 and has spent about $50 million to date in state support for 19 public schools, serving a total of 10,500 students in nine districts. The Center for American Progress and Mass2020 found that expanding the learning time to low-income students in Massachusetts’ public schools increased student proficiency on state assessments an average of 20 points, according to the report.

Expanding on Massachusetts’ success, the commission is recommending that New York “explore replicating a similar model for school districts that develop plans to improve student achievement by expanded learning time initiatives that add at least 25 percent more time of quality programming to their school calendar.”

Though the commission held public hearings in the ten regions of New York, all of the recommendations released in this report are only preliminary, and are subject to change before the commission releases its Final Action Plan this fall. Until then, the commission will continue to research and engage with New Yorkers to develop possible further recommendations on how to improve the state’s public education system.

NYS Education Commission’s Eight Key Recommendations

1. Provide high quality full-day pre-kindergarten for our most at-risk students; 2. Create statewide models for “Community Schools” that use schools as a community hub to improve access to public, non-profit, and private services/resources, like health and social services, for students and their families; 3. Transform and extend the school day and year to expand quality learning time for students, especially in underserved communities; 4. Improve the teacher and principal pipeline to recruit and retain the most effective educators; 5. Build better bridges from high school to college and careers with early college high schools and career technical education; 6. Utilize all available classroom technologies to empower educators to meet the needs of a diverse student population and engage students as active participants in their own learning; 7. Pursue efficiencies such as district consolidation, high school regionalization and shared services to increase student access to educational opportunities; and 8. Increase transparency and accountability of district leader ship by creating a performance management system.

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

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Education Briefs New and Improved BOCES Certified Production Technician Course Starts January 22 SARATOGA SPRINGS – The WashingtonSaratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES is launching a new and improved Certified Production Technician course on January 22, 2013.

This 200-hour course was developed in conjunction with advanced manufacturing companies in the region who are seeking qualified employees who are fluid with technology, adaptable to change, and able to think on their feet.

The Certified Production Technician course focuses on the core skills and knowledge employers look for in production and supply chain logistics workers, positions that are in high demand in New York’s growing Tech Valley. Classes meet Monday through Thursday from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the F. Donald Myers Education Center in Saratoga Springs.

Tuition is $3,000. The course includes an online component augmented by hands-on, industry-based projects. Students will obtain both theory and practical experience with high tech machines.

Individuals who work well in a team setting, enjoy solving problems, have a desire to use state-of-the art computerized equipment, and can learn to fabricate parts to precise specifications, are invited to apply by calling the WSWHE BOCES Adult Continuing Education office at 518-746-3555. Funding may be available to qualified individuals through the Workforce Investment Board.

For more information on the Certified Production Technician program, please call 518-746-3555 or visit www.wswheboces.org/CPT.

Super Science Saturday in Ballston Spa BALLSTON SPA--The four Ballston Spa elementary school PTAs’ annual Super Science Saturday will be held on Saturday, January 19 in the Wood Road Cafetorium from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Super Science Saturday consists of multiple stations with exciting topics that allow each participant to perform hands-on experiments at their own pace throughout the event. In addition to various stations of experimentation in the physical and biological sciences, three special stations will be available, including: the StarLab Learning Dome, the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology program, and the KAPLNOVA scientists with electricity experiments. Also,

an AMAZING MATH corner will be a part of the event this year. All elementary students and their families are invited to participate. In addition to being a SUPER day of SCIENCE, it is also a SOUPER day for the local food pantry! Families are asked to bring a non-perishable item to donate! If you would like more information about Super Science Saturday, please contact Melissa Doyle at mdoyle22@nycap. rr.com or visit the district website at www.bscsd.org.

CAPTAIN and Capital District Consulting Offer SAT Prep Course CLIFTON PARK - CAPTAIN is proud to offer SAT Prep with Capital District Consulting, a company whose mission is selfimprovement. 30 percent of the course fee will be donated to CAPTAIN programs and services. SAT Prep will specialize in strategies and techniques that all students should know before taking the SAT. The stated goal of the course is to prevent test

anxiety and to fully prepare students to perform at their best on both the math and English portions of the exam. Colleges often base scholarships on a combination of grades and SAT scores, so underperforming on the test can cost you and your family thousands of dollars in lost scholarships. Most colleges use the SAT scores in admission decisions, so don’t sell yourself short! Get into the college you

want by earning the score you are capable of achieving.

Please go to www. capitaldistrictconsulting.com and register today. The course fee is $179.99 and classes will run from 7 -9 p.m. on March 11, 14, 18, 21, 25 and 27. Classes will be held in the conference room of CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services in Clifton Park, located at 5 Municipal Plaza—Suite 3.

Scholarships are available for

Jan. 16 Program at Maple Avenue Middle School Helps Parents Stay Connected to Their Children

SARATOGA SPRINGS - “The Five Golden Rules for Staying Connected to Children” is the title of a special program to be presented from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 16 in the Trombley Auditorium at Maple Avenue Middle School.

Dr. Stephen “Bird” Birchak, a nationally renowned speaker, author and educator, will present strategies for building character and managing challenging children. “Dr. Bird” will provide reallife examples, research, insights and strategies.

The program, which is free and open to the public, is presented

by Maple Avenue’s Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Universal Team and the school district’s Parent University. For more information, visit the school district website at www.saratogaschools.org/birchak.

To RSVP, contact: Michael Piccirillo, school superintendent, at 583-4708 or m_piccirillo@saratogaschools.org, or Maple Avenue teacher Tom Coons at 587-4551 or t_coons@saratogaschools.org.

KTS

22 Families TODAY

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

Have Mercy!

Learning to Find Peace and Patience with Your Kids

by Kate Towne-Sherwin Do you have tattletales in your house? It wears on you, right? The way it never ends? Don’t you start to feel like if you hear “Mom!” yelled one more time, with that shrieking demand for an immediate response audible in the very tone with which it’s yelled, you might cease to be able to function entirely, like a computer short circuiting?

What my boys don’t realize is that, quite honestly, I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what to do

about your brother pinching you—I certainly don’t want anyone to hurt you—but it’s a little hard to feel too badly for you, since he pinched you because you took his toy. And I know you took his toy because he had your crayon and wouldn’t give it to you, and I’m sorry that you were put in a position of such injustice—I know about wanting justice. But a just world would uncover the fact that he had your crayon because you told him he could have a turn with it, but then you changed your mind. Which you know causes such upset, the willy-nilly changing of your mind about what personal possessions you lend and to whom and for how long.

So I make rules like: No pinching! No hitting! No kicking! No taking something that doesn’t belong to you! No saying someone can play with something and then changing your mind! Let your brother have a turn! Give it back when the owner asks for it! No spitting! No sticking out your tongue! No plugging your ears! And NO tattling!

But the “no tattling” rule is tricky. What I mean is, “Stop

running in here every two seconds with another report of another infraction against you, especially when I well know that you’re likely as guilty as the one you’re reporting about. I’m annoyed that I don’t know what to do about it or how to make you all stop fighting and play nicely together.”

I don’t really want them not to tell me if the situation is getting too much for someone to handle.

I’ve often told them, “If someone’s bothering you, come and tell me!” I intend this to mean, “If you’re upset with the situation, come talk to me before you do anything that will get you into trouble, and I’ll help you through it.” I recently said in complete frustration to one of my boys, after he’d just gotten in trouble for hitting his brother, “I have told you and told you to come and tell me if someone’s bothering you! Do not hurt them, come and tell me! Why didn’t you come and tell me? Why did you hit your brother?”

“Because you never do anything about it,” he said sullenly.

Though I sent him on his way with, “How I deal with your brother is not your concern—your only job is to do what you are supposed to do,” I was thinking about his statement for days.

I remember feeling the same way when I was small, so hair-pulling, wall-punching, brother-biting furious about something one or both of my brothers had done to me that, in my opinion, had not been dealt with by my parents in anywhere near a fair or just manner. I wanted my brothers punished but good, and when that didn’t happen (or didn’t happen in the manner or to the extent that I felt it should have), I was convinced that I was the most persecuted child on the planet, whose opinions and wellbeing were disregarded by all.

Now as a mom, of course, I get it. I have not only you, poor pinched boy, to consider, but also your brothers. I have not one little person I love to the ends of the earth, but five that I love to the ends of the earth, each with his own quirks, strengths, and weaknesses.

I have five different levels of good behavior I expect based on age, ability, and development. I have spent

your whole lifetimes learning your particular personalities and have determined that you each have particular needs and thresholds and ways of learning what’s right and what’s wrong. What you deem to be the fairest course of action for you isn’t necessarily so for your brother, and I know it’s just rage-inducing to think you’re being treated unfairly, that I “never do anything about it,” but that’s not actually true. The thing you want me to do—hang your brother up by his hair, maybe, or rip out his fingernails, or definitely take away his dessert and send him to bed early—isn’t what I have deemed to be the correct course of action. Sorry if that bothers you, but I’m in charge—not you.

I’m often too irritated to deal with the situation the way I’d like to, but I have always tried, as mothers always have, at other times, in other ways, and hopefully with enough constancy and consistency, to teach the ways that are best to treat others: with patience and kindness. To see what our own selves are doing wrong first, and to work on those things first, before accusing and condemning others. To assume that when your brother is jabbering at you i t ’s not actually because he’s hell-bent on

“bothering” you but because he enjoys your company.

In short, what I want to say is, “Have mercy!” Mercy on your brothers, who may not be up to the speed you want them to be, and mercy on your imperfect mother, who might be bald by the time you’re all grown up, what with the hair I pull out every time I hear, “Mom! He’s bothering me!”

I know this is a way to peace, and when it happens, it’s wonderful. The sound of happy playing, of brothers hanging out together, of little kids feeling included and big kids being generous, is like the way the sweet newborn babe in your arms makes all you went through to get to that point totally worth it.

Knowing that such moments are possible, that they can and do happen, makes me hopeful that we are, slowly, moving in the right direction. Mother Teresa said love begins at home, and I know she meant that peace does, too.

Kate Towne Sherwin is a stayat-home mom (SAHM) living in Saratoga Springs with her husband, Steve, and their sons Thomas (8), Gabriel (6), John Dominic (4), Xavier (2), and Thaddeus (12 months). She can be reached at sksherwin@hotmail.com.

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

Families

TODAY

23

Solutions First—Explanations Later

by Gayle Lasalle

Here we go! 2012 has turned to 2013! At the end of one year, there is much written about looking back, reviewing the year just past and learning from it. And, yes, taking an inventory of the recent past can be very helpful. However, contrary to this general thinking, sometimes, one needs to look forward before looking back.

Think about how often we spend time ruminating or trying to rewind our lives, trying to figure out what went wrong. How? Why? Whose fault is it?

Let’s face it. Many people are struggling right now, in many ways.

A phrase I’ve been hearing lately is “How did I get here? or “How did this happen to me?” In fact, a friend who lost her corporate job some time ago and is fearful of losing unemployment soon, asked this today. Well, since she is moving toward a potential financial crisis, spending a lot of time exploring how she got here doesn’t seem nearly as important, right now, than figuring out where to go next.

Exploring her options in the job market or in her living situation is most important. Getting to a safe space is imperative. Then, from that safe space, she can take the time to explore the path she took to create the problem to start with.

Let me share an example.

Several years ago, I was traveling

from Long Island to Brooklyn. I had GPS and thought I knew exactly where I was going. Well, there was a glitch and I ended up under the Brooklyn Bridge, at night, in an area that did not look very inviting.

Let’s see, is this the time to stop the car, get out the map and figure out where the mistake was? Would it be productive to spend time or energy blaming my GPS? Or, is this the time to figure out how to get the heck out of there and somewhere safe? So, I used the GPS to find anything that looked safe - in this case a Starbucks. Then, and only then, did I take the time to figure things out.

And, yes, if I were going to take this trip again, I would want to go back and be sure not to make the same mistake again.

If one is in a bad relationship, it’s time to get out. It’s not time to spend hours on a psychologist’s couch figuring out why you were in the relationship to start with while you remain miserable or even in danger. If one can’t make a car payment, it’s time to find a way to make some money, now! This is not the time to sit and figure out where you

spent the money while your car is repossessed.

This can apply to business as well. How often have you seen a team sit around, way too long, figuring out whom was at fault for a problem as opposed to focusing on a solution and implementing it?

Yes, once I was safe, it might be important to figure out where I went wrong and avoid doing this again. Yes, the person in a bad relationship, likely needs to spend some time exploring things so this pattern is not repeated. And, yes, the person who is unable to pay an important bill, needs to make plans so this doesn’t happen again.

Even the team that has a problem may want to take some time to review the problem for future options.

How did I get here? What the heck happened? Yes, these are important questions to be addressed at the appropriate time. The important point here is the appropriate time! And, in the midst of a serious problem is not likely to be the appropriate time.

Solutions first—explanations later!

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24 Families TODAY

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

Investing Your Money During Volatile Markets Q: Is there a rational way to invest during volatile markets?

A: Yes, it’s called dollar-cost averaging.

by Paul C. Hogan, CFA Investment Research Analyst at Fenimore Asset Management in Cobleskill, N.Y.

The stock market fluctuated a fair amount last year. European debt problems, slowing growth in China, the presidential election, and the potential “fiscal cliff ” were among the causes. In retrospect, stock prices generally rose during the first four months of 2012. Then

they declined rather significantly in May. From there, prices rebounded strongly through mid-September, declined again until midNovember, and generally increased through year end. This type of volatility can definitely rattle investor confidence. However, it’s important to remain patient and calm when attempting to build wealth over the long term, and dollar-cost averaging (DCA) can help.

If you contribute methodically through a payroll deduction into your 401(k) or 403(b)(7), you are already implementing this practice.

DCA is a long-term investment strategy that involves investing a fixed dollar amount into a particular investment or portfolio at regular intervals. Since you always invest the same amount, you will purchase more shares when the price is low and fewer shares when the price is high.

Instead of investing lump sums, the idea is to average out the highs and lows to help you avoid trying to determine the right time to invest.

It takes advantage of the cyclical nature of the market and allows you to focus on long-term growth and ignore short-term market conditions. While this technique does not eliminate the possibility of losing money on an investment, losses can be lowered during periods of declining stock prices and profits may be enhanced when share prices rise over the long term.

DCA is a plan of continuous investment in securities regardless of their inconsistent prices. Of course, you must consider your financial ability to continually purchase shares. Additionally, I only recommend DCA when you are not charged a transaction fee or it is minimal. As with all investment methods there is no performance guarantee, but DCA is a hassle-free approach.

When you retire, have college bills or other expenses and need the money from your investments, DCA is also an efficient way to withdraw funds. Investment firms that offer systematic withdrawal plans provide a service whereby you receive a specific payment amount

at predetermined intervals – generally monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually. The benefits are similar to when you were investing because money is withdrawn automatically regardless of share prices.

This rational approach can also be calming because you don’t have to concern yourself with the daily fluctuations of the stock market.

Ideally, your investment firm won’t charge you transaction fees for systematic withdrawal services.

In summary, DCA takes the guesswork out of investing and helps you benefit from price changes because you buy more shares when prices are low and fewer shares when they are high.

While our memories may mislead us, the truth is that the future of the world is never certain. We often recall the past and, with the benefit of hindsight, believe that events and developments were predictable.

The reality is obviously more complex. The world is always uncertain and anyone who tries to predict the future of the unknowns like politics, economics and commodities sets themselves up for disappointment.

More than 100 years of stock market history highlights the fact that rallies occur when investors least expect them. So how do we invest in these situations? I recommend a dollar-cost averaging strategy.

Fenimore Asset Management is an independent investment advisory firm located in Cobleskill, NY since 1974. Fenimore’s affiliates are the Fenimore Private Client Group & FAM Funds – offering separately managed accounts and mutual funds. In-depth research. Insightful investing.

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

Families

TODAY

25

Property Transactions Ballston 9 Forestbrook Dr. DOH 52 , $317,426.

Heritage Builder’s Group LLC sold property to Dana Villanueva.

10 Kaleen Dr. $245,000. Benjamin and Crystal Brownell sold property to Frances and Lily Spera.

40 Sycamore St. DOH 9, $368,510. .

Heritage Builder’s Group LLC sold property to Ryan O’Grady.

4 Nolan Dr. $154,300. Martin Welch (by Admin) sold property to Brian Doyle.

190 Kingsley Rd. $156,600. James and Christy Durrant sold property to Amanda Hall and Eric Stockholm.

12 Commerce $1,900,000. Harold Schultz sold property to J2 Solutions LLC. Hop City Rd. $35,000. Kenneth Plummer sold property to Richard Stewart and Anne Mae Emerick.

19 Blue Barns Rd. $319,000. Jo Ann and Thomas Friess sold property to James and Christy Durrant.

4 Rothbury Place $346,080.

Traditional Builders LTD. sold property to Sean and Rebecca Donovan.

28 Midline Rd. $160,000. Matthew Lopez and Kristin Kvam sold property to David Rubin.

9 Chapel Hill Blvd. $319,587.

Jennifer and William Keefer sold property to James and Kristin Caird.

149 Lake Hill Rd. $196,000. William and Jenny Brannon sold property to Daniel and Moira Carroll.

34 Forestbrook Drive. $301,985.

Heritage Builders Group LLC. sold property to Brian and Vera Kilgallon.

7 Diamond Road. $370,000. Daniel and Judith Gibson sold property to Sean and Celeste Keane.

38 Sycamore St. $342,678. Heritage Builders Group LLC. sold property to Louis and Sarah Stermole.

5 St. Patrick Place $340,850.

Traditional Builders LTD. sold property to John and Carol Dipasquale.

22 Charlton Rd. $253,000. Eric Schneider and Sharon Jutton Schneider sold property to Eileen Geagan.

227 Lake Rd. $75,000. Elizabeth Schaaff (by atty) sold property to Paul Moore.

32 Chapel Hill Blvd. $340,515.

Traditional Builders LTD. sold property to James Green and Tara Barth.

21 Sarazen St. $312,000. Jerry Meehan sold property to Keith Griffin and Kit Sui. 264 – 272 Broadway $774,000. 262 Broadway LLC sold property to Thaddeuss and Carol Obloy.

9 Ventura Court $80,000. Park Place at Malta LLC sold property to Mark Lee LLC. 28 Garrison Lane $262,886. Alan and Emily Bowman sold property to Jonathan St. Clair and McKenzie King.

95 Wineberry Lane $207,231.

Henry and Mary Ann Heddle sold property to Federal National Mortgage Association.

29 Glade Mallow Rd. $246,000.

Brian and Erin Smith sold property to Michael Robbie.

Malta

108 Second St. $130,000. Kevin Lyons sold property to Daniel Mitchell.

1 Tamian Pass $228,000. Paul and Suzanne Wolfe sold property to Zhe Chen.

3 Carlyle Court $235,000. Brian and Kristen Neathery sold property to David and Kimberly Ionta.

Saratoga Springs

13 Bellflower Rd. $232,500. Shane Kot (by atty) and Jennifer Kot (as atty) sold property to Matthew and Kelly Parsons.

132 Old Schuylerville Rd. $155,000.

Gary Cartsens sold property to McPadden Builders LLC. 80 Kaydeross Rd. $300,000. Jeffrey and Susan Halstad sold property to Alexander MacCormick.

3 Briarwood Dr. $195,500. Ephrem Bouchard sold property to Michael and Laura Quaranta.

52 Tyler Dr. $450,000. Oscar Schreiber sold property to Eugene Napierski.

15 Leward Way $645,000. GRSW Real Estate Trust sold property to Bryan and Bhavani Kurtz.

57 Winners Circle $180,000. Benita Collins (as Trustee) sold property to Joseph Dagostino and Sonia Rossi.

13 Lancaster Court. $347,322.

Traditional Builders LTD. sold property to Joshua and Lisa Kean.

38 Park Place $140,000. Thomas Burke sold property to Arielle Abrams.

11 Lawmar Lane $226,900. Steven Kluge (as Trustee) sold property to Haley Rusnica.

24 Frederick Dr. $260,000. Glenn and Cheryl Fogle sold property to Jonathan and Kathryn Hefter.

5 Whitfield Avenue $20,200.

Matthew Kiernan sold property to Gary and Susan Jones.

21 Cherry Choke Rd. $34,675.

Morgan Petralia sold property to Sunsmiles Groups LLC. 268 Broadway, Unit 409 $663,000.

262 Broadway LLC sold property to Brian Lee and Patricia Carson.

19 Outlook Ave. $110,000. KRDD One LLC sold property to DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders, Inc. 42 Central Ave. $110,000. KRDD One LLC sold property to DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders, Inc. 16 Central Ave. $110,000 KRDD One LLC sold property to DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders, Inc. 26 Ingersoll Rd. $478,000. Glen and Linda Jones sold property to Joseph Tocci.

21 Horizon Dr. $490,000. Kenneth

and Andree Kocian sold property to David and Michelle Rzepnicki.

491 Union Ave. $237,500. William and Sossie Wheeler sold property to Kerstin King.

11 Lakewood Ave. $155,000.

William Northrup sold property to Lakewood Property LLC. 17 Maple Ave. $1,300,000. Miranda Realty Corp. sold property to Saratoga Historical Restorations LLC. 446 Broadway $1,300,000. Saratoga Historical Restorations LLC sold property to Miranda Realty Corp.

494 Grand Ave. $175,000. Olivia Partyka sold property to Carrie Benson and Jose Pinedo.

46 Michael Dr. $219,900. John Streb sold property to Casey Schofield and Simon Ouderkirk.

32 Central Ave. $369,972. DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders Inc. sold property to David and Linda Spokowski.

141 Clinton St. $149,000. Joel Amidon sold property to Kristen Youmans.

84 Kaydeross Park Rd. $305,000.

Bruce Furman and Sheila Merriam sold property to Oscar Schrieber.

10 Spam Circle $242,000. David and Michelle Brandriss sold property to Tyler Lafountaine.

649 Lake Ave. $300,000. Marjory and John Hickey sold property to Saybro Realty LLC. Joshua Rd. $135,000. Polito Homes at Park Grove LLC sold property to Scott Varley.

7 Ellis Ave. Unit 4 $245,000. Shannon McCarthy and Christopher Wilson sold property to Vito and Barbara Colella.

14 Central Ave. $110,000. KRDD One LLC sold property to DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders, Inc. 11 Mokasha Square $334,865.

Laguna Homes Inc. sold property to Joseph Ogden and Lisa Bonacci.

16 Seward St. $255,000. Kenneth Savard sold property to Christopher Schmidt and Anna Bartlett.

569 North Broadway $800,000.

Robert and Michele Lesniak sold property to 569 North Broadway LLC. 55 Jenna Jo Ave. Lot 31 $150,000.

Oak Ridge Development LLC sold property to Augusta Martin.

20 Roundtable Rd. $315,000. Henry and Gisela Cooke sold property to Bruce and Linda Klion.

160 High Rock Ave. $537,500.

Erick French and Cynthia Lawder (by atty) sold property to Michele Mehler and Terry Julius.

Wilton 6 Hammond Dr. $193,500. Terry and Sandra Welsh sold property to Christopher Iwinski and Jessica Leach.

39 Timbia Dr. $281,000. Juan and Melissa Blanco sold property to GRSW Stewart Real Estate Trust.

39 Timbia Dr. $281,000. GRSW Stewart Real Estate Trust sold property to Kristine Orr. 1 Shannon Way. $176,000. Colin and Carol Brown sold property to Adam Brown.

45 Davison Dr. $154,500. Beverly Rainville (by co-exec) sold property to Brandon Orszulak.

50 Burnham Rd. $382,000. Cicero Builder Dev. Inc. sold property to Christopher and Nicole Gambacurta.

14 Lenca Ct. $272,325. Tra Tom Development Inc. sold property to Kristine Manley.

721 Route 9 $167,500. Milton Burke sold property to Wilton Partners LLC. 11 Rolling Hills Dr. $256,000. Jesse and Kelly Boucher sold property to Brian Strange.

6 Sparrow Ct. $145,000. Fay Bell sold property to Nicole Jasen.

3 Kyer Farm Rd. $484,000. Bernard and Mary Powell sold property to Sirva Relocation Properties LLC.

26

LOCAL BRIEFS

Upcoming Town Meetings Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org 1/23: Planning Board, 7:30 p.m.

1/29: Town Board, 7:30 p.m.

Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org 1/14: Village Board, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com 1/29: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 899-2818 www.malta-town.org 1/15: Planning Board, 6:30 p.m.

Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org 1/16: Town Board, 7 p.m.

1/23: Zoning Board, 7 p.m.

City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org 1/14: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m.

1/15: City Council, 7 p.m.

Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com 1/14: Town Board, 7 p.m.

1/23: Planning Board, 7:30 p.m.

1/28: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m.

Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org 1/21: Planning Board, 6:30 p.m.

2/13: Village Board of Trustees, 7 p.m.

Town of Stillwater: 66 East St., Riverside Mechanicville, NY 12118 www.stillwaterny.org 1/15: Village Board, 7 p.m.

1/17: Town Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com 1/16: Planning Board, 6:30 p.m.

1/24: Zoning Board of Appeals, 6:30 p.m.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors: 40 McMaster St, #1 Ballston Spa, NY 12020 (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov

Saturday Play Days Throughout January and February, the National Dance Museum will be offering Saturday Play Days.

Guests will be welcomed for the exclusive use of the Alfred Z. Solomon Children’s Wing on Saturdays from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Admission for supervising adults are free, children ages four and up are $3 each, children ages three and under are free. PlayPass Membership holders also receive unlimited free admission for the visiting child and an accompanying adult. Call (518) 584-2225 for more information.

Literacy Program Tutors Needed Tutors for the Literacy program in Saratoga County are once again needed. Two New Tutor Orientations to recruit potential tutors have been scheduled for Tuesday, January 29 at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, in the Susman Room frƒom 9:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. and on Thursday, January 31at the Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park, in the Piracci Board Room from 9:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. For details of training dates, visit www.literacynycap.org or call (518) 583-1232.

Indoor Craft and Flea Market Come and shop at the monthly Indoor Craft and Flea Market on Sunday, January 27 from 11 a.m.– 3:30 p.m. at the Saratoga Wilton Elks Club; Rte.9 Maple Avenue in Saratoga. There are over 40 vendor tables with a variety of items from jewelry, books, craft supplies, wood designs, photos, memorabilia, clothing, household items, eggs, honey, baked goodies, and gift ideas. Admission is free and weather is never a problem.

All money from the table rentals goes to support the Auxiliary’s Community Services. For an application or to answer any questions please call Linda at (518) 289-5470 or Debbie at (518) 885-6506.

DanceFlurry Saratoga Contradance The DanceFlurry Saratoga Contradance featuring contras, squares, and couples dances will be 8 p.m.–11 p.m. with lessons for beginners at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 26. All group dances taught and newcomers are welcome. No need to bring your own partner. Please wear sneakers or other soft-soled shoes only.

Adults are $10, students & seniors $7, children under 15, $6. It will be held at the First Baptist Church, 45 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs. For more information, call (518) 899-0105 or visit their website at www.danceflurry.org.

Old Friends Resumes Winter Tours Old Friends at Cabin Creek, a facility for retired thoroughbred racehorses in Greenfield Center will resume its winter Saturday tour hours starting January 19 from noon until 3 p.m. with the last tour at 2:30. For more information please visit their web site at www. oldfriendsatcabincreek.com.

Saratoga Springs Area Preschool Fair The Saratoga Springs Area Preschool Fair will be on Saturday, January 26, from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, ground floor, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs. A complete list of participating preschools is available at www.sspl.org. This event is co-sponsored by the SSPL and the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs. For more information please call (518) 584-7643 ex. 16.

Scallop Potato and Ham Dinner Saratoga–Wilton Elks #161 will host a scallop potato and ham and a chicken and biscuits dinner on Wednesday, January 23, 4:30 p.m.– 7 p.m. There will be soup, tossed salad, scallop potato and ham, chicken and biscuits, seasonal biscuits, rolls, dessert, coffee and tea. Donation is $9 for adults, $8 seniors and military, $5 children five–12, and children under five are free. Take outs are $10 and there will be a cash bar available. For more information, call (518) 584-2585.

Breakfast Buffet There will be a breakfast buffet at the Saratoga–Wilton Elks Lodge on Sunday, January 20 from 8:30 a.m.

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013 to 11 a.m. There will be fruit cocktail, French toast, potatoes, breakfast sausage and ham, corned beef hash, Eggs Benedict, muffins, juice, coffee, and tea. Donations are $7 for adults, seniors and military $6, children five to 12 $5 and under five are free. Take outs are $8.

Operation Adopt a Soldier Dinner/Dance Operation Adopt a Soldier will be holding their 10th Anniversary Dinner/Dance on February 23, at Saratoga Holiday Inn. It will start at 4 p.m. and go to 10 p.m.

Please come and join us for a time of fun and reflection of 10 years of serving our military services.

A donation of $10 is requested per person. If you would like to come and enjoy please contact me at (518) 587-8010 or Terri at (518) 232-4526 for more information. Please sign up early because there are only 200 seats.

Preschool Pioneers Preschool Pioneers, a once-amonth series of lessons at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, will help young nature-lovers with their numbers, colors, and shapes while doing fun games and nature crafts.

On Monday, January 28 at 11 a.m., at 80 Scout Road, participants will create birdfeeders for our feathered friends using peanut butter and pine cones. Adults are expected to support their children during the program. Preregistration is required for all events at least one business day in advance of the actual event. If Saratoga Springs School District cancels classes due bad weather, our programs will also be cancelled. For more information, please call the Preserve & Park office at (518) 450-0321 or via email at info@ wiltonpreserve.org.

Parkinson’s Support Group The Parkinson’s Support Group of Saratoga will meet at Woodlawn Commons, 156 Lawrence Street in Saratoga Springs on Monday, January 21, at 2 p.m. This meeting is open to anyone with Parkinson’s disease, family members and friends. For more information, call Joyce Garlock at (518) 885-6427 or Marilyn Merry at (518) 798-8947.

Annual Moonlight Ski & Snowshoe at Camp Saratoga Come explore luminary-lit trails among the meadows, forests, and wetland areas of Camp Saratoga on

Saturday, January 26 from 6 p.m.

– 9:30 p.m. There will be warming bonfires and plenty of free hot cocoa. The terrain is suitable for all levels and ages. Drop in anytime during the evening, no registration is needed. Snowshoes will be available in the Winter Lodge on a first-come, first-served basis: free for members or $5/pair for non-members. This event is sponsored by the Wilton Rotary and Healthy Living Market and Café. Preregistration is required at least one business day in advance of the actual event. If Saratoga Springs School District cancels classes due bad weather, this program will also be cancelled.

For more information, please call the Preserve & Park office at (518) 450-0321 or via email at info@ wiltonpreserve.org.

Nature’s Homeschoolers Nature’s Homeschoolers for 5th through 8th graders will be held at Camp Saratoga on Tuesday, January 29 at 2 p.m. This once-amonth series of lessons is designed to supplement homeschool curriculum with nature-based science. Lessons include hands-on activities and information about the plants and animals found in the Saratoga Sand Plains. This month’s lesson will focus on endangered, threatened, and extinct species.

This month’s lesson will focus on animal tracking and will take place outside for the entire lesson, so please come prepared. If we have snow, we will do this walk on snowshoes; they will be available free for members or $3/pair for non-members. Preregistration is required at least one business day in advance of the actual event. If Saratoga Springs School District cancels classes due bad weather, our programs will also be cancelled. For more information, please call the Preserve & Park office at (518) 450-0321 or via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org.

Seeking Artists The Malta Dept. of Parks and Recreation is looking for artists either professional or amateur who are looking to display their artwork in the Malta Community Center on a month long basis.

Contact Holly Kane, the art display coordinator at (518) 899-4411 for further information.

Send your local briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com before Monday at 5 p.m. for Friday publication.

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013 Conservation Conversation on Invasive Species

Friday, January 11 Take Your Kids To Gore Week

Gore Mt. 793 Peaceful Valley Rd., North Creek 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

19 and under ski, ride, and tube free with a full paying parent (ends Jan.13th). For more information visit www.goremountain.com or call (518) 251-2411.

Saturday, January 12 Guided Cross Country Skiing – Cat & Thomas Mountain Preserve

Lake George Land Conservancy, 4905 Lake Shore Dr. Bolton Landing 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Challenging trek for advanced skiers only. Please call ahead for location (Cat or Thomas Mt. Preserve on Valley Woods Rd.).

Free. Registration required.

Call (518) 644-9673 or visit http://www.lglc.org.

ES-G Snow Shoe

Visitor Center Saratoga National Battlefield, Rt 32, Stillwater Registration 9:30 – 9:55 a.m. Snow Shoe starts at 10 a.m.

This is not a guided event, only a chance to snowshoe with others.

Saturday Play Days

National Dance Museum 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Through March 2013 the museum will be offering Saturday Play Days, welcoming guests for the exclusive use of the Alfred Z. Solomon Children’s Wing (all other exhibits will be closed at this time).

Starting November 30, the wing will be open for use on Saturdays from 10am–3pm. Admissions are as follows: supervising adults are free, children 4 & up are $3 each, children 3 & under are free. PlayPass Membership holders also receive unlimited free admission for the visiting child and an accompanying adult.

For more information visit www. dancemuseum.org.

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park 80 Scout Rd. Gansevoort 10:00 a.m.

Chris Zimmerman, Conservation Ecologist from the Nature Conservancy of Northeast New York, will give a talk called “What’s Bugging and Strangling Nature, Invasive Species in New York State. As a long time manager of the recovery program for the endangered Karner blue butterfly for The Nature Conservancy at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, he will also share his insights into the challenges of dealing with the invasive species that threaten the unique habitats found in the Saratoga Sand Plains. This is the first in a monthly series of talks (next meeting Sat., Feb. 16).

For more information please call the Preserve & Park office at (518) 450-0321 or visit www. wiltonpreserve.org.

Sunday, January 13 Nacre Dance Company will offer a Master Class with Sabatino Verlezza

Myers Center for Dance, 153 Regent St., Saratoga Springs.

1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Sabatino Verlezza danced as a soloist with the May O’Donnell Dance Company in NYC for 9 years and continues to teach her technique and stage her classic works. In 1988 he established, VERLEZZA DANCE. In 1994, he became Artistic Director of Dancing Wheels where he also created an award winning outreach program. Verlezza Dance continues to present concerts nationally & partners with Opera Circle, Cleveland Opera & The Cleveland Orchestra. This class is open to intermediate modern dancers. There is a participation fee of $15.00/person or $10.00 for students. For additional information on this class, please visit our website at www. nacredance.com or email Beth@ Nacredance.com.

Saratoga Reads: Unchained Memories

2 p.m., Empire State College Center for Distance Learning 113 West Ave., Saratoga Springs Saratoga Reads and Empire State College present a screening of the HBO documentary Unchained Memories: Readings from

calendar Slave Narratives, followed by a discussion led by ESC faculty. The film features transcribed “slave narratives” from the 1930s, read by a host of distinguished performers and narrated by Whoopi Goldberg.

The screening is part of the events related to this year’s Saratoga Reads book of choice, Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup. Free and open to the public.

Monday, January 14 Drop in Family Story Time

The Children’s Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library 10:15 – 10:45 a.m.

For children of all ages. Parent or caregiver required to attend. For more information call 584-7860, press 3.

Tuesday, January 15 Ballston Spa Business & Professional Assoc.

Networking Breakfast

H & R Block, 2031 Doubleday Ave., Ballston Spa 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

The BSBPA sponsors networking breakfasts on the third Tuesday of every month at different locations.

A great way to share and promote your business or organization with others in the community. The breakfasts are open to all, cost is $5.00 with advanced reservation or $10 the morning of the breakfast, both payable at the door. RSVP to (518) 885-2772 or info@ballston. org.

Special Parent Child Workshop

Susman Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. & 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.

Children ages 12 – 36 months and their parent or caregiver will will participate in interactive hands on learning and play stations. A children’s librarian will lead a circle time with song and movement activities. For more information call call (518) 584-7860, press 3.

Wednesday, January 16 A.L.L. Fifth Annual Storytellers Series

Room 126, 2 Union Ave. Saratoga Springs 12:00 p.m.

A.L.L.’s popular winter Storytellers Series will mark its fifth anniversary season this January.

Our professional storytellers, Betty Cassidy, Kate Dudding, Margaret French, Carol Gregson, Betty McCanty and Joe Peck will return with stories based on A.L.L.’s 20th anniversary theme: Nourish Your Body, Nourish Your Mind. The programs are free and open to the public and have become a Saratoga winter tradition. Be sure to arrive early to secure a seat. From past experience, we will again “pack the house!” For more information visit http://www.esc.edu/all/ anniversary/.

Thursday, January 17 Craigslist Discussion

Computer Lab, Saratoga Springs Public Library 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

For ages 16 & older. Receive an overview of the website Craigslist and learn how to use this website with success. Learn to identify Craigslist scams. Call to register, 584-7860 ext. 257.

Special Library Babies

Crawshaw Story Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

An informal playgroup for babies under 24 months with their parent or caregiver. For more information call call 584-7860, press 3.

27

Family Friendly Events Friday

at The Wonder Room is the Favorite Author program. Kids 18 months and up with their parents can come and enjoy stories and a craft inspired by the works of Jan Thomas.

Program starts at 10am. The Wonder Room is open for free play until 3pm. $5 per child.

Friday

evening is the Rock Star Dance Party to benefit the Greenfield Elementary Playground Project. This charity fundraiser will be held in the Greenfield Elementary cafeteria and will include dancing, a bake sale, raffle and more. Cost is $5 per child, even is 6:30-9pm

Saturday

at 2pm, enjoy a Winter Snowshoe Walk at Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park. If you need to rent snowshoes, they will be available at Parking Lot 1 at Camp Saratoga: free for members or $3/pair for non-members.

Saturday

evening offers a chance to support the Saratoga Children’s Theatre at Panza’s restaurant. Benita Zahn will host an evening of Broadwayquality performances by SCT’s staff and children. An Italian buffet will be served, including dessert and coffee. Admission is $50 for adults, $30 for children 13 to 18, and $20 for children 12 and under.

Sunday

at Yana Yoga in Malta are two free kids yoga classes. 2:45-3:45 p.m. for ages 4-7 and 4-5pm for ages 8-11.

The free intro class is a great way to try out yoga before the 6 week session begins on January 20th.

Compliments of: Seek • Learn Find • Play Visit us online!

Send your local briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com before Monday at 5 p.m. for Friday publication.

28

fun and games Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

Puzzles

See puzzle solutions on page 36

Across 1 “Gnarly!”

3 In a mood 8 Bean variety 11 Sorority character 12 Drug giant behind Valium and Klonopin 13 Posh bathroom fixture 14 Puts out 16 “If on a winter’s night a traveler” writer Calvino 17 Top banana 18 Longtime Rolling Stones bassist Bill 20 Each 21 Sushi options 22 Feature of an old mattress 23 Dollars for quarters 25 Fly out of Africa?

27 Acorns, someday 30 Liqueur made from elderflowers 32 Realm 33 O staff, briefly 35 Cravat holders 37 Las Vegas-to-Tijuana dir.

38 Distort, as with false data, with “up” 40 Scroll source 42 Like part of a special delivery?

44 “I’m With Stupid” T-shirt markings 47 Linguist Chomsky 48 Headphone wearers, usually 50 Literary honey lover 51 Flock member 52 “You can __ horse ...”

54 Nintendo princess kidnapped by Ganon 55 Alvin, Simon and Theodore 57 Tinseltown 59 The Donald’s first 60 Whacks 61 Concern on the course 62 Canonical hour 63 First stage 64 Pet store reactions Down 1 Weather forecast data 2 Work casually 3 Pre-calc course 4 Goddess of the morning

Level: 2

3

4

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk

1/8/13

© 2013 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

See puzzle solution on page 36 5 Unstressed vowel sound 6 What the six puzzle answers graphically represented in this puzzle have in common 7 Backwoods agreement 8 Match 9 Aids for a bad 8-Down 10 Transporter in a shaft 13 IQ test pioneer 15 Rolls at sea 19 Where Hope may be found 22 Feature of some apses 24 Gp. with many hunters 26 Picked up a lap?

28 Alkali neutralizer 29 Two-person plank 31 Keg filler

At the Movies with Trey Roohan This is 40

1

What are the expectations you have for yourself? Successful career, comfortable home, happy family? What if all of that were in jeopardy and had no way to save it? What would you do?

Pete and Debi (who we were first semi-introduced to in the 2007 film Knocked Up and played again by Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann) are married, have two children, and both own their own businesses. Pete (Rudd) has left a major record label to open his own independent label where he can work with musicians he’s passionate about. Debi (played by Leslie Mann) owns and operates her own clothing store with two employees. Those employees are Jodi (played

by Charlene Yi) who Deb considers a friend and a valued employee, and Desi (played by Megan Fox) who may or may not be stealing from the store but, with the huge influx of male shoppers thanks to her looks, those losses might be inconsequential. Pete is trying to drum up major public interest in a reunion album for a group that has great meaning to Pete personally but who’s never been particularly well-known. At the same time, Pete and Debi are both turning 40 within days of each other. Their two daughters, Sadie and Charlotte (played by director Apatow and lead actress Leslie Mann’s real-life daughters Maude and Iris Apatow) fight constantly.

In addition, Sadie, Pete and Debi’s 13 year-old (played by Maude Apatow) has developed an unhealthy obsession with Lost. To add even more fuel to the fire, Pete has been loaning money to his father, Larry (played by Albert Brooks), in secret. In contrast, Debi and her father, Oliver (played by John Lithgow) rarely speak.

I didn’t really enjoy This is 40 that much. I have never been a big fan of Apatow’s other films. They always seem to go for the gross-out factor and I have a low-tolerance for that type of humor. Also, there seems to be some sort of revelation every half-hour in this movie. “I don’t know what we’re going to do” and then twenty minutes later “we’re all going to be okay”. Apatow fans might enjoy this movie, I most definitely did not. I don’t recommend This is 40. (6.3/10) For comments and questions, contact me at movies@roohanrealty.com.

33 Financial index 34 Late-night adult programming airer, facetiously 36 Sunday msg.

39 Roxy Music alum 41 Adrien of cosmetics 43 Hobbyist’s wood 45 “Yowzah!”

46 Treatment seen in bedrooms 49 Diner cupfuls 51 Oscillating curve 53 Playground reply 54 Twist at a bar 56 Med. specialty 58 Mineral suffix

Writing the Right Word by Dave Dowling Accuracy in word choice is a key to effective communication. This quick weekly tip will help you filter the confusion in some of our daily word choices.

Adapt, Adept, Adopt Adapt means to adjust, change, or make suitable.

Christian adapts well to new working environments.

Adept means to be skilled at something.

Among other things, Frances is adept at shuffling cards.

Adopt means to accept or to take as your own.

Because of its merits, we shall adopt your proposal immediately.

Our son, who is now 18, was adopted 10 weeks after his birth.

Dave Dowling is the author of the The Wrong Word Dictionary and The Dictionary of Worthless Words. Signed copies are available for purchase at the gifts and home goods store, Homessence on Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

food

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

29

Creamy Turnip Soup

A Winter Warm-up Favorite from Quincy Farm

Winter is an ideal time to think about soup and nothing makes better soup than the fresh, local ingredients you can find at the Saratoga Winter Farmers’ Market (Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Division Street School every Sunday). This year the market boasts seven vendors selling local vegetables, so the choices for the soup you could possibly eat are only limited by your imagination.

The Market’s newest veggie vendor is Quincy Farm, owned and operated by the energetic team of Luke Deikis and Cara Fraver. Luke commented last week that he thought January to be “a great time to promote the humble and oft-under-appreciated root veggie: the turnip.”

Luke also mentioned that Cara makes a terrific turnip soup and that the farm has an ample supply

of this winter.

So what is it about the turnip that we should appreciate so much? The turnip is a root vegetable in the brassica family, which includes radishes, cabbage and mustard.

When freshly harvested, one can enjoy the greens as well as the root, but at this time of year it is all about the root. Turnips are a great alternative to potatoes, whether mashed, roasted or added to soups and stews. The root is a source of vitamin C, but the smooth texture and sweetness are what make it a special addition to the dinner plate or soup bowl.

Here’s a fun-fact about the turnip that Luke loves to tell.

Originally, Jack-o-lanterns were carved from large turnips. An Irish legend tells about Stingy Jack, who was turned away from both Heaven and Hell, and spent eternity wandering the world, lighting his way with a chunk of coal in a carved-out turnip.

Cara’s soup recipe is based on one from Eating Well Magazine that she updated to her liking. She

suggests topping the soup with olive oil and sour cream, and even chopped fried leeks. This easy recipe is warming and tasty, and with the added garnishes has a really has a nice presentation.

(A note on Quincy Farm: Only two families have owned Quincy Farm since the eighteenth century. The Wright family arrived in arrived in 1774 and worked the land until Gordon and Marguerite Wright retired in 1972, and after that rented the land to other farmers. When they died, the family decided to sell the farm. Coincidentally Cara and Luke were farm hunting, and approached the Agricultural Stewardship Association (a land trust in Greenwich) and the Open Space Institute to begin the process of making this land a forever farm, through agricultural conservation easement. Luke and Cara bought their “glass slipper” as they call it, in April of 2011 and immediately planted their first vegetable crops. They soon will begin their third year of growing and supplying farmers’ markets. http://www. quincyfarm.net/history-of-theland.html )

Auld Lang Syne!

Hello, my Foodie Friends!

It’s that time once again for us here at Compliments to the Chef to thank all the wonderful acquaintances that have helped us throughout the year!

As Clarence once 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 who shares in our joy of cooking and creating our own masterpiece meals.

We have introduced many great tools in our store as a result of customer suggestions. Some notables are Nespresso coffee machines, Beatriz Ball serve and cookware, Adam Cielinski cutting boards, and many more. Some have even given helpful suggestions on writing this column; thank you Dr. and Mrs. Russrev. Coming to work every day on Broadway in one of the finest cities in America is a pure joy.

Well we are in Super Bowl season now so I would like to suggest some tools that will help to make your celebrations run smoother.

They are the foil cutter, the Rabbit, waiter’s corkscrew, cocktail shaker, strainer, and champagne pliers which can be very useful on Super Sunday. They make the toughest tasks seem like a piece of cake!

The foil cutter, for instance, removes the outer foil from a wine or champagne bottle without the mess or the hassle. The champagne pliers help prevent your

champagne corks from flying to infinity and beyond. The waiter and Rabbit corkscrews remove wine corks with ease, or “like butter!”

If you decide you want to be the James Bond at your Super Bowl party and decided to serve cocktails, the cocktail shaker and strainer will help you to mix your beverages that call to be shaken… not stirred. One of my favorites a beer glass that holds four (!) bottles of beer at once. Whatever your needs, I hope that our store can continue to be your first thought for your culinary and wine supplies. And when you come through our door, you will notice that a bell rings…and we all know what happens every time a bell rings!

Have a safe and happy New Year and Super Bowl!

Remember: “Life happens in the kitchen” Take care, John and Paula

Creamy Turnip Soup Ingredients: (Those marked * are available at the Saratoga Winter Farmers’ Market.)

• 4 medium sized turnips (about 1½ pounds) * • 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided • 1 tbsp. butter • 1 medium onion * • ½ tsp. dried rosemary • Salt and pepper • 4 cups chicken or veggie broth

(Purchased or homemade from Farmers’ Market ingredients) • Sour cream • Chopped leeks, fried (Optional garnish) *

Directions: 1. Peel and slice the turnips.

2. Heat one tbsp. oil and butter in a large saucepan on medium heat 3. Add onion and cook, stirring, until brown, about five minutes.

4. Add the turnips, rosemary, ½ tsp. salt or to taste, and a generous grinding of black pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Cover and cook, stirring once or twice, for ten minutes.

6. Add broth, increase heat to high and bring to a boil.

7. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer, cover and cook until the turnips are tender, about ten minutes more.

8. Puree the hot soup in the pan with an immersion blender (or after carefully transferring to a standard blender or food processor).

9. Ladle into bowls, and then add a generous dollop of sour cream, an arty swirl of olive oil, the optional fried leeks, and lots of freshly- ground black pepper.

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Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

Hattie’s 12th Annual Mardi Gras to Benefit New York City Ballet’s Summer Residency at SPAC

Jasper and Beth Alexander at last year’s Hattie’s Mardi Gras Party. Photo by Heather Bohm-Tallman

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Hattie’s Restaurant and owners Jasper and Beth Alexander have announced that Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) will be the beneficiary of their popular Annual Mardi Gras Party and fundraiser, to be held on Saturday, January 19 at the Historic Canfield Casino in Congress Park. SPAC President and Executive Director Marcia White lauded the Alexander’s generosity and announced that all funds raised at the event would be specifically dedicated to supporting the New York City Ballet’s residency.

“My warmest thanks go out to Jasper and Beth Alexander for choosing SPAC as the beneficiary of this year’s Mardi Gras fundraiser. Hattie’s is not only a culinary landmark, but, under the leadership of Jasper and Beth Alexander, a champion for the quality of life in Saratoga,” said Marcia White, SPAC’s President and Executive Director.

“Upon learning of Jasper and Beth’s extremely generous decision, we immediately decided that all funds raised would be designated for New York City Ballet’s SPAC residency,” White added.

“The Ballet has a rich legacy in Saratoga that has woven itself into this community’s identity and culture. Hattie’s fabulous Mardi Gras event will be the perfect

opportunity to celebrate this legacy and support the ballet while enjoying one of Saratoga’s most talked about events.”

Founded by Hattie’s owners Jasper and Beth Alexander in 2001 as a way to support local nonprofits, the annual Mardi Gras event has raised over $250,000 for various charities since its inception including Shelters of Saratoga, Saratoga YMCA, Saratoga Hospital and Saratoga Sponsor-a-Scholar.

Elizabeth Alexander, coowner of Hattie’s and also a teacher at Myers Dance School and dancer at Northeast Ballet said, “I am thrilled that this year’s proceeds will benefit SPAC’s residency of the New York City Ballet. I grew up going to SPAC and experienced the magic of the ballet firsthand.

At age four while watching Jerome Robbins Dances at a Gathering I told my Mom I wanted to dance…

I haven’t stopped yet!”

“Beth and I are very proud of our commitment to our community and are grateful that this event has become so popular because it has allowed us to provide significant help to organizations that are important to us,” said chef/owner Jasper Alexander.

SPAC’s residency of the New York City Ballet dates back to SPAC’s 1966 inaugural season.

Each year since, the Ballet has had a summer engagement in Saratoga which has enabled a wider

audience to experience its artistry and helped establish Saratoga as a world-renowned home for dance.

In recent years, the rapidly escalating costs of the residency have become difficult for both NYCB and SPAC to absorb, creating a greater need for fundraising specifically dedicated to supporting the ballet season.

Benita Zahn of News Channel 13 will be the MC for the evening’s festivities. Garland Nelson and Soul Session will provide entertainment, along with the dancers from Northeast ballet. Heather Bohm-Tallman will be on hand for Mardi Gras photos with her crazy booth. Every year Michael Panza of Fine Affairs donates his time and décor to transform the Casino into “New Orleans of the North”.

The event will also offer a complimentary Hurricane cocktail from 6–7 p.m., Mardi Grasinspired cuisine by Chef Jasper Alexander, cash bar and a silent auction (valet parking will be available). New this year will be the chance to win a two-year lease on a car generously donated by New Country Toyota.

Raffle tickets are $20 a piece and can be bought by contacting SPAC or can be purchased that evening at the event. Reservations are $100 per person and can be made by calling Linda Passaretti at SPAC at (518) 584-9330 ext. 122.

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

PULSE

John Brown Band Playing at Putnam Den SARATOGA SPRINGS —John Brown’s Body’s “Future Roots” uses reggae as a foundation, but incorporates dub, drum and bass, dancehall, hip hop and other musical explorations to create a sound both timeless and forward. However it’s defined, people are buzzing about this progressive group from Boston and Ithaca, N.Y. The eight-piece band’s explosive live show boasts super heavy rhythms, a threepiece horn section, air-tight drum and bass, and “the most gorgeous melodies in all of modern reggae music” (All Music Guide). JBB’s 2008 album, Amplify, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Reggae Chart. Their new EP, “JBB In Dub,” was released September 11 on Easy Star Records and debuted #1 on iTunes Reggae charts and #6 on Billboard Reggae

Photo courtesy of Tobin Voggesser

Charts.

John Brown’s Body will play at Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs on January 24 at 8 p.m. Ages 18+

are allowed and tickets are $15.

For more information on John Brown’s Body, please visit http:// www.johnbrownsbody.com.

Saratoga Clay Arts Center Prepares for 2nd Annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser

by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY SCHUYLERVILLE – After the breakout success of its first Chili Bowl Fundraiser last year, Saratoga Clay Arts Center is looking forward to an even bigger crowd at this year’s 2nd Annual Chili Bowl, to take place January 26.

Local potters and sculptors have already been busy at the pottery wheel for weeks in preparation for the event, readying between 700-1,000 clay bowls for attendees to purchase and use to try the chili of the five featured restaurants that are cooking up their own unique chili recipes for the fundraiser.

Chefs from Hattie’s Restaurant (last year’s winner of the “Best Chili” vote), Druthers Brewing Company, Henry St. Taproom, Lillian’s Restaurant and Putnam Market will each be handing out varied recipes for attendees to taste.

“They’re all going to be doing something a little different,” said Jill Kovachick, director of Saratoga Clay Arts Center. “For instance, Putnam Market is doing a vegetarian chili, and I’m almost positive Jasper from Hattie’s uses a brisket in his chili—the others I’m not sure because we haven’t had them here before, but it’s all new and will be a surprise to all of us.”

Kovachick said that the Center is preparing for a bigger crowd this

year after being “shocked” at the event’s turnout last year.

“We had a beautiful mild day last year—the weather was probably in the ‘50s—and we had people out the door and down the driveway waiting to get in the center,” she said. “So this year we’re going to be a little more prepared.”

The event will now be organized into five different time slots— anyone can register online for the timeslot of their choosing to pick out the bowls they want to purchase, and then move forward to try the different chili. The first timeslot will take place from 11 a.m. – noon, with four more hour-long slots until the event ends at 4 p.m.

Kovachick also added that there will be live music, throwing demonstrations showing how to make ceramic bowls, and beer tastings provided by Druthers.

Another difference in this year’s event is the way the proceeds from the event are being donated— half of the money of a purchase

from one bowl will go toward the Clay Arts Center, while the other half will go to a charity selected by each restaurant. Each bowl is $15, chili included.

“This year we’re allowing the restaurants to decide where they want their proceeds to go— we’re doing it with poker chips,” Kovachick said. “For instance, if Lillian’s has 25 poker chips go into their container, half of that will go to the organization they chose and the other half will go to us.”

Besides raising funds for both the Arts Center and varied charities around town, Kovachick said the event has garnered interest throughout the community.

“I think the Chili Bowl brings the community together, which is great. One of the things I love about it is the fact that we’ve gotten so many people interested in coming and enjoying the event,” she said. “It was a very exciting event last year, and we expect it’s going to be the same this year.”

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Saratoga Central Catholic Middle School Presents “Bad Hair Day” Saratoga Central Catholic Middle School’s Drama Troupe will present the play “Bad Hair Day” to the public January 12 at 7 p.m. and January 13 at 3 p.m.

Mattie has perfect hair, but Belma’s is so bad her dog threatens to bury her in the backyard if she doesn’t cover it up. Other teens at Central High have tried a great new hair shampoo that allows them to form their hair quickly into any shape, form, or color imaginable.

The fantastic product is a major hit with the students—that is, until their hair starts falling out in gobs.

Talk about a bad hair day! This bad hair epidemic just happens to coincide with a visit from four mysterious strangers on school campuses around the city - the hideous Frau Hilda von Dandruff and her three cronies. Their evil plan is working perfectly!

Tickets to “Bad Hair Day” are $5 for adults and $3 for students/seniors. The play will be performed at St. Peter’s Parish Center at 64 Hamilton Street in Saratoga Springs. For more information, call (518) 573-4346.

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

Saratoga Chamber Players Present Pianist and Violinist Collaboration Performance SARATOGA SPRINGS Pianist Margaret Kampmeier returns to the Saratoga Chamber Players to present a concert with violinist Jill Levy on February 3 at 3 p.m. in the United Methodist Church at 5th Avenue and Henning Road in Saratoga Springs. The two musicians have been frequent collaborators at recent Saratoga Chamber Players concerts.

One reviewer called Kampmeier “A master of the keyboard...with perfect poise and sonorous variety.” She is a founding member of the Naumberg award-winning New Millenium Ensemble. She has appeared with the Kronos Quartet, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Colorado Quartet and Peter Schickele.

Jill Levy is now in her 19th season as Artistic Director and violinist of the Saratoga Chamber Players as well as concertmaster of the Albany Symphony Orchestra.

The New York Times review of the ASO’s performance at Carnegie Hall in the spring of 2011 praised her “graceful and fluid” playing.

The concert opens with Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No.4 in A minor, Opus 23, a piece warmly received by the composer’s

contemporaries. Next will be Stravinsky’s Divertimento for violin and piano, one of a number of offspring from the composer’s ballet, “Le Baiser de la fée.” It is based on Tchaikovsky songs and evokes the latter’s sweet, delicate melodies but with Stravinsky’s own elements of unpredictability. Also on the program is the work of Estonian composer, Arvo Pärt, Fratres, written at a time when religion was frowned upon by the Communist state. The title means “brethren” or “fraternity” and the music, described as a call to prayer, seems to express Pärt’s search for spirituality. The program ends with the luscious, romantic piece by Robert Schumann, Sonata, No. 1 in A minor, Opus 105 written in 1851 and first performed a year later by Clara Schumann and violinist Ferdinand David.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, $12 for students and free to accompanied children. The concert is sponsored in part by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.

To charge with Master Card or Visa, call (518) 928-9664. For further information on the program or the musicians see www.saratogachamberplayers.org.

PULSE

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

Local Gigs Week of 1/11 - 1/17

Send listings to amarshall@saratogapublishing.com

Friday, 1/11:

Saturday, 1/12:

Tim Olsen Quartet, 8 pm

Maple Leaf Series, 8 pm

Nick Maccia, 7 pm

Frankie Lessard Duo, 9 pm

John Eisenhart, 8 pm

Jeff Brisbin, 9 pm

Loose Change, 8 pm

Street Talk, 10:30 pm

Mike and Ruthy, 8 pm

Karaoke w/ Nasty Cat, 9 pm

Live Acoustic Music, 7 pm

Hair of the Dog, 9 pm

Mike Thomas, 9 pm

George Iorio, 8 pm

Kelly Brothers, 9 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

Sunday, 1/13:

Diva & the Dirty Boys, 5:30 pm

Songs of Pete & Dottie Spoor, 2 pm

@ 9 Maple Ave - 583.2582 @ bailey’s - 583.6060

@ bentley’s - 899.4300

@ bayou cafe - 384.7226 @ caffè lena - 583.0022 @ druther’s - 306.5275

@ gaffney’s - 587.7359

@ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

Spoiler, 10:30 pm @ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

Rusty Edge, 9 pm @ the mill - 899.5253

Blind Owl Band, 9 pm @ the parting glass - 583.1916

Live Entertainment, 9 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

The Refrigerators, 8 pm @ vapor - 792.8282

Saturday, 1/12: Michael Benedict Quartet, 8 pm @ 9 Maple Ave - 583.2582

Filming Ohio, 7 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

Seven Minutes Left, 8 pm @ bayou cafe - 384.7226

Live Entertainment, 7 pm @ druther’s - 306.5275

@ caffè lena - 583.0022 @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

@ irish times - 583.0003 @ jp bruno’s - 745.1180 @ the mill - 899.5253

@ the parting glass - 583.1916

@ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

@ caffè lena - 583.0022

Thursday, 1/17: Live Acoustic Music, 8 pm @ druther’s - 306.5275

Woodstone, 9 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

[to be determined], 8 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

Open Mic Nights: Sun. Open Mic, 7 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

Thur. Open Mic, 7 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

Tue. w/Rick Bolton, 8 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

Wed. Open Mic, 8 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

Thur. Open Mic, 10 pm @ circus café - 583.1106

DON’T MISS Hair of the Dog

LIVE at The Parting Glass Saturday, January 12 @ 8 p.m.

33

34 It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

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Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

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SPORTS

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

Community Sports Bulletin Olympic Pairs Figure Skater Teaches at Local Pilates Studio

Photo Provided

Olympic Pairs Figure Skater and Level 4 Romana’s Pilates instructor, Karen Cortland Kelly, recently taught at Reform Pilates for three exciting days of lessons and classes. For further details about her visit, check out the studio website and blog at: www.reformyourbody.com. The studio is located at 18 Division Street, Suite 203, Saratoga Springs. (518) 871-1315.

Adult Winter Sports and Fitness Opportunities at Ballston Spa Schools The Ballston Spa Community Education Program is currently offering a variety of adult sports opportunities. Sports programs are held 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 starts the beginning of January and requires a $30 fee for 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 throughout the year when school is in session. Pre-registration is required and fees are due at the beginning of each course. Those interested may register for courses by mail or in-person 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 (518) 884-7195, ext. 1329.

Puzzle Solutions from Page 28

Tanner Brooks Named Liberty League Rookie of the Week

Tanner Brooks was selected as the Liberty League Men’s Basketball Rookie of the Week for the third time this season for the week ending Jan. 7.

Brooks returned from an injury in time to score 42 points in two Liberty League games.

He scored 24 points and had 10 rebounds, six assists, and two steals in a 67-66 OT loss to Hobart and contributed 18 points and five assists, and four steals in a 66-56 win over Bard.

The talented guard leads the Thoroughbreds in scoring (17.0), rebounding (6.9), and steals (1.8).

Photo by Greg Fisher

Ballston Spa Schools Offer 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 – Thursday evenings from 8:30-9:30 p.m. A family/open swim is also offered on Saturday afternoons from 2-4 p.m. 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. 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) 8847150 ext. 2324.

SPORTS

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

37

Choosing a Fitness Facility in 2013

by Michael Lapolla Saratoga Health & Wellness 2013 is upon us and if you’re like many people, you’re contemplating setting goals, or perhaps even making some New Years’ resolutions. At the top of many lists is joining a gym, and I thought to myself, “What better time than now to write about how to choose a fitness facility?”

As a business owner, I realized long ago that we couldn’t be everything to everybody. We own a fitness facility and strive to be the best at designing and implementing exercise plans in a setting that is comfortable, non-intimidating and focuses on a unique, informative experience.

It’s not that we’re opposed to offering more services; it’s just the reality of what it takes to make a lot of services great. Rather than focus on many diluted, mediocre services, we’ve chosen to focus on a few things and do them great.

Spinning classes—a hot item, but not in our facility. Yoga? There are many great studios in Saratoga you should check out, but it’s not our forte.

Dance classes like Zumba?-Again, a great idea, but it’s not what we do best. Hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and spa services? Not at Saratoga Health & Wellness. In our experience, most facilities have a niche and have developed a reputation for differentiating themselves from other facilities in some unique way. As a consumer, it’s your job to find out what that niche is and what their goal as a facility is.

Is it to be the biggest? Is it to offer the most services? Do they cater to young families? Do they cater to older adults? Do they have the most equipment? The identification of a facility’s niche will help you to decide whether it will be congruent with your needs.

Choosing a gym is something you should do with some forethought. Before going into the details about how I’d choose a fitness facility, let’s dive into some details for what’s projected to be hot trends for 2013.

Every year, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) posts the results to its wide-reaching poll predicting fitness and wellness trends that guide decisions in the upcoming year. Keep in mind; they are polling other health,

fitness, exercise and nutrition professionals who generally have their fingers on the pulse of the industry.

The 2013 report attempts to define trends, and not fads. A trend has been defined as “a general development or change in a situation or in the way that people are behaving”, as opposed to a fad, which is defined as “a fashion that is taken up with great enthusiasm for a brief period.”

To that end, here are my top 10 predicted fitness trends for 2013: 1. Educated, certified, and experienced fitness professionals -Jobs for fitness workers are expected to rise much faster than the average for all other occupations, according to the U.S. Labor Department.

2. Strength training -- In the number-two spot for the second year in a row, strength training continues to be a strong trend. No longer restricted to body building, most people now incorporate some form of weight training to improve or maintain muscle strength.

3. Bodyweight training -Bodyweight exercises use minimal equipment and include push-ups, pull-ups, planks, and squats.

4. Children and obesity -Exercise programs aimed at the problem of childhood obesity are also a major fitness trend. Schools are increasingly partnering with commercial and community-based physical activity programs to prevent and treat rising childhood obesity rates.

5. Exercise and weight loss -Consistently in the top 20 fitness trends, researchers say most popular diet plans incorporate exercise to encourage weight loss.

6. Fitness programs for older adults -- Fitness clubs are capitalizing on an aging baby boomer generation with age-appropriate exercise programs.

7. Personal training -- As more personal trainers are becoming certified, they are becoming more accessible in a variety of settings, such as corporate wellness, community-based, and medical fitness programs.

8. Functional fitness -Researchers define functional fitness as using strength training to improve balance, coordination, force, power, and endurance to perform activities of daily living.

Functional fitness programs are designed to reflect actual activities done as a function of daily living and are often used in fitness programs for older adults.

9. Core training -- Using

equipment like balance balls and wobble-boards, core training stresses strength and conditioning of the stabilizing muscles of the mid-section.

Researchers say exercising the core muscles in the hips, lower back, and abdomen improves overall stability for daily activities and sports performance.

10. Group personal training -- A boon for budget-conscious clients, personal trainers now often provide services to small groups of two to four people at deep discounts.

Now that you’re aware of the latest trends, it’s time to decide which of these trends are most important to you. Make a mental note, check them off, and then make a list of all the local fitness facilities in your area. The fitness facilities on your list should cater toward these trends more than they cater toward fads that won’t stand the test of time. Now it’s time to do some research.

Who are you?

When I ask, “Who are you?”

I’m asking about your comfort level with gyms. Are you a hesitant gym goer? Are you fit as a fiddle and know your way around a fitness facility? Are you comfortable in the gym setting, but need advice and consulting? Do you need help setting up a long-term plan? Are you intimidated by the younger and fitter generation? Do you have medical concerns that need to be addressed? Once you know who you are, then you can approach the facility and see if they can help someone like you.

Websites, phone conversations and first impressions The first thing I like to do when researching a fitness facility is to look at its website. Usually you can tell quickly who the gym is trying to attract. Are they selling their ‘state of the art’ equipment and 25-yearold bikini-clad bodies or are they selling an experience that can help you get healthier? Any approach is fine by me, but should align with what makes you most comfortable.

Next, make a phone call. Do you get someone who is friendly, professional and eager to listen to you? Or do you get an instant sales pitch? You should be prepared to divulge your expectations, and then listen for how they can help you meet your goals. First impressions are important and if you get through this first phone call with a good vibe then you should take the next step to visit the facility. My

personal opinion is to schedule an appointment with one of their exercise/nutrition professionals rather than the sales staff. When you visit the facility, you should be interviewing their people who are going to try to help you.

Take a test drive Hopefully you’ll get a chance to test out the facility for a nominal fee or for free. You should be testing out the staff by asking them questions, using the facilities, assessing busy/quiet times and generally getting a feel for the overall atmosphere. Is this a place you could see yourself meeting your goals? At our facility, we offer everyone a free trial which includes our assessment, consulting and exercise planning.

We’re confident in our offerings, and strive to give prospects our full service right off the bat, rather than some diluted, watered down trial. If they like what they see, that’s great.

If not, that’s okay too. We know there are plenty of quality fitness facilities in our area, and it’s our job to make sure that our customers get what they need from the start, even if it’s not from us. Good luck in your quest to find the best fitness facility for your needs.

Michael Lapolla is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as an Exercise Specialist and coowns Saratoga Health & Wellness (Locals’ Choice Award winner, Best Fitness Facility, 2012) with Nicholas Galuardi. Michael and his college-degreed staff design custom exercise programs for a wide range of clients.

You can contact the team at SH&W at (518) 306-6987 or on the web at www.saratogahealthandwellness.com

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SPORTS

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

Never Say ‘I Can’t!’

Damian Fantauzzi I can remember being a kid playing basketball in my yard or in someone’s driveway with my friends. There were no positions designated for anyone such as guard, forward or center - we just played basketball and the defense determined where we would be: either facing the basket or with your back to the basket. It didn’t matter how tall you were, what mattered was playing the game. Basically, that’s how I learned to play the game of basketball, along with my desire to practice on my own. I learned to be an all-around player without being placed into a designated position because that’s the way basketball is meant to be played, from any spot on the floor. The only way to develop basketball skills is by playing the majority of the time facing the basket. A good preparation for learning those all-around skills is by playing one-on-one, two-on-two or three-on-three, which was something I did in an uncountable number of games, starting in my early teenage years.

Many years ago and even now, people say to a kid, “You should play basketball, because you’re tall!” So, right away a potential player would be put into a position because of his or her size, examples being that taller kids play inside and shorter kids play outside. My opinion of that philosophy is: Says who?

When the game was developed, it was pretty basic, and there was little room for innovation for the players to create or experiment with the way they played the game. To see a guy like Magic Johnson, at 6’ 9”, play at the top of the offense, as a point guard, was unfathomable in the 50s, 60s and before the caveman picked up a basketball.

Look at the ability of college and professional basketball players of this modern era. Guys like

Magic are more prevalent than ever before. At 6’ 9”, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder and at 6’ 9” LeBron James of the Miami Heat, these giants can handle the ball like a 5’ 10” point guard. They’re amazing athletes with super human basketball abilities. They came from the cities of Washington and Chicago, respectively, where the street game was about skill - not position or size - even though it didn’t hurt them as all-around players by limiting their position down low because they were so tall.

Kobe Bryant of the Lakers and Michael Jordan, the retired superstar from the Chicago Bulls, are both 6’ 6” and are known for their uncanny ball handling skills and outside shooting. Back in the 1960s, both MJ and Kobe would have played out of the post position as centers in their high schools.

I can go on and on about players like these guys, but this column isn’t about the kings of professional basketball. This is about the kids who are unjustly placed into stereotypical positions in sports because of their physical stature and therefore, are categorized as a position-type athlete. To me, this is totally unfair, especially in the youth programs, when an eight-year-old is told this is the spot you will play because you’re taller than your teammates.

This is a disservice to a young athlete that could possibly limit his or her early development and experience as a potential all-around player.

Another unintentional disservice to the development of aspiring youth players, is labeling them as “benchwarmers” because they haven’t quite caught up to their skill level. They might be late bloomers.

I’ve experienced this as a coach; when other coaches have said that this kid or that kid can’t do this or that and never will be able perform a particular ability. I’ve had players who carried the stigma of “can’t or never will” around with them, until we were able to work one-on-one.

One example was a student-athlete from Saratoga Springs, (whose name and the team he played for will go unnamed) who was labeled as a non-shooter at 6’ 5” tall, and was therefore supposed to only contribute by rebounding. He asked me to help him with his outside shot and even though I wasn’t his coach.

Of course, I never say no. He and I

worked on the skill of shooting a jump shot after practice. During his last year of high school basketball he averaged 21 points a game.

That’s right, 21! Not to mention the year before that, his average was 18 points less per game!

Never say I can’t! I do have similar stories but I won’t digress from my original point.

The emphasis here is that maybe there needs to be a program where the younger athletes can experience opportunities to play more than one position, no matter what the sport. With basketball, it may be more important, especially at the youth level, for the athletes to experience how that game is meant to be played from any spot on the floor. In addition to that philosophy, the younger basketball players should learn how to play man-to-man defense, with no zones. When I took over the girls basketball program at Saratoga Springs during 1999, I was told by a coach that the girls can’t play man-to-man defense. I disagreed and my answer to him was that they have to and it can be taught, they’re players first and girls after! Well, the girls shook off that label and learned to play man-to-man defense. Within three years we were able to shock Shenendehowa and defeat them for the very first time in the program’s history. During the quarterfinals of the AA Sectionals we defeated Shenendehowa, the number-one seed, by 18 points, after dropping two regular season games to the Plainswomen – and we played man-to-man the whole game!

The labeling of athletes is an adult mistake and is especially unfair to younger players. Maybe by simply taking such an emphasis of winning out of the main focus and get the youngsters playing and learning how sports are played and with no limitations to what they can do, might benefit them later in their athletic lives.

What gives me the right to suggest this? One is obvious, I coached for 40 years, but more than anything else, I was labeled in my youth as a mediocre athlete, but I was a late bloomer and I came into my own with hard work and dedication to my game. It all eventually paid huge dividends - a full basketball scholarship!

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

SPORTS

39

G-Land outlasts B’Spa, 35-33

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA – Since opening their 2012-2013 campaign with a 45-39 victory on the road against non-conference opponent Cohoes, it’s been a tough season for the Ballston Spa girls’ varsity basketball team.

The Scotties had lost sevenstraight entering their January 8 matchup with Suburban Council foe Guilderland, including a one-point loss to Mohonasen on January 4. The Scotties fought hard to end their losing streak, but would drop their eighth-straight game to the Lady Dutchmen by a final score of 35-33.

Guilderland would jump out to a 14-6 lead by the end of the first quarter. They relied heavily on their sophomore guard Caitlin Corbett, who would score a season-high 18 points to lead all scorers.

Corbett accounted for over 50 percent of the team’s total

scoring. Shannon Mackesey and Jody Madsen finished behind Corbett with four points apiece.

They also held Ballston Spa to just 10 points in the first half, and entered the second half leading 24-10.

Ballston Spa though, would not go quietly. The Scotties stormed back in the third quarter, putting up 16 points while holding Guilderland to just two points, to tie the ball game at 26-26 heading into the pivotal fourth quarter. In the end, Guilderland would leave with the two-point victory.

Ballston Spa would get big contributions from Paige Gallo, who led her team with 11 points.

Sydney Hansen would hit two three-pointers and finish with 10 points. Taylor McMahon also chipped in with a three-pointer, her only basket of the night.

For Guilderland, they move

their record to 4-3 in Suburban Council play to go along with their 5-4 overall record this season.

They’re currently tied for fourth in the South Division with Columbia.

For Ballston Spa, this is their eighth-straight loss, and the team is still looking for their first win in Suburban Council play this season.

They are 0-7 against conference opponents, and 1-8 overall.

Ballston Spa returns to action January 11, as they’ll head down Route 50 to face Burnt HillsBallston Lake on the road. They then return home to face their rivals to the north, Saratoga Springs, January 15.

They will host Averill Park January 18 before hitting the road to close the month with a pair of away games against Suburban Council rivals Colonie January 25 and Shaker January 28.

UP IN THE AIR - Ballston Spa’s Paige Gallo (24) attempts a layup against Guilderland’s Shannon Mackesey (10) during their January 8 Suburban Council matchup. Ballston Spa would rally to tie the game after being down 14 points at the half, but would come up two points shy of the victory.

Volume 8 • Issue 1

Get in Shape for 2013 pg. 37

FREE

Week of January 11 – January 17, 2013

SPORTS

Rookie of the Week pg. 36

Scotties Rally Falls Short vs. Lady Dutch

Photo by MarkBolles.com

Story on Page 39