Saratoga Today - Feb 24

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Volume 7 • Issue 8 saratogatodaynewspaper.com

Bet On Us

Mountaintop Miracle

by Yael Goldman Saratoga TODAY

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – Las Vegas-style gambling could be coming to New York State, and nine of New York’s existing casinos, including Saratoga Casino and Raceway, argue that only existing licensed facilities should be allowed to host the expanded operations.

A study released by the New York Gaming Association (NYGA), which represents New York’s nine racetrack casinos, is asking the state to consider a constitutional amendment to, “expand the range of gaming activities that its members are permitted to offer, to include the full range of table games.”

The study reveals that between the nine existing casinos, the operations account for more than $1.96 billion in statewide economic output, provide over 17,400 jobs (directly and indirectly), and pay salaries and wages that total to approximately $863 million.

Based on these successes, operators argue that only their sites should be allowed to pursue new

See Expanded page 11

Photo provided

Photo of Steve and his hiking party taken on Mount Marcy hours before his overnight struggle to survive.

Façade Facelift

SARANAC LAKE – From the side of Mount Marcy, where he spent nearly 20 hours enduring frostbite, hypothermia and dangerously cold weather, Steve Mastaitis survived what many would consider their worst nightmare The 58-year-old Saratoga Springs lawyer was airlifted Tuesday morning, February 21, from the southeast side of New

SPAC’s New Look For 2012

See Lost page 10

Inside TODAY...

Batcheller Mansion pg 5

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY

Obituaries

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is getting a much needed update and renovation in time for the 2012 season thanks to a generous donation from an outgoing board chairman and his wife, Bill and Susan Dake.

After plans to update SPAC’s deteriorating amphitheatre façade fell through in 2008, it seemed

See Generous page 7

York’s tallest mountain and airlifted to Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake, where he is recovering from frostbite and hypothermia, and is receiving treatment for the fluid in his lungs and an elevated enzyme level that could threaten the integrity of his heart.

“It was the worst experience of my life,” Steve said.

What resulted in such a lifethreatening, life-changing experience, began so innocently on

pg 6 Business pgs 8-9 Bridal EXPO pgs 12-15 Pulse Rendering provided

A new look for SPAC’s 2012 Season

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

pgs 28-32

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Friday, February 24, 2012

TODAY

Dance Flurry Weekend A “Swinging� Success The 25th annual Flurry Festival took place over the weekend of February 17 at the Saratoga Springs City Center and Hilton Hotel. The event featured a plethora of music and dance styles which had attendees grooving until the early morn-

ing. Hundreds of people turned out over Presidents Day weekend for the annual event. The event was spread across the city of Saratoga Springs and included events at Canfield Casino, Saratoga Music Hall and the Parting Glass Pub.

Photos by Cathy Duffy for MarkBolles.com

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TODAY

BLOTTER

Friday, February 24, 2012

Jeanne R. Rawson, 36, of Hudson Falls, was arrested February 16 in Wilton for fifthdegree criminal possession of stolen property, a misdemeanor, and was released on a ticket to appear.

Mathew S. Kluckowski, 20, of Wilton, was arrested February 21 in Wilton for third-degree simple assault, a misdemeanor, and was released on a ticket to appear.

Police News Public Safety Dispatcher Exam The Saratoga Springs Civil Service Commission has announced the Public Safety Dispatcher Examination. The exam will be held Saturday, April 28, 2012. The application deadline is March 28, 2012. To fill out an examination/employment application and for more information, visit www.saratoga-springs.org and select the Local Government- Civil Service tabs.

Saratoga Springs Police Department (SSPD) Celebrates Blue Friday Come join SSPD officers, as well as many from around the Capital Region, as they celebrate Blue Friday March 9, 2012. Blue Friday is a day to recognize the sacrifices made by the men and women of law enforcement, especially those who have lost their lives in service to their communities.

The event is sponsored by Blue Friday of New York and WGNA

radio. Stop by Pizzeria Uno on Route 50 (just off Northway exit 15) or the DeNooyer Chevrolet parking lots from 6 a.m.-10 a.m. and show your appreciation.

WGNA will be selling blue carnations for a $5 donation along with limited edition Blue Friday T-shirts, sweatshirts, windshirts and much more. All donations will go directly to Blue Friday of New York.

Created in 2005 by WGNA FM’s “The Sean and Richie Show,” Blue Friday New York is a 501c3 organization that benefits the survivors of police officers after they make the ultimate sacrifice.

If you are unable to attend the event in person, donations can be made to Blue Friday New York and sent to Blue Friday New York, P.O. Box 38235, Albany, NY 12203.

Minority and WomenOwned Businesses State Police Contracts Available The New York State Police is continually searching for certified Minority and Women-Owned Businesses (MWBEs) for purchases of various commodities and services. This agency is committed to awarding a fair share of agency contracts to MWBEs and in achieving an overall increase in MWBE participation in the

procurement of all products and services required. If you are a certified MWBE and are interested in doing business with the New York State Police, email F i s c M g m t @ t r o o p e r s . n y. g o v.

Include your complete contact information and a brief description of the products/services you provide. Also contact this address if you require information regarding how to obtain certification.

Help Prevent Child Abuse, Exploitation and Abduction The New York State Police Department (NYSPD) has a wonderful resource for parents in the form of an online child safety presentation. In PowerPoint or PDF format, parents and caregivers are provided concise and practical information about preventing child abduction and exploitation. It is designed to help adults instill a sense of caution in children, not fear. Information about sex offender registries and how they can be used as a tool to promote child safety is also included. You can access this presentation, as well as information on babysitter selection and preparation, missing children, signs of child sexual abuse, and help with securing your child from the potential dangers of the Internet. To access this free database of information, visit www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/missing/index.htm.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) is another valuable resource. On their website, parents can access an Internet safety tool called

NetSmartz- a kid-friendly program that has presentations for kids of all ages. The goal of NetSmartz is to extend the safety awareness of children and empower them to make responsible decisions online and in real life. Parents, guardians, educators, community leaders and members of law enforcement can choose from resources including on- and offline activities, games, Internet safety pledges, news articles, and activity cards designed to supplement the NetSmartz online activities.

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NetSmartz content is available at no charge to the public at www.NetSmartz.org. For more information, email NetSmartz_Contact@ncmec.org or visit www.missingkids.com.

WEEK IN REVIEW

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Fatal Crash in Milton

Locally Owned and Operated 5 Case St., Saratoga Springs,NY 12866 Phone: (518) 581-2480 Fax: (518) 581-2487 www.saratogapublishing.com Hours of operation 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday

Publisher/Editor Chad Beatty 581-2480 x 212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com

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Advertising Jim Daley 581-2480 x 209 jdaley@saratogapublishing.com

Cindy Durfey 581-2480 x 204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com

Art Department Tiffany Garland 581-2480 x 202 ads@saratogapublishing.com

Katy Holland 581-2480 x 215 graphics@saratogapublishing.com

Editorial Yael Goldman, Managing Editor Business/News 581-2480 x 214 news@saratogapublishing.com

Andrew Marshall Sports

581-2480 x 206 amarshall@saratogapublishing.com Daniel Schechtman Pulse, Education 581-2480 x 203 reporter@saratogapublishing.com

Christina James, Editorial Assistant Obituaries / Community Corner/Helping Hands 581-2480 x 213 cjames@saratogapublishing.com

Calendar & Briefs Christina James 581-2480 x 213 cjames@saratogapublishing.com

Photographer Mark Bolles 490-1757 mbolles@photoandgraphic.com

Columnist Meghan D. Lemery meghanlemery@yahoo.com

MILTON – A 6-year-old boy was killed in a car accident late February 18 after his father failed to stop at an intersection, according to New York State Police. Tyler McIntyre was taken to Saratoga Hospital following the accident and pronounced dead in the early morning hours of February 19. Police say Scott McIntyre, 34, crashed his 2008 Mercury sedan into another car at the intersection of Route 29 and Murray Road.

McIntyre, headed east, failed to yield to a car with the right of way and collided with another vehicle according to reports. The other vehicle was driven by 21-year-old Thomas Stuart of Johnstown. There were six people total involved in the accident, all of whom were treated at Saratoga Hospital. Tyler McIntyre was the only passenger to sustain serious injuries.

A State Police investigation is ongoing.

Saratoga City Schools Reach Agreement with Saratoga Administrators SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Springs City School District and the Saratoga Administrators Association (SAA) have reached a five-year contract agreement after over three years of negotiations. The contract covers 18 employees, including principals, assistant principals and the athletic director.

The SAA ratified the contract before the board of education approved it at their February 14 meeting. Significant concessions regarding health insurance are a key element to the agreement, including an increase in copay for health insurance premiums from 10 to 15 percent. The administrators have also agreed to move to a less costly benefit plan with increased copays, with an option to

explore cost saving on health insurance in the future.

The administrators negotiated a salary increase of 1.5 percent for 2011-2012 and 2012-2013, and a 2 percent increase for 2013-2014. They agreed there will be no salary increments for administrators beyond the negotiated pay increases. In addition, an increase in district compensation for retirement health insurance for administrators hired after 1995 from 50 percent to 75 percent of an individual plan after 10 years in the district.

“The agreement is fair compensation to building leaders for their ongoing commitment to make a difference in the lives of our children every day,” said Dr. Janice White, superintendent of schools.

Family Fight Leads to Arrests VICTORY – New York State Police arrested four people, including three teenagers and a 42-year-old woman following a family fight that turned violent. The three teens allegedly beat a 20-year-old man at a home on Gates Avenue in the village of Victory. The victim suffered a concussion, multiple facial abrasions, and a fractured eye socket. The woman, Kimberly Nancy, was not involved in the fight, but is alleged to have stood by as it occurred, and may have tampered with physical evidence in an attempt to obstruct the police investigation.

Bred Knorowski, 16, and Jake Maderic, 17, were charged with felony seconddegree assault, which could potentially carry a maximum seven-year prison sentence if convicted. The third alleged attacker, a 15-year-old boy, was charged with felony assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

Because of his age, he will be tried in juvenile court. State Police have not released any further details surrounding the arrests.

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Friday, February 24, 2012

TODAY

City Council Recap

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY

City Council Weighs Random Drug Testing Following the arrest of a city firefighter allegedly in possession of crack cocaine, Public Safety Commissioner Chris Mathiesen told the City Council he is open to the idea of investigating random drug testing procedures for both the police and fire departments.

Mathiesen publically stated he feels implementing a random drug testing program is “an overreaction,” and added that he feels the recent arrest of Saratoga Springs fireman Justin Moran is an “isolated incident.” He then left the door open for the policies to be introduced, saying that if the public would feel safer with these programs in place, then he would be willing to move forward with the investigation.

All of the commissioners seemed to indicate they don’t feel there is a drug problem within the two departments, but that Public Safety employees should be held to a higher standard since they are responsible for the city’s continued well-being.

“It’s a no-brainer,” said Commissioner John Franck on whether he felt there should be testing in both departments. Franck reiterated that he doesn’t believe there is a drug problem but added, “If that’s the case, they shouldn’t have a problem with [random drug testing].”

Saratoga Springs police officers are subject to a drug screening during the department’s initial hiring process, but do not submit to drug testing once a member of the force.

In 2008, the Police Benevolent Association agreed to random drug testing as a part of contract negotiations, but the plan has never been put to use. PBA President Paul Veitch says the union supports random drug testing.

Currently, the Saratoga Springs Fire Department does not require its members to submit to a drug screen. Commissioner Mathiesen said he plans to enact “baseline testing” for the city’s firefighters upon being hired, and to work with the department to develop a program for subsequent testing throughout their tenure.

Mayor Scott Johnson was concise in his opinion, saying “I don’t think we have any option as a city but to require random drug testing.

The stakes are too high.”

The issue of random drug testing

presents a number of concerns including cost of test administration, as well as the possibility of a false positive.

Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan warned the council that a false positive could possibly ruin the career and reputation of an otherwise clean individual. Madigan said she believes that Mathiesen is correct in taking his time investigating the issue.

Municipal Recycling Initiative Announced In other City Council news, Commissioner Madigan announced plans for a municipal recycling initiative for City Hall as well as the community. The plans include recycling bins for each office of City Hall, as well as larger bins throughout Saratoga Springs that residents can use.

Commissioner Madigan indicated that the initiative could be a potential source of revenue for the city, specifically mentioning advertising opportunities for local businesses looking to get involved.

Commissioner Madigan was excited about the proposed initiative.

“I look forward to receiving my [recycling] bin,” she said.

Canfield Casino Rental Rates Changing City residents hoping to reserve the Canfield Casino in Congress Park for a special event will be paying more to do so this year.

City Council voted at their February 21 meeting to raise the rate for Saratoga Springs residents to $2,800, which is an increase of $300 from 2011. Rates for out-ofcity guests, however, will be lowered by $200 to $3,000. Public Works Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco came up with the fee schedule along with the city’s conventions and tourism bureau.

The commissioner feels the rates will be “competitive” with other venues around Saratoga Springs.

Along with the rental fee changes, rates for nonprofit governmental organizations and conventions were established at $1,200 and $2,300 respectively. Accounts Commissioner John Franck and Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan voted against the rate increase, citing that city residents should be considered before other non-Saratoga Springs tenants.

“City residents are paying $500 more than a nonprofit, $1,600 more than a governmental organization,” said Franck. “My biggest concern is the taxpayer.”

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TODAY

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Friday, February 24, 2012

Last Known Link to Batcheller Family Visits Saratoga

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY Think about your family’s ancestors for a minute. What do you really know about where you came from?

While most of our parents would never mislead us about where our ancestors came from, perhaps they themselves were misinformed. A family’s oral history can get twisted and tweaked as the legends are passed from generation to generation. One detail changed here, another there, and soon you’re more than a few degrees away from the truth. Without the proper documentation, you may never know otherwise.

To research your family’s history is to potentially open doors you never knew were there. You have to be prepared no matter what you might find.

It could mean finding out you were adopted, or that one of your parents was. You could find that you were the first person in your family to attend college. For one man, the pieces connected to reveal his affiliation to one of Saratoga Springs’ most recognizable families.

Hollis Palmer is a local historian and author of several nonfiction books on a wide range of topics. One of those books is a history of the Batcheller family, whose roots in Saratoga Springs date back to the 1870s. Palmer received an email from a man named Nicholas Le Saux, who was interested in learning more about a long-lost relative who’s mentioned in Palmer’s book.

“I didn’t even know how he found me,” said Palmer. “Turns out he just went and looked up her name and because she appears in one of my books, he came and found me through my webpage.”

Le Saux is a consultant who lives in Versailles, which is a suburb of

Photo Provided by MarkBolles.com

Special Delivery - Nicholas Le Saux reads a letter sent from his family to his great aunt Amelia.

Paris, France. His research into his ancestry led him to contact both Palmer and representatives from the Batcheller Mansion. Le Saux and his family happened to be coming to the United States, and they decided to take a detour to Saratoga Springs in hopes of finding the truth behind his connection to the Batcheller family.

The particular relative Nicholas was researching happened to be his great aunt Amelia Le Saux, housemate and supposed lover to the heiress of the Batcheller estate, Kate.

In 1910, Amelia moved into the Batcheller Mansion and lived there until Kate sold the building in 1916.

She and Amelia would move to nearby Broadway and live together until Kate’s death in 1943. Amelia would subsequently inherit the remainder of Kate’s fortune after her passing.

“The question has always been about how those two met,” said Palmer. “How did this poor, young woman who was a nurse connect to this wealthy family?” he continued.

Historians like Palmer have pondered that question for decades. The most likely theory suggests that the two met while the Batcheller family patriarch George was having a surgical procedure in Paris, and that Amelia was a nurse at this particular hospital. With the help of Nicholas Le Saux, finding a definitive answer is as likely as it may have ever been.

What Palmer wanted to know was whether the answer to his question lay somewhere in the piles of letters Amelia had saved over the years. The only problem, they were in French. A chance encounter with a FrenchCanadian couple helped Palmer translate a few of the letters to find correspondence between Amelia and her brother who was injured fighting in the war. Amelia’s brother, Joseph, is better known to Nicholas as his grandfather. After this link was established, Palmer was hopeful he could help fill in the blanks concerning the rest of the Le Saux family history.

Upon Le Saux’s arrival, he was greeted at the mansion by Palmer, who would be coordinating the schedule for the Le Saux family’s visit. Accompanying Nicholas was wife, Stéphanie and his two teenage daughters, Camille and Charlotte.

Nicholas also has a son, Louis, who is currently studying at Michigan State University as part of an exchange program.

After a brief tour of the mansion, it was off to the Saratoga Historical Museum in Canfield Casino. The museum was closed to the public that

day, but they opened their doors to the Le Saux family for a chance to uncover some of the city’s hidden past. Once inside, Nicholas and his family poured over the hundreds of documents, in awe of how much of their family’s history was suddenly available.

“What surprised me is that you have so much more here than my entire family,” said Le Saux.

The Le Saux family’s knowledge of Amelia was limited, at best.

Following the loss of their family’s historical records in the World War II bombings of France little was known aside from her wealth. When Amelia visited Paris in the 1950s, she stayed at the Hotel Ritz. The reservation at one of Paris’ most luxurious hotels led the family to wonder where her money came from. After all, when she met Kate, she was a poor nurse.

Nicholas Le Saux would learn that Amelia inherited Kate Batcheller’s vast fortune, and what that inheritance meant for his family. Amelia would send money back to France, which was used to send Nicholas’ grandfather to one of France’s most prestigious universities, Ecole Polytechnique.

“From what I gathered from the various letters at the museum, Amelia

Photo Provided by MarkBolles.com

A Link To The Past - Hollis Palmer (far right) shows the Le Saux family a portrait of Kate Batcheller during a tour of the famous mansion helped his parents with his boarding school fees,” explains Nicholas. “So I am indebted to her.”

Though there was still much to be sorted through, Nicholas remained undaunted.

“I could spend all day doing this,” he said with a smile.

Since only visiting for the afternoon, he simply couldn’t. Palmer had hoped to take him to Greenridge Cemetery where the Batcheller family’s Egyptian-style pink marble mausoleum can be found. Coincidently, the grave of Amelia Le Saux was only recently discovered by Palmer to be one plot away from where the

Batcheller family’s mausoleum stands.

“There’s no doubt in my mind she’s there to be as close to Kate as possible,” said Palmer.

For now, Nicholas Le Saux returns to France, equipped with knowledge he wouldn’t have found anywhere else in the world. He plans to return to Saratoga Springs this summer, to continue his research and perhaps find more information about his family’s ancestry. His story reminds us that while you may think you know where you came from, you never know where you could end up once you start looking.

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OBITUARIES Will and Keane, and their father, Daniel Stanton.

A memorial service was held Monday, February 20, 2012.

Burial will be in the family plot at

Most

Cemetery,

Holy 2501

Redeemer Troy

Rd.,

Niskayuna, NY. Memorial donations may be made to the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave.,

Saratoga Springs, NY – Clarence W. Dart, 91, passed away Friday, February 17, 2012.

Born December 6, 1920, in Elmira, NY, he was the son of the late Clarence and Catherine (Austin) Dart.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by one son, Clarence W. Dart.

Survivors include his wife, M. Mildred “Millie” (Jackson) Dart; children, Rose Anne Dart, Warren (Susan) Dart, Katherine A. Dart, Gwendolyn M. (David) Steans, Denise Dart, Dawn M. (Keith) Ray, Joyce J. Dart and Cynthia Y. (Kirwin) Providence; grandchildren, Tyrone and Jessica Steans, Kristen Dart, Keith and Jonathan Ray, Devine,

Scotia, NY 12302 or to Suncoast

TODAY

D. Gregor and Nathanial Providence; and greatgranddaughter, Layla J. Spagnuola-Steans.

Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 5th Ave., Saratoga Springs.

Burial with military honors will be in the family plot at Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Ave., Saratoga Springs.

Memorials, omitting flowers, may be made in his name to the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 83395, Los Angeles, CA 90045 (310-215-3985).

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

Hospice House, 164 West Lake Rd., Palm Harbor, FL 34684.

Jean M. Ruhle Saratoga Springs, NY – Jean M. Ruhle, 87, passed away Sunday, February 19, 2012.

Born May 4, 1924, in Rochester, NY, she was a daughter of the late Roy and Mae (Moore) Lloyd.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband, Albert Ruhle; daughter, Deborah Reeves; son, Gerald “Jerry” Ruhle; and brother, Roy Lloyd, Jr. Survivors include her children; Thomas Ruhle, James (Geralyn) Ruhle and Janine (Dan) Law; brother, Garth (Diane) Lloyd; and

Friday, February 24, 2012

Clarence W. Dart

Keith Fitch Stanton Saratoga Springs, NY - Keith Fitch Stanton passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 15 2012, after a brief illness and a courageous battle with heart disease.

Born October 4, 1938, in Albany, NY, he was the son of the late Keith E.and Junia Fitch Stanton.

Survivors include his best friend and wife, JoAnne (DeMarco) and his beloved daughter, Jennifer. He is also survived by his two adoring grandsons,

SARATOGA

several grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Private services will be conducted at the William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home and burial will be in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in Jean’s name to H.O.P.E. (Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist), P.O. Box 2497, Wilton, NY 12831 (428-2994).

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

Denton Winslow Crocker Saratoga Springs, NY - Denton Winslow Crocker died peacefully Sunday, February 19, 2012, after a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer.

He was predeceased by his sister, June Crocker, and his son, Denton W. Crocker Jr., killed in Vietnam in 1966.

In addition to his wife of 66 years, Jean-Marie, he is survived by his children, Carol H. Crocker, Randy Crocker and Michael Whitton, and Candace J. Warren (George); grandchildren, Sgt. Daniel C. Warren (Bianca), Jacob A. Warren and Tessa M. Berryman; great-grandson, Carter Girasa; and cousin, Janet Crocker Enzler.

A service of Holy Communion took place Thursday, February 23, 2012. Burial services will be at Greenridge Cemetery in Saratoga Springs at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the The Nature Conservancy, Attn. Treasury, 4245 N. Fairfax M St. NW, Washington, DC 20036 or to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

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

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

Joseph R. Bozony To view the full-text version of the obituaries printed on this page, visit the archive section of SaratogaTodayNewspaper.com. It is the policy of Saratoga TODAY to publish obituaries as a service to our readers.

Please send your obituaries to Christina James at cjames@saratogapublishing.com.

Saratoga Springs, NY - Joseph R. Bozony, Sr. (Joe), 46, passed away Monday, February 20, 2012.

Joe was born April 16, 1965, son of Gloria Perkins and step-son of Joseph Ramsey.

In addition to his mother and step-father, Joseph is survived by his wife of 23 years, Beverly A. (Traver) Bozony; children, Marilyn M. Traver, Joseph R. Bozony, Jr. and Barbara A. Bruse; brothers, Frank L. and Richard L. Ramsey; sister, Kathy R. Ramsey; and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call from 9-10 a.m.

Friday, February 24, 2012, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, (518) 584-5373. A funeral service will follow at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Powell Wiswall Cemetery, Milton Online

remembrances

may

be

made

at

www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Mary Marsicano Saratoga Springs, NY- Mary Marsicano passed away suddenly at her home February 20, 2012.

Born May 22, 1938, in Troy, Mary was the daughter of Benjamin Marsicano and Elizabeth Loeffler.

Survivors include her children, Michael J. (Kristen Moy) Catalfimo, and David J. (Nicole Daniel) Catalfimo and Kimberly A. Catalfimo; twin sister, Jane (James) Smith; brother, Jerry Marsicano; grandchildren, Grace Ann Catalfimo, James Daniel Catalfimo, and Ella Robb Catalfimo; niece, Laura (Smith) Giraldez; nephew, Michael Smith; and her former spouse, James A. Catalfimo.

A private burial will take place in the family plot

at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Troy, NY. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held the weekend of March 17-18, 2012. Arrangements are pending, and additional information can be obtained by contacting the Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Mary’s name to the Lake Avenue Drama Club, c/o Dr. Barbara Messier, 126 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY. For online remembrances: www.tunisonfuneralhome.com.

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TODAY

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Friday, February 24, 2012

Generous Donation Funds SPAC Renovation continued from Page 1 SPAC would be stuck with its current design long into the foreseeable future.

“In 2008, it was the same story for a lot of businesses, a lot of notfor-profits and a lot of individuals,” said Marcia J. White, president and executive director of SPAC. “When the bottom seemed to drop out of the economy…the state was not in a position to fund this capital investment, so that kind of put everything on hold.”

With New York State continuing to face similar economic challenges in 2012, it’s now thanks to the Dake family that SPAC will have a brandnew look to boast about come the start of their summer season.

“We couldn’t be more inspired and extremely grateful for the gen-

erosity of Bill and Susan Dake’s contribution to SPAC. Many people will be enjoying [the renovations] for many years to come,” said White.

The Dakes are contributing over $500,000 in personal funds to see the project through and have contracted with Bonacio Construction to update the façade. The current structure, which was designed 47 years ago, suffers from heavy deterioration, warping and rotting wood.

“It really is in tougher shape than many people realize,” said Bill Dake, outgoing board chairman and part-owner of Stewart’s Shops convenience stores. Dake, whose family has also been involved with SPAC for many years, hopes the new renovation will reinforce the

“tremendously strong image that SPAC builds for the Capital District.”

The new look will feature a contemporary redesign of the existing shield motif seen along the amphitheatre, using wood veneer panels of Parklex (high-density, weather-resistant material) to add depth and warmth while preserving the center’s acoustics. A series of brown, durable and weather-resistant fiber cement board will also be used to replace surfaces on the amphitheatre’s roof dormers and sides.

“In addition, we’ll have upgraded speakers that are positioned on the outside of the shields as well, the way they have been in the past,” said White. “But this is a great opportunity for us to put in some

Beer and Burgers at the Saratoga Automobile Museum SARATOGA SPRINGS - The third annual Beer and Burgers event, the premier winter fundraiser for the Saratoga Automobile Museum's education program, is set for March 3, from 6 - 9 p.m. at the museum in Saratoga Spa State Park. Growing each year and consistently a sellout, tickets are priced at $35 per person.

The museum will use the proceeds from the event to expand its current slate of educational programming and to acquire an additional building across the Avenue of the Pines to house SAM'S Garage; a program that utilizes students and adult mentors to restore autos to usable condition. Previous projects include the restoration of the iconic Ford Model TT Popcorn Wagon seen at many of the museum's summer auto and lawn shows, and a Model A Huckster built from scratch. The museum has also served as a host for the Pinewood Derby with local Cub Scouts, provided an education area inside the museum where students can learn about cars and racing and more.

In addition to delicious burgers and sides, a variety of beers from over 20 micro-breweries will be available. Participants at the event will also be able to view the museum's current exhibit, "Porsche - 60 Years of Speed and Style in North America." The exhibit contains official Porsche race cars as well as a 2005 Carrera GT 'Supercar' with a 5.7 liter V-10 that boasts 605 brake horsepower. Additional Porsches on exhibit include a very rare 1987 Porsche 959, as well as vintage Porsche 356 Roadsters from the 1950s.

Food for Beer and Burgers is being catered by the popular Lily and the Rose (including a vegetarian option for non-burger fans, and of course, their famous brownies) and a return appearance by the Albany All Stars Roller Derby girls, recreating the atmosphere of a 1950's diner while serving as the most entertaining wait staff ever on skates. Meat for the event is being donated by The Meat House in Wilton.

Music will be provided by the popular regional band Summer of Doug, making its second appearance at Beer and Burgers.

Visit www.saratogamuseum.org for more information or to purchase tickets.

new speakers that will enhance the sound on the lawn.”

The façade facelift is a farewell gift of sorts from the Dakes, as Bill plans to step down from his position on the board in May after serving since 2005.

“Bill Dake has had an incredible vision. He’s had amazing, strong leadership and guided SPAC through nearly eight years of very good returns,” said White. “This [donation] is a very typical way that the Dake family expresses their support of this community without being asked. They see a need, they evaluate it and they just move forward.”

Beginning this month, SPAC expects to remove the current wooden shields along with the board and batten on the amphitheatre’s sides while the steel frame is readied for the Parklex siding. By early spring the three-dimensional shields on the façade and cement

boards along the sides will be installed, and new speakers will be integrated for the finishing touch.

Construction is expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2012 season, opening with New York City Ballet’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” followed later in the season by the Dave Matthews Band and the Beach Boys.

“SPAC is an outstanding partner for programing in Saratoga Spa State Park, where we welcome over 1.7 million visitors each year,” said Rose Harvey, New York State parks commissioner. “We are thrilled to support this new façade project, a terrific example of leveraging state funding with private investments to sustain a magnificent facility.”

“This is a dream come true,” added White. “Bill’s vision for this era of SPAC has become really a vision for all of us, and now he’ll make the façade a reality.”

To learn more about SPAC’s summer season, visit www.SPAC.org.

8

SARATOGA

BUSINESS

Panza’s Restaurant Introduces Lunch Menu SARATOGA SPRINGS – Panza’s Restaurant, located at 510 Route 9P on Saratoga Lake, is now serving lunch! The Panza family announced last month that it has expanded its business hours to incorporate a full lunch menu, available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday starting at noon. Co-owner Anthony Panza said the move is a direct result of growth in our region.

Panza’s is known for its high-quality service and exceptional cuisine, and the new lunch menu reflects the family-owned restaurant’s longstanding history. The restaurant has been a Saratoga Lake dining destination for nearly 75 years, and the Panzas are thrilled to offer their returning and new customers a plentiful lunch menu designed to accommodate every palate.

This special lunch menu boasts delicious salads, pizzas (including the Panza’s Original: special homemade dough topped with herb-marinated tomatoes and melted mozzarella), pasta, hamburgers (including the popular Panza Burger, which is topped with pancetta, fresh mozzarella, beef stake tomatoes, fresh basil and served with pesto mayo), along with sandwiches and starters.

Panza’s can accommodate luncheon meetings and offers full on-site catering services as well as drop-off luncheons.

For more information about the delicacies served at Panza’s Restaurant or to read more about the family history, visit www.panzaserstaurant.com. For reservations, call (518) 584-6882.

Saratoga Ben & Jerry’s is Best in the World SARATOGA SPRINGS – Ben & Jerry’s of Saratoga, located at 34 Phila Street, was recently honored with the highest award that Ben & Jerry’s Homemade confers on their franchisees: “The Big ‘O’ Award,” which is short for “Outstanding Overall Operator.”

The award was presented at the company’s global franchise meeting in January in the Bahamas. Granted annually to one franchisee out of all national and international shops, the award signifies “a total dedication to operational and marketing excellence” pursuant to the Vermont company’s product, economic, and social mission.

“We honestly couldn’t think of a more deserving franchisee than our Saratoga operators,” said Debra Heintz, director of retail operations for Ben & Jerry’s.

This is the second time in the last 10 years that the Saratoga store has won the award, with the last time in 2001. Only two other shops in the franchise system have ever won it more than once.

The Saratoga franchise, opened in 1982, is the fourth oldest Ben & Jerry’s in the world, and is housed in a renovated gas station like the original in Vermont. It is also number two globally in off-premise ice cream catering, conducting operations in venues of all sizes such as the Saratoga Race Course and the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tenn.

The store is owned by Patrick Pipino, and David and Carol Godette.

Friday, February 24, 2012

TODAY

The Tastiest Tradition At Pope Pizza, Brothers Serve Original Family Recipes

by Yael Goldman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – Pope Pizza, located at 232 Washington Street, has been serving some of the region’s best pizza and authentic Italian fare for nearly three decades.

Many Saratoga natives remember the beginning of this legacy, when in 1986 Lorenzo Amato, nicknamed Pope, and his wife, Antonietta, opened Pope Pizza inside the old red barn on Broadway, at the current site of the empty Border’s building. Their homemade hand-tossed pizza, subs and Italian dinners quickly became a Saratoga staple, especially for the late-night crowd.

In the late 1990s, when Broadway was undergoing significant changes, the Amato family relocated their pizzeria to Washington Street, expanding their menu and increasing their squarefootage to create a family-friendly dining destination.

Now, 27 years later, their sons Paul and Giulio are continuing the tradition.

According to Paul, who purchased the business in 1995, the mission of Pope Pizza is to serve great authentic pizza and Italian fare that is both delicious and affordable. The Amatos want families to be able to come in and enjoy a meal together, or order a pizza to bring home. It’s fitting that this family-run business would place such high emphasis on the importance of treating their customers like their own.

“We are known for our large pizzas,” Paul said. “What everyone else calls a large pizza, we call our small – it’s 16 inches.”

However, Pope Pizza is also known for consistency. The brothers stick to their parents’ recipes, specifically for their pizza dough

Photos by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga TODAY

Brothers Paul and Giulio Amato work together to continue the tradition of their family restaurant, Pope Pizza.

and sauce, which, according to Paul, provides customers with the “steady” taste they love and count on.

“Our pizzas are hand-tossed, so they may vary [slightly] in thickness or size, but the taste is the same over and over,” Paul said.

The same goes for their dinners, like Pope Pizza’s famous spaghetti and meatballs, eggplant parmigiana, clam sauce, Italian wedding soup, and of course, the lasagna.

If you’re a first-time diner, Giulio recommends trying the fourlayer meat lasagna, still prepared the way his mom invented it. If you’re craving pizza, then the Pope Special is sure to delight. This signature pie is topped with all of the $1 toppings on the menu: pepperoni, green peppers, meatballs, Parillo sausage, onions, garlic, mushrooms, black olives, anchovies, ham and hot peppers.

Other popular dishes include

veal and chicken parmigianas, seafood Alfredo (which Paul added to the menu), and delicious garlic bread.

No matter what you select from this robust menu, you can count on enjoying a delicious all handmade meal.

“Everything is made from scratch and to order; it takes a little bit of time, but nothing is scooped out of a pan or [removed] from a can to make a dinner,” Paul said.

At Pope Pizza, nothing is more important than providing authentic fare at affordable prices. And as Paul and Giulio continue this tradition, they are looking forward to many more years serving the many customers, neighbors and friends that have grown to feel like their family.

For more information about Pope Pizza, call (518) 587-1643.

SARATOGA

TODAY

BUSINESS

Friday, February 24, 2012

9

Common Thread Re-Opens on Broadway

by Yael Goldman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – Brightly-colored skeins, soft bunches of wool and hand-knitted garments may line the walls of this downtown business, but Common Thread is far more than a yarn store: it’s a house of creative possibilities.

Common Thread, now open at 508 Broadway, is a specialty craft store that welcomes fiber enthusiasts and novice knitters alike. Owner Ashley Gardner re-opened the store last week, relocating from 55 Beekman Street.

In the new space, Gardner is enjoying the opportunity to gain more exposure and attract new crafters to the wide world of fiber – which is in no way limited to knitting.

Inside, you’ll find a wide variety of fiber (yarns made of wool, alpaca, llama, bamboo, sugarcane, and a variety of new and interesting knitting materials), roving (un-spun fiber), knitting accessories, project books and patterns, example garments and, of course, a team of talented instructors on-hand to answer questions and offer help.

“I want to provide a communitydriven space, where people could be creative and find the products and support they need to continue their fiber crafting,” Gardner said.

She said the possibilities are endless when you’re working with yarn.

“You can combine different crafts,” she said, offering an example: “you could create a girl’s dress with a knitted top and beautiful fabric skirt.”

Photos by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga TODAY

Gardner introduces crafters to the creative possibilites of knitting and fiber (yarn) at her boutique, Common Thread.

If you’re interested in starting your own craft, Common Thread hosts “drop-in” classes and special project instruction.

Weekly drop-in classes are ideal for beginners, who need help starting a project or getting through a tricky step in their pattern. Common Thread opens its doors for this kind of instruction Tuesday evenings from 68 p.m., Friday morning from 10 a.m.noon and Sunday evening from 4-6 p.m.

Project-specific classes, which run on a quarterly basis, are also offered, but require pre-registration. An instructor will lead a group in making a single garment. Samples are displayed throughout the store.

The group classes are as educational as they are fun.

“There’s camaraderie: people make friends and support each other in finishing their project,” Gardner said, adding that oftentimes friendships grow beyond the instruction table at the back of the store.

Gardner said she is always looking for sample knitters, who receive store credit in exchange for creating a garment that can be displayed in the store, as well as great local products to add to the mix.

All in all, Gardner couldn’t be happier with her new location, which sit-

uates the boutique right near the Saratoga Springs City Center and next-door to the forthcoming Elizabeth’s Table. She hopes to create an outdoor sitting area for the spring and summer, where knitters can relax and enjoy their craft with a bite to eat as they soak up the Broadway atmosphere.

“I love downtown [Saratoga Springs]; I grew up here, and I’m happy to be a part of this really special place,” she said.

For more information about Common Thread or to learn about upcoming classes, visit www.commonthreadsaratoga.com or call (518) 583-2583.

Ashley Gardner models a hand-knitted shawl.

SARATOGA

10

Friday, February 24, 2012

TODAY

Lost Hiker Rescued, in Recovery continued from Page 1 Monday morning, February 20, when Steve, his two sons Benjamin, 34, Evan, 30, and Ben’s friend, Matt, began their assent to the summit of Mount Marcy.

The forecast was crystal clear, and they were pumped.

“We had an uneventful, successful climb, until things turned sour at the top,” Steve said.

When the group emerged from the tree line, about 500 yards below the summit, they encountered strong winds and heavy snow drifts. Without premonition of the danger ahead, the group split apart.

Steve stayed behind with Matt as he switched from crampons to snowshoes before tackling the final stretch. Benjamin and Evan continued the climb.

By the time the former pair reached the summit, Steve’s sons were about to make their way back down. Rather than re-group, Steve and Matt stopped to snap a few pictures before heading down the trail.

All of a sudden, Steve found himself disoriented, his visibility challenged by heavy winds and drifting snow.

“I couldn’t see the trail,” Steve said. “It quickly turned very treacherous.”

As Steve explained, Matt had stopped, perhaps to add an extra layer and he had unknowingly moved forward without him, veering from the trail.

It didn’t take long for the hiker to realize that he was lost.

His group reported him missing at approximately 2 p.m.

Steve fell into a spruce trap (a deep snow-filled crevasse) and called for help through fierce winds righting himself just before tumbling toward the edge of a cliff at the base of Panther Gorge.

Realizing the severity of his situation, the hiker pulled out his cell phone to call his wife, Jane.

As the corporate financial officer for Saratoga Bridges, Jane’s schedule rarely keeps her in the office long enough to pick up her phone. By coincidence, even miracle, she answered the call.

“I immediately felt severe panic, but, somehow, it must have been the adrenaline, I went into a very focused and controlled mode and called 911,” Jane said.

While she initiated the chain of communication that became both hers and his lifeline as the search ensued, her husband was bracing himself for a painfully cold night alone in the gorge.

The hiker dug a hole in the snow, burrowing for cover from the wind and insidious cold. He fought to stay awake because he feared sleep would kill him.

“The night went by very, very slowly,” he said, describing the feeling of cold settling into his bones. “I have never felt pain like that before.”

Search efforts were called off at midnight due to severe weather conditions. Temperatures were in the single digits and wind gusts exceeding 30 mph brought chills of 20 below.

Jane feared the worst.

Steve kept himself awake, keeping body in motion to stay warm.

At 4 a.m., when weather conditions improved, a group of forest rangers began the hike to the summit. At day break, two helicopters with forest rangers onboard brought the search effort to a team of 20.

“I knew they were looking for me, but where I was located there was very little chance they could find me,” Steve said, explaining how at 7 a.m. he forced his body out of the snow hole to climb out of the gorge.

“I managed to climb probably 200-300 feet above where I spent the night, when I head voices and looked up above. I could see people climbing. I yelled to them and said I needed help,” Steve explained. “And lo and behold they said ‘are you Steve? We are looking for you.”

Within minutes of the search team reaching her husband, Jane received the call she was praying for.

As of press time, the Saratoga Springs lawyer was still in his room at the Adirondack Medical Center with his wife by his side.

Doctors expect for him to recover within a month.

The couple wants to thank Scott Van Laer, Forest Ranger Lieutenant for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Brian Dubay, incident commander.

Tips for Hiker Safety • Check with the local forest ranger (891-0235) for current weather conditions and short-term forecast.

• Always inform someone of your itinerary and when you expect to return.

• Wilderness conditions can change suddenly. All hikers should plan accordingly, including bringing flashlight, first aid equipment, extra food and clothing. Weather conditions may alter your plans; you should always be prepared to spend an unplanned night in the woods. Backcountry hiking trails can be rugged and rough - they are not maintained as park walkways - wear proper footwear!

For more tips on how to stay safe, visit the Department of Environmental Conservation’s website: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9198.html.

SARATOGA

TODAY

11

Friday, February 24, 2012

Expanded Gaming in NY continued from Page 1 opportunities in gambling, and not parties from out-of-state who have no investment in the local communities. After all, the casinos have a proven track record of helping to support New York residents and government. If out-of-state companies were allowed to run expanded gaming operations, some fear money traditionally invested locally could be diverted to locations and interests separate from New York State.

“We’re a known entity, a proven operator and a proven partner with the state and the community,” said Rita Cox, senior vice president of marketing and external affairs at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.

“We’re active members of this community and we’re very much concerned with our community and maintaining a quality of life that has made Saratoga such a successful tourist destination.”

Locally, Saratoga Casino and Raceway directly employs 622 people, including 400 full-time staff members. Total payroll for their staff is in excess of $15 million for the current year. The casino also donated $250,000 to local nonprofit

organizations in 2011, has contributed over half a billion dollars to New York State Education since 2004, has provided $11.53 million in aid to local government, and has plans for a major expansion project should full-scale gambling be legalized.

“We’re looking at a long-term impact of about 300 permanent and fulltime jobs and 400 temporary union jobs to build the expansion project,” said Cox, who noted the proposal is based on the notion that only existing, licensed facilities would be able to implement the new gaming options. “If that were to change and it were not just the existing licensed facilities, there could be a very direct impact in terms of the number of jobs created in Saratoga,” she said.

The state legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo must first pass an amendment to the state constitution to allow for expanded gaming before any operation is allowed to pursue it. With the wording of the measure still unknown, many racetrack casinos are concerned that outside companies may move into the state and open establishments separate from the track. If free-standing casinos were allowed into New York, the NYGA worries that rev-

Hotel Occupancy up in 2012 SARATOGA SPRINGS - After ending 2011 with large occupancy gains throughout September, October, November and December, January 2012 has delivered big results for Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County hoteliers.

According to Smith Travel Research, Saratoga County finished January with a 28.3 percent increase in Occupancy, 49.8 percent in 2012 to 38.8 percent in 2011 and saw an 8.6 percent increase in Average Daily Rate (ADR) from $91.42 in 2011 to $99.29. The running 12-month occupancy rate for Saratoga County is 65 percent and ADR is $124.74.

Saratoga Springs saw similar success in January, posting a 50.6 percent occupancy figure which is a 39.1 percent increase over the 36.4 percent result for 2011. Average daily rate rose 5.9 percent to $102.82 this January from the $97.13 ADR posted in 2011. The running 12-month occupancy rate for Saratoga Springs is 66.4 percent and ADR is $136.39.

Todd Garofano, president of the

Saratoga Convention Bureau said much of January’s success is attributed to meetings and conference business.

He explained, “Saratoga County and Saratoga Springs continues to evolve as a year-round, global meetings and conference destination. We saw strong attendance at three major conferences in Saratoga Springs and picked up several last-minute corporate and association groups which added significant room nights for the month, countywide. We really saw momentum start to build in the fall of last year, our traditional busy convention season, but it continued to build through November and December and has carried over to the first quarter of 2012. We’re expecting February to also show growth over last year.” He continued with, “All of this growth, in a traditional shoulder period for tourism and visitors, means that there are more people in our restaurants and shops, spending money and adding to our economy. We are very fortunate.”

enue will not be put back into the racing industry, as the current crop of New York casinos currently do.

To view the full study released by NYGA, titled, “Racetrack Casinos in New York State: Current Economic Impact,” visit www.newyorkgaming.org/Libraries /Appleseed_Statewide_Study/Appl eseed_Statewide_Study__Part_1.sflb.ashx.

SARATOGA

12

Friday, February 24, 2012

TODAY

SARATOGA

TODAY

13

Friday, February 24, 2012

Enchanted Wedding Expo • February 26 - 11-3pm

BROADWAY SIDE

BALLROOM Lia Sophia

PJN Saratoga Photography Olive Oil Co.

Touchstone Lake Placid Crystal Lodge Jewelry

Royale Limousine Classic Car

The Magnet Man

Dehnʼs Flowers & Gifts

Mazzone Management

Mary Kay Cosmetics

We Do Fondue

Room A

American Laser Center

J O N E S

Gee June

Nicoleʼs Catering

Cool Cat Entertainment

ExperTease Hair Designs

Room B

Image Photo & Events

La La ura Im stin ʼs ag g es

P L A C E

Silverleaf Resorts

Tri-City Rentals

The Inn at Saratoga

urn ckb Bla rtrait Po ign s De

E L S W O R T H

Katie Oʼ Weddings & Events

SARATOGA

14

Friday, February 24, 2012

TODAY

Enchanted Wedding Expo • February 26 - 11-3pm

First Floor

SARATOGA

TODAY

15

Friday, February 24, 2012

Enchanted Wedding Expo • February 26 - 11-3pm

Second Floor

Longfellows

Rodan & Fields

Saratoga Trunk

16

SARATOGA

RELIGION

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: Morning 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. 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; cliftonparkchurch ofchrist.com Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

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

Services: Sundays 9:15 & 11 a.m.

Christ Episcopal Church Routes 50 & 67, Ballston Spa 885-1031 Services: Sunday 8 & 10 a.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. 654-9255; 792-0271 Services: Sunday at 10 a.m.

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

Cornerstone Community Church Malta Commons 899-7001; mycornerstonechurch.org Associate Pastor Paul Shepherd

Friday, February 24, 2012 Services: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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

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

Services: Sunday: 9:15 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. (Rt. 50) 885-8361; fbcballstonspa.org Services: 10:15 a.m.

First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa 22 West High St. 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.

Grace Brethren Church 137 W. Milton Rd., Ballston Spa 587-0649 Rev. Dan Pierce Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

Grace Community Church of Malta 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.Comfort Suites, Clifton Park

Greater Grace Community Church 43 Round Lake Rd. Ballston Lake (Malta Mall) 899-7777; .ggcc-malta.org Pastor David Moore Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

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

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

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

TODAY

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

Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.-noon 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 oldsaratogareformed church.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; 10:30 a.m. Service; 11:45 a.m.

Coffee & Fellowship in Living Stone Hall; Wednesday: noon potluck luncheon; 1 p.m. choir rehearsal; 2 p.m.

Bible Study Group 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 695-3101; qsumc.com Pastor Jim Knapp 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.

SARATOGA

TODAY

RELIGION

Friday, February 24, 2012

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 Contact: 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; rcda.org/churches/ St.JosephsChurch 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; rcda.org/churches/

Holy Communion.

St. Peter Lutheran Church 2776 Route 9, Malta 583-4153 Services: Sunday mornings 8:30 & 10:30 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 Saratoga Friends Meeting (Quaker) Rts. 32 and 71, Quaker Springs 587-7477; 399-5013 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Saratoga United Methodist Church Henning Rd., 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 7:45, 9 & St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran 10:45 a.m.; Acts II Church Contempory 10:45 a.m.

149 Lake Ave., Simpson United Saratoga Springs Methodist Church 584-0904 Rock City Rd., Services: Saturday 5 p.m.

Rock City Falls with Holy Communion.

885-4794 Sundays 8:30 & 11 a.m. with

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 Services: Friday 8 p.m.

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. Gail Falsetti-Pastor Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs 624 North Broadway 584-1555; saratoga-uu.org Services: 10 a.m. Religious education and nursery care at

17

the 10 a.m. service each Sunday.

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

West Charlton United Presbyterian Church 1331 Sacandaga Rd. 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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EDUCATION Robots Ready for Competition at Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa

photo provided

Above: Students in Saratoga Springs High School’s new robotics club put the finishing touches on a robot that will compete with those from other schools in a FIRST Robotics competition March 8 - 10 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Mass. J.C. Penney, which provided a $6,500 grant to the club, and the Masie Center of Saratoga Springs, with a $5,000 grant, were major donors.

Left: Ballston Spa High School’s FIRST Robotics Team 3044 recently collaborated with other teams from the Capital District at the Rennselaer Technology Park to finalize their robots. The test field allowed the teams to try out some of the tasks that they will need to complete during Regional events in the coming months. The B’Spa Robotics team was able to balance their robot, Oxsanity, on the course’s bridge as well as make a few basketball shots. The team will be competing in the Finger Lakes FIRST Regional Robotics Competition March 8 - 10.

photo provided

SARATOGA

Friday, February 24, 2012

TODAY

New Visions Seeks New Students in Challenging Medical Program

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA COUNTY - It’s an extremely challenging course load in a highly-competitive program, but the 15 high school students selected to take part in next year’s New Visions program will have an opportunity unlike any other to learn firsthand about the medical field and all the profession has to offer.

Students accepted into the program spend most of their senior year working at the Wesely Health Care Center, where they will study a wide range of medical disciplines while shadowing doctors and mentors on clinical rotations in a hospital setting - an opportunity most students don’t have until years into their college experience. It’s a heavy course load, balancing the work from New Visions with assignments from their high schools too, and requires young 17 and 18-year-olds who are motivated, dedicated and mature beyond their years in order to succeed.

“Going through high school, I never really had to study,” said Ally Naja, a New Visions student from South Glens Falls High School.

“But I have to study for this program,” she said, something she feels will better prepare her for college in September.

Make no mistake about it - New Visions is challenging, and it’s certainly not for everyone.

“I’m very demanding,” said Lisa E. Hart, BSMT, MSEd and program instructor for New Visions. “There’s no begging for points, no extensions and no arguing about answers. One of my mottos is, ‘do not underestimate the depth of detail and work that I require.’”

Still, students that are up to the challenge with a genuine interest in the medical field will have a lot to benefit from during their time with New Visions.

“The program has opened a lot of other doors that I didn’t even know could be opened,” said Emily Gedney from Queensbury High School, who through New Visions has been exposed to a wide range of medical disciplines.

“Coming into this program, I thought I knew what I wanted to do,” said classmate Scotlynne Rieder from Saratoga Springs High School, who was originally interest-

photo provided

The New Visions class of 2011-2012 ed in pathology. “But with this program, going on rotations, you see so many different things, so now I have probably a couple of interests in cardiology or oncology.”

Rieder’s experience isn’t unique for New Visions students. Many who enter the program with one area of interest often find another medical discipline that captivates them a very worthwhile thing to discover before learning the hard (and more expensive) way in medical school.

Beyond being able to handle the difficult and heavy course load, students must also prepare to enter a highly-professional atmosphere with a sense of maturity well beyond their years.

“They have to be very motivated, very bright, very interested in the medical field and have an ability to go out there and be very mature and professional in a hospital environment,” said Hart. “I have to be confident that my student can walk into an oncologist office, establish a rapport with the doctor and be in the room while he’s discussing maybe discontinuing treatment or hospice treatment with a patient. So they have to be that mature, adult professional in that environment.”

For Caitlin Florin of Saratoga Springs High School, setting herself up for a challenge is exactly what she expected from the program.

What came as somewhat of a surprise, however, was that, “interacting with all of the professionals has really helped me to mature and realize that it’s a professional world. We have to become adults, profession-

als, working with doctors. You have to walk up to someone, extend your hand, shake their hand and initiate a conversation.”

Students in New Visions work very closely with hospital staff and mentors during their clinical rotations, building valuable relationships with the professionals they hope to someday emulate.

“Working with people that have gone through years of school that are now set up in their own practice is a great experience,” said Mark Johnson of Spa Catholic. “A lot of the doctors have really inspired me to try hard and really work my hardest to get into medicine.”

Hart is currently visiting all high schools in Saratoga County as she seeks next year’s crop of students for New Visions. A parent and student information meeting is also scheduled for interested parties Wednesday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Wesley Health Care Center Activities Room, 131 Lawrence Street in Saratoga Springs.

Applications must be completed and submitted to the BOCES F. Donald Education Center no later than April 5, 2012, and can be found at your high school’s guidance department or online at www.wswheboces.org/cteforms.

Students may also schedule class visits by appointment only.

Available dates include March 16, 19 and 23.

To learn more about the program, contact Lisa E. Hart at lhart@wswheboces.org, or call (518) 587-3600, ext. 4360.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, February 24, 2012

19

Summer Camp Directory This Week’s Spotlight Cutting Edge Martial Arts Cutting Edge Martial Art’s A+ After School and Summer Camp Program is a year-round child care solution that provides a positive, structured environment for children after school and during the day in the summer. During the school year, we pick children up directly from the local elementary and middle schools and provide an hour lesson that starts with our “Mat Chat,” a 10-minute character education lesson for the day, followed by a full 50 minute martial arts class. Parents have a window between 5-5:45 p.m. to pick up their children while children have the opportunity after class to get their homework started.

During the summer, children get all the benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander scale. We offer eight weeks of full-day camps and have no minimum or maximum number of days per week or number of weeks that a student can attend. Each week of camp, we have a curriculum of character education lessons, fun games, and a one-hour martial arts class every day. We watch a movie in the afternoons twice a week, have a video game morning on Fridays and take all our campers on an educational outing on Wednesdays and a fun and exciting outing

every Friday. Our average camp size is 20-30 students, and we have three full-time staff working with our students.

Our goal is to provide a familyfriendly and fun environment that feels like a home away from home.

Our students have fun learning skills that can be used every day of their lives, and we try to provide memories that will last a lifetime. For many, our summer camps are a wonderful introduction to the martial arts.

For more information, visit www.saratogamartialarts.com or call (518) 587-5501.

SARATOGA

20

Friday, February 24, 2012

TODAY

Rotary Home & Garden Show Kicks off Friday, March 2, at Saratoga Springs City Center Event features more than 120 exhibitors, supports area nonprofits and youth scholarships SARATOGA SPRINGS – The annual Saratoga Springs Rotary Club Home & Garden Show will be held Friday, March 2 through Sunday, March 4 at the Saratoga Springs City Center, with proceeds to benefit Saratoga area nonprofit organizations, youth scholarships,

and Rotary’s international humanitarian efforts.

Show hours are Friday, March 2 from 5-9 p.m., Saturday, March 3 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday, March 4 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

General admission for adults is $6; children 5-12 are $1, and children

under 5 are free. A web coupon (available at www.saratogahomeshow.com) provides a $1 discount on adult admission good for any day of the show.

Over 120 exhibitors will offer diverse products and services for inside and outside the home.

Attendees have the chance to win hourly door prizes and this year’s grand prize, a Samsung 46-inch LCD flat-panel HDTV. The show includes many local experts and returning exhibitors such as California Closets, Capitol District Supply, Jerome Roofing, Mandy’s Spring Nursery, and Granite & Marble Works, as well as companies exhibiting energy-saving, “green,” and high-tech home

solutions. The Adirondack Trust Company is the show’s major sponsor.

Featured Events: On Friday night, March 2, the Rotary Club has teamed up with the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association to provide a dinner/show special: adults can receive a $5 discount by showing a dinner receipt from a downtown Saratoga Springs restaurant, dated between February 27 and March 2.

The discount is good for up to two adult admissions, resulting in a show entrance fee of $1 per adult.

All day on Saturday, March 3, a special “Summer Fun – Stay & Play Showcase,” presented by the

Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, will give attendees many ideas for a summer “staycation.” This exhibition will feature more than 30 regional summer hotspots and local businesses, including SaratogaArtsFest, Super Bounce, Saratoga Rowing Association, Airway Meadows Golf Club, Stock Studios Photography, Alcove Marina & Pub, Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce, and Lake George Steamboat Company.

Entrance to the Showcase is included with Home & Garden Show admission, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday.

For owners of historic homes, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is hosting a weekend-

SARATOGA

TODAY

21

Friday, February 24, 2012

long “restoration corner,” where local builders, architects, stone quarriers, painters and other specialists are available from several local businesses to discuss plans for historic homes. Since 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has been the leading advocate for the preservation of the city’s unique architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage.

What’s more, the proceeds from this fun annual event will benefit area nonprofits and youth scholarships.

In recent years, the Rotary Club’s Home and Garden Show has raised over $100,000 annually, most of which is divided between local contributions and major financial gifts to community organizations and youth scholarships. In the year ending June 30, 2011, Saratoga Springs Rotary Club awarded major gifts of $14,800 to CAPTAIN Youth & Family Services in Malta and $7,000 to Franklin Community Center, with additional contributions of more than $24,000 given to other local organizations such as Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, Shelters of Saratoga, Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis

Services of Saratoga County, among others. The club also provided $10,000 to Rotary International to support polio eradication around the world, to help Japan’s earthquake and tsunami victims, and for other humanitarian projects.

An additional focus of Saratoga Springs Rotary is youth scholarships. In 2011, the club awarded 14

area high school seniors with scholarships worth $48,000 for their pursuit of post-secondary education.

The scholarship program is supported financially by the not-for-profit Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation.

Saratoga Springs Rotary Club scholarships in the past few years have ranged from $1,500 up to the

club’s Presidential Scholarship, which presently provides $16,000 over four years to one graduating senior.

To view the complete list of exhibitors at the 2012 Saratoga

Springs Rotary Home & Garden Show, visit www.saratogahomeshow.com. For more information about Rotary International, visit www.rotary.org.

22

Community Corner

News From RTSC

SARATOGA

Friday, February 24, 2012

TODAY

News from the Franklin Community Center

Rebuilding Together Saratoga County Receives Grants Rebuilding Together Saratoga County (RTSC) received two grants from the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region; the grants include $10,000 from the Standish Family Fund for home repairs for five low-income families with children and $4,000 from the Assemblyman Robert Reilly Salary Fund to be used for home repairs in the Clifton Park area.

The mission of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region is to strengthen the community by attracting charitable endowments both large and small, maximizing benefits to donors, making effective grants, and providing leadership to address community needs.

Students from Franklin Community Center's Project Lift Program at Geyser Road Elementary School gather for a picture on a mild winter day. The program has been providing prevention education and self-esteem boosting activities for nearly 30 years in the Saratoga Springs City School District.

Shen Graphics Class Creates Brochures for RTSC The Shenendahowa graphics design class and teacher Salli Way volunteered to make a brochure for RTSC. Each student designed a brochure and presented it to RTSC Executive Director Michelle Larkin. What an impressive group of students!

Casey McCarthy Recognized for Academic Achievement Casey McCarthy of Saratoga Springs was recently recognized for her excellent academic performance this past semester at Wheelock College and was placed on the college’s dean’s list. Wheelock College is a four-year, private, coeducational college with comprehensive arts and sciences and professional programs. Congratulations, Casey!

Second graders from Division Street Elementary proudly show their donations to Franklin Community Center's food pantry. This is the second year in a row several groups of students walked the items they collected down Washington Street to the center in honor of their 100th day of school.

Corporate Partners Recognized by the Ballston Spa Board of Education The Ballston Spa Central School District Board of Education recently expressed their appreciation to several companies for their continual support and partnership activities in the school district. Coordinator of Development Courtney Lamport presented student-made plaques of appreciation to company representatives. The companies recognized included Guyson Corporation, Technical Building Services, Specialty Silicone Products (SSP), CSArch and Gilbane Building Company.

the

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

Carlton Shown in the photo are John Carson from Guyson, Gerald Jannicelli from Technical Building Services, Paul DiCaprio from SSP , Rich Peckham from CSArch, and Paul Loomis from Gilbane.

The tooth fairy club is sponsored by:

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

SARATOGA

TODAY

23

Friday, February 24, 2012

Take Me Out to the (T) Ball Game

Jenny Witte Mamatoga It’s almost that time of year parents, spring sports time!

Whether it is baseball, soccer or another fun sport that gets your kid going, sign-up time for spring sports is here! For some of you out there, myself included, this is the first year you’re signing up your little one for soccer or tball, and it can be exciting and a little nerve-wracking at the same time. You ask yourself questions like: “Are they ready?” and wonder how to handle it if they turn out to be less than enthused about playing. But whether they win or lose there are countless benefits for young kids to get involved in sports, even starting at the kindergarten age.

The first and perhaps most obvious benefit is fitness. In a culture where childhood obesity rates are a real health concern, children need all the exercise they can get. Being outside in the fresh air and sunshine, along with their friends, is a great way to work in some good exercise each week and will help their chances of being a healthier adult. Plus being with their peers, some of who may not be from their class at school, is a great way to build social skills. Meeting new friends and working together with them as a team is an invaluable skill that can’t always be taught at home. Cooperation is another great skill they will build while playing sports. They will learn how to cheer on their teammates, listen to the coaches and work together toward a real goal!

Sports can also help promote self-esteem in young children as well as older kids. Choosing a sport your child can grow and improve in gives them an opportunity to build self-esteem, and when a child realizes that they

are getting better at their sport, they can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Added to some positive reinforcement from you, kids will gain confidence and have a more positive view of themselves.

This also gives you an opportunity to help them develop perseverance. Helping them to practice at home is a great way to spend time with kids, and when they realize that they can put learned skills to use in a real game or competition-it shows them how much they can accomplish when they keep trying.

Playing sports can also help teach your kids how to deal with adversity. Everyone makes mistakes, and they can happen often when learning a new sport. How well you handle these mistakes and problems directly affects your happiness and quality of life. Even professional athletes make bad plays once in a while, but it’s not the mistake that counts. What you do from that point forward carries much more significance. If your child learns how to deal with adversity, errors and challenges in sports, chances are, they’ll be able to translate that skill to real life and effectively minimize mistakes or bad decisions as well as successfully recover from setbacks. Sports also give kids the opportunity to practice being a good sport and having a good attitude even if they lose the game.

Most of all, they will get the chance to get out there and have fun! Meeting new friends, cheering for a team, learning new skills and rules, and just being outside in the sunshine are all great for the whole family.

They’ll have fun playing and running around and you’ll have fun watching them grown and learn.

So get out there and root for the home team!

For more information on Wilton Youth Baseball visit www.wiltonyouthbaseball.org.

For more information on Saratoga Springs recreational programs, visit www.saratogasprings.org.

Jenny Witte is the founder of Mamatoga.com, an online resource for moms that offers local ideas for where to shop, eat and learn in Saratoga.

Saratoga Springs Programs For information on sports in Saratoga Springs visit www.saratoga-springs.org.

Registration runs through March 18. Late registration will be assessed a $25 late fee and a player will be put onto a waitlist. Programs include soccer, jr. sluggers, girls’ lacrosse and more.

Wilton Programs For information on sports in Wilton, visit the Gavin Park pages on the town’s website: w w w. t o w n o f w i l t o n . c o m .

Programs offered include gorilla soccer, gorilla basketball, pickleball, tennis lessons and more.

Ballston Spa Programs For information on sports in the Ballston Spa area, contact the Ballston Area Recreation Commission. Their programs include baseball for athletes entering grades 1-3, soccer for grades K-9, basketball for ages

3-9, swimming for kindergarteners, tennis and track and field camps, among a variety of enrichment programs. To view the full list, visit http://ballstonarearec.org/web/ or call (518) 885-1634 for additional information.

Malta Programs For information about sports and other programs offered through the Town of Malta Recreation Department, view the 2012 spring activities guide online at www.malta-town.org on the recreation page. Offerings include rockin’ soccer for ages 5-7, bitty basketball for ages 5-7, teeny tennis ages 5-7, and spring basketball

camp for ages 8-11 and 12-15.

Other activities include dance classes, martial arts club and drama camp.

Youth Softball Saratoga Miss Softball is accepting late registrations for the spring season – a $25 late fee is added to regular registration fees. For information about the spring recreational divisions, visit www.saratogamiss.org.

T-Ball Saratoga Little League is accepting spring t-ball registrations. For more information, visit www.saratogall.org.

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SARATOGA

FOOD

Friday, February 24, 2012

Fresh Local Spinach

John vs. the Onions

- Oh, so good and so good for you!

Suzanne Voigt Farmers’ Market

One of the greatest pleasures of discovering the Saratoga Farmers’ Winter Market was the wonder of fresh local greens in the middle of an upstate winter. For the past six years, I have purchased greens each and every Saturday. Sometimes I

buy braising greens for stir-fry or mixed greens or romaine for salads, but without fail I always buy fresh spinach. The thrill of having this wonderful green, freshly picked in winter, has yet to diminish. Spinach has such wonderful flavor and versatility. It tastes delicious cold, sautéed, by itself or included with other foods. Plus spinach is loaded with nutrients—calcium, iron, vitamins (A, B2, B6, C, E, K), folates, zinc and omega fatty acids for starters. I have yet to find a way to eat spinach I haven’t enjoyed and with its nutritious, low-cal nature, I can eat with sheer delight!

While spinach is in all my salads, my favorite way to eat spinach is sautéed. I discovered this simple delight at an early age, thanks to my

Italian grandmother. This wonderful woman was a chef’s chef and we had her in our very own kitchen! I learned from our nonna that blanching spinach before sautéing emphasizes the flavor and texture of this vegetable and takes it from everyday to special. It might seem like overkill, but once you take this extra step you won’t leave it out! Sautéed spinach by itself is good, but with a few additional steps and ingredients, simple spinach recipes can be transformed into something bigger and better. Put sautéed spinach in soups, serve with creamy orzo or put over rice or add to a quiche- it always adds flavor and guilt-free indulgence! If you have yet to discover our area’s local winter bounty, come to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Division St. Elementary School, and be sure to grab a bag of spinach!

Sautéed Spinach Ingredients (Makes 2 cups) 1 lb fresh spinach, stemmed 3-4 garlic cloves, chopped 1/tsp crushed red pepper Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice Directions Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat Wilt spinach in boiling water— add it all at once, stir and immediately drain into a colander. (Do not let the spinach sit in the water!)Press as much liquid from the spinach as possible.

Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add garlic and pepper flakes, stirring constantly; sauté about a minute or until garlic turns golden.

Add the spinach and stir with a wooden spoon (breaking up, if clumped) and coating it with oil and garlic. Cook around a minute, until spinach is heated through. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to serving dishes.

Optional: drizzle lightly with balsamic vinegar or lemon juice before serving.

With a few additional steps, simple sautéed spinach can be transformed into something bigger and better. I love to take the sautéed spinach above and add it to cooked orzo mixed with a Parmesan cheeseegg and cream mixture for a wonderful, soothing winter meal. Or try adding it to a soup—say a potato, shrimp chowder—delicious!

TODAY

John Reardon Compliments to the Chef Hello my Foodie Friends! This week’s must-have kitchen gadget is onion goggles!

I’ll start with an anecdote: “John vs. the Onions.”

I was 16 years old, and I had it made. I had my driver’s license, a new job, and, after my first shift, a first date with a cheerleader from my high school (No, I hadn’t met Paula yet). I’d be picking her up in my used 1966 Ford Mustang with factory air, 8-track tape player with a reverberator and a 289 engine! Yes, life was going my way!

I arrived at work, and my manager brought me to the back of the restaurant and said “son, we are going to make you ‘boss’- the boss of onions!” I was so happy, even though they needed me to peel, cut and chop onions for my entire shift.

The manager handed me an ancient looking knife that, to me, seemed two-feet long, and said “now, have at it!” I was nervous, but I was going to be the superstar “Boss of Onions,” even if I was using a knife that probably hadn’t been sharpened since 1922.

After peeling a mountain of onions, it was time to cut them in half. I steadied my “Crocodile Dundee” knife and pressed down. UT OH. Have you ever tried that with a dull knife? Well, onion juice squirted everywhere, and, you guessed it, right into my baby hazel eyes! Down went boss man and wow it stung. It wasn’t long before I started looking like “Rocky Balboa.”

But Rocky always persisted, and so would I. I knew I had a job to do so I carried on, despite my tears, which were now more like waterfalls, with the uncertainty of whether or not I would be victorious.

Every time I wiped a tear from my eyes, they become redder, blurrier and more swollen. I could barely see what I was doing.

By the end of my shift, the mountain was sliced and chopped. Yep, I did it and the manager told me I was great. He did, however, suggest that I take a long shower before my big date.

When I got home, my mother screamed and called for my dad. That’s when I knew I had not yet won the battle against the onion mountain.

I had onion hair gel and my clothes were covered with juice and pieces of onions. My eyes were very puffy and I had about seven Band-Aids on my fingers. My hands were now permanently yellow and it was one hour to my date…

“Mom you have to help me!” I wailed.

“I am a walking onion!”

I could not come within 20 feet of anyone without someone saying ‘whew you reek!’

I took a shower, but it didn’t help. My mom and my two sisters went into full date prep mode. Patty grabbed the lemon juice, CarolAnn stole dad’s Hai Karate cologne, and mom grabbed a nail brush and went to work with the lemon juice to rid me of yellow hands. She also had Patty hold ice cubes on my eyes, which worked! She wasn’t going to let her oldest son mess up his first date!

Well, I went on that date and my yellow hands and that smell went with me. I, onion man, was self-conscious all night.

Thankfully, Anna was very nice; she said I made her think of salad, and that the Hai Karate smelled good. To be honest, I was traumatized.

If I’d only had a pair of onion goggles, this story would have ended much differently.

You see, when onions are cut, an enzyme called sulfoxide lyase and sulfuric compounds are released from the broken cells. When exposed to air, they react with one another to form a vapor called thiopropanal sulfoxide. As this vapor evaporates, it irritates our eyes and causes us to cry. Kitchen folklore remedies such as burning candles or matches, slicing onions under water and freezing the onions before cutting are comical at best. The two methods proved most effective in preventing onion-cutting tears are wearing goggles or contact lenses.

Thankfully, this story has a happy ending.

Life is funnier sometimes when you look back on it. I may not have won the cheerleader’s heart after that one date, and I certainly learned the hard way that onions can be dangerous – even for boss man, but it all worked out in the end. Older and wiser, I told my wife the story of “John vs. the Onions” on our first date, and we both laughed!

With this gadget in my arsenal, I know another romantic evening will not be spoiled by smelly hands or onion trauma.

Take it from someone who learns from experience: this popular tool is a musthave. Onion goggles have a unisex design that fits most adults, so find your color and start chopping!

Remember: “life happens in the kitchen.”

Take care, John

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, February 24, 2012

Volunteers Needed for the Saratoga Tree Survey In 2008, the city received a $20,000 Urban Forestry Grant from the DEC to develop a master plan for the city’s trees (specifically, the street and park trees under city responsibility). In order to develop the most informed plan, the grant required the city to conduct the first-ever comprehensive inventory of the city’s street trees and to analyze the economic, aesthetic and environmental benefits provided by the trees. Sustainable Saratoga offered to provide volunteer labor and expertise to conduct the inventory and analysis. The DEC and the city agreed that this effort would fulfill the city’s obligation to provide $20,000 in matching funds, saving taxpayer dollars.

It is now crunch time! The August 19 deadline for the grant looms. In order to have enough time to analyze data and develop a tree plan by the grant deadline, Sustainable Saratoga needs to complete the actual tree survey by mid-May. The organization seeks committed, responsible, self-starting volunteers who are eager to learn more about trees and the condition of Saratoga’s urban forest. These volunteers would collect data of tree location, size and condition to feed into the on-theground survey of the city’s streetscape. Although the organization would welcome any help, the ideal volunteer would be one

who is willing to commit about 10 hours to the project, mostly between late-April and late-May. Although the surveying can be done by an individual working alone, volunteers will probably find it easier and more enjoyable if they recruit a friend or family member to walk the streets during data collection. You do not need to be an expert to help!

To volunteer, contact Tom Denny at (518) 587-6108 or tomdenny2010@gmail.com.

Saratoga Chamber Players Fundraiser Capriccio, 26 Henry St.,, Saratoga Springs Saratoga Chamber Players and friends will gather March 6 for a fundraising dinner. A portion of the bill for all meals served from 5-9 p.m. will be donated by the restaurant to the Saratoga Chamber Players. Seating is limited so call soon to reserve your place, (518) 587-9463.

Race Track Chaplaincy of America Bowling Fundraiser Strike Zone, Saratoga, 32 Ballston Ave., Saratoga Springs The Racetrack Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) is holding a bowling fundraiser March 4, from noon-2 p.m. $20 admission includes two hours of bowling,

Upcoming Blood Drives West Glens Falls Volunteer Fire Department 33 Luzerne Rd., Queensbury Saturday, February 25, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Daily raffle for a Red Cross fleece South Glens Falls High School 42 Merritt Rd., South Glens Falls Tuesday, February 28, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Daily raffle for a Red Cross fleece AngioDynamics 603 Queensbury Ave., Queensbury Thursday, March 1, from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Daily raffle for a $50 Red Cross voucher

HELPING HANDS 25 shoes, pizza, soda and a bumper car ride, with proceeds benefiting RTCA’s mission. RTCA is a nonprofit charitable organization that provides ministries to employees at New York race tracks (Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga). For more information, email RTCANY@aol.com.

Practically Poppin’ Children’s Museum at Saratoga Party Saratoga National Golf Club, 458 Union Ave. The Children’s Museum at Saratoga invites you to a Practically Poppin’ Party Saturday, March 10, 6:30-10:30 p.m. This elegant adult evening includes an open bar from 6:307:30, gourmet buffet dinner, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and musical entertainment. Open seating is $75 per person, $140 per couple. RSVP is required by March 2. Please call the museum at (518) 584-5540. All proceeds will benefit The Children’s Museum at Saratoga which is dedicated to creating an interactive community that inspires curiosity, sparks imagination and nurtures discovery.

Juicy Burger & More Benefit for Maplewood Manor Juicy Burger, Hannaford Plaza, Rowland St., Ballston Spa On Sunday February 26 from 59 p.m. Juicy Burgers & More is hosting a fundraiser where 10 percent of the gross proceeds will benefit the purchase of a metal awning structure for Saratoga County Maplewood Manor. The residents of this facility have been a vital part of Saratoga County communities and now they need your support! Orders can also be placed online at www.orderjuicyburgers.com and picked up at your convenience. Thank you for your contribution to this worthy cause!

HELPING PAWS Saratoga County Animal Shelter Volunteer Opportunities To volunteer you must be 18 years old or accompanied by an adult; fill out an application; and complete a short class.

Dog Volunteers: If you love dogs there are plenty of volunteer opportunities for you at the shelter. You can take shelter dogs for a walk, give them a bath, or help out at an offsite adoption clinic. For more information on how to become a dog volunteer, email Tracy Dussault at tdussault@saratogacountyny.gov.

Cat Volunteers: The shelter is always looking for foster homes for kittens, volunteers at the shelter to clean and socialize cats and kittens, and volunteers to escort cats to various locations. For more information on how to become a cat volunteer, email Deb Sheldon at dsheldon@saratogacountyny.gov.

If you have questions about the positions or the application, call (518) 885-4113.

Clifton Park Cat Annex This store front is staffed entirely by volunteers. Every day there will be cats and kittens available for adoption. If you are interested in volunteering, call Jeanette at (518) 248-0355.

The volunteers are needed for the following times: Monday-Friday: 6-8 p.m.

Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday noon – 4 p.m.

The annex is also looking for volunteers to work MondaySunday from 9-11 a.m. with duties including animal care, feeding and store front cleaning.

Rottie Empire Rescue Needs Foster Homes and Adopters Rottie Empire Rescue is looking for capable families to provide foster homes for their incoming rescues and interested applicants to provide permanent homes for their adoptable dogs. For more information on how to help, visit www.rottieempirerescue.com.

Future Guide Dogs Need Your Help!

Guiding Eyes for the Blind (GEB), a nonprofit school for guide dogs and a favorite charity of Giants quarterback and Super Bowl champion Eli Manning, is now accepting volunteers from the Capital Region for its puppy raising program.

Puppy raisers welcome an 8week-old GEB puppy into their home and with financial and educational support from the nonprofit, they love, nurture and educate the pup for a 14-16 month period before sending him/her back to GEB headquarters for formal training. All are welcome to apply to become a puppy raiser. For more information on Guiding Eyes’ puppy raiser program or to locate puppy raiser classes, visit www.guidingeyes.org or call 866-GEB-LABS.

Got Towels?

The Saratoga County Animal Shelter is in great need of towels to care for the animals at the shelter. Their supply is extremely low! Before tossing out those old towels, consider donating them to the shelter!

Giants Quarterback Eli Manning and a Guiding Eyes puppy

SARATOGA

26 upcoming town meetings Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org 2/28: Highway Committee, 9:30 a.m.

2/28: Public Hearing, 7:15 p.m.

2/28: Town Board agenda/special, 7:30 p.m.

2/29: Water Committee, 8 a.m.

2/29: Planning Board, 7:30 p.m.

Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org 2/27: Village Board, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com 2/28: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

3/1: Town Board Agenda, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 899-2818 www.malta-town.org 2/27: Town Board, 6:30 p.m.

2/28: Planning Board, 6:30 p.m.

2/29: Public Workshop on Rnd Lake Rd, 7 p.m.

Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com 2/27: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m.

Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org Town of Stillwater: 66 East St., Riverside Mechanicville, NY www.stillwaterny.org 2/27: Zoning Board, 7:30 p.m.

3/1: Town Board agenda, 7 p.m.

Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com 3/1: Town Board, 7 p.m.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors: 40 McMaster St., # 1 Ballston Spa, NY (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov 2/28: Board Meeting, 4 p.m.

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

Friday, February 24, 2012

L A C LO fs brie

Franklin Community Center Needs Volunteers!

Franklin Community Center needs reliable volunteers to help operate their "free store" at 101 Washington Street, Tuesdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Thursdays from 10:45 a.m.-2 p.m. Volunteers will help collect, fold and sort clothing and maintain order while people utilize this essential service. Volunteers must be comfortable working with people in a diverse environment. If interested, please email Bo at bo@franklincommunitycenter.org.

10-Mile March for Parental Rights A “March in March” for parental rights is taking place March 24 at 9 a.m. Beginning at the regional office of children and family services in Rensselaer and ending at Senator Roy McDonald’s district office in Troy. Participants are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m. An inclement weather date has been set for Saturday, April 7. Petitions will be dropped off at Senator Roy McDonald's office regarding parental rights. This march is also to bring awareness to the shortcomings of Child Protective Services and Family Court. All activists are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Fathers 4 Justice’s president, Jack Frost, at fr33j6ck@yahoo.com.

$1 Clothing Bag Sale Second Hand Rose Thrift Shop, 116 Broad St., Schuylerville On February 24 and 25 Second Hand Rose Thrift Shop will have a two-day $1 bag sale, clothing only.

Winter coats and jackets will also be on sale for $4 each. Store hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.4 p.m. For more information, call (518) 695-4640.

Children are needed for the following roles: five boys for “Romeo & Juliet” with at least three years ballet experience as well as 14 girls, six flag bearers, and two little cape bearers with one-two years of ballet experience for “Firebird.” Visit www.spac.org for ticket information and performance dates.

Read Your Poems or Just Listen During April Celebrate National Poetry Month with public readings! Readings will take place each Saturday in April 2012, from 1-3 p.m. in downtown Saratoga Springs. The time allowed to each poet depends upon how many featured poets and other poets are signed up.

Venues: April 7- Saratoga Arts’ building, Broadway April 14- Steps of the U.S. Post Office, Broadway *No slots available April 21- Saratoga Arts’ building, Broadway April 28- Feneex Boutique, 30 Beekman St. Poets will not be paid for their readings, they may bring their own books to sell, but must handle their own sales. No tables or cash boxes will be available for selling books. If you want to read, call Barbara Garro at (518) 587-9999 and leave a message with your phone number.

Cudney’s and Franklin Community Center Partnership Beginning March 3, all Cudney’s locations in Saratoga and Wilton will feature bins where they will accept your gently-used, in-season clothing on the first Saturday of each month from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The clothing will then be sorted, cleaned and donated to Franklin Community Center, a nonprofit human service agency serving less-fortunate children and families in Saratoga County. For more information, visit http://www.cudneys.com/ or www.franklincommunitycenter.org.

NYCB Children’s Auditions

Saratoga Tourism Bureau Needs Volunteers!

National Museum of Dance, 99 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs New York City Ballet (NYCB) will conduct auditions for children’s roles in the ballets “Firebird” and “Romeo & Juliet” Sunday, March 18. The auditions will commence at 2 p.m. A copy of the application is available at www.dancemuseum.org. Any questions about the auditions must be asked on the day of the audition.

The Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau is offering an exciting opportunity for local residents, students, professionals and others to support and promote all of the things that make Saratoga a wonderful place to visit! We are looking for volunteers with flexible hours and the ability to do various assignments such as event support, staffing the bureau’s hospitality table and tent, and assisting event organizers. To

volunteer, fill out an application form at discoversaratoga.org/volunteers or call (518) 584-1531, ext.

104.

5th Annual LaVoy5k Needs Sponsors!

This run, held April 28, is in memory of Kristen LaVoy whose life was short but full because of the donation of others. The event educates the public about organ, tissue and eye donation and is a great opportunity for your organization to give something as someone did for Kristen. The funds raised from this event go directly to The Center for Donation & Transplant (Donate Life). For more details, email klavoy5k@hotmail.com or call (518) 928-5808.

Genealogy 101 Registration Begins Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa Genealogy 101 will be held Thursdays, April 12, 19, and 26 from 1-3 p.m.

Tracing your family can be an immensely rewarding experience.

The cost is $45 per person. Pre-registration is required by April 9 for this popular class. Contact Anne Clothier at (518) 885-4000 or at aclothier@brooksidemuseum.org for more information or to register.

Seeking Vendors and Crafters Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake Christ the Savior Orthodox Church is seeking vendors and crafters for their second annual flea market taking place July 7, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the church. Outside and indoor spaces are available. For more information, email xcsavior@yahoo.com or call (518) 3630001.

Craft/Garage Sale Vendors Needed 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Ladies Auxiliary is looking for market vendors for an indoor market to be held once a month, Sundays from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The cost for an 8foot table space is $15 paid in advance. Doors open for setup at 9:30 a.m. The next craft/garage sales are February 26 and March 11.

For an application or more information, call Linda at (518) 289-5470.

TODAY

Donations Needed for Garage Sale Milton Grange #685 will hold their annual garage sale Saturday, March 31 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Rock City Road in Ballston Spa. Donations of used household items (excluding clothing and electronics) are needed for the sale. Proceeds from the garage sale are used to support programs in the community including the ECHO Food Pantry and vegetable plants for Head Start students. Call (518) 885-6810 to make donation arrangements.

Earth Week Recycled Art Show - Call for Entries In celebration of Earth Week, Hudson Crossing Park is seeking artists to exhibit their work at Saratoga National Historical Park Friday, April 20 – Sunday, April 29 for the second annual Recycled Art Show. Entries must be submitted by Friday, April 9 to www.hudsoncrossingpark.org/artshow, which provides entry forms, submission details and pictures of past entries.

St. Peter’s Keys Run Registration The 33rd annual St. Peter’s Keys Run will be held Saturday, April 21.

Pre-registration is $18 or $23 for day-of registration. The children’s mile is $10. The race benefits the Community Hospice of Saratoga and The St. Peter’s Youth Group.

Applications can be downloaded at www.saratogastryders.org.

For more information email laura@saratogastryders.org or call Jeff Clark at (5118) 581-7550.

Affordable SAT Prep Course CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services, 5 Municipal Plaza, Suite 3.Clifton Park CAPTAIN is proud to offer SAT Prep! The course runs March 12, 15, 19, 22, 26 and 29 from 7-9 p.m.

Scholarships will be available for students in need. The course fee is $179. For more information, call Larry Silverman at (518) 469-0259.

Saratoga Springs Public Library offers Tax Prep Assistance 49 Henry Street, Susman Room Saratoga Springs Public Library will hold its annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program led by Drake Nilsson a certified IRS volunteer. This is a free service for taxpayers (with incomes of $50,000 or less) that is geared toward helping anyone in need. For more information, call (518) 5847860.

SARATOGA

TODAY

CALENDAR

Friday, February 24, 2012

living

24 - Mar 2 Feb.

events Friday & Saturday

will be available in the children's room. Call (518) 584-7860, opt. 3, for more information.

Saturday, February 25 Snowshoe Walks at Gavin Park's Family Fun Day Gavin Park, Wilton Join Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park on a snowshoe walk from 14 p.m. Gavin Park will also be providing a free bounce house and refreshments. In addition, there will be a search and rescue demo and a family snowman building contest.

Saratoga Contradance

Saratoga Beer Week The City Center, Saratoga Springs Events, entertainment, refreshments and did we mention beer?

Over 180 different kinds at multiple tastings throughout the weekend. Visit www.saratogabeerweek.com for ticket information and event schedule.

Friday-Sunday Saratoga Rotary Home & Garden Show Saratoga City Center Come spring into spring shopping local vendors! Open Friday 5-9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission is $6 for adults, $1 for kids ages 5-12 and under 5 get in free. For more information, call (518) 242-0506.

Friday, February 24 Puppet People Legend of Sleepy Hollow Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., H. Dutcher Community Room A thrilling, comic rendition of Washington Irving's classic story, this show features handcrafted marionettes, two life-sized puppets, special lighting, and smoke effects accompanied by both classical and traditional folk music. There will be three performances: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Open to all ages. Free tickets

First Baptist Church, 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs Contras, squares and couples dances from 8-11 p.m., with beginner lesson at 7:30. All dances taught and newcomers are welcome. Wear sneakers or other soft-soled shoes only, please. Adults $10, students $7, children under 15, $6. For more information, call (518) 885-4430 or visit www.danceflurry.org.

Wedding Planning Workshop 526 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs A wedding workshop with style is taking place at 10 a.m. Reserve your spot today by emailing jess@expeventdesign.com

Tang Museum Family Day Tang Museum, Skidmore College Children ages 5 and up with an adult can enjoy a brief tour of a current Tang exhibition followed by a hands-on art activity. Free and open to the public from 23:30 p.m. For reservations and information, call (518) 580-8080.

Sunday, February 26 Free Spaghetti Dinner Trinity United Methodist Church, 155 Ballard Rd., Wilton Enjoy a free spaghetti dinner from 5-7 p.m. Open to the entire community!

Greek Popular and Folk Dance Workshop Bloom Studio, 153 Regent St., Saratoga Springs The directors of Fotia Greek Dancers, Evan Euripidou and Maria Panayotou, are holding a dance workshop from 2-4 p.m.

Dancers of all levels are welcome to attend. Free to Skidmore students. For more information, contact Adriana Gómez Piccolo at SaratogaGreekDance@gmail.com or leave a message with contact information at (518) 583 4645.

Enchanted Wedding Expo Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway Attention all brides: Shop local vendors from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and start planning your perfect wedding! Expo guests will have the chance to peruse, taste-test and chat with the experts, all while enjoying live music and the romantic backdrop of downtown Saratoga Springs. No other bridal expo lets you connect with as many venues and caterers under one roof. Admission is a $5 donation to The Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund.

Complimentary coat check is provided.

p.m. The program will be presented by Director of Centers and Education for Audubon New York Pam Musk. In this presentation you will learn how to create a healthy habitat that will protect and attract birds in your backyard and the essentials of being a responsible caretaker of your piece of the earth.

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. Taking place from 9:30-11:30 a.m., this course will introduce students to the world of blogs including: searching, subscribing, creating blogs and setting up RSS feeds. Registration is required; call (518) 584-7860, ext. 257

Thursday, March 1 Joy of Writing LARAC, 7 Lapham Place, Glens Falls Aspiring Writers and Poets: come together, write and share in a supportive environment. All levels of experience welcome! Free ($1 for rent). Join us monthly at our first Thursday morning writers group from 10 a.m.-noon. For information, call Lee at (518) 7430222 or visit www.gfwriters.com.

Upcoming

Tail Waggin’ Tutor

Van Patten Golf Course, Clifton Park St. Mary’s School of Ballston Spa will be hosting its Fourth Annual Big Heart Gala Saturday, March 3.

This is a fabulous evening featuring fine dining, music, dancing, live and silent auctions, and raffles. All proceeds benefit the school. There are many ways to support the Big Heart Gala: sponsoring, donating auction items, attending the gala and/or purchasing raffle tickets. All sponsors are acknowledged in the gala’s program. For more information on attending, sponsoring or donating, visit www.smsbspa.org/bigheartgala.

Wednesday, February 29 Free Audubon at Home Program Crandall Library, Glens Falls, Community Room Southern Adirondack Audubon Society is hosting "Audubon at Home," a free public program at 7

p.m. for our Singles’ Orientation and Open House. Meet other singles from the Capital District, Saratoga and surrounding areas.

Children’s activities are subsidized through chapter funds. Learn more at www.meetup.com/PWP796 or by calling (518) 348-2062.

Ceili Fundraiser Intro to Blogging

Tuesday, February 28 Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Crawshaw Story Room Come to the library from 5-6 p.m. and read to Quinn our guest therapy dog. This adorable pup loves people, especially kids, and loves to make people smile. He will be very happy to lie quietly and listen to any story you choose. Call (518) 584-7860, ext. 3 the morning of February 28 to reserve 10 minutes with Quinn.

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Big Heart Gala

Parents Without Partners Meeting Shenedehowa Adult Community Center, Clifton Commons Parents Without Partners (PWP) meets Saturday, March 3 at 6:45

Stillwater Community Center, 19 Palmer St. The Friends of the Stillwater Free Library are holding a Ceili Fundraiser Sunday, March 4, from 3-5 p.m. This family-friendly event is a celebration of Irish music and dance, featuring the music of the St. James Gate Band and Irish dancing by The Wild Irish Acres Dancers. Suggested Admission is $5 per person or $15 per family.

All proceeds help support the Stillwater Free Library. For more information, email sflfriends@gmail.comor or call the library at (518) 664-6255.

The Bump Club Virgil's House, 86 Henry St, Saratoga Springs The baby gurus of Binx, a baby planning service, bring you The Bump Club. A free social group for expecting mamas held the first Sunday of every month at 2 p.m. At the March 4 meeting, learn about a new pregnancy or newborn topic and connect with other soon-to-be moms. For more information, visit www.binxbaby.com.

Saratoga Springs Retired Teachers Association Meeting Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs Meeting is March 5 at noon.

Membership is open to retired educators who taught in and/or live in Saratoga County. For new member information and luncheon reservations, call (518) 5875356.

Trout Unlimited Monthly Meeting Series Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., H. Dutcher Room Trout Unlimited’s monthly meeting starts at 7 p.m. March 5 and is open to all supporters and enthusiasts of cold water fisheries. For more information, call (518) 8932228.

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

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Friday, February 24, 2012

New York Players Painting the Town Red SARATOGA SPRINGS - From jazz to soul, rock, funk, disco, motown and more, the New York Players are ready to hit the Saratoga

scene not once but twice this weekend! Check them out first at the Vapor Night Club on Friday, and again this Saturday at Primelive Ultra Lounge.

TODAY

Local Gigs Week of 2/24-3/2

Send listings to entertainment@saratogapublishing.com

Friday, 2.24:

•Forthlin Road, 9 pm

•Dave Fisk Quartet, 9 pm

•New York Players, 8:30 pm

@ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759

•Justin Joyner, 9 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

•Vivid, 9 pm @ bentley’s - 899.4300

•Beppe Gambetta, 8 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

•Jeff & Becky Walton w/ Mike Steiner @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•Rakish Paddy, 8 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

•Mike Tomas, 7 pm @ the paddock lounge - 330.2426

•Screaming Orphans, 9 pm @ parting glass - 583.1916

•Ed Salvo, 6:30 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

•Paranoid Social Club w/ The Brew, 9 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

•New York Players, 9 pm @ vapor - 581.5772

•Tony Jenkins Jazz Trip, 8:30 pm @ wallabee’s jazz bar - 792.8282

@ parting glass - 583.1916 @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

•Black Mountain Symphony, 9 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

•Corey Rodrigues & Tony Deyo, 8 pm @ van dyck - 348.7999

•DVDJ Reel, 9 pm @ vapor - 581.5772

•Joe Gitto, 8 pm @ wallabee’s jazz bar - 792.8282

Sunday, 2.26: •Cavanaugh & Kavanaugh, 7 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

Thursday, 3.1: •Jeff Walton @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

Friday, 3.2: •Pete Sweeney Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759

•Rob Pulsifer, 9 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

Saturday, 2.25:

•Long Time Courting, 8 pm

•Arch Stanton Quartet, 9 pm

•John Eisenhart

@ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759

•Cabin 3, 9 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

•Even the Odd, 9 pm @ bentley’s - 899.4300

•Gathering Time, 8 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

•Nouveau Jazz Beat, 10 pm @ circus café - 583.1106

•Rick Bolton & The Dwyer Sisters @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•GRAVITY, 9:30 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

•Dave Berger Trio @ max london’s - 587.3535

•Brat Pack, 7 pm @ the paddock lounge - 330.2426

@ caffè lena - 583.0022 @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•Marcus Ruggiero, 8:30 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

•Magic Hat Presents: Maaze @ putnam den - 584.8066

•Big Medicine, 9 pm @ parting glass - 583.1916

Open Mics: •Tue. w/Pete Pashoukos @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•Wed. Open Mic @ putnam den - 584.8066

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

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

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, February 24, 2012

TS AR OD FO RE LTU CU

n a m k S e T e B et AR ICT e R r T t S DIS

SARATOGA SPRINGS This summer’s Beekman Street Art Fair may still be a few months away, but the application deadline for interested artists is right around the corner for those who wish to show their work during the annual SaratogaArtsFest celebration this June.

Applications for the juried art fair are due by March 1 and can be acquired by emailing fritlock@verizon.net or by calling (518) 5832129. While there is no application fee, booth fees will cost $25 for the day. Those who submit an application will be notified by March 15 if their application has been accepted.

The fair, which will take place June 10 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Beekman Street (between Grand Ave. and West Circular) is open to all fine artists and craft artists to show their work. The space provided will measure approximately 10 feet by 10 feet on the street, and artists are expected to provide their own displays.

In addition to the many crafts and art on display, the Beekman Street Art Fair also plays host to several student musical groups, specialty food vendors and street performers beneath the festival tent.

The event is heavily promoted by SaratogaArtsFest both locally and nationally.

To learn more about the Beekman Street Art Fair and SaratogaArts Fest, visit www.saratogaartsfest.org. ~by Daniel Schechtman

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CALLING ALL ARTISIANS FOR THE BEEKMAN STREET ART FAIR

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Friday, February 24, 2012

TODAY

SPAC Accepting Applications for Summer Internships Marketing and Graphic Design Summer Internships Available SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has announced that it is currently accepting resumes for its summer internship program geared toward undergraduate students and recent graduates.

The program is intense and highly competitive with only four paid slots available; successful

candidates exude high-energy and possess a “can- do” attitude. Interns work directly for the marketing department, whose primary goal is audience development for SPAC's classical performances. SPAC is the summer home of New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra, and also presents the Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival, the Saratoga Chamber Music Festival, Opera Saratoga, Cabaret “Live from the Algonquin,” and rock and pop concerts by Live Nation.

SPAC's internship program includes an innovative career-oriented mentorship consisting of resume building, mock interviews and overall business advisement.

“We provide our interns with the opportunity to work in several different facets of the organization, resulting in a ‘hands-on’ experience, which ultimately prepares them for their future careers. Our interns are given a great deal of responsibility and learn first-hand the importance of professional demeanor inside and outside the office. They have to hone their communication skills and have the opportuni-

ty to become valuable members of our SPAC team. We are looking for the best and the brightest with high energy and a passion for SPAC,” said Marcia J. White, SPAC’s president and executive director.

Many of SPAC’s former interns have moved on to prestigious careers and companies, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Boston Symphony Orchestra, Random House Children’s Books (A Division of Random House Group), Ralph Lauren, Emma Willard School, Davenport Theatrical Enterprises, LEGO Systems, Inc., MTV Networks, NYS Hospitality and Tourism Bureau, PI & C, and Vistaprint.

“I have always loved and appreciated the work that SPAC does bringing the arts to the Saratoga community (and beyond), but the internship program serves as much more than an introduction to arts administration. The work you do is applicable to a variety of fields and your responsibilities correlate accordingly with your strengths and motivation,” said Lauren Donovan, a former intern and current employee of Random House Children’s Books.

“The internship is incredibly demanding and challenging in every way, but it is also fun and rewarding. Best of all, the mentors you will find here are personally invested in your future, viewing your ambitions as just as much their focus as yours,” she said.

SPAC is looking for exceptionally hardwork-

ing, highly-motivated individuals interested in business, journalism, marketing and arts industries. The organization is seeking mature candidates with strong interpersonal skills, creative ideas, and “never-say-never” attitudes. It is crucial that interns are able to write clearly and concisely, multitask, pay attention to details and follow-through.

Marketing interns become integral members of the staff and are directly involved in communicating with the general public faceto-face, over the phone, and via e-mail; writing letters and press releases; and cultivating and maintaining partnerships with local businesses, corporate sponsors, and individual donors.

SPAC is also looking for a Graphic Design and Photography Intern who will be directly involved in photographing the summer events, designing and producing advertising materials and promotional pieces, including SPAC's season program, brochures, posters, display boards, web banners, and other materials.

Applicants must have excellent graphic design skills, strong writing skills, and proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite of products (including InDesign).

SPAC has four paid slots available. If you are interested and think your qualifications are well- suited for the internship program, send your C.V. and cover letter to Kristy Godette at marketing@spac.org by April 1.

photos provided

Top: Interns at SPAC get some valuable experience working hard in the marketing and graphic design department.

Bottom: But between all that hard work, they still find the time to have some fun now and again.

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SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, February 24, 2012

Bands ‘n Beans Comes of Age 21st Annual Chili Cooking Competition Comes to Lake George March 4

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY LAKE GEORGE - The annual Lake George Arts Project’s Bands ‘n Beans chili cook-off turns 21 as it returns to the Roaring Brook Ranch Sunday, March 4, welcoming over 30 restaurants, a slew of local musicians and an expected 1,000 attendees for an afternoon of smokin’ chili and cool rhythm.

Hundreds of gallons of chili will be served during the March 4 celebration, which runs from 2 - 7 p.m.

Returning to the competition are three award-winning entries from last year - Rex & Tony’s Cafe, Melba Mae's Riverview Inn and the UpRiver Cafe, who plan on defending their Bands ‘n Beans title. To do so, they’ll have to put this year’s batch of chili up against some old favorites and several newcomers, including Samantha’s Cafe, the Barnsider Smokehouse BBQ, Bentley's, the Olde Log Inn, Orange Cat Cafe, Pub on 9, T-Ray's Barbeque and Ranchero’s Steakhouse & Cantina.

Worried about getting a little hot under the collar from all that chili?

Have no fear, Rockhill Bakehouse will be there, returning to the festivities and serving up its delicious breads to complement chilies hot, sweet, zesty and everything in between.

Over 1,000 attendees are expected during the annual event, who will have a chance to cast their vote for their favorite chili in both restaurant and individual categories. Awards will be presented for first, second and third place finishers based on the final vote tally, along with the President’s Choice Award and Hot Stuff Award.

But chili beans are only half of the equation during the Bands ‘n Beans celebration in Lake George. How about those bands - approximately eight in total playing on two separate stages during the entirety of the event.

Playing in the Powder Horn room, check out Phil Camp, Chris Ballini, Rick Bolton & the Dwyer Sisters and Tim Wechgelaer & Chris Carey.

In the Sky Rider room, be sure to look out for performances by Rich Ortiz & Friends, the Stony Creek Band, Dirt Cheap and Groove Therapy.

Bands ‘n Beans is one of the largest parties of the year for the North

photo provided

Chefs dish out some smokin’ hot chili during the Lake George Arts Project’s Bands ‘n Beans.

Country, and it also serves as one of the most important fundraising events for the Lake George Arts Project. The Lake George Arts Project uses said funds to help present the ever-popular and much-loved Lake George Jazz Weekend in the summer, along with the Summer Concert Series in Shepard Park and the Courthouse Gallery exhibition series.

Admission to the event is $20 and

photos provided

Left: Chefs line up to be judged during the chili cook-off at Bands ‘n Beans.

Right: Huge crowds gather in Lake George to get in on the fun. can be purchased at the door of the Roaring Brook Ranch, located on Route 9N South, roughly two miles southwest of Lake George. Visit www.roaringbrookranch.com to learn more about the location.

To learn more about the Bands ‘n Beans celebration, contact the Lake George Arts Project by phone at (518) 668-2616 or visit www.lakegeorgearts.org.

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Friday, February 24, 2012

Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead Skidmore College Theater to Raise Curtain for Spring 2012 Black Box Production March 2

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Skidmore College Department of Theater is welcoming the public to the Janet Kinghorn Bernhard Theater for their opening performance of “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead,” by Bert V. Royal March 2, beginning at 8 p.m.

Directed by Margaret Smith, this politically charged tragic-comedy is a re-imagination of the beloved Charles Shultz characters from the

cartoon strip, “Peanuts,” as they face their teenage years in high school. “[This] play addresses under-represented social issues in a frank, entertaining and unexpected way,” said Margaret Smith, director. “By using the beloved ‘Peanuts’ characters as a satirical device, playwright Royal makes ethereal issues tangible for a modern audience. I hope to use this prestigious opportunity as a vehicle to continue to consciously explore and test the theatrical philosophy that has always guided my work - that political theater which

explores social problems can be used as a vehicle to realize larger activist and educational goals.”

“Dog Sees God” sets out to explore sensitive but poignant social issues, such as bullying, harassment and homophobia, all while the characters search for a sense of self and the greater meaning of life, the universe and everything.

Seating for the production is very limited, so interested parties are encouraged to make a reservation as soon as possible. To make your reservation, call the Skidmore Theater Box Office at (518) 5805439 or email boxoffice@skidmore.edu. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $8 for students and senior citizens. For group sales, contact Kathy Mendenhall at (518) 5805431 or kmendenh@skidmore.edu.

Performances are scheduled from March 2-7. All shows begin at 8 p.m., except for Saturday and Sunday matinees, which start at 2 p.m.

TODAY

“The Threads of Time” at the Brookside Museum BALLSTON SPA - The Saratoga County Historical Society is showcasing its latest exhibition, “The Threads of Time” at the Brookside Museum, featuring handmade quilts in the museum's collection. “The Threads of Time,” exhibit opened in December 2011 and will be up through January 2013, during the museum’s regular hours.

"Quilts are amazing pieces of history," said Joy Houle, Brookside's executive director. "They are unique

since they are both practical household items and works of art that tell stories about the women who made them."

The exhibit will showcase both the quilts and the stories they tell.

This exhibition has been generously funded by the New York Council on Humanities and the Coby Foundation.

For more information, please visit www.brooksidemuseum.org or call (518) 885-4000.

photo provided

A hand-stitched quilt on display at the Brookside Museum in the “Threads of Time” exhibition.

New York City Ballet Children’s Auditions Set for Mid-March at the National Museum of Dance’s School of the Arts SARATOGA SPRINGS - New York City Ballet (NYCB) will conduct auditions for children’s roles in the ballets “Firebird” and “Romeo and Juliet” Sunday, March 18 at the School of the Arts at the National Museum of Dance, located at 99 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs. The auditions, conducted by NYCB’s assistant children’s Ballet Mistress Dena Abergel, will commence at 2 p.m.

A copy of the application is available at www.dancemuseum.org.

Any questions about the auditions must be asked on the day of the audition to the Ballet Mistress herself.

The National Museum of Dance is set to host these auditions in the Swyer Studios, which also host

the museum’s School of the Arts.

Children are needed for the following roles: five boys for “Romeo and Juliet” with at least three years ballet experience, as well as 14 girls, six flag bearers, and two little cape bearers with one to two years of ballet experience for “Firebird.”

The two-act ballet “Romeo and Juliet,” choreographed by Peter Martins, was last seen at SPAC five years ago and is based on Shakespeare’s famous play.

“Firebird” is a stunningly beautiful ballet choreographed by George Balanchine, featuring sets by the artist Marc Chagall.

Visit www.spac.org for ticket information and performance dates.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, February 24, 2012

Sudoku

PUZZLES PUZZLES PUZZLES

33 At one time I smoked, but in 1959 I couldn't think of anything else to give up for Lent so I stopped-and I haven't had a cigarette since.

Ethel Merman

Words to know:

telluric: adj. Of or relating to the moon.

Crossword

See puzzle solutions on page 36

ACROSS

See puzzle solution on page 36

Scrabblegram

See puzzle solution on page 36

1 Woolly grazers 5 It follows John 9 Defunct Olympic sport 13 Dieterʼs snack?

16 On __ with 17 Crop production toast?

18 5ʼ7” Spud who won an NBA Slam Dunk contest 19 Words before coming or out 20 Telegraph sound 21 Lover of Psyche 22 Artistʼs pad 25 Ability to detect a certain orientation 27 Not like at all 30 PLO part 32 Boxing statistic 33 Actress Thurman 34 Saint in red 36 Raised entrance area 38 Ave. paralleling Park 39 Useless footwear 41 Switz. neighbor 42 Soul 44 Waist-length jackets 45 Gray gp.

46 Stray chasers 48 Not own outright, with “on” 49 Pique 50 Debate choices 52 Piano sonatas, usually 54 It covers all the bases 55 Tuna of the Pacific 57 Golden __ 61 Rice from New Orleans 62 Buckaroo at sea?

65 It has banks in Germany and Poland 66 Dance and theater in Texas?

67 Red areas, once: Abbr.

68 Case workers, briefly 69 The greater part DOWN 1 Do some glass cutting, perhaps 2 “Take it easy!”

3 Goes astray 4 Declining from old age 5 Bavarian carp?

6 Friend of Fidel 7 Knotted 8 Mistletoe piece 9 Played with, in a way 10 One giving pep talks between acts of “Carmen”?

11 Maternity ward?

12 Balls

Movie Review

Raising Hector

40 Basieʼs “__ʼClock Jump” 43 Auto club employees 47 Hot tea hazard 49 Ojibwa home 51 Young pig 53 Thailand neighbor 54 New Mexico ski resort 56 Buried treasure site, often 58 Iberian river 59 Disintegrates 60 Part of MS-DOS: Abbr.

63 Dr. Momʼs forte 64 __ in Charlie

The Artist

With every change in technology and popular tastes, there are those who are left by the wayside when they are unable or unwilling to adapt. And, in contrast, there are those who quickly find themselves better off than they were before. We, of course, know what happens to the latter, but what of the former?

On his way into the theater for the premiere of his latest film, silent movie star George Valentin (played by Jean Dujardin) encounters young aspiring starlet Peppy Miller (played by Berenice Bejo) and the two are photographed by the many reporters at the entrance. By the next day, Miller (Bejo) is on the cover of Variety with the headline “Who’s That Girl?” Valentin’s spouse, Doris (played by Penelope Ann Miller) is annoyed while Peppy (Bejo) is ecstatic. When she auditions for a role in Valentin’s next movie, the studio is hesitant while Valentin is insistent. Over time, Miller’s popularity increases to the point where she no longer needs Valentin’s patronage. In the same amount of time, Al Zimmer (played by John Goodman), the head of the studio holding Valentin’s contract, announces they will be halting production on silent films in favor of sound. Valentin believes sound is a fad and decides to produce his next silent film without the studio. Only to have the opening go unnoticed thanks to Peppy Miller’s latest offering being released on the same day.

At The Movies With Trey Roohan

14 __-1: “Ghostbusters” auto 15 Relatively cool red giant 23 Fail in business 24 With 35-Down, fairs, and a hint to making sense of this puzzleʼs pairs of adjacent 10letter answers 26 Acknowledgments 27 Pacific dance 28 Pews, at times?

29 Intersection where cabs hang out?

31 Joie de vivre 34 Tropical ring-tailed critter 35 See 24-Down 37 H.S. sophs may take it

I haven’t seen any of Dujardin’s or Bejo’s previous films. And, while I recognized members of the supporting cast, their roles were much less significant. Also, given that the majority of the film is silent, it was an unusual experience.

I was tempted to switch on my iPod at times, but somehow I didn’t think AC/DC was compatible with the tone the film was trying to set. Leaving all that aside, this is a brilliant film and I enjoyed it immensely. Though I would hope it’s not the beginning of a trend as silent films could be disastrous in the hands of less competent professionals. If you can find “The Artist” in a theater near you, see it now. (8.6/10) For comments and questions, contact me at movies@roohanrealty.com.

Broom Hilda

Animal Crackers

SARATOGA

Friday, February 24, 2012

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SARATOGA

SPORTS

Friday, February 24, 2012

TODAY

Community Sports Bulletin Gymnasts Compete in Cortland

Spa Catholic Grad Named 2012 Scholar-Athlete of the Year Ryan Knotek, member of Saratoga Central Catholic class of 2008 and current senior at University of New England, has been named the 2012 Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year by the Commonwealth Coast Conference. While on the court as a member of the UNE Nor’easters, Knotek averages 7.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.

He has started all 25 games this season and has been a team captain since his junior year. In the classroom, Knotek’s 3.73 GPA has him on pace to graduate with honors this spring. He is a mem-

ber of Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society, and the CAS Honors Program. As a student enrolled in UNE’s marine biology program, he completed thesis research that has been presented at conferences and is planned to be published this year. Knotek has made the dean’s list for six consecutive semesters and was on the 2010-2011 Academic All-Conference Team. Knotek is planning to continue his academic career as a graduate assistant in marine science.

Congratulations, Ryan!

Photo Provided

The Saratoga Regional YMCA Springettes gymnastics team attended the Valentine Invitational Gymnastics Meet at the Cortland YMCA February 18. There were over 170 gymnasts from nine different teams from around the state. There were 16 individual all-around champions from Saratoga.

In the team competition, levels four through eight and Prep-Optional all won overall titles. The new level three team placed third. Mackenzie Ellor had the highest all-around score for Saratoga with a 37.2 in the level seven division.

The Saratoga Regional YMCA gymnastics team has 68 gymnasts from seven different school districts. The girls are ages 7-19, and are featured during eight different levels of competition. The Saratoga Regional YMCA Springettes’ next competition is February 25 at the Glens Falls YMCA PJ Classic.

Photo Provided

Once-in-a-Lifetime Golf Vacation Sweepstakes In the wide world of sports, few places are as revered as the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Course, site of the annual PGA Masters Tournament. Saratoga Bridges wants to offer you a chance to see Augusta National as part of their once-in-a-lifetime golf trip

for two sweepstakes. The winner and a guest will be whisked away on first-class private air charter service to Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken, South Carolina, designed by the same designer as Augusta National, for a round of golf. The next day, you’ll enjoy the first

Puzzle Solutions from p.33 Send your sports stories or briefs to Andrew Marshall, Sports Editor at amarshall@saratoga publishing.com

round of the Masters, the first major tournament of the 2012 PGA season. There will be only 300 tickets sold to this raffle, and they cost $100 each. Your odds of making it to Augusta have never been greater. The second prize is a $100 gift card to Price

Chopper, and third prize is a $50 gift card to Price Chopper. For more information, call Saratoga Bridges at (518) 5870723, ext. 1242 or visit their website at www.saratogabridges.org.

SARATOGA

TODAY

SPORTS

Friday, February 24, 2012

37

Recalling What “The Dart” Can Teach Us All

Damian Fantauzzi When I was playing for my high school’s basketball team, everyone had a nickname. Mine was “Dart” or as some would say, “The Dart.” It was a trend at my school and was kind of a small town thing. Almost everyone in Mechanicville had some sort of a pseudonym that related to what they did, especially in sports. Mine came from the fact I was quick and darted around the basketball court. When I came to Saratoga I found that my pseudonym was a name of a family, the Dart family.

In my early years at Saratoga Springs High, not only did I coach basketball, but I also coached track and field. My

assistant was John MacFadden, who later became the superintendent of the city’s school district. There was also a man who taught in the district who coached with us as a volunteer. Since we had 96 boys on the team, another coach was a welcome addition and created a better situation for everyone involved. His name was Warren Dart, and that was the beginning of my awareness of the Dart family. Warren was the son of Clarence Dart, the former Tuskegee Airman. At the time, I had no idea of what the senior Mr. Dart had accomplished during his life.

In my early years of coaching basketball at Saratoga, I would notice Clarence Dart in the stands with his sons and a couple of his daughters (Clarence had eight children, in all.) They all were avid Blue Streaks fans and really into the Saratoga Springs High School sports scene. Their blood was “blue,” one could say. I had the privilege of meeting this gentleman, still unaware what Clarence had accomplished in his life as a Tuskegee Airman. He was so unassuming and always

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Brackets for the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) have been released in preparation for the championship wrestling meet beginning February 25. Saratoga Springs High School freshman Dominic Inzana is the lone representative for the school, wrestling in the 106-pound weight class. Inzana finished as the runner-up for his weight class at the Section II Division 1 championship meet for a second consecutive year.

He was defeated 7-0 by Shenendehowa High School’s Corey Ali in the 106-pound championship match February 11. Despite the loss, Inzana has qualified for the Section II team as a wild card, much like he did in 2011. There he’ll join his rival Ali, as he looks for his first state title.

Tentatively, Inzana’s firstround opponent will be Krishna Sewkumar, of Long Beach High

Photo by MarkBolles.com

Inzana Headed to States

School in Long Island.

Sewkumar also qualified for the tournament as a wild card.

Should Inzana and Ali both win their first-round matches at the NYSPHSAA tournament, they’ll be in line for a rematch against one another in the quarterfinals.

Inzana is the first wrestler in Saratoga Springs program history to register 40 wins in a single season. He enters the tournament 42-6 for the year.

seemed interested in sports at the high school and the kids on the teams. One day, during a conversation with his son Warren, the story of his dad came out and it just knocked me for a loop. All I could think was about was what this man did for his country and that I had the good fortune of meeting a real life war hero.

During those years as a young teacher never did I think of what he might have gone through as an African-American pilot during World War II. America has this approach to the glorification of its athletes, especially at the professional level. We do honor our war heroes, more now than we did during the Vietnam War. Our armed forces are the biggest group of heroes that can be imagined. Think about these warriors, both male and female, who are putting themselves in harm’s way to preserve our way of life. They don’t get the multimillion dollar contracts to swing a bat, slap a puck or shoot jump shots. They get what amounts to minimum wage because of their 24-hourseven days a week-365 days a

year job and commitment to their country. That’s not counting what effect it might have on their own personal lives and families for the rest of their lives. Life changing injuries and the psychological impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are part of all of the challenges for these war heroes. I personally knew some guys who suffered from these problems because of the Vietnam War. I’ve also lost some friends and former students along the way.

Mr. Clarence Dart was more of a hero than any quarterback of Super Bowl fame or home run hitter on a World Series winning team. He was, and always will be, admired for what he did and accomplished during an era where there wasn’t even an African-American in professional baseball, let alone any other professional sport. He was a member of an air command unit that was primarily made up of American black men because the military wasn’t sure what to do with the African-American soldier. The Tuskegee Airmen could be considered the Jackie Robinsons of organized military.

They went unnoticed by the media and the American public of the World War II era. In recent years, their heroism has become recognized for what it meant for this country. What lasting impact do the pro athletes make with their outlandish salaries? I feel we need to change our perspective of what’s important. Maybe veterans should be driving Lamborghinis and living in multimillion-dollar mansions for their service to our nation, don’t you think?

In the metaphorical galaxy of the military universe, Clarence Dart is one of its brightest stars and he will forever shine in the hearts of the people who loved and knew him for who he was and what he stood for. All we can really do is to honor the Clarence Darts of America and comparatively speaking, there are no comparable superstars like him in the world of sports.

Mr. Dart was an MVP in the theater of the real world. He was part of a group of unheralded heroes that we may never see again.

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SARATOGA

SPORTS

Friday, February 24, 2012

TODAY

Black Horses Defeat Blue Hawks

Schuylerville advances in Sectional Tournament following 27-point blowout win against Hudson

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY

SCHUYLERVILLE – As the Section II Class B boys’ basketball tournament got underway February 21, the 10th-seeded Hudson Blue Hawks visited the seventh-seeded Schuylerville Black Horses, hoping to score the upset on the road. By the end of the first quarter, Schuylerville held a 23-4 lead and never looked back as they cruised to a 71-44 victory.

Schuylerville now advances to play Mekeel Christian February 24, at Rensselaer High School at 7:30 p.m.

Schuylerville was efficient in their attack, with four players scoring in double figures while only using six players for the entire game. Shane Lyon and Kyle Waldron led the charge, each scoring 20 points. Lyon set

the pace early for the home team, scoring 11 points during a wild first quarter.

The quarter ended on a buzzerbeating three-point shot from well beyond the arch by Waldron, putting Schuylerville up by 19.

Senior center Chuck Corsetti made a pair of three-point shots during the opening quarter and finished the game with 12 points.

Junior Dan Waldron also had 10 points for Schuylerville. The orange-clad Black Horses also went on a 19-0 run during the first and second quarters.

Things did not go so smoothly for the visitors, as Hudson struggled to keep pace with Schuylerville from the opening tip. Senior forward Larell Roberts led the Blue Hawks in scoring with 15 points, and senior guard Matt Dallas added 12 of his own, accounting for all three Hudson three-pointers.

Photo by MarkBolles.com

LYON’S SHARE - Schuylerville’s Shane Lyon moving the ball up court in the midst of his 11-point first quarter outburst against Hudson on February 21. Lyon would finish the game with 20 points.

Photo by MarkBolles.com

POINTS IN THE PAINT - Schuylerville senior center Chuck Corsetti attempts a layup after shaking his

defender as teammate Dan Waldron looks on. Corsetti would finish with 12 points, and Waldron would score 10 of his own.

The combination of a lackluster offensive output and a stellar defensive effort from Schuylerville doomed Hudson by the end of the first half. Though Hudson managed to score 23 points in the final quarter, they were already down by 32 points, and still could do nothing to stop the Schuylerville offense.

Junior forward Shane Levine effectively sealed the victory, making his only two baskets of the night from three-point range during the final quarter.

Schuylerville did considerable damage from long range, managing a total of eight three-point field goals between five different players.

With the win, Schuylerville moves their record to 12-6 overall

this season, and have now won six of their last seven games.

They’ll move on to face the number two-seeded Mekeel Christian Academy Lions. Schuylerville will need to play just as well defensively to continue advancing as Mekeel Christian defeated Cobleskill February 21 on the strength of senior guard Collin Stewart’s 39-point effort.

Not to be outdone, The Schuylerville girls’ basketball team also advanced in their sectional tournament, defeating Fonda-Fultonville 61-51.

Schuylerville got 24 points from Kaitlyn Fane, and 22 from Brianna Miller. Schuylerville will take on third-ranked Cohoes in the next round scheduled for February 25.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, February 24, 2012

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Inzana page 37

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sports

Sweepstakes page 36 Friday, February 24, 2012

Vol. 7 • Issue 8 • FREE • Saratoga TODAY

Photos by MarkBolles.com