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Volume 7 • Issue 13 saratogatodaynewspaper.com
Strangles Hold Saratoga Races to Isolate Equine Infection
Living History Iraq War Soldiers Recount Life on the Battlefield by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY
by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – Racing has been halted at the Saratoga Casino and Raceway until April 11 due to an outbreak of Streptococcus equi, better known to the horse racing community as “strangles.” The highly contagious infection is believed to have spread to at least 14 horses located in the backstretch of the race course located at the casino. Symptoms for the upper respiratory infection include fever, swollen
“If you have a host population that is very active, maybe traveling a lot, or makes contact with other horses, it can be spread very easily.” Dr. Axel Sondhof, DVM, MS, PC
See Harness page 16
photo by Wayne Clark
L to R: Col. Mark Heffner, Rep. Chris Gibson and Paul Fanning
SARATOGA SPRINGS – As soldiers returned home from wars in Korea and Vietnam, many of their stories were swept under the rug. The nation wanted to move on from these difficult and trying conflicts, and so too many tales from the front lines were unheard, unwanted and forgotten.
Greener & Cleaner Pledge Provides Payment for Pollution Solution by Emily Fowler Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS Saratoga Springs became the 100th community in New York State on March 23 to take the Climate Smart Communities Pledge, in an announcement made at City Hall. A representative from the governor’s office was on hand to congratulate the city on its promise to advance
energy and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. The partnership will bring technical assistance, provide funding through grant money and accomplish specific strategies for “going green.” The pledge is a 10-point plan for reducing the community’s greenhouse gas emissions, an important move for the city in the direction of fighting global climate change. Specific strategies on the table for
going green include; reviewing recycling policies, replacing existing light bulbs with more energyefficient LED lights; curtailing idling vehicles and possibly adding fuel-efficient hybrid cars to the city; as well as energy audits, valuable tools to identify where costly problems lie in buildings and vehicles. These methods are expected to help lower city energy costs over time.
That was a mistake. It was a mistake not to give our soldiers a chance to share what they’d seen during America’s wars – a mistake that Paul Fanning, himself a veteran and a board member on the Friends of the New York State Military Museum, is not going to let America commit again. “Any one of these service members has a story,” said Fanning, who
See War page 17
Inside TODAY... Obituaries pg 6 Health Care pg 7 Business
pgs 8-9
Helping Hands pgs 14-15 Job Fair
pg 19
Pulse
pgs 28-32
See Pledge page 18
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TODAY
Dorothy Nolan Elementary’s First Graders Meet ‘Bizzy The Safety Dog’ "Be alert, think ahead and always take care of yourself and others" is what all the barking was about as Bizzy the Safety Dog addressed first graders of Dorothy Nolan Elementary School Tuesday, March 27. Bizzy (Stepanie Bartlett) along with fellow theater students Kevin Mitchell and Nicole Craig of the Theatre Institute at Sage engaged the first graders with song and dance routines on subjects such as school bus etiquette and playground safety.
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BLOTTER
Friday, March 30, 2012
police report John T. Howe, 21, of Corinth, pleaded guilty to a charge of thirddegree attempted burglary, a class-E felony. Howe was arrested September 20 in Corinth and was sentenced to one to three years in state prison and restitution in the amount of $17,470.97. Matthew S. Shiel, 27, of 15 Montreaux Lane, Lake Luzurne, pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary, a class-D felony. Shiel was arrested September 28 in Corinth for an incident that occurred September 23 and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing May 22. Michael A. Irvine, 32, of 5 Texacana Rd., Ballston Spa, pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated, a class-D felony. Irvine was arrested September 24 in Milton and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing May 22. Daniel P. DeFilipps, Jr., 24, of 5C Meyer Rd., Clifton Park, was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, a class-E felony. DeFilipps was arrested June 13 for incidents that occurred between October 2010 and June 2011 and was sentenced to time served and five years of probation. James A. Vanguilder, 47, of 54 Terry Dr., South Glens Falls, was charged with third-degree burglary, a class-D felony. Vanguilder was arrested May 18 in Wilton for an incident that occurred May 17 and was sentenced to five years of probation.
Brandon C. Vanguilder, 25, of 54 Terry Dr., South Glens Falls, was charged with second-degree assault, a class-D felony. Vanguilder was arrested May 18 in Wilton for an incident that occurred May 17 and was sentenced to two months in jail and five years of probation. Timothy Ippoliti, 32, of 900 Rock City Rd., Milton, pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree rape, a class-E felony. Ippoliti was arrested August 7 in Milton and is scheduled to return to court May 17 for sentencing. Richard Young, 44, of 567 Clarendon St., Schenectady, pleaded guilty to multiple charges including third-degree attempted burglary, a class-E felony; and third-degree robbery, a class-D felony. Young was arrested September 28 for incidents that occurred July 1 and August 7 and was sentenced to one and a half to three years in state prison to run concurrent with Schenectady County for the attempted burglary charge, and he was sentenced to three and a half to seven years in state prison to run concurrent with Schenectady County for the robbery charge. Matthew Rivers, 29, of 114 Traver Rd., Ganesvoort, pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony. Rivers was arrested December 18 in Wilton and was sentenced to 60 days in Saratoga County Jail, five years of probation and restitution. Frank Labadie, 30, of Saratoga Springs was arrested March 24 in Saratoga Springs for third-degree burglary, a class D-felony.
Local Couple Receives FBI Accolades The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children/New York/Capital Region (NCMEC/NY/CR) is proud to announce that the local chapter’s founders, Sam and Linda Palazzole, have been officially honored with the 2011 Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) Friday, March 16 at FBI headquarters in Washington D.C. “We feel incredibly honored,” said Sam Palazzole. “This award means so much to us, but what it means even more is that NCMEC/NY/CR has a presence in the Capital Region. This presence will help us achieve our goal of preventing and eliminating the exploitation and abduction of children in the Capital Region.” Sam and Linda Palazzole were honored along with over 50 other recipients across the country for their selfless actions within their communities. According to Director Robert Mueller, the recipients share “a willingness to lead and a commitment to improve the lives of their neigh-
bors…they embody the true meaning of citizenship.” The NCMEC/NY/CR office was donated by Saratoga Center for the Family. Funded entirely through private donations, the new office provides child safety education programs on abduction and sexual exploitation prevention to schools and community groups throughout the region as well as training for law enforcement. Retired Saratoga Springs police officer John Kelly is the Capital Region Community Educator and can be reached at Jkelly@ncmec.org.
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Saratoga Springs Man Wanted for Theft CHARLOTTE, VT – Vermont State Police are still looking for a man who allegedly stole $15,000 from a family while he was working on their horse farm. Anthony John Balsamo, 47, is currently wanted on charges of felony grand larceny. State Police say the family encountered a man identifying himself as John Balamo from Long Island when responding to a Craigslist ad seeking hired help. The family made arrangements with the man to live at the farm, in exchange for room and board. Authorities say “John Balamo” was one of Balsamo’s many aliases. Balsamo’s alleged to have disappeared March 5 with the $15,000 in cash that the family had recently made in a horse sale. Balsamo did not have a vehicle at the time of his disappearance, though police say he says he is unable to drive from bad eyesight. Balsamo also claims he speaks fluent Italian, is a gourmet chef, and holds the rank of black belt in karate. Anthony John Balsamo stands approximately 5 feet, 11 inches
tall, weighs 220 pounds and has dark brown hair and brown eyes. Vermont State Police asks anyone with information about Balsamo’s whereabouts to contact them at (802) 878-7111.
Local Blues Legend Passes Away LATHAM - It didn’t take being a fan of blues music to feel the impact over the loss of Ernie Williams. The 87-year-old guitarist passed away March 21 after suffering a heart attack in his Cohoes home. He was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy before being transferred to Albany Medical Center where he passed away. A service for Williams was held March 25 at Light of the World Christian Church in Latham. Williams was known all throughout the Capital District for his music, as well as his generosity, playing with his band The Wildcats at benefits for the Regional Food Bank, among others. The family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the youth center at Good Ground Family Church in Cohoes. Williams first started playing guitar when he was 13. He moved to Harlem in the 1950s,
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before moving to the Capital Region in the early 1960s.
the kickoff to the annual Freihofer’s Jazz Festival.
Drake, Zac Brown Band Announced for SPAC
Woman Found Hoarding 130 Cats
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The 2012 season at Saratoga Performing Arts Center just keeps on growing. This week SPAC announced two more big name concerts, with the alt-country stylings of the Zac Brown Band scheduled for June 1, and international hip-hop recording artist Drake set to perform June 14. The Grammy-winning Zac Brown Band reached number one on the country music charts in 2008 with their single “Chicken Fried.” The Canadian-born Drake, aka Aubrey Drake Graham, rose to stardom playing Jimmy Brooks on the Canadian teen drama “Degrassi.” He is touring in support of his latest album titled “Take Care.” Hiphop artist J. Cole will be opening for Drake. The two shows join an already busy month at the concert venue, with Dave Matthews Band scheduled to play two nights beginning June 8 and Yanni playing a show June 12. The re-united Beach Boys take the stage June 23, and Brad Paisley will perform June 29; which is the day before
BALLSTON SPA – The Saratoga County Animal Shelter took in more than 130 cats that a woman had been hoarding at her mobile home in Halfmoon. State Police took the felines from a home in D&R Village Trailer Park near the border of Clifton Park and Halfmoon. The animals will be eligible for adoption through the Saratoga County Animal Shelter as soon as authorities decide where to charge the woman in question. The woman, whose name has not been released, was allegedly picking up stray cats off the streets of Troy and within the mobile home park, “in an attempt to rescue them.” Authorities began investigating the property after an animal hospital reported that a woman had brought in a kitten suffering from “severe medical issues.” The kitten died within an hour of reaching the hospital. It was initially believed the woman had about 60 cats living in the home, but police discovered more than twice that amount, living in poor and dirty conditions after obtaining a search warrant. Two dead cats were also found in the home, which has since been declared “uninhabitable” by police. Of the dozens of cats seized, almost 20 of them had to be euthanized due to medical issues. Some cats were found to
TODAY
have leukemia, while some tested positive for feline AIDS. Thirtyeight cats were isolated for treatment, and 34 are quarantined until they can be spayed or neutered. Three cats went into labor after arriving at the shelter. Officials at the animal shelter anticipate 40 or so cats deemed healthy will be available for adoption soon.
Bob Baffert Suffers Heart Attack DUBAI – World Famous equine trainer and 2009 inductee to the U.S. Racing Hall of Fame Bob Baffert suffered a heart attack while in Dubai. Baffert was training the horse Game on Dude for the Dubai World Cup scheduled for March 31. Baffert tweeted on Tuesday “I want to thank my wonderful wife, Jill, who convinced me I was having a heart attack and called paramedics.” Baffert says he wasn’t feeling well Monday, and was rushed to a hospital where three stents were placed in two arteries. He was moved from intensive care the day after his heart attack, and was released from the hospital March 28. Baffert trained the horse Point Given to a win in the 2001 Travers Stakes.
Saratoga Democrats Candidates
Back
County 2012
SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Saratoga County Democratic Committee has endorsed their candidates for the upcoming election season for Congress, New
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York state Supreme Court and New York state Assembly. Paul Tonko will be campaigning for the newly created 20th Congressional District, while Bill Owens will vie for the 21st Congressional District. Carrie Woerner will be challenging Rep. Tony Jordan to represent the 113th Assembly District, which includes Saratoga Springs beginning in 2013. Tonko’s district has been redrawn to include Saratoga Springs and parts of southern Saratoga County along with all of Albany and Schenectady counties.
30 Neighbors File Lawsuit Over Solar Panels BALLSTON SPA – A married couple living in an upscale neighborhood are being sued for more than $1 million in damages by 30 of their neighbors for erecting six mounted solar panels on their property. The neighbors located in the Seelye Estates West Housing development say that Brian and Christa Haines are in violation of the neighborhood’s deed restrictions, which bars certain items from a home’s front or side yard. Such items include building materials, garbage cans, propane tanks
WEEK IN REVIEW
and signs. Though the panels aren’t specifically prohibited, the plaintiff’s attorney argues that the installed panels violate the intent of the deed’s restrictions. Neighbors have asked the Haines to remove the panels, but the couple refuses. The plaintiff group says the mounted structures caused their own property values to shrink by 10 percent. The case has been brought before the Ballston Town Board, who decided against filing a moratorium, but could possibly tweak the municipal zoning code to require homeowners to ask the board for permission.
State Bans Synthetic Marijuana Products ALBANY – The New York State Health Commission issued an emergency order March 29 banning the sale of a synthetic substance marketed as an alternative to marijuana. The ban of such products comes at the request of Governor Andrew Cuomo. The ban does not criminalize the possession of such products, though stores are no longer allowed to carry and sell the product. Until now, products like this were readily available in neighborhood gas stations and specialty tobacco shops. The synthetic marijuana is often referred to by the names
they’re marketed under including such brands as K2, Spice, Galaxy Gold and Mr. Nice Guy. It can also be referred to as “herbal incense.” The substance has come under wide criticism for its claims of being a safer alternative to marijuana which boasts that it can mimic the effects of THC, the active chemical in marijuana. New York State issued a similar ban last year on bath salts, which people had been smoking to achieve a high.
25-Year Prison Term Upheld In Kidnapping Case SARATOGA SPRINGS – Victor Hernandez-Perez, the man convicted in the 2009 kidnapping and attack of a woman will continue to serve his 25-year prison sentence. Hernandez-Perez had several charges against him overturned by the Appellate Division of New York state Supreme Court, but he will remain incarcerated. He was originally found guilty in 2010 of charges including kidnaping, robbery, assault and criminal possession of a weapon. When Hernandez-Perez’s time in prison is complete, he will likely be deported to his native El Salvador. The charges dismissed against him were cited as techni-
calities, but will not have any impact on his sentencing.
Malta Considers Expanding Trails, Swapping Land with National Grid MALTA - A proposed land exchange deal between the town of Malta and GlobalFoundries is under negotiation with a possible vote by the Malta Town Board to take place April 2. The deal would be a mutually beneficial arrange-
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ment for both parties involved. The town would use their portion of the land in question to expand current recreational trails that parallels the existing Zim Smith Trail to the Northway. The land in question is where National Grid plans to construct their $10 million pipeline. The line would fuel GlobalFoundries as it prepares to increase activity in its $4.6 billion fab plant later this year.
OBITUARIES
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Albert V. Hunt
Locally Owned and Operated 5 Case St., Saratoga Springs,NY 12866 Phone: (518) 581-2480 Fax: (518) 581-2487 www.saratogapublishing.com
Middle Grove, NY- Albert V. Hunt, 67, died March 18, 2012, after a brief battle with cancer. Born June 13, 1944, in Batavia, NY, he was the son of the late Albert V. Hunt and Helen Curtin Hunt. Survivors include his wife of over 46 years, Anita Hunt; children, Robert A. (Heather) Hunt, Danielle (Michael) Pelham and Renee H. (Matthew) Carollo; and seven grandchildren, Mattalyn, Sydney and Ava Carollo, Nicholas and Zachary Pelham and Briton and
Porter Hunt. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made in Albert’s memory to The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, Inc P.O. Box 267, Batavia, NY 14021 or The Brave Will Foundation, 371 Schauber Rd., Ballston Lake, NY 12019. Burial will be at Middle Grove Cemetery. Online remembrances can be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com.
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Joseph Szot Keene, NY- Joseph Szot, 50, died unexpectedly Wednesday, March 14, 2012. Born March 19, 2012, in Ballston Spa, NY, he was the son of the late Stanley and Elizabeth (Malinowski) Szot. Joseph is predeceased by a brother, Paul Szot. Survivors include his companion, Aya A. Alt, and four brothers,
Michael, David, John and Daniel (Brook Hobson) Szot. A celebration of Joseph’s Life was held Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at the Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. His family will scatter his ashes on the family homestead in Rock City Falls, NY.
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Editorial Christina James, Newsroom Manager 581-2480 x 214 news@saratogapublishing.com
Andrew Marshall Sports, Education
581-2480 x 206 amarshall@saratogapublishing.com
Daniel Schechtman Pulse, Business 581-2480 x 203 reporter@saratogapublishing.com
Emily Fowler Features Editor 581-2480 x 213 efowler@saratogapublishing.com
Patricia “Patty” Murphy Gould Middle Grove, NY –Patricia “Patty” Murphy Gould, 68, passed away Friday, March 23, 2012, after a long bout with Alzheimer’s. Patty was born April 21, 1943, in Livingston, NJ, the daughter of the late Edward Joseph Murphy and Vita Cordova. Patty is survived by her husband of 49 years, Thomas Gould; children, Lauren M. Gould and Scott (Crisann) Gould; sister, Jo-ann Norris; grandchildren, Ashley and Austin Gould; sister-in-law Nancy Sher; brother-in-law William (Charlene) Gould; and many nieces
and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 3159 Route 9N, Greenfield Center. Burial will be in the family plot at Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Ave. Donations in Patty’s memory may be sent to The Alzheimer’s Center of Albany Medical, 47 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
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Ryleigh Lockwood Buzzell Saratoga Springs, NY R y l e i g h Lockwood Buzzell, 9 months, passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2012. Ryleigh was born June 11, 2011, in Saratoga Springs, New York. He loved bath time with his mom and listening to the scriptures with his dad. He loved everyone and always shared his knowing smile. He is survived by his parents, Joshua and Vanessa Buzzell; grandparesnts, Jarlene Phelps and Douglas and Lorraine Guenther; great-grandparents, Don, Mor-Mor and Uncle Chuckie and Wilford and Virginia Guenther; as well as several cousins and special friends, Cadence, Addy and Brooklynn. A memorial service was held
Sunday, March 25 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1 Glenmore Ave., Saratoga Springs. Burial will be in Chimacum, WA. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made in Ryleigh’s name to the missionary fund of the LDS Church, c/o Bishop Nelson, 2 Huntington Pkwy, Ballston Lake, NY 12019. Arrangements are under the direction of William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, (518) 5845373. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
Willis (Bill) Benjamin White Jr. Saratoga Springs, NYWillis (Bill) Benjamin White Jr., 87, died March 15, 2012. Willis was born July 5, 1924, in East Schodack, NY, the son of Willis B. White Sr. and Francis A. (Alter) White. Willis was predeceased by his beloved wife, Gloria. He is survived by his children, Ronald (Cathy), Michael (Julie Rodriguez) and Jonathan White; sister, Joan Bowen; brother-inlaw, Regis Percey; grandchildren, Collin, Abbey, Eva, Taryn and Shane; two great-grandchildren, Matthew Diamond and Mya Walford; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held Saturday April 14 at 1 p.m. at the Presbyterian New-England Church, 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs, NY. There will be a reception immediately following the service. Burial services with military honors will be conducted at the Saratoga National Cemetery April 18 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Willis’ memory to The Albany Damien Center, 12 South Lake Ave., Albany, NY 12203. Online remembrances may be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com.
Calendar & Briefs Emily Fowler 581-2480 x 213 efowler@saratogapublishing.com
Photographer Mark Bolles 490-1757 mbolles@photoandgraphic.com
Columnist Meghan D. Lemery meghanlemery@yahoo.com
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.
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Conference for People with Down Syndrome, Other Disabilities Holiday Inn Albany, 205 Wolf Rd., Albany Get Connected, the Beyond Our Wildest Dreams Annual Conference for people with Down Syndrome or other disabilities, is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Highlights include “Staying Connected to My Community,” with Michael Cardella, a member of the Self Advocacy Association of NYS Speaker’s Bureau, and his mother, Barbara Cardella; and “Bridging Apps to Close the Gaps,” with Vicki Windman, the special applications and curriculum director for BridgingApps.org. The conference is presented by the Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center (DSAHRC) and the Center for Disability Services. A variety of breakout sessions include: • Getting Your Child Connected to an iPad • Connect with Success-An Assistive Technology Freeware Review • Promoting Social Opportunities and Networks • Treating Seizure Disorders in Down Syndrome with Dr. JessCollins from Center Health Care A concurrent Self Advocates Conference is being offered the
same date, time and place. It is for individuals who have disabilities and are 15 years of age or older. These workshops include: • Getting Connected Online • Dance, Dance, Dance • Self Advocacy Speak Out • Yoga and Dance. The goal of the entire day is for participants to get connected and stay connected throughout the year with educational and informational workshops and presentations. The mission of the Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center is to provide parent-toparent and professional services and support to individuals with Down syndrome and their families and to educate the broader community on Down syndrome. The mission of the Center for Disability Services is to enable and empower people, primarily those with disabilities, to lead healthy and enriched lives. Conference fees vary and will be discounted by becoming a DSAHRC member. Registration is due in full by April 6 to avoid late fees. Call (518) 944-2107 or go to www.cfdsny.org for more information. To register, go to www.dsahrc.org.
An Unhealthy Uncertainty by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA COUNTY – This week the Supreme Court heard arguments on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and will take into account whether or not all, part or none of the law will stand. While Americans will likely have to wait until at least the summer before the verdict is made public, many health care organizations and hospitals are left wondering how to plan for an uncertain future. For many local hospitals the question remains: how do you prepare for a system where all of the ACA remains intact, where only parts of the ACA remains, or where the ACA is struck down entirely? For Jim Connolly, president and CEO of Ellis Hospital, there remain many questions about the ACA if it were to stand as is, especially regarding insurance exchanges set up by the law. Such exchanges are state-regulated health plans from which individuals can purchase their insurance. However, “There are a lot of questions on how these insurance exchanges will work,” said Connolly. “We have no information on it. We don’t know what kind of products are going to be in there, we don’t know what the deductibles are going to look like and we don’t know what the insurance is going to look like.” As it now stands, Connolly worries that the ACA falls short in several areas. “My concern is this act was passed really with the intent of doing two things: expanding coverage and reducing the cost of health care. And I don’t think it’s doing anything to reduce the cost of health care.”
Indeed, health care costs continue to climb, and many worry that the ACA does little to stop the spending curve. Still, there is little doubt that coverage has been expanded by the ACA. Under the ACA, there is no longer a maximum amount in terms of coverage limits on health care insurance; children cannot be denied health care insurance based on pre-existing conditions; and a greater number of patients should have access to health care through the insurance exchanges and the individual mandate. That is, if the individual mandate is not thrown out by the courts. When the ACA was initially designed, reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid were cut significantly. The individual mandates were designed in part to help close that gap, but what happens if the individual mandate is ruled unconstitutional? “If the individual mandates go away but those cuts stay in place, you’ve essentially got the worst of both worlds,” said Brad Sexauer, vice president for strategy and marketing development at Saratoga Hospital. “If you don’t require everyone to buy insurance but you’ve taken away some of the potential reimbursements moving forward, you’re almost worse off than when you started.” Another question that arises if the individual mandate were to be cut: “If the Supreme Court strikes down the individual mandate, will they also strike down the part of the law where companies have to offer [insurance plans] as well? We don’t
know,” said Connolly. Of course, the Supreme Court could decide to do away with the ACA entirely, and declare the whole law unconstitutional. “The largest problem if the law were to be struck down entirely is that we still have a lot of uninsured people in the country, and then there’s no way to bring any more of those people into the system,” said Sexauer. “It means more people will continue to use the emergency room as their primary source of health care, and then private insurance companies will have to pay more than their fair share to help pay for some of those costs.” This cost-shifting is reflected in the amount paid by those who already hold insurance, private individuals whose health care costs increase to essentially pay for the uninsured. The ACA was designed to tackle a health care system whose costs were skyrocketing. If the law were struck down, all of those problems would still exist, leaving America and its health care system back at square one. While hospitals such as Ellis and Saratoga are steadfast in their belief that they will still be able to deliver quality care to local patients, Connolly worries that regardless of the Supreme Court’s decision, the future of health care looks troubling. “In fact,” said Connolly, “depending on your perspective on this law, it’s not so unpredictable. The future is bleak. It’s just a question of how bleak, not whether it’s going to be bleak or not.”
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Union Fitness Takes Healthy Approach to Full-body Fitness by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS - Union Fitness is working to create a community where all feel welcome, where health becomes the goal of fitness and where there’s a little something different for all who walk through their door. “We’re trying to put the health back into fitness and to make it more accessible to the average participant,” said Barney Villa, coowner of Union Fitness. Union Fitness, a new fitness center that opened its doors at 1 South Federal Street in Saratoga Springs at the end of February, is striving to cultivate a diverse and organic community for people interested in tak-
ing a full-body and mind approach to health and fitness. On one hand there’s Villa, a Russian kettlebell certified instructor who stresses quality of exercise over quantity,
practicing and developing skill sets over working out until the participant is drop-dead tired or fatigued. And then there’s Margaret Thompson, co-owner of Union Fitness and a certified Jivamukti Yoga and Yoga Alliance instructor. “‘Jiva’ means individual soul, and ‘mukti’ means liberation,” explained Thompson. “So Jivamukti Yoga is about the individual soul living in a liberated state. It’s the idea that we are enlightened creatures as we are right now, here and today.” Unlike some of the more common types of Yoga available, Thompson
photos by MarkBolles.com
Owners Margaret Thompson and Barney Villa bring their unique views on fitness together at Union Fitness. will infuse spiritual teachings in each of her classes. It’s not a religion, she stressed - more like a collection of wisdom passed down from Yogi to Yogi for thousands of years - up to and including lyrics from modern day bands or songs. “Yoga was initially started as a scientific practice to balance the hormone system and to prepare the mind for meditation,” said Thompson. “So in my class, you get that philosophical background.” Students of Thompson will also work to increase their flexibility and strength, similar to other styles of Yoga. But what does Yoga have in common with Villa’s Russian kettlebell training? “What happens in Yoga is you get a lot of flexibility around the joints, but what doesn’t happen is you don’t get the stabilizing action that the kettlebell brings,” said Thompson. Kettlebell training targets the entire body, using a series of fundamental motions and movements to strengthen and tone the participant using full-body contractions. “It’s also been connected to rapid weight loss,” said Villa, who is one of the only certified Russian kettlebell instructors in upstate New York. “There are fundamental movements that we teach with the Russian sys-
tem. So we focus on exceptional technique and making sure you nail these movements every time - not only for the perfection of the skill, but also for safety as well.” Union Fitness also hosts instructor David Wolfe, who runs his boot camp classes at the center. Every Sunday is Community Day at Union Fitness, where the public is invited to come and try out some of the programs available. “We want to offer health and wellness that’s accessible to the masses - so Community Day is training for whatever you can afford, from $0 to $50,” said Thompson. Proceeds from Community Day are donated to a rotating charity organization - currently Child Fund International - with the beneficiary changing every three months. To learn more about Union Fitness, or to view available classes and their schedule, visit them online at www.SaratogaUnionFitness.com. You may reach them by phone at (518) 588-7728. “Drop in and come see us,” encouraged Villa, “and you can sign up right there, right then.” Visit Union Fitness at 1 South Federal Street in Saratoga Springs and look for their entrance off of West Circular Street.
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BUSINESS
Friday, March 30, 2012
nfrastructure Named IBM Premier Business Partner MALTA, NY – nfrastructure is pleased to announce it has been awarded IBM’s Premier Business Partner Status, the highest possible level of technical and sales certifications with the technology giant. The Premier Partner Status allows nfrastructure active collaboration and consultation with IBM to deliver significant client value through innovative solutions. “This strengthened partnership is not only advantageous for us but our customers,” said Daniel T. Pickett, nfrastructure chairman and CEO. “We have worked hard to ensure our partnership with IBM in attaining certifications and look forward to expanding our client solutions to provide the best technology in the industry.” Premier partners enjoy the
highest level of membership as well as unique benefits that provide top marketing, sales and technical support. The status is achieved through consistent business activities that include: developing solutions, driving revenue and maintaining the high bar for customer service and satisfaction. nfrastructure helps large enterprises design, build and operate mission-critical technology infrastructure. Combining proven methods and tools, world-class engineering talent, on-site technical service in every major North American market and tightly integrated low-cost remote support, nfrastructure collaborates with customers to deliver sustainable disruptive value. With industry practices in public sector, financial services,
retail, healthcare, technology, communications, public safety and energy, nfrastructure works with leading technology hardware and software vendors to provide a comprehensive data center, network, security, unified communications, end-point, structured cabling, staffing and outsourcing solutions.
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Happy Easter Sunday, April 8th
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Summer Camp Directory This Week’s Spotlight Saratoga Clay Arts Center School’s out, summer’s here, time to amp up the fun at Saratoga Clay Arts Center! Summer 2012 brings an exciting series of programs for ages 7-16, taught by professional local artists/teachers and ranging in topics and techniques. All classes are open to all skill levels beginning and up. Pinch pots, slab projects, wheel throwing, glazing, and firing techniques come together to provide each student with exciting new experiences, knowledge of a new skill or enhanced techniques, and creations to take home to use and share with friends and family. What could be better than playing with clay all summer?! Sixteen weeklong summer programs run for eight weeks, beginning June 25 and ending August 24. Each week brings a different opportunity in clay. Visit SCAC’s website at http://www.saratogaclayarts.org/kidsandclay/summercamp.php for more details on programs, registration dates, fee details, and while you are there, take some time to check out the rest of our site and our Facebook page – we have awesome photo albums to get a glimpse inside SCAC. See you this summer for some messy, exhilarating, creative fun! Win a FREE weeklong class! TEXT “kidsandclay” to 22828 to be automatically entered! Also feel free to contact our office with any and all questions at: Saratoga Clay Arts Center 167 Hayes Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871 • (518) 581 – CLAY (2529) info@saratogaclayarts.org • www.saratogaclayarts.org Saratoga Clay Arts is having an open house Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1 from 2-4 p.m. for our Kids &Clay Summer Program. During the open house you'll learn about our eightweek program that offers 16 different sessions, all about clay, all for kids! Stop by and meet the instructors, make a pinch pot or throw a pot on the wheel. Watch demonstrations and have refreshments. Bring a friend and enjoy the experience. Hope to see you then!
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EDUCATION
B’Spa Middle Schoolers to Run Credit Union Located in Their Own School
Photo Provided BALLSTON SPA - Ballston Spa Middle School students recently opened the district’s first ever student branch of a financial institution in their school. As part of a district-wide initiative to promote financial literacy, administrators, faculty and PTA representatives collaborated with district partner, TCT Federal Credit Union, to create and implement “Scottie’s Dollar & Cents Student Branch of TCT Federal Credit Union.” Eleven Middle School students recently attended a two-day training session to learn credit union procedures so they can now manage the branch in their school. TCT staff members will also be available each Wednesday to oversee the branch and assist students as needed. “Scottie’s Dollar & Cents Student Branch is a wonderful initiative that encourages students to save their money. Savings is a discipline, that once developed, will benefit students throughout their whole lives. This program also offers those students working at the branch real work experience in customer and business relations. The students’ enthusiasm has really helped jump-start the opening of the branch. We are very grateful that the Middle School and PTA have allowed us to partner with
them in Scottie’s Dollar & Cents Student Branch,” said Curt Cecala, CEO, TCT Federal Credit Union. “It has been wonderful to collaborate with TCT Federal Credit Union on such a meaningful and educational district-wide initiative that will teach our students about the importance of finances,” said co-principal Rich Ruberti. “We look forward to this being a very successful and educationally enriched program for all students.” TCT members within the Ballston Spa CSD, including stu-
dents, faculty and staff, may utilize the branch to make deposits or withdrawals each week between the hours of 10:45 and 12:15 without leaving the middle school. The mobile branch kiosk, which was constructed by Ballston Spa High School students, was generously funded by TCT Federal Credit Union. In addition, partial funding from a longtime school district partner, State Farm Insurance Company, was also utilized to support this important district initiative.
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Hudson Crossing Park and Schuylerville School District Launch Green Ribbon School Initiative SCHUYLERVILLE - Hudson Crossing Park (HCP) and Schuylerville School District are partnering up to join a national movement to earn Green Ribbon status for the school. With a startup grant from The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region’s Community/Land Preservation and Planning Fund, HCP has hired a part-time Green Ribbon School Project Director to assist the school in assembling teams of parents, teachers, students and staff that will provide leadership for various projects and issues. The goals of the initiative are to promote environmental literacy in teachers and students, “green” the campus and its operations, encourage outdoor learning and exploration, and promote health
and fitness in the school community. Specific projects already underway include the annual health fair, a butterfly garden, an outdoor classroom space, and a re-invigorated school-wide recycling program, among others. For additional information about this program, call Cindy Wian at (518) 321-9011 or email schuylervillegrs@gmail.com.
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Feed a Neighbor Spring is in the air and the pantry shelves are bare! Grab some non-perishable items and make a donation to any of these local food pantries.
Save a Stray and grab a Cone! In Saratoga Springs, few things rival the popularity of horse racing, but once a year, free ice cream is one of those things. For one magical day, people of all ages and backgrounds gather together downtown to pay homage to, but zero dollars for, the Ben & Jerry’s cone of their choice. That’s right. Tuesday, April 3, is Free Cone Day. From noon-8 p.m. our beloved 34 Phila St. Ben & Jerry’s shop will be serving up everything from Cherry Garcia to Chunky Monkey, and the best part? It’s free, so you have extra money to help Adirondack Save-a-Stray. During Free Cone Day, Ben & Jerry’s is partnering with ASAS, matching up to $150 of donations made during the festivities. “I am very, very fond of Adirondack Save-A-Stray, as they are a no-kill shelter,” said Saratoga Springs’ Ben & Jerry’s owner Patrick Papino. Save-A-Stray (ASAS) was founded by Meredith Fiel in 1991 and has been serving our community and its four-legged friends ever since. “[ASAS] is very thankful to Ben and Jerry's for allowing us to be a part of Free Cone Day,” said Meredith. “ASAS depends on the public for support to keep
Peppertree Dog Rescue's 5th Annual 5K Furry Fun Run/Walk Saratoga State Park, Avenue of the Pines, Warming Hut Take part in a fun-filled afternoon with your favorite furry friend! Friendly dogs tag alongside their owners during this fundraising 5K. Participants can bring up to two of their FRIENDLY four-legged friends. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the kids’ race starting at 8:30. The main race kicks off at 9 a.m. All proceeds will benefit Peppertree Rescue. Advance registration is $25 and day-of registration is $30. For more information, visit www.peppertree.org.
Christ Episcopal Church our doors open, and the more support we get, the more animals and pet families in the community we can help.” ASAS is a nonprofit shelter that advocates for the humane treatment of animals and the spaying and neutering pets as a primary solution to animal overpopulation. “I founded ASAS originally out of an antique shop,” said Meredith. “Eventually, animals were everywhere, so I closed the shop, put everything up for auction, and used the money to open Adirondack Save-A-Stray.” ASAS runs entirely on community support. Without donations, the shelter would not be able to successfully provide care to strays and find families to adopt them. “The community donations and the kindness of others for monetary support, cat and dog supplies, cleaning supplies…we are grateful for anything the public can do for us,” said Meredith. Donating your ice cream madmoney isn’t the only way you can help ASAS Tuesday. Pets will be available for adoption from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Ben & Jerry’s. For more information on Adirondack Save-A-Stray, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Adiro ndack-Save-A-Stray or call (518) 654-6220.
Tourism Bureau Needs Volunteers! 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! They 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 www.discoversaratoga.org/vol unteers or call (518) 584-1531, ext. 104.
15 W. High Street, Ballston Spa (518) 885-9455 www.4christchurch.org First Baptist Church 202 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa (518) 885-8361 www.fbcbs.weebly.com United Methodist Church 101 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa (518) 885-6886 www.umc.org Shenendehowa Helping Hands 963 Main St., Clifton Park (518) 877-7380 www.jonesvilleumc.org Community Cupboard 600 Palmer Ave., Corinth (518) 654-6593 www.townofcorinth.org Greater Galway Community Services 2167 Galway Rd., Galway (518) 882-1316 www.galwayfoodpantry.org Greenfield Community Center Wilton Road, Greenfield Center (518) 584-4979 EOC Food Pantry 40 New St., Saratoga Springs (518) 587-3158 www.saratogaeoc.org Franklin Community Center 10 Franklin St., Saratoga Springs (518) 587-9826 www.franklincommunitycenter.o rg Salvation Army 27 Woodlawn Ave., Saratoga Springs (518) 584-1640 www.salvationarmyusa.org Wilton Food Pantry 59 Old Saratoga Rd., Gansevoort (518) 584-4001 www.wiltonfoodpantry.org Check with the pantry nearest you for donation drop off times.
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HELPING HANDS 15 Franklin Community Center News
Home Made Theater's 28th Annual Spring Benefit Spa Little Theater, Saratoga Spa State Park Come celebrate HMT's 28th birthday March 31 at 7 p.m. Enjoy live music, a silent auction, great food and so much more! Home Made Theater is a not-for-profit theater company committed to enhancing the cultural life of the Saratoga region. HMT produces a four-show season, offers dinner theater packages with area restaurants, a "Theater for Families" production and acting classes for children, teens and adults. So come out and support Home Made Theater with an evening of great fun, entertainment and prizes! For more information, call (518) 587-4427.
Rebuilding Together Saratoga County Open House Wilton Global Tech Park, 267 Ballard Rd., Suite 4, Wilton Rebuilding Together Saratoga County (RTSC) has relocated and is inviting everyone to an open house Wednesday, April 4 from 4-7 p.m. Thanks to the support of DA Collins Construction, RTSC has a new office in the Wilton Global Tech Park. Stop by and have a cookie or two, sign up to volunteer during the upcoming spring workdays, and meet the board of directors. All you do-it-yourselfers will be happy to visit with the Sears representatives, who will have a display of power tools on-site. Volunteers can sign up for one or multiple workdays, which will be April 21, 22, 28, 29 and May 5, 6. The organization is currently organizing 40 projects throughout the county during those weekends and always welcomes the community’s help. If you would like to volunteer for one of the workdays but are unable to attend the open house, send an email to michelle@rtsaratoga.org to sign up.
Spaghetti Dinner Benefit Clifton Park Elks Lodge Stop in March 31 to support John Whitesel and his fight against cancer. Enjoy a spaghetti dinner from 48 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults and $6 for children. All proceeds will go to the Whitesel family. In addition to the dinner, the event will include 50/50 raffles, gift baskets, face painting and acoustic music by Dan Wos and Jamie Wells. All ages welcome. John is a longtime resident of Queensbury. If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation, visit any Citizens Bank or mail checks to Citizens Bank Jam for John Fund. For more information, call (518) 369-8084.
Saratoga Sponsor-AScholar Seeks Sponsors for Bowling Fundraiser Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar (SSAS) needs lane and event sponsors for the Fourth Annual Bowling- for-Scholars set for Saturday, June 2, 2012, at Saratoga Strike Zone. The event includes half-price family bowling all day and a post-bowling party (the Gutterball Bash) from 7-11 p.m. This is SSAS’s only public fundraising activity and the program depends on its success. Contributors are invited to become a $5,000 event sponsor or a $1,000 lane sponsor. All sponsors will be recognized through a comprehensive public relations campaign. Items for a silent auction are also needed. To become a sponsor or to donate auction items, contact Jim LaVigne by emailing jclavigne@aol.com or calling (518) 587-2472. For more information, visit www.saratogasponsorascholar.com.
The Franklin Open Golf Tournament Each year, Franklin Community Center hosts an annual golf tournament at Windy Hills Golf Course in Greenwich, known as The Franklin Open. The tournament has proven to be successful, with a growing number of supporters and a rising total each year. As the community center’s largest in-house fundraiser, the golf tournament is a lot of fun for everyone involved, including our small staff and board of directors, who work very hard to make sure we have plenty of donated raffle prizes and sponsorships in order to make the event a success. The money raised at the tournament is essential to continuing our efficient and effective services. If you are looking for a fun way to help the community and to brush up your golf game, consider joining in The Franklin Open as a sponsor or a
golfer. You can call (518) 587-9826 or email info@franklincommunitycenter.org to learn more. This year the tournament takes place on June 2. There is an 8 a.m. shotgun start, with 7:30 a.m. registration.
Springtime is Here at the FCC! With the weather warming up and the rain starting to fall, the Franklin Community Center needs some help! Volunteers are needed to clean up the grounds of the center’s properties and to prepare areas for flower planting. Groups are also needed to assist with cleaning and painting. The food pantry often gets low in spring and summer, and with gas prices spiking again, the center expects to be servicing even more people than usual. Donations of spring clothing are also needed. Drop off hours are Tuesdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the center, 10 Franklin St., Saratoga Springs.
Upcoming Charity Runs 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) 9285808.
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 (518) 581-7550.
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Harness Racing Postponed Until April 11 continued from Page 1 lymph nodes in the neck, lethargy and substantial nasal discharge. The raceway has referred to the cancellation as a “precautionary measure,” and says they’re taking all the necessary steps to ensure the infection is properly contained. Despite cancelling the races, the casino will be open for business as usual. “There are some people who’ve been with the board for a number of years, and they can’t recall a situation like this,” said Lee Park of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board. For now, raceway officials have implemented preventative measures to make sure that the 14 currently affected horses do not spread the infection to the estimated 450 horses housed in the backstretch of the standard bred track. The infected horses are in the process of being removed from the backstretch, and quaran-
tined. Though strangles is rarely considered to be fatal, younger horses are more susceptible from their immune system’s lack of exposure. Older horses are also at greater risk from simply having a weaker immune system as they age. “Since it is so contagious, your horse can carry it around. If you have a host population that is very active, maybe traveling a lot, or makes contact with other horses, it can be spread very easily,” said Dr. Axel Sondhof, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Formerly of Saratoga Equine, Dr. Sondhof now runs his own practice in Saratoga Springs. “Another factor is that this particular disease produces what are called carriers. It can lay dormant within a horse. This horse might not display any of the typical clinical signs but still carry the bacteria, and then spread it to other horses unknowingly.” Though there have been no report-
ed incidents at any other tracks, the New York State Racing and Wagering Board said that tracks around the state are also taking extra steps to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. That includes Buffalo Raceway, Monticello Raceway, Yonkers Raceway and Vernon Downs. Buffalo is not accepting any horses shipped in from Saratoga, Monticello, or Vernon Downs. Monticello isn’t allowing any new horses to be shipped in or allowing any horses to return once they’ve left. Yonkers Raceway is requiring weekly tests of horses currently stabled there. Tioga Downs and Batavia Downs are currently closed and do not house any horses at this time. As for the horses at Saratoga, they have been separated from the general population. Their recovery has just begun, and it might take a few weeks before they’re back to normal. “First of all, an infected horse that
shows clinical signs needs to be allowed to fully recover, meaning since there is oftentimes drainage involved from abscesses, theses abscesses need to heal. Once they heal, I would give at least an additional three weeks before that particular horse can be reintroduced to a horse population,” said Dr. Sondhof. Though bacterial infections in humans are typically treated with antibiotics, Dr. Sondhof warns that their use on horses to treat the strangles infection could lead to some severe consequences. “There is something very specific about this bacterium, and antibiotics aren’t really the first line of defense or treatment because they sensitize the horse to this bacterium and can result in some serious complications from reinfection, including death,” said Sondhof. “So because of that, we tend not to treat the horse with antibiotics, and instead, allow the infection to run its course. “
Once the horse appears to be healthy enough to return to the general population, one last step is taken to ensure the horses aren’t a threat to other horses. “What we’ll do is culture their noses for these particular bacteria to make sure they’re not carrying it before they’re reintroduced.” Racing at Saratoga was officially cancelled on March 23, which gives the currently infected horses just over three weeks to recover from the illness. Officials from the New York State Racing and Wagering Board don’t seem to think racing will be postponed beyond April 11. “That was the request that Saratoga Raceway put forth to the board was to cancel racing until April 11, and the board approved that,” said Park. “The board has literally been on the ground addressing the situation and working with management at the track to assess what action should be taken.”
News from Saratoga National Historical Park Between Route 4 and Route 32, just north of the village of Stillwater Driving Tour Road Opens Saratoga National Historical Park (SNHP) will open its driving tour road for the season Saturday, March 31, 2012. The road will be open daily from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, seven days a week. Inclement weather before March 31 may require a later opening date or may require temporary closures after that date. Park entrance fees are collected starting May 1. Entrance passes can be purchased at the park visitor center, $5 per car, $3 per adult for hiking, bicycling or horseback riding, and $10 for an
annual park pass. Valid senior passes, access passes, and “America the Beautiful” interagency passes are accepted. Celebrate Earth Week! April 20 – 29, 2012 The park is celebrating Earth Week with a series of free events between April 20 and 29. Outdoor Recycled Art Show Hudson Crossing Park From dawn until dusk April 20-May 30, enjoy a truly unique art experience. This outdoor show opens April 20 at 3 p.m. Indoor Recycled Art Show SNHP
Daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., April 20-28, come and see a one-of-a-kind art show! A sneak preview kicks off the show April 20 from 7-9 p.m. A final April 29 showing begins at 9 a.m. with an award ceremony starting at 1 p.m. “A Climate of Change” SNHP Ranger Sharon presents “A Climate of Change,” Saturday, April 21 at 1 p.m. Junior Ranger Day SNHP On Sunday, April 22, from1-3 p.m., the park is offering a free 2-mile ranger-guided hike through the battlefield for children ages 7-12. Along the hike children will participate in games focusing on the “wild” side of Saratoga National Historical Park; each child will also have the opportunity to receive a Junior Ranger patch and a special parting gift! The hike will begin from the Visitor Center. All children must be accompanied by an adult on the hike, and it is recommended to wear hiking boots or sneakers and to bring plenty of water and insect repellent. Canal Clean Sweep Hudson Crossing Park Take part in a canal clean sweep from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Student Recycled Art Show Schuylerville Elementary School Friday, April 27, from 5:30-7 p.m., check out a special student-created recycled art show. For more information on these and other events at Saratoga National Historical Park, call (518) 664-9821, ext.1777; visit the park website at www.nps.gov/sara; or follow the park on Facebook at www.facebook.com/saratoganhp.
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War Stories: Iraq Veterans Tell Their Tales continued from Page 1 brought a group of seven New York National Guard members together Saturday, March 24, to share their personal stories from Iraq at the New York State Military Museum. “What I wanted to do is to drill down and try to expose to other people what these men and women are really like. Because these guys shouldn’t be forgotten for what they did, and we all can learn a lot from what they experienced first-hand.” Fanning invited each guard member up in front of the audience to share their stories with those in attendance. By Fanning’s side was Congressman Chris Gibson, who took turns with Fanning as they asked the soldiers to describe what they had seen and experienced. For First Sergeant Joseph Martel of Albany, a member of the 105th Military Police Company, Operation Iraqi Freedom began when he was first deployed in 2003. Martel was tasked with escorting over 40,000 vehicles during the rise of the insurgency, an ever-evolving force that presented its fair share of challenges. “Back then, ‘IED’ hadn’t even entered the lexicon,” said Martel. “We were always having to adapt on the battlefield. We were way outside the manual – it was totally different from what we were initially trained for.” Fanning noted that Martel’s unit suffered the first two causalities for the New York National Guard, a difficult milestone for the group to pass. And yet Martel and his unit banded together. They too evolved their tactics against the insurgency, outsmarting and outmaneuvering a force with home field advantage until, eventually, the tides of war were turned. “Whether you agreed with the war or not in terms of its justification, very tremendous contributions were made by people who you may be walking past or standing next to in the market. You just would have no idea that these guys are there, carrying these stories,” said Fanning. “These guys were ordered, they reported for duty, and they did what they needed to do.” For Saratoga native and Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Green, doing what needed to be done meant tending to the sick and wounded in the National Guard’s 466th Area Support Medical Company. That meant not only
photo by Wayne Clark
Sergeant First Class James Montesano and Rep. Chris Gibson treating U.S. and collation forces, but oftentimes Iraqi civilians and even Iraqi insurgents. “Insurgents were usually shocked that they were getting medical treatment alongside U.S. forces,” said Green, who returned to Saratoga Springs where he now works as a dentist. “Because we were just trying to do the right thing, insurgents often started providing helpful information as a result.” It’s these stories, like Green’s, that help civilians understand the subtleties and complex challenges of war – stories that those of us who were not there first-hand have a difficult time even conceiving. “I’m afraid that most people have a very superficial understanding of the Iraq War,” said Fanning. “And that’s true across the board; that’s kind of normal. But when you get an individual like those we had on stage – it’s like the old proverbial onion. They have many layers, and when you look at the differences in their stories, you come to appreciate that.” The New York National Guard is a historically unique group of men and women, Fanning rightly pointed out. Unlike many other Americans – or American service members – the New York Guard is one of the only organizations to have gone from ground zero in New York City to the mountains of Afghanistan; from the deserts of Iraq to the streets of Baghdad. That includes Sergeant First Class Melchiorre “Luke” Chiarenza from Clifton Park, who began combing through the rubble of the World
Trade Center with his unit before deploying with the “Fighting 69th” Infantry in 2005 to Iraq. “When we got there,” said Chiarenza, “we would go into the neighborhoods and speak with the civilians and find out what their needs were. We looked for solutions, and using our expertise from our civilian backgrounds – contractors, electricians, plumbers – we would try to get things working again.” Eventually Chiarenza and his unit would tame what became one of the most dangerous roads in the world,
the Baghdad Airport Road (aka “Route Irish”), a contribution that helped American forces and our allies gain the upper hand during the Iraq War. The stories continued – with more depth and detail than can be contained on these few pages here. Still many other stories went unheard, stories from soldiers not able to attend this first meeting. But Fanning hopes that, one day soon, these soldiers will have their own chance to share what they’ve seen and experienced with the public. With any luck, Fanning plans to make these events a regular occurrence – both at the Military Museum and beyond. “Every one of these guys is a book. Every one of them. The more you get engaged with them, the more you understand that they’re very, very human, mostly very ordinary. But they’ve gone through extraordinary efforts to arrange their lives and develop such skills that can deliver the results America needs,” said Fanning. “We want them to tell their stories now, not decades later. Otherwise people will sweep the Iraq War behind them, they’ll get all caught up with the national elections, politics, the economy and all that. But here we have these guys – all those guys on Saturday still wearing the uniform. They’re still on duty.” And their stories are still worth hearing.
One-Night only Viewing of Saratoga Springs History Museum’s Military Collection On Thursday, April 5 at 7 p.m., The Saratoga Springs History Museum will hold a special one-night viewing of items from the museum’s military collection as part of the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust Program Series. The museum has hundreds of rarely seen military objects from the Battle of Saratoga, the Civil War, the Spanish American War and World Wars I and II. Museum Director James Parillo will give a talk about the items in the collection and the Saratoga natives associated with them before opening the items up for viewing. Parillo says “We always mention that we have thousands of items in our collection. We need to share these with the community so people know what a treasurer the collection actually is.” This will be the first of a series of programs focusing on significant collections. Admission to the event is $5 for member of the museum, $10 for non-members. The museum is located in the restored 1870 Canfield Casino in beautiful Congress Park, Saratoga Springs. Hours are Friday – Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, call (518) 584-6920 or visit www.saratogahistory.org.
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Pledge Promise continued from Page 1 “I congratulate the City of Saratoga Springs for becoming New York State’s 100th Climate Smart Community. Saratoga Springs is already a leader, as one of the most walkable, bikeable cities in the state. By taking the Climate Smart Communities pledge, Saratoga Springs has joined a network of communities all across the state that are determined to fight climate change, while reducing energy costs, creating more livable and vibrant communities, and reducing risks to life and property,” said Jared Snyder, Department of Environmental Conservation Assistant Commissioner for Air Resources, Climate Change and Energy. The pledge committee will also consider initiatives such as “Complete Streets,” which are guidelines of the Shared Access group that create lanes to safely accommodate and promote alternative means of transportation. A committee was created under Mayor Scott Johnson and Saratoga Springs County Supervisor Joanne Yepsen’s direction, which includes Sustainable Saratoga, city officials and Skidmore College that will manage the program and oversee implementation of the pledge’s initiatives. The committee will meet on a monthly basis. “We still have a lot of work to do,” said Yepsen.
Grassroots groups like Shared Access and Sustainable Saratoga, and advocates from Skidmore College, have long been working on a shared vision for the community, and this step facilitates their hard work and efforts thus far. “Anything we can do now, we have the state to help us, which we didn’t have before,” said Yepsen. “This really puts us at the table with the state on initiatives.” A total of $84 million was allocated in 2012 for the entire state, which will be divided up between regions, with Saratoga County falling under the Capital Region. Saratoga will be joining a much larger arena of resources and receivable funding because of the pledge. In addition, state financial incentives will be provided to public and private entities in order to incorporate more sustainable plans. While a greener community is the idea, saving money runs tantamount in importance. Groups involved will be focusing on both aspects of sustainability which are viewed as integrated. In addition, more work to be done means the potential exists for a trickle-down effect that could add jobs and put dollars back into our local communities. “This is all about planning long-term for smart growth,” said Yepsen. “This is the future. Climate change is real; we are acknowledging that.” said Yepsen. “Bottom line, we’re creating a desirable way of life.”
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City of Saratoga Springs Wants Your Help With Its Website by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – The city of Saratoga Springs is looking to improve its website, and they’re looking for your help to do it. If you visit their website right now at www.saratoga-springs.org, you’ll find a link to a short survey of questions aimed at making the website more accessible, while finding out whether or not you found what you might have been looking for. The city hopes to use your input to make their website as user-friendly as possible, while allowing citizens access to the information they want to know. The initiative was introduced at the March 20 City Council meeting by the city’s Commissioner of Finance, Michele Madigan. “I feel like we have a lot of good content there, but I think it’s difficult for people to find that content. When they come to the city website, what are they looking for? It’s that kind of content I want to drive to the forefront of the website,” said Madigan. Some early ideas involving the city’s website include being able to pay your city taxes, water and utility bills electronically and directly to the city, which decreases the need for paper billing. If you’ve ever had any ideas about how to improve upon the Saratoga Springs website, now is your best chance to see your ideas at work. “We really want citizen participation in this survey. This is our city’s website, and I want to make sure we have the content out there that citizens want to see,” said Madigan. The survey is pretty basic and offers a few more common answers to choose from, as well a space to provide specific feedback in case your answer wasn’t listed. Commissioner Madigan has taken some time to visit other municipal websites, and saw there was room for improvement as far as Saratoga Springs’ was concerned. One of her main focuses seems to be centralizing
public information, to help make the visitor’s search a bit easier. “When people are looking for budget information, they’re looking for it in the Finance Department, but actually the capital improvement program, and the capital budget would be found in the Mayor’s Department, and that confuses people.” Commissioner Madigan thinks that centralizing information and making it easier to access will help the Finance Department become more transparent when residents come seeking information. During the March 20 city council meeting, Commissioner Madigan also brought up the city’s social media policy, which allows departments within the city of Saratoga Springs to open their own accounts on Facebook. The policy was drafted after the city’s Recreation Department had specifically requested they be allowed to open a Facebook account. This now means other departments, like the Saratoga Springs Police Department, are also allowed to open accounts should they so choose. “One of the things I like about having a Facebook presence is that you’re pushing information out to people. You don’t have to go to several different websites or really any other website to find out about a City Council meeting or that the budget has been posted,” commented Madigan. The request from the Recreation Department comes as more and more schools are trying to become more environmentally conscious and not send home as much extra paperwork with students for their parents to read. Because of this, the Recreation Department is having trouble communicating to parents what activities or programs may be going on. The department thinks having a Facebook profile will help bridge that communication gap with parents connected to the social networking service. Now that city departments have been given the green light to start their online accounts, does that mean it won’t be long before City Hall joins Facebook? “Eventually, I foresee the city will have its own Facebook presence, and this policy would cover that,” said Madigan.
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Friday, March 30, 2012
Saratoga Job Fair
April 4, 2012 See our ad on pg 22
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Community Corner
Ballston Spa Middle School Free Clothing Event Successful On March 10, the Ballston Spa Middle School hosted another successful Scottie’s Closet with over 300 attendees. The community event, grounded in financial literacy, provided individuals and families the opportunity to “shop’ for free gently-used clothing, shoes, books and sporting equipment. Numerous community members, students, faculty, social workers, and PTA members took time out of their weekend to work the event and make sure it was a success. Dunkin’ Donuts donated coffee for the event and Ballston Spa High School’s BRIDGES Greater Caterer program provided refreshments. In addition, the event was made possible through grant support from longtime district partner, State Farm Insurance Company.
Ballston Spa Stewart’s Holiday Match Program Donates $4,000 to Lions Present Franklin Community Center Donation to Library The Franklin Community Center staff is thrilled and thankful to have received a donation of $4,000 from Stewart’s Holiday Match Program. The donation was requested to help fund their free, after-school prevention program, Project Lift. Franklin Community Center would like to thank Stewart’s for always supporting the local community and for making it a priority to give back all year-round.
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Robert Rougier Receives 50 Year Life Member Award Robert Rougier Sr. recently received a 50 Year Life Member Award from the Rock City Falls Fire Department. A resident of Saratoga Care Nursing Home, he is pictured with his fellow fire fighters from the Rock City Falls Volunteer Fire Department.
the
Tooth fairy club Take a look at this week’s new club members
On March 21, Bob Farrell of the Ballston Spa Lions Club presents Ballston Spa Public Library director Andrea Simmons with $500 to purchase large print books for the library.
Jennie Pattist Turns 109! Wesley Community resident Jennie Pattist celebrated her 109th birthday with family and staff members of the Wesley Community March 23. Pattist was joined by fellow centenarian Philomena Oliver who turned 100 years old March 25. In lieu of a traditional birthday cake, Hannaford Supermarkets surprised the birthday girl with the gift of 109 cupcakes to celebrate the occasion.
Kaiya
Madison
Pilar
Summer The tooth fairy club is sponsored by:
Petra
659 Saratoga Rd. Gansevoort, NY 12831 (518) 226-6010
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FOOD
Friday, March 30, 2012
Easter Leg of Lamb mushroom-spinach sauté spiced with red pepper flakes. It provides a little “hot” to go with the sweet meat. To ensure a tender lamb leg, be sure to buy it locally. At the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, you can purchase beautiful lamb from Elihu Farm of Easton, NY.
Suzanne Voigt Farmers’ Market My mother loved lamb. Me, not so much. However, when it came to my mother’s Easter lamb I would have a change of heart. Easter lamb is special; it’s from a young lamb yielding a highly-delicate flavor and very tender nature. Little needs to be done to good lamb to make it enjoyable. My mother would roast our Easter leg of lamb with fresh rosemary and garlic and serve it with mint sauce. It was simple, but truly delicious. A nice complement to the meat is an onion-
Ingredients 1 leg of spring lamb (approx. 6-7 lbs.) 3 cloves fresh garlic, slivered ½ cup lemon juice 1 ½ tsp. dried rosemary
1 ½ tsp. fresh ground black pepper Kosher salt to taste
Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice 1-inch lines evenly into leg and fill with slivers of garlic. Rub the lemon juice all over leg. Mix rosemary and pepper together and then pat the mixture evenly over the surface. Sprinkle salt to taste. Place leg into roasting pan and put it into the oven on the middle rack. Immediately reduce oven temp to 350 degrees and roast
Meal Time is Family Time
John Reardon Compliments to the Chef Hello my foodie friends! Thank you to everyone who stopped in to try our delicious Paella made by Chef Matt Richardson of the Cantina Restaurant. What a nice day filled with great food. We will be doing more of events like that in the future! The Greek historian Plutarch once said: “We don’t sit at the table to eat; we sit at the table to eat together.” In my family, we learned so much at that table. We shared everything from how our day went to how to pass the potatoes! We learned manners, how to hold a fork, and, at the beginning of the meal, we learned how much Mom did to prepare the meals and us for dinner. Her words before every meal were, “wash up before you sit at the table; don’t forget kids- hands, face, neck and ears!”
Why all the extras? Well, with three boys and two girls who all played in a wonderous place that doesn’t seem to exist anymore called “outside,” it was almost impossible to stay dirt-free. Yes, even my sisters had a layer of dirt on them that was unacceptable at the dinner table! When we came through the door we looked like we had been working in the mines all day, but at the table we were cleaned up nice or she sent us back for more washing. One night, my father, who was working two jobs at the time, asked for silence at the dinner table. This was very difficult for five kids, but we were doing OK until the whistle! My Dad was exhausted and he had congestion in his nose, so it whistled as he ate. As the whistling continued, my brothers and I could not keep a straight face and we snickered. My dad, who could hear the whistle but didn’t realize its source, ordered the whistler to stop or to bed they would go! The whistling continued. We tried to freeze our faces, but we couldn’t, and I burst into uncontrollable laughter! I proclaimed, “Dad it’s you!”. He questioned my sanity and sent me off to bed for secret whistling. My brothers and sisters were mum on the subject, and I laughed all the way to bed. (Mom broke me out.) I still smile when I think of that night, and when I have dinner with
my siblings, I bring up that time that dad whistled. I didn’t talk about a gadget today but instead talked about what my gadgets help with: Bringing a family together for at least an hour a day. Meal time is family time! Remember: “Life Happens in the Kitchen.” Take care, John
for 1 ½ hours or until meat thermometer reads 140-145 degrees (for medium-rare). Let stand for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with mint sauce.
Mint Sauce 3-½ oz. apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp. honey
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4-6 tbsp. finely chopped mint leaves In a saucepan, heat the vinegar and honey until the honey dissolves. Add the mint leaves and stir. Turn off heat and pour into dish to put on table and serve with the meat.
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upcoming town meetings Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road 885-8502 • townofballstonny.org 4/3: Town Board, 7:30 p.m. 4/4: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:30 p.m. Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street 885-5711 • ballstonspany.org Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road 893-7432 • townofgreenfield.com 4/3: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:30 p.m. 4/5: Town Board Agenda, 7:30 p.m. Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 899-2818 • malta-town.org 4/2: Town Board, 7 p.m. Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road 885-9220 • townofmiltonny.org City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway 587-3550 • saratoga-springs.org 4/3: City Council, 7 p.m. 4/4: Design Review Commission, 7 p.m. Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville 695-3644 • townofsaratoga.com 3/26: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m. 3/28: Planning Board, 7:30 p.m. Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org 4/4: Board of Water Management, 7 p.m. Town of Stillwater: 66 East St., Riverside Mechanicville, NY 12118 www.stillwaterny.org 4/2: Planning Board, 7 p.m. 4/5: Town Board Agenda, 7 p.m. Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road 587-1939 • townofwilton.com 4/2: Park & Rec., 7 p.m. 4/5: Town Board, 7 p.m. Saratoga County Board of Supervisors 40 McMaster St., # 1 Ballston Spa, NY 12020-1985 (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov 4/3: Equalization & Assessment, 3 p.m. 4/3: Veterans Committee, 3:30p.m. 4/3: Legislative & Research, 4 p.m. 4/4: Personnel & Insurance, 3 p.m. 4/4: Economic Development, 4 p.m. 4/5: Technology Committeee, 3 p.m.
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New Meditation Classes 19 Maple Ave., Second Floor, Saratoga Springs Evening Classes, Wednesdays, 7 – 8:30 p.m., April 4 – 25 Learn how awareness of death can be a positive and transformative experience, helping us to lead a happy and meaningful life. Each class with Buddhist nun Kelsang Chenma includes a guided meditation, teaching and discussion. Classes are self-contained; drop in any week. Everyone welcome. Cost is $10 per class. Lunchtime Meditations, Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon-12:35 p.m. Let go of daily stress and enjoy a mid-day meditation in a peaceful space. Everyone welcome. Cost is $5 per class. For more information, visit www.MeditateInSaratoga.org or call (845) 856-9000.
Genealogy 101 Registration Deadline Approaches 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.
Drop off Clothing Donations to Cudney’s Drop off your gently-used, in-season clothing Saturday, April 7 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at all Cudney’s locations in Saratoga and Wilton. The clothing will then be sorted, cleaned and donated to Franklin Community Center.
Saratoga Springs Kindergarten Registration Kindergarten registration and screening programs will be conducted at elementary schools in the Saratoga Springs City School District from March 27 to April 20
for children entering school in September. Children must be 5 years of age on or before December 1, 2012, to be eligible for kindergarten in September 2012. Registration and screening will be conducted at the elementary schools as follows: Caroline Street and Dorothy Nolan: Monday, April 2 and Tuesday, April 3; and Division Street and Lake Avenue: Wednesday, April 4 and Thursday, April 5. Parents of children who have preregistered will be mailed invitations designating specific appointments for registration and screening. Parents who have not pre-registered their children should contact the principal of the school their children will attend to arrange an appointment.
Dance Scholarship Available The Dance Alliance of the Capital District/Saratoga Region will award its Pat and Sven Peterson Dance Scholarship of up to $700 to a student who will be attending a reputable summer dance program. Interested Dance Alliance members that are in grade seven through their college sophomore year are eligible. The application can be found online at www.dancealliance.org. If the student is not a Dance Alliance member, she/he may join for only $6. The application deadline is April 15. Call Tina Baird at (518) 5811791 with any questions.
AGC NYS Offering Scholarship Opportunities The Associated General Contractors of New York State (AGC NYS) is now accepting applications for their undergraduate, graduate and diesel technology scholarship program. For eligibility requirements, contact Brendan Manning at (518) 456-1134. To download an application, visit https://www.agcnys.org/programs/s cholarship. The deadline to submit applications is May 15, 2012.
Registration Open for the Underground Railroad History Conference Registrations are now being accepted for the internationally renowned 11th Annual Conference of the Underground Railroad
History Project of the Capital Region, which will be held April 13, 14 and 15 at Russell Sage College, Troy. The conference will feature the increasingly popular Educators Workshop on Friday, April 13, with a bus tour to Schenectady’s little known Underground Railroad and African American heritage sites. The conference also includes presentations by Alan Singer PhD and Manisha Sinha PhD; performances by The Miles Ahead Jazz Quartet; art exhibits, lectures and workshops; bus tours; and more! Register early as some workshops fill quickly. For applications, go online to http://www.ugrworkshops.com/ or call (518) 432-4432.
Library Election and Budget Vote on April 12 On Thursday, April 12, citizens of the Saratoga Springs School District will elect a library trustee and vote on the FY 2012-2013 library budget. The election will be held in the library’s H. Dutcher Community Room from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saratoga Springs School District residents who are registered voters are eligible to vote. Absentee ballot applications are available in the library’s administration office Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In person applications must be received by Wednesday, April 11 and mailed applications must be received by Thursday, April 5. For more information, call Marjorie Johnson at (518) 5847860, ext. 253. A public hearing concerning the budget and an opportunity to meet the trustee candidate will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, April 9 in the H. Dutcher Community Room. Library Trustees are also asking the voters to approve a tax levy of $4,954,215 for fiscal year 20122013, which is a 1.5 percent increase in the amount approved for the 2011-12 fiscal year, and is the first tax increase for the library since the 2008-09 fiscal year.
Saratoga Rowing Association’s Silent Auction Celebration Saratoga Rowing Association is holding a silent auction April 19 at 6 p.m. featuring Longfellows' lavish hors d' oeuvres and chef's tables; music by Mike Perkins; and special guest appearances. Tickets are $40
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and available online at www.saratogarowing.com/silentauction. If you or someone you know has an item or service to donate to the auction, contact Karen at klazar1@nycap.rr.com.
Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club Bow Course Route 32, Victory Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club will teach a bow course Friday, April 13 from 6:30-9 p.m.and on Saturday 14 April from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Age requirement is 12 years and up. Contact Jeff Everts at (518) 664-8731 for registration and information.
Imagination Arts Workshops Malta Community Center Kids ages 5-7 are invited on the second Thursday of every month to partake in an art-based workshop. March 8 will be yarn crafts, April 12 will be felt art, and May 10 will be impressionism. Malta resident fee is $6 per class, and non-resident fee is $7 per class. Pre-registration is needed one week prior to class, which runs from 4:30-5:15 p.m. Call (518) 899-4411 for more information.
Greenwich Elks Women’s Softball League The 2012 summer league will start Tuesday, April 30 at the Greenwich Elks Lodge softball field located on Route 40 in Greenwich. It will be medium arc pitch (6-12’). There will be a mandatory team meeting Thursday, April 12 at 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge. Rosters and entry fees should be turned in by that date. Rosters should have a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 players. Players must be 18 years old. Practice will be held on Tuesday evening, beginning at 6 p.m. and go through June. For more information, call (518) 281-2828.
Send your local briefs to Emily Fowler at efowler@saratogapublishing.com before Monday at 5 p.m. for Friday publication
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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 10 a.m. Christ Episcopal Church Routes 50 & 67, Ballston Spa 885-1031 Services: Sunday 8 & 10 a.m. Christian Restoration Ministries Saratoga Senior Center 5 Williams St. Saratoga Springs 796-4323 Pastor Pat Roach Services: Sunday 10 a.m.; 6:30 p.m. Congregation Shaara Tfille 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs 584-2370; saratogasynagogue.org Services: Saturday 9:30 a.m., Monday & Thursday 7:30 a.m., third Friday each month 7:30 p.m. Handicapped Accessible Corinth Free Methodist Church 20 Hamilton Ave. 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 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.
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First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Ave. (Rt. 50) 885-8361; fbcballstonspa.org Services: 10:15 a.m.
Living Springs Community Church 59 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs 584-9112 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.
First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa 22 West High St. 885-5583 Services: Sunday at 10 a.m.
Living Waters Church of God 4330 State Rt. 50, Saratoga Springs 587-0484; livingwaterscog.us Services: Sundays 10 a.m.
Full Gospel Tabernacle 207 Redmond Road, Gansevoort 793-2739 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.; Bible Study: Thursday 6:30 p.m.
Malta Presbyterian Church Dunning Street, Malta 899-5992 Services: Sunday 10 a.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. Greenfield Center Baptist Church 30 Wilton Rd. Greenfield Center, NY 893-7429 Services: Sunday School for all ages - 9:45 a.m. Church Service - 11 a.m. Prayer Meeting - Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Highway Tabernacle Church 90 River Rd., Mechanicville 664-4442 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Hope Church 206 Greenfield Ave., Ballston Spa 885-7442 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Jonesville United Methodist 963 Main St., Clifton Park 877-7332 Services: Sunday 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School 9:30 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. 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
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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. Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-2375 Services: Eucharistic Celebrations: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 7:30, 9 & 11:30 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/
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St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 149 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-0904 Services: Saturday 5 p.m. with Holy Communion. Sundays 8:30 & 11 a.m. with Holy Communion. St. Peter Lutheran Church 2776 Route 9, Malta 583-4153 Services: Sunday mornings 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. St. Thomas of Canterbury 242 Grooms Rd., Halfmoon st-thomas-ofcanterbury.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 & 10:45 a.m.; Acts II Contempory 10:45 a.m. Simpson United Methodist Church Rock City Rd., Rock City Falls 885-4794 Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.
Soul Saving Station for Every Nation Christ Crusaders of America 62 Henry St., Saratoga Springs 584-3122 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Temple Sinai 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-8730 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 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.
Easter Events Easter Sunrise Service at Saratoga Battlefield Saratoga Battlefield Visitor Center, Rte. 32 N., Stillwater The MechanicvilleStillwater Ecumenical Ministries will hold an Ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m., Sunday, April 8. This year the service is being coordinated by the Stillwater United Presbyterian Church. Those attending will hear a spirited anthem from the Stillwater United Choir under the direction of Jim Davies and United’s Interim Pastor Marti Montovani will deliver the message. The church’s deacons will provide refreshments following the service and the offering will go toward the support of the Stillwater and Mechanicville food pantries. All are invited to celebrate!
Easter Sunday Breakfast Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, Rte. 32, Victory The Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club will be cooking breakfast April 8 from 8-11 a.m. Eggs cooked to order, bacon, sausage, toast (white or wheat), pancakes (regular, blueberry, buckwheat, apple cinnamon), French toast, home fries, orange juice, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate will be available. Adults are $6, children are $3. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Egg Coloring & Free Lunch Trinity United Methodist Church, 155 Ballard Rd., Wilton Enjoy egg coloring and a free lunch Friday, April 6, beginning at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend! For more information, call (518) 792-9325.
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Ecumenical Easter Cantata
Great Schuylerville Egg Hunt
Schuylerville United Methodist Church, 51 Church St., Schuylerville This year the Ecumenical Choir presents “Risen as He Said” at 7 p.m. Refreshments will follow the performance.
Schuylerville High School Practice Field, 14 Sprint St., Schuylerville Saturday, April 7, 11 a.m. Faith Chapel will host the fourth annual Great Schuylerville Egg Hunt. There will be three egg hunts for three age categories: birth-4 years old, kindergarten-second grade, and third-sixth grade. In addition to the more than 10,000 Easter eggs, there will also be a visit from Daisy the Clown and the Easter Bunny, face painting, a bounce house, and it’s all free!
Easter Play “Pilatus” FSF, 1425 W. High St., Ballston Spa Free Spirit Fellowship (FSF) is hosting an Easter play entitled “Pilatus” Sunday, April 8 at 10:30 a.m.
Easter Egg Hunts The Children's Guide Annual Easter Egg Hunt At Afrim’s Sports, Albany Shaker Rd., Albany Saturday, April 7, from noon -2 p.m. More than 500 families and over 800 kids will attend this annual event, which includes three different egg hunts. In each egg hunt there will be two fields: one for children 5 and younger and another for children 6 and older. The great part is that the kids will collect the eggs and turn them in for candy bags, so all kids get the same amount of candy no matter if they get one egg or five! Cost is only $4 per child and there is no pre-registration for this event.
Jaycees Annual Easter Egg Hunt Milton Community Center, Northline Rd., Ballston Spa Sunday, April 1, from 1-3 p.m. Come have some fun and “hop out hunger”! Bring a non-perishable food item for admission and support the local food pantry. Monetary donations are also welcome. Kids ages 12 and under are welcome to participate. There will be food provided by the Town of Milton and Village of Ballston Spa. For more information, email egghuntjciss@gmail.com.
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Angela Brown Comes to Zankel S A R AT O G A SPRINGS - Check out Angela Brown, famed opera singer and Skidmore’s artist-in-residence during her Thursday, April 5 free performance at the Arthur Zankel Music Center.
Friday, March 30, 2012
TODAY
Local Gigs Week of 3/30-4/6:
Send listings to entertainment@saratogapublishing.com
Friday, 3.30:
•Oran Mor Pipe Band
•Trioka, 9 pm
•Hooker, 6:30 pm
@ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759
•David Russell, 8 pm @ arthur zankel music center - 580.5321
•David Ross, 9 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060
•Vivid, 9 pm @ bentley’s - 899.4300
•Street Corner Holler, 8 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022
•Jeff & Becky Walton @ gaffney’s - 587.7359
•Rich Ortiz, 8:30 pm @ irish times - 583.0003
•Mike LaPoint, 6 pm @ jp bruno’s - 745.1180
•Rusty Old Guys, 9 pm @ the mill - 899.5253
•White Party w/ Soul Session, 9 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563
•Eastbound Jesus, 9 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066
•GRAVITY, 10:30 pm @ sandy’s clam bar - 792.9753
•The Audiostars, 8 pm @ vapor - 581.5772
•Tony Jenkins Jazz Trip, 8:30 pm @ wallabee’s jazz bar - 792.8282
@ the parting glass - 583.1916 @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563
•Zach Deputy w/ Rich Ortiz, 9 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066
•Keith Pray,7 pm @ van dyck - 348.7999
•DJ Element, 9 pm @ vapor - 581.5772
•Joe Gitto, 8:30 pm @ wallabee’s jazz bar - 792.8282
Sunday, 4.1: •Skidmore Wind Symphony, 3 pm @ arthur zankel music center - 580.5321
•Jesse Winchester, 7 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022
Thursday, 4.5: •Angela Brown, Soprano, 8 pm @ arthur zankel music center - 580.5321
•John Coleman, 9 pm @ wallabee’s jazz bar - 792.8282
Friday, 4.6: •Rick Rosoff Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759
•Jeremy Denk, 8 pm @ arthur zankel music center - 580.5321
Saturday, 3.31:
•Jon Liebing, 9 pm
•Jon LeRoy Trio, 9 pm
•MotherJudge and the Urban Holiness Society, 8 pm
@ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759
•Radio Junkies, 9 pm
@ bailey’s - 583.6060
@ caffè lena - 583.0022
@ bailey’s - 583.6060
•Jess Marcott, 9 pm @ bentley’s - 899.4300
•Dirt Cheap, 10:30 pm @ bullpen - 583.9400
•Blues in the Round, 8 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022
•King’s English, 10:30 pm @ jp bruno’s - 745.1180
•Prolonged Exposure, 9 pm @ the mill - 899.5253
Open Mics: •Tue. w/Pete Pashoukos, 9:30 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359
•Wed. Open Mic, 8 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066
•Thur. Open Mic, 7 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022
•Thur. Open Mic, 10 pm @ circus café - 583.1106
PULSE
SARATOGA
TODAY
Friday, March 30, 2012
Making Wishes Come True for 25 Years
by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS - It’s a milestone for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York - their silver anniversary - 25 years well spent helping over 1,200 children reach their dreams. To celebrate, the organization will be holding “A Wishful Evening Gala,” this Saturday, March 31 at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs. The Make-A-Wish Foundation works to help children with lifethreatening medical conditions by granting them each a wish, and then works to help these children realize their dreams.
Last year, Make-A-Wish raised over $125,000 during their annual gala. For their silver anniversary, the organization hopes to raise enough money to fund the 100 wishes it hopes to grant in the coming year. The celebration will welcome Wish Children into the fold, who will share their stories with the audience. The band, “The Accents” will also be on hand for live entertainment, fireworks are scheduled for 9:45 p.m., and attendees will have an opportunity to bid on items during live and silent auctions. Auction items include a day at the Saratoga Race Track (with a chance to meet jockeys, box seats, dinner and limousine transportation), a day at the spa, a trip to Orlando Florida’s Disney World, or a chance to have a professional chef cater a private dinner party at your home. Tickets for the black-tie event are $160 per person, and can be purchased online at www.neny.wish.org. To learn more information or for sponsorship opportunities, email neny@neny.wish.org or call (518) 782-4673.
Third Annual Peoples Pixel Project Celebrates Local Filmmakers GLENS FALLS - The third Annual Peoples Pixel Project is set to showcase some of the area’s finest filmmakers this weekend during a screening at the Charles R. Wood Theater. The Lake George Arts Project is holding the screening Sunday, April 1 at 3 p.m., where 17 short movies by local filmmakers will be shown to the public. The Peoples Pixel Project will provide an opportunity to see some of the best local films and videos the area has to offer. The program will showcase short videos, very short videos and even shorter award-winning videos that will make you laugh and make you cry. Expect a whipsaw of emotion as a wide range of varied films take you from wonder to horror, from desolation to triumph. Filmmakers and storytellers from Chestertown, Diamond
Point, Niskayuna, Queensbury, Rensselaer, Schuylerville, Saratoga Springs and Troy will be represented during the afternoon’s festivities. Can a story be told in five minutes? Three minutes? Twenty-six seconds? Is it possible to elicit emotion with nothing more than a piece of torn paper? Come and see Sunday, April 1 at the Charles R. Wood Theater at 207 Glen Street in Glens Falls. Tickets for the event are $10 per person. Call the Lake George Arts Project for more information at (518) 668-2616, or call the Wood Theater Box Office for tickets at (518) 874-0800.
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Arthur Murray Dance Studio Celebrates 100th Anniversary
SARATOGA SPRINGS Come celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Arthur Murray Dance Studios at the National Museum of Dance April 4 from 6:30 - 9 p.m. The public is invited to
attend the world's largest dance party in honor of the 100-year anniversary of Arthur Murray Dance Studios. Come dance, drink champagne, eat desserts and watch professional dancers put on a show in celebration of this momentous milestone. Arthur Murray Dance Studios around the world will be hosting dance parties on this day, making it the largest dance party in the world. The $10 admission fee goes to support the National
Museum of Dance’s educational programming. The National Museum of Dance is located at 99 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs. For more information about the museum and all upcoming events, visit www.dancemuseum.org or call (518) 584-2225. Saratoga’s Arthur Murray Dance Center is located at 543 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. To learn more about them, visit their website at w w w. d a n c e l e s s o n s s a r a t o gasprings.com, or call (518) 691-0432.
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Friday, March 30, 2012
TODAY
Saratoga Performing Arts Center Announces The Philadelphia Orchestra and Stunning Summer Classical Lineup SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has announced the return of The Philadelphia Orchestra for their 2012 summer season, along with many talented artists and musicians in their star-studded lineup. Tickets are on sale now for
the many fine shows, and can be purchased online at www.spac.org or by phone at (518) 587-3330.
music director designate, for three exciting evenings.
Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Mega-star Lang Lang, heralded by the New York Times as the “hottest artist on the classical music planet,” performs Franz Liszt’s fiery “Piano Concerto No. 1” in commemoration of the composer’s 200th birthday.
SPAC is pleased to welcome back Yannick Nézet-Séguin, The Philadelphia Orchestra’s dynamic
Lang Lang
Oz with Orchestra Oz with Orchestra will take audiences on a journey to the Emerald City as the beloved movie classic, “The Wizard of Oz,” is shown in its entirety on SPAC’s cinema screens. The Philadelphia Orchestra will perform the score live.
Renowned Conductors
photo provided
Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Guest
A stellar cast of internationally renowned guest conductors will take the podium, including Rafael Frübeck de Burgos, Gianandrea Noseda, Stéphane Denève, David Robertson, Cristian Macelaru, Steven Reineke and Constantine Kitsopoulos.
Italian Opera Night
Romantic Masterpieces
Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads the Italian Opera Night, featuring the classic arias and overtures of Verdi, Puccini, Rossini and other masters. Stellar operatic vocalists accompany the orchestra for this special evening.
Masterpieces of Romantic era composers showcase the great “Philadelphia Sound,” including performances of Rachmaninoff’s “Symphony No. 2,” RimskyKorsakov’s “Sheherazade,” Brahms’s “Symphony No. 4,” and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5.”
Yo-Yo Ma and More The world’s finest guest soloists will display their musical genius in collaborations with the orchestra. Those performing will include Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Garrick Ohlsson, Johannes Moser, JeanYves Thibaudet and Arabella Steinbacher.
Tchaikovsky Spectacular New York City Ballet dancers Tiler Peck and Chase Finlay bring a stunning, visual element to SPAC’s ever-popular “Tchaikovsky Spectacular” program, performing the pas de deux from “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake” in conjunction with the orchestra’s performances of the works. The last time New York City Ballet dancers performed on an orchestra program was 25 years ago.
The Best is Yet to Come Pops offerings include “The Best is Yet to Come: Sinatra and Beyond,” starring Montego Glover, current star of the Broadway hit “Memphis” and acclaimed singer-songwriter Tony DeSare in a musical journey of Golden era hits by Frank Sinatra and other great crooners, past and present.
Cirque de la Symphonie Back by popular demand, “Cirque de la Symphonie” returns to SPAC with an all-new program of daring acrobatic and aerial feats uniquely choreographed to classical masterpieces.
photo provided
Yo-Yo Ma
PULSE
SARATOGA
TODAY
Friday, March 30, 2012
Skidmore College to Host Puerto Rican Experimental Theater Company
‘Legally Blonde’ Takes Center Stage at Saratoga High School SARATOGA SPRINGS - Elle Woods jumps off the big screen and onto the stage this Friday and Saturday at the Saratoga Springs High School during the drama group’s performance of “Legally Blonde.” Inspired by the 2001 movie starring Reese Whitherspoon, “Legally Blonde, The Musical,” features catchy brand-new music and great costume design that has
SARATOGA SPRINGS Skidmore College invites the public to three performance by experimental Puerto Rican artists and collaborators Viveca Vázquez and Teresa Hernández from April 4 - 5. The two artists are the cofounders and directors of the Taller de Otra Cosa, Inc. (Workshop of Another Thing), a nonprofit organization committed to the development and production of experimental dance and performance projects in Puerto Rico. Hernández will give two performances of “Coraje II” (Courage II), a theatrical piece that explores the spectrum of human violence, from war and its impact on society to urban violence related to the drug trade. The one-hour shows, which involve audience participation, will take place Wednesday, April 4, at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Filene Recital Hall. In “Coraje II,” Hernández is the main character, Nancy, the loyal daughter and caregiver for her shell-shocked, war-veteran father. Nancy's satirical monologue is a mix of unconnected memories that prompts the audience to reflect upon what Hernández calls the “industry of violence.” Hernández draws excerpts from German author Bertolt Brecht’s somber poetry, which she recites and sings during the show. She is also influenced by Brecht’s anti-war epic, “Mother Courage.”
Due to the interactive nature of the show, audience size is limited, and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The second performer, Viveca Vázquez, is a leading force in experimental dance in Puerto Rico. She will present “Conducta: Charla Preformativa” (Conduct: Performative Dialogue) Thursday, April 5 at 5:30 p.m. in Filene Recital Hall. “Conducta” offers a sampling of the artist’s conceptual work from the past 25 years, using a blend of choreography and film. Within the show, Vásquez will perform a solo dance titled “Kan’t Translate—Traducelo,” in which she will converse with the audience while dancing as she reflects upon the influences that have shaped her work and, as she puts it, the “oppositional nature of my political point of view.” “Conducta” is part of a retrospective show commissioned by the Museum of Contemporary Art of San Juan in 2012. “This is a unique opportunity to connect with experimental theater and dance, and to see firsthand what contemporary artists are doing in Puerto Rico,” said Viviana Rangil, associate professor of Spanish at Skidmore College. “The audience participation and the intimate environment make these shows particularly engaging.” The visit by Taller de Otra Cosa is made possible by a gift from the Frankel family, whose
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delighted audiences seeing the production on Broadway since 2007. Now, local residents have a chance to see this fun-filled fashionable romp through law school for themselves. Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31 shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $12 for adults, $5 for seniors and $5 for students.
photo provided
Teresa Hernández in “Coraje II” daughter, Katie, graduated from Skidmore in 2008. Sponsoring departments and programs at Skidmore include Latin American Studies, Foreign Languages and Literatures, Dance, Theater, Arts Administration, Gender Studies, International Affairs, and the Office of the Dean of Special Programs. Wednesday, April 4, 5:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Taller de Otra Cosa presents Teresa Hernández in “Coraje II” (Courage II), a one-person show about the impact of war and urban violence. Involves audience participation. Call (518) 580-5231 for reservations. Thursday, April 5, 5:30 p.m. Taller de Otra Cosa presents dancer Viveca Vásquez in “Conducta: Charla Performativa” (Conduct: Performative Dialogue). The show offers a sampling of the artist’s conceptual work from the past 25 years, using a blend of film and dance. For more information, call (518) 580-5231.
photo provided
Left to right: Lila Glansberg as Serena, Sara Donnellan as Elle Woods, Lauren Ecker as Margot, Erin Penicka as Pilar
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Friday, March 30, 2012
TODAY
Students Ready to Rock at Rock School Music Academy by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY CLIFTON PARK - Mozart, Monk, Metallica and Madonna: they may seem like they’re at opposite ends of the musical spectrum, but at Clifton Park’s Rock School Music Academy, jumping from Justin Bieber to Bach is more common place than you may think. “Music should be a fun, rewarding experience - something everyone should have in their life. At the Rock School, we ask our students what music they like, what artists are their favorites, and then we help them learn those songs,” said Stan Denis, co-owner of Rock School Music Academy. “We help them develop an appreciation for music; we want our students to get excited about the music they’re playing and performing.” The Rock School Music Academy, which opened its doors
in the Clifton Park Center nearly one year ago, offers beginning, intermediate and advanced students a unique opportunity for musical education. Here, students choose what instruments they want to play, what songs and musicians they want to study and, with just a few lessons, begin to perform. From classical music to jazz, rock, pop and more, all is made available to interested students. “Five years ago, we started looking for piano and voice teachers for my daughter,” said Denis. “She wanted to play Sarah McLaughlin or Tory Amos, but they’d look at her and tell her she was too young. Instead, they’d tell her to do something from “Annie” or a Disney movie.” But that answer didn’t sit well with Denis or his daughter. Denis wanted music his daughter could be excited about, something he wouldn’t have to force her to sit down and practice against her will. And thus, with the help of
his partner Paul Benedetti, the Rock School was born. With a team of talented musical coaches, and world-class stage, lighting and recording equipment at their disposal, students learn musical theory and technique as well as the art of performing and even recording. For Ella Payer, an 11-year-old student at the Rock School, that means learning everything from Michael Jackson to Cee Lo Green between jazz improvisations with her piano and voice coaches. “In a school group, they normally tell you what you have to play,” said Ella. “But at the Rock School, we get to choose our music so we’re going to be excited about it. We play from sheet music and improvise with jazz chords, and my singing has improved a lot since I’ve been taking voice lessons.” For Hudson Payer, Ella’s 13year-old brother, joining the Rock School was a great way to develop his recording and performing chops for his own DJ business - one he’s had up and running since fourth grade. The school has also exposed him to a wide range of music and theory something he looks forward to working on with his coaches as he gears up for performances. “My guitar coach is really enthusiastic and positive. He’s up for playing any kind of music
photos provided
Welcome to the Rock School Music Academy, where students pick the songs and instruments they play on a state-of-the-art sound stage.
that I like and we mix in music theory too,” said Hudson. “We work on current stuff, but I recently needed to prepare some Mozart for an audition, and they were great with that too.” At the Rock School, it’s all about choices, about developing a deeper appreciation for music and the enjoyment it brings. With a full recording studio at their disposal, interested students can learn the ins and outs of how a studio works, and even get tutorials on how to set up their own home studios. Some students, including Denis’ daughter, have even recorded full length CDs
using the equipment at the Rock School. “Another big part of the Rock School that we’re really excited about is that we want to make sure we give these students an outlet to perform,” said Denis. “So we create bands out of our students and eventually we have these bands out performing around the Capital Region. It’s a pretty exciting thing to see,” said Denis. To learn more about the Rock School Music Academy, visit them online at www.rockschoolmusic.com or call (518) 261-1920.
SARATOGA
TODAY
Friday, March 30, 2012
Sudoku
PUZZLES PUZZLES PUZZLES Crossword
See puzzle solution on page 36
Scrabblegram
See puzzle solution on page 36
ACROSS 1 Legendary kicker 5 Go slowly 9 Start to strip? 13 Neural transmitter 14 Old carrier 16 Count (on) 17 Actor roomies' mailbox label that sounds like racing groups? 19 Fifty-fifty 20 In the wrong way 21 On a cargo ship, say 23 Mink cousin 24 Actor/flutist roomies' mailbox label that sounds like a crook? 28 Jodie Foster title role 31 First apartment, perhaps 32 TV host/singer roomies' mailbox label that sounds like a vital sign? 37 Begins a concert tour 38 Flamenco shout 39 Cyberspace giant 41 Waikiki wreath 42 Digestion-related commercial prefix 45 Actress/comic roomies' mailbox label that sounds like an auto safety feature? 48 Youth who flew too near the sun 50 Appointment 51 Actress/cartoonist roomies' mailbox label that sounds like an airport employee? 54 Frankfurt's state 58 Winningest NFL coach 59 Resentful 60 Former eft 63 Screenwriter/actor roomies' mailbox label that sounds like an old announcer? 65 Track 66 Net business 67 "Sesame Street" giggler 68 Heredity unit 69 "Now!" relative 70 Road sign silhouette DOWN 1 Half a '60s quartet 2 Get a life? 3 Game you usually lose 4 3-Down player, e.g. 5 Nimble 6 Seine filler 7 30-ton computer 8 Ristorante offering 9 Invent 10 Gun 11 Stein filler 12 MD for women
Movie Review
Gasoline Alley
Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become your character. Watch your character, it becomes your destiny. Unknown
Words to know: sophistry: n, a seemingly reasonable, but misleading or false argument. See puzzle solutions on page 36
15 Desert rises 18 Work the party, in a way 22 Opposite of exo25 "A Passage to India" heroine 26 Montana, once 27 Respectful response 29 Not clerical 30 Alibi provider, sometimes 32 Pueblo people 33 Smart guy? 34 Make good on 35 However, briefly 36 Blabbed 40 Plug end? 43 Railroad crossing
44 "That hurt my feelings!" 46 Code of conduct 47 Visibly furious 49 Cook on the range 52 Conspires 53 Poke, kitten-style 55 Elegance 56 Note next to a red F, maybe 57 Miscue 59 Circular road 60 Frothy traditional beverage 61 "__ of Destruction": 1965 protest song 62 Pallid 64 Peeples of "Fame"
We Need To Talk About Kevin
Could you stand to have the entire course of your life defined by one horrific act? If so, imagine said act being committed by someone else. In fact, not just someone else, but your own son. The film opens on a dream sequence that I struggle to see the relevance of even now having finished the film. We are introduced to a waking Eva Katchadourian (played by Tilda Swinton). Eva is living in a run-down house that has recently been vandalized along with her car. Rather than report it, Eva (Swinton) merely cleans the windshield and departs on a search for employment. She was once a successful travel writer but has experienced great difficulty finding work since her son Kevin (played by Ezra Miller) took it upon himself to carry out a massacre in his high school. Kevin was a difficult child from infancy, crying incessantly at all hours while Eva’s husband, Franklin (played by John C. Reilly), is out of the house working. As Kevin grows older, the difficulties only increase. He doesn’t speak or appear to understand when others do as a toddler. When he finally does speak, he refuses to be toilet trained. This frustrates Eva till she throws Kevin against a wall, breaking his arm. It wasn’t clear, at least to me, whether it was intentional or not, but Kevin claims he fell and returns home willing and able to use the toilet. Franklin (Reilly) is amazed and delighted while Eva is consumed by guilt. When their second child is born, things only get worse. Swinton’s character is far from perfect, but on some level, the audience sympathizes with her. Both as a moth-
At The Movies With Trey Roohan
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er (whose son is clearly more disturbed than her husband is capable of realizing) and as a widow being harassed on a nearly constant basis for a crime she didn’t commit. Reilly’s character is infuriating, but only viewing the problem from Eva’s eyes makes it a lot easier to see than it would be for someone spending most of the day outside the home. Prior to watching this film, my only knowledge of Miller’s acting was when he guest-starred as the precocious son of a wealthy, absentee father with substance abuse issues on the USA Network show Royal Pains. That character was highly likeable in addition to being entertaining and the total opposite of Kevin which he plays perfectly. I’m not sure where, or even if, it’s still playing, but if you can find it, see it. (8.7/10) For comments and questions, contact me at movies@roohanrealty.com .
Broom Hilda
Animal Crackers
SARATOGA
Friday, March 30, 2012
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REAL ESTATE
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REAL ESTATE
The Katrina Trask Cooperative Nursery School in Saratoga Springs, NY will be holding its Spring children’s consignment sale on March 30 and 31st, 2012. American Legion, 34 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs Hours: Friday, March 30, 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. Half-Price sale: Saturday, March 31, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Items for sale include: Children’s Spring/Summer clothing (sizes infant to size 12) Kids’ gear (car seats, strollers, high chairs, etc.) Furniture (cribs, toddler beds, changing tables, etc.) Kids sports equipment, trikes/bikes and small play equipment. Toys, puzzles and games. Kids’ books and DVDs Maternity and nursing wear. For more information: Email to ktconsignmentsale@yahoo.com or visit www.ktnurseryschool.org. Katrina Trask Cooperative Nursery School is a non-profit organization located at 24 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs, NY. 518-584-8968. Cushman Turtle Stool, original tag. Child's table, maple refinished. Godui framed prints, original 1869. Picnic table w/seperate benches. Antique Gypsy Black Kettle. Liberty Blue Dishes. All mint condition. Make offers. 383-3617
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WATERFRONT LAND LIQUIDATION March 31st! 7 acres, 400 ft Riverfront$69,900! Cooperstown, NY! Nice woods, gorgeous setting! $5,000 off for cash! Free kayak! Call now! (888)905-8847 www.NewYorkLandandLakes.com Bank Acquired Luxury Condos. Brand new 2BR/2BA, only $239,900. Same unit sold for $624,771. Own for below builder cost in warm, sunny SW Florida! High-end community walk to over 20 restaurants/ 100 shops! Must see. Call 1-866-959-2825, x 43
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SARATOGA
SPORTS
Friday, March 30, 2012
TODAY
Community Sports Bulletin Ultimate Frisbee Takes Over Saratoga Polo Grounds Saratoga Rec. Center Boys’ Lacrosse Clinic Beginning Soon The Saratoga Springs Recreation Department will be offering a boys’ lacrosse clinic this spring starting April 1. The clinic will be held on Sundays from 4-6 p.m. at the Northside Lacrosse Fields and will be for children ages 6-12 years old. The cost for this clinic for city residents is $50, for non-city/school district residents is $75 and non-city/non-school district is $100. The Saratoga Springs Photo Provided
Recreation Department is pleased to
GO LONG, BRO - Members of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Ultimate Frisbee team in action.
have former Skidmore assistant
More than 300 college and university students from across the Northeast United States and Canada converged to Saratoga Polo Association’s Whitney Field March 24 and 25 to play the ultimate game...Ultimate Frisbee that is. Coordinated by students from RPI and Union College, these students toss the iconic plastic disc in a game that some people describe as a cross between basketball, football and rugby. This tournament concluded March 25, but two more ULTIMATE TOURNAMENTS coordinated by ULTIMATE USA will take place at Whitney Field April 14 and 15, and April 28 and 29. For more details on the tournaments, contact Saratoga Polo at (518) 584‐8108.
lacrosse coach Tom Trapani as its coordinator for this year’s boys’ lacrosse clinic. Registration for this clinic will be held
at
the
Saratoga
Springs
Recreation Center located at 15 Vanderbilt Ave, Saratoga Springs. Registration hours are from Monday-
Ditch the Workout and Join the Zumba Party at Gavin Park! The Town of Wilton Parks and Recreation Department invites you to kick start your springtime fitness program and join them for Zumba. The Latin-inspired dance fitness program is easy to follow and a fun alternative to a traditional workout routine. There are two sessions to choose from, with session A taking place Monday evenings from 6-7 p.m. beginning April 9, and session B taking place on Wednesday evenings from 6-7 p.m. beginning April 11. Registration is now open, and will continue until April 6. The cost for both sessions for Wilton residents is $75, residents of Saratoga School District $85, and $90 for non-residents. To sign up for only one session costs $45 for Wilton residents, $55 for residents in the Saratoga School District, and $60 for non-residents. For more information, visit www.townofwilton.com.
Puzzle Solutions from p.33 Send your sports stories or briefs to Andrew Marshall, Sports Editor at amarshall@saratoga publishing.com
Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday noon -5 p.m. For more information, call the Saratoga
Springs
Recreation
Department at (518) 587-3550, ext. 2300
or
send
an
to
oliver.aldrich@saratoga-springs.org.
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Friday, March 30, 2012
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Skidmore Baseball Sweeps Four-Game Set versus Rochester Thoroughbreds stand strong on their home field by sweeping a pair of early season doubleheaders.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Skidmore College baseball team had quite a busy weekend, playing pair of home doubleheaders against the visiting Rochester Yellowjackets on March 23 and 24. It would be a rough trip to Castle Diamond for Rochester, as Skidmore won all four games to sweep the weekend set. Zack Rudman tossed six strong innings in the opener, allowing just one earned run on four hits to improve to 3-1. Brian Lowry finished 2-for-3 at the plate with a pair of doubles, two RBI and two runs scored. The Thoroughbreds broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the fourth as Matty Takow had an RBI single before Erik Watkins scored on an error and
Alex Barber capped the inning with an RBI groundout to give Skidmore a 3-0 lead. They added three more in the fifth behind a two RBI double from Lowry and an RBI double from Watkins to make it a 6-0 lead. Rochester broke through in the sixth as Tim LeSuer singled home Alex Caghan to make it 6-1 and added another run in the 7th on Ethan Sandler’s run-scoring fielder’s choice, but freshman pitcher Andrew Bannon closed the door and preserved the 6-2 win. Jon Menke suffered the loss for the Yellowjackets, falling to 1-2 on the season, while Caghan finished 2-for-3 with a run scored. In game two, Isaac Forman continued his dominance on the mound, allowing just two hits
Photo by MarkBolles.com
FLAIR JORDAN - Junior right-handed pitcher Jordan Keysor (15) struck out 10 Yellowjackets Photo by MarkBolles.com during the opening game of Saturday’s doubleheader. Leejay Pollacchi would also hit a grand slam during Saturday’s opening contest. Skidmore returns to action March 31 against Vassar College.
while striking out nine in 7.1 innings of work to improve to 30. Bannon closed out the game with 1.2 innings of perfect baseball to earn his first collegiate save. The Skidmore Thoroughbreds got all the offense they needed in the fourth inning behind backto-back RBI doubles from Lowry and Watkins. The Skidmore pitching staff allowed just three runners to advance past first and only one to advance past second in the 2-0 win. Rochester’s pitching duo of Corey King and Rob Mabee was impressive as well, allowing five hits and two earned runs in eight innings of work. King suffered the loss to fall to 0-2 on the season. In the doubleheader scheduled for Saturday, The Photo by MarkBolles.com Thoroughbreds earned a 12-4 win in STANDING ON THE TRACKS... - Junior outfielder Matty Tatkow slides the opener and held safely into second base during the third game of the four game set on for a 5-4 victory between the Thoroughbreds and the University of Rochester in game two. Yellowjackets. Skidmore improved
to 10-2 overall and 4-0 in league play, while the Yellowjackets fall to 3-9 and 0-4. In the opener, Jordan Keysor struck out 10 in six innings of work and Leejay Pollacchi blasted a grand slam to lead the Thoroughbreds. Skidmore got out to a quick 1-0 lead on a Brian Lowry RBI groundout in the first and added three more in the third inning behind a two RBI single from Matty Tatkow. Zack Rudman made it a 6-0 game in the fifth on a two RBI double. Rochester answered back in the bottom of the fifth as Alex Caghan and Ethan Sandler drew back-to-back bases loaded walks before Chris Davis cut the lead to 6-4 on a two-run single. The Thoroughbreds responded in the top of the sixth as they drew three straight walks to load the bases for Pollacchi, who crushed a grand slam to left before Jeremy Selecky plated another run with an RBI single, giving Skidmore an 11-4 lead. They would add another in the seventh to cruise to a 12-4 victory. Pollacchi went 2-for-3 with four RBI and three runs scored and Rudman finished 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and two RBI. Keysor improved to 2-1, allowing four runs on six hits while striking out a career-high 10 in
six innings. Michael Zarella took the loss for the Yellowjackets, allowing four runs (one earned) on five hits in three innings. In game two, Rochester got on the board first behind a Rob Barnard RBI single in the fourth. The Thoroughbreds took the lead in the sixth on a two RBI single from Rob Safir and made it a 3-1 game after Geoff Green scored on a wild pitch. The Yellowjackets cut the lead to 3-2 in the sixth on a solo shot from Caghan, but Skidmore extended its lead in the eighth behind a Rudman sacrifice fly and a run-scoring single from Tatkow. In the bottom of the ninth, Rochester drew walks in its first two at-bats and was able to cut the lead to 5-4 on a pair of RBI groundouts by Sam Slutsky and Tim LeSuer, but Nick Bannon struck out the final batter to earn his fourth save and give the Thoroughbreds the weekend sweep. Freshman Nick Petrella improved to 2-0, allowing two runs on seven hits in six innings, while Jeremy Diller took the loss, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits in 5.1 innings of work. Skidmore returns to action on Saturday at Vassar, while the Yellowjackets are at St. John Fisher on Wednesday.
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SPORTS
Friday, March 30, 2012
Timmy and the Jets: Fate or Faith?
Damian Fantauzzi What does Tim Tebow have to do to prove that he is a viable NFL quarterback? His critics are saying that he does not possess an “NFL-caliber” arm and lacks the accuracy needed at the professional level. His game in college, as a Gator for the University of Florida, was incredibly versatile for a quarterback because of his ability to pass or run with the ball. He was and still is very effective with this style of play. It worked for him while he was with Denver and it might work for him as a New York Jet! Tebow is a different kind of individual, making him a rare fit for the typical persona of a professional athlete. Granted you see and hear pro athletes thanking God for their good fortune, or whatever the situation might be, but Tim Tebow lives his life on the “Word of the Lord.” His mother and father are missionaries, who are also Florida graduates. So being reared through a strong belief in Jesus and in the Christian way of life is a road that can be a misunderstood by the general public. Not that people of faith are looked at negatively, but a fanatical approach to faith can become a thorn in the side of human existence. Tebow comes from a family of five children, all of whom were homeschooled by their mother. (Theology was a big
factor in their schooling.) In order for Tim to play high school sports in the state of Florida as a homeschooled child, it’s necessary to live in the county and school district of residence. Trinity High School, of Duval County, was the school where Tebow was eligible to play but the coach in that district was not known for his passing game. Tim and his mom explored their options and found an apartment in the neighboring school district of Nease High School in St. Johns County. The coach, Craig Howard, was known for his passing offense. Mom and son moved into an apartment just down the street from Nease High School, while the rest of the Tebows lived on their farm in Jacksonville. Needless to say, he had an outstanding career as a high school quarterback at Nease. When looking to go to college, Florida wasn’t his only choice from the offers he received. Alabama had been in pursuit of him as a fit for their offensive philosophy. Tim finally decided to go to the University of Florida to play for Urban Meyer, who ran practically the same offense that the Nease High School coach did. The process of his homeschooling and the Tebows shopping for a school that fit his style of play became a national controversy. ESPN’s “Faces in Sports,” a documentary that had a show titled “Tim Tebow: The Chosen One,” focused on the story of the school shopping and the missionary work in the Phillippines, where Tim was born on August 14, 1987, while his parents were doing their missionary work. This story also inspired ESPN to follow up with another documentary entitled “Outside the Lines,” a feature on homeschooled athletes seeking equal access to high school athletics in other states. That’s a brief bio of the Tim
Tebow story as a high school athlete. His story as an NFL quarterback is still in its infancy and maybe as a New York Jet he will be “born again” and do his magic as he did for the Broncos. I know there is a stigma about this young man and with the label of “prima donna” placed over his head, will it become his demise? Who knows? But, someone has to give this guy some credit for what he has done so far and maybe even realize that he can play in the NFL or if necessary, play there after some tweaking of his game. In 2009, he led the University of Florida to a BCS National Championship. In 2007, he became the first sophomore ever to be awarded the Heisman Trophy. He holds many records in the Southeastern Conference and in his last college game, the 2010 Sugar Bowl, he set a national record of 533 total yards in a 51-24 trouncing over the University of Cincinnati. He certainly went out with a bang! I feel that one has to respect Tim Tebow’s convictions as a young man of faith. To him, his belief is sacred and he certainly has that right. There is no reason to use his theological philosophy against him, as some of the media likes to do. He is who he is and whether you agree with him wearing it on his sleeve or not, is an unfounded judgment. Who is anyone to cast down on someone because of their spiritual guidance and religious conviction? In some way, aren’t we all by-products of our upbringing? Tim Tebow has his right to follow his credo in the way that he was brought up to believe. If he feels that he has to express his faith publically, then so be it. Will his aspirations of becoming a great NFL quarterback be from fate or through his faith? Can he simply will himself to be a great NFL quarterback? Let’s put it this way: it’s in God’s hands!
TODAY
Stauffer Expected to Start Opening Day by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY Saratoga Springs native and former Saratoga Central Catholic standout Tim Stauffer is expected to be the starting pitcher for the San Diego Padres in their opening day home matchup against their division rival Los Angeles Dodgers April 5. If he does make the start, it would be the second consecutive year Padres manager Bud Black has designated Stauffer the team’s first starter. Last season, Stauffer finished 9-12, with a 3.73 earned run average in 185.2 innings of work. Stauffer’s role on the team increased significantly this past offseason, as the Padres dealt pitcher Mat Latos to the Cincinnati Reds, and lost Aaron Harang to free agency. The Padres acquired right-handed pitcher Edinson Volquez in the deal with Cincinnati, but the Padres have him listed currently
as their third starter behind Stauffer and left-handed pitcher Cory Luebke. Stauffer has impressed enough throughout spring training to earn his opening day start, most recently pitching six shutout innings against the Dodgers March 21. Stauffer was a first-round draft choice for the Padres in 2003, after playing collegiately at the University of Richmond. Stauffer is the only player in Richmond history to be drafted in the first round of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. During his time at Saratoga Central Catholic, Stauffer was exceptional both on the mound and at the place. He set the career record for grand slams by a Spa Catholic Saint and set the career record for grand slams in a single game when he hit two of them during his junior season. His streak of 19 consecutive hitless innings is a record that still stands to this day, as are his three career no hit games.
Saratoga National Historical Park Hosting LL Bean Bicycle Clinic STILLWATER - Saratoga National Historical Park has partnered with L.L. Bean to offer a series of free 30-minute bicycle maintenance classes every hour on the hour between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 28 at Saratoga National Historical Park located at 648 Route 32 in Stillwater. These programs are open to the public and offer basic bike maintenance and safety tips to help you gear up for the 2012 biking season!
At 11:30 a.m. there will be a free five-mile ranger-guided bike tour offered by reservation only. The tour is limited to 25 participants. Please make your reservation by Wednesday, April 25 by calling Megan Stevens at (518) 670-2982 or send her an email at megan_stevens@nps.gov. Programs are weather dependent; the rain date is set for April 29, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please bring water and insect repellent. Helmets are required.
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Local Fighter Making MMA Debut This Weekend by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY BENNINGTON – Locallytrained mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Dan Hanchett will be making his amateur fighting debut this weekend at the Kaged Kombat Fighting Championships held at the Bennington Armory in Bennington, Vermont. Hanchett is a graduate of Queensbury High School and trains locally at Spa City Brazilian JiuJitsu. Along with his jiu-jitsu training, Hanchett has a background in amateur wrestling and football. In anticipation of his first fight, Hanchett’s not worried about whether he’ll be ready for the moment. “I’m excited, and as it gets closer there’s always going to be nerves, but that’s the draw right there, to feed off the nervous feeling. I’m just lucky enough to get a chance to feel it,” said Hanchett. Though this is Hanchett’s first time stepping inside the cage to fight, he’s followed the Kaged Kombat Fighting Championships pretty closely and even attended their last two events. His trainers seem to think now is the time for Hanchett to take that next step and utilize what he’s learned so far. “I am confident in the training Dan has received and know that he is properly prepared to step into the cage and represent Spa City Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,” said Chad Beatty, Hanchett’s trainer and owner of Spa City Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Dan Hanchett Hanchett is the next in a long line of local talent that has been trained by Spa City Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Hanchett credits his trainers and the opportunity to train with battle-tested professional fighters as the biggest reasons he feels ready to make his debut in the fighting world. “Training with Professor Beatty and Professor [Eddie] Fyvie, those guys run the best school around. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else in the country,” said Hanchett. The next Kaged Kombat Fighting
Championships are scheduled for March 31, at the Bennington Armory at 200 Franklin Lane in Bennington, Vermont. Doors open at 5 p.m. and fights are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $40, and will be available at the door. For more information, visit www.nymmafights.com.
Tim Stauffer pg. 38
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Kaged Kombat pg 39 Friday, March 30, 2012
Vol. 7 • Issue 13 • FREE • Saratoga TODAY Photos provided by MarkBolles.com