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Volume 7 • Issue 16 saratogatodaynewspaper.com

Maplewood Tapped Officials and Community Struggle to Save County Nursing Home

by Emily Fowler Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA - Record debt levels at Maplewood Manor are stretching the city’s treasury thinner than ever before, sending waves of worry and warning throughout our community. As one of the biggest drains on county finances, officials are racing to find solutions and save

the county nursing home.

“We have to determine what our priorities are. We’re running out of money. We have to do something now, and make changes that are the best possible scenario for county residents,” warned Saratoga County Supervisor, Joanne Yepsen.

See Community page 15

Planting Seeds of Hope

by Emily Fowler Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA - This Saturday, April 21, volunteers will be hard at work when some of our community’s

most caring members come together once again at the Guardian House, for a full day of gardening and giving back.

See Guardian page 6

Parrot Head Paradise See page 23

Inside TODAY...

Photo by Daniel Schechtman

Sharing the Road Complete Streets Strengthen Saratoga’s World Class Appeal

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – Dozens of private citizens and local civic groups are urging the Saratoga Springs City Council to adopt a new Complete Streets policy, a proposal that encourages multi-modal transportation and shared access for automobiles,

Volunteers pitch in at the Guardian House • Photo by MarkBolles.com

Obituaries

cyclists and pedestrians in the city of Saratoga. “[With this proposal], we hope that all uses are accommodated for as best as possible, from the planning and design stage forward,” said Tobin Alexandra-Young of Shared Access Saratoga, who presented the proposal to the City Council during their Tuesday, April

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City Council pg 7 Education

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Saratoga Chamber pg 13 Seniors Pulse

pgs 14-15 pgs 22-25

See Complete page 9

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Friday, April 20, 2012

TODAY

Children’s Museum Hosts Wizarding Workshop Magic was in the air at Hogwarts the Children's Museum at Saratoga April 13 where aspiring wizards and wizardettes took part in a “Wizarding Workshop.” There were secret maps, potions and magic wands crafted by the young spellbinders. Perhaps the next Harry Potter could be among us here in the Spa City. The popular Wizarding Workshop is just one of many fun and educational activities hosted by The Children's Museum at Saratoga Springs.

Photos provided by MarkBolles.com

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TODAY

BLOTTER

Friday, April 20, 2012

Other Police News Denny Hunter, 58, of 279 Wilbur Rd., Schuylerville, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class E-felony.

Hunter was arrested October 28 in Mechanicville and has been placed on interim probation including drug treatment court. He is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 13.

Staci Billings, 39, of 4612 Foxwood Drive South, Clifton Park, was resentenced April 12 by Judge Jerry Scarano to probation terminated and to make a restitution payment of $9,079.00. Billings was originally convicted March 4, 2009 of third-degree grand larceny, a class-D felony, for which she was sentenced to 84 days in jail and 5 years of probation.

Sylvester L. Jackson, 46, of 314 Louden Rd. Saratoga Springs, pleaded guilty to a charge of thirddegree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class-C felony. Jackson was arrested September 12 in Saratoga Springs and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 15.

Susan G. Hinds, 50, of 101 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, was resentenced April 13 by Judge Jerry Scarano to four weekends in Saratoga County Jail. Hinds was originally convicted May 19 of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony, for which she was sentenced to five years of probation.

Matthew L. Rodden, 22, of 174 Maple Ave., Ballston Spa, was resentenced April 13 by Judge Jerry Scarano to time served and continued probation to include

drug treatment court. Rodden was originally convicted March 22, 2010, of third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, a classD felony, for which he was sentenced to six months in Saratoga County Jail and five years of probation.

Charles Morine, 42, of 153 Cooper St., Lake George, pleaded guilty to a charge of second-degree burglary, a class-C violent felony.

Morine was arrested October 4 in Saratoga Springs and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 11.

Justin A. Peters, 21, of 161 Maple Ave., Ballston Spa, pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree burglary, a class-D felony. Peters was arrested September 17 in Wilton and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 8.

Karen T. Buss, 54, of 33 Ginger Terrace, Clifton Park, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony. Buss was arrested May 21 in Ballston and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing May 4.

Tyler S. Moon, 26, of 8a Carmella Drive, Ganesvoort, pleaded guilty to charges of driving while intoxicated and fourthdegree criminal possession of stolen property, both class Efelonies. Moon was arrested October 20 in Moreau for an incident that occurred October 15 and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 8.

Russell L. Palmateer, III, 35, of 248 Broadway, Community Court, Apt. 211, Saratoga Springs, pleaded guilty to charges of third-degree burglary and third-degree grand larceny, both class-D felonies.

Palmateer was arrested March 23 in Saratoga Springs for an incident that occurred March 2 and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 11.

Raymond E. Pillow, 44, of 15 Ballston Ave., Saratoga Springs, pleaded guilty to a charge of fifthdegree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class-D felony. Pillow was arrested May 12 in Saratoga Springs and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 15.

Chester C. Jones, aka “X,” 34, pleaded guilty to a charge of thirddegree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class-C felony. Jones was arrested February 9, 2011 in Saratoga Springs in and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 11.

Alfred Evans, 23, residing at the Budget Inn of 2865 Route 9, Ballston Spa, pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree rape, a classE felony. Evans was arrested in December 1 in Saratoga Springs and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 11.

Donald E. Fish, Sr., 52, of 99 Pearl St., Schuylerville, was resentenced April 17 by Judge Jerry Scarano to continued probation with a modified restitution order.

Fish was originally convicted November 5, 2010, of third-degree grand larceny, a class-D felony, for which he was sentenced to five years of probation.

BALLSTON SPA – Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy, III announced today that the Court of Appeals of the State of New York rejected the application of Richard T. Saxton, a former officer of Wurld Media, Inc. for leave to appeal from his jury verdict, convicting him of first-degree falsifying business records, a class-E felony.

As a result of the high court’s action, Acting County Court Judge Kelly McKeighan ordered the former Wurld Media Officer, to serve his sentence of six months in the Saratoga County Jail together with five years of probationary supervision and payment of a $5,000 fine to the court.

The defendant was convicted in 2008 of charges related to the company having improperly listed payroll advances paid to employees as loans and not payroll. Saxton filed an appeal from the judgment of conviction, which was affirmed, and then filed a second challenge to his conviction with the County Court. The County Court denied his appeal, and the decision was affirmed by

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the Appellate Division. Saxton then proceeded to request the Court of Appeals for permission to appeal which was denied last week.

The Court of Appeals rejected his application to appeal from the Appellate Division’s order which leaves him no further avenue to contest the jury verdict of guilty.

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WEEK IN REVIEW

Body of Missing Woman Recovered from Mohawk River

near Cohoes Falls.

ing. No one was reported injured.

Man Arrested after firing shots at Malta Drive-In

WATERFORD – A body found April 15 in the Mohawk River has been confirmed to be Cynthia Gavitt, a Saratoga Springs woman who has been missing since October 29, 2011. According to a statement issued by the New York State Police, the 48-year-old woman drowned in the river. It is being ruled as a suicide. Gavitt was the wife of a state police captain and a mother of two.

According to police, she had been dealing with major medical problems for almost a year before her disappearance. Her car was located on Canal Road near the Crescent Bridge in Halfmoon, which led to an unsuccessful search of the Mohawk River that lasted several days. Her body was discovered by campers

MALTA – Here’s a tip for all the families and friends making the trip to the drive-in theater this summer: leave your gun at home. A Clifton Park man was arrested April 14 after he allegedly fired two shots at the ground in an attempt to break up a fight. According to New York State Police, there was a fight that broke out between the occupants of two cars at the drive-in. It was then that Christopher Abaire, 22, decided to grab his .410 caliber shotgun from his trunk, and discharge the weapon in an attempt to stop the fight.

Abaire was later stopped by police and was eventually charged with two misdemeanor charges of fourthdegree criminal possession of a weapon, and second-degree menac-

Empty Bowls benefit raises over $13,500 for Wilton Food Pantry WILTON - More than $13,500 was raised at Saratoga County's first official Empty Bowls event, held to benefit the Wilton Food Pantry.

Nearly 250 people attended the April 15 event at the SaratogaWilton Elks Lodge 161. All who attended chose a unique ceramic bowl, created and donated by Skidmore College’s ceramics students working under the direction of professor Leslie Ferst.

"Participating in Empty Bowls is a unique opportunity for my students to start the semester with a concrete goal and deadline. Their participation helps them understand how their actions and skills can extend beyond academic requirements to benefit the greater community. I welcome this opportunity to involve the students in such a beneficial event," said Ferst.

Attendees used their bowls to enjoy vegetable soup, chili and rolls prepared by Skidmore’s Dining Services chef Ben Niese and his staff. Bowls were cleaned and redistributed to guests courtesy of Boy Scout Troop 24. The bowls went home with guests as a memento of the event and the importance of making food available to those in need.

Wilton Branch of Saratoga Regional YMCA to close April 24 for construction WILTON – The Wilton YMCA branch at 20 Old Gick Road will be closing this coming Tuesday, April

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Friday, April 20, 2012

TODAY

24, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. while they begin construction to connect to the city water lines. All programs are cancelled, including any preschool or gymnastics programs. All four of the other branches of Saratoga Regional YMCA – Saratoga Springs, Malta, Corinth, and Battenkill – will still be open for business. The Malta branch will have their own repairs take place April 25-27, as they upgrade their weight room facilities. The weight room will be closed during that time.

2008. He was arrested in January and charged with nine separate felonies, including criminal tax fraud, repeated failure to file tax returns and offering a false instrument for filing. Jelenik’s lawyer told Judge Jeffrey Wait that he had hired experts to review the cases and is seeking a resolution to the charges.

Jelenik is also accused of taking money from homeowners for incomplete projects and not paying subcontractors for goods and services provided.

Milton Highway superintendent pleads guilty to lesser charge

Saratoga Springs Public Library Budget Passes

MILTON – Current Milton Highway Superintendent David C. Forbes has pled guilty to misdemeanor sixth-degree conspiracy, and faces up to one year of probation.

Forbes was originally charged with felony fourth-degree conspiracy, after police investigators said he conspired to sell cocaine on Ballston Avenue December 7. His attorney Jeff Bagnoli says his client is expected to be sentenced June 7.

Forbes was re-elected last fall, running unopposed. Had he been convicted of the more severe charge, it would have meant leaving his post as an elected official. Milton Town Supervisor Dan Lewza says the town board is discussing new legislation that would require random drug testing for anyone who uses town vehicles. Forbes was one of a dozen people arrested during the five-month joint investigation between the Saratoga Springs Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Builder Appears in City Court SARATOGA SPRINGS – David Jelenik, owner of Jelenik Construction Co., was in city court April 19 asking for a resolution to the charges of failing to pay $61,600 in income taxes from 2005 and

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The proposed $5.5 million budget for the Saratoga Springs Public Library was approved April 13. The final tally was 200 in favor, to 39 opposed.

This now authorizes a 1.5 percent increase in the library’s tax levy, which now sits at $4.95 million.

Saratoga Springs resident Janet Lindner will now sit on the library’s board of trustees after she ran unopposed for the seat. It’s not clear as to how much this will affect taxpayers, but library officials expect that information will be available in the near future, when assessment figures are available.

Motorcycle Crash Claims Life of Teenager HALFMOON – A 19-year-old man from Clifton Park was killed April 15 after he crashed his 2006 Suzuki motorcycle into three vehicles at Route 9 and Watkins Plaza according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. Sean C. Obernesser was headed north on Route 9 around 11 a.m. when he struck the vehicle of Henry Kurland of Clifton Park as he was making a left turn. The motorcycle then struck two more vehicles before stopping.

Obernesser was transported to Albany Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. No other injuries were reported.

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TODAY

OBITUARIES

Friday, April 20, 2012

Catherine “Mickey” Rehm Saratoga Springs, NY - Catherine “Mickey” Rehm, 88, a resident of Saratoga Springs, passed away April 8, 2012.

Catherine was born November 25, 1923, in Staten Island, New York, and was the daughter of the late Thomas and Hattie Finneran.

Survivors include her son, Robert (Deborah Prior) Rehm; daughter, Judy (Robert Nielson) Cocke; her twin brother, Thomas Finneran; four grandchildren, Aimee (Michael) Herring, Andrew (Laura Chlopecki)

Rehm, Stacey (Brian Backhaus) and Harris Timothy Rehm; great-granddaughter, Caitlin Grace Herring; family members, Christine Rehm and Edward Cocke; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials can be made in her memory to The Saratoga Hospital Foundation for Saratoga Care Nursing Home; 211 Church St., Saratoga Springs, New York 12866.

Online remembrances can be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com.

Lena Amelia Robinson Saratoga Springs, NY – Lena Amelia Robinson, hand-in-hand with her husband, Leon, Saturday, April 14, 2012.

Born April 8, 1927, on the family farm at Stafford Bridge, she was the daughter of the late Irving F. Sr. and Lena M. Ruhle.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband, Leon; her sister, Ellen Ruhle; two brothers, Irving F., Jr. and Floyd (Jake) Ruhle; a great- granddaughter, Lyla Simone; and a great-niece, Maya Lamondi.

Survivors include her son, Charles (Sherry) Robinson; daughters, Linda (Leslie) King, Diane Robinson and Donna (Terry) DeLuca; nine grandchildren, John Robinson, Camey Pulver, AnnMarie, Robert and Christopher Diehl, Peter King, Meghan Covell, Jeremy DeLuca and Morgan Simone; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brother, James Ruhle; sis-

ters, Marion Ruhle, Frances Turney and Shirley Clark as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be no public calling hours.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 20, 2012, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to General Schuyler Emergency Squad, 51 Ferry St., Schuylerville, NY 12871 or a charity of one’s choice.

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

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

Margaret "Peg" C. Deyoe Schuylerville, NY - Margaret "Peg" C. Deyoe, 71, passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at Saratoga Hospital.

Born January 11, 1941, in Fort Edward, NY, she was the daughter of the late William P. and Doris Obie Murphy.

In addition to her parents, Peg was predeceased by a grandson, Kevin, and a daughter-in-law, Ruth.

Survivors include her husband of 53 years, William; children, David (Martine) Deyoe, Donald Deyoe, Dennis (Robin Cowley) Deyoe, William Deyoe, Timothy (Tina) Deyoe and Deborah (Jeff) Dooley; grandchildren, David Patrick, Tayler, Kaitlin, Jacob,

Kelci and Jenna; sisters, Joan (Randy) Randall and Patricia (John) Murphy; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, April 14, 2012, at the Notre Dame-Visitation Church, Pearl St., Schuylerville.

Burial will be in the family plot at Bacon Hill Cemetery, Northumberland.

Donations may be made to the General Schuyler Emergency Squad, 51 Ferry St., Schuylerville, NY 12871.

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

John O. Hamilton Ballston Spa, NY – John O. Hamilton, 53, passed away Monday, April 16, 2012.

John was born January 20, 1959, in Pawtucket, RI. John worked for over 25 years for Federal Express in Menands.

John is predeceased by his father, Clyde Hamilton Sr.; mother, Rita (LaBelle) Hamilton; and brother, Clyde Hamilton, Jr. Survivors include his loving wife, Joanne (Filipow) Hamilton; their “children” Missy, Finster, Oreo and Angel K; siblings, Linda Nolan, Ronald, Edward, Alan and Donald Hamilton; mother-in-law, Mary Filipow; brother-in-law, Gerard (Barbara) Filipow; sister-in-law,

Kathryn (Basil) Nakonechny; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, April 20, 2012, at St. Clement’s Church 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs.

Memorial Service and burial will be held at a later date in New Jersey.

Donations may be made to Rock City Falls Volunteer Fire Department at 1119 Rock City Rd., Rock City Falls, NY 12863.

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

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Mary Margaret Colson Ballston Spa, NY- Mary Margaret Colson 72, died Saturday, March 24, 2012.

Mary was born March 13, 1940, in Bristol, Vemont. She was the daughter of the late Lyle and Margaret Irish Rockwood.

In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her husband, Archerball Colson, and sister, Waneta Mabb.

Mary was a member of the Providence Baptist Church, in

Galway.

She is survived by two brothers, Wilbur Rockwood and Norman Atherton; and two sisters, Charlene Biggie and Elaine Norton.

Memorial services under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care. Internment will be at Greenridge Cemetery.

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

George A. Morris SCHUYLERVILLE- A memorial service with full military honors will be held for George A. Morris at 2 p.m. Friday, April 20, 2012, at Saratoga National Cemetery in

Schuylerville.

Those wishing to attend should arrive early at the Information Center to be escorted to the committal shelter.

Mary Marino Saratoga Springs, NY - Mary Marino, 88, went peacefully to be with the Lord Saturday, April 14, 2012.

Born May 22, 1923, in Corinth, NY, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Jenny Capocci Marino.

She was predeceased by her lifelong partner, Raymond DeGrechie; her brother, Dr. Cecil J. Marino; and her sisters, Theresa Shippey and Josie Spinelli.

She is survived by her sister, Rose Marino Peck; niece, Jo-An

Simone; three nephews, David Spinelli, Anthony (Vicki May) Spinelli and John Marino; two great-nieces, Jenny (Paul Straney) Spinelli and Victoria Marino; and a great nephew, Haig Marino.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, April 18, 2012.

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

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

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

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

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Friday, April 20, 2012

Guardian House continued from Page 1 “I’m really amazed. I love Ballston Spa. It is the most giving town,” said Darcy, a current resident at the female veterans’ home.

Guardian House is a division of the Saratoga County Rural Preservation Company, which manages it. Located on Church Avenue in Ballston Spa, the 10-bed, shared-room transitional housing facility is dedicated to helping female veterans returning from active duty. The Guardian House is the first fully-operating house of its kind, and only one of two in New York State dedicated to women veterans.

Saturday’s project is the culmination of a long partnership between

Chip’s Landscaping owners, husband and wife Sue and Chip DuBois, and Saratoga Kohl’s manager, Suzanne Trudell, leading this project together as they have done for the past three years at other sites. Give-back projects are an annual contribution of Kohl’s Cares Associates in their Action National Go Green Event, combining Earth Day with national volunteer week. This year, other Kohl’s stores including Clifton Park, Colonie and Amsterdam are joining the Saratoga store in its efforts and adding their allotted $1,500 each of corporate contributions. Kohl’s and Chip’s Landscaping projects continue to grow every year, with Saturday’s project hosting 35 volunteers, including 20 from Kohl’s.

“Kohl’s is really excited for their third year in a row partnering with Chip’s Landscaping. It’s pretty incredible to be directly part of something that actually gives back to the community,” remarked Trudell.

When DuBois was contemplating her choice of project to lead this year, the idea of helping local veterans came to her immediately.

“In light of everything that is going on in our country and abroad, combined with the fact that my dad is a veteran, in my heart of hearts I knew I wanted to do something for veterans. But I also wanted to involve youths, so I had to rethink that and tie all of that in.”

She turned to the Girl Scouts, specifically high school junior and senior girls, who have committed their time and will be on hand the day of the build.

“That is our youth connection.

Also, our project happens to combine with the Girl Scouts’ 100th year anniversary, and their current commitment to “go green,” DuBois remarked.

The extensive sustainable project planned for Saturday is not your average flower bed. Chip’s is incorporating cutting edge sustainable technology, flowers and an edible garden.

The “build” is actually a three-day project. Sue and Chip will be on-site two days prior to the build day to accept deliveries and do work like pulling weeds and cutting out old plant material to prepare the site for volunteers.

“Our definition of sustainability is to have an outdoor environment produce more than it uses, combining plants, wild life, collected and reused rainwater. As opposed to an area that merely uses our resources this one will produce,” said DuBois.

Saturday’s project will incorporate Aquascape, an installed drip irrigation system, which is a water saving feature that DuBois was first introduced to at a past Hospice Community build project.

From then on she and Chip were hooked on the remarkable systems they saw, received their certifications through Aquascape to install RainXChange systems, and restructured their entire company around bringing these features to customers.

The systems harvest hundreds of gallons of water, and store it in filters underground, where it is filtered twice before used to water landscapes. Chip’s estimates 33,000 gallons of water per year can be accumulated from just the Guardian House’s back roof.

The water feature of the garden will be a very calming presence, and the ladies are excited about and looking forward to helping install Saturday. They have been saving a donated patio set and gazebo to set up after the garden is installed.

But DuBois won’t be finished there. She has planned follow-up activities for the near future including a youth planting day and workshops for veterans on how to keep the installed project going.

“That’s our commitment to the project after this one ‘day of build’ is over,” she said.

Some of the female veterans currently residing at Guardian House have children and grandchildren they will be reconnecting with and working side by side with their families come Saturday. Albany-Saratoga Submarine Veterans will also be helping out by welcoming everyone and providing refreshments.

“Veterans should know they have a place to turn here,” said Marge

TODAY

Brahm, administrative manager of Guardian House. Once a member of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), herself, Brahm understands the particular needs female veterans have.

“There are veterans who could be sleeping on a friend’s couch that would still be technically considered homeless. Veterans could be turned off by the idea of dormitory-style living, but here veterans all work together, make dinner every night and share chores,” she explained.

Darcy, a Granville native and resident here since January and also a former member of WAC, learned about the Guardian House through Veterans Affairs, whose members directed her there.

“There’s a small town atmosphere, but there’s also a lot to offer both in this town and the surrounding area.

Coming here is the best decision I’ve ever made. I love it because of the people and the programs we’re offered here,” she said.

The Guardian House provides combined resources in health, employment and creative expression all geared toward helping veterans back into mainstream society.

“The goal is to stay here temporarily. I’m really excited about my reeducation here. They really give you a good base. Everybody works together to make it a good place.

Different girls land here for different reasons; it’s a mix. I’m very thankful to be here. I still can’t get over the generosity,” said Darcy.

Maggie Kenworthy, another resident and manager of the house agreed. “I am so grateful for this community, the outpour of help and love is overwhelming. As a recovering alcoholic, the water feature (of the new garden) will be a wonderful place for me to meditate,” she said.

Many donations have come through countless organizations and sources, not only for the day of the build, but that actually made the home’s opening last year possible.

Besides Chip’s Landscaping and Kohl’s, 10 other local businesses participating asked to help in Saturday’s event including: Allerdice Party Rental; Kerl’s Electric; Dehn’s Flowers; Jerry and Lisa Burke, owners of local Dunkin’ Donuts franchises; Mulholland Enterprises; Steve Sullivan of Olde Bryan Inn and Longfellows Restaurants; Bacigalupo Trucking & Excavation; Atlantic Irrigation; and Aquascape.

If you’d like to make a contribution, Guardian House is presently in need of various gardening equipment including rakes, hoes, gardening gloves and other tools. Call Marge Brahm at (518) 885-0091, ext. 1080 to learn how you can help.

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TODAY

Friday, April 20, 2012

Date Set for Hearing on Charter Change

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – Commissioner of Accounts John Franck has scheduled a public hearing to be held prior to the May 1 City Council meeting, in an effort to place Saratoga Citizen’s proposed change to the city’s charter on the November ballot. The hearing is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. May 1 at the Saratoga Springs City Council chambers prior to their next meeting. The council may vote on the matter that evening, but will likely wait to hear various solicited legal opinions regarding the proposal’s validity after it was proposed two years ago.

The group had presented a petition to the city back in 2010 asking for the chance to allow voters to choose whether the city would remain in its current commission format or change to a council-manager form. The change would result in the hiring of a professionallytrained city manager, who would be put in charge of the city’s day-today operations.

The group’s petition was initially rejected back in 2010 when among other issues, it was indicated that a fiscal note was not included and

that a number of signatures were alleged to be unusable. Saratoga Citizen sued the city following the rejection, and won, which led the city to immediately appeal the decision. The appellate court upheld the decision in favor of Saratoga Citizen earlier this month.

Mayor Johnson expressed that he wasn’t sure if the petition could still be implemented since the documents were drafted back in 2010, and the dates outlined in the Saratoga Citizen proposal have all passed.

“The timeline for this has come and gone, and we have to address that as a city,” said Johnson.

Johnson will seek a legal opinion from the New York Conference of Mayors, an organization that’s maintained support for the commission throughout its legal battle against the petitions.

Saratoga Springs Housing Authority In other city council news, it was a busy night for Commissioner John Franck, as he also suggested that a corrective action be initiated regarding the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority (SSHA), which would contain the outlined steps required to once again be in accor-

America’s Greatest Main Streets

Photo by ©stockstudiosphotography.com

Travel + Leisure magazine honored Saratoga Springs as one of America’s Greatest Main Streets in the May 2012 edition.

dance with city law. The SSHA’s employees are required to have their salaries approved by the city council but stopped submitting for approval back in 2000.

This led to the discovery that the organization’s executive director Ed Spychalski’s salary had ballooned to over $150,000 annually, or double what he made when he took the job in 2007. A legal opinion sought by the city revealed there was little recourse should the SSHA fail to comply with the city’s requests. This was challenged recently as a letter sent by the Department of U.S. Housing and Development said that the city has “primary oversight responsibility” over the SSHA. Commissioner Franck expressed

his confidence that there was no way the council would have approved such a dramatic increase in salary, and proposed the SSHA bring their current salaries to the council for approval. Franck has also stated he would submit a request under the Freedom of Information act, asking for more information about the Housing Authority, as well as addressing his concerns with a nonprofit created by the SSHA called the Saratoga Affordable Housing Group.

Spychalski and Gerald Hawthorne have since left the affiliate group.

Commissioner orders another round of last call workshop Public

Safety

Commissioner

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Chris Mathiesen has scheduled another public hearing regarding the proposed change to the city’s last call hour for 6:15 p.m. May 1, prior to their city council meeting.

This is the second chance in a less than a month residents of Saratoga Springs will be allowed the chance to voice their opinions about whether bars and night clubs should be allowed to serve alcohol until the current time of 4 a.m. or have it rolled back to 3 a.m. or possibly earlier. Commissioner Franck had suggested Mathiesen wait until the State Liquor Authority would require the change to be countywide, or would only apply to the city. Franck attempted a similar measure in 2010, but was unsuccessful.

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SARATOGA

BUSINESS

Friday, April 20, 2012

Local Brothers’ New Business Delivers Fresh Organic Produce Right to Your Door

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS Brothers Kyle and Brandon Kommer are combining the public’s growing desire for fresh, organic and all-natural produce with the convenience of the Internet, delivering their goods right to your doorstep. Named in memory of their third brother, they call their new business Cody’s Fresh Foods.

“For a number of years, I’ve been interested in staying healthy,” said Brandon Kommer, co-founder of Cody’s Fresh Foods. “Talking with different people, we began to realize all the different things bigger companies put into food, like chemicals and pesticides. So we wanted to come up with a business that offers something that big corporate companies that mass produce their products don’t.”

Through the company’s website, www.codysfreshfoods.com, customers can sign up for weekly deliveries, which can include a box of all vegetables, all fruits, or a mixture of fruits and vegetables.

Customers can also add on other organic or all-natural products to their delivery, including fresh farm eggs, cheese, hummus, local breads and more.

Regardless of what you decide to sign up for, part of the fun with Cody’s Fresh Foods is that no two boxes are ever the same.

“Every week the boxes change,” said Kommer. “We’re trying to continuously change what we have to offer, and give our customers an opportunity to try different foods.

It’s a good way to try new products and expand your palate.”

The Kommer brothers of Cody’s Fresh Foods operate under a few guiding principles. First, they believe fresh produce is not a luxury but a right - and should be made available at a reasonable price.

They also promise produce that is only three or four days off the vine,

instead of the typical eight to 10 days at a typical supermarket.

Third, they believe in listening to their customers and will strive to accommodate tastes, dietary needs and produce requests based on customer feedback.

“Our main thing is that we’re 100 percent for the customers, so we like to hear what they have to say,” said Kommer. “If there are items you want to see more of, or less of, we like to hear that.”

To sign up for deliveries, visit www.codysfreshfoods.com, select your produce and type in your zip code. If your zip code isn’t currently listed, Kommer urges customers to contact them directly. Although they are based in Saratoga Springs, Cody’s Fresh Foods are serving customers as far north as Queensbury and Kingsbury and as south as Cohoes.

TODAY

Ballston Spa National Bank Receives Education & Business Partnership Award BALLSTON SPA - The Ballston Spa National Bank (BSNB) was awarded the Education and Business Partnership award from the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County for promoting educational excellence for students in grades K12 and for contributions to the quality of life in the Southern Saratoga County Region. The Ballston Spa Central School District and Mother Teresa Academy nominated the bank for the award, which was presented at the Chamber’s 45th Anniversary Awards Dinner.

“On behalf of everyone at BSNB, I would like to thank the Ballston Spa Central School District and Mother Teresa Academy for the generous comments in their nomination for this award,” said Christopher R. Dowd, president and chief executive officer. “We have been fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with both of these

schools in helping to develop the workforce of tomorrow. By working together, we are confident that we can continue to make a positive difference in the lives of those in our community.”

BSNB was nominated for the award because of their involvement with both schools, including supporting the Ballston Spa High School Robotics Team and for mentoring students in the Sponsor-AScholar program.

“BSNB has been a critical business partner in driving innovation and educational excellence for students in Saratoga County,” said Joseph P. Dragone, the superintendent of schools for the Ballston Spa Central School District. “At BSNB…they believe that through financial support and volunteer efforts, they can make a positive difference and help strengthen the local community.”

photo provided

Christopher R. Dowd, president and CEO of Ballston Spa National Bank, accepts the Education & Business Partnership Award from Fern Hurley, chair of the Chamber Education & Business Partnership Committee.

SARATOGA

TODAY

9

Friday, April 20, 2012

Complete Streets Policy Encourages Multi-Modal Transportation continued from Page 1 17 meeting. “This policy creates a framework for a culture change to take place in Saratoga.”

The Complete Streets policy would ask future building projects affecting roadways within the city of Saratoga Springs to consider accommodating as many modes of transportation as possible, from creating a dedicated bike lane to adding shared roadway signage, crosswalks, lane striping, sidewalks, bus pull outs and more. The policy hopes to foster a safe environment for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and public transit users alike.

The proposal builds upon a similar policy signed into statewide law in August 2011 by Governor Andrew Cuomo, which requires Complete Street design guidelines be considered for projects funded by state or federal dollars.

Alexandra-Young and other likeminded individuals are hoping to

“[Complete Streets] will help keep us competitive as a world class destination.”

Jim Letts CEO of Saratoga Regional YMCA

extend this policy to include privately funded projects as well.

“This does not require any roads to be dug up, and this should not stop any projects,” explained Alexandra-Young.

What the policy does ask, said Alexandra-Young, is that new projects consider accommodating multiple modes of transportation in their planning and design phase by using a Complete Streets Checklist.

“This [checklist] shall list Complete Streets’ basic practices that have been integrated into the project design and how user groups, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders are accommodated. It will also

list if any user groups were not accommodated and the reasons why,” reads the proposal.

Over 20 different civic groups, organizations and businesses assisted Shared Access Saratoga in drafting the Complete Streets policy, including the Saratoga Springs Police Department, Saratoga’s Pubic Safety and Engineering offices, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Special Assessment District, Bonacio Construction, Sustainable Saratoga, Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network, Saratoga Hosptial, AARP, Sustainable Skidmore, Capital District Transportation Authority, Cool Cities, Safe Routes to School, Elan Planning Design and Landscape Architecture, the TriState Transportation Campaign and more.

“The Complete Streets adoption will become part of who we are as a city,” said Jim Letts, CEO of the Saratoga Regional YMCA at the

Tuesday meeting. “It will help keep us competitive as a world class destination with other communities.”

Others, including Erin Mitchell, associate state director at AARP, voiced their support at the meeting.

“Complete Streets only enhances and encourages people to come and live, work and visit Saratoga Springs,” added Mitchell. “It will make the roadways and downtown a more attractive place to be.”

Other organizations, including Sustainable Skidmore and Sustainable Saratoga, laud the Complete Streets program for its positive effects on the environment.

“This proposed policy is on target with the city’s Climate Smart Community efforts for reducing emissions,” said Mayor Scott Johnson. “It also brings attention to our existing shared access opportunities downtown and outlines an approach for an improved, transparent process to promoting shared access citywide.”

While the proposal seemed to garner widespread support from those in attendance, including several City Council members (there were no voices of dissent), the policy will have to wait until next month’s meeting before it is officially voted on. If approved, a seven-member advisory committee will be created to review project proposals and zoning codes, as well as to assist builders in accommodating Complete Street guidelines and objectives.

“We believe the city will become nationally-known for cycling,” said Dan Lynch of the Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network. “[The policy] will help make the streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians, and the Saratoga Health Transportation network is all for this proposal.”

To view a full draft of the Complete Streets policy, visit www.saratoga-springs.org and click on “Draft Complete Streets Policy” on the upper right section of the page.

SARATOGA

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Friday, April 20, 2012

TODAY

Summer Camp Directory This Week’s Spotlight North Country Horses Horses, horses, horses!

That’s what you get at North Country Horses Summer Horsemanship Camp.

North Country Horses offers a full-day summer camp program for children ages 6-16. Pre and postcamp care is available for working parents to ensure that children are in a safe, fun-filled environment before and after the camp’s regular 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. hours.

From the first feeding in the morning until it’s time to go home in the afternoon, the focus is on horses. Campers will enjoy riding time, group and individual lessons, and many other horse related activities. They will be introduced to all aspects of horse care and handling.

Our 2012 camp dates are the weeks of July 16 -July 20, July 23 - July 27, July 30 - August 3, August 6 - August 10, and August 20 - August 24. Sign up early!

Spots are limited and filling quickly. More information is available by emailing NorthCountryHorse @Yahoo.com or calling Amanda at (518)-441-5959.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, April 20, 2012

EDUCATION

11

Greenfield To Say Goodbye to Wooden Playground The 25-year-old structure will be replaced by spring of 2013

by Christina James Saratoga TODAY GREENFIELD- 2011-2012 marks Greenfield Elementary School’s 50th school year, and to celebrate, principal Tina Davis has announced that the school is making what many community members feel is a bittersweet change.

“We explored our options and decided it was time to replace our current playground with one that still has a lot of charm, but has updated equipment and features that meet our students’ needs,” said Davis.

The current 25-year-old wooden structure is in remarkable shape for its age, but is not without its share of problems. Some of the more major issues began last fall, but since it was hand-built by the community, tearing it down has been put off as long as possible.

“Every year there’s an inspection,” said Davis. “Last fall, it was decided that the monkey bars over a wooden walkway would be taken out. The tires that make up the dragon’s body were removed… it was painful for the children to see pieces keep being taken away. It has come to the point where [the playground] looks much different than it did even five years ago - it loses one piece at a time, and the younger kids have nothing to do besides run around.”

To address the problem of the rapidly-shrinking playground, a shared decision-making team was created.

Consisting of three parents, three teachers and a representative sampling from the school community, the team met to explore the possible options for the replacement of the playground and the task of finding a builder the community could get behind.

Fundraising chair and shared decision-making team member Julie Getty spearheaded the playground vendor selection process.

“Julie went through and researched all the playgrounds she could find,” said Davis. “One of the ones we liked ended up being built

by our current playground’s original builders, Leathers & Associates.

They can make a very similar structure that the community designs, with improvements.”

Leathers & Associates oversees the technical aspects of the design, safety, accessibility and the construction of the playground, while utilizing community manpower and volunteers for the bulk of its funding and assembly.

“There are so many other working parts of this that will fall on the community’s shoulders,” said fundraising chair Julie Getty. “Not only the students, parents and teachers are concerned with this issue- people who use the playground, the Greenfield community, are passionate about it.”

The school is hoping to use this passion to rally the community behind their cause and take their $150,000 budget and turn it into a $400,000 playground. The community-based build will help Greenfield obtain a playground not otherwise possible without its support. The school is counting on local businesses’ donations and a volunteer workforce to make the new playground a

reality.

“Corporate sponsorship is how this is going to be built,” said Getty. “We have a projected build date of spring of next year. [We] have to build on the momentum, the excitement of this.”

On June 6, a birthday celebration and design day kick-off party will give local kids an opportunity to provide insight into how the playground should look and ignite some of that needed community excitement.

“Children in the community will have the chance to feel as if they’re inspiring the initial design,” said Davis. “[They’re] going to draw pictures of what they see as the very best playground and design it all together.”

At the end of the day’s festivities, a first-draft schematic incorporating some of the prominent themes from the children’s drawings will be revealed.

In the meantime, Greenfield Elementary is asking for any interested community members to get involved.

The school is in the process of establishing a playground committee

and needs volunteers to help with everything from providing food and child care during the build to securing funds and materials.

If you are interested in being on the committee or would just like

more information, visit the new playground’s website at www.greenfieldplayground.com or attend the first playground committee meeting April 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Greenfield Elementary.

12

SARATOGA

FOOD

Friday, April 20, 2012

A New Local Marinade that Makes Perfect Teriyaki

Suzanne Voigt Farmers’ Market I have just discovered my new favorite marinade sauce. Rick Green, of Ballston Lake Apiaries, has outdone himself with his new Saratoga Honey-Teriyaki Concentrate. Used as a marinade, the flavor is sweet, tangy, fresh and light. The taste of ginger comes through nicely and there is a mild garlic twist to it. Most of all, it is light in salt and absent of the bitter aftertaste that one sometimes gets with low-quality soy and teriyaki sauces. There is no one dominating flavor, just a beautiful blend of all

the ingredients: soy sauce, honey, wine vinegar, orange juice, sesame seeds, ginger and garlic. Rick has put together everything needed in wonderful proportions for a superb teriyaki marinade.

Since buying my first jar, I have tried it with great success on grilled shrimp, steak and vegetable stir-fry.

I suspect it will be just as delicious on chicken or salmon. I am dying to try it as a salad dressing (diluted with oil) over cabbage slaw when the summer crop arrives. Its uses seem endless. If you love teriyaki, you will love this stuff! Hurry to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market for your jar of Saratoga Honey-Teriyaki Concentrate, as supplies are limited.

Honey-Teriyaki Tenderloin Beef Kabobs Ingredients ¾ cup Saratoga Honey-Teriyaki Concentrate ½ cup sherry 3 tbsp. sake (optional, for those

who like a strong oriental flavor) 1 scallion, sliced (or 1 tsp. of minced onion) 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little “kick”) 1 ½ lbs. tenderloin tips or boneless strip steaks, cut into 1 to 2-inch cubes (Choose sustainably-raised localbeef from one of the three market meat vendors.)

Directions Place all ingredients, except beef, in a saucepan and heat through. Set aside to cool. Transfer to a mixing bowl; add the beef cubes, stirring to thoroughly coat beef. Marinate in the refrigerator for minimum of two hours, stirring a few times.

When desired marinating is completed, thread onto skewer, saving the marinade. (Using two parallel skewers instead of one prevents meat from spinning and cooking unevenly.)

Pour the marinade into saucepan and bring to boil and cook until reduced to a syrupy consistency.

Grill the kabobs over direct heat for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, brushing meat with the marinade glaze with each turn.

When done (don’t overcook or they will be tough), serve immediately. (I like to have the kabobs with sticky rice and a green vegetable of choice.)

TODAY

A Little Slice of Heaven!

John Reardon Compliments to the Chef Greetings my Foodie Friends!

Today we are taking on the pizza stone. A new favorite in our store is the Emile Henry pizza stone. When we head over to Kevin and Elizabeth Chimungbay’s house, we always wait patiently for Elizabeth’s great pizza made on the red Emile Henry pizza stone. Now, they have four kids, so you have to fight for your piece because as Kevin says: “You snooze; you lose.” Not to be outdone, my other friends Dave and Laurie Lowendehale, who also have four kids, got two stones, so there is a little less pushing and shoving. I bet you are asking yourself whose pizza is better, John? If I reveal that then I would be denied my

favorite food from one of my good friends, so I cannot eat pizza and tell. They are both great!

The pizza stone is made of all natural materials and is manufactured using Emile Henry's proprietary Flame technology. It can withstand high oven temperatures and its glaze is micro-crazed, which contributes to crispy, wellbaked crusts, just like a pizza oven.

The pizza stone is not recommended for use on the stovetop.

You can cut directly on the glazed pizza stone without damaging or scratching the surface, it’s easy to clean with soap and water, and is dishwasher safe.

It is designed for use in ovens (conventional and convection), grills (gas, charcoal and natural wood) and can also be used under the broiler. The pizza stone turns a grill into an outdoor pizza oven.

In summation, this fantastic kitchen necessity heats up in 15 minutes, cleans easily, is lightweight and made in France. It also comes in four colors: figue (purple), rouge (red), noir (black) and olive (green)! Are you craving a slice of heaven yet?

Remember my friends: “Life happens in the kitchen.”

Dave, Kevin, when are Paula and I invited over again?

Take care, John

SARATOGA

TODAY

15

Friday, April 20, 2012

Community Speaks Out In Support of Nursing Home Photo by Daniel Schechtman

continued from Page 1 2011 year-end figures are anticipated to show a record loss of $8.5 million dollars, according to a Times Union article last week.

Both Yepsen and Assemblyman Tony Jordan agree that the on going battle to control costs at Maplewood Manor is presently being lost, costs that place the future of the home in limbo status. The biggest area of concern for all officials is the issue of declining Medicaid reimbursements, which have decreased steadily from the state since 2000.

“Nursing homes are underwater already. Counties are faced with dilemmas. We need to make decisions,” said Jordan. “First, can these counties handle the costs of these homes? Secondly, what will the quality of care be if they do sell?

This is hard to measure in terms of cost. I’m fighting with the state to remove the cost of mandates when it is cheaper to run homes in other states,” said Jordan.

“The cost of doing business is up while Medicaid reimbursements are going down,” added Yepsen. “The county is asked to determine how to keep it open, how to keep costs down, and how to bring in revenue, but Maplewood Manor can’t provide services much longer at current costs,” she continued.

Other counties locally are facing the same struggles with their nursing homes.

“No wonder why county nursing homes are in this [condition],” said Yepsen. “The reason for the wave of county nursing homes facing closure is that the state continues to pass the burden of Medicaid costs to counties unlike all other states, besides California. There is only so much money available. We can’t afford raised taxes right now either.

There’s a defined pool of money to work with,” she added.

Solutions not only for Maplewood Manor, but for affordable elderly care and housing in general, are what citizens have been looking for and asking about.

Maplewood Manor is tightening its admission process to ensure that those being admitted do, in fact, qualify for Medicaid, in order for the facility to at least receive a partial reimbursement for the care they provide to residents. This is according to Diane Brown, administrator of Maplewood Manor.

“If people aren’t on Medicaid and can’t pay privately, it really costs us,” Brown explained.

But those who don’t qualify for Medicaid are left worried as well.

“My wife has been in several nursing homes. We weren’t accepted into one because we aren’t [eligible for] Medicaid. Now I’ll have to pay $45 per day for her care, this despite the fact that I have the best insurance (Blue Shield’s Senior Blue) available,” said one area resi-

dent at a Malta town meeting April 12.

Area officials are working to contrive solutions. The county has hired the law firm Harris Beach to assist in consulting and to review the home’s status comprehensively, using money ear-marked for these purposes. It will begin conducting an extensive analysis of the home’s exact running costs in order to determine what the specific complications are while offering

recommendations for change.

“It’s early. It’ll be interesting to see Harris Beach’s complete analysis,” Brown said. “We’re trying to come up with ways to bring in additional revenue. We’ve already analyzed our supply costs and they are low in relation to other homes. We are encouraging and looking at any and all ideas,” she explained.

Privitization is one option on the table proposed for the 277-bed Ballston Spa facility.

“Meaningful mandate relief is a critical component of the remaining session. We need it. This is a most important issue because problems come from [state] mandates,” said Jordan.

Many agree the decision that lies ahead is beyond difficult.

“My position is that the decision is a very local decision and issue.

Every county has commonality in that they are passionate about the residents of their county’s facility,” offered Jordan.

“The board will make the decision based on all the information that has been gathered. They have a very difficult decision to make because they have to consider not only the fiscal issues but the social issues regarding residents and concern for our employees, too,” said Brown. “It is concerning for everyone, especially employees if they like where they work.”

The facility maintains the equivalent of 315 mostly full-time employees, according to Brown.

“If something does happen in the remaining [legislative] session, it has to be immediate and significant.

Specific steps must be taken now,” urged Yepsen. “I know employees there feel weary about the future, I’m sure the residents do as well.

Taxpayers and county nursing homes are losing out,” she said.

SARATOGA

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Friday, April 20, 2012

TODAY

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, April 20, 2012

17

18

HELPING HANDS Springtime is Rebuilding Together Time

If it’s springtime, it’s time for hundreds of volunteers to assist their neighbors in need. Rebuilding Together Saratoga County is busy planning for National Rebuilding Day along with its other workdays and wants your support.

National Rebuilding Day is the annual signature event of Rebuilding Together, the leading national nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership by bringing volunteers and communities together to rehabilitate the homes of low-income homeowners. National Rebuilding Day is April 28 and is the day when affiliates from all parts of the country plan projects to celebrate the organization’s mission and to bring national attention to the plight of America’s low-income homeowners and the communities in which they live. National Rebuilding Day is the culmination of a year of planning, evaluating, training, organizing and mobilizing hundreds of thousands of community volunteers. It is embraced by community leaders and national corporate sponsors as a way of bringing immediate impact to America’s communities in a single day.

Locally, Rebuilding together Saratoga County will be working on 38 projects throughout the county this spring, which will include 32 homeowners, five community centers and one park. RTSC Executive Director Michelle Larkin expects 400-500 volunteers this spring. “It’s humbling to have so many volunteers come back for their ninth year in a row and help their neighbors in need, and they do it with a smile! This community is blessed to have so many willing to be involved.”

Locally, spring work dates are April 21, 22, 28, 29 or May 5, 6. You can call the office at (518) 587-3315 or email michelle@rtsaratoga.org with the day you’d like to help. If you are not handy with a hammer you can donate $25 via RTSC’s website to pay for a work crew lunch.

Autism Information Fair and Carnival Skidmore College Gymnasium, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs ASPIRe N.Y., inc., Skidmore College Psychology Department, The Parent Network of the Capital Region and Saratoga Bridges are happy to present the 1st Annual Autism Information Fair and Carnival April 29.

The event will take place from noon- 4 p.m.

The fair will have fun for the whole family; there will be a bounce house, arts and crafts, carnival games and a quiet area. Over 40 exhibitors will be in attendance, including camp, therapeutic and prekindergarten to college-level school programs, technological applications and more.

SARATOGA

Friday, April 20, 2012

TODAY

Spring Fundraising Walk for H.O.P.E.

Flower and Fruit Mission’s Spring Luncheon

Homes for Orphan Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.) is holding a tailwagging, fundraising walk Saturday, April 28. Registration is $20 and begins at 10 a.m. in Congress Park. All registered walkers receive a free tote-bag.

Do your homework-collect some pledges before you arrive.

Collect $50 in pledges and receive a free T-shirt; collect $100 and get a sweatshirt.

Refreshments will be served and a free professional photo of you and your pet will be taken!

Great prizes for most pledges, best wagging tail, friendliest dog, pet/owner looka-like, best smile and best dressed dog will be awarded.

The walk begins at 11 a.m. rain or shine, and you do not need a dog to participate. To download a pledge form, visit www.hopeanimalrescue.com.

All money raised helps H.O.P.E. rescue more animals facing euthanasia and funds their vital spay/neuter programs.

108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs The Flower and Fruit Mission of Saratoga Hospital will be hosting their annual Spring Luncheon Tuesday, May 15 at the Hall of Springs.

This year’s theme is "The Madhatter Spring Luncheon" and guests are encouraged to wear their favorite hats. Social hour begins at 11:30 a.m., with time to mingle and enjoy the display of silent auction and raffle items, followed by a seated lunch catered by Glen Sanders Mansion.

Tickets are $50 and reservations may be made by contacting Heather Mabee at (518) 225-2216 prior to May 5.

Community Coffee Saratoga Coffee Traders is selling “The Giving Bean,” an organic, fair trade coffee that can be purchased at the store by the bag, with part of the proceeds going to the Franklin Community Center! Stop by Saratoga Coffee Traders and pick up a morning perk-up and help the center.

Pictured are the event coordinators from left to right: Julie Johnson, Patti O'Toole and Michele Funiciello.

Luminaries for Relay for Life At the June 8-9 Relay for Life in Saratoga, decorated luminary bags bought in memory of a loved one or in honor of a loved one who has survived cancer will line the track through the night for the walkers.

These special bags are available for only a $5 donation to the American Cancer Society and can be bought at the Elks monthly flea market/garage sale this Sunday, April 22, 2012, from 11-3:30 p.m. at the Relay for Life table. Admission to the market is free and every dollar raised helps find a cure. For more information, call Debbie at (518) 885-6506.

American Legion Donny Elvis Concert American Legion, Clancy St., Schuylerville On Saturday, April 21, at 7 p.m., a two-hour Donny Elvis concert, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court 396, will take place. Tickets are $15 per person. Doors open at 5 p.m. Door prizes and a 50/50 drawing will be held. Sale of beverages and snacks will benefit the American Legion. For more information, call Marie Foster at (518) 695-5609.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, April 20, 2012

Sudoku

PUZZLES PUZZLES PUZZLES

19 Your children need your presence more than your presents.

Jessie Louis Jackson

Words to know: quantum - n, A specified amount.

Crossword

See puzzle solution on page 29

Scrabblegram

Movie Review Mirror Mirror

See puzzle solution on page 29

ACROSS 1 Hidden drawback 6 “Hold your horses!”

10 Clean, as erasers 14 Like Cirque du Soleil performers 15 Takes outside 16 First name in country 17 Starting pitcher?

19 “__ Almighty”: Steve Carell sequel 20 Clothes line 21 CIO partner 22 Antioxidant-rich veggies 23 Strike zone?

27 __ Schwarz 30 Wahine’s strings 31 Ballot abbr.

32 Dispense in shares 34 Like some brides 39 Short stop?

42 Line through the middle 43 Matter makers 44 NL East city, on scoreboards 45 New Deal fig.

47 Eastern theater genre 48 Left field?

54 Crammer’s concerns 55 Over there, quaintly 56 Chianti, in Chianti 60 Year in Trajan’s reign?

61 Batter?

64 Go off 65 Fanny __ 66 Worth of the theater 67 CNBC topic 68 Easter celebration 69 When brunch may begin DOWN 1 Musical with Mungojerrie 2 Flu symptom 3 “Bossypants” writer Fey 4 Move up 5 Mother __ 6 Shilly-shally 7 Garlicky mayo 8 Like the vb. “go,” e.g.

9 Cluck of reproach 10 Fish hamper 11 Rank

Imagine the oldest fairy tale there is. Have you got it? No, not that one. Have you got it now? Yeah, that’s it. Now ask yourself if it can be made into a movie, again? The brain trust at Relativity Media asked themselves that question and came back with a resounding yes.

Snow White (played by Lily Collins) is the only child of a benevolent king, referred to only as the King (played by Sean Bean) and his late wife who, except for the detail that she died while giving birth to Snow (Collins), is not referred to at all. The King was raising Snow so that she might one day rule over the kingdom, but he was consumed by a beast known to inhabit the woods long before that could happen. With the King gone and Snow not yet ready to take the throne, the duty passed to his wife Clementianna (played by Julia Roberts).

With her husband gone, Snow is the only threat to the Queen’s rule, so she keeps her confined to the castle. When speaking to Snow, she claims it’s for safety reasons, but when her subjects inquire about the matter, she makes it appear as though the princess they’ve never seen is in a fragile state as a result of either physical or mental illness. All the while, her excesses have caused a once happy, wealthy kingdom to turn into a fiefdom in dire financial straits populated by overtaxed miserable subjects. Her closest advisor, Brighton (played as an obsequious toady by the talented Nathan Lane), informs her that her best hope is to marry a Baron who has made numerous overtures in the past. But while the Baron possesses the wealth she desires, he is older and not particularly attractive. Then, as luck and uncreative storytelling would have it, a Prince from a wealthy, faraway kingdom (played by Armie Hammer) is robbed, bound and gagged by bandits inhabiting the woods, freed by Snow White, who has left the castle without the Queen’s permission, and

At The Movies With Trey Roohan

Gasoline Alley

See puzzle solutions on page 29

12 Peter out 13 Cultivated violet 18 Goggle 22 Getting up on the wrong side of bed, say 24 Lasts longer than 25 Lake Nasser feeder 26 Migratory antelopes 27 Saudi royal name 28 Et __: and others 29 Gold medalist Korbut 33 Omega, to a physicist 34 “I’m c-c-cold!”

35 Noodle topper?

36 Monopoly token 37 Sought-after clownfish 38 Nasty cut

40 “__ girl!”

41 Use one’s outside voice 45 Rushes (to) 46 Delany of “China Beach” 48 Get the hang of 49 “Negatory!”

50 Premarital posting 51 Hog the spotlight 52 Does a film editing job 53 Six-time U.S. Open winner 57 “How __ Your Mother”: CBS sitcom 58 Half a round 59 The yoke’s on them 61 EPA meas.

62 Top bond rating 63 Optima maker

then brought to the castle by the royal guard so that she might offer an apology and, of course, the King’s vacant seat in the throne.

Now, of course, there have been numerous successful films based on fairy tales. Tangled (based on Rapunzel), Beauty and the Beast, and the original Disney version of Cinderella in a film simply titled Cinderella. While the two older films may not have the same appeal with the youth audience that Tangled does, they have greater appeal with older audiences, not just because of nostalgia, but because they are quality films. So, if you’re a parent and your children have been begging you to take them to this film, make whatever effort you can to convince them to watch the older classic film or the more recent Disney features based on other fairy tales. This one just doesn’t hold up. (5.6/10) For comments and questions, contact me at movies@roohanrealty.com .

Broom Hilda

Animal Crackers

22

SARATOGA

PULSE

‘See the Future’ at Caffè Lena SARATOGA SPRINGS Come see both Pesky J. Nixon and Spuyten Duyvil at Caffè Lena Saturday, April 21 - two of the country’s hottest folk acts playing together at the venue’s “See the Future! Saturday Night Sampler” show.

Pictured right: Spuyten Duyvil

Friday, April 20, 2012

TODAY

Local Gigs Week of 4/20-4/26:

Send listings to entertainment@saratogapublishing.com

Friday, 4.20:

•Hot Cousin, 9:30 pm

•Blue Angel, 9 pm

•Vivid, 10:30 pm

@ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759

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

•The Schmooze, 9 pm @ bentley’s - 899.4300

•Del Rey, 8 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

•Mikki Bakken, 9 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•Rich Ortiz, 8:30 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

•Forgetting Mikey, 6 pm •Funk Evolution, 10:30 pm @ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

•John Eisenhart, 9 pm @ the mill - 899.5253

•Black Abbey, 9 pm @ the parting glass - 583.1916

•Just Nate, 6:30 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

•Ryan Montbleau Band, 9 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

•2096, 9 pm @ van dyck - 348.7999

•New York Players, 8 pm @ vapor - 581.5772

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

@ irish times - 583.0003 @ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

•Kevin & Kate McKrell, 8 pm @ the local - 587.7256

•Hair of the Dog, 8 pm @ the parting glass - 583.1916

•George Giroux, 6:30 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

•Banooba w/High Peaks Band, 9 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

•DVDJ's Fashion & Fame, 9 pm @ vapor - 581.5772

•Blues Noir, 9 pm @ wallabee’s jazz bar - 792.8282

Sunday, 4.22: •Billy Jonas, 3 pm •Kim Richey, 7 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

Thursday, 4.26: •Becky Walton & Mike Steiner, 9 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•Jeff Walton, 6 pm @ horseshoe inn - 587.4909

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

•Soul Session Duo, 6:30 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

Saturday, 4.21:

•Buzzard, Sime Geezus, Cryptic, 9 pm

•Marcus Benoit Band, 9 pm

•Tim Pohl, 9 pm

@ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759

@ putnam den - 584.8066 @ wallabee’s jazz bar - 792.8282

•Joe and Travis, 9 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

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

•King’s English @ bullpen - 583.9400

•Pesky J. Nixon & Spuyten Duyvil, 8 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

•Acoustic Circus, 9 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

Open Mics: •Tue. w/Rick Bolton, 8 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

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

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

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

PULSE

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, April 20, 2012

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Spirit of Preservation Award Recipients Honored for Making and Protecting Saratoga Springs History at 10th Annual Gala SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is honoring Barbara Glaser, Randy Martin and Nick Palmetto Friday, May 11, for their unique contributions to the preservation and rehabilitation of Saratoga Springs at the 10th annual Spirit of Preservation Celebration.

The Saratoga Automobile Museum will set the stage for the 10th Annual Spirit of Preservation Celebration beginning the 11th at 6 p.m. The Spirit of Preservation Awards honors individuals who, through their vision and dedication, fostered historic preservation in Saratoga Springs and contributed to the overall quality of life. Tickets to the 2012 10th Annual Spirit of Preservation Celebration at the

Saratoga Automobile Museum are now available. Tickets are $55 for foundation members/$65 non-members or $40 for those 40 years or under. Call (518) 5875030 to reserve your ticket today, or purchase your ticket at the foundation’s online store at www.saratogapreservation.org.

The evening will feature a cocktail party against the backdrop of the current exhibition at the Automobile Museum, Porsche: 60 Years of Speed and Style in North America, as well as the catering of Kim Kloptock’s The Lily & The Rose. The celebration will also include an awards ceremony for the honorees, presented by speakers Linda Toohey and Joseph Dalton, Jr. This year, Barbara Glaser will

be recognized not only for her adaptive reuse of the chapel, now Spring Street Gallery and School No. 4, home to the Foundation and many other nonprofits, but also for her commitment to retaining a vibrant downtown and preserving open space in Saratoga Springs. Barbara is a founding member of the Open Space Project, now known as Saratoga PLAN, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the "city in the country” through protecting historic, natural and rural spaces as well as landmarks. Open Space Project became a voice for “smart growth,” and an effective advocate for preserving the quality of life of Saratoga.

Nick Palmetto and Randy Martin will be honored for their

FIRST ANNUAL PARROT HEAD FESTIVAL COMES TO SARATOGA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY B A L L S T O N S PA / M A R GARITAVILLAGE - Do you like Pina Coladas? How about getting caught in the rain? If yes, then lucky residents can begin planning their escape to Margaritavillage June 22-23, when Ballston Spa and the Saratoga County Fairgrounds will host the first annual Parrot Head Festival in honor of the one, and only, Jimmy Buffet.

Marking the official start of

summer in the Capital Region, the Parrot Head Festival will feature a few of the best Jimmy Buffet tribute acts in the nation, including the Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band. Other musical acts, including local band Robonic, the John Frinzi and John Patti Duo, Changes in Latitudes and more will take the stage as the day unfolds.

If you like the taste of champagne, or other adult beverages for that matter, multiple vendors will be on hand to help quench your thirst.

But the Parrot Head Festival isn’t exclusive to adults. The entire family is invited to Margaritavillage (Ballston Spa’s version of Margaritaville), which will have a dedicated kids section featuring live pig races, games, rides, inflatable bounce houses and more.

The Saratoga Fairground isn’t the only place to celebrate all things Buffet. All of Ballston Spa is getting in on the action, including mini golf at Mill Creek Mini Golf, great food and drink specials at the D Line Pub, the island themed Loca Luna with food, drink and Buffet videos and much more. Vote for the best cheeseburger and margarita at the D Line Pub, Loca Luna, Sunset Cafe, Factory Eatery and Spirits, the Brickyard and other participating establishments.

Tickets for the festival are on sale now, and can be purchased by visiting www.parrotheadfestival.com, where you can also view a complete listing of events, schedules and vendors.

30-year business partnership, which allowed them to purchase and restore many buildings in the heart of Saratoga Springs. By taking on less high profile projects, but still rather important ones, Nick and Randy contributed to retaining the overall historic fabric of downtown Saratoga Springs. Amongst their larger projects are: the stabilization and restoration of the Community Theater Building on

Broadway, a building on the National Register of Historic Places; the adaptive reuse of the Blackmer & Son Building, now home to the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation; and giving The Children’s Museum at Saratoga Springs its first home in their Downtown Marketplace Building in 1993.

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TODAY

SaratogaArtsFest Prelude to give Sneak Peak of Summer Festival

Local Jeweler Jimmy Butts to Compete in Nationwide Challenge

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS Local jeweler Jimmy Butts is headed to Chicago this weekend to compete in the nationwide Bench Pressure Challenge, part of the annual SMART Show that pits the best jewelers from across the country in a series of head-to-head time trials. Butts, an employee at N. Fox Jewelers, was selected as one of only four finalists to compete in the challenge, which will be streamed online with links that can be found at www.smartjewelryshow.com/c ontests/bench-challenge.

Butts and the three other finalists will be given a series of challenges, including carving a wax model ring with an

estate feel; setting stones in a palladium and platinum ring, and hand-engraving another ring on the last day. Each challenge will be given a time limit of only two and a half hours and will be judged based on the portion completed.

“Judging by what I’ve seen so far [of the competition], I’m the only one that actually makes jewelry by hand,” said Butts, who will be making his first appearance at the challenge. “A few of the other guys, what they do is they render the model in CAD Cam, and then they have the machine cut the wax for them. I don’t use CAD Cam at all - I hand fabricate everything.”

For Butts, who has over 25 years of experience as a custom goldsmith, the biggest challenge before him will be working within the set time limit.

“Two and a half hours per project is really nothing,” said Butts. “It takes a minimum of five to eight hours to make anything like what they’re talking about that’s worth anything.”

Still, Butts will be up for the challenge. After all, a former world champion archer, Butts is no stranger to competing.

“I shoot competitive archery, so I love competition of any kind,” said Butts. “Any type of competition - it doesn’t matter. I just love the rush.”

Awards will be presented for each of the sub-challenges, with an overall winner being picked at the conclusion of the event on Monday.

“I’m looking forward to it, absolutely,” said Butts. “I’ve been in the business for a while, but I’ve never been to one of these larger shows.

And I love to travel,” he added, “as long as you’re paying for it.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS The annual SaratogaArtsFest invites the public to celebrate and support the arts by attending this year’s Prelude event, “Tapas on the Terrace,” Thursday, April 26, from 6-10 p.m. at Saratoga National Golf Club.

The Prelude will feature a preview of ArtsFest talent with a chamber music performance

by Duo Sonidos, a striking duo of guitar and violin that will return to perform at SaratogaArtsFest in June. The evening will also offer Spanish delicacies such tapas, paella, and sangria, as well as a silent auction that highlights the talent of local artists and businesses.

The cost of a standard ticket to the event is $150, while a “junior” admission (age 35 and under) is available for $75.

Tickets include admission to the Duo Sonidos performance and an ARTSPASS admission package for the SaratogaArtsFest.

The funds raised through Prelude directly support the many arts partners that make SaratogaArtsFest possible and will help to keep the arts accessible for everyone in the community.

“Art enriches and enlivens our lives in so many ways. The funds raised through Prelude help to strengthen the vibrant array of programs offered by our arts partner organizations,” said Mary Ellen O’Loughlin,

executive director of the ArtsFest.

Added O’Loughlin, “In addition to attending the event, arts enthusiasts can support SaratogaArtsFest on a number of levels.”

For more information on ways to support the festival, visit www.SaratogaArtsFest.org/su pport.

The sixth annual SaratogaArtsFest, June 7-10, will offer a wide variety of arts experiences, including music, dance, visual art, film, theater and literary art. A $35 adult ARTSPASS provides admission to most events and cultural activities during the multifaceted arts showcase.

The pass also provides discounts at Saratoga Springs restaurants and shops during the festival, and benefits yearround at area arts organizations. Youth passes, for access to most festival events, are available for $5.

The mission of SaratogaArtsFest is to promote Saratoga Springs as a premier arts destination. The festival is made possible by an alliance of community partners committed to increasing appreciation and enjoyment of the arts, expanding the arts audience, and strengthening year-round cultural tourism in the Saratoga region.

For more information, email prelude@saratogaartsfest.org or call (518) 580-8010.

photo provided

Duo Sonidos will entertain guests at the SaratogaArtsFest Prelude celebration.

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Friday, April 20, 2012

United Methodist Church Hosts International Organ and Flute Ensemble SARATOGA SPRINGS The organ and flute ensemble Due Solisti will perform a diverse musical program at Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church Friday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m. The program will include a variety of short works, from Richter and J.S. Bach to contemporary composers, with some selections featuring the duo and others highlighting the instruments in solo form.

Due Solisti brings together the considerable talents of Zofie Vokálková, flutist with the Czech Chamber Philharmonic and a faculty member at the Prague Conservatory, and Kathleen Scheide, organist of All Hallows Church, Wyncote, Pa, and a member of the harpsichord faculty at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N.J. Vokálková is a graduate of the Prague Conservatory, where she earned first prize honors. Dr. Scheide holds degrees from the New England

Conservatory and the University of Southern California. Both musicians have played extensively in Europe, Asia and the United States and have made several recordings.

In Saratoga Springs, Ms. Scheide will play the church’s exceptional Frobenius tracker organ, built in Denmark and installed at the church in 1996.

The two concerts of the Frobenius Series each year have been attracting a growing audience, reflecting both the highcaliber musicians who perform as well as the welcoming and relaxing setting of this contemporary church. A favorite tradition of these concerts is the friendly question-and-answer session with musicians during intermission.

The handicap-accessible church is located off the Northway Exit 14 at 175 Fifth Avenue (corner of Henning Road, across from BOCES).

While there is no admission charge for the event, a free-will donation is encouraged.

photo provided

Due Solisti, featuring Kathleen Scheide (left) and Zofie Vokálková (right), will perform at the United Methodist Church April 27.

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Ballston Spa Troupe Presents Cabaret Evening of ‘Just Desserts’ BALLSTON SPA - Ballston Spa High School’s Theatre club – also known as “Troupe,” will continue a tradition started two years ago this Friday night when it presents its annual cabaret, “Just Desserts.”

With a wealth of talent developed in the very popular choir, theater and acting classes, Ballston Spa needed an additional opportunity for performers to grow, and thus the cabaret was born. This year, Troupe produced two fully staged musicals (“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie”) and will wrap up the season with this showcase of its singer/actors. Allowing budding stars to get their moment in the spotlight, this year’s show will feature new faces alongside more experienced cast members.

“Just Desserts” is a cabaret-style performance, with an emphasis on song interpretation delivered by solo singers, small groups and an opening ensemble. The show will feature numbers from contemporary musicals and new composers in addition to more familiar songs.

Ballston Spa High School teacher Laurie Larson is in a unique position to direct this production. In addition to being the choral director for the school and teaching theater and acting classes, she is an experienced performer herself. She continues to be seen on local stages, has

photo provided

Julianne DeGuardi takes the stage during last year’s cabaret performance at Ballston Spa High School. appeared in cabaret performances in New York City, and has implemented many new performing opportunities for students at Ballston Spa, earning her the district’s Extra Mile Award. This year, Larson was cast for “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”

But at the heart of it all, she wants the students to experience the magic of touching people through song.

“Just Desserts” will be presented in the high school auditorium at 220 Ballston Avenue, Friday, April 20 at

7:30 p.m. The cost for admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Patrons will be able to purchase fine desserts at a cost of $4 to additionally support the fundraising efforts. All proceeds from the performance will support Troupe.

For more information, contact Michaela Wilson at (518) 495-7081 or email her at mchaelamom@aol.com.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, April 20, 2012

classified TODAY’s

M A R K E T P L A C E

Call (518) 581-2480 x 204 Publication day Friday

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Ad Copy Due Wednesday 12:00 p.m.

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CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866)296-7093

LOST & FOUND Tool Box found in Saratoga Springs.

Route 29 & Stafford Bridge Rd. Please call to identify 587-5550

MERCHANDISE

Business Service Directory cleaning

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Free estimates fully insured/ ref. Evenings & weekend schedules avail.

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CLASSIFIED

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Located on a desirable, quiet East side street that is convenient to town, East Side Rec, the Wilton Mall and the Northway. Fantastic 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bath raised ranch offers spacious rooms, gorgeous hardwoods, breakfast bar and neutral paint. Walk in closet in master bedroom could be converted to a full bath to create a master suite if desired. Taxes reflect Sr. Star exemption.

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Hardwood floors, corian kitchen counters, skylight, open floor plan, 3 bdrms, 2.5 baths, first fl laundry room, large tiered deck, wooded backyard, 2 story foyer, 2 car garage.

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REAL ESTATE

SARATOGA

TODAY

Friday, April 20, 2012

SPORTS

29

Community Sports Bulletin THE SARATOGA SPRINGS HORSE SHOW IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

The Saratoga Springs Horse Show is almost here, but they’re still looking for volunteers to help make it a success. Formerly known as the Saint Clement’s Horse Show, the two-week event has brought some of the world’s best riders to Saratoga Springs to compete for the last 52 years. The first week runs May 2-6, while the second leg runs May 9-13. Each week culminates with a $25,000 Grand Prix event.

The show is hopeful that with your help, they can continue to bring this event to the Saratoga Springs area for another 52 years. All types of volunteers are needed from food service to cleaning - even set up and break down of the festival, in two to fourhour shifts. For more information about volunteering, or to sign up to help with the show, visit www.saratogaspringshorseshow.com.

Barra wins Liberty League Rookie of the Week Honors

Photo provided

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

Skidmore College freshman Nick Barra has been named the Liberty League Baseball Rookie of the Week after his performance during a 4-1 week for the Thoroughbreds.

Barra, who hails from Pittsford, New York, moved into the starting lineup and keyed the 4-1 week, going 8-for-20 (.400) with nine RBI, six runs scored and two stolen bases.

Puzzle Solutions from p.19

Core Fitness Grand Opening Event This Weekend Looking to get fit in time for bathing suit season? Well you’re in luck, as Core Fitness will be opening its new location this coming April 21 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The grand opening event gets started with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:15 a.m. Drop by and meet the staff, who will be on hand to answer any questions. New class demonstrations will also be taking place to help you decide which program is right for you. Sign up for a class and receive a free giveaway courtesy of Core Fitness. The new location can be found at 68 West Avenue in Saratoga Springs. For more information, call Core Fitness at (518) 583-3488 or visit them online at www.saratogacorefitness.com.

May Day Soccer Classic at Gavin Park Kick off your spring with the annual May Day Soccer Classic at Gavin Park in Saratoga Springs Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29. Come out and cheer for over 100 of the top boys and girls soccer club teams from the New York Capital District, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Vermont as they compete during the two-day event.

Catch a game or two, or just come out to enjoy the park. Admission is free. So make plans for a fun-filled day of exciting soccer! If you have any questions, contact the tournament director, Christina Slade, at (518) 727-4388.

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Friday, April 20, 2012

Sharing Stories from the Sandlot

Damian Fantauzzi How many times have we asked ourselves "what if”? It’s likely too numerous to count but maybe it's time to accept that when we make a decision, we need to make it work for ourselves and those who might be affected by the choice we make. My lead is about the many stories that you might hear from former high school or collegiate athletes who always say that if this happened instead of that, I would or would not be doing this.

What do I mean? Take myself for example: if I was 6’ 8”, I would have played in the NBA. Since I'm 6' 1", this particular "what if" never happened. There are no stories about how good I would have been, because I was as good as I was, and that's the end of my trip to find the ring! Not everyone who plays basket-

ball is 6'8" and of course, none of us are as good as Michael Jordan or LeBron James. Most all the high school athletes or "superstars" should be happy with the fun they had, the run they experienced and their success as a high school player, whether it was JV or varsity.

Maybe even the success that comes from levels like little league baseball, Pop Warner football, biddy/CYO basketball and youth hockey should be theirs. The memories will live in the hearts and minds, hopefully with the fondness that is meant to be!

I can remember when I was in junior high and high school when some of my buddies and I would get together and play those really fun games in someone's driveway or at the local park. In the driveway, we would have 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 basketball games, and, if there was a bunch of us, we would have three or four teams rotating at once. At the end of a Saturday afternoon, with the playing time of maybe three to four hours, we had had a heck of a good time. There were no coaches, no interviews with the sportswriters and there weren't many fans to cheer us on. In the fall, if we had enough people to play, we arranged to meet at the park to play tackle football.

Oddly enough, without the equipment of today's players nobody ever got hurt, but that's not to say that we weren't sore afterward!

In the spring, we’d play baseball. Sometimes we would only have 10 players (five on a team) but we had different rules such as opposite field hits were outs and a hit back to the pitcher, with a man on base was an automatic double play.

Depending on circumstances we would sometimes make the rules up as play progressed!

Monday in school there wasn't any fanfare about our weekend games. What happened on Mondays and during the course of the week was the planning of next weekend's games. Teams weren't chosen beforehand because it was the best way to make fair teams! Sometimes, someone would come late and it was worked out among the group where that person would fit, to keep the teams competitive.

Eventually, some of us kids became star athletes for our school and a few even went on to play at the collegiate level.

For the most part, there weren't a lot of stories of "what if" because we had memories of the fun we had playing together in our sandlot games. It was good clean fun. Some of my friends did not go on to achieve greater athletic fame, but what they experienced was the same euphoria of participation and gratification of having played whatever sport we were all involved in.

There is no story to tell or "wannabe" tales about the "what ifs" that can be fabricated by anyone. It was the experience of playing and it was

just plain fun. There is no one to impress and there isn't anyone who actually wants to hear "war stories" about how good you could have been or in actuality, wished you were! There is nothing to be proven; you are who you are and you may not have been as good as others who you chummed around with in your youth. That doesn't make you a lesser person.

Does it really matter how good you thought you should have been or wished you were? What really matters is that you played and had fun while doing it, no matter what level of team or backyard player you were! Why does it have to be a pity party? Things can happen in sports where there is no control of what might happen, like injuries.

What really matters in the sports you played, is having the experience. There is no need to tell stories to friends, relatives or people you barely know of how good you could have been, if this hadn't occurred or that had happened! I would have been a star in the fantasy world of "what if" athletics. An adult question is to ask yourself is: “When I was younger, was it fun to play sports, and is there is nothing but fond memories from that experience?" The gratification of playing with old friends is all one needs to remember. I know in my experiences with all of the sandlot sports and games that I played before I graduated into more organized athletics, the process was worth everything to me.

It was the achievement from playing and later the involvement of being on the team that still lives for me. What if I was 6' 8"? What if I could have Jerry West teach me?

Alas, I wasn't and he didn't, but I still had fun playing my favorite games! Forget being an all-star. The best award that I ever won was, "AllBackyard.” Which leads me to this: What if... I had a 3foot high trophy for my bedroom?

TODAY

Athletes from the Jason Morris Judo Center preparing for U.S. Nationals Eleven athletes from the Jason Morris Judo Center (JMJC) in Glenville will head down to Irving, Texas, to compete at the U.S. Senior National Judo Championships being held April 21-22 at the Irving Convention Center. Leading the way will be JMJC's Nick Kossor, 26, and Natalie Lafon, 31, who will be looking for their third national titles, respectively. A Burnt Hills High graduate, Kossor missed the event last year due to an injury, but took the 60-kilogram title in 2008 and 2010.

Lafon will be defending the 52-kilogram title she won last year. She also was the 48-kilogram champion in 2008. Burnt Hills High Graduate, Hannah Martin, 23, will be looking for her first national title, having taken two silvers (2007, 2009) and two bronzes (2008, 2010). Brad Bolen, 23, will be going in as the number-one seed and will be seeking his first 66-kilogram national title, having taken a silver in 2011 and bronze in 2009. This will serve as a warm-up for Bolen as the following week he will join JMJC teammates Nick Delpopolo, 23, and Kyle Vashkulat, 21, at the Pan Am Championships in Montreal, Quebec.

Bolen and Vashkulat are in a position to qualify for the London Olympics this summer with a good performance. Delpopolo will have a fight-off with Mike Eldred on May 12 in Miami to earn a spot on the United States Olympic team. Cammi Kaichi, 24, was a 52-kilogram bronze medalist last year and will challenge her JMJC teammate Lafon for the title.

Also competing for the JMJC will be Tony Sangimino, 21, who will be seeded number-four at 81-kilogram and Dave Harris, 26, who is seeded number-11 at 73-kilograms. Brice Rudat, 23, will be unseeded at his second trip to nationals at 90-kilograms. Burnt Hills Junior, Jack Hatton, 16, and Joe Martinez, 19, will be competing at their first Nationals.

photo by Lou DiGesare

Hannah Martin

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TODAY

Friday, April 20, 2012

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Rodriguez’s Complete Game Fuels Black Horses The senior’s impressive one-hitter was enough to defeat the visiting Greenwich Witches in a Wasaren League matchup.

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY SCHUYLERVILLE – The Schuylerville Black Horses varsity baseball team needed a big game from starting pitcher Ray Rodriguez against the visiting Greenwich Witches, who entered the game batting .330 as a team on the season. Rodriguez responded like a true ace, tossing a complete game one-hitter with five strikeouts to lead Schuylerville to the 2-1 victory. Rodriguez delivered at the plate as well, getting the rally started in the sixth inning with a one-out single and scoring the tying run.

This would lead to Austin Cook providing the pinch-hit two-out RBI single to put the Black Horses up for the rest of the day.

For the statistics junkies out there, Greenwich’s .460 on-base percentage shows their hitters were not only making contact this season, but remaining patient at the plate and drawing walks.

Greenwich would only manage three walks against Rodriguez, who didn’t allow many balls to leave the infield on the afternoon.

His Greenwich counterpart was starting pitcher Jason Flynn who threw five scoreless innings before the two-run sixth inning. He was tagged with the loss, scattering seven hits while striking out three in six innings of work.

The game started promising enough for Schuylerville, as

sophomore Patrick Castle would double to left field, followed by a Rodriguez single in the bottom of the first inning. Flynn would work himself out of the jam, and did not allow a run to score.

Schuylerville‘s Austin Anderson and Castle would pull off an impressive play to run down Greenwich’s John Barnes attempting to score after tagging up at third. Barnes had reached base on the only base hit allowed by Rodriguez. The Witches’ lone run came as a result of two of Rodriguez’s walks, with Tony Giroux sacrificing to take a 1-0 lead.

This was the first win for Schuylerville this season, having dropped both previous games they’d played. All three games were against Wasaren League opponents. On the other side, this was Greenwich’s first loss of the season, falling to 6-1 overall, with a 2-1 record in Wasaren League play.

Schuylerville will prepare for the upcoming Gloversville Baseball Tournament, hosted by Gloversville High School. The Black Horses take on the host Huskies at 10 a.m. on April 21.

Fonda-Fultonville will host Broadalbin-Perth also at 10 a.m. at Fonda-Fultonville High School.

The losers of the respective games will play at 1 p.m. at Husky Field, while the championship game will take place at 4 p.m. that same afternoon.

Photo by MarkBolles.com

FIST PUMPS ALL AROUND- Ryan Mulligan celebrated after he scored the go-ahead run after Austin Cook’s pinch-hit single in the bottom of the sixth inning April 17.

EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND Senior starting pitcher Ray Rodriguez turned in an extremely solid performance when his team needed it, to grab their first win of the season, and get on the board in Wasaren League Play.

Photo by MarkBolles.com

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Volunteers pg. 29 Friday, April 20, 2012

Vol. 7 • Issue 16 • FREE • Saratoga TODAY

Photos by MarkBolles.com