Saratoga Today 2-22

Lo c a l Volume 8 • Issue 7 • February 22 – February 28, 2013

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I n d e p e n d e n t

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F r e e saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • (518) 581-2480

Big Plan for the Rip Van Dam

by Patricia Older Saratoga TODAY

GREENFIELD CENTER — Olga Yurievna Khuriun was laughing as she walked through the snow on the grounds of the Ndakinna Education Center, stopping every few feet to make a snowball with her bare hands and throw it through the air.

Khuriun, a native of the indigenous Nivkh community in Russia, was one of six indigenous Russians to visit the Ndakinna Education Center (NEC) February 15 in their hopes to learn more about native peoples’ sustainable management practices in the United States.

The group’s stop at the NEC

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Rip Van Dam, a historic hotel built in the 1840s will be sporting a new look next year that will include a floor to ceiling glass ballroom on the sixth floor, heated sidewalks and appending new construction with old that will provide 159 luxury hotel rooms. Starbucks and the existing structure will remain as they are.

The Planning Board and the Design Review Commission met earlier this month to get a preliminary peek at the plans for the former hotel on the corner of Washington Street and Broadway.

Architect Dror Baldinger of Powers & Brown Architects, along with Bruce Levinsky of Merlin Development Company had to improvise when their presentation had technical difficulties, but planning board members and members of the DRC seemed pleased with this latest version of the proposed build out of the former hotel, calling it “very preliminary,” but that they “have a very positive attitude” about it.

“This project is quite a bit different than previous versions,” said Levinsky, adding that he had teamed with several local investors and Presidian Hotel Management.

“Presidian has quite a pedigree in the hospitality field. They are familiar with taking an existing construction and consolidating it

See Ndakinna pg. 12

See Rip Van Dam pg. 15

Artist rendering of the new Rip Van Dam Hotel located on the corner of Broadway and Washington Street. Rendering provided.

From Russia With Love

Nature and Culture a Common Passion Between Indigenous Groups

by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY

Olga Yurievna Khuriun laughs with local author Joe Bruchac and another member of the group of touring indigenous Russians as they explore an Ndakinna hut.

Photo courtesy of MarkBolles.com

Featured Stories Teens and Technology As the technology field grows in the Capital Region, so too must science and math education for junior high and high school students.

See Education pg. 10

A Voice for Veterans Learn more about what Empire State College is doing for soldiers returning to continue their education.

See News pg. 13

Inside TODAY Obituaries 5 Letters to the Editor

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Business 8–9 Summer Camps

16–17

Local Gigs/Pulse

22–24

Classifieds 27

Weekend Forecast FRIDAY

40|28 SATURDAY

35|34 SUNDAY

38|27

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Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

Children’s Theatre Open Mic Night Rocks Lillian’s SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Children’s Theatre hosted a free Open Mic Night at Lillian’s Restaurant February 20, with Rick Bolton serving as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. The event was open to children of all ages who were ready to belt their heart out, whether it was as a singer, musician or in a duet. The younger children

performed earlier in the evening, proceeded by older kids and teens as the night progressed. All participants used the evening as a chance to gain more confidence for future stage performances. Our photographer was there to snap a few photos. Who knows, maybe this could be their big break!

Photos courtesy of Deborah Neary

Kenny Kakaty

Sydney Worthley

Sophia Pertchik

Spencer Boyce

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013 Benjamin M. Cook, 22, of Jumel Place in Saratoga Springs was arrested February 11 and charged with driving while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle with blood-alcohol content greater than .08 percent, aggravated driving while intoxicated with blood-alcohol greater than .18 percent, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and resisting arrest, all Class A misdemeanors. Police officers responded to a report of erratic driving on Lake Avenue. Once the vehicle was located along Caroline Street, the driver was identified as Cook. Cook appeared to be highly intoxicated and as officers attempted to place him under arrest, he became combative and had to be subdued.

John T. Galvagni, 24, of Walworth Street in Saratoga Springs was arrested February 11 and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh-degree and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, both Class A misdemeanors. He was also charged with possession of a controlled substance outside its original container and possession of marijuana, both violations.

Officers were dispatched to the Arts Council at Spring Street and Broadway in response to a robbery. Officers were advised the victim was a white male who had taken a woman’s purse off her arm and ran through Congress Park. After searching the park, they found Galvagni, who fit the description given by the victim. During the interview, he was found to be in possession of narcotics and related paraphernalia. The majority of the woman’s stolen property was recovered in the park.

Kathleen M. Callanan, 51, of Davenport Estates in Mechanicville was arrested February 11 and charged with petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. Officers responded to the Saratoga Casino and Raceway on reports of a stolen voucher. After consulting the casino’s security, it was determined that Callanan was the one who had stolen the voucher and she was taken into custody.

Jeffery M. Youmans, 34, of Clinton Street in Saratoga Springs was arrested February 11 and charged with promoting a sexual performance by a child and possessing a sexual performance by a child, both Class D felonies. He was also charged

with possession of marijuana in the fifth-degree, a Class B misdemeanor. Early on February 11, SSPD investigator Glen Vidnansky and other members of the FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force executed a search warrant at Youmans’ home on Clinton Street after the investigator had intercepted the child pornography being shared electronically from his home. There is no evidence that any of the videos were produced in the home.

Youmans was arrested and taken to Saratoga County Jail.

Amanda L. Williams, 24, of State Route 10 in Cobleskill, was arrested February 13 along Broadway and charged with driving while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle with blood-alcohol content greater than .08 percent, aggravated driving while intoxicated with blood-alcohol greater than .18 percent, all Class A misdemeanors. She was also charged for driving the wrong way down a one-way street and driving without a safety belt.

Shortly after 1:30 a.m., a vehicle was observed driving the wrong way up Caroline Street before being stopped on Broadway. The driver was identified as Williams and had her perform standardized field sobriety tests before she was placed under arrest.

Aaron M. Merrill, 22, of Leonard Street in Gansevoort, was arrested February 15 and charged with driving while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle with bloodalcohol content greater than .08 percent, both Class A misdemeanors. Officer stopped a vehicle traveling at a very low rate of speed and swerving from side to side and identified the driver as Merrill, who appeared to be intoxicated. Officers issued a standardized field sobriety test and placed Merrill under arrest.

Christopher P. Haskell, 29, of East Grove Street in Ballston Spa, was arrested February 14 and charged with charged with driving while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle with blood-alcohol content greater than .08 percent, aggravated driving while intoxicated with blood-alcohol greater

BLOTTER than .18 percent, circumventing a court-ordered Interlock Ignition Device and using a leased or rented vehicle not equipped with an Interlock Ignition Device, all Class A misdemeanors. He was also charged with running a stop sign, unreasonable speed and refusing a pre-screening test. Officers were alerted to a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed downtown before observing it run a stop sign.

Officers stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Haskell. Officers issued a standardized field sobriety test and placed Haskell under arrest.

Nicholas P. Deyette, 23, of Curt Boulevard in Saratoga Springs, was arrested February 13 and charged with driving while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle with blood-alcohol content greater than .08 percent, both Class A misdemeanors. Officers responded to a call that a car had hit a light pole. When they arrived, they identified Deyette as the driver and he appeared to be intoxicated. Officers issued a standardized field sobriety test and placed Deyette under arrest.

Mark A. Roberts, of Kilmer Road in Middle Grove, was arrested February 17 and charged with menacing in the second degree

and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth-degree, both Class A misdemeanors. Officers responded to the Saratoga Springs Public Library’s parking lot where it was reported that a male suspected was threatening people with a knife.

Officers arrested Roberts and secured the knife. No injuries were reported in the incident.

John R. Hodgkinson, 28, of Riverview Road in Clifton Park, was arrested February 17 and charged with criminal

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possession of a controlled substance in the seventh-degree and assault in the third-degree with intent to cause physical harm, both Class A misdemeanors.

Officers responded to a Caroline Street bar where there were reports of a fight. Hodgkinson was involved in the fight and had allegedly assaulted someone.

Police searched Hodgkinson prior to his arrest and found he was in possession of crystal methamphetamine and MDMA. He was then taken into custody.

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week in Review Two Charged in Lottery Scam SCHUYLERVILLE — Two employees of Bryon’s Village Market in Schuylerville were arrested by State Police and charged with threedegree grand larceny stealing large quantities of lottery tickets and paying themselves for winning tickets from store money.

Keith Depoty, 48, of 16 Broad Street Apartment 1, Schuylerville and Arlene Vidal, 55, of the same address were arrested on Tuesday, February 19 and charged with allegedly stealing $43,000 from the small supermarket. Depoty worked as a manager at the store while Vidal was night manager.

The pair is accused of over the last six months taking a large quantity of scratch-off Lottery tickets from the store and then paying themselves for winning tickets when the store was closed.

The Bureau of Criminal Investigation began looking into the alleged theft when market owner Byron Peregrim received a bill from the Lottery division that was higher than he ever expected. After performing an internal audit, Peregrim called the state police to report his suspicions.

Facebook Argument Leads to Arrest STILLWATER — An argument on Facebook between three teens lead to a real life argument where one teen pulled an unloaded

shotgun on the other two.

Two 14-year-old boys from Stillwater were arrested by State Police and are facing charges in Saratoga County Family Court.

Their names were not released because of their ages.

State Police reported that in January, an argument between two of the boys and began with the third online. The two boys went to the third teen’s home to confront him, but when they arrived the teen told them they were not allowed to come inside. One of the boys went in, while the other stayed outside. Once he went inside the house, the teen grabbed a rifle and told the boy to leave. While the rifle was not loaded and police say he did not point it at the youth, a threat was implied.

The incident occurred January 19 and was reported to police on January 21.

The boy who entered the home was charged with second-degree criminal trespass, a misdemeanor and the boy who pulled the rifle was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a person less than 16.

Both teens were released on their own recognizance.

Man Killed in Logging Accident BALLSTON — A Ballston man was killed in a logging accident on Wednesday, February 20.

The Saratoga County Sheriff ’s

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013 Office responded to the home of Larry Sisler, of 511 Devil’s Lane, Ballston, around 1 p.m. on Wednesday when they received a report that a tree had fallen on him while he was cutting wood on the property.

Sisler, who was 56, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accident is currently under investigation.

Suspicious Fire at Jefferson Terrace SARATOGA SPRINGS — An apartment fire at Jefferson Terrace has been deemed suspicious by city police.

The Saratoga Springs Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting a structure fire at 28 Jefferson Terrace. When they arrived, heavy smoke was pouring from the front windows of apartment C-3. The fire was knocked down within five minutes of the fire departments arrival.

There was no one home at the time of the fire and no one was injured.

The apartment received extensive fire and smoke damage.

Police said they would like to interview a possible witness to the fire and are looking for a lightskinned black male, age 16 – 18, who was seen in the area of the fire when firefighters arrived on the scene. Police say they only consider the teen to be a possible witness and would like to interview him. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Saratoga Police Department at (518) 584-1800.

Mother Arrested for Hiring Strippers SOUTH GLENS FALLS — A woman accused of hiring strippers for her son’s 16th birthday party last November was officially charged with five counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Judy H. Viger, 33, of 90 Dimmick Road in Gansevoort, was charged with five counts of endangering the welfare of a child for hiring the strippers who attended her son’s birthday party on November 3 at the Pines Lanes Bowling Alley in South Glens Falls.

The incident came to light a few days after the party when cell phone pictures of a stripper on the lap of one of the boys, her head between his legs and her legs wrapped around his head were posted on Facebook and parents of some of the teens saw them.

The South Glens Falls Police filed complaints brought by five of the teenager’s parents who alleged that Viger’s hiring of the strippers endangered their child’s welfare while they attended the birthday party. The parents of the teens who attended had no idea that the adult female entertainers would be present and were shocked and stunned when they discovered what had occurred. Viger will be arraigned in the Town of Moreau on March 7.

Viger faces up to a year in jail if she is convicted of the charge.

obituaries

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

Michael J. Roselle

Jean B. Hennigan

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On February 16, Jean B. Hennigan entered the eternal kingdom of Heaven surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Throop, PA, on April 28, 1933, Jean was the daughter of Frank and Mary Cuppelli Barone.

Jean married Gerald (Jerry) P. Hennigan in 1953.

Her parents, five brothers, and a sister predeceased Jean.

A sister, a brother, and many nieces and nephews survive her. She is also survived by her

husband, and children Linda (David) Papa, Karen (Jonathan) Springer, and Gerald (Suzanne) Hennigan, and grandchildren Ashley Papa (Rich) Gillis, David and Jaclyn Papa, Cameron and Alicia Springer, and Trevor and Taylor Hennigan.

Calling hours will be held Friday, February 22 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 23. Burial will be private at the Gerald Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Susan B. Komen for the Cure, Attn: Donor Services, PO Box 650309 Dallas, Texas 752650309 or at donorinquiry@ komen.org.

Helen Ruth Woolley SARATOGA SPRINGS — Helen Ruth Woolley passed away Sunday, February 17 at Saratoga Hospital. She was 85.

Born on July 1, 1927 in Saratoga Springs, she was the daughter of the late Floyd and Madeline Whitney Barnes.

In addition to her parents, Helen was predeceased by her husband Kenneth W. Woolley; her sons, Kenneth and Carl D. Woolley; one brother, Roy Barnes; one sister, Lula Bacon; one niece, Frances Brackett and her husband William and one nephew, Butch Brackett.

Survivors include one

daughter, Linda Woolley and her friend Henry Gomez of Saratoga Springs; one son, Donald Woolley and his wife Roberta of Ballston Spa; grandchildren, Joey King and his wife Sally of Saratoga Springs, Ken, Ed, Helen and Trinia Woolley, Mike and Deanna; several great and great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins; her companion, Nicholas Palmateer; one daughter-in-law, Rebecca Woolley and her very special friends, Pat and Dave Fitzgerald.

Burial will be sometime in the spring.

GAIL EIMERS GALWAY — On Saturday, February 16, Gail Eimers who resided in Galway, died.

Leaving behind her husband of more than 31 years, Steve Eimers; as well as children, Shawn, Colleen, and Scott Talbot from her first marriage and Jennifer and Andrew Eimers; five grandchildren, Alexis, Ashley, Cassandra, Andrew Jr., and Hunter.

Born Gail E. Sommers on July 4, 1943 to Henry and Evelyn Sommers, she lived in Schenectady, with sister, Shirley, and brothers, Stanton, Glenn and Donald. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 23 between the hours of 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the VFW358 Hall, corner of Doubleday Ave. and East North St., Ballston Spa.

Mobile Home Park died suddenly on Monday February 11 at his home. He was 54 years old.

Born on November 12, 1959, in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Geraldine Virginia Adams and William Earl Roselle In addition to his parents he is predeceased by a brother Douglas J. Roselle.

Survivors include his sister Pamela J. Wescott of Middle Grove, a brother Bruce W. Roselle and his significant other,

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Michael J. Roselle of Loughberry

Ginny, of Galway; as well as several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins and two dear friends, Joanne St. Pierre and Lou Alterie.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 16.

Burial will be with his family in Greenridge Cemetery, Saratoga Springs.

Online remembrances can be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com

Jennie Swiatkowski

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Jennie Swiatkowski, age 96, of Saratoga Springs passed away on Saturday, February 16.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Wolfgang Mark Hammer, a great and brave man, was lost on Friday, February 15 while surrounded by his family.

Wolf was born in Saratoga

Jennie was born in 1917, in Manhattan, New York City, to parents Anna and Edward, and had two brothers and a sister, all of whom predeceased her.

Jennie was married for 34 years to Stanley, a World War II Marine Veteran, who also predeceased her many years ago.

Jennie is survived by her daughter and longtime caregiver Alexis Swiatkowski, her daughter Stephanie and husband John Hoff, her daughter Gloria and husband Peter Spina, and

her grandchildren Anthony and Vincent Spina and Claire and Stephen Hoff.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Wolfgang Mark Hammer Springs on October 11, 1949 and he began his life fighting — he was born with pneumonia and was not expected to survive. His parents, Joseph and Madeline, chose the name Wolfgang, a big name, to give him strength. His name set his path. In his life, Wolf showed family, friends, and all who loved him the value of never giving up, ever. Wolf will be deeply missed by so many. His wife Leslie, daughters Lindsey and Marcella, best friend and son Joseph, daughter-in-law

Lauren, granddaughters Lillian and Lorelei, his sisters Theresa and Roxanne and every family member, friend and person lucky to know Wolf will live on with his memory and spirit. Services were held on held Monday, February 18. There will be a private burial announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers or to honor Wolf ’s memory, love of athletics and legacy of helping others, donations may be made to Saratoga YMCA, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Robert Baker, Sr.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Robert E. Baker Sr., 85, of Saratoga Springs passed away Thursday.

February 14.

Born in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Nathan and Ada Baker. He served in the Army as part of the peace-keeping troops in Kobe, Japan, after World War II. He was married to Harriet, who predeceased him in

2004 after 52 years of marriage.

Bob is survived by his children, Patricia Muller (Richard) of Troy, Va., Ann Baker (John) of Jacksonville, Fla., and Robert Baker Jr. (Tami) of Slingerlands; seven grandchildren, Opal, Kristin, Joelle, Brittney, Rachel, Ella and Rowan; his great-granddaughter, Gretchen; his niece, Kathy Johnson (Vince); and his

nephew, John Dower (Becky).

Burial was at Ballston Spa Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205.

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H

ave you heard about our contest with the soon-to-be-here Healthy Living Market? In celebration of the store’s arrival at the Wilton Mall, we’ve teamed up to get Saratoga Springs living healthy! We’re giving our readers a chance to win $25 gift cards to the Healthy Living Market, but you’ll have to do some searching to get it!

We’ve hidden some Healthy Living Market logos throughout this newspaper, including within some ads.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Your mission (should you choose to accept it) is find all of them. When you think you’ve got them all, head to www.saratogatodaynewspaper.com and click on the “Healthy Living Contest” banner on the left side of the page. Enter your information and guess and if you’re correct, we’ll enter your name in a drawing for the gift card!

We’re pleased to announce that this week’s winner is Linda Morzillo of Wilton! She found all 9 logos that we hid last week.

How many are in this week’s paper? Well that’s up to YOU to find out! So start your search and GOOD LUCK!

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

Farms First in Ballston The Town of Ballston is well known as a Farms First community. Recently, Buckley farms purchased the Cappiello land, and I could not be any prouder. This is a win-win for our community as well as the Cappiello family. As reported, the Cappiello family received $1.05 million for the sale of the property.

Prior to the sale, the family, working closely with the Farmland Protection Committee, offered the land to the Town of Ballston for $600,000, which we all knew was an amazing opportunity for our Town. Unfortunately, they wanted an answer with regard to the purchase within one day of said offer.

Please be advised that the individuals involved, including the Town Supervisor, knew that this offer was impossible to complete.

The proposed referendum was also illegal due to an insufficient amount of time to get that referendum on to the upcoming ballot.

The Town Board agreed to meet the very next day after the offer was presented. The deal, however, was abruptly taken off the table, and the family was offended that the Town did not act quick enough to take advantage of this amazing opportunity.

Please be advised that we, as elected officials, must perform due diligence when an offer of this

magnitude is presented. It was also very possible that this purchase would have generated a new tax for the residents of this community.

All is not lost, however, as there was a purchaser that will benefit this community tremendously.

Please know that this Town Board will always have our community interests in mind when anything of this nature is presented.

I wish to welcome Buckley Farms to the Town of Ballston. I will most certainly be placing an order for quality products from our newest farm. Congratulations!

Tim Szczepaniak Ballston Town Councilman

Mayor Johnson Lacks Bi-Partisan Spirit Considering Mayor Johnson’s politically biased and unbalanced approach in his appointments to Saratoga Springs’ Comprehensive Review Plan Committee, one must wonder if the Mayor understands the meaning of bi-partisanship and appreciates that elections have consequences

The Mayor and Commissioner Scirocco are the minority on The City Council yet they behave as if they are the majority. The Mayor is fortunate to have three commissioners who are enthusiastically dedicated to working with the mayor to plan for the future of our unique “City in the country.”

Commissioners Madigan, Frank and Mathiesen represent an open-minded, inspired and supportive component of the City Council - a blessing for any mayor.

So why does the Mayor suppress, ignore and by-pass his fellow commissioners not only as practice and policy but especially now when considering appointments to this important board. Why has the

mayor made a unilateral decision picking prospective members of the review board exclusive of Council discussion and debate?

The citizens of Saratoga Springs would like to view our Mayor as an honorable, principled, and inspired council member, but when he behaves as an imperialistic, tyrannical, myopic party boss, he challenges our faith in his fidelity as a public servant.

Michael O’Dunne Saratoga Springs

NEWS

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

After the Fire Receives Donation from Ballston Spa National Bank

photo provided

BALLSTON SPA – The volunteer organization After The Fire has received a generous donation from the employees of Ballston Spa National Bank (BSNB). Annually, employees of BSNB make donations and select a non-profit organization to receive their donations. After The Fire was chosen to receive their most recent donation and vice president Kathy Hedgeman accepted a check from Christine Kernochan, senior sales and service associate and Tanya Baker.

After The Fire is an organization helping Saratoga County residents that have suffered a loss following a fire in their home.

The organization exists entirely on donations and is comprised totally of volunteers, which are desperately needed.

Families are provided with gift cards, personal care items, clothing, Red Cross referral, informational material, and emotional support - whatever is needed to help the family through an extremely emotional situation.

If you’re interested in becoming a member, you are invited to attend their next meeting on Tuesday, February 26 at 7 p.m. at Eagle Matt Lee Fire House located on Washington Street in Ballston Spa. Visit www.afterthefire.org for more information.

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Act With Respect Always Endorsed by Basketball Coaching Legend Mike Krzyewski photo provided

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The local organization Act With Respect Always, which promotes good sportsmanship and positive values in local middle school and high school students and athletes, received a ringing endorsement from one of the most respected names in all of the sports world.

“I am humbled and honored to announce that Coach Mike Krzyzewski, Head Basketball Coach at Duke University and the winningest coach in NCAA Division I history as endorsed Act With Respect Always”, said Coach Rich Johns founder of the AWRA program. “He is a great coach, but more importantly an unbelievable person who has done so much for so many over the years.”

On the program’s website Coach Krzyzewski endorses AWRA through a personal message.

“Rich, I am so happy to hear that Act With Respect Always program is going so well. It is certainly making a huge, positive difference in the lives of many students. I applaud you for your efforts.”

Act with Respect Always is designed to build respect and leadership, teach positive and constructive behavior, and help stop bullying before it starts, both on

campus and off.

In conjunction with this announcement AWRA has launched a new website that is featuring individuals who are making a difference.

Under the new section “Spotlight” Glens Falls Middle School student Sophie Tougas and teacher Amity Luce-Aurilo are being featured this month. You can see more by going to: www.actwithrespectalways.com

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BUSINESS

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

Bringing In The Light—Shop Restores Vintage Fixtures

Greg Tkal stands in his shop, Two If By Sea, located at 91 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa. Photo courtesy of MarkBolles.com

by Patricia Older Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA — As the poem about Paul Revere’s ride goes, if the British were coming by land, one light would be shone

from the church steeple, but if by sea, there would be two lights and Revere would ride off into the darkness to warn the countrymen of what to expect.

While Greg Tkal’s Two If By Sea Gallery does not have one of those historic lamps, it has much,

much more, offering a vast array of vintage lamps, chandeliers and lighting fixtures.

“I take antique and vintage pieces and restore them,” said Tkal, who followed a dream to open his own lighting restoration shop.

Tkal opened Two If By Sea Gallery last April, breaking out on his own after years working for other vintage restoration and reproduction lighting companies. The name of the shop comes from Tkal’s and his wife’s love of sailing and history, incorporating it with the poem about Paul Revere’s ride where two lanterns would be placed in the Old North Church if the British were coming by sea.

“I started off as a stained glass artist,” explained Tkal, noting that his love of art keeps him rooted in how he approaches his work. “I love art.”

He began his career 25 years ago when he went to work in a Williamstown, Massachusetts shop where he made lamps, mirrors and stained glass windows for customers worldwide. When it closed, serendipity led him to a lighting shop that specialized in lighting reproductions for Hollywood movies, dignitaries and celebrities.

“We worked directly with museums and curators to reproduce the light fixtures,” said Tkal, adding the pieces were “sold all over the country and world.”

One of the fixtures hanging in his shop was reproduced from a museum piece to be used in the movie Amistad and another was used in The Patriot. The latter, he explained, was reproduced from a light fixture hanging in a home in historic Deerfield, Massachusetts.

Learning the tedious and

delicate process to reproduce a lighting fixture from an antique or vintage piece, in itself, is an art.

“There are many aspects to consider – the size, shape and finishes all have to match,” said Tkal.

“Each [reproduction] creates separate details and elements and they have to be accurate.”

While he does not do as many reproductions as in the past, Tkal uses his knowledge of historic lights, lamps and sconces to take the antique and vintage lighting pieces he finds and restore them.

“Each fixture is carefully restored and rewired to meet modern needs and requirements,” said Tkal, whose wife, Melissa, is an interior decorator. “We can also create custom fixtures using new and vintage parts to make pendants, chandeliers and other lighting.”

Walking into the shop, there is a home-like feeling, with ceiling fixtures amply spaced, wall sconces spread throughout and furniture set in a warm and inviting way.

“I wanted to make it comfortable – like walking in to a home,” said Tkal, pointing out that many of the light fixtures were from the turn of the century, but that they also carried pieces from the Art Deco period, Colonial and mid-century.

“When you walk into a lighting fixture store there are hundreds hanging from the ceilings – this allows you to see each piece better. It is all interesting in an old way.”

Pointing to a large and elaborate ornate brass and crystal chandelier made in Spain around 1920, Tkal said finding fixtures like it is akin to a treasure hunt.

“I find them at auctions, antique sales, attics and basements,” said Tkal, adding that the fixture had all its original crystals but entirely new wiring.

Tkal’s store is more than a lighting store though. In addition to

the light pieces he offers for sale, he does restorations for clients as well as creating custom pieces. He also has reproduction light bulbs to keep the historic feel and look, as well as dozens of glass shades of all colors, shapes and sizes.

In addition, there are unusual pieces to draw in the antique seekers, such a pair of stirrups resembling brass clogs that were made for a conquistador soldier, original lighthouse lamps and a pair of oversized sconces from the late 1700s.

Measuring about 30 inches tall and 18 inches wide, each sconce holds three candles and is fashioned from a single sheet of brass.

When he finds pieces that are incomplete, such as individual lamp shapes, wall light coverings and crystals, Tkal takes them and fashions them into custom designed pendants that hang above kitchen islands, over dining room tables and in hallways.

As for the crystals, Tkal said they also had a number of decorative uses.

“They are great for your window or Christmas tree,” he said.

With ceiling fixtures, table lamps and sconces spread throughout the shop, Tkal said he worked hard to make the pieces beautiful and like pieces of art for his clients.

“We keep it looking like the period [it was originally made] but it is up to date,” said Tkal. “Two If By Sea is more than a lighting store—it lets people bring a little history into their homes.”

Two If By Sea, 91 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa, is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. or by appointment. Call (518) 496-4650 for more information.

BUSINESS 9

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

Adirondack Trust Opens Exit 11 Branch

photo provided

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Adirondack Trust Company has officially opened its 12th full-service branch in Ballston Lake at 322 Ruhle Road, one quarter mile west of Exit 11.

The new branch is approximately 2,400 square-feet and offers traditional banking services such as four drive-up lanes (including

a drive-up ATM), teller and customer services areas. The Exit 11 branch also features a new driveup ATM that allows customers to deposit checks or cash without using a deposit ticket or an envelope. Customers have the option to receive a receipt with a printed image of the checks deposited.

The office provides the full

array of financial services, including retail and commercial banking as well as trust and investment services. The Bank also provides personal and business insurance through its affiliate, Adirondack Trust Insurance.

This branch is the first to be designed with an environmentally friendly theme in mind. The design also incorporated over 50 comments from a survey the Bank had taken in this market area asking members of the local communities for suggestions concerning the branch’s design. Items incorporated include a customer lounge area, a self-service coffee bar, a coin counter, free Wi-Fi, high definition televisions and café seating for up to 20 people. The branch incorporates a passive solar design, solar panels on the roof, large, south

BSBPA Celebrates 30th Anniversary BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association will hold its annual meeting and community mixer on Monday, March 18 from 6–8 p.m. at the Ballston Spa Elks Lodge, 10 Hamilton Street. The Association will be celebrating its 30th year of service to the Ballston Spa community. The BSBPA was formed in 1983 to promote the village of Ballston Spa, its businesses

and merchants, and to foster community pride through events, activities and village beautification.

The annual meeting and mixer will begin with a social hour and buffet at 6 p.m. followed by the official meeting at 7 p.m.

Officer elections will be held, along with a wrap up of BSBPA achievements over the past 30 years and a look toward the future.

This event is open to the public;

the cost is $20 per person. Nonmembers attending that evening will receive a $5.00 discount off membership dues if they join the Association.

Pre-sale tickets can be purchased online at www.ballston. org or at Coffee Planet, 100 Milton Avenue in Ballston Spa. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

For more information, please call (518) 885-BSPA (2772) or email info@ballston.org.

The Merry Monk Opens Its Saratoga Springs Location on Henry Street SARATOGA SPRINGS — Just in time for the 2nd Annual Saratoga Beer Week, the popular Albanybased Belgian bar The Merry Monk has opened a new location at 84 Henry Street in Saratoga Springs.

The Merry Monk opened its first location on Pearl Street in Albany almost one year ago. The bar has since become a Capital Region hot spot for Belgian beer, mussels and frites. The drink menu consists of 17 draft Belgian and Belgianstyle beers and about 100 bottled beers, with burgers and other seafood items listed on the food menu.

The food menu at the new location will slightly differ from the original menu at the Albany location as new chef Brady Dillon, who is the son of the Siro’s chef and former owner, Tom Dillon, will take over and add his own flavor and style to the menu items. The Henry St. location will also provide almost double the amount of space than

the Albany location.

The bar is co-owned by Jeremy O’Brien, Joe Gorman and Joseph Santa Maria.

Regular hours at The Merry Monk will be 11:30 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 11:30–2 a.m. Friday and Saturday

and Noon–10 p.m. Sunday. The telephone number for Merry Monk-Saratoga is (518) 584-6665.

The Saratoga location’s website is currently under construction at www.merrymonksaratoga.com.

The original bar website is www. merrymonkalbany.com.

facing windows, concrete flooring to absorb and radiate heat, highefficiency LED lights and bike racks to encourage low impact travel. The exterior landscape design incorporates a mix of native plants and a retaining pond along with natural stonework.

Commenting on the new branch, Charles V. Wait, President and CEO noted, “We are very excited to open this new branch and firmly believe that the green and tech-savvy design elements requested by members of the local communities create a unique and attractive look that is very efficient. The rapidly changing market dynamics of this area created by the expansion of GlobalFoundries and others provide us with a significant

opportunity to extend our presence to the southern part of Saratoga County. This expansion further demonstrates the Bank’s long-term commitment to, and confidence in, this area while strengthening our branch network.”

The new Exit 11 Branch is managed by Ms. Sally Harrison, who has extensive banking experience. She is supported by two staff members. The bank’s grand opening celebration is from February 14 through March 2nd. The Bank will be giving away a $1,000 gift certificate to Green Conscience Home, an Apple iPad mini and $250 in cash with its “Fresh Greens” $1.00 bill promotion. The public is invited to the open house on March 2 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

10

Education

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

SUNY Adirondack, BOCES Team Up to Provide STEM Education to High School Students

by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA COUNTY — As the technology and manufacturing fields have continued to see growth in the Capital Region, educators in the area are looking to increase students’ chances of getting jobs in those fields by emphasizing math and science areas.

SUNY Adirondack and Washington Saratoga Warren

Hamilton Essex BOCES have teamed up to create a two-year science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program for the area’s high school students. The program, scheduled to begin next fall, will allow junior and senior high school students to attend the BOCES program at the SUNY Adirondack campus in Queensbury five mornings a week before heading back to their respective high school campuses to finish their high

school credits. The STEM program will allow students to receive up to 29 transferrable college credits.

Michael Piccirillo, superintendent of the Saratoga Springs School District, said that the STEM program is very important for students in the Capital Region.

“When you think about all the developments in Tech Valley, we’re kind of in the heart of it here with GlobalFoundries just down the road among all the other developments in the technology field going on in our area,” Piccirillo said. “We want to give our kids an opportunity to have a chance at some of those solid jobs in the technology field that are available right now.”

Brian Durant, vice president for academic and student affairs at SUNY Adirondack, said the curriculum will focus on areas that students can use to get jobs at places like GlobalFoundries when they graduate.

“At this point, a lot of the focus of the curriculum is on electrical technology and manufacturing,” Durant said. “We think that really aligns with a lot of the manufacturing positions that have been in the region for some time, as well as the growth in the

Saratoga and Malta area.”

Piccirillo said the new program adds to the efforts the Saratoga Springs School District has already been making in attempting to get more students interested in the STEM fields.

“We offer an honors technology class in eighth grade that is there to help kids hopefully get a head start on a particular pathway,” Piccirillo said. “That’s an excellent opportunity for kids to get prepared for taking more math and science technology courses at the high school level and hopefully finding a niche within a pretty wide open field.”

The school district also offers the nationally renowned Project Lead the Way program, which engages students in activities, projects, and problem-based learning, which provides hands-on classroom experiences. Students create, design, build, collaborate and solve problems while applying what they learn in math and science.

Piccirillo said that though these programs have already been in place, there is still more to be done in educating students and parents on the value of STEM education.

“I think that like every school district in this region, we need to do a better job of educating our kids and their parents about the opportunities in STEM fields,” Piccirillo said. “I think once they know what’s available to them and how they can advance into a particular career path, more and more kids will avail themselves to these opportunities.

“It’s kind of like the best kept secret—there are a lot of jobs

available in our region in this field, and yet we continue to steer our kids down a more traditional pathway,” he continued. “It’s understandable to a certain degree, because that’s what people are familiar with, so we’re hoping that programs like this will educate more students and their families to the different opportunities that are out there.”

Durant said that once students graduate from the program and from high school, they could either go straight into the work field or continue on to college with the credits they earn from the program.

“One of the original foundations of the program is to prepare students to be job-ready, so they could seek employment [after graduation] or be able to take the college credits they’ll be earning and seamlessly enroll or transfer into our Electrical Technology program, our Liberal Arts, Math and Science program or another institution they want to transfer to,” Durant explained.

A student and parent information night about the STEM program will be held at the SUNY Adirondack campus March 12 from 7-8 p.m., with representatives from both BOCES and SUNY Adirondack available to provide more information on the program and answer any questions.

Hudson Falls, Queensbury and Saratoga Springs high schools have all expressed interest in offering the new program to their students.

To learn more about BOCES, visit www.wswheboces.org. To learn more about SUNY Adirondack, visit www.sunyacc.edu

Education

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

11

Student Housing to Become Available at SUNY Adirondack in Fall 2013 photo provided

QUEENSBURY — Student housing will officially be available for SUNY Adirondack students for the upcoming Fall 2013 semester, with applications for full-time students now offered online.

The new student housing will hold up to 400 students in a modern suite format which accommodates four students per suite, with two students in each shared bedroom. Each suite is furnished with a twin bed, desk, chair, dresser and a wardrobe for each student and a couch and TV stand for the living room. Wireless high-speed Internet and cable television will also be included in the cost of living on campus. In addition to suites, the Student Housing building will include classrooms, a stateof-the-art fitness facility, laundry rooms and student lounges.

The facilities will have 24-hour, on-campus security with the security operations for campus based in

Greenfield Elementary Parents Hold Community Gala to Support Playground Project GREENFIELD — Greenfield Elementary School will hold a community-wide event this March to raise funds for its new playground scheduled to be built this June. The event, called “Knights of Generous Hearts,” will be held March 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Villeroy, a lovely 1863 estate in Greenfield. The event will serve wine and a tasting of appetizers from restaurants throughout the area. Project donations and event tickets can be purchased at by calling (518) 893-7402 or at www. greenfieldplayground.com.

Annual district safety checks

have proven that the existing playground, funded and built more than 25 years ago in a communitybuild fashion, has outlived its projected use by more than five years.

The historic fortress-style playground has steadily been losing its character as various portions of the playground are disassembled each year due to safety and costly maintenance issues. The school playground committee worked with the students to design the new playground which will be state-of-theart and more accessible to students with special needs.

The parents of Greenfield Elementary, a rural school in the Saratoga Springs District, and their parent teacher organization, the Home School Association (HSA), launched a “Feed the Dragon” campaign to raise $150,000 late last year.

Many individuals and businesses have been supporting the effort, including Mann Wireless, Adirondack Appliance, Adirondack Mechanical Services, LLC, Christopher Daily Foundation, Walmart and other private donors. The Greenfield Elementary HSA and Playground is a 501 (c) 3 organization.

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the building. In addition, the building will have two live in residence life directors and 12 student resident assistants.

The cost of housing will be $6,750 per year or $3,375 per semester, plus a meal plan at $3,100 per year or $1,550 per semester. An annual $250 deposit is required to reserve your space in the Student Housing facility, which will be refundable only if housing is not offered to a student. The Plan A meal plan offers 200 meals per semester with a $100 declining balance; Plan B offers150 meals per semester with a $400 declining balance, and Plan C offers 125 meals per semester with a $550 declining balance.

Most forms of financial aid can be used to cover living expenses, including campus housing and meal plans. The SUNY Adirondack Financial Aid Office will notify

students of their eligibility for aid after review of their application.

For the 2013–14 academic year, housing will be available on a firstcome basis. A waiting list will be developed for students who sign up after the complex reaches capacity.

Tours of the model unit will take place at 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on the following days: Tuesday, February 26, Thursday, February 28; Tuesday, March 5, 12, 19 and 26; and Thursday, March 7, 14, 21, and 28. Tours will begin in the lobby in Warren Hall outside the admissions office.

To apply online for student housing, students can visit https:// banner.sunyacc.edu/pls/prod/ twbkwbis.P_WWWLogin New. Students must apply for admissions first, and then housing. Visit sunyacc.edu/housing for continuous updates.

12

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

Ndakinna Education Center Welcomes Indigenous Russian Group continued from page 1 was just one of many during their two-week tour of native communities in the United States. Before reaching upstate New York, the group traveled to Portland, Ore. and Albuquerque, N.M. to visit with native groups in their efforts to see how indigenous groups in the U.S. preserve their traditional economic activities, culture and language and survive in a modern economic environment.

The program was facilitated by the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, with the local visit being organized by the International Center of the Capital Region office.

Joe Bruchac, executive director of the NEC, led the group in sharing native stories, traditions and answering questions about the native Abenake culture.

As the Russians settled into the group circle, Joe and his son, Jesse, welcomed them with a

traditional welcome song played on a bongo drum and shaker while they both sang in the Abenake language—Joe informed the group afterwards that the Abenake language is one of the most endangered in the world, with only a dozen fluent speakers left.

After the traditional welcome song, Joe began to speak about the Abenake and Mohawk culture and how they try to sustain it. “’Ndakinna’ means ‘our land,’” Joe explained, pausing to let the translator speak quietly through a microphone attached to ear pieces for each of the Russian natives.

“We are people of this area and this region. We try the best we can to educate, share and hold onto our land, stories, traditions—it’s very important to us.

“We teach old skills like how to track animals, make shelters, tell stories, sing songs, and teach the arts of life—a strong mind, heart,

spirit and body,” Joe continued. “So we also teach martial arts here,” he added with a laugh.

He then passed around a “talking stick,” a Native American custom in which whoever has the stick is the one with permission to speak to the group. The stick was passed around the whole circle to give each Russian a chance to speak about themselves and their culture.

Olga Yurievna Khuriun spoke about how there are only 4,600 people left in her tribe in the YuzhnoSakhalinsk region, located on an island in the far southeast region of Russia. Khuriun has organized numerous cultural festivals and has a special interest in helping young people maintain indigenous culture and rights.

Aleksei Victorovich Kudriavtcev, a native Russian, is a hunting inspector at the indigenous community “Tiger” in the town of Krasny Yar in the Pozharskiy District. He advocates for the rights and interests of indigenous peoples and works to protect areas of their traditional economic activities, like hunting and fishing.

Alexander Gavrilyevich Grigorev, a member of the Evenk Nomadic Clan, is the chairman of the Association of the Indigenous Clans of Yukitiya, which currently overseas almost 200 clans.

Grigorev spoke about how his tribe lives in the coldest region of the planet, located in the far east region of Russia where the weather can drop to -65 degrees on a cold, arctic night.

“The southern part of our region is industrially developed, but [development] is moving north,” Grigorev explained. “There is now a migration of people coming into our area. You look very much like our people in the way you look physically but also in spirit,” he added with a smile.

As introductions were made, common ground between the groups was found in little things, such as when Joe showed the group one of his favorite books— which happened to be written by a Siberian author whom the Russians recognized. The group also had some small talk about how each group grows and eats mushrooms, nodding and laughing as they began

to understand each other more. Joe then led the group to the center’s gift shop and original hut replica for a little show-and-tell session.

The NEC has a presentation room full of cultural exhibits, showcasing native tools, baskets, rattles, drums, shelters, clothing and even a full-scale birch bark canoe. The group also explored the outdoor grounds of the center, taking pictures, pointing at hawks in the sky and looking for animal tracks in the woods.

“We did a lot of laughing together—and throwing snowballs at each other when we were walking in the woods,” Joe said after the meeting. “Communicating beyond the language barrier with body language, with reading each other’s faces, with smiling—I really felt as if it was more like connecting with cousins we’d not met before.”

Joe also said he was excited by how much the groups had in common with each other.

“Our goals—including the survival of our indigenous languages and cultures and our concern for not only our own unique ecosystems, but for the health of the planet itself—are very much the same,” Joe

said. “I also discovered what I’ve suspected for some time—that their sense of humor was very much like that of American Indians.”

As far as the future is concerned, Joe said he is hopeful that the groups will keep in contact and continue to learn more about each other. “[I think] they learned of us, recognized us in a way—for example, when we did our greeting songs or when Jesse played the flute for them, and they nodded in pleasure and understanding,” Joe explained.

“I believe they saw that we were allies in many ways, and we established a connection which I think they, and certainly we, hope to be able to continue.”

The cultural exchange between the NEC and indigenous Russian group was arranged by the ICCR, a nonprofit which promotes professional and cultural exchanges.

Members and participating organizations serve as citizen diplomats by hosting international visitors and delegations. To learn more about the ICCR, visit the website at www. iccralbany.org. To learn more about the Ndakinna Education Center, visit www.ndakinnacenter.org.

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

NEWS

13

A Voice for Veterans: Empire State College photo provided

by Jackie Kingsland for Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — As one of the area’s most military and veteran friendly educational institutions, SUNY Empire State College, located along Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs, offers some of the most valuable education opportunities for our returning men and women.

The college’s commitment to our veterans resonates from speaking to the support and professional staff including the on-site VA Counselor, the secretary and even the Director of the Office of Veteran and Military Education (OVME).

Their mission focuses on nontraditional methods for educating students while also organizing credit for military training, providing fee waivers for servicemembers, offering flexible degree options including individual programs or independent studies at any of the colleges’ 34 locations across the state, with a variety of ways to access the program’s curriculum.

Through the Center for Distance Learning, over 500 online courses are offered to working adults, veterans and their families in several study areas.

Empire State College is a Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC), which holds substantially more significance for military/veteran students. The college recognizes the value of military training and experience and wants to help integrate that experience toward the students’ educational goals. Wondering the importance for a SOC affiliation? SOC is an

alliance of higher education facilities and participating institutions partnering with the Department of Defense and the different service branches of the military to help servicemembers and their families enroll in college-level programs.

An SOC higher education community understands and responds to flexibility requirements, access, and availability to our military through certain principles and criteria. Many of these colleges have a presence on military installations, which Empire State College does, as well as providing educational opportunities to servicemembers overseas. (If a student will deploy, they should notify their faculty mentor and instructors with the deployment dates and they will be advised about completing courses, and/or withdrawing without penalty while deployed.) As part of the SOC Degree Network Systems, colleges agree to guarantee transferability for appropriate courses, which aids students considerably in transferring college credits. For more detailed information regarding Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges, call 1-800-368-5622 or visit www.soc.aascu.org, or email socmail@aascu.org.

Speaking from experience, it is very evident when contacting the OVME that their dedication to veterans isn’t just academics, but also a genuine willingness to serve the needs of those serving our country.

The OVME not only provides information to veteran/military students, they also offer a web-based module for students, staff, and the general public relating to Posttraumatic Stress (PTS), Acute Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

to understand and assist with these issues. An on-site counselor in Saratoga, Paul Stote with New York State Division of Veteran’s Affairs (NYSDVA), is a valuable advocate for veteran students, assisting with benefit-related questions. You can reach the VA by calling (888) 8387697 or visit them online at www. gibill.va.gov.

Upon speaking with Linda Frank, Director of the OVME, it was very clear the support for veterans/military students.

Frank observes an immediate connection and trust level between military OVME personnel and students, “There is a comfort level… they speak the same language and understand each other. “ Frank says learning more about the individuals seeking her help has even assisted her in her personal life as well.

“Getting to know the veterans and finding out how I can help,” she continues, “I find service members are dedicated, goal-oriented and independent. If they are assigned a task, it will be done well. It is a privilege being around veterans; they inspire me to become a better person.”

Frank communicates passionately about the OVME’s devotion

to assist with the transition to college life, “In collaboration with the college’s central offices and the regional centers, OVME assists veteran and military students from pre-application through graduation. As an adult-learning institution, we understand that our service members, veterans and their families might be dealing with challenges outside of the education environment. It’s important to be sensitive to their needs and provide the support and resources necessary for them to successfully complete their education.”

When asking a student at the college, Wayne Britton (who is also an Iraq War Veteran), what the most helpful college resource was for him, his response was the Military Transition course offered to help servicemembers reintegrate from military to civilian life.

Reach out to OVME’s website to review facts, meet their front-line staff and view servicemember links.

From experience interacting with the OVME staff, conversations will be friendly and their willingness to help is genuine. They provide answers to questions both diligently and efficiently.

An inspiring creation for veteran scholars at the college is the development of the Student Veterans & Military Club last year.

The club consists of a steering committee, (which includes three students: Ed Herbert, Wayne Britton, and Paul Maxwell) college staff and their online population. It’s essentially open to everyone. The club focuses on servicemembers to support connections, raise awareness, and network with other students.

“Technically, it was the first club the college established”, said Britton. “The club is designed for student access to resources and to obtain more knowledge throughout their college experience.”

In addition, they have events at The Great Escape and Darian Lake.

How does one become a member?

It’s easy, express an interest, and you will be provided club space. Contact

Susan Bruce at susan.bruce@esc. edu for further details.

Empire State College has degree programs and veteranfriendly support, beginning in the Fall 2013, Credit Where Credit is Due; Veteran and Service Member Pathway to MBA, will be implemented to ease veterans into civilian business leadership. Call (800) 8473000, ext. 2791 or email Military.

Programs@esc.edu for information. * * * A Notable Mention: On February 5, 2013, at the City Council meeting, a resolution introduced by Commissioner Michele Madigan was passed for city employees who are also members of the U.S. Armed Forces, offering compensation, continuation of benefits and insurance to those service members.

Saratoga Springs County Supervisor Joanne Yepsen, who works diligently within the community for veterans services said, “I congratulate Commissioner Madigan on a job well done. We want to be known as a city that’s veteran-friendly. More importantly, when it comes to employment; no one should have to make choices with their job while serving our country.”

As always, thank you to our veterans, and stay tuned for A Voice for Veterans next month.

14

NEWS

Saratoga Springs City Council Passes Emissions Resolution SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City Council met for the second time this month February 19, unanimously passing a citywide resolution limiting the idling of cars in an attempt to cut back on possibly harmful emissions.

The council had heard comments from representatives of Skidmore College’s Cool Cities Working Group over the last few months on the issue, in hopes of having a law passed which aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from parked cars left running. The Cool Cities volunteer group had been working since 2010 to get a formal proposal to the council.

They have worked with the city and groups like Sustainable Saratoga to try and get the anti-idling legislation and other issues resolved.

In other City Council news, Accounts Commissioner John Franck is hopeful to restore the Saratoga Springs City Center restored as a polling place for several city districts.

Voters in districts 3, 4, 8, 9 and 25 voted at the City Center for over 20 years before construction forced

relocation in 2009. The location they moved to—the Lincoln Baths on South Broadway—has some voters voicing their concerns to the sitting councilmembers. Along with Franck, Commissioners Michele Madigan, Anthony “Skip” Scirocco and Christian Mathiesen say they’ve all heard complaints about the Lincoln Bath polling place.

The five districts in question comprise roughly 17 percent of the city’s registered voting population. The furthest distance someone from those distances would have to travel to get to the Lincoln Baths is about two miles.

Commissioner Scirocco added that he was under the impression the polling place would have been switched back to the City Center following the construction’s completion in 2011.

City Center Authority President Mark Baker, however, would prefer the polling places not return to the venue. He cited parking issues and conflicts from incoming conferences and conventions as to why the polling place

should remain on South Broadway.

He also mentioned that it is illegal to have a polling place at a location that serves alcohol.

Franck countered by saying it should not be a problem, saying they should simply make sure the voting booths are separate from where alcohol is sold.

Baker says an event is already scheduled for Primary Day in 2013 and that he would not be able to accommodate more people in the building. He asked that the council take into consideration the events already planned for 2013, adding that the City Center Authority Board won’t even consider the issue until 2014.

Franck was not pleased at the board’s decision not to review the relocation until 2014. He said that the taxpayers, who own the public building, should be allowed to vote there.

There is a plan by Franck to bring the resolution to a vote at the March 19 City Council meeting which would then go to the Board of Elections. He has asked the City Center to refrain from scheduling events for Primary and Election days for this or any year.

There was a curious item on the City Council’s final agenda under the Executive Session portion of the meeting which read “Matters which will imperil the public safety if disclosed.” It raised more than a few eyebrows among members of the chamber’s audience that such verbiage was used, while not expecting anyone to think there might be something going on.

It was later revealed the private meeting between councilmembers was to do with possible renovations to the city’s police department and jail cells.

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

Saratoga Spotlight to Cease Printing SARATOGA COUNTY — The Saratoga County Spotlight announced they will be ceasing print operations as of their February 21 edition.

The weekly newspaper announced Thursday on their website they will suspend print materials after 14 years in Saratoga

County. The Spotlight will continue to run their publications in Albany County and monthly special publications that deal with parenting and senior-centric issues.

The company began in 1999 in Clifton Park and opened bureaus in Burnt Hills, Malta, Milton and Saratoga Springs.

Saratogian Parent Company Close to Selling SARATOGA SPRINGS — Employees working for the entire Journal Register Company, the parent company which owns and operates the Saratogian and the Troy Record among others, received termination notices as their pending sale draws closer to completion.

The Journal Register Company has been under bankruptcy protection since September, marking the second bankruptcy filing for the company in the last three years.

The notices were issued in compliance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act - or WARN Act. According to the United States Department of Labor, the WARN Act requires employers

with 100 or more employees to provide notification no less than 60 days in advance to any mass layoffs or plant closings.

The Saratogian has since reported that no changes will occur until after the sale is complete, at which time the purchasing body will make the ultimate decision regarding personnel. The sale is reportedly expected to be completed around mid-April.

The only bid for the Journal Register Company came from a group called 21st Century CMH Acquisition Company, which is a subsidiary of Alden Global Capital LLC, who is the current owner of the Journal Register Company.

Alleged Liquid PCP, Cocaine Dealers Arrested After Investigation SARATOGA SPRINGS — Two Ballston Spa men were arrested February 15 in connection to an ongoing narcotics investigation.

Saratoga Springs Police announced the arrest of 29-year-old Marlin C. Turner and 33-year-old Godfrey A. Waldron. The warrants were executed by the department’s Special Investigation Narcotics Unit and the Capital District DEA Task Force.

The two men were charged with

possessing cocaine, heroin and other various controlled substances in the form of prescription medication.

After the arrest, it was determined the two were also selling the narcotics, with Waldron also allegedly distributing liquid PCP. The two men were arrested without incident.

It’s estimated that the amount of drugs being sold by the two men was worth thousands of dollars.

Formally, Turner faces six counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third-degree, a Class B felony, along with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh-degree, which are Class A misdemeanor charges.

Waldron is facing four counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third-degree, Class B felonies, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh-degree, Class A misdemeanors.

The two men were transported to the Saratoga Springs Police Department for processing before being remanded to the Saratoga County Jail to await arraignment.

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

15

Rip Van Dam to Get 159 Room Hotel continued from page 1

The parking lot behind the Starbucks and Rip Van Dam will be torn up to build a new addition to the Rip Van Dam. The addition will bring hotel rooms back to the historic building with 159 luxury rooms and a glass ballroom on the sixth floor.

with the new.”

Baldinger said they looked at several factors before coming up with the plans, noting that they had looked at existing green spaces, the surrounding streetscapes and the facades along Broadway and Washington.

“On Broadway, the [buildings] connect and create long facades and while the base varies

in each there are some clear similarities,” said Baldinger. “While they are not uniform, they are unified.”

He noted, though, that on Washington Street, the facades do not connect in the same pattern.

“The two new buildings will be linked together,” explained Baldinger. “That links into the urban pattern [of Washington

Street.]”

The addition to the hotel will have a façade of stone, masonry and new brick and will have vertical windows in keeping with the existing look of downtown buildings. The original hotel section of the hotel was torn down a few years ago. Levinsky said it had not been used since the 1990s as a hotel.

One of the most appealing aspects of the new building will be a full sized ballroom on the sixth floor bridging the two new wings together.

“We envision the ballroom as glass,” said Baldinger. “When you are walking on Broadway there will be less impact visually and at night it will bring attention to the building. Activity breeds activity.”

Levinsky pointed out that they had also utilized architectural nuances of the Rip Van Dam and incorporated them into the new portions.

“We picked up the cornice and detailing from the original Rip Van Dam,” said Levinsky. “We recognize there are some issues with articulating an old piece of architecture with new and we want to remain sensitive to that.”

Levinsky added that while the main entrance to the building would be off of Washington Street, access would still be available through Maestro’s At the Van Dam. He also said they want to heat the sidewalk as part of the redesign of the building and that they had spoken with the owner of the

Adelphi and hope to work with them to make the streetscape uniform from one building into the next.

While several factors will still have to be worked out, such as the valet parking agreement with the owners of the Wendy’s, traffic concerns and visual impacts for all sides, board members expressed a clear approval of the preliminary plans.

“You are heading in the right direction and we are happy with it,” said planning board chair Clifford Van Wagner.

Levinsky said he hoped to break ground for the hotel by spring.

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Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

This Week’s SPOLIGHT

Saratoga Children’s Theatre For kids who have a passion for performing arts, Saratoga Children’s Theatre summer camp is a dream come true. Saratoga Children’s Theatre offers performance camps for ages 4–18 years. At Saratoga Children’s Theatre we hire dedicated professionals that will enhance your child’s awareness for the arts while enjoying a great summer camp experience.

Our NEW RISING STARS camp will be for the 4–6 year old children. These stars-to-be will learn to explore their creativity through music, storytelling, movement, and arts and crafts. Both fun and educational, we have created our Rising Stars program to provide a warm and nurturing environment, giving campers the opportunity to gain a wonderful introduction to the theatrical arts. Camps are one week 9 a.m.–Noon Directed by Kristyn Knapp.

Rising Stars FEE $120 SCT KIDS Program (7–11 years) will perform Annie KIDS, Aristocats KIDS, Year with Frog and Toad KIDS and Aladdin KIDS Campers will learn all aspects of performance, and will have the opportunity to perform in two shows at the end of open to the public. Campers will perform stage at Clements Auditorium, Saratoga Springs.

Camp hours are 9 a.m.–3 p.m., this is a one week program. KIDS program Directors will be Karey Trimmings and Joel Shapiro.

KIDS FEE Prior to March 1 $225, After March 1 $250 SCT JUNIOR program (9–13 years) will perform Alice in Wonderland Jr. Directed by Michael Lotano, Dear Edwina Jr. Directed by Erika Hebert, and Honk Jr. Directed by June Coryer. Campers will perform stage at Clements Auditorium, Saratoga Springs. Camp hours are 9 a.m.–3 p.m., this is a two week program packed with fun and excitement!

JUNIOR FEE Prior to March 1 $450, After March 1 $475 SCT TEEN TROUPE (12–18 years) will be performing at Bernhard Theater, Skidmore College. The TEEN TROUPE will perform 4 shows of Legally Blonde and 4 shows of The Wedding Singer, both shows will be Directed by Michael Lotano, Music Directed by Matt Duclos and Choreographed by Sarah Sutliff. The TEEN TROUPE camps are three weeks, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

TEEN TROUP FEE Prior to March 1 $695, After March 1 $745 SCT IDOL CAMP (11–18 years) One week of intense performance experience!! Work on your singing and dancing and get valuable feedback from professional staff and special guests. Musical Theatre, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Country, and Classical—all are welcome styles at this camp! Camp day is 9am–3pm, Directed by Michael Lotano IDOL FEE $225 For more information, visit www.saratogachildrens theatre.org or call (518) 580-1782.

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

Summer Camp Guide

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18

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

Pinnacle Realty Hosts Bowling Event for Kids with Food Allergies Take a look at this week’s newest club members!

AZLYN

Taylyn

Tooth Fairy Club is sponsored by:

Nicole M. Byrne, D.M.D Pediatric Dentistry 659 Saratoga Road Gansevoort, New York 12831 (518) 226-6010

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Pinnacle Realty hosted its first quarterly fundraiser as part of its plan to give back to the community. Nearly 100 residents showed up at Saratoga Strike Zone February 20 in support of a bowling fundraiser for children with food allergies. The cause is near and dear to Broker Bruce McClellan, whose grandson suffers severely from peanut allergies. Several children with food allergies participated.

H.O.P.E. Clinic Adoptable Pets Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.) is a not for profit organization of volunteers from Saratoga and surrounding counties of New York State. Our ultimate goal is to find suitable adopters who will provide them with a lifelong commitment of love and care.

Local Student Makes MCLA Dean’s List

BALLSTON SPA — Cynthia Brown, vice president for academic affairs at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), has announced that Kristcha DeGuerre of Ballston Spa was placed on the dean’s list for the fall 2012 semester.

To be eligible for the dean’s honor list, matriculated students must be enrolled in six or more credit courses, attain a grade point average of 3.25 or better and have no incomplete grades. A total of 591 MCLA students were named to the dean’s list this past fall.

Hitch

Hitch is a 4-year-old, 40 pound, white lab mix. His mom had to move so he was put in an animal shelter. He is a beautiful dog and a great size.

He would prefer a female owner and is initially afraid of men. Hitch does run, so he would need a fenced in yard. He is being fostered with kids, cats and other dogs and is fine with all. He is neutered and up to date on all his shots. Please call his foster family at (518) 365-6516 for more information.

Foxy

Foxy is a unique-looking, spayed adult. We think she’s a Basenji/Pit mix who’s a natural at agility! She is very smart & needs someone who will engage her. If you are interested in agility, you will have a great head start with Foxy. When we have observed her with other dogs, she has gotten along well with them. She’s been waiting so long for her forever home. Please call her foster family at (518) 469-6824 or (518) 932-9155

Zoey

Zoey is a real sweetie-pie and would love to find her forever home. Is that with you? Please call (518) 469.6824 or (518) 932-9155

Miracle

Miracle is an approximately 7-year-old spayed female. She was found as a stray, emaciated and starving. Several months of tender loving care from her foster mom has taken Miracle from knocking on death’s door to the beauty you see today!

Visit H.O.P.E.

online for more adoptable pets, online adoption application forms and low cost spay/neuter clinic info: www.hopeanimalrescue.org.

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013 Adirondack Christian Fellowship 8 Mountain Ledge, Wilton 587-0623; acfsaratoga.com Services: Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.

Adirondack Friends Meeting 27 Saratoga Ave., S. Glens Falls 793-3755, AdirondackFM@nycap. rr.com; www.adirondackfriendsmeeting.org Regina Baird Haag, pastoral minister Services: 10:30 a.m. Sunday The Alliance Church 257 Rowland St., Ballston Spa 885-6524 Services: Morn. Worship 10:30 a.m.

Assembly of God Faith Chapel 6 Burgoyne St., Schuylerville 695-6069 Rev. Jason Proctor Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

Assembly of God Saratoga 118 Woodlawn Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-6081 Services: Sunday Worship 10 a.m., coffee served at 9:45 a.m.

Bacon Hill Reformed Church 560 Route 32N, Bacon Hill 695-3074 Rev. Janet Vincent Services: Worship service 10 a.m.

Sunday School 10 a.m.

All are welcome.

Handicapped accessible.

Baha’i Community of Saratoga Springs 584-9679; 692-7694; usbnc.org.

Ballston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 58 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa 885-7312; ballstoncenterarpchurch.org Services: Sunday Worship Service, 10:30 a.m.

Ballston Spa United Methodist Church 101 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa 885-6886 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Bethesda Episcopal Church 41 Washington St., Saratoga Springs 584-5980 Services: Sunday 6:30, 8 & 10 a.m.

Church of Christ at Clifton Park 7 Old Route 146 371-6611; cliftonparkchurchofchrist.com Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Christ Community Reformed Church 1010 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-7654; ccrc-cpny.org.

Services: Sundays 10 a.m.

Christ Episcopal Church Routes 50 & 67, Ballston Spa 885-1031 Services: Sunday 8 & 10 a.m.

Christian Restoration Ministries Saratoga Senior Center 5 Williams St., Saratoga Springs 796-4323 Pastor Pat Roach Services: Sunday 10 a.m.; 6:30 p.m.

Congregation Shaara Tfille 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs 584-2370; saratogasynagogue.org Services: Saturday 9:30 a.m., Monday & Thursday 7:30 a.m., third Friday each month 7:30 p.m.

Handicapped Accessible

Corinth Free Methodist Church 20 Hamilton Ave., Corinth 654-9255; 792-0271 Services: Sunday at 10 a.m.

Corinth United Methodist Church 243 Main Street, Corinth 654-2521 cfumc@cnyconnect.net Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Cornerstone Community Church Malta Commons 899-7001; mycornerstonechurch.org Associate Pastor Paul Shepherd Services: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Community 2001 Route 9, Round Lake 877-8506, ccorpusc@nycap.rr.com Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.; Weekday Masses: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.

Eastern Orthodox— Christ the Savior 349 Eastline Road, Ballston Spa 786-3100;xcsavior@yahoo.com.

Services: Sunday: 9:15 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Saratoga Springs 45 Washington St. 584-6301 Services: Sunday: 11 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa 885-8361; bspabaptist.org Services: 10:30 a.m. worship 9 a.m. Sunday School (all ages) First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa 22 West High St., Ballston Spa 885-5583 Services: Sunday at 10 a.m.

Full Gospel Tabernacle 207 Redmond Road, Gansevoort 793-2739 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.; Bible Study: Thursday 6:30 p.m.

Galway United Methodist Church 2056 East Street (at intersection of Route 147), Galway 882-6520 www.galway-united-methodistchurch.com Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

(9:00 a.m. in July and August) Grace Brethren Church 137 W. Milton Rd., Ballston Spa 587-0649 Rev. Dan Pierce Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

Greater Grace Community Church Pastor David Moore 899-7777, thechurch@ggccmalta.org Services: Wednesday 7:30 p.m. Good Times Restaurant, Lake Rd. 2nd floor; Friday 7:30 p.m. Saratoga Chapel, Eastline & Lake Rds; Sunday 10 a.m. - Glenville Senior Center, 32 Worden Rd. Greenfield Center Baptist Church 30 Wilton Rd., Greenfield Center 893-7429 Services: Sunday School for all ages - 9:45 a.m.

Church Service - 11 a.m.

Prayer Meeting - Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

Highway Tabernacle Church 90 River Rd., Mechanicville 664-4442 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

RELIGION Hope Church 206 Greenfield Ave., Ballston Spa 885-7442 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Jonesville United Methodist 963 Main St., Clifton Park 877-7332 Services: Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Living Springs Community Church 59 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs 584-9112 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Living Waters Church of God 4330 State Rt. 50, Saratoga Springs 587-0484; livingwaterscog.us Services: Sundays 10 a.m.

Malta Presbyterian Church Dunning Street, Malta 899-5992 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Malta Ridge United Methodist Church 729 Malta Ave., Ext., Malta 581-0210 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Middle Grove United Methodist Church 581-2973 Pastor Bonnie Bates Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

Handicapped accessible New Horizon Church 150 Perry Road, Saratoga Springs 587-0711 Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

New Life Fellowship 51 Old Gick Rd., ­­ Saratoga Springs 580-1810; newlifeinsaratoga.org.

Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Childcare is available at all services.

NorthStar Church Shenendehowa High School West Auditorium, Clifton Park 371-2811; northstarchurch.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Old Saratoga Reformed Church 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville oldsaratogareformedchurch.org Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

Old Stone Church (American Baptist) 159 Stone Church Rd., Ballston Spa 583-1002 Services: Sunday: 9 a.m.; Adult Sunday School 9:00 a.m.; Service 10:30 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship in Living Stone Hall; Wednesday: noon potluck luncheon; 1 p.m. choir rehearsal; 2 p.m. Bible Study Group Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church 73 Midline Road, Ballston Lake 399-5713 Services: Saturday 5 p.m.

Sunday 8:15 & 10:15 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

Presbyterian-NE Congregational Church 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs 584-6091; pnecc.org Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

Quaker Springs United Methodist Church 466 Route 32 South, Quaker Springs 695-3101; qsumc.com Pastor Al Johnson Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

River of Hope Fellowship 100 Saratoga Village Blvd. Malta Cmns., Ste. 3, Malta 881-1505; riverofhopefellowship.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-2375 Services: Eucharistic Celebrations: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m.

St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-6122 Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8, 9:30, 11:15 a.m. & 5 p.m.

St. George’s Episcopal Church 912 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-6351; stgeorge@csdsl.net Services: Saturday 4:30 p.m.; Sunday 8 & 9:30 a.m.

St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church 3159 Route 9N, Greenfield Center 893-7680; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com; www.stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m. Handicapped accessible St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church 167 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa 885-7411; stmarysbsta.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon.

Handicapped accessible St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church 771 Route 29, Rock City Falls 893-7680; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com; www.stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter.org Services: Sunday 8:30 am.

Handicapped accessible.

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 149 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-0904 Services: Saturday 5 p.m. with Holy Communion. Sundays 8:30 & 11 a.m. with Holy Communion.

St. Peter Lutheran Church 2776 Route 9, Malta 583-4153 Services: Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.

St. Thomas of Canterbury 242 Grooms Rd., Halfmoon st-thomas-of-canterbury.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Saratoga Abundant Life Church 2325 Route 50 South, Saratoga Springs 885-5456; saratogaabundantlife.org Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

Saratoga Chabad 130 Circular St., Saratoga Springs 526-0773; saratora@aol.com; saratogachabad.com

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Saratoga Friends Meeting (Quaker) Rts. 32 and 71 Quaker Springs 587-7477; 399-5013 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Saratoga United Methodist Church Henning Road, Saratoga Springs 584-3720; saratogaumc.com.

Services: Sunday 9 & 10:45 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

Saratoga Seventh-Day Adventist Church 399 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs 882-9384; saratogasda.org Services: Sabbath School: 10 a.m.

Worship Service: 11:30 a.m.

Shenendehowa United Methodist 971 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-7964 Services: Sunday 9 & 10:30 a.m.

Simpson United Methodist Church Rock City Road, Rock City Falls 885-4794 Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

Soul Saving Station for Every Nation Christ Crusaders of America 62 Henry St., Saratoga Springs 584-3122 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Temple Sinai 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-8730 www.saratogasinai.org Friday 8 p.m. Oneg Sabbat Saturday 10:30 a.m.

Oneg Sabbat Handicapped accessible The Salvation Army Worship, Service & Community Center 27 Woodlawn Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-1640; Mail-P.O. Box 652 Captain Aaron A. Boone, Sr.; Captain Amber S. Boone Commanding Officers/Ministers Services: Sunday School 10 a.m.; Praise & Worship 11 a.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church 155 Ballard Rd., Gansevoort 584-9107 tumcwilton.com Rev. Patti Molik-Pastor Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs 624 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-1555; uusaratoga.org Services, Nursery Care, and Religious Education: Sundays 10 a.m. Youth Group: Sundays 11:30 a.m.

Unity Church in Albany 21 King Ave., Albany 453-3603 Services: Sunday 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

West Charlton United Presbyterian Church 1331 Sacandaga Rd., West Charlton 882-9874 westcharltonupc.org Rev. Thomas Gregg, Pastor Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Wilton Baptist Church 755 Saratoga Rd, Wilton 583-2736; wiltonbaptist@gmail.com; wiltonbaptistchurch.com Services: Sunday Service 11 a.m.

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LOCAL BRIEFS

Upcoming Town Meetings Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org 2/26: Town Board, 7:30 p.m.

Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org 2/25: Village Board, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com 2/26: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 899-2818 www.malta-town.org 3/04: Town Board, 7:00 p.m.

Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org 2/28: Zoning Board of Appeals, 6:30 p.m.

City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org 2/27: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com 3/11: Town Board, 7 p.m.

Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org 3/13: Board of Trustees, 7 p.m.

Town of Stillwater: 66 East St., Riverside Mechanicville, NY 12118 www.stillwaterny.org 3/19: Board of Trustees, 7 p.m.

Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com 2/28: Zoning Board of Appeals, 6:30 p.m.

3/07: Town Board, 7 p.m.

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

near JCP at 12 p.m. sharp. Call (518) 654-9081 for information.

Victorian Tea The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Ladies Auxiliary will hold their annual Victorian Tea with entertainment and talk by “The Victorian Lady,” Sue McLane, Sunday, March 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Tea will be held at the Lodge, 1 Elks Lane in Saratoga. A $10 donation at the door includes a free gift to the first 100 guests, finger foods, soup, desserts and a chance at the many raffles and door prizes.

Special raffle prizes include theme baskets and two Victorian Cradles made by Ken Woodcock. All money raised from this tea will benefit the Community Service Scholarship Fund which awards scholarships each school year to local high school seniors. For more information call Corinne at (518) 584-3468.

Corned Beef and Ham Dinner The Saratoga – Wilton Elks Lodge #161 will host a corned beef and ham dinner on Wednesday March 13, 4:30–7 p.m. There will be potato soup, corned beef, baked ham, cabbage, potatoes, seasonal vegetables, rolls and butter, dessert, coffee and tea. Donation requested: $10 adults, $9 seniors (62 years) and military (ID needed,) $5 children 5–12 and children under five are free. Take outs available for $10; cash bar will be open.

Fish Fry Christ the Savior Orthodox Church on Eastline Road, Ballston will be having a fish fry on Friday, March 15, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. For $8 you get one half pound of hot fried fish, a pile of fries, coleslaw and dessert. Discount will be available for seniors and veterans.

Flash Mob Dance Nanette Levons, Praise Dance Leader with Daughters of Zion is gathering dancers in the Northeast to do an exciting flash mob dance.

The dance will be on March 23 at the Aviation Mall in Queensbury.

Glorious Praise Dancers from The King’s School and many other dancers are joining in the celebration. The dancing flash mob will take place in the mall vestibule

Breakfast Buffet The Saratoga – Wilton Elks Lodge #161 will host a breakfast buffet on Sunday March 3 and Sunday, March 17, 8:30–11 a.m. There will be fruit cocktail, French toast, potatoes, biscuits with sausage gravy, breakfast sausage and ham, corned beef hash, scrambled eggs, Eggs Benedict, juice, coffee and tea. Donation requested: $8 adults, $7 seniors (62 years) and military (ID needed,) $6 children 5–12 and children under five are free. Take outs available for $8.

Make-A-Wish Annual Gala Make-A-Wish Northeast New York will hold its annual A Wishful Evening Gala on Saturday, March 16 at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs. The Gala will support the chapter’s mission to grant the wishes of children in the 518 area code who face lifethreatening medical conditions.

Proceeds from the event will help fund the 100 wishes expected to be granted this coming year. There will be live entertainment with “The Accents” band. Auction items include spectacular and unique packages that will make wishes come true for the auction winners.

Tickets for the black tie event are $160 each and may be purchased by mail through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York office, One Mustang Drive, Cohoes, NY 12047, by phone at (518) 7824673 or http://www.events.org/ cpage.aspx?e=53476.

Craft Fair The Greenwich Elk’s Auxiliary Craft Fair will be Saturday, March 2 from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Rte 40 and Bulson Road. Admission is free.

There will be over 40 vendors with crafters from Queensbury, Ballston Spa and Hartford. There will be an all-day snack bar as well.

Shelters of Saratoga Gala Shelters of Saratoga will hold its third annual gala at Longfellows Restaurant from 6 – 9 p.m. on March 14. The cocktail party will feature local musical talent, hors d’oeuvres, and live and silent auctions. Shelters of Saratoga are the only adult emergency homeless shelter in the greater Saratoga region. Please contact Cindy Harrington at (518) 581-1097 or sosdevelopment@nycap.rr.com for tickets and further details.

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013 Saturday Play Days Throughout February, the National Dance Museum will be offering Saturday Play Days. Guests will be welcomed for the exclusive use of the Alfred Z. Solomon Children’s Wing on Saturdays from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

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

Wednesday Crafters Resumes The Wednesday Crafters at Simpson UMC, 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls invites all crafters and hobbyists to bring their latest project and drop in any time between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Wednesdays. No ability level, attendance, or church affiliation required. Bring a bag lunch or partake our light refreshments.

Stay an hour or the day. Any questions, please contact Laura at (518) 885-5286 or lauraviolet@ nycap.rr.com 21st Annual Interagency Awareness Day Health and human service organizations are invited to participate in the 21st annual Interagency Awareness Day and will be held Wednesday, March 13 from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Dance Center on the Skidmore College Campus, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Display and distribute information about your organization and learn about services offered by over 90 health and human service agencies.

Tables are $30 per organization and admission is free. For more information call Saratoga County EOC, Dottie Sellers, at (518) 587-3158, ext. 111.

Heritage Hunters History Faire On Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Heritage Hunters will hold its second annual History Faire. Come and learn about the purposes and resources of local history organizations. Many local historians, historical societies, churches, cemeteries, funeral homes, lineage groups and youth groups will be present. Other features include workshops, door prizes and hands-on activities. For more information email melfrejo@ aol.com or call (518) 587-2978.

Saratoga Hospital’s Student Volunteer Program Applications are now being accepted for Saratoga Hospital’s Students Sharing Opportunities and Responsibilities (SSOAR) program. SSOAR is an eight-week summer volunteer program for Saratoga County students between the ages of 15–18. The 2013 program will offer this opportunity to 35 students who will serve for a minimum of 48 hours over the course of the summer. Applications are available by visiting their website at www.saratogahospital. org/aboutus/volunteering. Program information is also available through local high school guidance counselors. Completed applications must be received by April 12.

For additional information, please contact Betsy St. Pierre at estpierre@saratogacare.org or (518) 583-8447.

Call for Folk or Irish Musicians and Dancers Come audition for an opportunity to showcase your talent during “Café Malta-Irish Style,” an intimate coffee house at the Malta Community Center on Saturday evening, March 16. They are looking for talented musicians, vocalists, small acoustic bands, storytellers and/or dancers. The show is planned for the day before St. Patrick’s Day, so Irish tunes would be fun, but not mandatory.

Auditions are held by appointment only. MCC is also looking for three to four talented teen or young adult singing waiters and/or waitresses.

Contact Elyse Young at (518) 8994411 x 305 or theater@malta-town. org for more details or to schedule an audition.

Teens Getting Fit The non-profit association Taylor’s Heroes, is currently looking for applicants ages 12–18 who are interested in getting fit. If selected, applicants join a three-month free program that includes an overall fitness class, the ability to try two new sports/ activities of their choosing and the chance to learn valuable nutrition information from experts in the community.

The next session begins the week of March 4. For more information, go to taylorsheroes.org or call (518) 894-1658.

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

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013 egg, honey, baked goods and gift ideas. Open to the public, free admission, all money from the table rentals goes directly to the Auxiliary’s Community Services.

For more information or an application please call Linda at 289-5470 or Debbie at 885-6506.

Friday, February 22 Teen and Tween Movie Round Lake Library, Malta Branch, Malta Community Center, Malta 6 p.m.

This week’s movie: Clueless.

Cher is a popular high school girl who spends her days playing matchmaker, helping her friends with fashion choices, and looking for a boyfriend. For more information call (518) 682-2495.

Saturday, February 23 Ballston Spa Film Festival— Fast Eddie Ballston Spa High School Auditorium 6:45 p.m.

They called him ‘Fast Eddie’... He was a winner... He was a loser...

He was a hustler. Paul Newman is “Fast Eddie” Felson, a young pool hustler, who builds himself up to take on the legendary “Minnesota Fats” (Jackie Gleason) in a marathon match that will determine if Eddie has what it takes to make it to the big leagues.

Free. For more information call (518) 441-4236

Sunday, February 24 Buffet Breakfast Sons of Italian American War Vets Post 35, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs, 8–11 a.m.

Featured: Made to order omelets, eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, hash, fruits, pancakes, French toast, Danish, juice and more. Adults $8.

Seniors $7. Kids under 5 Free.

Monthly Indoor Craft and Flea Market Saratoga Wilton Elks Club, Rte. 9, Maple Ave., Saratoga 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Over 40 vendor tables with a variety of items from jewelry, books, craft supplies, wood designs, photos, memorabilia, clothing, household items, plus

Annual Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe Wilton Wildlife Preserve, 80 Scout Rd., Gansevoort 6–9:30 p.m.

Come explore luminary-lit trails among the meadows and forests, of Camp Saratoga. There will be warming bonfires and plenty of free hot cocoa. The terrain is suitable for all levels and ages.

Drop in anyt ime during the evening, no registration is needed.

Snowshoes will be available in the Winter Lodge on a first-come, first-served basis: free for members or $5/pair for non-members. This event is sponsored by the Wilton Rotary and Healthy Living Market and Café.

Lake George Chamber Orchestra Concert The Hyde Collection, Froehlick Auditorium, 161 Warren St. Glens Falls Program: Brahms, Rachmaninoff, and Tchaikovsky. Call (518) 7988962 for tickets/information.

Monday, February 25 Trout Unlimited Meeting Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Room, 7 p.m.

The Adirondack Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold its general meeting. The theme will be “Mission Accomplished.” John Braico will give a presentation in regards to the chapter’s major river restoration project, The Rivermede on the East branch of the Ausable.

All members and the general public are invited to attend.

Tuesday, February 26 Nature’s Homeschoolers (5th–8th grade) Wilton Wildlife Preserve, 80 Scout Road (Park Office), Gansevoort, 2 p.m.

Please see the general description for February 12th. In this month’s lesson we will be examining past and present aerial photographs to

calendar learn how the changing landscape affects ecosystems. For more information call (518) 450-0321.

Pre-registration is required for all programs at least one day in advance. If Saratoga Springs School District cancels due to bad weather, our programs will also be cancelled.

Wednesday, February 27 Polish Dinner Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Rt. 9, Saratoga Springs 4:30–7 p.m.

Kielbasa, Sauerkraut, stuffed cabbage, pierogi, potato pancakes, applesauce, rolls & butter, dessert, coffee & tea. Donation requested: $10 Adults, $9 Seniors (62 yrs.) & military w/ID card, $6 Children 5–12. Children under 5 Free. $10 All Take-outs.

Historical Picture Scanning Party Malta Ridge Methodist Church, 729 Malta Ave., Malta Ridge 7 p.m.

The Malta Memories Historical Group is sponsoring a historical picture scanning party on our next meeting. Bring your local photographs, documents, newspaper clippings, etc. to be scanned and preserved for history.

We can also photograph artifacts and large photos, portraits, etc. for digital preservation.

Thursday, February 28 Go Red For Women Fundraiser Longfellows, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 6–8 p.m.

You are cordially invited to the 4th Annual Go Red for Women Fundraiser sponsored by the Adirondack Women’s Bar Association. The cost is $30.00 at the door with the proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women.

Dr. Sulagna Mookherjee will be our guest speaker and we will have a raffle for fabulous items donated by local vendors. Light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served. This event is being underwritten by the Cardiology Associates of Schenectady. If you have any questions, please contact Meghan Deltry at 281-6812 or Meghan.Deltry@gmail.com.

Blood Drives February 22: 1–6 p.m.

YMCA of Saratoga Wilton 20 Old Gick Rd Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 February 23: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

West Glens Falls Volunteer Fire Dept.

33 Luzerne Rd Queensbury, NY 12804 February 24: 6:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Crosstown Blood Donation Center Route 7& Watt St Schenectady, NY 12304 February 25: 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Galway High School 5317 Sacandaga Rd Galway, NY 12074 February 26: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Washington County Building 383 Broadway Fort Edward, NY 12828 February 27: 6:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Crosstown Blood Donation Center Route 7& Watt St Schenectady, NY 12304 February 28: 1–6 p.m.

American Legion Post 70 34 West Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

21

Family Friendly Events Friday Head south to Colonie Center Mall and join in on some birthday fun with Disney Junior to celebrate Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates’s Birthday.

Enjoy special arts & crafts, birthday favors, and fun games, like Pin the Tail on the Croc with Radio Disney Junior. The party starts at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday Escape the cold and head to the National Museum of Dance for Saturday Play Days. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. guests will have exclusive use of the children’s wing for play and fun. Adults are free, and children 4 and up are $3 each.

Sunday Celebrate Purim at Gavin Park with Temple Sinai. The festivities begin at 1 p.m. and will include more than 25 interactive games, a bouncy bounce, DJ and dancing, balloon art, face painting, storytelling and crafts.

Clifton Park Chabad will be hosting a Purim in Africa celebration at the Shenendehowa Adult Community Center starting at 4 p.m. Participants are encouraged to dress in African or any Purim costume.

Sunday is the annual Black History Month celebration at the National Museum of Dance.

We attended this program last year and it was terrific. It starts at 2 p.m. and will feature many performances; spoken word, dance, and music.

Compliments of:

Seek • Learn Find • Play Visit us online!

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

PULSE

22

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

Local Gigs Week of 2/22-2/28

Send listings to ads@saratogapublishing.com

Friday, 2/22:

Saturday, 2/23:

Terry Gordon Quartet, 9 pm

Rick Bolton, Sherri Nolan and Arlin Greene, 9 pm

@ 9 maple ave - 583.2582

Justin Joyner of Gravity, 9 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

Sugar Pill, 9 pm @ bentley’s - 899.4300

Sean Tyrrell, 8 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

Woodstone, 9 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

Radio Junkies, 8:30 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

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

John Eisenhart, 9 pm @ the mill - 899.5253

Jim Gaudet & The Railroad Boys, 9 pm @ the parting glass - 583.1916

Andy Iorio, 6:30 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

Branchez & Tony Quattro, 8 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

Chuck Kelsey, 8 pm @ ravenswood - 371.8771

Audiostars, 8 pm @ vapor - 792.8282

Saturday, 2/23: Marcus Benoit Band, 9 pm @ 9 maple ave - 583.2582

Rick Nelson of High Peaks, 9 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

Spoiler, 9 pm @ bentley’s - 899.4300

Sean Rowe, 8 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

@ gaffney’s - 587.7359

Shinedown and Three Days Grace w/P.O.D., 7 pm @ the glens falls civic center - 798.0202

Gravity, 9:30 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

On Your Mark, 8 pm @ the mill - 899.5253

Lucky Jukebox Brigade, 9 pm @ the parting glass - 583.1916

Paranoid Social Club, 9 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

Silverstein, 6:30 pm @ upstate concert hall - 371.0012

Sunday, 2/24: Josh Gracin, 8 pm

@ the charles r. wood theater - 798.9663

Thursday, 2/28: YMCA Event w/Live Music, 9 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

Irish Celtic Session, 7 pm @ the parting glass - 583.1916

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

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

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

Thur. Open Mic, 7 pm @ caffè lena - 58322

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

PULSE

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

23

SPAC Announces New York City Ballet Season: July 9–13 photo provided

SARATOGA SPRINGS — New York City Ballet, one of the world’s foremost dance companies, will present a dazzling, diverse repertory of 15 stunning ballets during its summer season at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) July 9–13. Highlights of its engagement include Balanchine masterpieces “Serenade” and “Theme and Variations,” a special Gala program featuring the Saratoga premieres of Peter Martins’ “Bal de Couture” and Christopher Wheeldon’s pas de deux “This Bitter Earth,” and three performances of Justin Peck’s “Year of the Rabbit,” which also makes its Saratoga debut.

“New York City Ballet brings to its summer stage at SPAC a world-class program of astonishing breadth and brilliance.

From iconic Balanchine gems like “Serenade and “Stravinsky Violin Concerto,” to favorite works by Jerome Robbins including “West Side Story Suite” and “Dances at a Gathering,” to exciting new ballets by Peter Martins, Christopher Wheeldon and Justin Peck, the interplay of tradition and innovation in this season is exceptional,” said Marcia J. White, president and executive director of SPAC. “Each and every program is a standout and guaranteed to offer an unforgettable experience for our guests.”

Highlights of NYCB’s “Tchaikovsky CELEBRATION” Major features of the summer program include highlights of NYCB’s “Tchaikovsky Celebration,” a centerpiece of its winter season at Lincoln Center. Five of the season’s 15 ballets feature the music of the great Russian composer Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky. Legendary choreographer George Balanchine had a special affinity for Tchaikovsky. He once

told an interviewer, “In everything that I did to Tchaikovsky’s music, I sensed his help. It wasn’t real conversation. But when I was working and saw that something was coming of it, I felt that it was Tchaikovsky who had helped me.”

The Opening Night program will feature three Balanchine ballets set to Tchaikovsky’s music including the virtuosic “Tschaikovosky Pas de Deux”; the classical tour de force “Theme and Variations;” and the “Garland Dance,” Balanchine’s 1981 interpretation of the famous dance from “The Sleeping Beauty,” the first ballet the legendary choreographer danced in as a child in Russia. The “Garland Dance,” which features a large cast, including 16 children, has never been seen at SPAC as an excerpted work.

Also presented will be the iconic, four-movement “Serenade,” one of Balanchine’s most widely danced and beloved works. The first ballet Balanchine choreographed in America, it originated as a lesson in stage technique; Balanchine worked unexpected rehearsal events into the choreography such as a student’s fall or late arrival to rehearsal.

The ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s “Serenade for Strings,” features 26 dancers in blue costumes before a blue background.

The Ruby Ball: Ballet Gala The music of Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin” is the score for Peter Martins’ newest ballet, “Bal de Couture,” which will have its Saratoga Premiere and one-timeonly performance at the July 13 Ballet Gala, one of two premieres that highlight the special evening.

The ballet features striking costumes created by legendary fashion designer and master couturier, Valentino Garavani, often known simply as Valentino.

Also featuring an original Valentino costume design is Christopher Wheeldon’s pas de deux “This Bitter Earth,” which will have its Saratoga premiere at the Gala. Set to Max Richter’s remake of Dinah Washington’s 1960 rhythm & blues song of the same name, the work is excerpted from Wheeldon’s “Five Movements, Three Repeats.”

Complementing “Bal de Couture’s” “Valentino Red” costumes and inspiring the evening’s theme, the Gala program also features Balanchine’s brilliant “Rubies,” the second section of the fulllength “Jewels.” Set to Stravinsky’s “Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra,” the work features Karinska’s famous, red jeweled costumes.

The evening culminates with “West Side Story Suite,” Jerome Robbins’ suite of dances taken from the award winning musical he created with Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. One of the few ballets that requires dancers to sing as well as dance, the work features several song and dance sequences including “Something’s Coming,” “Dance at the Gym,” “Cool,” “America,” “and “Somewhere.”

Repertory Highlights The season will feature the Saratoga Premiere of Justin Peck’s recent work for New York City Ballet, “Year of the Rabbit.” The work is featured on the July 9 Opening Night, July 10 and the July 13 matinee program. Peck’s first work for NYCB, “In Creases,” had its World Premiere at SPAC’s Ballet Gala last season.

Set to indie-folk composer Sufjan Stevens’ “Enjoy Your Rabbit,” an electronica album and song cycle based on the Chinese zodiac, the work for 18 dancers is an elaboration of Peck’s 2010 work, “Tales of a Chinese Zodiac.” For the new ballet, Stevens and Peck collaborated on all aspects of the production, including a new orchestration of “Enjoy Your Rabbit,” created specifically for the ballet. The work debuted on October 5, 2012 in New York to wide critical acclaim.

Peck, a member of NYCB’s corps de ballet since 2007, has been recognized for his choreographic promise since his debut as a choreographer in 2009, earning favorable notices from the New York Times, Dance Magazine and Vanity Fair among others. He earned a Bessie Award nomination in 2011 in the “Outstanding Emerging Choreographer,” category.

Other repertory highlights of the season include a July 11 evening of “20th Century Violin Concertos” featuring Peter Martins’ “Barber Violin Concerto” which explores the contrast between classical and

modern dance; Robbins’ ethereal, introspective “Opus 19/ The Dreamer,” and Balanchine’s “Stravinsky Violin Concerto,” a signature “black and white” ballet and a work widely considered one of the choreographer’s greatest.

Neoclassical simplicity and symmetry also narrate a July 12 program of chamber works that includes Peter Martins’ spare and elegant “Hallelujah Junction” set to a pulsing John Adams score and featuring two onstage pianists; Christopher Wheeldon’s poignant “After the Rain” pas de deux, created in 2005 for retiring NYCB principal Jock Soto, and set to a score by Arvo Pärt; and Jerome Robbins’ uplifting “Dances at a Gathering,” a work for 10 dancers set to 18 piano pieces by Chopin.

“In conjunction with this spectacular program, audiences can look forward to the return of our popular series of Pre-Shows including American Girl Night, Family Night, Date Night and Girls Night Out, as well as engaging educational programs such as New York City Ballet’s ‘See the Music’ and Children’s Workshops led by NYCB dancers,” said White. “An evening at SPAC offers limitless opportunities to learn, interact and enjoy. It’s a live arts experience at its best.”

Online ticket sales for New York City Ballet’s Saratoga Season begin on March 18 at www.spac.org.

Ticket prices for inside seating range from $30 - $80; lawn seating is $24.

PULSE

24

Rock the Oscars at The City Tavern SARATOGA SPRINGS — A special Academy Awards celebration open to the public is set for Sunday, February 24, beginning at 5 p.m. at The City Tavern on the corner of Caroline Street and Maple Avenue. The Red Carpet fundraiser will benefit the nonprofit Saratoga Film Forum, which has been bringing independent films and hosting relevant film-related discussions and events in Saratoga Springs for 20 years. Creative, fundraising Oscar parties at various venues have drawn wide audiences of revelers every year, but this is the first time The City Tavern has been the site for the event, which will feature the TV coverage on a 100-inch screen. Additional Oscar parties are planned in private homes across Saratoga Springs and at Longfellow’s.

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

2013 Tour de Cure Kickoff Party to Feature NFL Player Marcus Dupree

The entire third floor of the tavern will be dedicated to patrons to watch the Academy Awards show; pre-event coverage begins at 5 p.m., with presentation of the awards beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is $10; additional donations will be gratefully accepted. Dress is “finest or funnest,” according to the organizers.

The tavern will donate 10 percent of the evening’s proceeds to the Film Forum.

Members and friends of the Film Forum, as well as passersby and the general public all are welcome to attend. For more information, go to www.saratogafilmforum.org.

CLIFTON PARK — The American Diabetes Association (ADA) will hold a kickoff party for Tour de Cure 2013, the Capital Region’s premier cycling event dedicated to finding a cure for diabetes. The celebration will be held on Thursday, February 28 from 6–8 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, located at 30 Clifton Country Rd. in Clifton Park.

Featuring music by DJ JC Kelleher and special guest NFL player Marcus Dupree who will speak about living with diabetes, the event also

includes food, prizes and information about building a Tour de Cure team, training and online fundraising.

Register by contacting Justine Carroll at (518) 218-1755 x3632 or jucarroll@diabetes.org. The event is free for riders who have signed up for the Tour and $25 for guests.

“Our kickoff party marks the official start of Tour season and provides an excellent opportunity for participants to meet each other and sponsors to show their support, particularly for the Red Riders,” said ADA Associate Director of

Albany Denise Nicastro, explaining that Red Riders are individuals who live with the disease and are recognized as the heroes of the event.

“We are hoping to generate excitement about our ambitious goal of surpassing last year’s record of one million dollars raised and reaching $1.25 million this year.”

The annual ride—which takes place on Sunday, June 2—is part of a nationwide movement to Stop Diabetes® and change the future of the nearly 26 million Americans living with the disease. Designed for everyone from the novice biker to the experienced cyclist, the Tour de Cure includes routes ranging from a 10-mile Family Fun Ride to a 100-mile Century Ride. Register by visiting diabetes.org. The early bird registration fee is $15 and there is a $200 fundraising minimum for all riders.

“Individuals who register early raise significantly more money for this tremendous cause because they become tied to the mission and have a better chance of activating their fundraising network,” said ADA Director of Albany and Central New York Amy Young, noting that the Saratoga Tour de Cure is ranked first in the state and third out of 90 tours in the nation. “We are hoping to recruit even more family and corporate teams this year to fulfill our goal and advance the mission of the organization.”

For more information, visit www.main.diabetes.org. From the home page, you can also link the event’s Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Community pages.

food

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

25

A New Version of Mac & Cheese—With Ingredients from the Saratoga Farmers’ Market

Foti and Colleen Zorbas have been eating a vegan diet (free of meat, poultry, fish, dairy and eggs) for about five years. Not only do they feel healthier, but also they realized they loved to create and cook vegan.

Their business, Zorbas Natural Foods (ZNF), was born to bring their healthful and vegan products to the public. The Saratoga Farmers’ Market soon became a venue for Colleen and Foti to offer their delicious foods to their customers.

“There are no artificial additives and no ingredients from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our foods,” Colleen explained. “In addition we use organic and local ingredients as much as possible.”

Colleen is studying to become a certified herbalist to help grow the business with more knowledge and

expertise for their herbs and teas.

ZNF’s flagship product is Garla-la. Raw garlic and potato-based, it works as a spread or a dip. It can also serve as an ingredient in other dishes, such as in this week’s recipe, a vegan version of macaroni and cheese.

Foti, being of Greek heritage, grew up eating this very garlicky spread. His mother made it all the time, but in Greek it is called “Skordalia”. Foti and Colleen took the traditional recipe and changed it into something of their own.

Colleen explained how this version of Skordalia received its new name, Gar-la-la.

“Our daughter Demetra was four at the time and couldn’t pronounce ‘Skordalia’ with the Greek accent so she called it ‘Gar-la-la’”.

It became a hit.

The Zorbas’ recommend using Gar-la-la instead of mayonnaise for sandwiches, as a dressing for salads and veggies, as a spread for bagels instead of cream cheese, and of course as an ingredient in lots of dishes.

If you visit Zorbas Natural Foods website http://www.zorbasnaturalfoods.com/, you will see how the business has grown with amazing new products. Along with eight varieties of Gar-la-la, ZNF makes a variety of hummus, pesto, pumpkin butter, rustic crackers, and herbs and herbal teas (some grown by the Zorbas family). They are now working on a vegan “cheese” line.

Zorbas Natural Foods is giving a vegan cooking class April 21 at the Battenkill Kitchen, in Salem. Most of the meal will consist of products from the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

Space is limited; to sign up talk to Colleen at the Winter Market, or email her colzorbas@yahoo.com.

Vegan Mac & “Cheese” (Serves 4 to 8) This recipe is packed with nutrients—such as protein, calcium and other minerals from the tofu, carbohydrates from the pasta, B-vitamins from the nutritional yeast, and antioxidants in the garlic.

Ingredients 1½ lbs. elbow macaroni or spiral shaped pasta 1 block firm organic tofu

2 tbsp. nutritional yeast 2 tbsp. Original Gar-la-la* 1 tbsp. mustard ¼ cup of olive oil 1 cup soy or almond milk A splash of white wine 2 tsp. paprika Salt to taste Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Boil the pasta until al dente and set aside.

3. Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a blender.

4. Pour the blended ingredients over the pasta and mix well.

5. Put the mixture in an ovenproof dish, approximately 9 x 14 inches.

6. Top with breadcrumbs.

7. Bake for 30 minutes.

Home Sweet Home

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY

Hello, my Foodie Friends!

Recently Paula and I were invited over our longtime friends the Robertolini’s new home for the first time. Of course it was beautiful and you could feel the pride they had in their new home. When we arrived we had our gifts and lines ready: “Bread - that this house may never know hunger”.

“Salt (Sea Salt) - that life may always have flavor.”

“Wine (Ol’ Geezer Shiraz) that joy and prosperity may reign forever.”

Of Course we borrowed these lines from the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Now there

are other traditional gifts that we considered such as a broom which can be used to sweep away evil and your house will always be clean. I told Paula no on the broom idea since Mrs. Robertolini would probably hit me with it.

How about honey or sugar? So this house will know the sweetness of life! Nope, those were too sticky and mushy. This one is good, olive oil for health, light and keeping your husband faithful. No, Mr. Robertolini would hit me with the bottle. In some countries, it is a custom to bring a cat and let them enter first to bring good luck. If I had done that, then their dog Benito would have

chased the cat all over the house and Mrs. Robertolini would have thrown me and the kitty in the street (and yes I would have had a head wound.)

So it came down to the safest and best three for us (and my head.) We had a great time with our friends and we had some great cocktails.

Here is one that we had that was Delicious! It was made with tea from my store! P.S Happy Birthday President Washington!

So remember my friends that “Life Happens in the Kitchen” Take care, John and Paula

Fizzy Forté Rita 1 Lavender Citrus infuser 1½ oz. tequila 1½ oz. sour mix ½ oz. French orange liqueur ½ oz. lemon lime soda Directions 1. Place infuser in glass.

2. Pour tequila over infuser and steep for 2-3 minutes.

3. Combine infused tequila and French orange liqueur in a shaker with ice, shake vigorously.

4. Add salt on the rim of rocks glass.

5. Pour mixture into glass and fill with lemon lime soda.

26

fun and games Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

Puzzles

See puzzle solutions on page 28

Across 1 Foxx who played Ray 6 Place for shades 10 Hard-hitting sound 14 Look embarrassed, maybe 15 “Metamorphoses” poet 16 He helped get Cassio demoted 17 Carving tools 18 North African prison wear?

20 Bring down to earth 21 “Rats!”

22 Nancy Drew books pseudonym 23 Disinfectant brand 25 Scout leader 26 Went on a date, perhaps 28 Soft material 30 Affectedly reserved 31 Rugrat 32 Trifle 36 Rapper who founded Aftermath Entertainment 37 Lint depository?

40 Bustle 41 __-Indian War 43 It has some crust 44 Makes more elegant, with “up” 46 Pillages 48 Storied swinger 49 Spot for a belt 52 “The Fox and the Crow” writer 53 Fugitive’s invention 54 Helper 56 Begin to dive 59 Really short haircut?

61 “Today” anchor before Meredith 62 Nasty 63 Case for pins and needles 64 Chilling 65 Take away 66 Capital of Estonia 67 Grant player Down 1 Old ski lift 2 Bisset’s “The Mephisto Waltz” co-star 3 Dogcatchers?

4 Phrase in a tot’s game 5 Questioning utterances 6 Nearby

Level:

Review

2

3

4

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

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

See puzzle solution on page 28 7 Viva by Fergie fragrance maker 8 Big name in artifacts 9 Adobe file format 10 Old and wrinkled 11 Made indistinct 12 Gemini docking target 13 Sat 19 Barely got (by) 21 Spoil 24 Turf mate 25 Banished, in a way 26 Counts (up) 27 Garr of “Mr. Mom” 28 Shoe store array 29 One crying foul 33 Ride a Russian statesman?

34 Notion

At the Movies with Trey Roohan Movie

1

35 Cap’n’s mate 38 Skin cream target 39 Tijuana relatives 42 Mrs. __ cow 45 Insidious malware with a classically derived name 47 Thereabouts 49 __ Tigers: Sri Lankan separatists 50 Mrs. Kramden of Chauncey Street 51 NyQuil manufacturer 52 WWII Italian beachhead 54 Rwanda native 55 Bleu shade 57 Chuck E. Cheese et al.

58 Review target 60 Opie’s great-aunt 61 Camping org.

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

Grateful, Gratified, Gratuitous Grateful means to feel gratitude.

Many parents are grateful for the principal’s intervention.

Gratified means to give pleasure or satisfy.

Walter’s achievements in high school gratified his parents.

Gratuitous means free, unjustified, or unwanted.

His gratuitous advice on writing bored the veteran journalists.

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

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

Publication Day: Friday

Ad Copy Due:

Wednesday, 12 p.m.

Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.

Classified marketplace Call (518) 581-2480 x204 LENDER SAYS SELL!!

18 acres- $29,900 Woods, creeks, loads of deer! Call (888)701-7509 or click www.

NewYorkLandandLakes.com LENDER ORDERED LAND SALE! 8 ACRES-$19,900. Mix of woods & fields, nice views! Less than 3.5 hrs NY City!

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OUT OF STATE Exeter, NH- 55+ New homes from $69,900-$129,000 2br/2ba Along Scenic Exeter River.

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$399 Cancun All Inclusive Special Stay 6 Days In A Luxury BeachFront Resort With Meals And Drinks For $399! http://www.cancun5star.com/ 888-481-9660

27

classified@saratogapublishing.com

REAL ESTATE

VACATION

ADOPTION

HELP WANTED

ADOPT: Casting for film of our lives! Needed: baby to complete family. Loving, married, educated couple, wishing to adopt the star.

Natalie/David 1-877-FOR BABY. www.davidandnatalie.info

Drivers: New Pay Package! Home Nightly, Start Now! Albany, NY Flatbed Runs! CDL-A, 1yr. Exp. Req. Estenson Logistics Apply: www. goelc.com 1-866-336-9642

Pregnant? Anxious?

Get FREE, no-pressure, confidential counseling, guidance, financial assistance at our licensed agency; if adoption is your plan, choose from loving, pre-approved families. Call Joy: 866-922-3678.www.

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Driver- Qualify for any portion of $.03/mile quarterly bonus: $.01 Safety, $.01 Production, $.01 MPG. Two raises in first year. 3 months recent experience. 800-414-9569 www.driveknight.com

ADOPT: Our adopted son dreams of being a big brother! Loving family seeking baby; promises lifetime of happiness, security.

Expenses paid. Angie/ Mike: www. angieandmikeadopt.com or call: 855-524-2542

PETS AMERICAN COCKER Runt of litter, male, shots, wormed, tri-color buff, no papers, 8 weeks.

Call 793-6523.

VACATION RENTAL

MISCELLANEOUS

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals.

Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com

SAWMILLS from only $3997.00MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY START NOW! OPEN RED HOT DOLLAR, DOLLAR PLUS, MAILBOX, DISCOUNT PARTY, $10 CLOTHING STORE, TEEN STORE, FITNESS CENTER FROM $53,900 WORLDWIDE! WWW. DRSS16.COM 1-800-518-3064 HOME IMPROVEMENT BUSINESS Saratoga Co., well est., profitable, excellent growth potential, motivated owner. CBAI 518-459-9070

AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for hands on Aviation Career.

FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified -Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-296-7093

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from home. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV Authorized. Call 888201-8657 www.CenturaOnline.com

BUYING/SELLING

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

SCHOOL

28

SPORTS

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

Community Sports Bulletin Health and Wellness Expo Offered by Ballston Spa Schools Photo courtesy

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District’s Health and Wellness committee will be hosting a Health and Wellness Expo March 2 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. in the Ballston Spa High School cafeteria and gymnasium. There will be exhibits from each of the school BLTs and a variety of organizations and businesses that will provide information about fitness, healthy eating, bike helmet safety and related health and wellness topics.

Exhibitors participating include Ballston Spa National Bank, Albany Medical Center, Hannaford Supermarkets, Saratoga Center for the Family, Reality Check, local massage therapists, Reiki practitioners, chiropractors, dentists, orthodontists, yoga instructors, as well as many other health and wellness practitioners.

Expo sponsor, Elevate Cycles, will be donating 25 refurbished youth bicycles that will be raffled off throughout the day. The first 200 elementary and 200 secondary students that complete a passport of visiting vendors will receive a goodie bag with related information and giveaways. In addition, many other items will be raffled off throughout the day, including gift cards to local businesses.

The Expo is free and open to all children, families and individuals residing in the Ballston Spa Central School District. Partial funding from the district’s current State Farm Insurance Company grant will be used to support this district-wide community event grounded in financial literacy, and health and wellness.

Participants are asked to please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to district partner Saratoga County EOC, who will be in attendance to provide information about the programs and services they provide to families and individuals throughout Saratoga County.

For more information, please contact Courtney Lamport in the school district’s Office of District Advancement, at clamport@bscsd.org or call (518) 884-7195, ext. 1369.

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

Puzzle solutions from pg. 26

Third Annual “Road To Glens Falls Youth Basketball Clinic” Returns to Glens Falls High School March 9

GLENS FALLS — The third annual “Road to Glens Falls Youth Basketball Clinic” is returning to Glens Falls High School on Saturday, March 9.

This fun, interactive basketball clinic is open to all children (boys and girls,) in grades 3–8 and will be held at the Glens Falls High School gymnasium on between the hours of 9 a.m.–Noon. Participants will be instructed on the fundamentals of basketball by college and New York State Hall of Fame coaches, along with current and former college players. Sessions are designed to begin with a lecture, followed by drills, real play and other fun activities for the kids. If you’re interested in registering a child, or for more information, please contact Coach Kevin McCarthy at mccartk@cobleskill. edu or call at (518) 255-5127.

“The Road to Glens Falls Youth Basketball Clinic” was founded in 2011 by the New York State Basketball Tournament Committee in Glens Falls as a means to build excitement among youth for the game of basketball and to help promote the NYSPHSAA Basketball Tournament at Glens Falls Civic Center. To ensure safety and quality of experience for the kids, space is limited to the first 100 registered.

Registration costs $30 and includes a T-shirt and one ticket to the Boys State Basketball Tournament at the Glens Falls Civic Center running March 15-17. For more information on the NYS tournament, visit NYSBasketball.net.

SPORTS

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

29

Information you can understand and apply to play better golf everyday.

Cross the Finish Line!

by Fred Fruisen for Saratoga TODAY As a PGA Professional and college coach, I look at different golf swings just about every day.

When working with a new student (or starting a series of lessons with a club golfer), I start the lesson by observing the student’s swing. I will just watch for a while. Usually during this process I note an erratic shot pattern. After each swing, I am asked, “What did I do that time?”

I give an answer. He swings again.

Most times the ball goes in a different direction. He asks the same question. “What I do THAT time?”

I give a different answer. This routine goes on for a while. I say, “That time you did so-and-so;” then, “Well, that time you did this...” You get the idea.

Most amateur golfers, when making a full swing, are rarely able to repeat their swing from one shot to the next. Many of my college golfers, when they first join the team, fall into this category. They are more “hitters” than “swingers.”

This inconsistency makes it impossible to predict from day-to-day how a golfer will play. This is a large reason why my freshman golfers have up-and-down tournaments, with scores that vary dramatically from round to round.

For me, getting a new golfer to make the same swing every time is lesson number one. It doesn’t matter how good a teacher is— if the student doesn’t make the same move swing after swing, the teacher can’t properly diagnose or fix what is really going on with the swing. Therefore, the student will never improve.

So, here is my theory: Every person’s golf swing begins the same way, with the club set right behind the ball—without exception, driver thru putter. If there is a definite starting point in the swing there must also be a definite finishing point in the swing.

As seen in the photos, a vertical line extends up from the ball.

That marks where your swing should begin and end. All golfers begin with the clubhead at the starting line. Unfortunately, most never get the clubhead to cross the finish line, as shown in the second photo. This is a large reason why shots go off-line. It’s why a golfer’s ball flight is inconsistent from shot to shot, round to round, month to month, etc.

I teach every student to get the clubhead to cross the finish line and hold that position until the ball makes contact with the planet. This ensures his weight has completely transferred off the back foot and he has swung in perfect balance. He stands like a statue or “poses” until

the ball falls back to earth. At first, many find it difficult to hold this position, which reveals a lot. Butch Harmon says it best: “If you can’t hold your finish it is just by accident that you hit a good shot.” If a golfer can’t hold this position it is clear that he is over-swinging. When making the transition from “hitter” to “swinger”, some golfers make the adjustment relatively quickly; for others, it will take some time. But it is always worth the effort to change.

When the student can finally get to the finish line and stay there, we begin to see a clear shot pattern.

Now things get exciting!

The student is now SWINGING instead of HITTING, and we start

to see consistency shot after shot.

Not only that, almost always he is already hitting the ball better, without any further recommendations from me. At this point I always witness the same thing—big smiles— when he sees how a golf ball should be hit, followed by the realization of how good he really can be.

Crossing the finish line eliminates many of the variables in the swing. Once we’ve identified a definite shot pattern, I can make educated assessments of his swing.

There is no guessing or opinion; just science. Now we can make the proper corrections in posture, grip or alignment that will have lasting and dramatic results in his game.

The lesson is easy. Cross the finish line and stay there, on EVERY full-swing. As I always say to my golfers, “If you start in the same place every time and finish in the same place every time, the middle will most likely take care of itself.”

If you commit to make this change you’ll play better golf.

Guaranteed. Not only that, on the range or on the course, even if you hit a poor shot, you’ll still look like a stud.

Fred Fruisen is the Coach of Golf.

He is a PGA Professional and Head Golf Coach at Skidmore College. For more lessons go to his website coachofgolf.com. For personal instruction call (518) 565-7350.

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SPORTS

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

Wrestling With the IOC’s Poor Decision

Damian Fantauzzi

Known as the sport of heroes in the mythology of Greece, wrestling is perhaps the oldest sport in existence.

Wrestling is a sport that dates back to the original Olympic games. In the modern era of Olympic competition, since 1896, wrestling has been a staple of its tradition. So what’s the problem?

Why in heaven’s name would the

International Olympic Committee (IOC) consider the extinction of one of its founding sports? The Olympics is like the World Series of wrestling, but once every four years, it’s the highest point of accomplishment for the athletes.

It is the pinnacle of their entire sport. Please don’t equate professional wrestling, a staged competition, to the true form of the sport.

They are not an equal level. It was well-known that the IOC wanted to make room for a new sport, but wrestling was not seriously considered to be in danger of being cut from the event altogether.

IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said, “This is a process of renewing and renovating the program for the Olympics. In the view of the executive board, this was the best program for the Olympic Games in 2020. It’s not a case of what’s wrong with wrestling; it is [about] what’s right with the 25 core sports.”

This statement indicates that wrestling has lost its international appeal and not considered as a modern era sport. This sentiment seems like it is coming out of left field, because in 2012 there were athletes from practically 200 nations competing for medals between the different wrestling classes. Twenty-nine different countries earned medals!

This is not to take away from other sports or events at the Olympics; I refuse to say that this or that sport should be cut instead of wrestling.

This can create dislike and bias among the many sports enthusiasts and can develop into a bitter quarrel between people! No one wins at that game.

I consider wrestling one of the most demanding sports that there is and at the very top of scale for the dedication demonstrated by the athletes. In my history as a basketball coach, I have observed the many long hours that the high school wrestlers put into their sport. Kids would do extreme workouts to maintain their stamina or keep their weight in order to compete.

Their road to glory is so different than any other sport; it’s plain and simple dedication with a nose to the mat and hard work.

Sometimes, during basketball practice, the wrestlers would ask permission to run around the gym, while we conducted our

practice. I never said no. I had so much respect and admiration for those kids, because their focus was so different than any other team sport. I was always impressed with the character of these kids, they had their goals and nothing got in the way and they were guided by great coaching. (Saratoga Springs High School has always had good wrestling coaches.)

For the ancient Greeks, wrestling was a very big deal. It was the marquee event for the games and among the sport’s early sportswriters was Homer, who loved wrestling. Back in the ancient days of Greece, the sport was more technically-oriented and in the traditional Greco-Roman style.

Most of what you see these days is called freestyle wrestling, which had returned as the signature of the modern Olympiad.

Cave drawings have been discovered in Mesopotamia proving that wrestling has been around for more the 7,000 years. There is no other sport that defines the Olympic tradition like wrestling. It has been such a big part of Olympics of the past as it has in the recent history.

Our area has had the privilege of having a great reputation among high school wrestlers and wrestling coaches. There have been many outstanding wrestlers produced in the Capital District.

The most well-known Section II star and Olympic Gold Medal winner is the late Jeff Blatnick, who was a Greco-Roman Wrestler (which forbids the athletes from using holds below the waist, which you are allowed to perform when wrestling freestyle). Just a couple of months ago, I did a related article about our area’s hero, who died

from complications from heart surgery this past October at the young age of 55-years-old. Before his historical run for the gold in 1984, he conquered a battle with cancer in 1982. The All-American from Springfield College was one of the biggest success stories in all of our nation’s Olympic history.

There are more stories out there for future American wrestlers (and international hopefuls), whose dreams may have just been shattered by the IOC. Most of us don’t understand why wrestling was chopped, especially with its storied Olympic history. Names like Kurt Angle, Rulon Gardner and Dan Gable all come from the American wrestling tradition.

UFC competitor Brock Lesnar was a Division 1 national champion back in his days on the mat.

It was and still should be the catalyst for the Olympic games of the future. This is a mistake, and in my opinion, it’s an unnecessary.

This was the most brainless move the IOC could have made. I compare it to cutting downhill skiing from the Winter Games. It’s such a hallmark of the competition, you’d never cut it!

Something needs to be done to preserve wrestling as an Olympic sport. It is part of Olympic history and it is unfathomable that it has been cut. There needs to be international pressure put on the IOC to reinstate the historical sport of wrestling into the games. Maybe it’s time to add more sports without eliminating others. It is the 21st century but what’s considered sacred should be kept to remain sacred.

Wrestling is to the Olympics what basketball is to the NBA Finals.

Seriously.

Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

SPORTS

Troy Beats Saratoga Springs, 77–64

Photo courtesy of MarkBolles.com

TROY — The Saratoga Springs Blue Streaks boys’ varsity basketball program hung with one of the best teams in Section II February 19 through the first three quarters. It wasn’t until the final frame that the Troy Flying Horses were able to pull away and come up with the 77-64

victory to move on in Sectional championship play.

Along with Christian Brothers Academy and Shaker High School, Troy had high expectations entering the postseason and welcomed Saratoga to town along with recently reinstated head coach

Jack Brock.

Noah Arciero led all scorers with 28 points, but could have used a little more help from the rest of the team to get the win.

Jesse Alexander and John Rach were the next highest scoring Blue Streaks, who chipped in 11 and 10

Schuylerville Keeps Rolling, Beats Granville 60–43 Photo courtesy of MarkBolles.com

SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville Black Horses boys’ varsity basketball team won their 17th game in a row February 19, hosting a first round Class B Section II playoff game against Granville.

From the opening tip off, it was looking like it would be a long afternoon for the visiting Golden

Horde as Schuylerville started the game on a 15–2 run which lasted the entire first quarter. The two teams would each score 14 in the second quarter and Schuylerville would end the first half leading 29–16.

Shane Lyon and Dan Waldron each scored 18 for the Black Horses, getting 12 points from

Ryan Buell as well.

Granville would only get as close as nine points by the beginning of the fourth quarter, but Schuylerville outscored them 21-13 in the down the stretch of the final frame to nail down the 17-point win.

Granville got most of its scoring from Jared Beattie, who led the team with 14 points. He was the only member of the Golden Horde to reach double digits, though Jake Young and Nick Liebig each tallied nine points apiece.

Schuylerville has not lost since December 4, which was a 12 point loss to Broadalbin-Perth the team avenged in their next meeting January 22. From there, it’s been 17 consecutive wins for the Black Horses, which included a sweep of their entire Wasaren League schedule.

points, respectively.

Saratoga Springs only trailed Troy by one point entering the third quarter. Troy would turn up the offensive pressure and pour on 23 points in the third quarter alone to take a 58–52 lead into the fourth quarter. Troy would then rely more on their defensive approach, limiting Saratoga to just 12 points in the fourth to seal the victory.

For Troy, four starters managed to score in double digits, with Jerrell Reid leading the charge with 24 points, Javion Ogunyemi scoring 21, Dyaire Holt scoring 16 and Zach Radz chipping in 14. Senior guard Liam Testo was the only Troy player on the floor to not reach double digits, scoring just one field goal for two points.

Saratoga Springs ends the season with an 8–11 overall record, while finishing tied for third in their Suburban Council division at 6–9 during league play. Noah Arciero would lead the team in scoring for the season, tallying 299 points in 19 games, which averages to 15.7 points per game on 80 made field goals.

31

Saratoga Central Catholic Falls to Lake George, 81–46 LAKE GEORGE — This game was a tale of two brothers, as the Wincowski brothers of Lake George put on a clinic February 19 against Saratoga Central Catholic. The siblings scored a combined 50 points, outscoring the entire Saints team by four points.

Joel and Ethan Wincowski scored 27 and 23 points, respectively. Andrew Zibro would manage to hit double digits as well, chipping in with 10 points.

The Saints would get 12 points from Ryan Czarnecki and 10 from Keegan Murphy, but it still wouldn’t be enough. The Saints would trail by 12 after the first quarter and then by 20 at the end of the half, 44-24.

With the loss, Saratoga Central Catholic finishes with a 10-10 overall record this season, while managing to finish 7-5 in Western Athletic Conference play.

Keegan Murphy won the team scoring title for the season, finishing with 254 points in 20 games, good for 12.7 per game.

Volume 8 • Issue 7

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Week of February 22 – February 28, 2013

SPORTS

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