Lo c a l
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Volume 8 • Issue 14 • April 12 – April 18, 2013
48 Years of Service
Sheriff James Bowen Announces Retirement
I n d e p e n d e n t
A Quick Burst of Spring
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F r e e saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • (518) 581-2480
Featured Stories Spa City Improvements Enhancing City’s Image Downtown businesses continue to make improvements inside and out.
by Patricia Older Saratoga TODAY
See News pg. 6
SARATOGA SPRINGS — After 48 years serving in the Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Office, 41 of those as the sheriff, James Bowen announced his retirement effective December 31. Bowen has been elected 11 times, most times running against opponents and easily winning. If he ran again this year, it would have been his 12th term. Bowman did not make a public announcement until first informing the Republican chair and then a few See Sheriff Bowen pg. 14
Hollowood Starts Spring Season Strong Keelin Hollowood and Saratoga Springs track season underway. See Sports pg. 39
Inside TODAY Obituaries 5 Top right: Alex Revelia gets some air while riding his skateboard. Above: Carissa Kumlander and Fiona Neary get ready for a practice run at Fish Creek with Saratoga Rowing Association. Photos courtesy of Deborah Neary.
See Spring Arrives pg. 2
Riding Blind
Business 8 Families
TODAY
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Pulse/Local Gigs
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Best of 2013
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Sports 36
Visually Impaired 11-Year-Old Learns How to Ride
by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY
Nathalie Wood laughs as Slammer takes an apple from her hand. Photo courtesy of Tracey Buyce.
GANSEVOORT — It is a sunny, breezy Saturday afternoon and fourth grader Nathalie Wood has just climbed on top of a large brown horse named Slammer to begin her last riding lesson of the year. As Slammer starts trotting
around the riding arena at Rolling Oaks Stables, someone can be seen standing in each corner of the room calling for Nathalie to steer the horse toward their voices, which she does easily and gracefully. The amazing thing, though, is that Nathalie is blind.
Weekend Forecast FRIDAY
46|37 SATURDAY
52|30 SUNDAY
See Families Today pg. 15
48|30
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Finally, Spring Arrives SARATOGA SPRINGS — With warmer weather settling into the area, people took to the streets, parks and even the water in anticipation of feeling the heat of the sun after months of merely flirting with its rays. While
a cold front is expected for later this week, temperatures will still be in the mid to high 50s, heralding in the signs of spring, including budding daffodils and tulips, birds chirping and the sounds of children at play outdoors.
Top: Devine Providence, left, and Maddy Ellsworth try out some free ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s. Right: Rachel Kurtz tries out some hoops in Congress Park—Hoola Hoops that is. Below: Conor McGeough reads a book in Congress Park earlier this week. Photos courtesy of Deborah Neary.
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013 The following are arrests made by the Saratoga Springs Police Department. Christian D. Barbee, 28, of St. James Ave., Springfield was arrested April 5 and charged with DWI, BAC over .08 percent and improper headlights. Barbee was transported to Saratoga County Jail to await arraignment. Carrie T. Emigh, 35, of Webster St., Saratoga Springs was arrested April 3 for disorderly conduct. She was transported to the police department, processed and released on an appearance ticket. Joshua E. Chambers, 37, of Prospect St., Greenwich was charged on April 3 with refusing a pre-screen test, and being ability impaired by drugs. After being processed, Chambers was transported to Saratoga County Jail pending a City Court arraignment. William W. Tobin, 54, of West Harrison St., Saratoga Springs was arrested April 3 and charged with four counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance and eight counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance. Tobin turned himself in to members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department Narcotics Unit after a six month search. Tobin was the focus of a narcotics investigation for the sales of cocaine. He was indicted in the fall of 2012 and fled the area. Tobin voluntarily surrendered without incident, was processed and remanded to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond. Eva M. Homer, 31, of Route 4, Schuylerville was arrested April 7 and charged with fourth degree criminal mischief and intent to damage property. She was processed and released in her own recognizance. Kevin M. Turpin, 21, of Sweetman Road, Charlton was
arrested for DWI, failure to keep right and failure to signal on April 7. He was transported to the police department where he was processed and released to a third party. Jeromy D. Brown, 30, of Feeder Dam Road, South Glens Falls was issued a citation on April 6 and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Kamil Kolodziejczyk, 29, of N. Ontario Ave. In Lindenhurst was charged with third degree assault and intent to physical injury on April 6. Kolodziejczyk allegedly assaulted another guest of a wedding reception they were attending. Kolodziejczyk was processed and transported to Saratoga County Jail pending a City Court arraignment. Trenton H. Hall, 25, of Colebrook Road, Gansevoort was arrested on April 6 and charged with fourth degree criminal possession of marijuana. Officers stopped Hall’s vehicle for various vehicle and traffic violations on Hamilton St. and he was found allegedly have just under a half-pound of marijuana in the vehicle. Hall was processed and released on bail. Ralph A. Bonilla, 25, of Meadow Lark Drive, Ballston Spa was charged with driving the wrong way of a one way street, reckless driving, refusal of a pre-screen test, driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content above .08 and aggravated driving while intoxicated with a BAC more than .18 on April 5. Bonilla was operating his vehicle, driving west on Caroline St. toward Broadway and forced pedestrians to move out of his way to avoid being struck by the car. Bonilla was processed and jailed awaiting arraignment. Jessica Amy Plourde, 32, of Galway Road, Ballston Spa was arrested April 6 for DWI, BAC of .08 percent or higher, and failing to
BLOTTER signal a turn and to keep right. She was placed under arrest and transported to the police department for processing. Katherine Oday LaFalce, 21, of Washington St., Saratoga Springs was charged with first degree unlawfully dealing with a child on April 5. The incident occurred on March 23. Lafalce allegedly purchased alcohol for a group of people under the age of 21. She was processed and arraigned in City Court. John J. Mackey, 44, of Beacon Hill Drive, Saratoga Springs was arrested April 5 and charged with second degree harassment and second degree criminal contempt. Mackey was arrested on a warrant from an incident that occurred on March 28 where he allegedly violated an order of protection. Mackey was processed and arraigned in City Court. Justin M. Lebarron, 28, of Pettis Road, Gansevoort, was arrested on April 9 and charged with second degree criminal contempt for violating an order of protection. Lebarron was processed and remanded to Saratoga County Jail pending arraignment. The following are from the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office. James M. Kiltz, 24, residing at 8 Ridge Street, Hadley, was indicted for one count of aggravated DWI, and two counts of DWI, all class E felonies, for an incident which occurred on December 29 in Stillwater. John J. Shannon, Jr., 25, residing at 331 Rowland Street, Milton,
was indicted for two counts of second degree assault, a class D violent felony and resisting arrest for an incident which occurred on January 24 in the town of Milton. Kyle R. Brown, 23, residing at 447 Devils Lane, Ballston Spa, pled guilty on April 2 to felony DWI, a class E felony for an incident which occurred in Saratoga Springs on September 30. Sentencing will be June 18 at 9:15 a.m. Kwame S. Owusu, 30, residing at 318 Quail Street, Floor 2, Albany, was indicted on April 2 for two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance,
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third degree, class B felonies, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, third degree and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, seventh degree for incidents which occurred in the town of Milton on January 29 and February 4. Owusu was remanded back to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $40,000 cash or $80,000 bond. William J. Miner, 45, 640 North Creek Road, Greenfield Center, was sentenced to 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison for being a registered sex offender and failing to report an address change within 10 days.
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week in Review
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Arrest Made in Assault Involving 36-Inch Machete Police Searching
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SARATOGA SPRINGS — A Saratoga Springs man with a lengthy criminal history was arrested on the evening of Tuesday, April 9 for allegedly cutting off a portion of a friend’s ear and slicing the left side of his face with a machete. The assault occurred following an argument the pair had while at a cookout at 149 Grand Avenue. Russell Duffney, 46, who resides at 149 Grand Avenue, was arrested and charged with first degree assault with a deadly weapon and criminal possession of a weapon. While Duffney is currently on felony probation, state records do not show him serving any prison time in New York.
Lt. John Catone of the Saratoga Springs Police Department said that witnesses reported that after a fight broke out between Duffney and the victim, Duffney grabbed a 36-inch machete and swung it at the victim, striking the left side of his face and ear. Friends transported the injured man to the hospital where he was taken into surgery to repair the wounds. Police were notified by the hospital of the assault and after talking to the witnesses and victim, headed back to 149 Grand Avenue, where Duffney was located and arrested. Duffney, who is presently on felony probation, was processed and jailed without bail due
to seriousness of the crime. He later complained of chest pains and was transported to Saratoga Hospital where he was under police guard. He has since been released, arraigned and remanded to the Saratoga County Jail. “Mr. Duffney will be remanded to the Saratoga County Jail after he is released,” said Lt. Catone. “He is not eligible for bail because of his prior felony convictions.” He said that the victim was in surgery Tuesday night and that he is listed as in serious condition with non-life threatening injuries. If convicted of the charge, Duffney could receive up to 25 years in state prison.
Supervisor Yepsen Announces Mayoral Candidacy SARATOGA SPRINGS — Fourterm city Supervisor Joanne Yepsen announced April 8 she will officially be running for mayor of the Spa City this upcoming election season. Yepsen, 54, has represented the city on the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors since 2006. She recently voted against trying to sell the county’s financially challenged nursing home and the board’s failed nomination of a 22-year-old Halfmoon woman to the job of animal shelter director.
In addition to her four terms as supervisor, Yepsen mounted an unsuccessful bid for the 43rd State Senate seat in 2010. She lost to incumbent Republican Roy McDonald, but carried the city of Saratoga Springs. Mayor Scott Johnson, a Republican, announced last month that he will not seek re-election to a third term, though Yepsen said she would have been prepared to run against him. Saratoga Springs Republicans have not yet announced any new candidates.
Accompanied by two of her children at her candidacy announcement, she pledged to make City Hall more accessible and bipartisan, emphasizing “sustainable” development and said she would reactivate the city’s Open Space Commission. The decision to run for mayor means Yepsen will vacate the seat on the county board at the end of this year. If elected mayor, Yepsen would make $14,500 per year, a decrease in pay from the $18,508 she currently makes as supervisor.
for Suspect in BB Gun Theft
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying the person in the photo. This individual, wearing a blue jacket with a white stripe, a red hoodie and a baseball cap is alleged to have stolen a BB gun from a downtown business around 5 p.m. on Monday, March 25. Police would like to speak with him in relation to the alleged incident. The suspect is said to be in his early 20s and between the height of 5-feet-8-inches and 5-feet-10 inches tall, weighing between 150 and 160 pounds. If anyone knows who this person is, they are asked to contact the Saratoga Springs Police Department at (518) 584-1800 or (518) 584-TIPS.
obituaries
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Alice W. Fleming
Helen Frances (Cummings) Cogan
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Alice W. Fleming, 90, passed away Wednesday, April 3 at Maplewood Manor, Ballston Spa. Born on September 3, 1922 in Cambridge Springs, PA, she was the daughter of the late Jay and Lucy (Crosby) Wilson. She spent her younger years in Mechanicville before meeting and marrying her husband of 48 years, John F. (Jack) Fleming, Jr. Together they raised their five children in Saratoga Springs. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband Jack; her twin sister Gretta Gwinn of Natick, MA and a younger sister Janice Cappetta of Wildwood, MO. Survivors include her children, Gretta (Donald) Clements of Phoenix, AZ, John F. “Jack” (Nancy) Fleming of Wilton, Sandra (Mark) Fleming Oginski of Scotia, Betsy Fleming of Saratoga Springs and Mary (Joseph) Samascott of Ballston Spa; 11 grandchildren, Michael Clements, Karen Clements Robinson, Patrick Fleming, Carrie Fleming Pecor, Vincent, Amanda and Brian Oginski, Scott and John Tessier, Sarah and Stephanie Samascott and seven great-grandchildren.
Grace B. Wheeldon SARATOGA SPRINGS Grace B. Wheeldon, 90, passed peacefully on April 8 at Saratoga Hospital. Amazing Grace was born on April 24, 1922 in Castleton, Vt. Grace was an LPN at Saratoga Hospital, supporter of the arts and an active volunteer in community affairs. Her love of gardening was superseded only by her love of her family, friends and Saratoga Springs. An avid gardener, she was a dedicated member of the Katrina Trask Garden Club. Survived by her son, Lindsey Waterhouse (Priscilla); two daughters, Sheila Wray and Leisa Waterhouse; son, Scott Waterhouse (Lisa); five grandchildren Hillary Waterhouse, Meghan Waterhouse, Ben Wray, James Pickett and Riley Waterhouse; one great-granddaughter, Jourdan Decoteau; as well as many nieces and nephews. Please join the family for a public memorial service celebrating Grace’s life, held at the New England Congregational Presbyterian Church, 24 Circular St Saratoga Springs on April 12 from 4-7 p.m.
Martha Grace Armstrong SARATOGA SPRINGS — Martha Grace Armstrong, 92, passed away Thursday, April 4 at Wesley Health Care Center where she had resided since 2006. Born on September 27, 1920 in Saratoga Springs, she was a lifelong area resident and daughter of the late Joseph C. and Ona B. Armstrong. She lived in her
childhood home on the east side of town for many years and later moved “downstreet” to an apartment on Broadway. She then moved to Stonequist Apartments. During World War II she was employed at General Electric Co. in Schenectady along with her sister Blanche. They remained the closest of friends until Blanche’s
death in 2007. In addition to her parents and her sister Blanche Attanasio, she was predeceased by her sister, Ina Ramos and her brothers, Joseph (Abe), John, Paul and Arthur Armstrong. A Mass of Christian Burial was at 11:30 a.m. at St. Clement’s Church and the burial was in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
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 obits@saratogapublishing.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Helen Frances (Cummings) Cogan, 90, of Ludlow St., passed away Friday, April 5 at Saratoga Hospital Born on August 9, 1922 in Saratoga Springs, she was the daughter of the late James and Catherine (Westfall) Cummings and a lifelong resident and a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School. A loving mother and devoted homemaker, her life was always involved in her children’s activities, events and sports, and she remained dedicated to their upbringing and care. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by five brothers, two sisters and her late husband, John J. Cogan, who died October 18, 1982. Survivors include four sons; Jack Cogan, Brian (Elizabeth)
Cogan, Bruce (Elaine) Cogan and Timothy (Debra) Cogan, all of Saratoga Springs; two daughters, Cynthia (TR) Pennell of Saratoga Springs and Marsha (Jamie) Hickey of Greencastle, PA; one sister, Catherine Littlefield of Saratoga Springs; 16 grandchildren, John, Jason (Sarah), Gordon, Brianne, Corey, Cara, Patrick, Brad, Melissa, Paul, Christine (Bobby), Jessica, Christopher, Kyle, Lauren and Ryan; five great-grandchildren, Quinn, Kelsey, McKenzie, Madison and Liam and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday April 9 in St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church. The burial followed in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
Gladys M. Eastman SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gladys M. Eastman, 99, a longtime resident of Eastman Lane, passed away Saturday, April 6 at Wesley Health Care Center. Born on January 9, 1914 in Inwood, Long Island, she was the daughter of Vincent James and Delia Sarro. For more than 20 years, she was employed as a housemother at Skidmore College and enjoyed playing bingo. In addition to her parents and her husband Roy, who died in 1984, she is predeceased by a daughter Shirley Comfort, who died in 1985; five brothers Patrick, Bruno, Frank, Vincent and Joseph Sarro and an infant
sister. She is survived by two grandchildren, Ritchie Comfort and Margaret Griffin and a son- in- law, Richard Comfort, all of Saratoga Springs; four great-grandchildren, Shane Comfort, Casey Comfort, Cassandra Gilboy, and Mara Gilboy and a great-great grandchild, Averi Comfort; two sisters, Rae Mangona of Saratoga Springs and Jennie Jones of Amsterdam; several nieces and nephews and a sister- inlaw Donna Sarro of Saratoga Springs. Burial was in the family plot at North Milton Cemetery.
Leona Lampron LeBlanc SUDBURY, VT — Leona Lampron LeBlanc, 91, passed away March 13. She was the widow of the late Albert J. LeBlanc. Survivors include her brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Patricia Lampron of Saratoga Springs; 10 nieces, six nephews, as well as many great and
great-great nieces and nephews and cousins. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 13 in the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Burial will be at Park Lawn Cemetery later in the spring.
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NEWS
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Building Improvements Within The City Make It Even More Attractive by Patricia Older Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — With the approval of Druthers Brewing Company’s request to build a second bar area and rooftop garden space and the Caffé Lena’s request to revamp the back side of its building with a spruced up patio area complete with a commissioned statue and a two-story building for
entrance to the second floor café, Saratoga Springs is quickly becoming more and more of an artsy destination place. “I am impressed with the quality of the building and it is a nice fill-in project,” said Planning Board Chair Clifford Van Wagner of the Druther’s project, adding later on during Wednesday night’s planning board meeting that the improvements approved for Caffé Lena would also enhance the image of
the Spa City. “What a nice little project,” said Van Wagner, adding that the improvements would help traffic flow on Phila and add art in civic places. Board members also approved a request from Bonacio Construction to add 10 more residential units to their project at 60 Weibel Avenue, bringing the total number up to 188 residential units and 124,000 square feet of commercial space. Druthers, located at 381 Broadway, plans to add a small space between its building and the Perry building next door to construct a second bar and dining area. It will feature a 24-seat bar, 15 tables and fireplaces. The single-story structure will be 758-square-feet and will be used for private functions and dining. “It is smaller than the original design,” said owner Chris Martell of Ballston Spa, adding that space was lost to add an additional means of egress to comply with fire codes. Matt Hurff of Frost Hurff Architectures said the changes to 47 Phila Street were small and “modest,” adding that the building had not seen any significant improvements in nearly 60 years. There will be new bathrooms, kitchen and performance space, as well as façade improvements, but the most significant change will be to the back of Caffé Lena where a herringbone brick patio will be
Chris Martell of Druthers Brewing Company speaks at the Saratoga Planning Board meeting held on April 10. Photo provided.
built, benches added and a statue will be commissioned and placed. “It is a civic space and we strongly encourage some public art,” said city planner Kate Maynard, adding that the statue would be a nice addition. Hurff also pointed out that the entrance to the parking area would be removed from Phila Street and the entrance would now be from Henry Street. Four parking spaces will be lost in the parking area to the changes. Van Wagner echoed her comments, adding that perhaps the statue could be of Lena Spencer, the founder of Caffé Lena. In other business, Sonny Bonacio asked to build an additional building in the northwest corner of his project at 60 Weibel Avenue. The approved building would mirror existing buildings and will compliment the new project proposed for 72-74 Weibel. They also approved Saratoga County’s request for the mental health facility to be open three nights a week at their new location on South Broadway. Because of a
clerical error on the behalf of the county, the original application had said the new mental health facility would only be open two nights a week until 8 p.m. “The applicant made an error for the evening hours,” said Mike Toohey, representing Saratoga County, adding that the facility would be open Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays until 9 p.m. Van Wagner pointed out to board members that the applicant “accepts clients by appointment only,” and that the issue of the mental health department, Friendship House and the county’s alcohol and drug counseling services combining their services under one roof on South Broadway had been “somewhat controversial and emotional,” for some residents. Board member Tom Lewis said he was “perplexed” by the controversy, adding that the use of the former Topper building “brings jobs, people and vibrancy to downtown Saratoga Springs.” Board members approved the request.
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Attention Iraq and Afghanistan Vets: The Town of Malta Wants to Thank You MALTA — The Town of Malta is holding an Armed Forces Day Parade on Saturday, May 18 with a special theme to recognize and thank veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for their service and to publicly welcome them home. “We think this will be the area’s first parade specifically focused on the newest generation of veterans. We want to extend an open invitation to all area Global War on Terror vets—all ranks and all services—to come and be publicly recognized for their service and dedication to the nation,” said Paul Fanning, Malta resident and retired Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel. “Our plan is to create one special marching formation comprised of vets from the different service branches and have them march together. We also plan to have a ride for any injured or disabled vet who needs or requests this on a float or support vehicle,” said Fanning. And while the emphasis is on the newer vets, the committee wants everyone to know all vets of all wars and eras are welcome and encouraged to join in as well. The Malta Veterans Committee is asking area veterans and family members to contact them or the Town of Malta’s Department of Parks & Recreation directly to sign up. In addition to the veterans, Malta hopes military families and area groups and organizations at large that have supported the military and veterans community over the years will also come to participate or cheer our veterans on. The parade route offers plenty of space for groups to stake out and cheer from. The Malta’s Veterans Committee has been organizing parades on the Saturday preceding the 9-11 commemoration in recent years. This year Malta’s town council asked the committee to focus on the Armed Forces Day in May and the committee felt that this was the time to hold a special salute for those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and those other regions considered a War on Terror area of operation. The parade is set to begin at 10 a.m. and will start at the Malta Community Center on Bayberry
Drive It will proceed south on Route 9 through the first round about at the intersection with Route 67. The distance is about one mile and the committee has already lined up school bands, area fire departments and first response agencies that have supported the Patriot Day parades in the past. To sign up or for more information, send an email to paul.a.fanning@us.army.mil or contact the Malta Community Center at either calling (518) 899-4411 or e-mailing Audrey Ball at dirparksrec@malta-town.org.
NEWS 7
Saratoga P.L.A.N. Hosts Forest Forensics Classes SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga P.L.A.N. (PLAN) held classes on “Forest Forensics” on April 5 and April 6 at Hennig Preserve in Providence. The classes, held for PLAN’s trail volunteers as well as members of the New York State Forest Owners Association, taught participants how to read the history of the woods. Tom Wessels, ecologist, environmental science professor and author of Reading the Forested Landscape and Forest Forensics led the programs and demonstrated his ability to read the woods the way most of us read a book. Participants learned to read the forest floor for signs of human impact, including lands that have reverted to forest after decades, even centuries, of use as pasture, cropland, or woodlots. The 604acre Hennig Preserve served as an excellent laboratory for such a
field study, containing old stone walls, a pre-Civil-War house foundation and well, a 100-plus year old charcoal making mound and many other interesting artifacts of a bygone era. Armed with information about how to interpret this evidence, participants could read the history of these sites and others. Among other lessons learned, Wessels taught how to distinguish former pastureland from cropland or woodlots, how to determine the age of stumps thereby indicating when the area was last logged, and how to tell the purpose of an individual stone wall. Many other historical lessons were discussed regarding the huge impact of sheep farming that drastically changed our landscape in the 1800s and the various pre-industrial farming techniques, the evidence of which can still be seen in every corner of Saratoga County.
Don Washburn, a lead volunteer for the Hennig Preserve and member of PLAN’s Stewardship Committee said, “This was a truly unique class offered by Saratoga PLAN for trail volunteers, and we will be able to share what we learned with others in the future.” Maria Trabka, Executive Director of Saratoga P.L.A.N. said, “We are thankful to our volunteers for helping maintain all of our public trails, and we are thankful for the historic research they do on the preserves.” Understanding how others have used the land in the past helps us be better stewards today.” Commentary and photographs of the forest forensics class can be found on the Saratoga woods & waterways blog at: http:// saratogawoodswaters.blogspot. com/2013/04/lessons-in-forestforensics.html
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BUSINESS
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc. Reports 2012 Earnings
Cathy Libecci Joins Roohan Realty
BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc., parent company of Ballston Spa National Bank recently reported that net income for the year ending December 31, 2012 increased to $2.2 million or $2.97 per share, up 1.4% from the $2.93 per share reported in 2011. Several factors contributed to the improved performance including strong loan production, increased noninterest income and effective
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Cathy Libecci has joined Roohan Realty as a licensed real estate sales associate. Cathy brings with her a wide range of professional experience working both as a licensed real estate agent in New Jersey and Lake Placid over the past 12 years. As both a buyer and seller
cost management. “With an experienced team of banking professionals and strong financial performance, BSNB is well positioned to meet the growing needs of individuals and businesses in our market,” stated Christopher R. Dowd, President and CEO. “For 2013 and beyond, we remain focused on enhancing the service and support we provide to our customers and community.”
agent, her knowledge is extensive in creative sales and successful negotiation. Her love for real estate, enthusiasm and strong people skills makes her a perfect addition to the Roohan Realty team. Cathy resides in Saratoga Springs with her husband Mark and two daughters. She can be reached at clibecci@roohanrealty.com or (518) 524-1853.
Dr. Steven Yarinsky Awarded Compassionate Doctor Certification SARATOGA SPRINGS — Patients’ Choice has announced that Dr. Steven Yarinsky was one of a select few physicians honored with the prestigious 2012 Compassionate Doctor Certification. Each year, nearly 100 million patients across the U.S. access websites like Vitals, UCompareHealthCare, and Patients’ Choice to provide feedback about experiences with their physicians. Only those physicians with near perfect overall and bedside manner scores, as voted by their patients, are selected for the Compassionate Doctor recognition. Of the nation’s 870,000 active physicians, only three percent were accorded this honor in 2012. The Compassionate Doctor certification is part of the Patients’ Choice recognition program, where patients rate and vote for their
favorite doctors. “This is quite an honor for me. I am very pleased to have been selected and grateful to my patients who went out of their way to rate me and give me positive reviews,” said Dr. Yarinsky. “This honor is also a testament to the great staff we have at our practice.” Dr Yarinsky’s practice— Saratoga Springs Plastic surgery, PC—is the only Joint Commission Accredited office-based surgery center in the Capital District and Upstate New York and in Vermont. For more information on this Compassionate Doctor, please visit Dr. Yarinsky’s profile on Vitals.com. Following the publication of Dr. Yarinsky’s selection for the Patients’ Choice Award, American Registry seconded the honor and added Dr. Yarinsky to The Registry of Business Excellence. An exclusive recognition plaque has been designed to commemorate the honor. For more information call (518) 583-4019.
OrthoNY to Provide Orthopaedic Urgent Care MALTA — Starting Monday, April 15, OrthoNY will provide orthopaedic urgent care in its Malta and Albany offices. Both locations will be open Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., with no appointment necessary. The group will also enhance existing Saturday hours in the Malta office to include walk-in patients from 9 a.m. until noon. OrthoNY Urgent Care will be efficient and cost-effective, eliminating the need for emergency room visits to treat common injuries. The ER costs patients both time and money, so when acute care needs are bone and joint specific, OrthoNY is an optimal choice. OrthoNY Urgent Care will treat sprains, strains, minor fractures and sports injuries, with care provided by orthopaedic specialists and supported by onsite radiology services. “We recognize that most injuries happen when business hours end and life begins,” said Alan Okun, CEO of OrthoNY. “Sports, gardening and home improvement projects are all activities people enjoy at night and on the weekends. But they can result in injuries at those hours too. We want to treat patients as quickly as possible, to get them back to the life they love. It’s just another way we’re saving lifestyles.” OrthoNY Urgent Care will be located in the Malta Medical Arts Building at 2388 Route 9, just south of Route 67, off Exit 12 of the Northway; or at 121 Everett Road in Albany. To learn more, call (518) 587-0845 (Malta); or (518) 489-2663 (Albany) or, visit orthony.com.
Hannaford and TOMRA Partner on Recycling-Based Fundraising Program ALBANY — Hannaford Supermarkets and TOMRA of North America, Inc. announced a new fundraising program designed to allow customers to give back to the community when recycling. Beginning April 8, customers who recycle their deposit valued bottles and cans at Greenback Redemption Centers at participating Hannaford locations in New York will have the option to donate their five cents per container bottle deposit redemption values to select local charities. The first beneficiary will be the JDRF, Northeastern New York Chapter, which will be the featured community organization through May 31. The program will be offered at 22 Hannaford stores in the greater Capital Region and Hudson Valley. Customers can participate in the fundraising program in
two ways. Each TOMRA reverse vending machine at participating Hannaford locations will feature a button which the customer can press after recycling depositvalued bottles and cans to convert the bottle deposit into a donation. Customers can also drop off their recyclable cans and bottles with a Greenback staff member, who will process the containers and ensure the redemption value is donated to the designated beneficiary. The recycling-based fundraising program at Hannaford will benefit a variety of local and regional organizations committed to health and wellness; child development and families; and hunger relief. The donation program will be available at the following local Hannaford locations: 11 Trieble Avenue in Ballston Spa; 9 Clifton Country Road in Clifton Park; and 85 Weibel Avenue in Saratoga Springs.
BUSINESS 9
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
The Adirondack Trust Company Exit 11 Winners New Family Practice Physician at Saratoga Hospital
Left to right: Sally Harrison, Adirondack Trust Branch Manager, and Charles Wait, Jr., Vice President, present in photo on left, Margaret Orzolek her $1,000 gift certificate and in photo on right, Dorothy Kania receives the iPad mini that she won.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The winners for Adirondack Trust’s Plant Your Account Green Sweepstakes have been selected. The Grand Prize winner was Margaret Orzolek who won a $1,000 gift certificate to Green Conscience Home & Garden in Saratoga Springs. The second place winner was Dorothy
Kania who won an iPad mini and the third place winner was Tom Minnick who won $250. Each of the winners enjoyed the prize and noted they look forward to the opportunities each prize will provide, from shopping at a green store, to having a mobile tablet to going out to dinner for an anniversary.
Hudson River Community Credit Union Adds Three New Branch Managers
Dr. Tanya Lehine
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Hospital recently welcomed Dr. Tanya Lehine, Family Practice, to Saratoga Family Physicians, located at 3044 Route 50 in Saratoga Springs. Lehine received her medical degree from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury. She completed both an internship and residency at St. Mary’s Hospital in Hoboken, New Jersey. Lehine is board certified in family practice. For more information or a referral, call (518) 580-2450.
Scotia-Glenville Family Medicine Joins Saratoga Hospital
Dave Bengle
Shawn O’Shea
CORINTH — As Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU) continues to grow, three new branch managers have joined the team. Those taking on leadership roles within the Credit Union’s branches in the Northern tier include Dave Bengle of South Glens Falls who joined to manage the Hudson Falls branch, Shawn O’Shea of Glenville who will manage the Corinth branch and Nancy Distasio of Queensbury who came on board to lead the Glens Falls branch. According to HRCCU CEO Susan Commanda, each of the managers brings experience and expertise that will serve the Credit Union and the Members well. Dave Bengle has over 20 years of industry experience and previously held the branch manager position at Trustco Bank and TD Bank. Dave holds a New York State Insurance license as well as a Series 6 and Series 63 Investment license. Shawn O’Shea has a long history in the financial industry and comes to HRCCU from First Niagara Financial Group. Shawn has more than 13 years banking experience and has held the
Nancy Distasio
position of branch manager at First Niagara Financial Group, TD Bank, NBT Bank and HSBC Bank. Nancy Distasio, having served in the financial industry for over 10 years as a branch manager for Citizens Bank and Trustco Bank, brings her strong customer focus and management skills to the organization. Hudson River Community Credit Union’s mission is to improve the well-being of members and their families by providing quality financial services with the best overall value. Hudson River Community Credit Union has five branches located in Corinth; Glens Falls; Hudson Falls; Troy and Cohoes. The credit union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned and governed by its members. Anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or businesses and other legal entities such as a church or association, located within Warren, Washington, Saratoga and Rensselaer Counties or the Towns of Cohoes, Watervliet and Green Island and their immediate families are eligible to join the credit union.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Scotia-Glenville Family Medicine recently joined Saratoga Hospital’s Medical Group. Members of the group include: Karin Borelli, MD; Christopher Buff, DO; Robert Halbig, MD; Audra Hanley, MD; John Pezzulo, DO; Kerry Ricker, DO; David Foster, PA; Ashley Hart, PA; and Mike O’Brien PA. Scotia-Glenville Family Medicine will continue to see current patients, and welcome new patients, at their practice located at 112 Charlton Road in Ballston Lake. To make an appointment, call (518) 399-7723.
Northshire Bookstore to Open Spa City Store SARATOGA SPRINGS — Northshire Books will be opening a Saratoga Springs branch in July, bringing approximately 25 more full and part time jobs to the area. “Our employees are the key to a successful bookstore,” said owner Chris Morrow, who has worked at the Manchester store on and off since he was nine years old, a store which was founded by his parents, Ed and Barbara Morrow. “Superior bookselling is an art and the booksellers set us apart from online retailers and big-box stores. They make recommendations, connections and create an atmosphere that people want to return to.” Morrow said nurturing a highquality employment atmosphere is crucial to their mission. More than half of Northshire employees have been with the company more than 10 years, with many over 15 years. Asked why this is the case, Morrow commented that, “While nobody is going to get rich in the book business, there is a very strong appeal to working with books and other people that love them. This is a job filled with hard work, but it is also an avocation.” Job descriptions and an employment application are available on their website at Northshire. com/northshire-bookstore-saratoga. Ideal applicants will have prior
experience working with the public and a keen interest in books and reading. The ability to write succinct book reviews is a plus. Applications can be submitted online and will also be available at Friday’s meeting. Interviews will begin in Saratoga next week, and will continue throughout the Spring. Todd Shimkus of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce said that the Chamber worked with Northshire. “The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has worked with Chris and his family to do what we can to help them transition and open their new store here and we are pleased that it has all worked out,” said Shirmkus. “Our community is fortunate to have Northshire Books locating here. This business will bring jobs, additional vibrancy and another great asset to our downtown.” Northshire Bookstore was founded in 1976 in Manchester Center, VT and will be opening their second store in Saratoga Springs in July 2013. Winner of both the prestigious Publisher’s Weekly award, “Bookstore of the Year,” and the Pannell Award for “Excellence in Children’s Bookselling,” Northshire is committed to artful independent bookselling. For more information visit their website at www.northshire.com.
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Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
This Week’s SPOLIGHT
Skidmore College offers a variety of programs for children of all ages during the summer months. Camp Northwoods Skidmore’s day camp for children entering grades 1–6, offers an exciting program of sports, cultural arts, nature study and relaxed play. Our goal is to provide a variety of fun activities that happily challenge the imagination, intellect, and body. The camp’s home base is Falstaff’s Pavilion on the Skidmore College campus, but campers frequent the Williamson Sports Center, Schick Art Gallery, Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, and Zankel Music Center. The daily enrichment activities led by the qualified staff are supplemented by weekly field trips to recreational and historical sites, and visits by special guests. Children will also enjoy arts and crafts, ceramics, games, hiking, and daily swim time. One and two-week sessions are available from June 24–August 9. Skidmore College also offers a wide array of Sports Camps from June through August for children of all ages. Choose from baseball, lacrosse, swimming, basketball, tennis, soccer, volleyball and field hockey. Children learn the concept of teamwork while acquiring the necessary skills for his or her sport of choice. Adults, novice or experienced, can participate in a rowing program offered throughout the spring, summer and fall at the Boat House located on beautiful Fish Creek. All other programs are held on the Skidmore Campus at the Sports and Recreation Center and/or the adjacent fields. For more information, or to register online visit www.skidmore.edu/summer or call the Office of the Dean of Special Programs at (518) 580-5596.
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Summer Camp Guide
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Education
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Faces and Stories Beyond Words: NYCAP Literacy Exhibit Features Students’ Work by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Around 40 students who have been participating in Literacy New York Greater Capital Region’s tutoring programs this past year will showcase their personal written essays and photos at the opening of an annual exhibition April 18, titled “Faces and Stories Beyond Words.” Maria Lange, program coordinator of Literacy NYCAP, said the exhibition gives the students a sense of purpose for their writing. “We do the project annually to promote writing to our students, because it tends to be a weakness for a lot of them, especially those who are learning English as a second language,” Lange said. “This gives them a purpose for writing.” Lange said another purpose of the exhibit is to recognize all the work the program’s tutors and their students put in to be able to achieve their goals. “For some of them, their goal was to improve their reading and
writing, and for others it’s to learn English as their second or third language so they can feel more comfortable in the community,” Lange said. For this year’s exhibit, students were told to select a photograph that had personal meaning to them and write an essay based on the photo. “In the past we’ve given them templates and a more specific direction of what to do, but this year we wanted to focus on something more meaningful for them,” Lange explained. “Some of the photos students chose were pictures of their families, or their hometowns abroad—some are even of themselves, because they’re proud of their accomplishments in the U.S.” Lange said she has found each photo in the exhibit to be “really lovely.” “The stories that have come out of it have been really wonderful,” Lange added. One of those stories was about a student’s experience in coming to live in the U.S. The student chose a photograph of her climb up Mount Fuji, and in her essay compared her acclimation to the U.S. to her
Mount Fuji climb. “During her climb, she learned a lot about the importance of persistence, and thought that was relevant to the persistence she needed when she moved to the U.S.,” Lange said. Lange added that Literacy NYCAP’s tutors deserve a lot of credit for helping the students in their writings for this exhibit.
“Our tutors have been really instrumental in working with the students to enrich their writing for their projects,” Lange said. Literacy NYCAP features two different basic literacy programs: one is for U.S. citizens who either have had a reading disability or never finished school; the other is for immigrants or new citizens
who are learning English as a second language. Literacy NYCAP also offers citizenship classes. The “Faces and Stories Beyond Words” exhibit opening will take place at 110 Spring Street Gallery in Saratoga Springs April 18 from 6–8 p.m. The exhibit will remain open until May 10. For further details, visit www.literacynycap.org.
Skidmore College’s Spring Show to Feature Dirty Projectors with Delicate Steve by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore College might see their biggest Annual Spring Show yet as the event prepares to host the Dirty Projectors, a band that will finally be headlining the show after several years of students’ attempts to book the band. Taylor Dafoe, chair of Skidmore’s Student Entertainment Company, said students couldn’t be
any more excited about the event that has become a campus tradition in recent years. “I think this will be one of the biggest years, in terms of production and ticket sales,” Dafoe said. “There has already been a high demand from the public for tickets, and about half of the student population usually goes.” Releasing their first full-length album in 2003 and their most recent EP “About To Die” in 2012, Dirty Projectors have been celebrated as musicians whose music cannot easily be placed in a genre-specific box. Dafoe said Dirty Projectors’ music has resonated with Skidmore students for several years. “We’ve been trying to get them to play for the past four years, but it never came to fruition for various reasons,” Dafoe said. “Their music really appeals to the Skidmore aesthetic so after their last album, we made an extra effort to pursue them
to play and the anticipation for this show is really great.” Opening up for Dirty Projectors is Delicate Steve, a bedroom music project turned popular up-and-coming band. “Delicate Steve can do crazy live shows,” Dafoe said. “It’s all instrumental based and is musically complex, they use a lot of unconventional instruments and play happy, upbeat kind of music.” The Spring Show, put on by Student Entertainment Company, will take place April 13 at 8 p.m. at the Williamson Sports Center at Skidmore. Tickets are $5 for students beforehand, $10 at the door and $20 for the general public, available at Skidmore College’s Case Center or online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/354638. “We’re really excited about the show,” Dafoe said. “It’s by far the show we have been the most excited to put on.”
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Education
Skidmore Recognizes Autism Awareness Month with Event-Filled Calendar SARATOGA SPRINGS — For the fourth straight year, students of Skidmore College psychology Professor Rachel Mann Rosan have arranged a month of public events to observe Autism Awareness Month. Since the early 1970s, the Autism Society has celebrated National Autism Awareness Month as a special opportunity to raise awareness about autism and issues within the autism community. At Skidmore, students in Mann Rosan’s psychology course “Developmental Disabilities and Autism” have annually arranged a slate of activities offering community-specific information. Mann Rosan provides a structure for the students to use, including learning outcomes. The students are then assigned various activities— speaker, panel discussion, informational posters—geared toward the learning objectives. The learning objectives include understanding autism and the philosophies that influence diagnosis and treatment, researching the epidemiology of autism, examining the different causes and treatments, and looking at the impact of autism on the community. Mann Rosan encourages the students to research the topics and make decisions on what activity or speaker best addresses the topic.
The class has established the following schedule. All events are free and open to the public. Monday, April 15, 6:30 p.m., Tisch Learning Center, room 302 “The Epidemiology of ASD’s: A Brief Review of Recent Research,” by Paul A.H. Partridge, Ph.D. In recent years, there has been much discussion about the increasing prevalence and factors associated with increased rates of diagnosis. Tuesday, April 16, 6 p.m., Bolton Hall, room 282 “Modeling Behaviors Relevant to Autism in Inbred Strains of Mice,” by Dr. Valerie Bolivar Mice can play an invaluable role in modeling the biology underlying autism and in developing more effective therapeutic agents. Dr. Bolivar’s lab has established the BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J inbred strain as a useful model for autism-relevant behaviors and is currently examining brain development in these mice, looking for biomarkers relevant to autism. Wednesday, April 17, at 7 p.m., Davis Auditorium, Palamountain Hall A screening of the movie Temple Grandin
Ballston Spa Hosts Suburban Council Music Festival
This award-winning film paints a picture of a young woman’s perseverance and determination while struggling with the isolating challenges of autism at a time when it was still quite unknown. Starring Claire Danes, Julia Ormond, Catherine O’Hara, and David Strathairn. Thursday, April 18, 6 & 7 p.m., Tisch Learning Center, room 201 6 p.m. - Panel on “Parenting Autistic Children”, 7 p.m. - Panel on “What It’s Like to Have Autism” Parents: Julie Marks, Stephanie Veitch, Steve Oill, Skip Parry & Ronda Fein. Individuals on the Spectrum: Eric Olefson, Melanie Hecker, & Rebecca Shook. Sunday, April 21, noon in Intramural/Dance Gymnasium Second Annual Autism Awareness Informational Fair & Carnival, hosted by Saratoga Bridges, the Parent Network of the Capital Region, and the Skidmore Psychology Department and presented by Wilcenski & Pleat, PLLC. Skidmore is a partner on this event, which is organized and sponsored by community groups. Skidmore students assist with running the carnival for children attending the event. Admission is free and open to the public.
Culinary Students Aim for $25,000 Grant from State Farm to Feed the Homeless in Saratoga SARATOGA SPRINGS — Culinary Kids Caring, the Washington-Saratoga-WarrenHamilton-Essex BOCES program, which prepares food for the homeless, is competing against 200 other community organizations, nationwide for a $25,000 grant from State Farm’s Neighborhood Assist. The F. Donald Myers Education was selected to vie for one of 40 grants to continue its good work with Shelters of Saratoga. Chef Maureen Clancy, who is spearheading the effort, said her goal for Culinary Kids Caring is to “teach students the value of serving others as they provide the homeless with nutritious meals.” The grant, if awarded, will be administered by Shelters of Saratoga and will go toward buying
the food that the students prepare for its residents. To be awarded the grant, Culinary Kids Caring needs votes, which can be counted by logging into Facebook and searching for State Farm Neighborhood Assist. Fans of Culinary Kids Caring can cast 10 votes per day until Monday, April 22. On April 29, the top 40 of the 200 will be announced via Facebook. Awardees will receive $25,000 each. Currently, the students prepare donated food items for the homeless living in the area shelters. “Guests of the shelter are responsible for preparing their own meals,” said Chef Clancy. “But
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Photo provided
BALLSTON SPA — On Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13, nearly 350 of the Capital Region’s most talented young musicians will gather at Ballston Spa High School to participate in the Suburban Council Middle School Music Festival. These students, in grades six through eight, were chosen by musical audition and their music teacher’s recommendation. Participating school districts include Averill Park, Ballston Spa, Bethlehem, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, East Greenbush, Guilderland, Mohonasen, Niskayuna, North Colonie, Saratoga Springs, ScotiaGlenville, Shenendehowa, and South Colonie. The students will undergo a series of intense music rehearsals, led by renowned conductors from across the Northeast. The Middle School chorus will be directed by Mrs. Diane Warner, the founder of
the Capital District Youth Chorale (CDYC). The Middle School Band will be directed by Mandy Fara Dsharage, a member of the music education faculty of the Syosset Central School District. She is currently a band director at South Woods Middle School. The Middle School Orchestra will be led by Ken Brown, who is retired after 37 years in public school music education. For 35 of those years, Ken was director of the high school orchestra and instructor of violin in Fairport. Leading the High School Jazz Band is Mike Titlebaum, Director of Jazz Studies at Ithaca College. The festival will culminate in a concert performance, which is free of charge and open to the public, at Ballston Spa High School, 220 Ballston Avenue, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 13. Please contact the school for more information at (518) 884-7150 ext. 2389.
they are not always as nutritious as they should be. Our students, our experts, will put together creative nutritious menus, schedule preparation assignments and provide manpower and labor to prepare the meals.” More information is available at www.statefarm.com/ neighborhoodassist.
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visit us online at saratogamama.com!
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Sheriff Bowen Retiring continued from page 1
Left to right: Saratoga County District Attorney James Murphy, III and Sheriff James Bowen. Photo provided.
close friends, including Saratoga County District Attorney James Murphy, III. “It has been my privilege to work with Sheriff Jim Bowen for the last 25 years. He is one of the most honest, ethical and hardworking public servants I know,” said Murphy, adding that Bowen has been invaluable help to him over the last 25 years he has been in office. “He is a close friend and I have called upon him to provide counsel in a number of criminal cases over the years. He works tirelessly to ensure that the Sheriff ’s Department is a professional, accredited and highly regarded law enforcement agency,” continued Murphy. “While I respect his decision not to seek
reelection, I will miss his extraordinary experience, insight and knowledge, as well as our partnership and our commitment to working together to achieve public safety.” Bowen joined the Sheriff ’s Department in 1965 as a deputy. He was promoted to investigator and then undersheriff. He became sheriff in 1972 when then-sheriff, Lee A. Sherer, died just days before the election. Sherer was re-elected anyway, so Governor Nelson Rockefeller appointed him sheriff. He was elected the following year. Last Wednesday, he said he made the decision to not seek reelection after talking with his wife and family and receiving a “clean bill of health” from his doctor.
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Saratoga Youth Lacrosse Back in Action SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Youth Lacrosse Association kicked off the start of its fifth annual season this week. With kids still looking to sign up, during the first week of practice, the program has seen dramatic growth from its first year. Five years ago, the program had 50 kids, often having to pick up players from other teams, for the seventh and eighth grade boys teams, once the season rolled around. Now, with the addition of the girls teams in 2011, there are roughly 280 participants spread amongst multiple teams for boys third through eighth grade and girls third through sixth grade. Practices are held Monday through Thursday before the girls games start against other area teams in the last weekend of April and the boys games begin May 4. The program continues to teach Saratoga’s youth the fundamentals before going on to play school ball. “We’re teaching them everything from basic ground balls, throwing and catching all the way up to dodging and shooting,” SYLA president Greg Griskowitz said. “I think it’s very important for the kids to start young. Do you have to
play year round? No. But learning the basics, learning how to throw and catch and learning how to get ground balls, this is where the key to the game is.” One of the program’s future goals is to get a seventh and eighth grade girls team together. Another goal, establishing new fields, has already started to come to fruition. “Currently we’re working on developing two new fields,” Griskowitz said. We leased property from the PBA, which had three fields when we started.” Constant play on the fields off Weibel Ave. hasn’t helped their condition, which Griskowitz said, “were in very bad shape.” “We realized we were killing the fields because we’re on them every day and not giving them time to rest,” he said. “We actually went to the City [of Saratoga Springs] Planning Board and got approval to make two more fields on this
property.” SYLA and community members have raised all the money for the new fields and expect to be able to sod on of the fields by the end of this season. Ex Syracuse University lacrosse players, Mike and Ryan Powell, visited the kids at the first Tuesday practice. The brothers, who were both four-time collegiate AllAmericans, also discussed their upcoming tournament, which will take place over a three day span starting July 5 at the Saratoga Polo Association. “We’re doing great,” Griskowitz said. “We’d love for people to come out and see our games and just continue with the community support. Once these tournaments come in town, we really want Saratoga to embrace it and start enjoying lacrosse more. It’s a growing sport.”
Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, A quick fix to our high cost of gas that some folks won’t like and lots of folks will like. This is it—lower the speed limit on major highways by 10 miles per hour, like 75 mph to 65 mph or 70 mph down to 60 mph. If the speed limit is 60 mph, bring it down to 55 mph. With today’s autos this will seem like slow driving, but it will also be safe driving and save lives. Hire more police officers to just give tickets to speeders. It won’t take long for everyone to get the message.
This action alone will save millions and millions of gallons of gas every day and everyone will get better gas mileage. Everyone knows we, as a country, are moving along too fast in many directions. Most people can’t keep up with all the stuff that’s going on. It’s time for all of us to slow down and smell the roses. Enough is enough—let’s take a break—we deserve it. Sid Gordon Saratoga
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
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sFamilies eilimaF
TODAY A Special Supplement to Saratoga TODAY • Pages 15-23
Horses Give 11-Year-Old a Chance at Independence continued from page 1
For a few weeks out of the year for the past two years, 11-yearold (soon to be 12,) Nathalie has taken horse riding lessons from Sue Friday, owner of Rolling Oaks Stables in Gansevoort. Each lesson is free, thanks to the Greenwich Lions Club, who provide the funds for both Nathalie and Nick, who is also visually impaired, to take the lessons. Being blind does not prevent Nathalie from doing the mundane chores of horse riding. Each week, she goes to the stables and prepares a horse for her riding lesson by first grooming it and then helps to saddle it. When she’s on top of the horse, a guide walks alongside her helping her steer. Sue stands in the middle of the arena calling out directions for Nathalie to improve her riding and steering while four volunteers stand in each corner of the arena, one at a time, calling for her to follow their voice. Once Nathalie reaches one voice, she begins to steer the horse toward the next, until her riding lesson is over. Nathalie’s mother, Betty Sherrange, said Nathalie had her first experience with riding horses when she was only two years old, as a way to improve her posture. “When she was around two, she was going every week because they told us it would help her balance,” Betty said. “She couldn’t focus on anything, so horseback riding really made her hold her posture. Then we moved here and
started these lessons two years ago and she loves it—now she’s asking for her own horse.” Betty added that horse riding helps Nathalie both mentally and physically. “For her there’s not much to do, so she loves being here and it helps her,” Betty said. “It helps her selfesteem and makes her feel like she can do something, and it helps her posture and balance. It strengthens some of the muscles she doesn’t use because she’s not used to exercising.” Sue, owner of the stables, said horses can be therapeutic for all kinds of people. “This is one of the few times that [handicapped kids] are normal,” Friday explained. “I’ve had abused kids who would come here and it was the first time they’ve ever ridden and felt in control of anything. They would go home and verbalize that fact to their parents—‘I never knew I could make anything bigger than me do what I wanted.’ But here, we can do whatever we need to do.” Though Nathalie’s parents are confident about her safety, her dad Jim still stands by nervously watching as she brushes Slammer after her lesson. “I have trust issues with horses,” Jim admitted. “I guess if you’re around them all the time, you get used to them, but I’m not. The whole time she’s over there brushing the horse I’m constantly watching—they get so close.” Nathalie, on the other hand,
said she doesn’t get scared by the horses, and in fact wants to be a jockey when she grows up. “I like everything about riding horses,” Nathalie said. “Last week and this week I was trotting by myself—it feels cool to ride by myself.” Betty added that one of Sue’s requirements in riding lessons is that Nathalie has to be smiling. “She’ll yell out, ‘Are you smiling? You have to smile!’” Betty said. “Today I was a little more serious because I was riding by myself,” Nathalie admitted. When it was pointed out that she could still be seen smiling throughout her lesson, Nathalie let out a shy grin and simply said, “I try.”
Nathalie Wood pets a horse after her last hour-long riding lesson. Photo courtesy of Tracey Buyce.
11-year-old Nathalie Wood rides slowly into the arena for her riding lesson at Rolling Oaks Stables. Photo courtesy of Tracey Buyce.
16 Families TODAY
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
“I Hate You! … Can We Go Shopping?”
Navigation Techniques for Dealing with the Moody Teenager in Your Life
by Meghan D. Lemery, LCSW-R for Saratoga TODAY More than a few times a week, I receive calls or emails from frustrated parents asking for techniques on how to deal with their moody teenager. Living with a moody teen can take over the entire emotional climate of your home causing everyone in family to feel like a hostage to the person in a bad mood. The best way to help your teen through the difficult days and to maintain the balance of peace in your family is to approach your parenting technique in a proactive way, versus a reactive way. I cannot stress enough to the
parents I work with the importance of consequences for bad behavior. If you have a teen who treats you with disrespect and rules the mood of the home, you have sent the message that this behavior is acceptable. A house that has no clear rules is a house where your teen will be in charge. A highly anxious, moody teenager is often the result of a home that lacks clear boundaries and consequences. While we all buck at structure, the fact is, rules and expectations keep us feeling safe and secure. I hear from many baffled parents whose teens are angels in school and the opposite at home. Run your home like a classroom by making the rules and expectations in your home clear, as well as the consequences for breaking the rules. A very effective consequence is adding a chore. Whether it’s cleaning the basement or detailing your car, adding an activity is a far more effective way to send the message than taking away an electronic. The combination of the two sends a clear message that you will not tolerate bad behavior. A proactive parent is far more
effective than a reactive one. If your home feels chaotic and the teens are in charge take a step back and review the rules of your home. Be clear with your teens and let them know exactly what you expect. This will immediately clear any tension and negativity in your home. In addition to proactive parenting, one of the first things I ask the parents and/or teenagers I work with is about their eating habits. I worked with one such teen that was constantly angry, had no ability to focus in school and was struggling with self-harming thoughts. She was on some very powerful antidepressants and medication for anxiety. When I asked her about her eating habits she told me she loves PopTarts, soda and pasta. The result of this poor diet was debilitating anxiety and depression. She had no idea that this was most likely the root of the problem. Some of the most common side effects of a poor diet are major mood swings, anxiety, rage, an inability to cope and sometimes even thoughts of self-harm. A diet high in sugar will cause a rollercoaster effect on your mood. Look closely at your pantry and get rid of high sugar foods. I have watched teens do a complete turnaround in their mood simply by eating a more balanced diet and eliminating high sugar foods. Meeting with a dietician can also be an excellent
resource in helping your teen mellow out their moods. In addition to a good diet, our teens need to move. One of the best ways to manage mood swings and anxiety is to work out. Get your teen off the electronics and to the gym. Sign up for a zumba class, yoga, or encourage your teen to be active in a sport. Physically moving naturally manages your blood sugar and produces the feel-good chemical of endorphins. Your teen needs healthy selfsoothing tools that they can incorporate into their adult life. Help them get on the path early so that they will succeed when they leave the nest. Nutrition and exercise are two of the easiest and most natural ways to help your teen feel more in control of their moods. The next base I cover with the teens I work with is their room. Research shows that teens who have a room that is an unorganized mess are more likely to struggle with anxiety and depression. They are also less likely to get a good night’s sleep. Set the expectation that a disastrous room is not an option in your home. When I ask the teens to go home and clean their room, they usually give me attitude and lip. I simply encourage them to see how they feel with a clean room versus a messy one. I ask them to chart their mood and let them do the research
Reiki Natural Stress Relief Though Reiki has been around for over 75 years Reiki Natural Healing Technique is still new to many people. Reiki has gained worldwide acceptance as an effective way to help men and women reduce stress naturally. Research has shown that roughly 75% of all doctors visit are from chronic or acute stress. High levels of stress can put greater demands on your adrenal glands and many organs. When we keep our stress in check through regular exercise, diet, meditation, sleep or healing work such as Reiki we reduce the chances of going to the doctor for stress related illness. Receiving regular Reiki sessions can help lower blood pressure, calm your mind, help you make clearer decisions and give you an overall sense of peace. Don’t let the foreign word or misinformation deter you from this amazing stress reduction technique! For more information on how Reiki can help you call Gina Clemente professional Reiki practitioner at (518) 791-6565.
on their own—I have never had a teen come back and tell me it made no difference. A clean space allows us to feel safe and secure. Help your teen get their rooms organized and clean— the result will be a better mood, improved grades and better sleeping habits. The next culprit for a moody teen is too much TV, electronics, or video games. This constant stimulation increases anxiety and sets the stage for a teen that will fly off the handle easily, so make sure you have clear times set up for when it’s time to turn everything off. Too much of anything knocks us off balance, and cutting out the electronic stimulation for your teen can help even out the mood. Don’t go another day feeling hopeless or held hostage by the mood of your teenager. Set clear rules and consequences, clean out your pantry of junk, get moving, tidy up your living space and turn off the boob tube. These very simple techniques are enough to get your teen back on track to feeling healthy emotionally and physically. If none of these techniques improve the situation, call me or take them to the mall. Wishing you homes filled with happy teenagers who have good attitudes always and love to do chores without being asked. Ms. Lemery is a psychotherapist practicing in Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs. Please email meghanlemery@yahoo.com or visit www.meghanlemery.com for more information.
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Families
TODAY
17
‘Fore’ Your Health: Learning about Common Golf Injuries and How to Avoid Them by James Markwica, MS PT for Saratoga TODAY Finally! Spring is in full effect, and as warmer temperatures are preceded by a few good soaking showers, we will absolutely be in “full swing” of this year’s golf season. But there is simply more to it than dusting off the clubs, polishing up the shoes, and marking some golf balls. You need to consider the fact that over the past five months or so you have not used “golf muscles,” or the mechanics that are required for golf. Not to mention, you may be starting the golf season with a lingering pain or injury that you must address prior to swinging the club or it just may be a short season for you. Injury is the number one reason why people stop playing golf. The Titleist Performance Institute, or “TPI,” has done its research not only on professionals, but amateur golfers alike. TPI research indicates the number one body part injured in the game of golf is the lower back, followed by the shoulder and the knee. Sprains and strains are injuries of overstretching, overuse or trauma to a ligament, muscle, tendon or joint capsule. These are common in the low back, shoulder and knee and can be preventable when well-trained and stretched prior to use. Tendonitis refers to inflammation of a tendon (or connection of the muscle to the bone). This is most common in the shoulder, elbow, knee, and Achilles tendon for golfers, as the golf swing is a controlled yet violent action requiring great physical strength in a rotational plane, while repeatedly loading your muscles and twisting your body at a high rate of speed, just before you stop it from moving to strike the ball. Arthritis…well, this just means you’re not 18 anymore, and the likelihood of arthritis being a factor increases with chronological age. All joints in the human body have some sort of cartilage within it to act as a cushion or buffer between bones. Unfortunately with time and repeated activities, this cartilage can and will wear down just as the tread on a tire, and when it does you can be left with bone on bone contact: arthritis. This can occur in any and all of your joints influenced by the golf swing.
Disc injuries in the spine are common in the neck and lower back. Although the golf swing itself usually won’t cause them, any deficiency in the area may be amplified or irritated with the swing. Tears or fractures can occur with any sport or be exacerbated if pre-existing. TPI has done its homework and also identified the five most common mechanisms of injury: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Poor Body Mechanics Poor Swing Mechanics Excessive Practice No Regular Customized Exercise Program 5. Poor Nutrition Poor body mechanics are typically manageable regardless of age or previous history of injury. Commonly, poor body mechanics are a result of an injury or some other type of body dysfunction that may have gone untreated, and then you “learned to live with it” via compensation. But what are body mechanics? It is the application of knowledge of the human body to the use of proper body movement in daily activities. This applies most to the prevention and correction of problems associated with posture, and to the enhancement of coordination and endurance. In other words moving the body as it’s designed to do in its most efficient way. When the body is used with good “mechanics” it will move more efficiently and with less risk of injury. In order to do this, the body (including its muscles and joints) needs to be flexible and stable at the same time. In the golf swing, the lower back is meant to be stable (or still), as the mid to upper back, hips and shoulders are very mobile. Here are a few simple exercises you can try to prevent injury to these areas of your body during the golf swing: ‘Bridge’ with Knee Extension: Lay on the floor with your knees bent. Lift your buttocks up toward the ceiling so that you are perfectly straight from you knees to your shoulders. Next straighten your left knee and hold for 5-10 seconds. Be sure to keep tight in the stomach and bottom as you want to avoid using your hamstrings. Lower the foot to the ground and lift the right leg for 5-10 seconds. Lower the leg and then the buttocks to the floor. Do anywhere from five to 30 reps depending on your strength and endurance.
‘Clamshells’: Lay on your left side with your knees bent and legs stacked on one another, right on top. Keeping your heels together and pelvis still raise your right knee by opening up your hip. The legs will look as if it’s a clamshell or Pacman. Try not to let your body rotate back, and then lower the leg. Do 20–30 reps and then change to the other side. ‘Stick-ups’: Lay on the floor with you knees bent and raise your arms up like you are being held up (arms out, elbows bent and palms facing forward). Use your shoulder blades and forearms by pushing back into the floor. Squeeze and hold for 5-10 seconds. Do 10–20 reps. Now as for swing mechanics and the possibility of excessive practice, this is a discussion for you to have with your teaching golf professional. I would suggest searching out a TPI Certified professional in your area, like Anders Mattson at Saratoga National Golf Club or Kent Tarkleson at Tarks Indoor Golf Club. They typically hold monthly golf clinics and golf fitness schools that address the swing, mechanics, fitness and injury. Check them out! Golf fitness programs are available and a great idea. There are also TPI Certified exercise physiologists locally at Saratoga Health and Wellness that can customize your golf fitness program. Get
fit and flexible before the season and avoid injury. If you do have an injury, please speak to your physician immediately before beginning any exercise program, so that they can guide you in the proper direction for your customized treatment. Have a great golf season and enjoy the Masters this weekend.
James Markwica, MS PT is a New York State Licensed Physical Therapist at LaMarco Physical Therapy, 417 Geyser Road in Ballston Spa and 30 Gick Road in Saratoga Springs. For questions or follow-up, contact James at (518) 587-3256 or online at www.lamarcopt.com.
18 Families TODAY
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Senior Events Calendar
Senior Citizens Center of Saratoga Springs • 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs Saratoga Springs Public Library • 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs Legal Resources for Seniors On Wednesday, April 10 at 10 a.m. the Elder Law Project of Albany Law School will be at the Center to share information on legal issues important to seniors such as wills, health care proxies, executors and consumer rights. Their presentation called “Legal Resources for Seniors” and it is free and open to the public. Free Oral Health Screenings Dr. Moreau’s Smile Sanctuary will have a representative at the Center on Friday April 12 from 11 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. to do free oral health screenings. Take this opportunity to ask questions and evaluate your oral care options. This service is open to the public. Appointments can be made by calling or stopping at the Center. Bus Trip to New York City The Center is sponsoring a motorcoach bus trip to New York City on Monday, May 6. The trip begins with a visit to the 9/11 Memorial followed by free time to visit museums, shop and explore the city. The bus leaves Saratoga at 7:30 a.m. and returns around 8:30 p.m.
This affordable trip is only $45 for members and $60 for non-members. Don’t wait to sign up. A minimum number is needed by April 24 to guarantee the trip. Participants must be able to travel and navigate the city independently. Diabetes-Friendly Lunch & Educational Expo Do you or a family member have Type 2 Diabetes? Join us on Friday April 26 from 1:30–2:30 p.m. for a diabetes-friendly lunch prepared by a diabetic chef. The cost for the lunch is $2 and reservations are required. And there’s more . From 2:30–3:30 p.m. the Center is hosting a free Educational Expo that begins with an informative presentation by a diabetic nurse educator. You’ll also meet representatives from the American Diabetes Association, Novo Nordisk Healthcare, Glens Falls Hospital Wound Center and Saratoga Hospital Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology will also be there. The event is open to the public. Senior Center Spring Dance The Saratoga High School Key
Club is sponsoring the Center’s Spring Dance on Friday May 3 from 6-8:30 p.m. Dance to your favorite oldies with DJ Bob LaBombard. Refreshments include hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, punch and desserts. This year’s theme is Cinco de Mayo. Tickets are only $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Sign up early and make your song requests so we have all your favorites on hand. Looking for WWII Veterans We are looking for WWII Veterans who would like to help students learn history by sharing their stories. If you have any interesting historical life experiences let us know. Anyone age 50 and over can join the Center for only $15/year. Stop at the Center weekdays from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Saratoga Springs Public Library Events: Intro to Computers and Microsoft Windows for Absolute Beginners 1:30–3:30 p.m. in the Computer Lab. For students with little or no computer experience, this six-session course offers an introduction to computer terminology and computer use. Participants use the mouse and keyboard with programs such as Solitaire, MS Paint, MS Word 2010, and MS Excel 2010, and become familiar with Windows 7. This same six-session course is offered on Wednesdays and Fridays, May 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, & 24 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. To register online
for either of these classes, navigate to the course start date in the events calendar on the SSPL website. This is a beginner level class. A beginner-level learner is someone who has never used a mouse, a keyboard, or a computer, and who needs time with one-on-one guidance on very basic skills, or one who needs to review basics before moving on to other areas of computer use. Beginner-level courses prepare students for intermediate or advanced level courses offered by the library. No prior computer experience is necessary. Phone and online registration will be ongoing until classes are full. Telephone Registration Instructions: Call instructor, Kathy Handy, at (518) 584-7860 ext. 257 and leave a message with your name, phone number, e-mail address (if you have e-mail) and specific class requests. If you leave your e-mail address we notify you that your registration has been confirmed by sending you an e-mail to the address you provide. Go Away: Planning Your Vacation Online April 30, 10 a.m.–noon in the Computer Lab. The Internet is becoming more of a common place to plan vacations. Travel information comes and goes on a daily basis through different web resources. This class helps students learn how to navigate and identify travel deals online. This is an intermediate level class. An intermediate level learner is someone who has good mouse and keyboard skills and who can open and close application, but needs further instruction with applications such as E-mail, word
processing, or other office software. Intermediate courses prepare you for advanced level courses offered by the library. Telephone registration begins Friday, March 1 by calling (518) 584-7860 ext. 257. No early registrations are accepted. Online registration begins Tuesday, March 5. Phone and online registration is ongoing until classes are full. Telephone Registration Instructions: Call instructor, Kathy Handy, at (518) 584-7860 ext. 257 anytime and leave a message with your name, phone number, e-mail address (if you have e-mail) and specific class requests. If you leave your e-mail address we notify you that your registration has been confirmed by sending you an e-mail to the address you provide. Anyone age 16 or older may register regardless of residency. No proof of residency required. For a small printing fee, optional handouts are available to accompany each class. Students with disabilities are welcome to enroll and are asked to bring a volunteer assistant. Otherwise, please call (518) 584-7860 ahead of time and if a volunteer is available, the library will match you with one. Guided Mindful Meditation The first and third Tuesday of each month, from 12:30–1:30 p.m. in the Susman Room. Take a break from the daily grind and clear your mind with guided Mindful Meditation led by professionals from One Roof Holistic Health Center. Sessions are free and open to the public, and will be held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Everyone is welcome.
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Families
TODAY
19
Our Elders, Our Future
The Sandwich Generation—Is Everyone On Board?
by Clare Colamaria, Founder of A Senior’s Choice for Saratoga TODAY So, what exactly is the sandwich generation? It is the generation of people who are assisting their aging parents while still raising their own family. Caring for an adult family member and your own children simultaneously is a financial and emotional challenge. Only one-third of adult caregivers receive help from their siblings, according to a study from Clark University. Unfortunately, not all family members work together in sharing the caregiving responsibilities. Whether it’s due to living in different states, or perhaps because one of them does not have the financial security to be available, or perhaps there are years of family tensions simmering. In other cases, sometimes it’s because one of the children does not have the best relationship with the parents. Regardless of the family dynamics, typically one sibling takes on the role of the primary caregiver. If the other family members allow that person to handle all the stresses and concerns of the parents, new animosities build for the caregiver because the others aren’t helping—as with the others, they become agitated and sometimes dissatisfied with the decisions and choices of the caregiver, creating a vicious and ineffective cycle. When family members are willing to find common ground and get on the same page for the sake of their parents, family or that of the primary caregiver, the family unit will become stronger, healthier, happier and much more effective. Here are some helpful tips: The caregiver should serve only if he or she wants to. Guilt, coercion or the apparent absence of alternatives must
never force anyone into accepting this role. Caregivers suffer significant reductions in income, damage to their careers, impairments to their own health, and relationship problems with their own spouses and children, according to a 2009 AARP study. In the end, the problem is ultimately that of the parent; no one should be made to feel that a parent’s problem belongs to anyone else. Caregivers must never expect or demand gratitude; nevertheless, they should receive it from the parents and other family members. When a family member willingly and selflessly volunteers to be a caregiver, he or she should do so for personal reasons, not for external reward or recognition. But the risks and costs incurred by the caregiver and his or her own family make it appropriate for siblings and the parents themselves to convey appreciation. When everyone keeps the caregiver’s sacrifices in mind, other relationship problems can be avoided. Communicate. Talk often with your parents and siblings about how things are going. Caregivers should report if they are feeling trapped, overwhelmed or taken advantage of. If siblings aren’t helping, caregivers should talk about it.
Siblings have specific roles. Even though a brother or sister might not be the primary caregiver, he or she may be able to help. By working together, chores can be distributed, helping everyone feel involved and reducing the risk that one sibling might become overwhelmed. Suggestions might include transportation to appointments, household cleaning or maintenance, cooking or managing financial and legal affairs. The caregiver is contributing time; the siblings and parents should therefore contribute money. Siblings can help pay for gas or groceries. If a caregiver quits a job or suffers a loss of income, the parents should consider paying the caregiver for his or her services (perhaps even signing a personal services contract) or leaving him or her a greater share of the inheritance as compensation for his or her hours of toil. Focus on relationships. Everyone in the family must strive to avoid acting petty. Caring for aging parents can bring everyone in the family closer, and it can create the most heartwarming and memorable years of everyone’s lives. Seek outside help if family resources are exceeded. Remember that lifeguards are taught to save themselves first if there is danger of drowning. Don’t
let your own life be destroyed out of your desire to care for your parents. Instead, seek community help. Talk with neighbors and your church, or contact the U.S. Administration on Aging at www.aoa.gov for information and assistance. These guidelines can help sandwiched children, parents, siblings
and family make the best of their situation. Clare Colamaria is the Founder and CEO of A Senior’s Choice, LLC, a service designed to help and advocate for families through life’s everchanging transitions of aging loved ones. (518) 424-2527 or visit www. aseniorschoiceonline.com.
20 Families TODAY
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Thoughts on Isolation and Courage
by Kate Towne Sherwin for Saratoga TODAY I read a story recently about a Russian family who retreated to the woods of Siberia in the middle of the twentieth century in the face of religious and political persecution. Man, do I get that. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I find it terrifying to raise my children in this climate. Each day there’s some new attack on their innocence, dignity and the good formation of their consciences (just this week it was the Time magazine cover in the grocery store check-out line).
I find it easy to slip into the mindset that the best thing for our family would be to move to a secluded, hidden somewhere where our boys would never be exposed to anyone who might introduce or teach them things contrary to what my husband and I are teaching them, at least during these tender years of formation—and the teenage years when the influence of others is so appealing. At the moment, my biggest concern is other adults who, perhaps not realizing the gravity of what they’re doing, violate children through the media, through their conversations, through their very way of life. The older my boys get, the more I foresee worrying about their friends—who are they spending time with? How are those kids being brought up? What are their parents teaching them that they’re passing on to my children? Every time I think this way, though, I find myself running up against a very real fact: we ourselves aren’t as great as I expect everyone else to be. For example, if one of Thomas’ classmates had introduced Star Wars to him when he started nursery school—back in the days when Thomas the Tank Engine was king in our house—I
would have been horrified. Guess what our current three-year-old’s favorite thing is? If you guessed wearing his brother’s Darth Vader helmet and battling his brothers with light sabers, you’d be right. Our boys love potty talk. Our pediatrician assured me it’s totally normal at these ages, this fascination with laughing at everything having to do with bodily functions and private parts. My boys egg each other on with hilarious laughter every time one of them starts talking dirty. They make up songs about poops and toots. They think the word “diaper” is the funniest word ever. One of them totally embarrassed me when we had friends over recently by suggesting a showing of bottoms. They hurt each other, often, when they play together. None of this (except Star Wars) is allowed in our house, and I’m as hard on myself with all of my faults and failings as I am with the kids and the kind of behavior I expect, and yet it still happens. I recently watched the four older boys as they played something. I don’t know what they were playing, but during the course of it, I saw them all being friends and playing together nicely; then one of them fell out of favor with the others for some reason and was purposely excluded, which caused the exile to be mad and hurt; then just as quickly a few minutes later alliances changed, the exile was welcomed back, and another boy was on the outs. It was all very natural and organic, the way the play progressed. Exile and exclusion
happened when others were fed up with certain behavior or unwillingness to play by the “rules;” reintroduction into the game happened when the exile was valuable again, even if only because he was easier to get along with than another. I was struck by how sure I was that if the group was made up of kids that were not my own—if I witnessed this happening on the playground at school, for example—I’d likely be very judgmental about which children I thought were “good” children and which were “bad”; which ones I’d prefer my children to stay away from and which ones I’d like for them to be friends with—and that those designations didn’t necessarily stay the same through the whole game. There are certainly things that kids should just never be exposed to, and unfortunately certain people
as well, and I’m as careful as I can possibly be about those things and people. I’m just trying to constantly teach them, out loud, over and over again, what is right and what is wrong. I don’t mind if other kids and/or parents hear me, and I don’t mind them all seeing that, in our house, there are consequences for unacceptable behavior. I know this might make me the “bad mom” or the “strict mom” or the “weird mom,” and I couldn’t care less. Muddling through life with my fellow imperfect people, sharing each other’s strengths and working on each other’s weaknesses, seems vastly preferable to going it alone, in my opinion, otherwise we might end up like the Russian family: after explorers discovered them and befriended them, they all died, one by one, of sickness, until just one daughter was left. They encouraged her to come back with them to civilization, but she refused, preferring to stay where her home was. Perhaps she was happy with that, but I wouldn’t want that for my boys—loneliness, isolation, the loss of all loved ones and no openness to other people. I’d rather us stay and battle it out, to try to be a light in whatever darkness we find, to be “in the world but not of the world”—to help the Brave New World that we seem to be skidding toward actually be, authentically brave and new, in all the best ways. Kate Towne Sherwin is a stayat-home mom (SAHM) living in Saratoga Springs with her husband and their sons Thomas (8), Gabriel (6), John Dominic (4), Xavier (3), and Thaddeus (15 months). She can be reached at sksherwin@hotmail.com.
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Families
TODAY
21
All Things Bee, Except the Buzz Put a Sock In It!
If the beaver is nature’s engineer, the honey bee is certainly a close second—plus, the bee provides us with natural honey and beeswax. Our honey vendor at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, Rick Green of Ballston Lake Apiaries, has been fascinated by beekeeping since he was a child and is a wonderful resource about the science and the art of bees and beekeeping. “My parents ran a well-known watering hole, and one winter day some men came in with a tale of a tree that had fallen over and how the snow was covered with bees,” Rick remembers. “They brought fresh comb and shared it with everyone at the bar.” The thought of bees alive in the middle of the winter intrigued Rick and he’s been learning about them ever since. “They’re one of the few insects that live through the winter, eating their stored honey,” Rick explained. He started with a few hives and soon was producing more honey than he could sell. Through a Beekeepers’ Association, Rick met some founding members of the Saratoga Farmers’ Market. About 15 years ago, when they needed a honey vendor, Rick was ready. No one should have trouble finding Rick at the Market; he’s tall enough to stand out, but the key identifier is his white beekeeper’s helmet with his name on the front. Today he maintains about 140 hives, and uses everything the bees produce in his business. The primary product is the honey, mostly clover and wildflower, which he offers as raw in comb and cream form, or as extracted honey. According to Rick, “One way to know if someone has adulterated honey with corn syrup is that the crystals will delay forming in a jar, if they form at all.” Rick also collects pollen saves the beeswax from the combs. His solid beeswax votive candles will burn for 14 hours. Some customers use beeswax for making furniture
polish or cosmetics. A few years ago he introduced two concentrates (honey-balsamic and honey-teriyaki) for salad dressings, marinades and stir frying. His newest product, a snack popular worldwide, is made from sesame and flax seeds mixed with honey. Customers will find Rick at the Saratoga Winter Farmers’ Market (through April 27) and at the Summer Markets at High Rock Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays. To learn more about Rick and his bees, attend one of his library lectures, or ask about his book, Apis mellifera A.K.A. Honey Bee. He also visits local schools to talk about honey bees, and of course enjoys answering questions at the Farmers’ Market. The following recipe shows off Ricks honey in a flavorful, glutenfree cake. Buckwheat, Almond, Honey Cake (Adapted from Great Italian Desserts by Nick Malgieri. All ingredients marked * are available now at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.) What to use: ¾ cup olive oil ¾ cup Ballston Lake Apiaries honey * 4 large Farmers’ Market eggs, separated * 2 tsp vanilla extract 1½ unblanched raw almonds, ground ¼ cup light buckwheat flour ¼ cup dark buckwheat flour Pinch of salt ½ cup preserves from Clark’s Dahlia’s * or Kokinda Farm * 1 cup Battenkill Valley Creamery heavy cream *
Making the cake: (Makes 10–12 servings.) Butter a cake pan, 9 inches in diameter and 2 inches deep; line the bottom with parchment or wax paper. Heat the oven to 350°F. With an electric mixer, beat the olive oil and honey together in a bowl and put in the freezer for about 15 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the freezer, add half the honey, and beat until mixture becomes somewhat light and fluffy. Add egg yolks one at a time, beating until completely blended. Stir in vanilla and ground almonds. Using clean beaters and a clean bowl, whip the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Add the remaining honey and beat until the peaks become glossy. In another bowl mix the buckwheat flours and salt. Gently fold in about a fourth of the egg white mixture into the egghoney-oil mixture, then a third of the flour mixture. Continue alternating until all the ingredients have been added. Pour the mixture into the cake pan, and bake for about half an hour, until a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven; rest for about ten minutes, then invert on a rack until cool. Cut the cake into two layer with a sharp serrated knife. Spread the preserves on one layer, and top with the second layer. Sprinkle the top with confectioners’ sugar. Cut into wedges, and serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY Hello, My Foodie Friends! My mom was a master soup maker. She could make soup out of anything, and when you’re not feeling well her chicken broth was the magic potion for healing. All the brothers and sisters would help gather the ingredients for her soup without complaints. Also, soup was a year-round meal—not like today, where my kids will say, “It’s summer and it is too hot for soup!” My first thought was to say, “Aren’t hot dogs hot? Are your French Fries hot?” But I would not win, so sometimes I am the Lone Soup Ranger. Mom would take all the meat and vegetables and put them in the pot and made her soup. Later she took all the ingredients out for her clear broth. We now have in stock at the store something called Soup Socks, which make the process of removing the stock a lot easier. Auntie Anne’s Chicken Soup Recipe 1 whole chicken 2 onions, halved 3 cups of celery, cleaned and cut into 1” pieces 4 carrots, cleaned and cut into 1” pieces
1 TBs salt (to taste) 2 TBs fresh cracked pepper (to taste) 1 large tomato halved 2 packets sugar substitute (.035 oz.) 1 pkg instant chicken soup mix Thoroughly wash chicken and remove giblet package. Salt the chicken inside and out. Place the chicken and vegetables in Soup Sock™ and tie a knot in the end. Put the Soup Sock™ and seasonings in a large soup pot in 7–12 cups of water. Make sure that the chicken and vegetables are completely submerged. Bring to a rapid boil for 10 minutes, then turn down to simmer and cook until the chicken is tender. Approximately 2–3 hours. Carefully remove Soup Sock™ with tongs and/or oven mitt. Gently squeeze the excess liquid into the pot to get all the flavor. HINT: To make soup lower in fat, refrigerate soup and skim congealed fat off easily with a large slotted spoon. This article makes me want to have soup tonight! Remember my Foodie Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen” Take care, John and Paula
22 Families TODAY
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Go Neutral—Tilt Your Pelvis
by Michael Lapolla for Saratoga TODAY This may sound like a boring topic, but believe me, it’s important. Each month I try to come up with something that is interesting, thought-provoking or just plain useful. I struggled this past month until my fifth client in a row came in without the ability to
tilt his pelvis. Yes, it’s true, and sometimes it’s awkward during our fitness assessment when we ask our clients to do a pelvic tilt. “You want me to do what?” Yes, I want you to stand up and try to tilt your pelvis back and forth. What usually follows is a lot of awkward hip, knee and upper body gyrations that generally provoke a little laughter and confusion. This week there was a little more of that than usual. Many people have lost the ability to control their pelvic range of motion, and once that control is gone, you’ve effectively lost your ability to get your low back and spine into a good, neutral position. At Saratoga Health & Wellness, we’re very interested in how people move their bodies. We know that if there is difficulty getting into good position doing specific strengthening or mobility exercises at the gym,
then there’s a huge probability that you’re not going to be in a good safe position when you try to lift something heavy, either from the ground or up over your head, during typical activities of daily living. Let’s take, for example, the act of lifting a 40-pound bag of salt (perhaps some of you lifted one or two of those this winter?) Many people fail to activate their gluteal and abdominal muscles during the lift, effectively rounding the upper and lower back and losing that nice ‘neutral posture.’ This loss of posture is a recipe for back pain disaster. On the other side of the coin, let’s think about lifting something heavy over your head. We often have a tendency to arch the low back in order to compensate for a lack of core stability. In this case, by arching your lower back, you overrely on the bony parts of your lumbar spine rather than your strong stabilizing muscles, for support. You’re creating a bit of shear force when you do this, and again you’re asking for trouble Your spine, pelvis and associated muscle tissue is capable of managing a tremendous amount of force, especially if you can maintain healthy posture. Mobilizing your pelvis effectively can help. Connected by a crisscrossing array of muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia (think super strong spider web), your spine and ribs (upper torso) connect to your pelvis. Whenever you’re asked to lift something, it is essential that you can place your spine in the correct supportive position. If you can’t
coordinate movement in your pelvis, there’s a really good possibility that you also can’t get your spine into proper neutral alignment, unless you get lucky. But we don’t like to rely on luck when it comes to potentially hurting yourself—it’s a risk we’d rather not take. A few articles ago I wrote about the simple act of trying to touch your toes. In that article I mentioned something called the lower crossed syndrome that we as human beings are often predisposed to because of the postures that we assume. These poor postures are exacerbated by excessive sitting and lack of physical activity. Over time you hunch forward, your neck falls forward, your hip flexors get short, your hamstrings have increased tension and your glutes and abdominals become weakened. Furthermore, your pelvis may tilt forward or more appropriately, may be pulled forward, causing excessive curvature of your low back known as hyperlordosis. This forward-tilting places your back in a compromised position, thus increasing the potential for low back pain and chronic problems. Additionally this condition may chronically stimulate your hamstrings to be ‘turned on’ or stuck in a state of excessive tension, further reducing pelvic range of motion.
You should try some exercises to increase your ability to pelvic tilt. If our clients can’t pelvic tilt, we try to teach them how to coordinate the movement. If that doesn’t work, it’s often a matter of strengthening and stretching opposing muscles so that we can increase range of motion, which just may be lacking because of weakness or tightness. Once adequate motion is present, we’ll do exercises to reinforce this newfound motor control. Lastly, we’ll teach people how to find a neutral posture, which usually requires alternating arching and flattening the back. After pelvic tilting back and forth a few times, you should find a point about halfway in between and think about the tension created in your abdominals, low back and glutes. It’s this important combination of muscles that creates tension that keeps human beings in neutral posture. You should think about this every time you exert force, whether you are lifting heavy weights from the ground, pulling something towards you or pressing something overhead. Learning and mastering this important skill is equally important for the young athlete or the 80-yearold grandmother, and should be a part of your program for making sure you minimize your risk of future pain and dysfunction. Thanks for reading, and as always we’re available for free consults on any topics you read in this column. Happy Spring. Michael Lapolla is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as an Exercise Specialist and co-owns Saratoga Health & Wellness (Locals choice award winner, Best fitness facility, 2012) with Nicholas Galuardi. Michael and his college degreed staff design custom exercise programs for a wide range of clients. You may contact the team at SH&W at (518) 306-6987 or on the web at www.saratogahealthandwellness.com
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Families
You’re Sorry? For What? Sandberg has accomplished, but can start with smaller, everyday actions. So here’s a question to get us started:
by Gayle LaSalle for Saratoga TODAY A few weeks ago, women around the world celebrated International Women’s Day. There was a great deal of talk of equality, empowering and women’s rights. I also heard speeches on standing in our own light, recognizing our power and right to be—simply be. And then the next morning on one of the popular news shows, there was discussion on why more women are not in more positions
of power. Sheryl Sandberg, COO at Facebook has recently written a book, “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” where she explores what is keeping women from rising to the highest echelons of power. This mother of three and amazing business woman has observed: “We hold ourselves back, in ways big and small, by lacking self-confidence, by not raising our hands, and by pulling back when we should be leaning in.” Yes, I agree with everything I heard and I really do believe that as women we need to assert our confidence and abilities and not shrink from them. Despite some detractors of Sandberg, who think she is giving advise that is not realistic to the average woman, I do agree that, too often, we don’t stand up for ourselves, as we can and need to do. And, I also really believe it doesn’t need to be huge acts such as
Why do we continually apologize for simply existing or being who we are? Both during and right after some wonderful presentations at International Women’s Day, I heard women apologize for things that do not require, in any way, an apology. Right there, in an event about women’s power! During one talk, an amazingly brave woman who was sharing some very difficult and stressful times, became teary— appropriately teary—most of us in the audience had our own makeup compromised. And she apologized for her tears. Then, as I was making my way through a throng of women, I squeezed past one woman, brushing her lightly, and guess what? She apologized for being there—just for being where she was! She hadn’t stepped on me or pushed me. She was just standing there. If we don’t
stop apologizing for being just who we are, how do we stop apologizing for the larger choices we make that are right for us, but may get criticized by others? I’ve noticed this before and thought about it, yet it seemed so glaring at an event where, we, as women, are talking of how to claim our power, to stand in our own light and let it shine. So let’s think about it: • •
How can we do this? How can we expect others to respect our power, our rights or simply respect us, when we so easily apologize for things that require no apology?
My challenge to you is to see how often you do this and please work to stop it, and when you see another women apologizing for no reason, point it out. Then, and only then, can we begin to stand in our own light— when we no longer feel the need to apologize for the light itself.
TODAY
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Community Rallies To Support “Empty Bowls” Event To Benefit Wilton Food Pantry WILTON — The Wilton Food Pantry invites the public to its second annual “Empty Bowls” fundraising event to help the hungry, taking place at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161 on Route 9 in Wilton, on Sunday, April 14 from 1–4 p.m. The premise of Empty Bowls is simple: each attendee is able to choose a unique handcrafted bowl; fill it with a simple meal of soup, chili and bread; and then take the bowl home after the event, as a reminder of neighbors faced with empty bowls every week. Advance tickets are $15 at www.wiltonfoodpantry.org or at the three Wilton branches of Saratoga National Bank. Admission at the door (if available) will be $20. “Each bowl at this event is a true vessel of hope, the proceeds from which allow the Pantry to purchase 93 pounds of food from the Regional Food Bank,” noted WFP Board President Deb Zellan. In addition to the handmade ceramic bowls and food, the afternoon will feature live music by John & Orion Kribs, with special guest, fiddler Doug Moody. A silent auction will be held from 1—3:30 p.m. with items including a gas grill, his and hers vintage Schwinn bikes, jewelry, shopping, dining, golf, art and more. Community Pitching In to Help The varied contributors to the event include students and ceramicists crafting bowls, Skidmore chefs cooking the food, individuals and businesses providing silent auction items, local musicians providing music, the media offering promotion, and the Elks donating the space. “This event amplifies the spirit of the food pantry, which is neighbor helping neighbor. Folks are doing what they can to be part of this home-grown solution—strengthening community, volunteerism, generational ties—and working together to resolve food insecurity and provide good nutrition, which makes for a healthier Wilton,” said event organizer and Board member Dennis Towers, whose company, McKinley Griffen Design & Advertising, is providing its services free of charge to the Pantry. Other event sponsors include: “Souper Hero” sponsors Hannaford Supermarkets; D.A. Collins & Saratoga Veterinary Hospital; “Bountiful Bowl” Sponsor Saratoga
National Bank and Wilton Senior Citizens; and “Hunger Helper” sponsor Lant’s Auto. “The Pantry and this event are a step toward restoring the strong sense of generational community that once thrived here. We have Girl Scout Troop #3555 helping senior volunteers pre-wash bowls to set out; Boy Scout Troop #24 helping with set up, kitchen and general assistance throughout the event; and volunteers of all ages lending a hand during the event,” noted Towers. “This event is the single largest source of funds to operate this all-volunteer food pantry, and it is a rare opportunity to build community within the Town of 16,000 residents.” About Wilton Food Pantry Residents of Wilton can visit the Pantry 12 times in a year for a three-day emergency supply of food for their family. The Wilton Food Pantry distributed groceries equal to over 24,000 meals in 2012. “The neighbors we serve range from seniors to infants. They include people facing job loss to
people with health issues and families whose income has not kept pace with rising costs. These are real issues. We have a responsibility to keep our community strong and to help each other,” said Deb Zellan, WFP Board President. The families that utilize Wilton Food Pantry services are also educated about nutrition, food origins and meal preparation. “Chef Ben Niese of Skidmore, who was involved at our first Empty Bowls last year, is now a regular volunteer. Ben will look at the inventory that day, with a focus on perishables. He will write up easy to prepare recipes on the spot, which we share with the families. This helps them get back to “slow food” principles and perhaps prepare foods they have not had in the past,” explained Zellan. Further information about the Pantry, as well as sponsor information and tickets for the event, are available at WiltonFoodPantry.org. As preparations continue, there are sponsorship spots left to fill and additional auction items will be welcomed.
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LOCAL BRIEFS
Upcoming Town Meetings Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org 4/24: Planning Board, 7:30 p.m. 4/30: Town Board, 7:30 p.m. 5/1: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:30 p.m. Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org 4/23: Village Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m. Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com 4/30: Planning Board, 7 p.m. Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 899-2818 www.malta-town.org 4/16: Planning Board, 6:30 p.m. Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org 4/25: Zoning Board, 7 p.m. 5/8: Planning Board, 7 p.m. 5/15: Town Board, 7 p.m. City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org 4/16: Saratoga Springs City Council, 7 p.m. 4/24: Planning Board, 7 p.m. Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com 5/13: Town Board, 7 p.m. Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org 4/22: Planning Board, 6:30 p.m. Town of Stillwater: 66 East St., Riverside Mechanicville, NY 12118 www.stillwaterny.org 5/8: Board of Trustees, 7 p.m. Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com 4/17: Planning Board, 7 p.m. Saratoga County Board of Supervisors: 40 McMaster St, #1 Ballston Spa, NY 12020 (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov 4/18: Planning Board, 4 p.m.
Race for Hospice and Youth Ministries
Annual Flower Fundraiser Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild will hold its annual Flower Fundraiser April 1 through May 31. The Guild will offer gift cards to Sunnyside Gardens, located at 345 Church Street in Saratoga Springs. Gift cards will range in denomination from $20–$100 and will have no expiration date. All proceeds will benefit Saratoga Hospital. Call (518) 580-4309 or email mreidy@saratogacare. org for order forms or more information.
Wave Riders Support Program The Community Hospice of Saratoga will offer a six-week support group for children who have experienced the death of someone significant in their lives, including a parent, grandparent, sibling or friend. Children meet in age-specific groups, and share thoughts and feelings through art, music, games and discussion. A Parent Educational Support Group is offered concurrently. It is free of charge and open to the community. The group will be held at The Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs. It will begin Tuesday, April 9 and run for 6 weeks. Registration is required. Please contact Sarah Etkin-Sefcik, LMSW at (518) 5810800 for more information.
April 20 Heritage Hunters History Faire On Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Heritage Hunters will hold its second annual History Faire. Come and learn about the purposes and resources of local history organizations. Many local historians, historical societies, churches, cemeteries, funeral homes, lineage groups and youth groups will be present. Other features include workshops, door prizes and hands-on activities. For more information email melfrejo@aol.com or call (518) 587-2978.
The 34th Annual St. Peter Keys Race for Hospice and Youth Ministries with a 5k, 10k and 1 mile kid’s fun run will be held at the Saratoga Spa State Park on Saturday April 20. Pre-registration starts at 8 a.m. and all those who pre-register by March 31 get a free tee-shirt. The times for all the events are as follows: 10K – 9 a.m.; one mile fun run – 10:30 a.m.; and 5K – 11 a.m. The organization is also looking for local businesses to put together gift baskets for the raffle prizes to help raise money for hospice. Those interested can email: beth@tpcwellness.com.
Crochet Socks Class The Beginner Crochet Socks Class will be held April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at 508 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Learn how to turn the heel, crochet ribbing and close the toe for $20 and by signing up during store hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
April 20–27 Earth Week at Saratoga National Historical Park Saratoga National Historical Park celebrates Earth Week from April 20-27 with a series of free events starting with the Climate Change Exhibit, which will be open all week from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. There will also be an L.L. Bean bike clinic, a ranger-guided 5-mile bike ride, and evening birding and nature walk and much more. For more information about these or other park events, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 664-9821 ext. 1777, check the website at www.nps.gov/sara or follow on Facebook via www.facebook.com/ saratoganhp.
April 23 After The Fire’s Monthly Meeting After The Fire’s monthly meeting will be Tuesday, April 23 at 7 p.m. at Halfmoon Town Hall on Harris Rd. New members are always needed and are welcome to attend a meeting, find out more about our organization, and see how you can help your neighbors in need. After The Fire helps Saratoga County residents who have suffered a loss due to fire. The group is comprised
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013 entirely of volunteers and exists totally on donations. They provide families with personal care items, clothing, a night’s lodging at a participating hotel/motel, Red Cross referral, informational material and emotional support. If you would like additional information, please leave a message at (518) 435-4571 or visit www. afterthefire.org.
April 24 Free Screening for Uninsured Men and Women There will be a free screening for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer for uninsured men and women in Clifton Park on Wednesday, April 24 from 4–7 p.m. The screenings will be for women aged 40–64 and for men age 50–64. For more information, call the Cancer Services Program of Saratoga County at (518) 5802132. Appointments are limited.
April 27 Pizza and Wing Night There will be a pizza and wing night at Victory Mills Fire Department on Saturday, April 27, 4–8 p.m. Eat-in or carry out. A 12 cut cheese pizza will be $11; 12 cut with the works, $18, toppings are $2 each—sausage, pepperoni, peppers, onions, mushrooms and extra cheese. One dozen wings with celery and bleu cheese is $8; extra bleu Cheese .75 cents, plain, mild, hot or extra hot.
April 27, 28 Volunteer Fire Departments host RecruitNY Program The RecruitNY program will take place again at volunteer fire departments throughout the state Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28. Volunteer fire departments will be opening their doors to educate the public about becoming a volunteer first responder in an effort to attract and enlist more volunteers. A full listing of specific fire departments participating can be found at www.recruitny.org. Many fire departments are planning demonstrations and are eager to answer questions residents may have. For specific details, residents are encouraged to contact their local fire department.
May 4 Spring Antique Appraisal Show Malta Community Center will have a fun and informative event featuring Mark Lawson of Mark Lawson Antiques as he educates participants on the world of antiques and performs appraisals. This special event will take place on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Admission for Malta residents with one appraisal item is $9; nonresidents $10. General Admission for Malta residents is $2; nonresidents $3. Pre-registration is encouraged. Call (518) 899-4411 for more information.
Boston Bus Trip There will be a Boston bus trip on Saturday, May 4, sponsored by the Greenwich Elk’s Auxiliary. The bus will leave the Greenwich Elks lodge on Route 40 in Greenwich at 6 a.m. Participants will be dropped off at Quincy Market. The bus returns to the Lodge by 11 p.m. Cost is $50 until April 15; $55 after that date. Mail a check or money order to Kim Strainer, 9 St. Lea Court, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or call (518) 3616994 for more information.
May 11 Victory Mills Fire Department: Trip to Mohegan Sun Casino The Victory Mills Fire Department’s seventh annual trip to Mohegan Sun Casino will be Saturday, May 11 from 6 a.m. to midnight. Cost is $40 a ticket. With each ticket you will receive a $15 meal coupon and $15 free bets. Seats are limited, so get yours now by calling Brian Baker at (518) 858-6110.
May 18 Saratoga Hospital Sponsors Dog Walk In State Park Saratoga Hospital’s Wellness Committee is planning a dog walk on Saturday, May 18 in Saratoga State Park at 10 a.m. Registration is $10 and will begin at 8:45 a.m. in the warming huts off Route 9. The walk will cover a 1.7 mile loop, raffles will be held and proceeds from the event will be divided between the Saratoga Hospital Angel Fund and Estherville Animal Shelter. Contact Barb Kerker to pre-register at Kerkerb@yahoo. com or call (518) 882-5562.
Send your local briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com before Monday at 5 p.m. for Friday publication.
calendar
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013 walk-ins welcome. Take-out available. For more information call 518-695-3479.
Saratoga Paddlefest
Friday, April 12 Labor trafficking: Fair Trade Market Case Green, Skidmore campus 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Merchandise will be available from fair trade organizations. Proceeds will go to support human trafficking victims and community programming in their countries. For more information and a schedule of events for Skidmore’s Social Justice Month and other events visit: www.skidmore.edu.
Saturday, April 13 Geocaching & Orienteering at Camp Saratoga North Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, 80 Scout Rd. Gansevoort 10 a.m. Do you know how to use a compass, map, or GPS? Learn how to use each tool to complete a scavenger hunt. Please bring a compass, we will have extra compasses to borrow. This program will be a blast for all participants ages 8+. For more information call (518) 450-0321 visit www.wiltonpreserve.org for a schedule of all our events.
Congress On Your Corner Charlton Town Hall, 758 Charlton Road, Charlton 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Congressman Paul Tonko will be giving brief opening remarks and then he will take questions, comments and concerns. For more information, call (518) 465-0700.
Schuylerville Lasagna Dinner Old Saratoga Reformed Church, 48 Pearl St. Saratoga Springs Featuring: Lasgna (meat or vegetarian) or baked ziti, tossed salad, Italian bread, and choice of desserts and beverages. Cost: Adults $8, Children 5–10, $4. Children under 5 free. Reservations preferred, but
Fish Creek Marina, 251 Stafford Bridge Rd., Saratoga Springs Sat. 4/13, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sun. 4/14, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Showcasing the largest selection of Canoes, Kayaks, Stand-UpPaddleboards, and Whitewater boats in the Capital Region. Factory representatives and industry experts will be on hand to answer questions and help paddlers learn about the latest trends in paddlesports. The event is free to the public however, there is a nominal fee for test paddling. More information, a free event guide, a clinic schedule, and directions are available at www.SaratogaPaddlefest.com.
Roast Turkey Dinner Trinity United Methodist Church, Ballard Road (exit 16), Wilton 3:30–6:30 pm. Roast turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy, dressing, vegetables, cranberry sauce, rolls, assorted desserts, beverages. Cost: donation. Take-outs available. Handicap Accessible. For more information call (518) 584-9107.
Italian Night Out! VFW Post 420, 190 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs 4–6 p.m. Ziti & Meatball Dinner Fundraiser. Proceeds benefit Boy Scout Troop 46. $9 Adults; $8 w/Military ID & Seniors age 62+; $5 Children age 12 and under; Children age 3 and under free. For more information call (518) 366-1389.
Sunday, April 14 Sponsor-A-Scholar Fundraiser at The Brook Tavern 139 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs 5–8 p.m. See details on page 21. For more information call (518) 587-2472 or email jclavigne@aol.com.
6–6:45 p.m. With Linda Addario LMT and PTA—for babies up to six months old and their parents, grandparents or caregiver. Plan on attending all three sessions. For more information call (518) 587-7860 opt. 3. Visit www.sspl.org for all our ongoing events.
The Epidemiology of ASD’s Tisch Learning Center, Room 302, Skidmore College Campus Saratoga Springs 6:30 p.m. A Brief Review of Recent Research by Paul A.H. Partridge, Ph.D. There has been much discussion about the increasing prevalence and factors associated with increased rates of diagnosis. Skidmore recognizes Autism Awareness Month with event-filled calendar. For more information and list of scheduled events visit www.skidmore.edu.
Trout Unlimited: Flyfishing the Battenkill Saratoga Springs Public Library, Saratoga Springs 7 p.m. Rich Norman, River Expert and Master Fly Tier will share his vast knowledge on which fly patterns work, when to use them and how to present them for the greatest success on this fine river. Everyone welcome. For more information call Mark at (518) 893-2228.
Tuesday, April 16 North Korean Refugees: The Real Life Story of a North Korean Defector The Spa, Case Center, Skidmore College Campus Saratoga Springs 8 p.m. A North Korean defector will speak about life in North Korea and escaping from that country, as well as the journey to the United States and the conditions of living as a refugee in the U.S. For more information and schedule of events visit www.skidmore.org.
Wednesday, April 17 What Happens after a Dementia Diagnosis? Services for Veterans Beacon Pointe Memory Care Community, 1 Emma Lane, Clifton Park, 6–7:15 p.m. Do you know a veteran living with dementia? The seminar is an excellent opportunity for caregivers to learn about all the services and benefits offered to veterans living with dementia through The VA. For more information call (518) 371-2200.
Thursday, April 18 We’re All Water: An Homage to Yoko Ono Tang Museum, Skidmore Campus Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m. An evening of participatory, Yoko Ono-inspired events, including group sing-a-longs, performances, and art-making. For more information call (518) 580-8080.
Friday, April 19 All-You-Can-Eat Dinner The Principessa Elena Society in Saratoga Springs will be having an all-you-can-eat dinner at 13 Oak St., Saratoga Springs. Italian wedding soup, sausage, peppers, onions, ziti with marinara sauce, meatballs, salad, dessert, coffee, bread and butter will be provided. It’s $9 for regulars, $8 for seniors, $5 for children 5-12 years old and free for children under 5 years old. Take out is $10. Call (518) 5844163 for any more information.
Blood Drives April 18, 12–7 p.m. Gideon Putnam Hotel 24 Gideon Putnam Rd Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
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Family Friendly Events Friday
Children’s Academy of Malta is hosting an open house and tag sale this Friday. Stop by and learn more about the programs that CAM offers, plus grab some deals on children’s clothes and toys. Stop by on Friday anytime from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The Katrina Trask spring consignment sale is this weekend at the American Legion in Saratoga Springs. This popular consignment sale is open to the public starting from 3–8 p.m. on Friday and again from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Saturday
The Saratoga Springs Public Library is hosting a Family Story Time from 11:30 a.m.–12 p.m. This free, drop-in program is suitable for kids ages 2–5 and their parents or caregivers.
Sunday
The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library is holding a Special Needs Resource Fair. This fair will bring together local education, service, recreational and health organizations that provide information, resources or services to children with special needs and their families. Stop by between 1–4 p.m. The Wilton Food Pantry is hosting the 2nd annual Empty Bowls event. This unique event features hand-crafted bowls from the Skidmore College Ceramic Arts students & ceramicists from Saratoga Clay Arts, along with local culinary delights created by Skidmore Chefs and live music. The event runs from 1–4 p.m. at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge and tickets are $20 at the door.
Compliments of:
Monday, April 15 Baby Massage Saratoga Springs Public Library, Crawshaw Story Room Saratoga Springs
Seek • Learn Find • Play Visit us online!
Send your local briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com before Monday at 5 p.m. for Friday publication.
PULSE
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Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
SIRSY Q&A: On the New Album, New Producers and Life on the Road by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — It’s not often that you find a simple duo talented enough to sound like a full five-piece band, but local music fans have hit the jackpot with local band SIRSY, made up of drummer/ vocalist Melanie Krahmer and guitarist Rich Libutti. After gaining notoriety in the Albany/Saratoga Springs area due to their vibrant and unique live shows—Melanie plays the drums standing up while singing, oftentimes adding a flute into the mix, while Rich plays the guitar—the duo is about to make a splash nationwide as they head into their first two-and-a-half month long West Coast tour in an effort to spread their music to a new fanbase. The duo played a CD release show April 6 for their brand new album “Coming into Frame” at Putnam Den to a sold-out crowd, and SIRSY was on top of their game as they proudly played all 10 tracks from the new record. Melanie’s powerful voice alone is worth
traveling to see, and combined with Rich’s upbeat guitar riffs, SIRSY is one bandwagon you’ll want to get behind fast. Saratoga TODAY got a chance to speak with the duo on multiple topics before their show, from their experience recording “Coming into Frame” to what it’s like living on the road. ST: So, tell us about your new album. MK: Well, we just released an album called “Coming into Frame,” and it’s a little different for us because it was the first time we really gave over control of the production of the album. Basically, Rich and I have mainly produced or co-produced all our other albums, and this time we worked with two guys, Paul Kolderie and Sean Slade (Hole, Radiohead, Dresden Dolls, Pixies) who are very well-respected in the music industry and have produced just a ton of great people and won GRAMMYs and stuff, so it was a big change for us. You feel a little nervous when you go in the studio with people like that and you know they’ve worked with people like that—you feel intimidated. But they came from the angle of,
Melanie Krahmer and Rich Libutti of local band SIRSY. Photo provided.
“Let’s find the best version of SIRSY we can get and get it on the record.” They also didn’t make us follow a lot of rules that other producers have had us follow in the past—when you record a drum track, you usually record with a metronome [Editor’s Note: a metronome is a device used by musicians that marks time at a selected rate], and we recorded several tracks without a metronome at all just because the song needed to speed up or slow down at certain parts to get the energy of the song. ST: Was it the producers’ idea to record without a metronome? MK: They came to see us live at Putnam Den and got a good feel for our energy and personalities and then tried to capture that on the record. In the past, it’s been difficult to capture that part of us in a studio setting, because it’s a very controlled setting and there’s no crowd and we’re layering the parts, but they really wanted to capture that live essence. ST: So, how long did it take to make the new record? RL: It was really quick. We got
together for a session and did four songs in five days, and then a couple months later we did the other six songs in a couple weeks. MK: The pre-production took a really long time because we were in charge of that part. When we write a song, we usually turn in a fully developed and produced song idea, but some of the songs that got picked were just acoustic guitar and vocals—there’s a song called “Gold” that when we were writing we didn’t know where we were going with it, so we just turned in a guitar and vocal line and it ended up being one of the best songs on the CD. We actually wrote 25 songs for the album and there are only 10 on it. ST: Do you still get to perform the songs that didn’t make it on the record? MK: We can perform anything we want live. The label is really cool and says we can perform whatever we want, even if we’re not making money off of it, so that’s great. There are some fan favorites that didn’t make the cut, but we are
performing those live and the label told us we can put those on a later album. But they’re really marketing this album, and it’s kind of our first big splash with the record label and they wanted us to put our best foot forward—they just wanted to show the best of us they could show. ST: You’re about to tour farther than you usually do, right? MK: In three weeks we’re going out to the West coast for the first time, and we’ll be out there for almost two-and-a-half months. It’s exciting for us to play the West Coast because we’ve never done it before. RL: The driving and the hotels get a little old, but we’re kind of used to it. The cities are further apart on the West Coast—there are some days where you drive eight hours and then load in and play a gig, and the next day do the same thing over again. ST: What’s the hardest part about being on the road for that long? MK: The hardest part for me is the stuff you take for granted in your normal everyday life, like eating and sleeping. It’s really hard to sleep in foreign environments and when you’re keeping this crazy schedule, that’s really hard to do. And then when you’re trying to eat healthy— we found ourselves on this last tour buying vegetables at the grocery store, and then we’d go into our hotel room and we’d be washing lettuce and vegetables in the bathroom sink, and you kind of have to get over the fact that it’s a bathroom sink. RL: For me, one of the hardest things is when I wake up in the middle of the night and I have to pee and I have no idea where the bathroom is. You get in a zone when you’re in your own house and you can walk in the dark, but many days I’ll wake up and I don’t know where I am, it’s dark and it gets a little confusing… maybe that’s too much information. Visit www.sirsy.com to find out more about the band.
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
PULSE
Skidmore Student Collaborates with Beekman Art District to Create Interactive Art Exhibit, Opportunity for Community Collage by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — For Skidmore anthropology senior Marielle Briant, art isn’t just about the art itself—it’s about the individuals who create the art. This idea is the basis of her senior capstone anthropology project, “Art Beyond the Gallery,” an interactive art exhibit that will take place April 21 from 2–5 p.m. at the Feneex Gallery at 30 Beekman Street. The project is especially aimed at those who don’t normally attend art exhibits, as a way to better understand the art community. Briant’s exhibit will feature the work of three local artists: Christopher Brown, who creates art through film and video, Rivkah Gevinson, a photographer, and Francelise Dawkins, a textile artist. Not only will the artists be exhibiting their work, but Briant said they will also come together for an introspective look to answer some questions that aren’t commonly addressed in the art community, such as: What is the purpose of a gallery? Where and how is meaning in art created? Is there a public significance in art? How can we as community members be more attuned to the artistic process? “The event is really inviting the community to engage in the artistic process and see how we come together and create meaning through art,” Briant explained. “A lot of people see art as something that is kind of inaccessible and almost irrelevant, so this is a way to kind of bring people in.” Attendees of the event are also invited to participate in a collaborative community collage project, led by artist Francelise Dawkins.
“Francelise is actually a collage teacher so she will facilitate it and be there to guide people,” Briant said. “But I think we’ll have two different things people can participate in—we’ll have one big sheet of paper that people can contribute to, or we can have individual stations where people are working together but they’re doing it on their own sheet of paper, because some people prefer to work that way.” Briant added that there will be plenty of materials provided for those who want to add to the collage, including fabric, ironing boards, glue, scissors, textiles and tissues so people can go and choose the different materials they want. “We don’t want anyone to be restricted in choosing their materials,” Briant said. Briant said this project is important to her because it helps to get people who don’t normally associate with art to connect to it in a new way. “I think about the people in my life who really haven’t been in connection with the art world outside— like my housemate, who is a physics major and never does this kind of thing,” Briant said. “So it’s important to me to get those people who have these assumptions about art and challenge them and get them to see it, and the only way to do that is for them to do it themselves and also for them to relate more to the process and the people behind the process, so anthropologically that’s the reasoning behind [the exhibit].” The event will begin Sunday, April 21 with a reception from 2–3 p.m., followed by a talk and presentation by Marielle at 3:30 p.m., which will then be followed by the collaborative collage project. For more details on the event, contact Marielle Briant at mbriant@skidmore.edu.
Christopher Brown. Photo provided.
Francelise Dawkins. Photo provided.
Rivkah Gevinson. Photo provided.
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Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
week of 4/12-4/18
Send event listings to ads@saratogapublishing.com
friday, 4/12:
saturday, 4/13:
Jim Wilson Quartet, 9 pm
Tim Wechgalaer Trio, 9 pm
Woodstone, 9 pm
Spoiler, 9 pm
Sugar Pill, 9 pm
Bangers & Mash, 9 pm
Amy Speace & The Storm, 8 pm
Out of the Box, 6:30 pm
Frankie Lessard Duo, 9 pm
Roots Revival Show 2013, 9 pm
Rich Ortiz, 8:30 pm
Russ Kennedy, 8 pm
Feedback, 5:30 pm Spoiler, 10:30 pm
Winchester & Young, 8 pm
Dan Sherwin, 9 pm
sunday, 4/14:
@ 9 Maple Avenue - 583.2582 @ Bailey’s - 583.6060
@ Bentley’s - 899.4300
@ Caffè Lena - 583.0022 @ Gaffney’s - 583.7359
@ Irish Times - 583.0003
@ Gaffney’s - 583.7359 @ The Mill - 899.5253
@ The Parting Glass - 583.1916
@ Primelive Ultra Lounge - 583.4563 @ Putnam Den - 584.8066 @ Ravenswood - 371-8771
@ Starting Gate Bar and Grill - 584.8834
@ JP Bruno’s - 745.1180 @ The Mill - 899.5253
John Kribs Band, 9 pm @ The Parting Glass - 583.1916
Al Santoro Trio, 6:30 pm @ Primelive Ultra Lounge - 583.4563
Camper and Friends, 10 pm @ Putnam Den - 584.8066
John Eisenhart, 8 pm @ Ravenswood - 371.8771
DJ Dingz, 10 pm
@ Saratoga City Tavern - 581.3230
The Refrigerators, 8 pm @ Vapor - 792.8282
The Joy Formidable, 6:30 pm @ Upstate Concert Hall - 371.0012
thursday, 4/18: Jeff Walton, 6 pm
@ The Horseshoe Inn - 587.4909
Matty Finn, 8 pm @ Irish Times - 583.0003
Jay Yager, 6:30 pm
@ Primelive Ultra Lounge - 583.4563
Badfish (Sublime Tribute), 6:30 pm @ Upstate Concert Hall - 371.0012
saturday, 4/13:
open mic nights:
Keith Pray’s Soul Jazz Revival, 9 pm
Sun. Open Mic, 7 pm
@ 9 Maple Avenue - 583.2582
@ Bailey’s - 583.6060
Filming Ohio, 9 pm
Tue. w/Rick Bolton, 8 pm
@ Bailey’s - 583.6060
@ Gaffney’s - 587.7359
Radio Junkies, 9 pm
Wed. Open Mic, 8 pm
@ Bentley’s - 899.4300
@ Putnam Den - 584.8066
Sharon Katz & The Peace Train, 8 pm
Thur. Open Mic, 7 pm
@ Caffè Lena - 583.0022
@ Caffè Lena - 583.0022
Nouveau Jazz Beat 10 pm
Thur. Open Mic, 10 pm
@ Circus Café - 583.1106
@ Circus Café - 583.1106
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
VOTE
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Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
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Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
VOTE
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Franklin Community Center Receives Donation from Verizon FiOS
Carol Goerold Receives $3,000 Scholarship
Take a look at this week’s newest club members!
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Chris Cook, from Verizon FiOS presents a check to Jaime Williams of Franklin Community Center. The donation is part of Verizon’s volunteer match program, which gives employees $750
BSNB Supports Brookside Museum with Donation
BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa National Bank recently presented a $1,000 donation to Brookside Museum, home of the Saratoga County Historical Society, to help the museum offer programs and services in 2013. Funding for the Brookside donation comes from a program initiated by BSNB in 2009. The program is designed to recognize the volunteer efforts of BSNB staff members and provide the opportunity for them to nominate organizations for financial support. As a result, a variety of organizations have received funding, including, local food pantries, veteran’s programs, community libraries, education foundations, community centers, first responders, youth programs and health and human services groups.
for every 50 hours of volunteer service they put in. Cook is an active member of Franklin Community Center’s Board of Directors. The donation will be applied toward FCC’s after-school prevention program, Project Lift.
Saratoga Bridges is proud to announce Carol Goerold as the recipient of the NYSARC Jonathan Weingold Scholarship. The $3,000 award is presented annually to fulltime employees who wish to further their education. Carol is pursuing her Master’s degree in Music Therapy at SUNY New Paltz.
MADISON
Saratoga Hospital’s Dr. Desmond DelGiacco Honored with Community Service Award
Dr. Desmond DelGiacco
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The medical staff of Saratoga Hospital recently presented its Community Service Award to Dr. Desmond DelGiacco in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to patients, the hospital, the medical staff and the community. DelGiacco, a pulmonologist, has been a member of the Saratoga Hospital medical staff since 1981. He is among the hospital’s most respected physicians and is beloved and admired by patients, staff and colleagues.
H.O.P.E. Clinic Adoptable Pets Lizzy is a 5-year-old Pit mix. She gets along well with kids and dogs. Lizzy is a nice girl, but she cannot be in a home with cats. Lizzy is a super dog who has been waiting a long time for her loving family. Please call her foster family at (518) 605-0856 for more information.
ETHAN Tooth Fairy Club is sponsored by:
Nicole M. Byrne, D.M.D Pediatric Dentistry 659 Saratoga Road Gansevoort, New York 12831 (518) 226-6010
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fun and games Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Puzzles
See puzzle solutions on page 36
Across 1 Least ancient 7 Some TVs 11 This second, briefly 14 Forward, to Fiorello 15 City SW of Buffalo 16 Christian sch. since 1963 17 Extra effort 19 Shoofly __ 20 Skittish NBC show? 21 “That’s rich!” evoker 23 Jellied item in British cuisine 25 “Days of Grace” memoirist 26 Relaxed 27 GRE components 30 Doubter’s question 32 Note promising notes 33 Letter-routing letters 36 Big-eared flier of film 40 Take on responsibility 43 Finish 44 It may be spare 45 “Progress through Technology” automaker 46 “Awesome!” 48 Original Speed Stick maker 50 Awesome, in a way 53 Used to be 56 Giant of note 57 It usually involves rapping 60 Rock’s __ Fighters 63 Maker of SteeL kitchen products 64 Filing option, or what can be found in four long answers? 66 Beret, e.g. 67 __ Accords: 1993 agreement 68 Having trouble 69 Charles V’s domain: Abbr. 70 Light submachine gun 71 Forgetful, maybe Down 1 Murphy’s and Godwin’s, for two 2 Shakespeare’s flower? 3 Carving area 4 It’s bigger than the neg. 5 Unwavering 6 Buster Brown’s dog 7 Causes a stink
Level: 1
2
3
4
Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk
4/10/13
© 2013 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.
See puzzle solution on page 36 8 Collide with 9 Where the slain roll? 10 “I __ beautiful city ...”: Dickens 11 Dad 12 Preserves, in a way 13 Editor’s request 18 Genetic letters 22 Prone to snits 24 Grab a sandwich, perhaps 27 65-Down shade 28 Women 29 __ Miguel: Azores island 31 Suffix with ox34 Like many a brisk 45-minute walk 35 General on a menu 37 View from Tokyo 38 Wished
At the Movies with Trey Roohan High Fidelity (2000)
What are your passions? Travel, fine food, family and friends? What if you decided to forsake everything else in your life to make a career out of those passions? Looking back, what would you think. Rob Gordon (played by John Cusack) is a lifelong Chicago resident and owner of his own record store. The store, Championship Vinyl, attracts very few window shoppers and almost as few intentional customers. The staff consists of Rob, Barry (played by Jack Black), and Dick (played by Todd Louiso). Originally hired to work two days a week, Barry (Black) and Dick (Louiso) decided instead to show up every day. Their personalities are complete mirror images of each other, Barry being loud and opinionated (one of many reasons that Jack Black was perfect for the role) and Dick being soft-spoken and deferential. What they and Rob have in common with each other is an almost encyclopedic knowledge of music and a superior attitude as a result. When we join the story, Rob is being dumped by his live-in girlfriend, Laura. Laura (played by Danish actress Iben Hjejle) has chosen to leave in the evening and Rob, vehemently opposed to the idea, elects to shout out the window as Laura drives away. Rob then proceeds to list the five most devastating breakups in his romantic past, purposely excluding Laura from the list. Noticing that all those relationships ended at the urging of the other party, Rob decides that he is doomed to be rejected. He reaches out to his first girlfriend, a girl he kissed for two hours a day for three days before finding her kissing someone else on the fourth day. While he fails to find his middle school love, her sister informs him that the boy Rob saw her kissing on the first day is now her husband and that they live in Australia. In fact, the woman he speaks to is under the impression that her sister’s husband was actually her first boyfriend. Rob tries to disabuse her of this notion but the sister, believing him to be delusional, hangs up. Rob, now believing that his circumstances are the result of fate and not any sort of failure on his part, plans to reach out to his other former partners. Penny Hardwick (played by Joelle Carter) who would not allow the intimacy between them to progress past kissing, Charlie Nicholson (played by Catherine Zeta-Jones) who rejected him and began a relationship with a coworker, and Sarah Kendrew (played by Lily Taylor) who found the ideal relationship with each other, both having been rejected and fearing they would never find their true soul mate. Sarah found someone else while still with Rob and ended things with absolutely no warning. This is one of those rare comedies that displays truly inspiring performances. Jack Black is, well Jack Black, but he is a valuable addition to the cast and the story. Cusack as Rob plays a character that we lose sympathy for on more than one occasion but ultimately find ourselves rooting for. And, as is typically the case with movies that feature multiple music aficionados as characters, the soundtrack is incredible. Thirteen years have passed since the release of this film and I enjoy it just as much if not more than I did when it was first released. THAT is the mark of true greatness. (8.8/10) For comments and questions, contact me at movies@roohanrealty.com.
39 Valhalla chief 41 Reuters competitor 42 “I wonder ...” 47 Breakfast cereal magnate 49 With 50-Down, when modern mammals emerged 50 See 49-Down 51 “Brave” studio 52 “Fingers crossed” 54 Bad sentence 55 Round no. 58 Parts of la cara 59 1978 Booker Prize recipient Murdoch 61 Kind of exam 62 “I got it” 65 Darken in a salon
Writing the Right Word by Dave Dowling Accuracy in word choice is a key to effective communication. This quick weekly tip will help you filter the confusion in some of our daily word choices. Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient Omnipotent means all powerful or unlimited authority. According to most religious people, God is omnipotent. Omnipresent means to be present everywhere simultaneously. Technological change is omnipresent throughout the world.
Omniscient means to be all knowing or have total knowledge. If he were omniscient, he would know how Jenny feels.
Dave Dowling is the author of the The Wrong Word Dictionary and The Dictionary of Worthless Words. Signed copies are available for purchase at the gifts and home goods store, Homessence on Broadway in Saratoga Springs.
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
It’s where NEED to be.
YOU
Publication Day: Friday
Ad Copy Due:
Wednesday, 12 p.m.
Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.
FOR RENT
Classified marketplace
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classified@saratogapublishing.com
Call (518) 581-2480 x204 HELP WANTED Like to write? Freelancers and stringers sought for local magazine and weekly newspaper. Send writing clips to Saratoga Publishing, 5 Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or email Patricia@saratogapublishing.com. PT/FT Counter Help/Shirt Pressers. Apply in person Saratoga Cleaners 228 Washington Street. Driver- Two raises in first year. Qualify for any portion of $.03/ mile quarterly bonus: $.01 Safety, $.01 Production, $.01 MPG. 3 months OTR experience. 800-4149569 www.driveknight.com Drivers- HIRING EXPERIENCED/ INEXPERIENCED TANKER DRIVERS! Earn up to $.51/mile! New Fleet Volvo Tractors! 1 Year OTR Exp. Req.-Tanker Training Available. Call Today: 877-882-6537 www. OakleyTransport.com
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AIRLINES ARE HIRING ñTrain for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified -Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-296-7093
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DIVORCE $349 - Uncontested divorce papers prepared. Includes poor person application/waives government fees, if approved. One signature required. Separation agreements available. Make Divorce Easy - 518-274-0380.
REAL ESTATE
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Discover Delaware’s beauty, low taxes, milder weather! Distinctive, gated community, amazing amenities-equestrian facility, Olympic pool. New Homes mid $40’s. Brochures available 1-866629-0770 or www.coolbranch.com.
OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com
Sebastian, Florida. Affordable custom factory constructed homes $45,900+, Friendly community, No Real Estate or State Income Taxes, minutes to Atlantic Ocean. 772581-0080, www.beach-cove.com.
DIVORCE $349 - Uncontested divorce papers prepared. Includes poor person application/waives government fees, if approved. One signature required. Separation agreements available. Make Divorce Easy - 518-274-0380. SAWMILLS from only $3997.00MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N
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SPORTS
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Community Sports Bulletin Ballston Lake Native David Clemens Named Hokies’ Co-Captain
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs’ David Clemens has been named co-captain, along with Kyle Renfro, of the Virginia Tech soccer team by Hokies head coach Mike Brizendine. “The role of a captain is to be our voice to the team in situations when they’re out in public, when they’re in the locker room or in any situation when coaches aren’t around,” coach Brizendine stated. “David and Kyle as our captains were an obvious choice. Both of them are leaders on the field in their training habits and their professional approach to the game. They are also good leaders off of the field.” “I’m very pleased with how they have developed, and I know they’ll take this responsibility seriously. They share the goals that the staff has, and they’ll help continue to push our team to get better as we move forward.” On left: Virginia Tech center midfielder David Clemens Clemens, a center midfielder, has led the Hokies in Photo provided. scoring during the past two seasons. His 10 goals in 2012 were the most by a Virginia Tech player since current Chicago Fire forward Patrick Nyarko’s 16 goals in 2006. David was born in Saratoga Springs and grew up in Ballston Lake. In the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), he started at the Clifton Park Soccer Club, where he was coached by his father. He then played for the Alleycats and Black Watch Premier, all of the Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL). He played for Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) for six years and toured England with the team. He also went to South Africa as a member of Region 1 ODP. Clemens collected several honors his senior season at Shenendehowa High School, including Class AA All-Capital Region, First Team All-State and First Team NSCAA All-Region. He was also the Section II leading scorer and Most Valuable Player. The 20-year-old credits his parents, Khris and Nancy, for his development as a soccer player. He inherited his athletic genes from Khris, a top baseball player who was inducted into the Siena College Hall of Fame. “My Dad actually picked up soccer after college and really got into it. He was my coach in youth soccer for almost eight years, and he was a big part in my development,” Clemens said.
Taylor’s Heroes to Host Obstacle Course Run The first annual Taylor’s Heroes Xtreme Boot Camp Challenge will kick off Saturday, May 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Saratoga YMCA. The first event will feature an obstacle course run as part of the Saratoga YMCA Healthy Kids Day. Kids, families and serious athletes are all welcome to attend and have fun. Crawl through the mud, get sprayed with the hose, scale the tire wall and feel like a superhot afterwards. Cost is $25 a person before May 1. For more information and to register, go to www.taylorsheroes.org. All money raised will go directly toward funding kids’ fitness programs for children who want to get fit.
Send your sports stories or briefs to Brian Cremo, Sports Editor at brian@saratoga publishing.com
Puzzle solutions from pg. 34
Adirondack Heat Start Spring Off Hot
Front (kneeling L-R): Josh Edmunds, Will LaFontaine, Dan Albright, Evan Fox, David VanBeuskom, Jake Manderson. Back (L-R) Coach Debrino, Luke Gold, Coach Judge, Dave Judge, Drew Patnode, Jaelin Robin, Lewis Clarke, Coach Gold and Coach Fox. Photo provided.
The Adirondack Heat 12U team started its season the weekend of April 6 with a championship, beating top teams from Long Island in the Triple Crown Sports “Spring Chill” tournament in Chester. Adirondack went undefeated over the four games, hitting 16 home runs, while outscoring opponents 40-7. The win qualifies the Heat for Triple Crowns “Summer Nationals” Tournament of Champions in Myrtle Beach, SC in July. Adirondack opened up the tournament with a 3-2 win over the top-rated travel-team, Oceanside Bulldogs from Long Island. The Bulldogs had quite a 2012 season, winning 10 tournaments and over 100 games. Lewis Clarke (Saratoga) provided the big blow with a solo blast in the fifth inning. Luke Gold (BSPA) homered and Evan Fox (BSPA) collected two hits in the win. Gold, Fox and Jaelin Robin (N. Colonie) combined on a three-hitter in the win. The Heat won game two in pool play by a score of 12-1 hitting five home runs to defeat the Proswing Pride. In the Semifinals, the Heat once again had to beat the Oceanside Bulldogs. Home Runs by John Edmunds (BSPA), David VanBeusekom (Clifton Park), Clarke and Robin secured the 8-3 win. In the Championship game, the Heat bats stayed hot and were paced by David Judge’s three home runs en route to a 16-1 win over Mt. Kisco.
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
Renner, Black Horses Have Rotation Question Marks by Brian Cremo Saratoga TODAY SCHUYLERVILLE — After long-time Schuylerville baseball coach Bruce Brown retired after last season, Darrin Renner now holds sole possession of the Black Horses’ reins. Renner was a co-coach alongside Brown for 11 years before taking over as manager for the 2013 season. “We’ve been coaching together for a long time, so a lot of the responsibilities aren’t new,” Renner said. “I learned a lot from Bruce about player interactions and making sure a lot of players get involved in the game.” Making sure a lot of players get into the game is something Renner thinks he will have to do with this year’s Black Horses (0-1 Wasaren, 2-1 overall). With just four seniors on the team and a rotation that will have to be puzzle pieced throughout the season, Renner is looking for people to step up. “There are five or six guys who are all in the mix (of the rotation),” Renner said. “The one thing I don’t see right now is a guy I can put on the mound to throw seven innings. What I have is a lot of guys who I’m going to piece together and figure out what combinations work.” Heading into the top of the sixth inning of Tuesday’s home league opener Greenwich (1-0, 4-0), Schuylerville held a 6-2 lead and looked in prime shape to start the season 3-0. However, a bases clearing,
two-out single to right by John Stewart capped a five-run rally, as the Witches took a 7-6 lead. The clutch hit by Stewart, a four-year varsity player, wasn’t fielded cleanly in right field and all base runners, motoring with two outs, scored easily. Schuylerville couldn’t complete another comeback like their previous four-run sixth inning rally in a win over Cohoes, but they did show promise against a team that many consider to be the favorite to win the league. “It’s a good group of kids and a focused group of kids and they’re competitive,” said Renner of his team. “They didn’t expect to lose this game today. Even in a loss, I think we gained confidence there. We were hoping for another [comeback.]” To start the game, the Black Horses top four hitters were all sophomores, including the speedy Codie Brown at the leadoff spot. “When [Brown] hits the ball on the ground, they better field it clean. Otherwise, he’s there. He’s going to be a dangerous guy for other teams to deal with all year and he can swipe a base easily.” Another positive is that they have been putting up runs early in the season. Scoring six, nine and six in the first three games, with 13 more games to come up with at least seven wins to make sectionals, is something Renner has his eye on. “I don’t ever start a season without thinking about sectionals,” Renner said. “If we can achieve sectionals this year, that will be a building block for the team.”
SPORTS
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Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
A Cost Greater Than Budget Cuts
Damian Fantauzzi
It’s that time of the year when school districts are in the position of careful consideration for next year’s pending budget. I can see through the transparent veil that drapes over the thinking of the community, state and nation, as to where the financing of the American right to public education becomes scrutinized by all. The funding for areas that
are considered frills is usually the topic of question for what to cut. Extracurricular activities, as well as electives, seem to become the first considerations for the cutting knife. There are many people who think they have answers to the problems of the funding, but unfortunately, some people have deceitful pretense with school spending. A statewide problem has evolved partially from Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2 percent property tax cap. As a tax payer it sounds good. But in reality, is it? The federal and state governing bodies have commissioners in education who are supposed to be the experts and have some solutions for these problems in public education. Some of these appointed officials have little, if any, experience in public education. I think that’s a real problem. I can compare this to coaching in that there are those who think that they can coach and if given a whistle, they find that there are situations they’re not trained or prepared for. Just seeing the glory of the games, a fantasy that people in the stands only see, happens to be just a fraction of what the job demands. Oh, there is so much more to it. I can compare that analogy to the many elected politicians, who are so ill informed about public education. All they have are their own opinions and answers. If they had any knowledge of the fact that there is much more to being a teacher in the classroom than just preparing the students for tests, they would most likely change the thought of their blindsided opinions. I have said in previous articles that these leaders not only have no clue about public schools and how they function, but most don’t even use public education for their children. Some political leaders have a self-inflicted focus where it’s about their selfish need to be re-elected and sustain a political career. They’re looking into a clouded mirror, after showering, where only a spot is wiped off to see themselves and, obviously, there is not a focus to solve the needs for all. The duck-and-cover philosophy of the 1950s, when we were supposed to be practicing how to protect ourselves from a bomb that would still demolish
Saratoga Springs Senior J. D. Towers speaks out against budgets to the tennis program at a Board Meeting held at Dorothy Nolan Elementary School on Tuesday, April 9.
its intended target, lives on. The teachers have become the target and the lack of funds has become the bomb. The duck-and-cover of using unqualified people to replace those who have been prepared with master’s degrees in education. The excellent quality of education that we now have in our area schools will become diluted and eventually dissolved—rendered useless. Locally, to help manage the athletic budget, the Saratoga Springs City School District was considering cutting a couple of assistant coaching positions in boys and girls tennis. Since the state came through with more money, the assistants’ positions were saved. I’m a former tennis coach of boys varsity and girls junior varsity at Saratoga Springs High School, a program that successfully serves many kids (now under the command of head coach Tim O’Brien). Tennis has a no-cut philosophy that was implemented in 1986. When I became the first ever girls’ JV tennis coach, head coach Rich Johns and I decided to try the no-cut with the JVs. He liked it so much that he implemented it at the varsity level, a couple of years later. The first year there were 35 JV players, but once the word got out within two years, the roster blossomed to 55 girls. Rich felt it was a necessary move to request the addition of a varsity assistant coach, and the rest is history. Did it work? Yes, and beyond our belief. Now tennis serves many students, boys and girls, giving most of them a lifelong skill in the sport. The residual dividend is that a microcosm of the true meaning of education was established. In my estimation, we
had an annual average of 60 to 75 girls and 45 to 60 boys at both the varsity and JV levels. Who can say what sport is less important than another sport? It’s just like public education; does the Governor think that his tax cap will solve the financial problems of the state or education? It does not add up. Cutting into scholastic sports programs, or any other extracurricular and school electives, will haunt the communities for a long time. The lack of better supervision could cut the number of these kids/students who participate in sports like tennis. The sport might have to revert back to the old cut policy of previous decades, leaving those who are on the edge to become idle. Keeping students involved is the best win-win for kids in any community. It would be a nowin situation using a cut back philosophy of eliminating qualified teachers, coaches or programs with trained mentors who are qualified to lead and guide our youth. If this trend is allowed to continue, it will compound into the deterioration of the purpose of public education. Mark my word. We need more qualified people in our classrooms and on the athletic fields. When the student-to-teacher/coach ratio gets to be too much, the result will be overwhelming and the use of unqualified “warm bodies” will compound our problems. Right now, things are OK. But with sliced funding every year, the lack of a quality of excellence will become paramount and terminal. The cost of budget cuts must be weighed on its effect on our school children, not in the few pennies saved.
Week of April 12 – April 18, 2013
SPORTS
39
Hollowood Looks to Make Final Season ‘Best One’ Yet by Brian Cremo Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs runner Keelin Hollowood has been named an All-American more times than you can count on two hands – 13 to be exact. She has competed in multiple New York State championship events and owns six national championships, including a victory at last June’s outdoor 2,000-meter steeplechase in Greensboro, N.C. So when the senior started the spring season by breaking the meet record for the 2000 steeplechase at the Texas Relays, in Austin, it was just another accolade notched in her belt. Her time of 6:59.02 crushed the previous record of 7:28.02. “That was about what I was hoping to run for my first race this season,” Hollowood said. “We’re definitely headed in the right direction. We’re pretty excited about that. It’s a good start to a long season.” Steeplechase is the event she enjoys the most because of its challenges and barriers that provide something different. Also competing in events including the 1500, 3000 and 4x800 relay, Hollowood didn’t participate in her bread-andbutter until her sophomore season. When it comes to competing in the steeplechase, Saratoga Springs track and field coach Art Kranick has been her biggest influence. The same goes for Hollowood’s running career in general. When Hollowood was in sixth grade, she was in Art’s gym class. “After running the mile in gym class and just being around him a lot, he just convinced me that maybe I should give [running] a shot,” Hollowood said. “My parents wanted me to do it to, but Mr. Kranick was definitely the biggest influence on why I started.” It was during that year that both Art and his wife, Linda Kranick, who has coached the team with him since 1985, noticed Hollowood’s potential and personality. “[Art] used to say, ‘You know,
I’m having a really tough day and then Keelin and her friend come in the gym and it’s like sunshine comes in the gym,’” said Linda, in reference to her husband when he first started teaching Hollowood. “You have to be in a good mood when she’s there. She’s got a great personality, she’s very outgoing, she has a great sense of humor and she’s a team leader. She helps out with everything.” After becoming a member of the team in seventh grade, the rest snowballed, starting with making the varsity team as an eighth grader. “Definitely once we started racing in that fall of seventh grade, it just kept getting more and more exciting,” Hollowood said. “It takes some getting used to because it’s like a whole different lifestyle, but once you get the hang of it, there’s no leaving.” Hollowood has been all over the country through her success in both track and cross country. She has gone to Florida, where she was part of the 4x1 mile relay team that set the meet record, and she has been to Oregon five times for the annual national cross-country meet. Hollowood is one of five steeplechase national champions from Saratoga Springs, joining Jamie Sweeney, Greg Kelsey, Lindsey Ferguson and Hannah Davidson. Competing in the first ever New York indoor steeplechase event last winter, she also now holds that state record. The Blue Streaks, now back from Austin, got the regular season underway at Ballston Spa Wednesday, April 10, but the meet had to be postponed to a later time because of rain showers and lightning. Starting her final season of her illustrious high school career is something Hollowood said is “hard to believe.” “It still hasn’t really hit me yet, but I’m just trying to make the last one the best one,” she said. Hollowood will be going to Providence College (R.I.) to continue her running career under Friars head coach Ray Treacy.
Saratoga Springs senior Keelin Hollowood started the spring track season by breaking Texas Relays 2000 steeplechase record.