Saratoga Today - Feb 3, 2012

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Volume 7 • Issue 5 SaratogaTodayNewspaper.com

City Police Force Shrinks 20% Less Officers Means Fewer Programs

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – While running for election last fall, Public Safety Commissioner Chris Mathiesen stressed a need for more police officers in the city of Saratoga Springs. So it may be no coincidence that as the commissioner begins his first term in

office, the Saratoga Springs Police Department faces its lowest number of available officers since 2009.

This has started to push community-oriented initiatives like D.A.R.E. or the Safe Child Identification Program aside from lack of resources stemming from budget cuts made in 2010.

The number of officers the department is currently able to schedule sits at 57. Once the three

officers sworn in on January 17 complete their three-month on-thejob training, they will be considered full-fledged members of the force, bringing the grand total to 60 schedulable officers. This is down significantly from the 72 on staff as recently as 2009. The city’s budget allows for 65 officers. Three current officers are on a long-term

See Police page 7

Photo by MarkBolles.com

The Right Call?

Chowderfest Headlines 2012 Winter Weekend February 3 - 4

City, Businesses Debate Last Call

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – A football field isn’t the only venue pitting New England against New York this jam-packed weekend. Chowderfest is back, featuring over 70 participating locations headlining Saratoga’s 15th annual Winter Weekend celebration, with New England clam chowder stepping up against Manhattan’s very own in a head-to-head soup-er bowl battle Saturday, February 4 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

See Chowderfest page 15

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Last call could be coming just a little bit earlier to bars and restaurants in Saratoga Springs, and local business owners worry that shortening downtown nightlife could have a wide reaching effect on our local economy and community.

In an attempt to curb late-night

violent crimes downtown, newlyelected Commissioner of Public Safety Christian Mathiesen is seeking to change last call hour from 4 a.m. to 3 a.m.

“I’ve had the opportunity over the past year to actually go down to the Caroline Street district to see what’s happening late at night, and I do believe that 4 a.m. is awfully late,” said Commissioner Mathiesen. “I

See Last page 5

Inside TODAY...

Malta Circles pg 5 Obituaries Business

pg 6 pgs 8-9

Valentine’s Day pgs 10-11 City vs. Housing Authority pg 14

Your Home Your Home

pgs 16-25

10,000 copies distributed weekly • Call To Advertise • (518) 581-2480

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Friday, February 3, 2012

TODAY

Stomping Around the U.S.A. SARATOGA SPRINGS - Students at Caroline Street Elementary School in Saratoga Springs had a chance to explore North America in a big way this week, thanks to one of the world’s largest maps of the continent.

The map, measuring 35 feet by 26 feet, gave student explorers a fun,

interactive experience through rich content and exciting activities that enliven the study of geography.

The map was made availble thanks to National Geographic’s Giant Traveling Maps program, organized

by National Geographic Live, the public programming division of the

National Geographic Society. The map, designed for grades K-8, comes with a trunk full of accessories, including interactive games, geography adventures, atlases and books that teach students about the physical characteristics of the continent as well as its rich history and varied cultures.

photos by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga TODAY

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TODAY

BLOTTER

Friday, February 3, 2012

John T. Howe, 20, of Corinth, pleaded guilty to a charge of thirddegree attempted burglary, a classE felony. Howe was arrested September 20 in Corinth and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing March 27.

Joshua P. McWain, 26, of 370 Daniels Rd., Greenfield, pleaded guilty to a charge of fourth-degree grand larceny, a class-E felony.

McWain was arrested October 10 in Greenfield for incidents that occurred June 18-September 17 and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing March 27.

Angel L. Roldan, 27, of 317 Oak Lane, Stillwater, was resentenced January 31 by Judge Jerry Scarano to one and one third to four years in state prison, probation terminated. Roldan was originally convicted May 24, 2007, of thirddegree attempted burglary, a classE felony, for which she had been sentenced to time served and five years of probation.

Michael J. Lentoski, 45, of 4 Freeman’s Bridge Rd., Schenectady, pleaded guilty to a charge of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, a class-E felony. Lentoski was arrested September 13, 2009, in Halfmoon and was placed on interim probation to include judicial diversion/drug treatment court with a deferred sentencing. Lentoski admitted violating judicial diversion/drug treatment court January 31 and was sentenced to two to four years in state prison.

Richard Young, 43, of 567 Clarendon St., Schenectady, pleaded guilty to charges of third-degree attempted burglary, a class-E felony, and third-degree robbery, a class-D felony. Young was arrested July 1 in Clifton Park and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing March 22.

Michael J. Torturo III, 27, of 984 Main St., Clifton Park, pleaded guilty to a charge of failure to report an address change within 10 days, a class-E felony. Torturo was arrested December 28 in Halfmoon for an incident that occurred November 11 and was resentenced to six months in Saratoga County Jail.

Raymond E. Pillow, 44, of 15 Ballston Ave., Saratoga Springs, has been charged with fourthdegree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class-C felony. Pillow was arrested May 12 in Saratoga Springs and is expected to return to court at a later date.

Renee M. Vincelli, 21, of 22 Framingham Lane, Pittsford, has been charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class-B felony. Vincelli was arrested July 19 in Saratoga Springs and is

expected to return to court at a later date.

Peter D. Bombard, 32, of 20 Lincoln Ave., Glens Falls, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony.

Bombard was arrested August 27 in Wilton and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing March 29.

Chad R. Slate Jr., 39, of 4841 Consaul Rd., Amsterdam, pleaded guilty to a charge of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a class-E felony. Slate was arrested April 6, 2006, in Saratoga Springs and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing March 30.

Michael N. Christon III, 32, of 151 Feeder Dam Rd., Moreau, was resentenced January 27 by Judge Jerry Scarano to six days in Saratoga County Jail and continued on probation. Christon was originally convicted August 1, 2007, of driving while intoxicated, for which he had been sentenced to five years of probation.

Christopher Cancilla, 42 of 223 Stowe Ave., Troy, pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree burglary, a class-D felony. Cancilla was arrested July 27 in Stillwater for an incident that occurred June 30 and was sentenced to time served, five years of probation and $300 restitution.

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Matthew R. Rivers, 28, of 114 Traver Rd., Gansevoort, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony.

Rivers was arrested December 18 in Wilton and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing March 22.

Matthew J. Scarangello, 45, of 976 Hudson River Rd., Mechanicville, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony. Scarangello was arrested September 22 in Mechanicville and was sentenced to time served, five years of probation to include ignition interlock device.

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WEEK IN REVIEW

Apparent Murder-Suicide in Porter Corners PORTER CORNERS - An elderly couple is dead following an apparent murder-suicide January 29 at North Creek Mobile Village, according to a report by the Saratoga County Sherriff’s Department. Deputies responded to a call that evening about possible shots fired in the mobile home park. When deputies arrived, they found Kenneth Sherman, 86, and his wife Anna Wadsley Sherman, 83, dead in their home.

An autopsy performed at Saratoga Hospital concluded that Sherman shot his wife before taking his own life. Investigators say no motive for the killing could be determined by the crime scene.

Saratoga Diner Suddenly Closes SARATOGA SPRINGS - A handwritten sign reading “Closed” greeted employees reporting to work Tuesday morning at Saratoga Diner on South Broadway. The diner has been indefinitely closed and its owner, Peter Kantos, has not issued any public comments on the matter.

While employees indicated that business was in good shape, the building itself was in need of

structural renovations. A routine fire inspection last year exposed a faulty structural beam below the diner’s bathroom, and required repair. City officials have said publically that they have not taken any safety related action to close the building, and State health officials have also stated there were no health related issues to closing. Some employees of the Saratoga Diner have yet to be paid, and management is alleged to owe some employees as much as two weeks back pay. Kantos also owns the Travers Diner in Gloversville. Employees from Travers moved the oven, freezer and other equipment from Saratoga Diner to the Travers sometime over the weekend.

There is no time table for the diner’s reopening.

“Systematic” Spelling Bee Win SARATOGA SPRINGS Saratoga Central Catholic held a spelling bee for grades 6-8 Wednesday, February 1. Seventh grade student Emily Rosario took home first place, spelling “systematic” correctly in the 13th round. Gabrielle Vuillaume placed second, and Christina Watt came in third. The event was part

of the Catholic Schools Week observance, which is an event organized by the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA). The NCEA describes Catholic Schools week as an emphasis on “faith, academics, and service.”

Former Bookkeeper Considers Legal Action BALLSTON - The former bookkeeper for the town of Ballston who was fired in November 2011 is considering taking legal action against the town with a possible lawsuit.

Joann Bouchard had worked for 12 years as the confidential secretary and bookkeeper for the supervisor when she was fired by Supervisor Patti Southworth November 17. Southworth has not publically disclosed the reason for Bouchard’s termination. The Ballston Town Board voted unanimously for Southworth to reinstate Bouchard, but the supervisor refused to do so. Town Board officials believe Bouchard’s termination may have something to do with assisting then-councilman-elect Bill Goslin obtain some of the town’s financial information, despite the board voting to give Goslin the authority to do so.

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Friday, February, 3, 2012

Bouchard’s attorney, Cheryl Sovern, stated that her client will be seeking monetary damages including lost wages and benefits.

Supervisor Southworth maintains state law allows her to hire or fire whomever she chooses as secretary, as long as the secretary’s salary is included in the budget.

Sovern argues that the proper process for termination was not followed, and her client has done nothing wrong.

Chamber Releases Video Report SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has released its first ever report video, highlighting the chamber’s accomplishments throughout 2011. The report replaces the traditional print version and can be seen on YouTube via the chamber’s Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts.

Officials say it will allow them to share this information with their followers immediately and is aimed to help local businesses focus on what they need to do to grow and thrive, as well as promote Saratoga as a tourist destination. The over eight-minute video was produced by Modern Mix Marketing, which had previously

TODAY

worked with the chamber on the popular “Saratoga Lip Dub” video.

Local Builder Arrested for Tax Fraud SARATOGA SPRINGS – David Jelenik, owner of Jellco Construction Inc. in Saratoga Springs, turned himself into police Monday, January 30, facing charges that he failed to pay over $120,000 in state taxes over a three-year period.

Jelenik, 51, of 176 Fifth Ave., has been charged with four counts of offering a false instrument for filing, three counts of thirddegree tax fraud, one count of fourth-degree tax fraud and one count of violating tax laws, all of which are felonies.

The investigation was conducted by the State Department of Taxation and Finance with charges dating back all the way to 2005.

Italian Restaurant to Open on Broadway SARATOGA SPRINGS Russo’s Restaurant and Bar will be moving into 390 Broadway, at the former location of Brindisi’s.

Renovations are already underway at the location, and executive chef Jeff Russo is already putting together a menu. Russo’s wife Lisa will manage the front of the house. Chef Russo says more details about the restaurant will come as the opening draws near.

Brindisi’s closed recently after operating for over 12 years. Russo did clarify that his cousin, Mike Russo, owns the Russo’s Restaurant in Amsterdam, and that the two eateries are not affiliated.

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Friday, February 3, 2012

Last Call: Time vs. Responsibility continued from Page 1 don’t think that it is a healthy atmosphere. One way of dealing with the problem, I think, is to change the last call hour.”

By changing last call to 3 a.m., Commissioner Mathiesen hopes to reduce the amount of hours the city police spend in late-night crowd control mode, which in turn would reduce the amount of taxpayer dollars spent to cover overtime hours.

The commissioner also noted that most of New York State’s 62 counties (excluding the New York City area) have last call hours at 3, 2 or 1 a.m.

“I think that the police would be more effective if they didn’t have to deal with this long period of time, with a last call at 4 a.m.,” said Commissioner Mathiesen, “The longer that people are drinking, the drunker they’re going to get and the more outrageous their behavior becomes.”

But some Saratoga business leaders argue that changing the last call hour is no guaranteed way to curb violence.

“I think [the violence] has little to do with what the hour of the day is,” said Cindy Hollowood, the general manager/operator of the Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs.

In fact, argued Hollowod, a change in time could lead to a wide range of economic troubles and hardships for the community.

“I can tell you that one of the number one things people ask me when they book a reservation is how close we are to downtown and Caroline Street. And in these economic times, we wouldn’t want to compromise any amount of business that we’re able to incur, as long as we can manage it safely and correctly.”

John Baker, owner of Gaffney’s Restaurant and Bar, echoed a few of Hollowood’s concerns.

“Nightlife is one of the main attractions, number two to the track, in Saratoga Springs. As soon as you start shaking up one piece of the puzzle, it affects everything,” said Baker.

One piece of the puzzle is tourism, which many, including Baker and Hollowood, fear might be affected if Saratoga’s nightlife is threatened. Many individuals and groups, including conventioneers and wedding parties, come to Saratoga knowing that they have a chance to socialize downtown after their event is over. If fewer people

“The longer that people are drinking, the drunker they’re going to get and the more outrageous their behavior becomes.”

Christian Mathiesen Commissioner of Public Safety

book hotel rooms, less money will be spent at local establishments, which could lead to lower sales tax revenues and even lower property values if businesses find themselves struggling. Even locally, patrons from neighboring communities might not make the long drive to Saratoga if they know that their time out is cut short. Instead, they may choose to stay closer to where they live.

Baker also argued that having a 4 a.m. closing time allows for crowds to disperse evenly and over time, which avoids huge crowds exiting the bars simultaneously.

“You don’t want everybody to get last call and to have everyone on the street, a mass exodus leaving at 3.

The police have always said in the past that it’s easier to control, especially since the nightlife is compacted into a four-block radius.”

It should also be noted that, while violent crimes in Saratoga have received a lot of attention recently, statistics indicate that rates have actually decreased. The latest available data reveals that compared to 2009’s violent crime numbers of 173, 2010’s numbers decreased to 151.

But safety is a concern for everyone involved. The commissioner and business leaders alike admit that there is a violence problem in Saratoga, and both sides believe something should be done to fix the situation.

On Commissioner Mathiesen’s second approach to fixing the issue, all parties seem to agree: “Other ways of addressing this [issue] includes putting more responsibility back into the laps of the bar and club owners so that they have more control over what’s going on in their establishment. I’ve seen many people who are obviously quite drunk and belligerent, and for them to get to that point, they must have been served alcohol,”

said Commissioner Mathiesen.

“According to the State Liquor Authority (SLA), it’s illegal to serve to people who are underage or to people who are obviously inebriated.”

When it comes to taking a more proactive approach and being responsible on the part of bar and restaurant owners, many business leaders seem more than willing to step up to the plate.

“Police have indicated that they want a better partnership with the bars,” said Will Pouch, co-founder and owner of Esperanto. And for their part, Pouch, Baker and more have indicated they are more than willing to work hand in hand with the city to fix the problem.

“Some of the bar owners came up with this idea that involves creating a texting system that warns other establishments and their security about a customer who is causing a problem,” said Pouch.

If established, bar owners would ID a patron who is either causing trouble or has had too much to drink and send a text message to other bar owners and possibly the police. The system would be used to stop patrons from bar hopping from one location to the other, which they hope would curtail drinking and cut down on the associated violence.

The particulars of the system are still being discussed and considered,

but it’s one solution that Pouch noted Saratoga police seem interested in.

The city is also inviting the SLA to come to Saratoga in March for an educational meeting with police, establishment owners and staff.

During the meeting, participating parties will have an opportunity to educate themselves on how to act more responsibly in accordance with SLA guidelines in the hopes of curbing excessive drinking and downtown violence.

Ultimately, the issue comes down to communication. The city and its business owners would like to see better communication and stronger partnerships between all parties in an effort to make Saratoga Springs a safe, friendly environment. After all, city officials, business owners and residents stand to benefit from a safe community. But instead of changing the last call hour straight away, business owners are asking the city to take a more measured approach as they work to fix the problem.

“Let’s be smart about how we address the problem,” said Pouch.

“There’s an excitement and energy here that can’t be replicated, but you can destroy it. It’s a very fragile balance. If I thought messing with the [last call hour] would help, I’d say ‘yeah, let’s do it.’ But why not try some creative approaches instead of a panacea right out of the gate?”

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OBITUARIES grandson; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated T u e s d a y, January 31, 2012, at St. Clement's Church.

Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Peter's Cemetery on West Ave., Saratoga Springs.

Donations may be made in Rose's name to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 1 Jeanne Jugan Lane, Latham, NY 12110.

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

Bernard L. Weeks Saratoga Springs, NY – Bernard L. Weeks, 91, passed away quietly in his sleep Tuesday, January 24, 2012.

Born February 12, 1920, in Spaford, NY, he was the son of the late Fred and Ava Hiller Weeks.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Gerald and Horace Weeks.

Survivors include his daughter, Debbie Katura and a nephew, Fred Weeks.

Friday, February 3, 2012

TODAY

Lawrence Figueras

Rose (Manilla) Collins Saratoga Springs, NY - Rose (Manilla) Collins, 101, passed away Friday, January 27, 2012.

Born in Saratoga Springs, December 16, 1910, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Christine Perillo Manilla. She was married to her late husband, Bernard J. Collins, in 1933.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Rose was predeceased by her brother, Joseph Manilla, and her sons, Bernard, Joseph and Robert Collins. She is survived by her loving daughter, Rosemary; seven grandchildren; 11 greatgrandchildren; one great-great-

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Services and burial at Weedsport Rural Cemetery will be announced in the spring.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway,

Gansevoort, NY - Lawrence Figueras, 69, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2012.

Born July 1, 1942, in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of Lorenzo Antonio Figueras and Mary Ramos Figueras.

Lawrence is predeceased by his youngest son, Andrew Jacob Figueras and his brother, William Figueras.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Taranowski Figueras; children, Christine (James B.)Weiss, Michelle B.Figueras, Michael

(Patricia Conlin) Figueras and Joseph Figueras; 12 grandchildren; siblings, Patrick Joseph Figueras, Diana Dylnicki, Rose Torkelson and Sandra Kondek; and many nieces and nephews.

Burial with military honors will be at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Rd., Schuylerville.

Donations may be made to the American Lung Association of NE New York, 155 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210.

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

Viola “Vi” Wojtowicz Saratoga Springs, NY – Viola “Vi” Wojtowicz, passed away in her sleep Thursday, January 26, 2012.

Vi was born February 14, 1922, to John Kulin of Lithuania and Helen Grebus of Poland.

Vi is predeceased by her husband, Stanley Wojtowicz.

She is survived by her children, Stan (Pamela) Wojtowicz and Eileen (Robert) Rowley; siblings, Ruth (John) Rublowsky and Joseph (Andrea) Kulin; grandchildren, Hiliary (James) Murphy, Allison and Joseph

Goodspeed; great-grandchildren, Keegan and Kennedy Murphy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Close friends and family will gather February 18, 2012, for a tribute to and a remembrance of Viola's life. A Mass of Christian Burial is planned in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Vi’s name to the Senior Citizens Center of Saratoga Springs at www.saratogaseniorcenter.org.

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

Saratoga Springs, NY, (518) 5845373.

Online remembrances may be made

Anna L. Wadsley-Sherman

at

www.burkefuneralhome.com.

To view the full-text version of the obituaries printed on this page, visit the archive section of www.SaratogaToday Newspaper.com. It is the policy of Saratoga TODAY to publish obituaries as a service to our readers. Please send your obituaries to Christina James at cjames@saratogapublishing.com.

Porter Corners, NY – Anna L. Wadsley-Sherman, 84, passed away suddenly Sunday, January 29, 2012.

Born July 13, 1927, in Saratoga Springs, she was the daughter of the late John C. and Leona Edwards Scavone.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, Robert Wadsley, Sr. and a grandson, Joseph Willette.

Survivors include her son, Robert Wadsley Jr.; daughters, Donna O’Donnell and Diane R. (D. Kevin) Quigley; siblings, John (Furine) Scavone and Alice Stewart; grandchildren, Daniel Willette, Daniel O’Donnell, Kelly Mackison, April (John) Bellavigna, Kate (Jon) Lewis, Aileen Quigley and Fawn (Stephen)

Way; and her great-grandchildren, Garrett Mackison and Anthony Bellavigna.

There will be no public calling hours. Services will be at the convenience of the family.

Donations may be made in Anna’s memory to the United Methodist Church, 512 Allen Rd., Porter Corners, NY 12859.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, (518) 584-5373.

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

Kenneth P. Sherman Porter Corners, NY - Kenneth P. Sherman, 86, passed away suddenly Sunday, January 29, 2012.

Born March 17, 1925, in Corinth, he was the son of the late Major and Dora Perry Sherman.

In addition to his parents, Ken was predeceased by his first wife, Beverly J. McKnight and his brother, Frank S. (Gladys) Sherman.

Survivors include his children, Rev. Deborah ( Michael )Estey, Dale (Tammy) Sherman, Dawn (Bill) Baker, Denise Baker, Douglas (Geri) Sherman and

Darlene (Stephen) Singer; three step-children, Donna O’Donnell, Diane Quigley and Robert Wadsley Jr.; brother, Major Sherman; a niece and three nephews, 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends may call from 10 a.m.-noon Friday, February 3, 2012, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-5373. Funeral services will follow at noon at the funeral home.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

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

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Friday, February 3, 2012

Police Force Down 20 Percent in Two Years continued from Page 1 medical leave, and two retired at the end of 2011.

Public Safety Commissioner Mathiesen knows the change won’t happen overnight. He has indicated the change would come “incrementally,” and that he would still need to discuss the matter with Saratoga Springs Police Chief Christopher Cole before settling on an exact number.

As for the community programs, most of them were casualties during budget cuts in 2010. The end of 2009 saw the layoffs of about a dozen city police officers, which left the department scrambling to make sure the city’s first priority was met: the safety of its citizens.

“After layoffs, we had to reorganize to get officers on the street, and there’s a lot of overtime

involved in that,” explained Police Capt. Michael Chowske. “It was a cost-saving measure.”

Other programs that were cut by the department include their K-9 Program, and the Child Passenger Safety Seat Program, which works with parents to ensure their children’s car seats are adequately sized and properly installed. Other cost-saving measures saw the consolidation of investigators with juvenile aid investigators. Saratoga Springs now has one single crime investigation unit, in an effort to maximize the department’s efficiency.

Capt. Chowske acknowledges that the amount of calls for service has obviously increased as the city has grown since he started with the force in 1980. In fact, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the city’s population is estimated to

Local Schools Receive Recognition Lake Avenue was nominated in Lake Ave. Elementary Nominated for National the category of “exemplary high performing,” as one of the state’s Award SARATOGA SPRINGS –Lake Avenue Elementary School, one of six elementary schools in the Saratoga Springs City School District, was recently named among 19 New York State schools nominated by the state education department for the 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools award.

Awarded through the U.S. Department of Education, this award sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement.

Once nominated, schools are eligible to submit an application to the department of education. Blue Ribbon award-winners will be announced in September, and two representatives from the winning schools will be invited to a November recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C. Dr. Barbara Messier, Lake Avenue’s principal, said the faculty and staff are honored by the nomination.

“Regardless of whether we are ultimately chosen as a winner, we’re just very flattered that our school has been nominated,” Dr. Messier said. “It’s a great time to reflect on what we are doing as educators.”

highest performing schools as measured by performance on state assessments.

Ballston Spa Elementary School Earns Character Education Award BALLSTON SPA –Ballston Spa’s Malta Avenue Elementary School was recently selected for a “New York State Schools of Character Honorable Mention Award” from The Academy for Character Education at The Sage Colleges.

The award recognizes the school’s efforts to implement a comprehensive character education program that merges character education and anti bullying initiatives, providing for a caring learning environment. The school has made this an ongoing effort for several years and continues to build on its efforts as a school of character.

One of five schools to be honored at the highest levels in New York State, Malta Avenue Elementary School also received the “Emerging School of Character” award from The Academy for Character Education in the spring of 2011.

have grown about 11 percent since 1980, or a difference of approximately 2700 people. The captain says Saratoga Springs residents shouldn’t be alarmed over the staffing issues, and expressed confidence in the department’s continued ability to protect and serve.

The solution isn’t as simple as hiring more police officers either.

New recruits must pass through a wide range of requirements before

even being interviewed by the department, including taking a civil service exam, passing a background check, a physical exam and a drug screen. If recruits are accepted following the interview, they’re sent to a police academy for six months before enrolling in a 15week field training program. The entire process can take upward of 18 months.

The three new recruits that were sworn in now begin a three-month on-the-job training period where they are taught the daily processes and procedures of the Saratoga Springs Police Department. Police Chief Cole stated earlier this year that a best case scenario for new recruits being hired wouldn’t happen until April of 2013.

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BUSINESS New Upscale Barbershop on Broadway

by Yael Goldman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – When Joe Wood, 49, envisioned his barber shop, he pictured a place where men could enjoy all of the things women love about going to a salon, but made available in a masculine way.

Friday, February 3, 2012

“Men like to be pampered too,” Wood said.

Well that vision became a reality on Monday January 30, when he opened Woody’s Walk-Inn Barbershop at 219 Broadway, suite 3, adjacent to the Inn at Saratoga (that’s where “walk-inn” comes from).

Designed to be a laid-back yet

upscale atmosphere, the barber shop is a place where men will find all of the salon services they need.

Woody’s offers everything from quick and detailed cuts – like fades, tapers and designs, to beard and mustache trims, hot shaves, full facials, acne and skin treatments, scalp conditioning and massage therapy.

What’s more, Woody’s Barber Shop is open on Mondays and walkins are always welcome.

“When guys want to get their hair cut, they just want it,” Wood said, explaining why he is open on Monday, when barbershops are traditionally closed.

For Wood, this new business venture marks a significant milestone in his life and career. He hasn’t always been a barber. After many years working in the restaurant industry in Las Vegas, Wood made the decision to head back to New York when his father announced plans to move into a retirement home.

Three hours after learning the news, Wood had already packed his truck and hit the road to move home for his father. Although he wasn’t formally trained at cutting hair, Wood has always cut his own and began offering free cuts for his father and his father’s roommates, who were no longer able to get out of the house to visit their barber.

As it turned out, Wood was quite good at cutting hair and he loved working with people. His father, who was nicknamed Woody, suggested that he make a career change and enroll in barbering school – an incredible piece of advice that Wood thankfully took to heart.

Wood headed back to school, where he was the oldest student in his class and met his only employee Shannon Kelsch, a licensed massage therapist and master barber.

From there everything fell into place. He trained under Daniel

Joe Wood

TODAY

Breen of Swagger and Linda Tersigni, owner of Creative Image Hair Design, while also giving free hair cuts at the Senior Citizens Center of Saratoga Springs. With the guidance of these great professionals, Wood got the push and tools to open his own barber shop. He even fell in love in the process – Tersigni is his fiancée and the creative force behind the laid-back yet high-end look of Woody’s Barbershop.

It seems like it was all meant to be.

“I think my father willed all of this,” Wood said. “That’s why I named it Woody’s.”

Although he’s only finishing up his first week in business, Wood has big plans for the future of his barbershop. For starters, he is putting together groomsmen packages that will cover everything from hot shaves and massages for the groom’s party, to activity planning and transportation coordination. He also plans to add wig treatment and scalp rejuvenation to his repertoire.

In the meantime, Wood is thrilled to be able to provide men with the services they desire at a venue they can feel comfortable visiting.

“As a man, I know I want to go someplace where I am welcomed, which is why, here, we treat men like they deserve to be treated,” Wood said.

For more information about Woody’s Barbershop, call (518) 791-5533 or visit www.walkinnbarbershop.com.

MarkBolles.com • Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA

TODAY

BUSINESS

Friday, February 3, 2012

Local Business Briefs Publisher Receives 2011 Best of Ballston Spa Award BALLSTON SPA – Open Door Publishers, a family-owned fullservice publishing company, has been selected for the 2011 Best of Ballston Spa Award in the Book Publishers category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" awards program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. As an award recipienct, Open Door is recognized for enhancing the positive image of small businesses through service to their customers and community.

Local Book

Lawyer

Publishes

SARATOGA SPRINGS –Brian Lee, a Saratoga Springs attorney located at 138 Church Street, has published a book titled “Adding

Insult to Injury- Dealing with the Insurance Companies in the Aftermath of Your Personal Injury Accident.”

The work is intended as a consumer resource for New York auto accident victims.

The book provides an easy to understand guide for persons who have been hurt in automobile collisions to consult before they speak with claims adjusters and lawyers let alone agree to settlements.

While the book is available at Amazon.com, you can also contact Brian Lee at www.brianleelaw.com to arrange direct delivery of a copy.

Brian Lee has been practicing personal injury law in Saratoga Springs for nearly 30 years and is a lifelong resident of the city.

Chamber Seeks Business Donations for Respite Program SARATOGA COUNTY - The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce recently partnered with the New York State National Guard and the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau to organize a community respite program for National Guard soldiers and their families who served overseas since the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The first of the 350 participants began arriving in Saratoga County in late January for special weekend getaways. Thanks to the generosity

of area hotels, restaurants and donors, the chamber is pleased to announce that the program is off to a great start, however more help is needed.

Food and lodging expenses for these soldiers and their families is covered by the community.

In addition, the chamber has pulled together gift bags filled with donated items from chamber members that will be distributed to the hotels where these families are staying.

Additional families are scheduled to visit our community in February, March and April, and there is still time for local businesses and chamber members to donate to this effort.

To get involved, contact Denise Romeo at (518) 584-3255 or dromeo@saratoga.org.

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Local DJ Named Top Choice for Brides

New Director of Marketing at T-Shirt Graphics

SARATOGA SPRINGS – DJ Eclectic Songs, the popular wedding disc jockey team that includes Linda Terricola of Saratoga Springs, has been named 2012 Bride's Choice for DJ by the WeddingWire Network.

With this award, Eclectic Songs is recognized as part of the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada.

Eclectic Songs was selected for this award based on stellar reviews from past newlywed clients.

For more information about Eclectic Songs, contact Linda Terricola at (518) 883-3911 or eclecticsongs@yahoo.com, or stop by their booth at the 2012 Enchanted Wedding Expo February 26 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

BALLSTON SPA - Deborah Iuliano recently took a position as director of marketing at T-Shirt Graphics, which is located in Ballston Spa. To learn more about their variety of apparel and products, contact Deborah via phone at (518) 8857991 or via email at deborah@t-shirtgraphics.com.

SARATOGA

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Friday, February 3, 2012

Happy Valentine’s Day

TODAY

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, February 3, 2012

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EDUCATION

SARATOGA

Friday, February 3, 2012

Skidmore Tackles New Energy Solutions

New VP for Academic and Student Affairs at SUNY Adirondack

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS - New energy sources - wind, solar and geothermal - mean new ideas and new solutions, topics that Skidmore’s student organized New Energy Economy Forum (NEEF) hope to address at their upcoming conference Friday, February 17, from noon - 6 p.m.

The conference, which is free and open to the public, will feature expert panel discussions and technology demonstrations regarding the new energy economy, and is designed for students, homeowners and business owners alike.

Along with discussing some of the new technological advances available to the public, there will also be several seminars designed to address their financing.

“We realize that alternative energy is prohibitive in that it’s got an initial startup cost. It’s a lot of capital up front,” said Gordon MacPherson, the conference’s student organizer. “At NEEF, we will hear from leaders of the new energy economy and learn how these things can be financed,

Masie Center Donates $5,000 to Saratoga Springs High School Robotics Club

how our community can save money, create long-term jobs and protect our natural resources.”

The public is also invited to attend a keynote speech by Rolling Stones journalist Jeff Goodell Thursday, February 15 at 7 p.m. Goodell plans to speak on his experience working with “big coal” in Virginia.

Interested parties are encouraged to register for the event. To do so, or to learn more about the NEEF, visit www.wix.com/focusskidmore/skid moreneef.

TODAY

photo provided

FIRST Robotics members at Saratoga Springs High School work on the base for the robot they are building in preparation for a regional competition March 8-10 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Pictured left to right are students Robin Eads, Jacob Kamen and Stephanie Bishop, along with John Eads, who is Robin’s father and one of several adult volunteers. The finished product will be used in a basketball game called “Rebound Rumble,” where robots created by teams from many schools compete for the high score by shooting as many basketballs in the hoops as possible during timed matches.

A $5,000 grant from the Masie Center of Saratoga Springs is helping to fund Saratoga Springs High School’s new robotics club, which is offering students real-world engineering experiences. An earlier $6,500 grant from J.C. Penney helped get the club off the ground this fall.

QUEENSBURY – SUNY Adirondack has announced that its board of trustees unanimously voted to appoint Brian Durant as the college’s new vice president for academic and student affairs.

Durant had been serving in the position on an interim basis for about a year; he previously served as the college’s dean for student affairs and an instructor of counseling.

“After conducting an extensive national search, it became clear that the best-qualified candidate was already on our campus,” SUNY Adirondack President Dr. Ronald C. Heacock said. “Since arriving at SUNY Adirondack, Brian has helped to enhance the college’s commitment to a student-centered culture during a time of record enrollments and other strategic enrollment growth initiatives.”

photo provided

Brian Durant

Send your education stories or briefs to Daniel Schechtman at reporter@saratoga publishing.com

SARATOGA

TODAY

Community Corner

Friday, February 3, 2012

Rebuilding Together Receives $5,000 Charles Millar from the Alfred Z. Solomon Trust Named to Rebuilding Together Saratoga County recently received a $5,000 President’s List

grant from The Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust. Mr. Solomon, a leader in the fashion industry, horseracing enthusiast and philanthropist, founded the trust to benefit nonprofit organizations and their mission.

The grant will be used to fund projects that will assist low-income Saratoga County homeowners who are elderly, disabled or a veteran with their home repairs, in honor of Alfred Z. Solomon.

Saratoga Senior Center Receives Donated Projection System CMI Communications of Rochester recently donated a commercial LCD projection system to the Adult and Senior Center of Saratoga. The system will be used to show movies and informational presentations to members. The center had been desperately seeking a system but was unable to afford one. Patrice Mastrianni, the center’s program director, reached out to members of the Downtown Business Association and Saratoga Chamber of Commerce to find a solution. Mark Baker, president of the Saratoga Springs City Center called CMI who produces many of their shows. They immediately agreed to make this significant donation. The members and staff of the senior center wish to express their gratitude to Chip Lacure and Dave Reynolds of CMI Communications for this show of generosity and to Mark Baker for his role in making the center’s wish come true.

Neeraj Nair Named to Sage College’s Dean’s List Neeraj Nair from Gansevoort has been placed on the dean’s honor list for the fall semester at Sage College of Albany. To achieve this honor, Neeraj had to obtain a cumulative grade point average of 3.70 after completing a course load of at least 12 credit hours. Congratulations Neeraj!

Positive Role Models

Act With Respect Always ambassadors the Saratoga Central Catholic girls’ varsity basketball team: Meghan Mensler, Chaira Fedel, Katie Gregorio, Isabelle Egan, Molly Cioffi, Natalie Pikus, Chole Ethier, Myah Ondreyko and Alayna Londolfo. Not pictured: Ashley Rabine.

Charles “Woody” Millar of Saratoga Springs has been placed on the president’s list for the fall semester at SUNY College at Cortland. To be eligible for the president’s list, a student must be full-time and have earned at least an A- in all courses. Excellent work Charles!

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the

Tooth fairy club Take a look at this week’s new club members

Brianna

Harper

Jessye

Jillian

The tooth fairy club is sponsored by:

659 Saratoga Rd. Gansevoort, NY 12831 (518) 226-6010

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Friday, February 3, 2012

TODAY

City Accounts Commissioner Grills Housing Authority

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS - A special workshop led by Saratoga Springs Accounts Commissioner John Franck was held on the evening of Tuesday, January 31 regarding a number of issues relating to the Saratoga Springs Public Housing Authority. The four other presiding members of the city council also joined Commissioner Franck to address several concerns with the housing authority’s director, Ed Spychalski.

The public housing authority has come under fire in recent months after residents complained that not

enough was being done to control a bed bug problem that had been discovered at the city-owned Stonequist Manor, located at 1 South Federal Street . The commissioner also had questions regarding the rapid growth of Spychalski’s $152,000 salary, charges of nepotism, and financial mismanagement.

Commissioner Franck began the workshop with an emotional video of residents making their case to the city council about the infestation at an earlier meeting. It was followed by another brief video explaining the threat of bed bugs. David Parkhurst and Kenny Watkins from the pest control company Orkin were asked to speak on their expert-

ise of dealing with bed bugs.

Spychalski had previously told the council that he had consulted with an entomologist, or bug expert, in order to deal with the problem. His solution involved providing steamers to residents to clean their apartments and furniture. Parkhurst disputed the effectiveness of steam when dealing with bed bugs, saying it’s more likely to just move the bugs around than kill them.

Parkhurst and Watkins indicated that while an entomologist would certainly know more about the bug itself, a pest control company would be more effective in actually treating the problem. The Orkin men said their company has specific programs designed to deal with buildings similar in size to Stonequist. It was estimated that treatment would cost $25,000.

The cost of the treatment became the subject of much more scrutiny, as the chairman of the housing authority’s board of directors Dennis Brunelle, who teleconferenced into the workshop via Florida, claimed that dealing with the bed bugs had stretched available resources too thin.

“We just wanted to treat them in the most economical way,” said Brunelle referring to the provided steam cleaners.

Commissioner Franck countered his argument by revealing the housing authority is sitting on over $2.5 million in unrestricted assets, and somehow found the money to hire a public relations firm to deal with the backlash, but could not find the money to make sure the bed bug problem was resolved.

“It makes absolutely no sense to me why you haven’t hired an outside firm to clean this up,” said Franck. “You should spend the money and get this done yesterday,” he concluded.

Franck then turned his attention to director Spychalski’s salary, which at $152,000, is a 100 percent increase from the $74,777 he reportedly earned in 2007. Commissioner Franck calculated that Spychalski’s salary is $456 more than is earned by the Lt. Governor of New York State.

Brunelle remained defiant while discussing Spychalski’s salary, repeating that Spychalski had absorbed the responsibilities of two

other positions that no longer exist.

“He’s working a lot more than 40 hours [a week],” said Brunelle.

“So is everyone else in this room,” Franck quipped back.

Franck then brought up questions regarding a reported $56,000 that both Brunelle and Spychalski have spent on trips to conferences in 2010 and 2011. The trips include places like Las Vegas, Phoenix, Florida, and Washington, D.C. Mayor Scott Johnson met with residents of Stonequist earlier in the day, to let them voice their concerns to him personally. Mayor Johnson has asked the state comptroller’s office to look at the housing authority’s records, and possible discrepancies in salary, compensation, and reported business travel.

Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan echoed those sentiments.

“I strongly suggest the [Saratoga Housing Authority] submit to a full audit at the expense of the housing authority, and believe it is in their best interests to do so,” she said.

Chairman Brunelle agreed and said the housing authority would “welcome the audit.”

Going in Circles

Chad Beatty Publisher It is 3:30 on a Thursday and I am on my way to an appointment in Malta. As I approach the exit 12 ramp, I prepare myself for what is ahead. I enter the ramp and I can already spot them looming in the distance, like gauntlets awaiting my arrival. I summon my courage, bless myself, and prepare to test my skill.

No, I am not going into battle; I am about to enter the dreaded traffic circles of Malta. Whether they are someone's misguided idea to address the traffic problems associated by urban sprawl, or the ingenious idea of an evil scientist bent on inflicting frustration on the masses, I haven't determined yet.

What I have determined is that these traffic circles are too small, there are too many, and they are too confusing. Let me state upfront that I am not an engineer nor do I have any training in road development or layout. What I do have is a 30-year history of driving, and not just driving, but Jersey driving. You may have read in past editorials that I am a Jersey boy and I have the driving demeanor to prove it.

Back in the Garden State (ironic because of our lack of gardens) we have more traffic circles, jug handles, and Jersey barriers than I can count.

However, the main difference is that Jersey circles are easy to navigate, the signage is clear, the size allows cars to quickly and comfortably flow through them and they aren't stacked on top of each other every few hundred feet.

Here is a real life example illustrating my frustration and concern. Last week when I was approaching one of the Malta circles I noticed there was a car ahead of me that was stopped halfway in the circle; the driver was clearly unsure of what to do. Being a Jersey driver, I literally entered the

circle, travelled 3/4 of the way around and was out the other side while the other car still sat there like a mouse trapped in a cat maze.

But don't let my experience fool you into thinking that I have mastered the circles. There are plenty of times that I was stuck mid-circle or mid-lane as I tried to make my way through.

I still haven't figured out the proper way to read the limited signage or make my way into new lanes as mine disappears.

I know it is easy to sit back and be a Monday morning quarterback. The circles are there for good and that won't change. So I don't write this to criticize what has already been done, but to give a voice to the masses that must navigate them on a regular basis.

My hope is to prevent an outbreak of circles assaulting Saratoga. I have heard that planners are considering adding more of the dastardly little vehicular obstacle courses and I would like to avoid that.

What are your thoughts?

SARATOGA

TODAY

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Friday, February 3, 2012

Chowderfest

Chowderfest Participants:

continued from Page 1 To be fair, expect much more than just the New England and Manhattan chowder varieties this weekend, including desert chowders, buffalo chicken chowder, gluten free chowders, creole clam chowder and much, much more.

Each sample of chowder will cost $1 (to be paid directly at each location), and tasters can cast votes for their favorites on ballots available online or at participating venues. A valid ballot must have at least five chowders sampled to be entered.

Ballots can be turned in to the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center, the Saratoga Springs City Center or the Saratoga Arts Center. The winner with the most votes will be announced Saturday at the Saratoga Springs City Center at 6 p.m.

New to Chowderfest this year is the addition of a “Most Creative Chowder-Themed Dessert” award.

With the event’s growing popularity, also expect Caroline Street, Ellsworth Jones Place, and Phila Street between Putnam and Henry streets to be closed to traffic.

While a few things have changed for this year’s event, the always popular “CHUGS” have made their triumphant return. A limited number of official Chowderfest CHUGS – reusable mugs with a lid and spoon – will be available for $5 each at Crafters Gallery, Impressions of Saratoga, the Local Pub & Teahouse and Just Plain Good. Official Chowderfest T-shirts are also available for diehard fans, which can be purchased for $7 at the Arts Center, City Center and Visitors Center.

Chowderfest is a family-friendly event, for moms, dads, kids and yes - your four-legged chowderhounds as well! Several locations will be serving up specialized canine chowder for pets to enjoy. Head to the Saratoga Downtowner motel at 1 p.m. for the popular Dog Chow Down, where Saratoga Springs Mayor Johnson’s dog will follow his nose to this year’s canine approved number one chowder. A live performance by Eclectic Songs will be featured on-site from 11 a.m.

– 2 p.m. for your entertainment.

Local radio stations will also be on hand for Saturday’s festivities, including Star 101.3 (WQAR) at the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 102.7 (WEQX) from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs City Center, and

Photos by MarkBolles.com

local disc entertainer DJ Tim from Capital Disc Jockeys at the City Center from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. with prizes for lucky guests.

But wait – there’s more! While Chowderfest certainly grabs its fair share of the spotlight, it’s only one of many events taking place this weekend during the 15th annual Winter Weekend. Kick the weekend off with the Winterfest Wine Tasting Friday, February 3 at the Holiday Inn on Broadway. From 6 - 8 p.m., sample a selection of wines alongside hors d’oeuvres. Cost of admission is $10 per person, with all proceeds benefiting the Mollie Wilmot Center at Saratoga Hospital and the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center of Saratoga. Participants will have a chance to enter in several raffles, with prizes including bottles of wine, champagne and desserts. Over $7,000 was raised at the previous event, so the bar has been set with high expectations for this year’s tasting.

Visit Prestwick Chase at 100 Saratoga Blvd. Saturday, February 4 for live music, face painting, ice sculptures and a cardboard and duct tape sled race for some extra Winterfest fun from noon – 3 p.m.

Free for all to attend, the afternoon will feature music by the popular Sonny & Perley on the facility’s front lawn. Also in attendance will be Dayrl Baldwin of Balloon Extravaganzas, face painting artist Peggy Were from About Face, caricature sketch artists Rich Conley and Phil Singer, ice sculptor Charlie Jones, and horse-drawn wagon rides

by Julie Carson. Contestants in the cardboard and duct tape sled races (which requires sleds to be made from regular cardboard, duct tape and paint – no plastic, wood, glue, industrial adhesives or staples) are encouraged to enter in one of three age categories: ages 6-12, 13-18 and 19 and over. Racers will be timed, with the fastest times in each age bracket up for special prizes and awards. Sleds are allowed to use wax on the bottom for increased speed, and designs should be family friendly. Teams are limited to three members tops – one in the sled and the other two pushing or pulling from start to finish – and costumes are encouraged.

To learn more about Winter Weekend and Chowderfest 2012, visit www.discoversaratoga.org/ chowderfest.

1.) 28 Tables -28 ingredient chowder, 17 Maple Avenue 2.) American Culinary Federation, serving from the City Center at 522 Broadway 3.) Bailey’s - bourbon, sausage and shrimp chowder, 37 Phila Street 4.) Ben & Jerry’s - serving dessert chowder, 34 Phila Street 5.) Bettie’s Cakes- dessert chowder, 454 Broadway 6.) Bookmakers - country fish chowder w/ smoked bacon, 232 Broadway 7.) Bread Basket Bakery - cream cheese and spinach leek soup, 65 Spring Street 8.) Bullpen, 9 Caroline St # 11 9.) Cantina, 430 Broadway 10.) Chianti Ristorante - zuppa con merluzzo e granchio (Italian inspired chowder of hake and crab, sweet corn and white beans), 18 Division Street 11.) Children’s Museum at Saratoga - kids/dessert chowder made with pudding, serving from Flores Fine Art Gallery at 462 Broadway 12.) Circus Café, 392 Broadway 13.) Dango’s - buffalo chicken chowder, 38 Caroline Street 14.) Duo Modern Japanese Cuisine – 175 South Broadway 15.) Elizabeth’s Table, 510 Broadway 16.) Esperanto - Mulligatawny style chowder, 4 Caroline Street 17.) Fifty South - gluten free seafood chowder, serving from the City Center at 522 Broadway 18.) Forno Bistro, 541 Broadway 19.) Four Seasons Natural Food Store and Cafe - vegan and gluten-free chowder and eco-friendly, 33 Phila Street 20.) Gaffney’s, 16 Caroline Street 21.) Great Bay Seafood Restaurant - crabmeat chowder, serving from the City Center at 522 Broadway 22.) Hattie’s Restaurant - bourbon chicken and corn chowder, 45 Phila Street 23.) The Ice House - smoked chicken sweet potato chowder, 70 Putnam Street 24.) The Inn at Saratoga - smoked Andouille sausage corn chowder, 231 Broadway 25.) Irish Times - Presidential Chowder, 14 Phila Street 26.) Jacob & Anthony’s American Grill - Jacob’s chowder, 38 High Rock 27.) Legend’s Cafe - Poblano corn and shrimp chowder, 102 Congress Street 28.) Lillian’s Restaurant - southwestern corn chowder, 408 Broadway 29.) The Local Pub & Teahouse - Irish whiskey grilled chicken and sweet corn chowder with roasted red potatoes and wild rice, 142 Grand Avenue 30.) Longfellows - Maine lobster and roasted corn chowder, 500 Union Avenue 31.) Maestro’s at the Van Dam - New England style clam chowder, 353 Broadway 32.) Max London’s Restaurant & Bar, 466 Broadway 33.) Meat House, serving from the City Center at 522 Broadway 34.) The Mine - eco-friendly, 388 Broadway 35.) Olde Bryan Inn - chicken Parmesan chowder, 123 Maple Avenue 36.) Olde Saratoga Brewing Company - southwestern smoked chicken and corn chowder, 131 Excelsior Avenue 37.) One Caroline - creole clam chowder, 1 Caroline Street 38.) Pacific Grill - seafood hot & sour soup, 63 Putnam Street 39.) Paddock Lounge - New England clam chowder, 6 Caroline Street

40.) Panza’s Restaurant, serving from the City Center at 522 Broadway 41.) The Parting Glass - shrimp & crab chowder, 40-42 Lake Avenue 42.) Peabody’s Sports Bar & Grille - New England clam chowder, 39 Phila Street 43.) Peddler’s Bar & Bistro, New England clam chowder, serving from the City Center at 522 Broadway 44.) Phila Fusion- pho’ chicken and hot and sour soup, 54 Phila Street 45.) Piper Boutique - “farm-to-table” chowder, 441 Broadway 46.) Plum Dandy - frozen yogurt dessert sundae, 419 Broadway 47.) Prime at Saratoga National - New England clam chowder, 458 Union Avenue 48.) Putnam’s at the Gideon Putnam Resort, serving from the City Center at 522 Broadway 49.) Saratoga Casino & Raceway Andouille and roasted garlic chowder, serving from the City Center at 522 Broadway 50.) Saratoga City Tavern - bacon, ham and corn chowder, 19 & 21 Caroline Street 51.) Saratoga Hospital – gluten-free vegetable clam chowder, serving from the City Center at 522 Broadway 52.) Saratoga Olive Oil - smoked turkey butternut squash chowder, 484 Broadway 53.) Saratoga Springs Fire Station #1, ham/potato/corn chowder, 60 Lake Avenue 54.) Scallions, 44 Lake Avenue 55.) Seven Horse Pub – 43 Phila Street 56.) Sperry’s – 30 1/2 Caroline Street 57.) Spring Street Deli and Pizzeria - blackened chicken and sweet corn chowder, 132 Spring Street 58.) The Springs - cedar smoked haddock chorizo chowder, 189 Broadway 59.) Stadium Cafe - seafood chowder, 389 Broadway 60.) Sushi Thai - chicken coconut soup and vegetable miso soup, 44-46 Phila Street 61.) TIZNOW Restaurant, 84 Henry Street 62.) United Methodist Church - serving hot chocolate, 175 5th Avenue 63.) West Side Stadium Café, 112 Congress Street 64.) Wheatfield’s - clam and shrimp Manhattan Chowder, 440 Broadway 65.) Wheatfield’s Bistro and Wine Bar of Clifton Park, 54 Crossing Blvd, Clifton Park 66.) The Wine Bar - traditional clam chowder, 417 Broadway 67.) Wishing Well Restaurant - shrimp, chorizo and sweet corn chowder, serving from Roohan Realty at 519 Broadway And for all those four-legged chowder-loving canines out there, be sure to visit: 68.) Dawgdom - proceeds benefit Rottie Empire Rescue, 441A Broadway 69.) Impressions of Saratoga - proceeds benefit Saratoga Animal Shelter, 368 Broadway 70.) Sloppy Kisses - doggie chowder The American Cancer Society’s Dogs and Diva Event Fund, 425 Broadway Download your 2012 Chowderfest Ballot at www.discoversaratoga.org/images/files/12B ALLOT.pdf, or pick one up at participating locations.

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Your

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Friday, February 3, 2012

TODAY

The Joy of Critters

by Sharie FitzGibbon The Stubborn Gardener

I

had the curious fortune to injure my back in the garden last summer. A word of advice – when the doctor says limit yourself to light lifting, pay attention. Shoveling mulch off the pickup truck is probably a mistake.

If you are silly enough to make this mistake, as I was, you can look forward to six weeks of walking like Quasimodo and taking narcotics to get to sleep at night.

Having been forcibly retired from the business end of a shovel, I acquainted myself with the nearest patio chair and started a list of projects to complete when I was returned to active garden duty.

That’s when I discovered if you sit still long enough, the critters come to regard you as part of the scenery and will wander right up to you.

I had sparrows hop near my chair, butterflies land on my head and a catbird steal cherries from a tree not 10 feet away. Little chickadees would land in the branches of nearby trees and scold me until I refilled their feeder. Chipmunks, which I generally have no use for since they dig holes everywhere, would hide in the downspout dragon and peek out at me. If I hap-

pened to have food, they would cautiously approach looking for a handout; once in a while they even got one.

Needless to say, I was enchanted.

How cool is it for wild creatures to not only accept you as part of their world, but demand you interact with (i.e. provide food for) them?

Working in the garden left precious little time to just sit and enjoy the birds and animals. Plants take a lot of work and I rarely took the time to just sit and enjoy.

Over the course of the summer, I became addicted to critter watching and the patio chair saw more of me than the shovel even after I was off the injured list. When the season came to an end and the cold weather drove away the butterflies, I was still out on the terrace watching the birds flock to our feeders. Now that the winter weather has started, I have a chair by the kitchen window so I can watch them without freezing my tushy off.

I learned a few things about our feathered neighbors that have led to more of them in the yard and more entertainment for me. First, the placement of your feeders takes a little thought. Birds are, if you’ll pardon the pun, a little flighty. The first sign of a predator or other threat and they’re gone. Giving them a nearby place to hide will

encourage them to come back sooner. However, you don’t want this cover to be so close to the feeders that it might provide an ambush spot for a hunter.

We solved this problem by placing our feeders in the middle of the lawn about 20 feet away from a line of Colorado blue spruce trees. The trees are evergreen so the cover is good throughout the year and they’re not so close to the feeding station that a cat or hawk could waylay the birds feeding. If you don’t have evergreens (spruces, pines, arborvitae, etc.) a large, bushy thorn bush, like a rose, works almost as well.

The second thing I learned is the value of variety. You can put out a feeder with just sunflower seeds in it and get quite a few visitors. For years, that’s all we did and we saw cardinals, chickadees, goldfinches, sparrows of all sorts, dark-eyed juncos and blue jays. Quite a variety, you might say, for just one kind of seed. This year, though, I started experimenting.

A suet feeder enticed two kinds of woodpecker, downy and hairy, to our little patch of Eden. Next, a thistle sock and a tray feeder full of safflower seed and dried mealworms added nuthatches, tufted titmouses, and purple finches to my

Photos by Sharie FitzGibbon

Set up your bird feeder in the middle of your lawn, far enough away from large trees or shrubs that could hide a predator. list of regulars. I also started throwing down cracked corn for the squirrels which had the additional benefit of attracting mourning doves and more juncos. We even got a rose-breasted grosbeak (that one was a real treat) and a few others I haven’t identified yet.

What’s really fun is not that we get so many new birds, it’s that we get so many more birds. With just a few extra feeders, we get birds by the flock rather than in onesies and twosies. Where we would get two or three juncos, a dozen of them show up to eat the cracked corn.

I’ve counted six chickadees in the tray feeder at once eating mealworms and I lost count of the goldfinches on the thistle sock.

My goals for the garden for next

year have also changed. By spending time watching the wildlife instead of mulching or digging, I discovered that the places in our yard with the most critter activity are also the most untouched; the border next to the woods with the shabby little shrubs and overgrown grass, the area behind the garage with two wildly overgrown rose bushes and a large redbud tree and the old overgrown garden I have been trying to renovate.

Perhaps, I’ll let those areas stay a little wild. Maybe I’ll even plant some plants just for the beasties. A few berry bushes, some wild flowers. It’s the least I can do for these critters that give me so much delight.

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There’s Nothing Like Chowder! Make Your Own Soda -Especially when it’s made from all fresh local ingredients!

Cream of Tomato-Basil Chowder

Suzanne Voigt Farmers’ Market

As everyone knows, this Saturday is Chowderfest—a favorite local event that gets people out and into the local eateries for some sensational hot chowders. While the Farmers’ Market does not officially take part, we do have our own mini version of the fest earlier in the day—a sort of kick-off to the real event. Our chowders are made by our farmers featuring their own products. This means fresh, fresh, fresh! Brookside Farm will be offering ham chowder; Longview Farm will be serving corn and rice chowder garnished with their Parmesan cheese; and Sushan Hydroponic Farm will be dishing out delicious cream of tomato-basil chowder! We hope you can start your Chowder Day at the market, but if you cannot, here is a way to enjoy one of the chowders in your very own home!

(Serves 6) Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion sliced 2 cloves garlic minced 3 large stalks fresh Shushan Select basil 1 sprig of fresh Shushan Select thyme 1 bay leaf 2 ½ tsp tomato paste 2 lb ripe Shushan Select tomatoes cored and quartered Pinch of sugar 1 cup chicken stock 1/3 c Battenkill cream (or half-andhalf) Fresh grated Longview Farm Parmesan cheese Fresh basil leaves cut into thin strips for garnish or croutons on top Directions Heat oil in a large pan and sauté onion three minutes. Add garlic, basil stalks, thyme, bay leaf, tomato paste, and fresh tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper and sugar. Pour in chicken

stock, bring to boil, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Discard Bay leaf and puree the remaining contents. Add cream and reheat, but do not boil so as not to curdle cream. Serve in warm bowls and top with basil, cheese and or croutons.

Note: My favorite way to serve (eat) cream chowders is in individual boule bread bowls. Cut out top of boule bread and remove center, leaving bread in shape of a bowl. Pour soup in and serve immediately with bread top on side for dipping if desired.

Hattie’s Raises $26,000 for Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar SARATOGA SPRINGS – Hattie’s Restaurant and Hattie’s Chicken Shack presented a $26,000 check to Saratoga’s Sponsor-A-Scholar Program, following Hattie’s 11th annual Mardi Gras celebration and fundraiser at the Canfield Casino.

Hattie’s Mardi Gras creator, Elizabeth Alexander, delivered the check to Sponsor a Scholar’s Executive Director Jim LaVigne Tuesday, January 31. Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to students who are financially disadvantaged to prepare for and get accepted in college.

“This program makes a dramatic and direct difference in the lives of these students,” said LaVigne. “I cannot express how incredible a gift this is for the students in our program. It repre-

John Reardon Compliments to the Chef Hello my foodie friends! Today we are we are talking soda – yes, that’s right, the bubbly! Did you know the average American consumes about 212 liters of carbonated drinks per year, using 676 beverage packages per person?

Now multiply that times an average family of four. Math people, I’m waiting…OK, it’s 2704 per family per year. That’s a lot of soda bottles and just think of the cost!

Well, how does your recycling container look? Mine is empty!

That’s because I have a home soda maker from Sodastream. All I need is one bottle.

Sodastream is a an easy to use countertop device that makes carbonated water and soft drinks in under 30 seconds, without any mess or wasteful containers. Why not choose for yourself what stuff goes into the liquids you drink?

With Sodastream you can! You can choose how much carbonation you want in your soda and how much syrup or natural flavoring you want, like lemon or lime. You can even use your own

photo provided

sents over 25 percent of the yearly budget required to continue, [which] allows 10 new students into our program each year.”

Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar has a total of 38 students enrolled in the program.

“This year was very special,” said Alexander. “It was so wonderful meeting the kids and sup-

port staff from Saratoga SponsorA-Scholar. It’s heartwarming to know that the kids will benefit directly from the money we raised.”

Hattie’s annual Mardi Gras fundraiser has, to date, raised over $200,000 for various nonprofit organizations over its 11-year history.

photo provided

tap water, which is more closely regulated than bottled water. Plus, with this cool gadget you can make soda in just a few seconds with no electricity and no mess.

The Sodastream comes in different sizes and colors, so you can pick one that looks great in your kitchen. When you buy your soda maker, it comes with a carbonator that can fill 60 one-liter bottles.

When the carbonator is empty, simply bring it back to me for an exchange tank that has been cleaned, checked and refilled.

Most people go one to two months with one tank.

This simple gadget is costeffective, environmentally-friendly and it’s fun to use too! At my daughter’s birthday party I taught about 10 teenagers how to make soda and then I got to relax. Yes, that’s right; they stopped texting and made something.

Let me go over the steps: 1. Fill bottle with water 2. Put bottle in the soda maker 3. Push the button. In about 10 seconds a sound will tell you that is carbonated 4. Add syrup if you like 5. Put cap on and turn over to mix 6. Drink it With events like the Super Bowl and the Daytona 500 coming up, you’ll want plenty of soda for your family and guests to enjoy while watching the big game and race. Give it a try, you certainly won’t regret it!

For more information about this unique gadget, stop into my store and we’ll chat.

Take care, John

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Home Make Your Own Game-Day Snacks!

Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY

While watching the Super Bowl at home is certainly an option, more and more people take the opportunity to get together with friends and throw a party to celebrate the entire spectacle. Whether your favorite team is shooting for a championship, or if you’re just there for the commercials and food, Super Sunday is practically our biggest national holiday. Like most other holidays, getting together with friends lends itself to the age old question of “What are we going to eat?”

I grew up in Buffalo, New York, where the only thing they’re more

passionate about than football is food. To borrow a page from the time-honored tradition of tailgating, sometimes making your own gameday snacks is the best way to feed your football and commercial watching party. Unless you’re planning to be in the parking lot of Lucas Oil Stadium this weekend, why not stay inside and whip up some of your own homemade snacks? The great thing about Super Sunday is there is no template of what to serve; you can serve whatever you’d like. Mexican food, sushi, fondue, kabobs, or vegetarian dishes - anything goes.

While there are no rules to preparing your menu, you want to make sure everyone who is attending will be able to enjoy something. Cold cut platters and trays of vegetables are a great standby for picky partygoers or children.

Also try and think outside the box. Take dessert for example. Why not see whether your guests would prefer a New York cheesecake or, a Boston Crème pie?

In case you’re bringing something to a party this weekend, or looking for ways to cater your own, try a few of my favorite game-day recipes.

Your guests might like them so much that you may end up hosting a party next year too.

Just in case you’re in a crunch for time, these local businesses offer delicious alternatives to making your own game-day snacks:

Marino’s Pizza 46 West Circular St Saratoga Springs, (518) 584-3030

Disco Cindy’s Taco Quesadillas Ingredients: • 1 lb. lean ground beef or turkey • 1 8 oz. bag of shredded cheese (Mexican blend works best) • 2 packages of soft shell tacos • 1 package of taco seasoning • 1 onion, diced (optional) • 1 jalapeno pepper, diced (optional) What you’ll need: • Nonstick baking sheet • Toothpicks • Skillet/frying pan

This is a very simple recipe that allows for some creativity if you are feeling up for it. A lot of these ingredients come in a “Make Your Own” soft shell taco kit that you can find in any grocery store.

Directions: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Before anything, you’ll want to brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet at a medium high temperature. Once the beef is cooked, drain the excess water from the pan and return it to stove. Mix in the taco seasoning and let simmer for about 10 minutes. If you are using the diced onion or jalapeno, add it here during cooking.

While the meat is simmering, take the tortilla shells and microwave them in a stack for about 10-15 seconds. Once the meat is ready, scoop it on to one side of the tortilla, lying flat on the baking sheet. There’s no right or wrong amount of ground beef for each taco, but you’ll want to make sure there is enough to use up the package of tortillas. Top the ground beef with the shredded cheese, again keeping in mind you can use as much or as little as you want per taco.

Take the empty side of the tortilla and fold it over the filling. Place a toothpick through the top of the folded tortilla to make sure it stays closed. Place the baking sheet in the oven, and cook the tacos for about 8-10 minutes, or until you begin to see the edge of the tortilla turn a golden brown. Once the tacos are done cooking, be sure to remove any toothpicks before serving.

Cut the tacos in half (or quarters depending on the size) and arrange on a serving tray. Be sure to have a station setup with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, taco sauce or whatever else you want with your tacos.

This recipe is easily doubled, and will have any fan of Mexican food asking for seconds!

Another great perk to this recipe is that you can prep ahead of time, and stick the quesadillas in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours until it is time to bake them. Just make sure you cook them for a few extra minutes to make sure they’re warm enough.

Chicken Wing Dip a la Andy Ingredients: • 1 1/2 lbs. chicken breast, cooked and shredded • 1 12 oz. bottle hot sauce • 2 8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened • 1 16 oz. bottle bleu cheese salad dressing • 2/3 cup chopped celery • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese or 3 cups Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend What you’ll need: • Large mixing bowl • 13 x 9 baking dish • Saucepan

Directions: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Before starting this recipe, grill up the chicken breast and shred it. Take the shredded chicken, and mix it in a large bowl with the celery and cheese. In a saucepan over medium low heat, combine the cream cheese and the salad dressing. (You can use ranch instead of bleu cheese, or even a mixture of both.)

Stir the mixture until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. The next part is adding the correct amount of spice. Frank’s Red Hot Sauce can be mild to some, and near lethal to others. It’s best to have an idea of how much your guests like spicy foods before adding too much, or using something spicier. Whatever amount of sauce you use, stir it into the simmering cream cheese mixture. Once you’ve added the hot sauce, pour the mixture into the bowl with the shredded chicken and cheese. Stir thoroughly to make sure all the chicken gets mixed in. Pour the mixture into a 13 x 9 baking pan. You’re going to bake the mixture uncovered for about 40 minutes, or until the mixture starts bubbling. Don’t let it cook for so long that the top browns over. Let the dish stand for 10 minutes before serving.

You can serve this dish either hot or cold, but it’s best when hot. I recommend serving this with Fritos Scoops corn chips, though you can substitute whatever you’d like. This recipe can serve over 30 guests.

D’Andrea’s Pizza 33 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs, (518) 584-3632

Spring Street Deli and Pizzeria 132 Spring Street, Saratoga Springs, (518) 584-0994

Vegan-Friendly Stuffed Mushrooms with Pecans Ingredients: • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (homemade works best!)

• 1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1/3 cup finely chopped onion • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano • 3 oz. extra firm tofu (1/4 of one package) • 1 teaspoon yeast • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon pepper • 12 oz. baby Bella mushrooms (about 16) What you’ll need: • Skillet • Large Mixing Bowl • Baking sheet

Chances are you have friends that like to eat healthy, even when everyone else isn’t. These vegan-friendly stuffed mushrooms are not only a great way to include guests that may not eat meat or dairy, they taste so good everyone will want to have some. This recipe easily doubles to accommodate larger crowds.

Directions: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Mix the breadcrumbs and pecans in a large bowl. Heat the olive oil in a skillet, and sauté the onions and garlic for about five minutes until soft. Add the oregano, tofu, yeast and balsamic vinegar and mash with a fork, adding salt and pepper to taste. Cook this for about three minutes before combining with the breadcrumb mixture. Start destemming the mushrooms, which should leave room for the filling. Press a spoonful of the filling into each mushroom cap, with a little extra on top. Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes, or until the tops begin to brown over. You can serve these immediately. This is another recipe that is very easy to prepare ahead of time and keep in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them.

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An Exceptional Home with Pristine Surroundings 124 Plum Poppy North in Malta: $549,000

• • • •

2,850 sq. ft.

4 bedrooms 2.5 baths 0.5 acres

Welcome Home

by Yael Goldman Saratoga TODAY With its stone wrap-around porch and family-friendly floor plan, this quiet four-bedroom is a dream home from all perspectives. Just step inside and look out from any window in any room – you’ll see greenery and tranquility within a pristine neighborhood designed to stand the test of time.

As the newest Thomas J. Farone Home Builders model, 124 Plum Poppy North is built with exceptional energy efficiencies and a unique attention to detail from the inside out.

From the crown molding, hardwood floors and upscale finishes, all 2,850 square feet of this home have been designed with the contemporary homeowner in mind. Not only does the house blend perfectly within the peaceful and natural surroundings of the Jenna’s Forest neighborhood, but its unique circular floor plan offers both privacy and a feeling of spaciousness, as each room flows into the next to create one complete functional space.

On the first floor, you’ll find a cozy office enclosed by French doors, a combined living and dining

photos provided room space that leads into an open kitchen and breakfast nook, as well as a spacious family room with a custom mantle piece, a mudroom, and half bath fitted with an artist’s sink. The staircase, which is situated at the center of the home, breaks with a quiet sitting area at the landing below a recessed niche for artwork.

Upstairs, the floor plan leads to a spacious master suite with tray ceilings, walk-in closet, hardwood floors, custom bathroom fitted with

a soaking tub and standing tile shower, and a relaxing balcony that overlooks this most picturesque neighborhood. Two additional bedrooms with soft carpeting and plenty of closet space, a full bathroom with shower tub, and a corridor recreation or study area that precedes a large private space that is perfect for a fourth bedroom or library.

Farone went above and beyond to maximize the house’s energy efficiency. Finished with top-quality

windows and doors, all energy-efficient appliances, as well as heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems, 124 Plum Poppy North is completely ENERGY STAR certified. With these amenities, the homeowner can expect to pay only $150 per month for their energy utilities.

All in all, this arts-and-crafts style home is not one to overlook. Not only does its interior exceed expectations, but it’s location is ideal.

About the Builder: Thomas J. Farone Home Builders has created many beautiful neighborhoods in Saratoga County, including Regatta View, Rowland’s Hollow and Mulberry Estates. With a focus on quality and detail, Farone has built over 3,000 homes in neighborhoods that stand the test of time.

SARATOGA

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About this House: Living Spaces: -Living Spaces -Combined living and dining room (designed for maximum functionality) -Family room -Upstairs activity area -Unique study corridor

Details: -Hardwood flooring -9-foot ceilings -Circular floor plan -Crown molding -Arts-and-crafts style

Amenities: -ENERGY STAR certified -Anderson Windows throughout -Natural gas -Built-in ventilation system -6-year new home warranty -Full unfinished basement with 8-foot ceilings -Abundance of natural lighting

The Kitchen: -Granite countertops -Custom cabinetry -Stainless steel appliances -Breakfast nook -Large pantry -Cooking island -Tile floors -Tile backsplash

Property Taxes: $6,500

Outdoor Spaces: -Wrap-around porch -Stone terrace for outdoor dining -Balcony off of the master suite

Neighborhood: Jenna’s Forest within the Luther Forest community

School District: Ballston Spa Central School District

Commute: By car or foot? This exceptional home is situated alongside a network of walking/bike trails that connect with the Luther Forest Technology Campus, Saratoga Technology and Energy Park and Malta’s downtown shopping district. If you work in Albany or Glens Falls, Northway Exit 12 is just a 3-minute car ride from your driveway. Everything is accessible and close by.

Speak With a Realtor TODAY: Contact Scott Varley of the Scott Varley Group, Realty USA, in Saratoga Springs at (518) 281-6808 or svarley@realtyusa.com. For more information, visit www.scottvarley.com.

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Home Saratoga County Property Transactions Ballston 609 Cindy Lane, $227,500: Sunmark Federal Credit Union sold property to Marc and Danielle Palmiotto.

9 Martin Ave., $50,000: Joseph DiPasquale sold property to Joseph and Elaine Bush and William Rossbach.

13 Kaleen Dr., $290,000: Brian and Frances Kratz sold property to Prudential Relocation Inc. 13 Kaleen Dr., $290,000: Prudential Relocation Inc. sold property to Bryan and Kelly Connor.

Clifton Park 53 Midline Rd., $92,500: Alice and John Mancini sold property at to John Mancini.

2 Staulters Farm Rd., $495,000: to Marc and Helen Trinchillo sold property Raymond and Elizabeth Levesque.

18 Carriage Run, $95,000: Joseph Lazare sold property to Terence and Susan Bikowicz.

$219,900

10 Ferry Dr., $430,000: Stanley and Barbara Yake sold property to Gerritjan Leusink and Anne Booneman.

27 Knollwood Dr., $480,000: Donald and Joanne Pflug sold property to Darko and Ljiljana Novkovic.

1 Desforges Ct., $299,900: Thomas and

$258,000

Grace Hannon and Olga Walker sold property to Aaron and Laura Bailey.

14 Bradt Rd., $390,000: Sheila and Richard Hutchinson Jr. sold property to Jason and Fiona Malmendier.

8 Wall St., Unit 435, $203,200: Clifton Park Senior Living LLC sold property to Camille Amodeo and Nial Family Irrevocable Trust.

5103 Forest Point Dr., $180,000: Jasmine and Cecil Hall Jr. sold property to National Transfer Services LLC. 5103 Forest Point Dr., $165,000: National Transfer Services LLC sold property to Jennifer Tambasco.

$413,900

1603 Crescent Rd.,$356,000 John and Cheryl Gagnon sold property to Kyle and Lynette Holman.

12 Greenridge Dr., $125,100: Richard Rugel and Carmen Parris sold property to Amy Rugel.

3 Keystone Commons, $232,000: Elmer and Patricia Whitford sold property to James Purcell.

5 Belmonte Lane, $300,000: Thomas and Rochelle Minnick sold property to Matthew and Melissa Grattan.

10 Fairleigh Way, $379,823: Masullo Brothers Builders Inc. sold property to Michael and Kristen Cook.

10 Tamarack Lane, $250,000: Jon Riedel and Betty Jo Riedel sold property to Jace Perkins and Mary Navarro.

41 Greenridge Dr., $246,809: Amrinder Singh and Gurbax Kaur sold property to Jessica DeJessus.

41 Sterling Heights Dr., $310,000: Ross Garrow and Lisa Lafrazza sold property to Mao Wu Sung and Wei Hua Huang.

768 Riverview Rd., $420,000: Charles Bishop and Janet Patane sold property to Piotr Olkowski and Danuta Olkowska.

18 Sevilla Dr., $275,500: Jane Cutler sold property to Charles and Sharon Sealing.

36 Berkshire Dr. West, $295,000: Vincent Damico and Mary Fitzgerald sold property to Glen Mitchell and Simone Adams.

8 Prospect Point Lane, $340,917: Masullo Brothers Builders Inc. sold property to Kevin and Karrie Burns.

13 Westchester Dr., $170,000: Rory Patterson sold property to Kristin Maki.

BALLSTON LAKE 16 NOORD LA

BALLSTON SPA 542 VICTORY CIR

Lovely split ranch in Shen schools. Hardwood floors, new bath with granite countertops and ceramic tile. This home also offers three zone heating with programmable thermostats.

Beautiful 4 bedroom 2 full bath Colonial on fantastic lot.

Finished basment, hardwoods in DR/LR and fireplace.

Newer roof and 2011 hot water heater. Deck and pool for your enjoyment/entertaining in the summer months.

Faye F Rispoli (518) 512-9060 rispoli@ffrispoli.com

Faye F Rispoli (518) 512-9060 rispoli@ffrispoli.com

BURNT HILLS 42 LONG CREEK DR

Stunning, custom built 4 bedroom colonial, with numerous upgrades, detailed molding, and hardwood floors. Spend the summer enjoying the in-ground pool or sitting at the gazebo. Almost one acre, beautifully landscaped lot with fenced in yard on quiet cul-de-sac.

Faye F Rispoli (518) 512-9060 rispoli@ffrispoli.com

946 Grooms Rd., $353,500: Pamela and Norman Belott sold property to Michael Gourlay and Jefferson Jacklin.

Greenfield 2 Borandell Lane, $250,000: Joan McDonough sold property to Chad and Cathryn Pratley.

100 Porter Corners Rd., $44,000: Arnold Clark sold property to Bruce and Jennifer Isachsen.

OPEN SUNDAY 12:00-3:00 THE ELMS AT SARATOGA NEW CONSTRUCTION PRICED FROM $544,400

Ideal in town location. Looking for that in town living experience, The Elms at Saratoga is a 28 lot subdivision located just a few short blocks from all that Saratoga is famous for.

Walk to dining, shopping, parks and more then return to your beautiful new historic style home. Custom designs with high end finishes inside and out. Build with Award Winning builder BCI Construction. Model home open Sundays 12:00 - 3:00 and always by appointment. Model home priced at $879,900 From Congress Park head south on Broadway. Take sharp right onto W. Circular St (at Limoncello Restaurant), 4 blocks to a left onto Elm. Natalie Amsler 587.4500 www.RoohanRealty.com

$899,900 SARATOGA SPRINGS • 4 CAMPION LA Prestigious cul-de-sac! In this English cottage style home built by John Witt, you will enjoy features such as first floor master bedroom ensuite, dual sided fireplace, gourmet kitchen, high end appliances, marble counters, formal dining room with butlers pantry, wet bar and wine cooler.

Finished lower level complete with theatre, wine cellar, game rm, workout rm & full bath. Approx 5025 sq ft of living space.

Patio adjoins a 13 x 14 in ground hot tub.

For more see List of Highlights in associated docs.

Lisa McTygue Home: (518) 598-4098

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224 Middle Grove Rd., $248,000: James Devane Sr. sold property to Brooke and Lane Vincent II.

Malta 76 Meadow Rue Place, $209,000: Patricia Norton sold property to Ferdinand and Sandra Songayllo.

49 Wake Robin Rd., $158,000: Heather McGovern O’Keefe sold property to Jessica Hill.

5 Flora Dr., $348,000: Jennifer and Stephanie Fazioli sold property to Anthony and Annette Internicola.

72 Riley Cove Rd., $233,000: James and Kathleen Mahar sold property to James and Barbara Prochilo.

105 5th St., $181,653: Gillian Hirsch and Rodney Vallone sold property to Federal National Mortgage Association.

Milton 919 MacArthur Dr., $370,501: TRA Tom Development Inc. sold property to Steven and Jessica Todtenhagen.

1111 Rock City Rd., $55,000: Elizabeth Miller and Darren Costanzo sold property to Jeffrey Gould.

532 Elk Circle, $138,000: Kristen Kristel, Marilyn Verbanic and Gloria Kolb Life Trust sold property to Jennifer Woodrow.

62 Milton Ave., $255,000: Ballston Associates LLC sold property to Robo Holdings LLC. 33 Saratoga Ave., $82,500: Drew Eric Armitage and Mark Armitage sold property to Ryan Favour and Molly Roy.

Saratoga 134 Wagmans Ridge Rd., $268,750: Susan Washburn and Kristin Rehder sold property to Mary Clarisse Kilayko.

37 Myers Lane, $134,000: Arthur and Nora Allen sold property to Gerald and Deborah Thomsen.

35 Pearl St., $104,200: James Gibbons Jr. sold property to Kelly and Matthew Hebert.

Saratoga Springs 20 Lake Ave., $2 million: Journal Register East Inc. sold property to 20 Lake Avenue LLC. 19 Deerleap Place, $166,000: James and Lauren Ayers sold property to Ronald and Mallory Watson McVicker.

31 Warren St., $195,700: Kristen Carey sold property to Justin Hogan.

64 Belmont Lane, $205,000: Lisa Mehigan sold property to Colleen Lester.

24 Lincoln Ave., $292,500: Jesse Lena sold property to Dennis and Stephanie Hodgson and Wilhelmina Pijlman.

143 Jackson St., $130,000: Austin and Stephanie Snow sold property to James Doyle.

54 State St., $340,000: Kyle Lis sold property to Jaclyn McCarron and Kevin Heather.

159 Division St., $252,606: Stephens Haroth sold property to Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. 8 N. Ballston Ave., $575,000: Gates Enterprises Inc. sold property. to J. Larry Fugate.

20 Friar Tuck Way, $305,000: Anthony and Patricia DeMatteo sold property to Mark and Tara Paine.

14 Thomas St., $225,000: Lee and Sandra Lienau sold property to Margot and Christopher Hens.

18 Division St., Unit 309, $375,000: H and V Realty Corp. of Brooklyn Inc. sold property to Century Health Capital Inc.

Stillwater 27 Towpath Rd., $51,000: Joseph Sheehan sold property to Teresa Griffen.

28 Champlain Rd., $93,626: John Coseo and Thomas Tedesco sold property to Bank of New York Mellon.

27 Major Dickinson Ave., $80,000: Jean and Jeffrey Mahar sold property to Derek Catalfamo.

Wilton 275 A Louden Rd., $50,000: Glenn Rockwood sold property to Janelle Gadomski.

49 Fieldstone Dr., $295,000: Carol Brassard sold property to Christine and James McKnight.

11 Bennington Loop, $505,000: Damon Smith sold property to Steven and Blair Donnelly.

5 Tom Sawyer Dr., $50,000: William and Judy Morris sold property to McPadden Builders Inc. 137 Earnest Rd., $257,700: Dawn and John Coonradt Jr. sold property to Household Finance Realty Corp. of New York.

68 Castleberry Dr., $169,000: Neil and Elizabeth Vane sold property to Kevin Jordan.

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Cleaning Myths Exposed

by Kathryn Weber Tribune Media Services When it comes to cleaning, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Are natural cleaners really the best? Maybe you wonder if the cleaners you use at home are the right choices.

Some products can actually damage the very items they’re intended to clean. Knowing the right products and the right way to clean can make your home cleaner, prevent damage, and help you clean more safely, too.

Natural Products While products like vinegar get lots of great press for being natural, it’s important to remember that vinegar is acidic, so it should be used carefully. Vinegar, as well as lemon juice, should not be used to clean natural stone surfaces, such as granite or marble, and metal, such as stainless. It’s never a good idea to mix vinegar with bleach; this can cause a chemical reaction that’s toxic and has hazardous vapors.

Vinegar also doesn’t clean up grease very well; just think about how vinegar and oil don’t mix in salad dressing and you’ll get the picture. And while vinegar is effective to clean windows and glass, don’t use it on your mirrors; if vinegar seeps behind the surface, it can corrode the silver backing.

Tines Up or Down?

Loading the dishwasher is a source of frustration for many people. One person tosses in the silverware pointed down, while other wants it up.

Actually, silverware should be placed in both directions to be cleaned most efficiently. When it’s all pointed in the same direction, the pieces nest together.

Laundry Lore Sheets and towels should be loosely placed in the washing machine and not wound around the central post. This

way, the machine will clean more effectively and not get out of balance. On that next load, bundle — don’t wrap!

Bleach Beliefs While nothing beats elbow grease, it’s become common practice to bleach dirt away.

However, in a toilet or shower for example, you only bleach the dirt and make it white; you haven’t really removed it. A good scrub with cleanser is the best way to clean the commode or shower. If a toilet, tub or sink has become stained, scrubbing thoroughly followed by a small amount of bleach will usually get it sparkly white again.

Vacuum Last Unless your vacuum is spewing dust, the rule about cleaning from the top down still holds. Vacuuming should be the last cleaning chore you do because the floor is the lowest point in the house. When you dust, crumbs, hair and particles fall to the floor.

Follow the “straighten up, clean, wipe, dust and mop before you vacuum method” and you will keep your house the cleanest.

For more information, contact Kathryn Weber through her website, www.redlotusletter.com.

Your Home Guest Who’s Cooking!

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Look TV Highlights Celebrity Chefs, Local Foodies on New Show

by Yael Goldman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – Local television will get a lot more flavor and star power next month when Look TV premieres its newest show: “Guest Who’s Cooking,” a half-hour weekly special hosted by Sally Longo and Tom Thibeault of Adirondack Appliance.

Filmed at the Adirondack Appliance showroom at 67 West Avenue in Saratoga Springs, Guest Who’s Cooking will welcome celebrity guests from across the country to cook with Longo, an experienced caterer and television foodie.

Longo already boasts a successful catering company called Aunt Sally’s Adirondack Kitchen, a popu-

lar cookbook, and more than 100 episodes on the retired show “Dinner at 8,” which was also produced by Look TV. Jackson said “Guest Who’s Cooking” is a spin-off of Longo’s original show, this time with a focus on pairing nationally-known food personalities with outstanding individuals from the regional food industry.

“On this new show, Sally gets the opportunity to concentrate on the friends she has made over the years doing ‘Dinner at 8,’” Jackson explained.

Longo said the show was inspired by the dinner table of nationally revered chef and Indian culinary expert Suvir Saran, who has entertained many renowned foodies at his Masala Farm in Hebron, New York. Saran, who is most well-

known for his Manhattan restaurant Devi, has appeared on “Top Chef Masters” and enjoyed excellent reviews in syndicated publications like Food & Wine Magazine. Saran is set to appear on the first episode.

“Many of the guests on this series will be his house guests,” Longo explained.

However, Jackson emphasized that the guest list was also inspired

by Longo’s career. On “Dinner at 8,” she invited popular chefs to cook with her and, as Jesse explained, “she became a celebrity in her own right.”

With Longo at the helm and a variety of well-known chefs in the lineup, this all-star cast is perfected with the presence of Thibeault.

Aside from hosting and sponsoring the show through his business, Adirondack Appliance, each episode will also feature a 10minute segment with this Saratoga Springs foodie.

“Tom is very creative; he loves his business and he’s a foodie,” Jackson said. “He’s the perfect partner for developing this show because he loves the category.”

Thibeault brings more to the table than his made-for-television character and passion. Adirondack

MarkBolles.com • Saratoga TODAY

Sally Longo and Tom Thibeault on set at the Adirondack Appliance showroom in Saratoga Springs.

Appliance’s high-end showroom kitchen is, as Jackson said, the perfect location for filming “Guest Who’s Cooking.” The kitchen is equipped with top-notch appliances

by Blue Star, and it’s located right in Saratoga Springs.

Both Longo and Jackson emphasized that while the show will bring national names into this local kitchen, “Guest Who’s Cooking” will also highlight the local businesses and chefs that produce high-

quality foods in our region for everyday consumption. For example, the crew plans to use dairy products provided by the Battenkill Valley Creamery.

“We want to spotlight local businesses and farms that are independently owned; we enjoy giving these people who do great things for [the community] exposure on the show,” Longo said.

So, who’s cooking first?

“Guest Who’s Cooking” will premiere on Friday, February 17, featuring Longo, Saran, Thibeault and guest chef Maria Speck, who will prepare lemon quinoa with currants, dill and zucchini, and a side of wheat berry fools with grand Marnier figs. Speck is the author of “Ancient Grains for Modern Meals.” “[Ancient grains] are healthy, and her focus is on making them delicious so you’ll want to eat them,” Longo explained.

Look forward to learning about this delicious recipe and many more to come when this exciting new show airs on Look TV this month.

Saratoga County viewers should tune in to Time Warner Cable Channel 508, or check their local listings. For Washington and Warren county viewers, “Guest Who’s Cooking” will air on channel 8.

For more information about this show or Look TV, visit www.looktvonline.com.

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CALENDAR

living

3 - Feb. 10 Feb.

events Friday, February 3 The Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, Route 32, Victory Enjoy a delicious fish fry from 5-7 p.m.: Fried fish, clams or chicken tenders are only $8. Clam chowder will also be available for $5 a quart.

All are invited to eat at the club house or call ahead for takeouts at (518) 695-3917.

Café Malta Show

Prom Fashion Show

1 Bayberry Dr., Ballston Spa From 7-8:30 p.m. this year’s show will feature Everest Rising, a tightly-knit quartet influenced by folk, jazz and rock. Other local bands will also be performing at the Malta Community Center. Desserts and coffee will be available. Tickets are $6 in advance and $8 at the door. Call (518) 899-4411 for more information.

Hilton Garden Inn, Clifton Park Is your daughter driving you crazy with weekend prom shopping extravaganzas? Ditch the mall and go to the second annual Prom Fashion Show from 1-3 p.m. This event features this year’s prom styles (dresses and tuxes), door prizes and a raffle to win a prom gown of your choice ($400 value) from Fancy Schmancy in Albany!

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door and proceeds benefit CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services.

Saturday, February 4

Shenedehowa Adult Community Center, Clifton Commons Parents Without Partners (PWP) meets at 6:45 p.m. for our Singles’ Orientation and Open House. Meet other singles from the Capital District, Saratoga and surrounding areas. Learn more at www.meetup.com/PWP796 or by calling (518) 348-2062.

50 West High St., Cornell Cooperative Extension Auditorium The market will take place from 9 a.m.-noon. For information, visit www.ballston.org or call (518) 885-2772.

Parents Without Partners Meeting

Sunday, February 5

Helping Hands Franklin Community Center Pantry Needs Food!

During the holiday season, when kind thoughts and generosity are abundant, the Franklin Community Center (FCC) had a seemingly endless supply of non-perishable food donations come in. But now, a short month later, the pantry’s shelves are again bare.

You see, the pantry’s food goes out as quickly as it comes in. With the number of people that rely on FCC pantry meals, donations are always needed!

If you are interested in helping, here are some of the items the pantry needs the most: Cereal Instant Mashed Potatoes Instant Oatmeal Coffee Hearty Soups Spaghetti Sauce Pork-n-Beans Noodle/Rice Sides Spaghettios Pancake Mix Hamburger Helper Taco Kits Canned Fruit Peanut Butter and Jelly Tuna Donations can be dropped of at the center, located at 10 Franklin St., Saratoga Springs, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Musical Club Presents “Peter Pan” 515 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs The Musical Club at the Maple Avenue Middle School will present six performances of “Peter Pan” on two weekends in February. The show is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Friday, February 3; 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, February 4; 7 p.m.

Friday, February 10; and 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, February 11.

Tickets are $7 at the door and can be purchased in advance by calling Lisa Capasso at (518) 281-0397.

Ballston Spa Indoor Farmers’ Market

Fish Fry

SARATOGA

Upcoming Blood Drives Shenendehowa United Methodist Church 971 Rt. 146, Clifton Park Friday, February 3, from 1-6 p.m.

Company 4 Firehouse 613 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs Saturday, February 4, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Stewart’s Shops Corporation 461 Rt. 9 N, Saratoga Springs Thursday, February 9, from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Saratoga Hospital 211 Church St., Saratoga Springs Thursday, February 9, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Breakfast Buffet 1 Elks Lane, Route 9, Saratoga Springs Let the Saratoga-Wilton Elks serve you a buffet breakfast from 8:30-11 a.m. Adults $7, seniors/military with ID $6, children 5-12 $5, under 5 free, takeouts $8.

Monday, February 6 Saratoga Springs Retired Teachers Association Meeting Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs Meeting is at noon. Membership is open to retired educators who taught in and/or live in Saratoga County. For new member information and luncheon reservations, please call (518) 587-5356.

Trout Unlimited Monthly Meeting Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., H. Dutcher Room Trout Unlimited’s monthly meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. and is open to all supporters and enthusiasts of cold water fisheries. There will be a lively discussion and a fly fishing video. For more information, call (518) 893-2228.

Book Talk with Jo Ann Stillwater Free Library, 662 Hudson Ave. Join a talk about great titles, authors and series at 1 p.m.

Refreshments are served – no required reading.

TODAY

Tuesday, February 7 The Catholic Daughters of the Americas Monthly Meeting K of C, 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs The monthly meeting start at 6:30 p.m. Members will be bringing in themed baskets for the Catholic Daughters Basket Raffle fundraiser and also be contributing items such as gum, hard candy, jerky etc., to send to our troops overseas.

Members are asked to arrive between 6-6:15 p.m. to take part in refreshments and to allow the meeting to begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (518) 584-3472.

Turf Talkers Toastmasters Club Longfellow’s Hotel, 500 Union Ave. The Saratoga Turf Talkers Toastmasters Club will meet from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Saratoga Turf Talkers meet the first and third Tuesday of every month. For more information, call Mary Alice Hallett at (518) 884-2806.

Glens Falls Area CeliacSprue Support Group Glens Falls Hospital, Cafeteria A/B This month’s meeting runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and features a panel discussion of delicious recipes for making all kinds of bread and rolls.

For more information, contact Jean McLellan at (518) 584-6702

Herzog Law Firm Seminar 11 Excelsior Ave., Courtyard by Marriot, Saratoga An estate and Medicaid seminar is being held at 2 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott in Saratoga.

For more information, visit www.herzoglaw.com.

Wednesday, February 8 Swiss Steak Dinner 1 Elks Lane, Route 9, Saratoga Springs From 4:30-7 p.m. Complete dinner, soup, salad, entrée, dessert and coffee/tea. Cash bar available.

Adults $9, children 5-12 $5, under 5 free, seniors and military with ID $8, takeouts $10.

Send your calendar items to Christina James at cjames@saratogapublishing.com before 5 p.m. on Monday for Friday publication.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, February 3, 2012

Storyteller Betty Cassidy SUNY Empire State College, 2 Union Ave., Room 126, Saratoga Springs The Academy for Lifelong Learning at Saratoga Springs (A.L.L.) continues its brown bag lunch and learn series with a session from Betty Cassidy. Grab your bag lunch and stop by for this special program beginning at noon.

Thursday, February 9

Saratoga Reads Book Discussion 49 Henry St., Higher Grounds Cafe, Saratoga Springs Public Library A discussion of the current Saratoga Reads selected book “The Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot will take place from 6:45-8 p.m. For more information, call (518) 580-5744 or visit www.SaratogaReads.org.

Friday, February 10 Wilderness Forensics: Solving the Mystery Through Track & Sign Ndakinna Education Center, 23 Middle Grove Rd., Greenfield Center Master tracker Dr. Halfpenny will explain the use of track and sign in the verification and identification of various rare and endangered species throughout the world. The lecture will begin at 7 p.m. and feature a PowerPoint presentation and a Q&A session will follow. The cost is $10.

Annual Pig Roast & Barn Dance The King’s School, 6087 Route 9, Hadley The King’s School’s annual Pig Roast and Family Barn Dance will take place from 6-8:30 p.m. The evening will feature Paul Rosenberg as the caller and the band Fireflies. Price per couple is $25 and $15 per single. Tickets are available in advance and all proceeds benefit The King’s School spring 2012 student mission trip to Spain. For more information, call (518) 654-6230 or visit www.kingsschool.info.

Upcoming Annual Sweetheart Dinner-Dance

1 Elks Lane, Route 9, Saratoga Springs The Sweetheart Dinner-Dance will take place Saturday, February 11, and feature the local band GRAVITY. Dinner will be served from 8-9 p.m. with appetizers from 7-8 p.m.

A cash bar will be available. Reservations are required and tickets are $30 per person. Call (518) 587-7597 to make a reservation. The deadline for reservations is Wednesday, February 8.

CALENDAR Cabin fever? Soak up some culture at one of Saratoga County’s amazing museums: Brookside Museum 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa 885-4000•brooksidemuseum.org Maintained by the Saratoga County Historical Society, Brookside offers classes, has five galleries, a handson-history room, a research library, and a gift shop. Open Tues.-= Fri. from 10a.m.-4 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m.2 p.m.

Souper Supper Old Saratoga Reformed Church, 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville The Old Saratoga Reformed Church is holding a Souper Supper Saturday, February 11, from 4-6 p.m. Soups, chili, breads, salads and desserts will be served. Adults $6, children ages 5-12 $3. Please call (518) 692-6638 for reservations, which are recommended, but not required.

Author Ann Hauprich Presentation Home of the Good Shepherd, 60 Waller Rd., Wilton The importance of preserving the past for future generations will be the topic of a presentation by author Ann Hauprich from 11 a.m.noon on Saturday, February 11. For more information, call Rebecca Detora at (518) 580-0702.

Book Discussion Barnes and Noble, 3029 Route 50, Saratoga Springs Join members of the Saratoga Vital Aging Network (SVAN) Sunday, February 12 at 3 p.m. for a book discussion on this year’s Saratoga Reads winning book “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot. The discussion is sponsored by SVAN and Saratoga Reads.

Chocolate & Chuckles Saratoga Abundant Life Church, 2325 Route 50 The Heart to Heart Women’s Ministry presents Chocolate & Chuckles February 17 at 7 p.m. A rich evening filled with desserts, music, comedy and heartwarming stories by speaker Sue Duffield. For more information, call (518) 885-5456.

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The Children’s Museum at Saratoga 69 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs 584-5540 • www.cmssny.org Housing 11 interactive exhibits and a hands-on art studio, children ages 210 can hone their creativity, grow and socialize. Open July 1 through Labor Day: Mon.-Sat. from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday noon-4 p.m. and Labor Day through June: Tues.-Sat. from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday noon-4:30 p.m.

Friends of Ulysses S. Grant Cottage P.O. Box 2294, Wilton 587-8277 • grantcottage.org Grant Cottage is the historic site where Ulysses Grant spent his last days. Complete with original furnishings, Grant’s personal items, and a spectacular view of the Hudson Valley. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day: Wed.-Sun. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Labor Day to Columbus Day: Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Hyde Collection 161 Warren St., Glens Falls 792-1761 • hydecollection.org The Hyde Collection features watercolors, drawings and paintings from Homer, Picasso and more in the historic setting of the Hyde House.

Rotating galleries provide a constant fresh set of exhibitions. Open Wed. – Sat. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon – 5 p.m.

National Bottle Museum 76 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa 8857589•nationalbottlemuseum.org The museum displays exhibits about early bottle making methods and tools, as well as handmade bottles.

The museum is also the host of numerous classes and events. Open

Mon.-Fri. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-2225 • dancemuseum.org The only museum in the nation dedicated to American professional dance, the National Museum of Dance is a living museum, where dance is featured in archives, exhibitions, classes and special events. Open Tues.-Sat. from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-0400 • racingmuseum.net The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame displays the history of American Thoroughbreds. Visitors can enjoy exclusive Oklahoma tours, public programs and interactive galleries.

There changing special exhibits that make every visit a different experience. The museum is closed until February 29 for exhibit updates.

New York State Military Museum 61 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs 581-5100 dmna.state.ny.us/historic/milhist.htm New York State’s military history collection is housed here in a historical 1889 armory. A complete history is showcased including displays from the Revolutionary War to the current conflict in Iraq. The museum also has a military history library and archive.

Open Tues. – Sat. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday noon-4 p.m.

Saratoga Automobile Museum 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs • 587-1935 saratogaautomuseum.org The museum commemorates New York State’s automotive heritage and features changing exhibits including antique, classic, race, Indy, sports and stock cars. The museum includes three galleries, an orientation theater and gift shop. Open June – Sept.: daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Oct.-Dec.: Tues.-Sun. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Jan.-Feb.: Wed.-Sun. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and March May: Tues.-Sun.:10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saratoga Harness Hall of Fame Jefferson St., Saratoga Springs 587-4210 A harness museum housing sulkies, old-time heroes and antique horseshoe displays. Open May-June and Nov., Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and July- Oct., Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saratoga Springs History Museum The Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs•584-6920 saratogaspringshistorymuseum.org The Saratoga Springs History Museum has three floors of exhibits that tell the story of Saratoga Springs. The museum is open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Stillwater Blockhouse Routes 4 and 32, Stillwater 664-1847 stillwaterny.org/visitors/culturalattractions.asp The Blockhouse is a museum that houses information about the American Revolution and the history of the Town of Stillwater.

Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs 580-8080 • skidmore.edu/tang One of the first interdisciplinary museums of its kind in the country, the Tang’s exhibitions and programs combine a variety of subjects with new works of international, contemporary art. The Tang also is host to artist talks, tours, films, music and children’s activities. Open Tues.-Sun. from noon-5 p.m. and Thurs. noon-9 p.m.

Wilton Heritage and Farm Museum Mt. McGregor and Parkhurst roads, Wilton townofwilton.com/town-historian The Wilton Heritage Society Museum, located at Mt. McGregor and Parkhurst Roads in Wilton, is open Fri.-Sun. 1-4 p.m. during June, July and August. Exhibits include a Victorian parlor, a one-room school, Wilton landmarks, Mt. McGregor and a farm annex.

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Local Gigs

SARATOGA

Friday, February 3, 2012

TODAY

Send listings to entertainment@saratogapublishing.com

The Last Five Years The Last Five Years is a contemporary song-cycle musical that ingeniously chronicles the five-year life of a marriage, from meeting to breakup - or from breakup to meeting, depending on how you look at it.

Written by Jason Robert Brown (Parade, Songs For A New World), The Last Five Years is an intensely personal look at the relationship between a writer and an actress told from both points of view. Starring Nick Abounader and Molly McGrath.

Check it out at CaffĂŠ Lena February 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., and February 11 and 12 at 2 p.m. $15 for general admission. Reservations are recommended; call (518) 664-5999 for tickets.

PULSE

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, February 3, 2012

29

RC Oster Explores New York State’s Historic Architecture with Stunning Ink Drawings

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY From giant high rises in New York City to worn out and forgotten covered bridges swallowed up in the Adirondack Mountains, the works of David ‘RC’ Oster capture the beauty and dignity of some of New York State’s great historic architec-

ture, all of which he carefully crafts in fine detail with his stunning ink drawings. Oster will present some of his work at an opening this Saturday, February 4 from 5 - 7 p.m. at View, located at 3273 State Rt. 28 in Old Forge.

“His drawings are void of any people, and instead focuses on celebrating the architecture from all across New York State,” said Jody

Malta League of Arts receives $2,000 Grant from GlobalFoundries MALTA – The local arts nonprofit, Malta League of Arts (MLA) is a recent recipient of a $2,000 grant from the GlobalFoundries Malta Foundation. The grant is designated to the MLA to support creative arts programs and events throughout the community in 2012. The event will promote the MLA mission and build on the arts in the Malta community.

“The Malta League of Arts is honored and appreciative to have been selected as one of the organizations of the inaugural grant,” said MLA Board President and Town of Malta Councilwoman Tara Thomas.

“This grant will give the League the resources to continue expanding our reach in the community and to enjoy the arts.”

The MLA is proud to have the support of the GlobalFoundries Malta Foundation, which awarded

over $37,000 throughout the Town of Malta.

The GlobalFoundries-Malta Foundation was developed to fund organizations, programs and projects that provide tangible benefits of a public nature to diverse groups located within the Town of Malta including, not-for-profit corporations, charitable organizations, community arts and theater groups, community historical sites, special events, education programs, and sports and recreation activities.

MLA is a constantly growing and evolving 501c3 nonprofit.

Visit www.maltaarts.org or www.facebook.com/maltaarts for more information.

Pritchard, graphic designer and media manager for View.

Oster’s freehand ink drawings of regional landmarks serve, for him, as “proud reminders of where we as a society have been,” Oster said.

Also on display at View is the “Adirondack View Finders” exhibition, featuring photography from local Drawings by RC Oster featuring historic architecture, on display at View February 4 Adirondack photog- March 3 raphers including Nathan Farb, Nanci consider Tuesday, Battaglia, Mark Bowie and Carl opening, Heilman. Stone sculpture by Matt February 21 from 11:30 a.m. - 2 Horner, visceral pieces that invite p.m. for View’s annual Chili Bowl the viewer in to interact with the Luncheon. Purchase a chili bowl crafted by a local potter with some sculptures, will also be on display.

Admission for the opening is $10 delicious chili and admission to for non-members and $5 for mem- View is free.

To learn more about exhibitions at bers. Groups of 6+ and children View, visit www.ViewArts.org or under 12 are free.

If you’re unable to attend the call (315)-369-6411.

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PULSE

SARATOGA

Friday, February 3, 2012

Skidmore Screens “Bringing King to China” SARATOGA SPRINGS Skidmore College will host a screening of the award-winning documentary, “Bringing King to China” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 7, in Gannett Auditorium of Palamountain Hall.

Admission is free and open to the public.

Film director Kevin McKiernan will attend the screening and participate in a question and answer session. Hédi Joauad, professor of French, will introduce the program.

“Bringing King to China” is the bittersweet story of Cáitrín McKiernan, a young American teacher in Beijing whose failed protests against the Iraq War inspire her to produce a play in China about Martin Luther King Jr. Early in the film, Cáitrín mistakenly learns that her father (the filmmaker) has been killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq. Vowing to show the

CAPTAIN Hosts 2nd Annual Prom Fashion Show

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY

photo provided

A scene from McKiernan’s “Bringing King to China” world "the positive face of America," the protagonist sets out to raise $200,000, hires the most prestigious theater troupe in China, and stages a play in Chinese with African American gospel singers. But her efforts to translate Dr. King's vision

of global peace to a Chinese audience turn rocky in the face of cultural obstacles and soured relationships.

Cáitrín succeeds in producing a popular play, but she is forced to redefine her success. She finally repairs a strained friendship with her beloved Beijing assistant, while confronting her father with the charge he is suffering from post-traumatic stress from his coverage of the war in Iraq.

“Bringing King to China” is a daughter-father story that plays out against a bridge Cáitrín tries to build between the US and China. As it turns out, her bridge is full of unexpected “potholes,” as she learns that language proficiency alone does not guarantee that two cultures will understand each other. In the journey to find independence, Cáitrín comes to realize that genuine cross-cultural dialogue entails a gritty struggle to find common ground.

“This is a character-driven film about a good will ambassador who unwittingly generates conflict,” said McKiernan, the director.

At the heart of this story is the protagonist’s self-doubt: her struggle to deal with the threat of losing her father, her decision to abandon journalism and her questioning of whether Dr. King's 1960’s vision of global peace still has relevance in a post-9/11 world.

The film won the best documentary award at the Tulsa International Film Festival and the Ventura Film Festival, and was chosen an official selection for 10 film festivals in 2011.

Skidmore’s Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures is sponsoring the program with support from the departments of English, American Studies, and Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, as well as the Office of Student Diversity Programs.

TODAY

CLIFTON PARK – Looking for the hottest trends and the latest fashions before 2012 prom season kicks into high gear? Look no further than the CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services second annual Prom Fashion Show, hitting a runway near you at The Hilton Garden Inn, Clifton Park Saturday, February 5 from 1 – 3 p.m.

“Guests can expect the latest and greatest 2012 fashion styles, including four to six tuxedos and over 50 dresses,” said Robin Matthias, development and marketing coordinator for CAPTAIN. “We’ll have models from all across Saratoga County, including Shenendehowa, Schuylerville, Ballston Spa, Burnt Hills and Saratoga high schools.”

All dresses will be provided by Fancy Schmancy in Albany, with tuxedos supplied by Tuxego in Halfmoon.

Attendees will have a chance to view dresses and tuxedos up close and personal as each model tours through the audience. Each attendee will be provided with a prom-related coupon book, with coupons for dresses, tuxedos, makeup, hairstylists and more.

Door prizes are also up for grabs, as is a $400 prom gown of your choice for one lucky raffle ticket winner.

Tickets are on sale for $10 in advance and $12 at the door. They can be purchased by calling CAPTAIN at (518) 371-1185, or visiting www.captainyfs.org.

CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services is a social service agency located in Clifton Park and covering all of Saratoga County. CAPTAIN operates a runaway and homeless youth shelter, Teen Talk Helpline, emergency food pantry, family assistance program, and various youth leadership programs.

photos provided

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, February 3, 2012

SPAC Announces 2012 Summer Lineup SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gianandrea Noseda, Arabella Steinbacher, David Kim and the Pedrito Martinez Group are just a few of the high-caliber, world-famous performers heading to Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) this summer, as SPAC begins to reveal the first of its 2012 summer lineup.

Gianandrea Noseda, one of the world’s most sought-after conductors, conducts his premiere performance at

photo provided

Arabella Steinbacher

Saratoga Performing Arts Center Saturday, August 4 at 8 p.m. Music director of Italy’s Teatro Regio and chief guest conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Noseda has appeared with the world’s top orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Chicago Symphony, the Boston Symphony, the London Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestre National de France, among others. Online ticket sales for this performance and all SPAC classical events begin Monday, February 13 for SPAC members and for the public Monday, March 12 at spac.org.

“Italian conductor Gianandrea Noseda is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and accomplished conductors of his generation, an impression that has only strengthened since his remarkable and highlyacclaimed conducting performance of Britten’s “War Requiem” with the London Symphony last fall. We are proud to offer SPAC audiences the opportunity to experience Maestro Noseda as he leads the Orchestra through a masterful program,” said

Marcia J. White, SPAC’s president and executive director.

Also announced as a featured soloist of SPAC’s orchestra season is German-Japanese violinist Arabella Steinbacher, a young virtuoso who has won worldwide praise since her 2004 debut in Paris, where she wowed audiences and critics alike.

After her New York recital debut in June 2006, she was called “a particular highlight of the month” by The Strad magazine. The New York Times wrote, “Balanced lyricism and fire ….among her assets are a finelypolished technique and a beautifully varied palette of timbres.”

Steinbacher has received numerous recording honors including the ECHO-Klassik Award (the German equivalent of a Grammy Award) for Young Artist of the Year, two German Record Critics Awards and the Editors Choice Award from Gramophone Magazine. She currently plays the "Booth" Stradivari (1716), provided by the Nippon Music Foundation.

Highlighting the Saratoga Chamber Music Festival will be a

Albany Symphony Orchestra: The orchestra’s brass quintet will offer a varied program ranging from Renaissance and Baroque selections to big band jazz and Broadway show tunes.

Caffe Lena: David Greenberger and A Strong Dog will present a program of storytelling and music designed to capture the wit, opinions, quirks and vibrant personalities of elderly people.

Children’s Museum at Saratoga: Children will make their own puppets and put on a show in the museum’s Little Theater. Students from the Dorothy Nolan School will also present a puppet show.

Home Made Theater: HMT’s cabaret performance of “You Gotta Have Friends” will use song and speech to tell the story of friendship through the years. The company’s singers will pay tribute to some of the most important relationships in life.

Hubbard Hall: Hubbard Hall will present Mozart’s “The Abduction,” which blends high comedy with touching tragedy as a gentleman and his man Friday go through hijinks to rescue their lovers from a Pasha’s harem.

Opera Saratoga: The company of singers will celebrate our national pastime as they perform baseball

songs from America’s past. Visiting artists from the 2012 Summer Opera Festival will take listeners on a nostalgic journey. The event will include a speaker from the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Saratoga Chamber Players: In a concert titled “The Art of the String Quintet,” the Saratoga Chamber Players will perform works of von Dittersdorf, Onslow and Dvorak.

Saratoga Arts: Kristin Hersh will perform Paradoxical Undressing, a riveting solo presentation combining film, music, and a scripted narrative excerpt from her acclaimed memoir, “Rat Girl.”

"SaratogaArtsFest has spurred Saratoga Arts and the Saratoga Film Forum to present collaborative programming over the past four years,” said Joel Reed, executive director of Saratoga Arts. “We've always linked live music with film, and now with Kristin Hersh's Paradoxical Undressing, we'll be expanding into spoken word with non-narrative film serving as a theatrical set. The ArtsFest gives us the chance to partner in new ways and to push beyond our typical programming.”

Sarah Craig, director of Caffè Lena, added "ArtsFest ignites a spirit of exploration in audiences and arts venues. That's why we selected a

program featuring David Kim, celebrated concertmaster of The Philadelphia Orchestra and an accomplished soloist who performs with orchestras around the world. Kim has impressed audiences and critics with his command of the violin.

Highlights of Kim’s 2011-2012 season include multiple performances of the “Saint-Saens Concerto No. 3” and all the violin solos from the complete Brandenburg Concertos with The Philadelphia Orchestra, the Vivaldi “Four Seasons” as conductor and soloist with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, the Brahms “Double Concerto” with cellist Carter Brey and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.

Announced as part of the Sunday lineup for the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival is the Pedrito Martinez Group, described by Ben Ratliff of the New York Times as, “complex, blenderized Africa-to-the-New-

PULSE

31

photo provided

Gianandrea Noseda World funk.”

“Last year at Saratoga Jazz Fest, Pedrito Martinez Group jolted the Gazebo crowd into movement with his soaring harmonies, exemplifying the meaning of the word ‘festival,’” said White. “Martinez is considered one of the best congueros in the world, with equally stunning vocals, and a chemistry with his international band-members that is truly mesmerizing.”

SaratogaArtsFest 2012 Announces Arts Partner Programming Grants SARATOGA SPRINGS – With planning well underway for SaratogaArtsFest 2012, the festival’s board of directors have awarded eight programing enhancement grants totaling more than $14,000. The events will be part of the sixth annual citywide celebration of the arts, June 7-10, 2012.

The grants program, now in its third year, will provide programming support to the Albany Symphony Orchestra, Caffè Lena, the Children’s Museum at Saratoga, Home Made Theater, Hubbard Hall, Opera Saratoga, the Saratoga Chamber Players and Saratoga Arts.

“Receiving a programming enhancement grant is one of the many ways that our partner arts organizations, which are at the core of SaratogaArtsFest, benefit from our alliance,” said Marie Glotzbach, president of the SaratogaArtsFest board. “The programs that these groups have proposed anchor the festival programming while supporting the collective mission of promoting the rich arts landscape in the Saratoga region.”

The programs being planned by the grant recipients include:

photo provided

The Albany Symphony Orchestra program that experiments with blending art forms.

David Greenberger's monologues of elderly Americans cover everything from the Titanic to firecrackers to broken hearts to beer. The grant support has enabled him to add a great back-up band, so the show will combine music and spoken words, creating a big emotional impact."

The mission of SaratogaArtsFest is to promote Saratoga Springs as a premier arts destination. An annual celebration, the festival showcases local arts organizations through programming of local, national and international artists, including

emerging artists and those with established reputations.

SaratogaArtsFest is made possible by an alliance of community partners committed to increasing appreciation and enjoyment of the arts and to strengthening yearround cultural tourism in the Saratoga region.

The festival is designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences - from the seasoned arts aficionado to families with young children.

More information about the festival, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, is available at www.SaratogaArtsFest.org.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, February 3, 2012

Sudoku

PUZZLES PUZZLES PUZZLES

33 The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settled for.

Maureen Dowd

Words to know: quotidian: adj. occurring every day.

Crossword

See puzzle solution on page 36

Scrabblegram

See puzzle solution on page 36

DOWN 1 Co. for surfers 2 Degree in math?

3 Work together 4 Florenceʼs river 5 Is suspicious 6 Firewood measure 7 Activity centers 8 Appleʼs G5, e.g.

9 Take out 10 Enchantress who lived on the island Aeaea 11 Starters 12 Presto, for one 15 35mm camera initials 18 Continue violently

Movie Review

Raising Hector

21 Draws in 22 Medicine, one would hope 23 Modeling aid 27 Agamemnonʼs avenger 28 Lowly workers 29 “This __ joke!”

30 Taper?

31 Its processing produces slag 33 Actress Conn 34 Critter in a domed shell 35 Cereal killer 37 “Forget it!”

38 “ʻTwas white then as the new-faʼen __”: Alexander Anderson 39 Thing to do in style

43 Foil alternative 44 Diamond turns 45 For real 46 Transmission repair franchise 47 Screw up 48 Stop on the Métro?

51 “Charlotteʼs Web” monogram 52 Beach flier 53 Yu the Greatʼs dynasty 54 Famous last words 55 Berry used as a dietary supplement 58 Bass ending 59 Protein-building polymer

Haywire

Imagine yourself being pursued by all manner of for-profit and government assassins. What do you do? Who can you trust? Can you trust anyone? And is it still possible to make this interesting?

Mallory Kane (played by Gina Carano) is a former Marine employed by a private contractor to deal with clandestine issues of national security for the United States government. When we first see her she is in a diner in a remote area by herself when, moments later, a former co-worker by the name of Aaron (played by Channing Tatum) asks her to come with him back to their employer and assaults her when she refuses. Aaron (Tatum) has the upperhand until a patron in the diner comes to Mallory’s aid and this allows Mallory to injure and incapacitate Aaron and escape with said patron, Scott (played by Michael Angarano), in his car. Worried this might be her only chance and looking for any help she can get, Mallory recounts the events that resulted in her being on the run to Scott (Angarano) while he mends her injuries from her encounter with Aaron and she drives. Meanwhile, Mallory’s employer and former boyfriend (for lack of a better word) Kenneth (played by Ewan McGregor) is making plans to contain the situation and the inevitable blowback that will result.

At The Movies With Trey Roohan

See puzzle solutions on page 36

ACROSS 1 Pre-Columbian Indians 6 Went headfirst, maybe 10 Persian, for one 13 Wild weather 14 Heavy reading 16 Suffix with Seattle 17 Communications problem?

19 Sleep acronym 20 Summary of a shrinking mass?

22 Capital of Colorado?

24 T designation 25 Marlinʼs son, in a 2003 film 26 Caused an insurrection 28 Court maneuver 32 Jungle noise 33 Characterize 36 Title for the longest bridge?

40 Two-part answer 41 Vet 42 Bangkok natives 43 Pennsylvania home of Lafayette College 45 Control 48 Well-chosen 49 Colorado native 50 Construction site order?

56 Signs of press conference uncertainty 57 Hardly the award for Chernobyl?

60 Type of screen, briefly 61 Put down 62 Prey catcher 63 “__-hoo!”

64 Marine: Abbr.

65 City south of Florence

Though I didn’t know it going in, Carano’s voice was dubbed over in the film. Having heard her voice since seeing the movie, I’m not sure of the motivation. Usually the motive for dubbing is inferior acting, inability to speak the language, or incompatibility between the character and the voice of the actor portraying them. I can only assume that she fell short as an actress, but it doesn’t show onscreen. The music chosen by and work of director Steven Soderbergh in addition to the fight scenes are all top-notch. Surprisingly so, as Channing Tatum has not made one film up to this point that I’ve watched without regretting it later. Great movie. (7.4/10) For comments and questions, contact me at movies@roohanrealty.com .

Broom Hilda

Animal Crackers

SARATOGA

34 upcoming town meetings Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org 2/7: Town Board, 7:30 p.m.

2/8: Jenkins Park Advisory Board, 7 p.m.

Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org 2/8: Planning Board, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com 2/7: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:30 p.m.

2/9: Town Board, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 899-2818 www.malta-town.org 2/6: Town Board, 7 p.m.

2/9: Town Board Workshop, 6 p.m.

Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org 2/8: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org 2/5: 2012 State of the City Address, 1 p.m.

2/6: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m.

2/7: City Council, 7 p.m.

2/8: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org 2/8: Board of Trustees, 7 p.m.

Town of Stillwater: 66 East St., Riverside Mechanicville, NY www.stillwaterny.org 2/6: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com 2/6: Park & Rec., 7 p.m.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors: 40 McMaster St., # 1 Ballston Spa, NY (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov 2/6: Equalization & Assessment, 3 p.m.

2/6: Veterans Committee, 3:30 p.m.

2/6: Legislative & Research, 4 p.m.

2/8: Personal & Insurance Committee, 3 p.m.

2/8: Economic Development Committee, 4 p.m.

2/9: Technology Committee, 4 p.m.

Friday, February 3, 2012

L A LOC fs e i r b

Spring Activities Brochure Available The Town of Malta Department of Parks, Recreation and Human Services spring activities brochure is now available online at www.maltatown.org. They will be available at the Malta Community Center and registration is now open for spring classes and programs. Classes, new sports programs and special events are scheduled to begin in March. Call the Malta Community Center at (518) 899-4411 for more information.

St. Peter’s Keys Run Registration Begins The 33rd annual St. Peter’s Keys Run will be held Saturday, April 21, at the Columbia Pavilion in the Saratoga Spa State Park. The 10K will begin at 9 a.m., the Children’s One Mile Fun Run will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the 5K will begin at 11 a.m. Pre-registration is $18 or $23 day-of registration and covers both races. The children’s mile is $10. The race benefits the Community Hospice of Saratoga and The St. Peter’s Youth Group. Applications can be downloaded at www.saratogastryders.org. For more information email laura@saratogastryders.org or call Jeff Clark at (5118) 581-7550.

Daughters of the American Revolution Monthly Meeting RSVP The monthly meeting will be held Tuesday, February 14, at noon at the Holiday Inn on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. A presentation entitled “Grave Stone and Cemetery Preservation” featuring speaker Joseph Ferrannini will begin at 1:15 p.m. If you plan to attend, call Corinne (518) 584-3468.

Arthritis Foundation and New Skete Kitchen Partner to Fight Arthritis Anyone purchasing the party size New York style deluxe cheesecake or the raspberry chocolate family size cheesecake will have a portion of their purchase benefit the Arthritis Foundation. The campaign will run through May; the goal is to raise $25,000. The cost of the cheesecakes range from $27.50 to $42.75 and can be purchased by going to www.newskete.org or calling (518) 677-3810.

Saratoga Schools Kindergarten Pre-registration Saratoga Springs City Schools are pre-registering all students who will start kindergarten in

September 2012. Children who will be 5 years of age on or before December 1, 2012, are eligible to attend kindergarten during the 2012-2013 school year.

Pre-kindergarten census forms, which will be sent home with elementary and preschool students February 3, should be completed and returned by February 27 to the school the child will attend. Parents who did not receive their form are asked to contact their elementary school by February 17 with the child’s name, address, phone number, date of birth and gender.

Join the Rotary Club of Ballston Spa Business owners and managers working in the local community, as well as those who work from home offices and those newly retired, can benefit from the camaraderie gained from attending weekly Rotary meetings. Rotarians are dedicated to helping others in their communities, sharing their time and experience with local youth, and supporting global causes such as eradicating polio.

The Ballston Spa Rotary Club will now have two weekly meetings to better accommodate the busy schedules of members. In addition to the regular luncheon meeting at The Factory Restaurant on Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m., the club will also have breakfast meetings Wednesdays at 7:15 a.m. at The D-Line Pub starting February 15. The first few breakfast meetings will help educate new members about the benefits of joining Rotary. The first official breakfast meeting will be March 14. Meetings last about one hour, include a meal and feature a speaker. For more information, email ballstonsparotary@nycap.rr.com.

Affordable SAT Prep Course CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services, 5 Municipal Plaza, Suite 3.Clifton Park CAPTAIN is proud to offer SAT Prep with Capital District Consulting, a company whose mission is self-improvement. Thirty 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. Visit www.capitaldistrictconsulting.com and register today. The course fee is $179.

Classes will run March 12, 15, 19, 22, 26 and 29 from 7-9 p.m. Scholarships will be available for students in need. For more information, call Larry Silverman at (518) 469-0259.

Singing Valentines Quartets from the Racing City Chorus will travel throughout the Capital District region– for Valentine’s Weekend, Saturday, February 11-14.

Deliveries will be from 9 a.m. 9 p.m. at offices, schools, restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes – almost any place you can imagine. Four singers

will deliver a rose from Posie Peddler, a sampler of Saratoga Sweets chocolates, a personalized card and sing two love songs. This fun-filled gift starts at $49.95 and can be enhanced to a dozen roses, or a full pound of chocolates, or both for an extra charge. For more information, visit www.racingcitychorus.org. To order a singing valentine, call (518) 306-4667.

Saratoga Springs Public Library offers Tax Prep Assistance 49 Henry Street, Susman Room Saratoga Springs Public Library will be holding its annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program led by Drake Nilsson a certified IRS volunteer. This is a free service for taxpayers (with incomes of $50,000 or less) that is geared toward helping anyone in need.

To participate in the VITA program at Saratoga Springs Public Library, individuals will need to pick-up a numbered ticket from the library’s information desk on the day they plan on getting assistance. Tickets are limited to 25 per day. Sessions will be held Saturdays and Sundays, beginning February 4 through April 15 from noon-3 p.m. Bring your social security cards and all appropriate official documentation necessary- such as picture IDs, receipts, statements, etc. For more information, call (518) 584-7860.

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame to Close Through February The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will be closed to the public from January 23 through the end of February for the installation of a new exhibit and updates to museum galleries. The museum’s preschool program will still be held on Fridays as scheduled. The museum will reopen to the public with winter hours of 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and Sunday from noon-4 p.m. beginning on March 1.For more information, visit www.racingmuseum.org.

Do You Know Who Your Ancestors Are? Heritage Hunters genealogy and local history group is now receiving dues for 2012. Yearly membership is $15 and includes monthly program meetings, a bi-monthly 24-page newsletter, a surname exchange index and a reduced fee for the yearly genealogy conference. This year’s October conference speaker will be wellknown genealogist and writer Dick Eastman. Email cwald36709@aol.com or call (518) 587-2978 for membership information.

Upstate Equine Medical Center Nutrition Seminar Upstate Equine Medical Center, 362 Rugg Rd., Schuylerville The fourth annual winter nutrition client educational seminar will take place February 15 in the conference room at the Rugg Road hospi-

TODAY

tal. Two speakers will be featured: Dr. Krishona Martinson will lecture on “Improving Hay Feeding Efficiency” and Mr. George Peters will speak about “Horse Sense: Applying Normal Equine Behavior to Training Techniques.” The format is interactive so lively discussion is expected! Upstate Equine Medical Center veterinarians will also be in attendance to address any questions. There will be door prizes and refreshments. RSVP is encouraged by calling (518) 695-3744 or emailing UpstateEquine@aol.com by February 11.

Grieving Children and Families Support Program The Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs The Community Hospice of Saratoga is offering a six-week support group for children grades K-8 who have experienced the death of someone significant in their lives, including a parent, grandparent, sibling or friend. Children meet in age-specific groups, sharing thoughts and feelings using art, music, games and discussion. A Parent Educational Support Group is offered concurrently. Groups, which are free of charge and open to the community, begin March 1 and run for six weeks. Registration is required.

Contact Sarah Etkin-Sefcik at (518) 581-0800 for more information.

Saratoga Springs Retired Teachers Association Meeting Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs Meeting is on Monday, February 6, at noon.

Membership is open to retired educators who taught in and/or live in Saratoga County. For new member information and luncheon reservations, please call (518) 587-5356.

Help Send Saratoga High School Jazz Band to Disney World Saratoga Guitar is donating a percentage of all sales made from January 10 to February 20 to the Saratoga High School Jazz Band to help with their travel expenses. The Jazz Band has been selected to represent Saratoga in February at Disney World on the World Stage. Visit one of Saratoga Guitar’s convenient locations at 60 West Ave. or 8 Caroline Street.

National Park Service Hosts Recruitment Session for Amtrak Guides If you like trains and history, come to a National Park Service volunteer recruiting session Saturday, February 4, at 1 p.m. in the Erie Canalway/Peebles Island Visitor Center at 1 Delaware Ave., Cohoes or on Sunday, February 26, at 1 p.m. at Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites at 4097 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park. To learn more or reserve your spot, contact volunteer manager Joe LaLumia at (518) 573-8628 or at nytrailsandrails@gmail.com.

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

SARATOGA

TODAY

CLASSIFIED

Friday, February 3, 2012

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35

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SARATOGA

36

SPORTS Community Sports Bulletin Friday, February 3, 2012

Local Ski Shop #1 in the Country

Girls’ Basketball Schedule

Boys’ Basketball Schedule

Ballston Spa

Ballston Spa

1/27: vs. Colonie, 78-28 L 1/31: vs. Shaker, 52-28 L 2/7: vs Shenendehowa, 7 p.m.

Burnt Hills 1/27: vs. Guilderland, 49-39 L 1/31: vs Saratoga Springs, 51-45 L 2/10: vs. Ballston Spa, 7 p.m.

Saratoga Springs 1/27: vs. Columbia, 48-38 W 2/3: at Shenendehowa, 7 p.m.

2/14: at Ballston Spa, 7 p.m.

THAT WINNING FEELING - Employees of the Sports Page Ski Shop in Queensbury pose for a victory photo following their second consecutive award for Best Backshop QUEENSBURY – At the SIA Snowsports Industry Show in Denver last week, Skiing Business Magazine awarded the Sports Page Ski Shop, located on Quaker Road in Queensbury for being the Best Backshop Ski & Snowboard Tuning in the USA for the second consecutive year. The Sports Page was nominated among other top specialty retail ski shops around the country and won the award based on votes from ski and snowboard manufacturers and industry reps. The store was also a finalist for two other national awards this year: Best Family Shop and Best Backshop Bootfitting.

Send your sports stories or briefs to Andrew Marshall, Sports Editor at amarshall@saratoga publishing.com

“We are truly honored to be a finalist for the three national awards this year and it’s a great feeling to bring home Best Backshop for the second year in a row because our team works so hard to give our customers the best,” said owner Gary Higley.

“This award really belongs to our tireless, quality-driven team in our backshop: Chad Albrecht, Darrin Railing, Gary Canale, Bill “Dek” Esser and Frank Sause.”

The Sports Page’s expert backshop offers everything from a basic tune, to a full race setup.

Their custom bootfitting process includes properly fitting each customer at the point of sale and guaranteeing their comfort and 100 percent satisfaction, after the

sale. They specialize in handling minor tweaks in stance alignment and leveling, to complete boot build outs.

“Regardless of what service we are providing individual customers in the backshop or on the showroom floor, our promise has always been consistency and performance,” said Higley.

“For three decades, we’ve worked hard to deliver on this promise and we’re honored that our customers still travel hundreds of miles to receive the advanced tools and expertise that our specialty shop offers,” said Chad Albrecht, of Backshop at Sports Page Ski Shop.

Puzzle Solutions from p.33

TODAY

1/27: at Colonie, 38-37 W 1/31: at Shaker, 63-33 L 2/3: vs Niskayuna, 7 p.m.

Burnt Hills 1/31:at Saratoga Springs, 52-49 W 2/3: vs. Shaker, 7 p.m.

2/7: vs. Shenendehowa, 7 p.m.

Saratoga Springs 1/31: vs. Burnt Hills, 52-49 L 2/3: vs. Shenendehowa, 7 p.m.

2/7: at Shaker, 7 p.m.

Schuylerville

Schuylerville

1/27: vs. Greenwich, 64-40 L 2/1: at Granville, 49-45 L 2/3: at Cambridge, 6 p.m.

1/31: vs. Granville, 59-45 W 2/3: vs. Cambridge, 6 p.m.

2/7: at Tamarac, 7:30 p.m.

South Glens Falls

South Glens Falls

2/6: at Hudson Falls, 7 p.m.

2/7: at St. Johnsville, 6 p.m.

2/9: vs Mekeel Christian, 7 p.m.

1/31: at Queensbury, 68-60 L 2/3: vs. Broadalbin-Perth, 7 p.m.

2/7: vs Hudson Falls, 7:30 p.m.

Saratoga Central Catholic

Saratoga Central Catholic

1/31: at Fort Plain, 52-27 L 2/3: vs. Mayfield 2/7: vs. TBD

2/1: at Fort Plain, 58-46 W 2/3 vs. Mayfield. 7 p.m.

2/7: vs. TBD

(From Left to Right) Figure skaters Francesca Mastrianni, Karissa Becker and Claire Aibel will be competing in this weekend’s Empire State Winter Games. Good luck, ladies!

SARATOGA

TODAY

SPORTS

Friday, February 3, 2012

Phantoms to Honor Fredette

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY GLENS FALLS – In a promotion honoring one of Glens Falls’ most recognizable natives, the Adirondack Phantoms will be holding a Jimmer Fredette bobble head giveaway this Saturday, February 4. The first 2,500 people in attendance will receive a bobble head featuring the likeness of the reigning NCAA college basketball Player of the Year. The giveaway coincides with the Phantoms hosting the Providence Bruins, with both teams looking to improve upon their .500 records before the season ends.

At the midway point of the 2011-2012 AHL season, the Adirondack Phantoms find themselves in the basement of the Northeast Division, with time running out to make their push toward the Calder Cup Playoffs. As of January 31, the team is riding a five-game losing streak, which has taken them from a three-way tie for second in their division, to dead last. Only one week ago, the Phantoms were tied with both Albany and Bridgeport with 44 points, and sat only two points behind the leader Connecticut.

Their record currently sits at 2121, with one overtime loss and one shootout loss.

The Phantoms will host Norfolk February 3, the night before their matchup with Providence.

The team’s last win came January 20 at home against Albany. Since then, Bridgeport has seized the outright division lead, but still remains only five points ahead of the Phantoms.

While a division title is still an option for the Phantoms, it may be the only way they can qualify for the Calder Cup Playoffs. The Phantoms sit an abysmal 14th place in their conference, or only two points ahead of the last-place Binghamton Senators.

The Eastern Conference only accepts the top eight teams to be eligible for the postseason.

The month of February will feature almost twice as many road games as home games, including a four-game road trip featuring stops in Bridgeport, Manchester, Rochester, and Binghamton. Adirondack is 7-13 while away from the friendly confines of the Glens Falls Civic Center. The Phantoms are 14-8 when playing at home.

Jimmer Fredette played for Glens Falls during high school and starred collegiately at BYU before being drafted 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2011 NBA Draft. Fredette was traded to the Sacramento Kings on the night of the draft in a deal involving three teams and six other players. Fredette is currently averaging almost nine points a game and two assists during his rookie season and currently leads the Kings in three point field goal percentage. He cracked the Kings’ starting lineup in early January in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers following an injury to starting guard Marcus Thornton. He continues to make starts for Sacramento while they deal with injuries to their backcourt.

The bobble head doll being given away will feature Fredette clad in Phantom-themed attire.

37

Empire State Winter Games Return to Lake Placid for 2012 LAKE PLACID – The 32nd Empire State Winter Games are coming back to Lake Placid this weekend with medal events scheduled to begin Friday, February 3. Over 1,000 athletes will compete in 16 different disciplines representing six different regions of New York State over the course of the event. Lake Placid is the permanent home of the Empire State Winter Games and was the site of the 1980 Olympic Winter Games. The six regions participating are: Western New York, Central New York, Hudson Valley, NYC-Metro, Long Island, and, of course, the hosting Adirondack delegation.

According to the event’s spokesperson, Sandy Caligiore,

the 2012 Empire State Winter Games feature new events such as long track speed skating and snowboarding, and the return of competitive ski jumping. The games feature many different events including: Alpine skiing, bobsled, biathlon, figure skating, luge, skeleton, cross country skiing, snow shoe racing, women’s hockey, and ski/boarder cross.

Along with the athletic competition, this year’s events will also feature cultural and educational events, which are open to all athletes as well as the general public, free of charge.

“We took a page from what they’re doing at the Youth Olympic Games, and want to support the concept of the complete

individual athlete,” explained Caligiore.

For more information on the 2012 Empire State Winter Games, visit their website at www.empirestatewintergames.com.

38

SARATOGA

SPORTS

Friday, February 3, 2012

Three Teams, Three Titles

Big Games and Giant Memories

Stillwater, Schuylerville, Saratoga Springs claim indoor track championships

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY ALBANY – It was a big weekend for several area high school varsity indoor track teams, with squads representing Saratoga Springs, Stillwater and Schuylerville school districts all staking their claims to league titles. The boys’ and girls’ varsity indoor track championship meets for both Suburban Council and Wasaren League took place throughout the weekend of January 27 at SUNY Albany.

The Stillwater boys’ varsity indoor track team won five events total, and racked up 169 points to clinch the Wasaren League title on Sunday afternoon. Frank Markowski won both the pole vault and triple jump competitions for Stillwater.

The 4x800-meter relay team of Nick Zigich, Brandon Gulneck, Geoff Lyman and Zach Willard won with a time just over nine minutes. Zigich and Lyman both helped Stillwater lock down the 4x400-meter relay, along with Liam Kane and Nick Dunn. Dunn also pulled double duty, winning the high jump with a height of 5 feet, 8 inches.

Other notable finishes include the Greenwich varsity team finishing second and Schuylerville

varsity finishing fourth.

In girls’ varsity indoor track news, Saratoga Springs emphatically claimed a Suburban Council Championship with their 103-point performance over the weekend at UAlbany. The Blue Streaks won five different events, as Ellery Bianco won the 55-meter dash, and Taylor Driscoll won the 1000-meter distance run. Saratoga Springs swept two events completely with Estella Smith placing first, Driscoll in second and Katie Treichel rounding out the top spots for the 1500-meter distance run. Maggi Szpak won the 3000meter distance run, with teammates Keelin Hollowood and Treichel coming in behind to take second and third. Treichel and Hollowood completed a busy afternoon winning the 4x800meter relay with Margaret McDonald and Olivia Morrow.

As for the Wasaren League, it was all Schuylerville with eighth grader Suzie Hanehan and junior Justine Kozubal both winning three different events, and Shannon Lenzi winning two herself. Lenzi finished first in both the triple jump and pole vault competitions. Hanehan took top honors for the 300-meter distance run, as well as the long jump. Kozubal won the 600-

meter distance run, and combined with Hanehan, Roxanne Grolley and Caitlin Scavone to win the 4x400-meter relay.

Greenwich girls’ varsity also finished second overall, with Madeline Montigue winning two events for the Witches, including the 1500-meter run and as a leg of the 4x800 relay with Meghan Riley, Tori Spezio and Alanna Parker.

The Stillwater Warriors finished fourth overall, bolstered by Deanna Imfield winning the shot put, and the team of Sarahann Mistretta, Erica Nichols, Sarah Buck and Tori Hathaway winning the 4x200-meter relay.

Wasaren League Girls Team Ranks: 1. Schuylerville 2. Greenwich 3. Granville 4. Stillwater 5. Hoosic Valley

Wasaren League Boys Team Ranks: 1. Stillwater 2. Greenwich 3. Granville 4. Schuylerville 5. Hoosic Valley

Suburban Council Girls Team Ranks: 1. Saratoga Springs 2. Colonie 3. Shaker 4. Shenendehowa 5. Bethlehem

Suburban Council Boys Team Ranks: 1. Shaker 2. Bethlehem 3. Saratoga Springs 4. Burnt Hills‐Ballston Lake 5. Colonie

TODAY

Damian Fantauzzi Here’s a question for you Giants fans: How many Super Bowls have the Giants played in? If you answered four, and that they won three, you’re right! Here’s another question for you: What was the precursor to what’s become the most watched sporting event in the world today? Simple answer for those aware of football history, but it was a game developed to prove if the National Football League (NFL) was better than its chief competitor, the American Football League (AFL.) The AFL operated from 19601969, but in 1970 it merged with the NFL to become the American Football Conference (AFC).

During the final two years of its existence, the AFL had two teams that upset NFL teams in the Super Bowls III and IV. The most famous was when the New York Jets, under the direction of quarterback Joe Namath, (more commonly known as “Broadway Joe”) upset the Baltimore Colts and their legendary quarterback Johnny Unitas, by a score of 16-7.

The first world championship win for the Giants was in 1987 thanks to an MVP performance from quarterback Phil Simms.

They defeated Denver in Super Bowl XXI, 39-20. For the Giants it was their first championship team since winning an NFL title in 1956.

John Elway was the quarterback for the Broncos back then, and he led his club to a 10-9 first half lead, which is still the narrowest halftime lead in the game’s history. The second half developed into an entirely different game. The Giants scored 30 points during that half, which still a record for points in a single half of Super Bowl play. Phil Simms set records in that game including most consecutive completed passes (10), and a completion percentage of 88 percent.

Simms also passed for 268 yards and three touchdowns.

The turning point might have been in the second quarter when the Giants defense halted the Broncos at the New York one-yard line. The

Broncos failed to score on three consecutive running plays, and missed a 23-yard field goal.

Denver would not recover from their failed goal line stand, as New York secured its first world championship.

In 1991 the Giants were involved in a close game with upstate rival the Buffalo Bills and won 20-19. It was a game dominated by ball-control offense under the leadership of the Giants’ backup quarterback, Jeff Hosteller. It became a comefrom-behind victory for New York, as the Bills had a 12-3 lead midway through the second quarter, but before time ran out in the half the Giants scored a touchdown cutting the Bills lead to just two points.

The finish was a nail-biter, as the Bills had a 19-17 lead to begin the fourth quarter, only to have the Giants surge ahead on Matt Bahr’s 21-yard field goal. Later, the Bills’ kicker Scott Norwood would end the game by missing a 47-yard field goal wide right, with the Giants winning 20-17.

2001 marked the return of the Giants to the Super Bowl, where they were demoralized by the Baltimore Ravens’ stellar defense and lost 34-7. In 2008, the New York Giants came from out of nowhere to be crowned Super Bowl XLII champs.

David Tyree became an unexpected hero when he trapped and caught a pass on his helmet. That play would set up the eventual winning touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress, with only 35 seconds remaining in the game.

Quarterback Eli Manning was named the game’s MVP for his efforts. The Giants became the first NFC Wild Card team to win a Super Bowl and beat the then undefeated New England Patriots 1714.

Big Blue meets New England once again, for a rematch at Indianapolis. Despite the big-time quarterback matchup between Manning and Brady, it will be the defense that decides who will be crowned champion. These two teams have gotten this far by capitalizing on their opponent’s miscues, which if you ask me, is a true sign of a champion. It will be a game of who makes fewer turnovers, what opportunities can be created by the defense and which team’s kicking game is ready for the pressure. If the games are as exciting as the conference championship games last week, we’ll be in for a treat.

SARATOGA

TODAY

SPORTS

Friday, February 3, 2012

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BH-BL Stifles Saratoga Springs’ Late Rally for Win

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS –The Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake boys’ varsity basketball team overcame an eight-point third quarter deficit, and weathered a late Saratoga Springs rally to escape with a 5249 road win Tuesday, January 31.

BH-BL junior guard Robert Knightes and sophomore guard Austin Nydeggar combined to hit eight three-point field goals, and Junior guard Ryan McDonnell sank two late free throws for his only points of the game to seal the victory for Burnt Hills. Saratoga Springs seniors Andrew Bartlett and AJ Sullivan both scored a season high 15 and 16 points respectively. The Spartans have now swept the season series against the Blue Streaks, beating them by five points back in early December.

The game was a back and forth affair that saw each team hold a lead of eight points or more in the third quarter. Saratoga Springs held a 21-18 halftime advantage over Burnt Hills, and opened the third quarter with five straight points, including a 3-pointer from junior Nick Smith. Burnt Hills would then go on a 15-0 run during

the course of their 22-point third quarter total to take a 10 point lead.

Saratoga would cut the lead to eight with a pair of Bartlett free throws to end the third quarter.

Saratoga Springs remained undaunted, with Sullivan and Bartlett doing their part making free throws and Bartlett stealing an inbounds pass on his way to an easy layup. Bartlett would then hit a running bank shot to tie the game at 45-45 with only 1:50 remaining in regulation. Bartlett was sent to the line with 1:05 to go, but could not convert on either shot.

Knightes would find junior guard Eric Dillon streaking to the basket for a layup, and hit his free throw following a blocking foul on Saratoga Springs junior forward John Rach to go up by three with 50 seconds left in the game.

Saratoga’s next possession saw Nydeggar steal the ball and take it all the way down the court to make it a five-point BH-BL lead.

After a Sullivan jump shot cut the Spartans’ lead to three points, Burnt Hills would turn the ball over following a bad inbounds pass from Dillon. Saratoga could not capitalize on the mistake, as they turned the ball right back over to

Photo provided by MarkBolles.com

Drop and Give Me Twenty - Saratoga’s AJ Sullivan (32) shakes his defender, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake’s Max Batty (20)

Photo provided by MarkBolles.com

YOU GOT THE TOUCH! - Saratoga’s Teague Donohue (44) goes to the hoop with some finesse during their match up with Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake January 31.

Burnt Hills and would not get another chance. Saratoga was forced to foul McDonnell, who converted both his attempts to seal the victory.

Knightes led all scorers with 20 points, which was his fourth 20point game of the season. The Spartans were even playing short-

handed, missing starting senior guard Jayson Sullivan with a knee injury. The win snaps a four-game losing streak for Burnt HillsBallston Lake, pulling their record up to 5-7 in league play, 5-9 overall. The Spartans will host Shaker on February 3.

On the otherhand, it’s been a

tough month for Saratoga Springs, managing just one win since the start of 2012, and it doesn’t appear to be getting any easier. Saratoga will host Suburban Council powerhouse Shenendehowa February 3.

The loss brings the Blue Streaks’ record to 2-10 in league play and 311 overall.

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