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Volume 7 • Issue 17 saratogatodaynewspaper.com

What is a City Manager?

Saratoga Citizen Approaches Final Hurdle

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – The city’s Commissioner of Accounts, John Franck, has scheduled a public hearing on the issue of proposed changes to the Saratoga Springs city charter for 6:45 p.m. May 1. The hearing will take place prior to the regularly scheduled city council meeting. The city council could decide to vote later that evening about whether or not to include a measure on the November ballot that if passed, would do away with the current commission-based format in favor of the manager-council format.

A change like that would ultimately necessitate the hiring of a city manager to oversee daily operations, along with other changes to individ-

See City Manager page 7

Out of the Shadows Families with Autism Find Answers in Capital Region

by Emily Fowler Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS - When Madison Scirocco was 15 months old, her mother, Heather, was still waiting for her baby daughter to make her first sounds. With the exception of limited signing, Madison was non-communicative.

As a new mother, Scirocco wasn’t sure what was wrong, but she knew

See Autism page 14

pgs 16-17 Photo Provided

Madison and Vince Scirocco

Inside TODAY...

A Different Type of Bogey Saratoga’s Dottie Pepper Publishes Children’s Book

by Emily Fowler Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS Professional golf star and Saratoga Springs native, Dottie Pepper, reports as an analyst for NBC Sports. She can now add newly published author to her list of championed achievements.

Pepper is currently in the midst

of a nationwide book tour, hosting signings across the country and making her way back here to Impressions of Saratoga located on Broadway, May 19 from 5-8 p.m.

“Bogey Tees Off, A Lesson About Being Truthful Vol. 1,” is the premier book in a series of 18 and the first collaborative project for co-authors Scott Fuller and Dottie

Saratoga Rowing Invitational pg 6 Business pg 8 Education pg 11 Pulse

See Book page 9

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

pgs 22-26

SARATOGA

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Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

TODAY

Sustainable Saratoga’s Pre-Earth Day Tree Survey Each year April 22 marks Earth Day on the calendar, but that didn’t stop Sustainable Saratoga and a group of over 90 volunteers from getting a jump on the celebration the day before. The group spent the morning assessing and cataloging the trees of Saratoga Springs, to help establish a more permanent oversight of the urban forestry within city limits. As part of the survey, the group also participated in a self-guided walking tour of historic trees, including the varied species in Congress Park. Saratoga TODAY’s cameras tagged along, and hopefully “leaf” a good impression on you.

Photos by MarkBolles.com

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TODAY

BLOTTER 3

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

Kelley M. Wilson, 24, of Saratoga Avenue, South Glens Falls, was charged with driving while intoxicated, a class-A misdemeanor, and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, a class-E felony. Wilson was arrested April 24 in Saratoga Springs and is expected to appear in court at a later date.

Brian K. Killion, 29, of 900 Rock City Road, Ballston Spa, was resentenced April 20 by Judge Jerry Scarano to four months of weekends in Saratoga County jail and continued probation. Killion was originally convicted February 2, 2011, of driving while intoxicated, a class-D felony for which he was sentenced to time served, five years of probation, drug treatment court and vehicle ignition interlock device.

Eddie L. Harrell, 28, of 132 Pine Ridge II, Halfmoon, pleaded guilty to a charge of second degree attempted criminal possession of marijuana, a class-E felony.

Harrell was arrested October 19 in Halfmoon and is scheduled to reappear in court for sentencing June 8.

Rosa M. Cardona, 28, of 220 Broadway, Schuylerville, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated with a child, a class-E felony. Cardona was arrested January 2 in Saratoga Springs and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing court June 19.

Matthew Tucker, 23, of 107 Reynolds Road, Moreau, pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree

rape, a class E-felony. Tucker was arrested January 3 in Moreau and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 18.

felony. Piskothy was arrested January 5 in Malta and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 14.

Richard E. O’Hara III, 35, of 2 Townsend Road, Hartford, pleaded guilty to a charge of fourth-degree grand larceny, a class-E felony. O'Hara was arrested September 18 in Providence and has been sentenced to five years of probation and restitution in the amount of $12,666.68.

Jessica L. Atwell, 26, of 218 Washington Street, Saratoga, pleaded guilty to a charge of first-

Dyllan J. Butler, 24, of 7A James Court, Northumberland, was resentenced April 20 by Judge Jerry Scarano to continued probation. Butler was originally convicted October 23, 2008, of thirddegree attempted burglary, a classE felony, for which he was sentenced to five years probation.

Gary L. Piskothy, 41, of 62 Feeder Street, Hudson Falls, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-D

degree vehicular assault, a class-D felony, and driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony. Atwell was arrested December 28 in Clifton Park for an incident that occurred December 26 and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 14.

Thomas M. Decrosta, 60, of 118 Clamsteam Road, 1D, Clifton Park, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a classE felony. Decrosta was arrested March 17 in Clifton Park and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 14.

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WEEK IN REVIEW

Police Identify Body Pulled from Mohawk River

Mitt Romney Runs Away with New York Primary

REXFORD – The mystery surrounding the identity of a body recovered from the Mohawk River has been solved. The body of 30year-old Anthony Krisanda of Glenwood Boulevard in Schenectady was originally spotted by a boater April 19, and recovered later that afternoon. The Saratoga County sheriff’s office did not find any identification on the body and released a detailed description of Krisanda’s physical appearance to local media outlets in an attempt to figure out who it was. Details released included his attire, physical description and the presence of a tattoo located on his lower right abdomen. Krisanda’s death has officially ruled a drowning, and no other information was released by the sheriff’s department.

ALBANY – Former Governor Mitt Romney’s presidential aspirations were given a significant shot in the arm after scoring a huge victory in the New York State Republican primary held April 23.

Romney also won Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Delaware and Connecticut primaries held the same day. His five victories all but assure he’ll be the GOP’s choice to run against President Barack Obama in this November’s election. Across New York, Romney received over 63 percent of the votes cast. In Saratoga County, Romney drew 2,365 votes, followed by Congressman Ron Paul with 775, former-Speaker Newt Gingrich with 537 and former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum receiving 457. Romney won New York con-

vincingly, but the overall number of voters dipped significantly from John McCain’s 2008 primary victory. Romney receives the votes of the majority of New York’s 95 delegates. If history is any indication, his victory in New York might be the only one he’ll be celebrating this year. The last Republican presidential nominee to win New York’s 29 electoral votes was Ronald Reagan in 1984. New York’s registered Democrat voters outnumber their republican counterparts almost two to one.

Teacher Facing Charges in Crash

Felony

BALLSTON SPA – Following a November 2011 car accident that sent a teenager to the hospital with serious injuries, the Schuylerville Elementary School teacher responsible has been charged with two counts of first-degree aggravated vehicular assault and seven other felony counts associated with the crash according to Saratoga County prosecutors. Robert J. Thompson, 37, of Gansevoort allegedly registered a blood alcohol content of .24 – three times the legal limit of .08 – when he drifted out of his lane on Route 29 and struck a 19-year-old’s car head-on. The victim’s car would end up off road after flipping over, suffering a broken back and broken ankle. The other felony charges Thompson is facing include two counts of driving while intoxicated, one count of seconddegree assault, second-degree vehicular assault and aggravated driving while intoxicated.

Thompson faces up to 15 years in state prison if convicted of the most significant charge of vehicular assault. Thompson has two prior

SARATOGA

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

drunk driving arrests on his record, and Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III is pushing for Thompson to serve time in prison. As of now, Thompson’s teaching license has not been revoked, though his case is currently being reviewed by the New York State Department of Education.

City Finance Department Announces Surplus, City Credit Rating Goes Up SARATOGA SPRINGS – If there was a governmental equivalent of a winning lottery ticket, you’d have to argue that this is it.

The Saratoga Springs Finance Department announced a surplus of about $1.5 million dollars left over from the unrestricted fund balance.

The money can now be spent on one-time expenses, meaning it cannot be used to hired anyone or commit to long-term expenses. The Finance Department is considering reserving the money to stabilize future tax years or putting it toward in-progress capital projects, or taking on new ones. Commissioner Michele Madigan also announced that Standard and Poor’s Credit Rating Service increased the city’s credit rating from AA to AA+.

Madigan says the rating increase serves an indication that the city’s finances are on the right track and could lead to lower interest rates for bonding down the line.

Owner of Saratoga Springs Mansion to receive $1 million tax refund SARATOGA SPRINGS – The five-year dispute over the $20 million assessment of a 61,403-squarefoot mansion owned by John Breyo

TODAY

has been settled. The deal reached in Saratoga County Supreme Court means Breyo will receive nearly $1 million in local property tax refunds. In 2007, the city had assessed Breyo’s property located at 51 Winding Brook Drive at $19.9 million. The former chairman of the financial service company Ayco disputed the assessment, saying the property should be assessed at $4.3 million. The mansion includes five full baths, seven half baths and over 42,000 square feet between two floors and a finished basement. The settlement means the home’s assessment will be $8.2 million, which is $12.46 million less than the original assessment. The deal also lowers the assessment for previous years.

Post-Star Saratoga Layoffs

Abandons County After

GLENS FALLS – Just eight years after opening a collaborative news bureau with News Channel 13, the Post-Star has officially pulled out of Saratoga Springs as a primary location for its news coverage. This is the result of recent layoffs that led to gaps in regular coverage areas. Reporters previously assigned to Saratoga County have been moved further north, or laid off entirely. The Post-Star, Albany Times Union, and Schenectady Daily Gazette all opened bureaus to try and increase circulation during a population boom prior to the economic downturn. The Post-Star will now focus primarily on Washington County, Warren County, Lake George village and other points north of Saratoga County.

SARATOGA

TODAY Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012 Carol Almy Elmira, NY- Carol Almy, 70, died peacefully February 16, 2012.

She was born July 29, 1941, in Schuylerville, New York. Carol was the daughter of the late Albert and Dortha Blanchard Almy.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Albert Jr. and William Almy; sisters, Joan VanAernem and Nancy Eveland.

Carol is survived by her sisters, Marylou Folts, Pauline Schaff,

Patricia Kail, Alice Williams, Charlene Ennies and Joyce Salmon; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Monday, April 30, 2012, at 1 p.m. at the Greenridge Cemetery, Saratoga Springs, NY. Services are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY.

Patrick J. McMahon Saratoga Springs, NY - Patrick J. McMahon passed away Friday, April 20, 2012.

Born March 7, 1932, in Albany, NY, he was a son of the late Patrick and Anna (Byrne) McMahon.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Betty King, and a brother-in-law, James O'Connell.

Survivors include his wife, Dawn McMahon; three children, Sharon, Patrick and Timothy (Tina) McMahon; a grandson, Brendan McMahon; a sister, Anna Marie O'Donnell; a brother-in-law, Larry King; several nieces and nephews; four step-children, Michelle M e i s b u r g e r, M i c h a e l ( R o b i n )

Nichols, Melody Holiday and Mark Holiday; six step-grandchildren, two step-great-grandchildren; and his beloved friend, Jack (Sandy) Kicinski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, April 27, 2012, in St. Clement's Roman Catholic Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs. Military honors will follow and friends are invited to a reception at the ITAM home, 35 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs. There are no calling hours.

Memorials may be made in Patrick's name to the charity of one's choice.

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

Steven Nils Nilsen Gansevoort, NY- Steven Nils Nilsen passed away Friday April 20, 2012, with his family at his side.

Born October 21, 1943, in Staten Island, New York, he was the son of the late Nils Nilsen and Catherine Billstrom.

In addition to his parents, Steven was also predeceased by sisters, Florence Henry, Jeannette Kahn and June Cederstrom.

Steven is survived by his loving wife, Judith Dober; daughters, Shari (Michael) Meehan and

Sheila Nilsen; his grandchildren, Nicklaus and Grace, sister, Norma (Clarence) Burns; and several nieces and nephews.

At Steven’s request, there will be no viewing or calling hours.

Interment will be held at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Adirondack Save-AStray, 480 Route 9N, Corinth, New York 12822. Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care.

Thomas Slocum O’Reilly South Glens Falls, NY - Thomas Slocum O’Reilly passed away Saturday, April 21, 2012, at his home, following a long illness.

Tom was born August 28, 1940, in Saratoga Springs, NY, to the late Florence and John O’Reilly.

In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his brothers, John, Jr., Bob; and sisters, Mary Ellen and Marilyn.

Survivors include his brother, William O’Reilly and several nieces

and nephews.

Tom’s family also expressed their appreciation for Tom’s extended family, the staff at Riverview, for their wonderful care. He is also survived by many other special friends, too numerous to mention, who held Tom dear to their hearts.

There will be no public calling hours.

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

To view the full-text version of the obituaries printed on this page, visit the archive section of SaratogaTodayNewspaper.com. It is the policy of Saratoga TODAY to publish obituaries as a service to our readers. Please send your obituaries to Christina James at cjames@saratogapublishing.com.

OBITUARIES Albert J. Taylor Saratoga Springs, NY -Albert J. Taylor passed away Sunday, April 15, 2012.

Born September 14, 1919, in Boston, he lived a long, full life with dignity, zest, humor and love. His curiosity never abated, and he continued to evolve and enjoy his life to the end.

In 1943, Al married the love of his life, Irene W. Taylor, who predeceased him in 2002.

Al is survived by his daughters, Joan (Bill Wilmot) Taylor, Linda (Phil Pless)

Taylor and Joyce (Rick) Siller; and six grandchildren.

Burial will be at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Al’s memory either to the Wesley Foundation, 131 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 or to support brain tumor research at Team Billy, 38 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs, New York 12866.

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

Cynthia M. Gavitt Saratoga Springs, NY - Cynthia M. Gavitt, 48, recently passed away and is now at peace.

Cindy grew up in Waterford, NY, and attended WaterfordHalfmoon High School where she and her husband first met.

Survivors include her husband of 24 years, William Gavitt; her children, Katrina and Andrew Gavitt; grandson, Sawyer Duncan GavittMiller; father, Joseph Huneau; mother and step-father, Eva and David Shaughnessy; siblings, Darcie

and Joe Huneau; and many more relatives and close friends.

Private memorial services and interment will be at the convenience of the family.

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.

Ruth Osgood Brayton Saratoga Springs, NY- Ruth Osgood Brayton, 94, passed away.

Born February 14, 1918, in Wilton, NY, she was the daughter of the late Fred W. and Carrie Baker Osgood.

Mrs. Brayton is predeceased by her husband and love of her life, Paul M Brayton; son, Richard V. Aiken; and brother, Francis Osgood.

Survivors include her dear

friends, Paul and Martha Shea; sisters-in-law, Wanda Lombardi, Norma Baertschi and Cheryl Lamparella; and niece, Laura Faircloth.

Burial will be at Greenridge Cemetery in Saratoga Springs, NY. Online remembrances can be made at www.tuisonfuneralhome.com.

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

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Andrew Marshall Sports

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Daniel Schechtman Pulse, Business

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Photographer Mark Bolles 490-1757 mbolles@photoandgraphic.com

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Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

TODAY

Fish Creek Marina Prepares for Rowing Invitational

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – Perhaps the largest springtime regatta event in the country, the 2012 Saratoga Rowing Invitational will kick off April 27 in Lee’s Park. According to event officials, the 2012 Invitational has already received over 900 entries for the 14th edition of the regatta. The two-day race brings elite rowing teams from New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Canada to compete right here in Saratoga

Springs. Day one of the event will start April 27, from 4- 7:30 p.m. at the Fish Creek Marina located off of Stafford’s Bridge Road. The next morning you can catch some of the Liberty League’s regatta championships before the Saratoga Rowing Invitational resumes at 10:30 a.m. April 28.

The Invitational will include dozens of races from all different skill levels: varsity, junior varsity, freshmen and novice. This is the 14th year that Saratoga Rowing Association is hosting the event, which has seen exponential growth in terms of how

many teams descend on Saratoga Springs for the event.

The growth has made this event one of the biggest in the country, and the Rowing Association says it is thanks in part to a team effort.

“Part of it is our location and our venue is really nice,” said Eric Catalano, executive director and head varsity coach for Saratoga Rowing Association.

“We’ve been hosting races here for a long time, so our organizing committee has a pretty good handle on how to run an efficient regatta.”

Catalano says the inclusion of teams from such bustling cities

like Boston or Philadelphia has helped the event grow almost as much as the elite level of competition they brought to the regatta.

“We saw the biggest jump in attendance when some of the fastest crews in the country started attending, and we attracted some of the best of Canada, and the surrounding U.S. states, and people want to go where the best are going,” said Catalano.

The event doesn’t have to be for rowing enthusiasts and their families. The races can be viewed by the public all weekend, free of charge. It could be a nice way to get out of the house this weekend and spend some time at the mari-

na with your family. The combination of scenery and athleticism is what Catalano says makes this such a special event.

“Rowing is a very aesthetically pleasing sport, but a lot of people don’t realize the amount of work and energy expended by the rowers. It’s like cross-country skiing or swimming, those sports require a lot from the athlete.

They look so fluid and beautiful you forget how much hard work goes into making it happen.”

Catalano adds that the regatta is always a big hit with the kids, who get quite the kick out of watching the boats glide up and down the river.

NYRA Weighing Options for Capital Improvement Project

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS After announcing late last year a series of 21 different capital improvement projects at the Saratoga Race Course, NYRA has moved one step closer to making some of those changes a reality.

“We’re just completing a comprehensive survey of the Grandstand and the Clubhouse...and that survey had to be done before we could do any real cost developments for any of the other projects,” said Charles Hayward, NYRA president and CEO. With the survey nearly done, NYRA can soon begin to project the costs associated with the many projects they hope to present to the board.

“Probably the first area we’re going to focus on is the Oklahoma Training Track,” said Hayward. “We’re right now designing a public viewing stand that we’d like to erect right across the street from the Fasig Tipton building where the public could view the training at Oklahoma.”

Hayward indicated that he hopes to have the stand erected before the 2013 meet, in time for Saratoga Race Course’s 150 anniversary celebration.

The rest of the many projects currently under consideration will likely be built over a five to 10 year time frame,

with improvements slated for both the front and backstretch of the track.

“There are a lot of different types of great experiences, from both a high economic perspective, as well as for families that come in with their kids, that we certainly want to encourage,” said Hayward.

One of the biggest improvements planned is a three-story building that would take the place of the tent along the rail.

The heated and air conditioned building would feature corporate boxes - something the current facility lacks - as well as a bar and dining area.

“Another one of the things we’re looking at in the plans is a beer garden, which would be for a younger, hipper crowd,” said Hayward.

NYRA is working closely with local companies Phinney Design Group and Saratoga Associates on the improvement projects. Funding will be drawn primarily from revenue generated from the 4,500 video lottery terminal (VLT) machines and 500 electronic table games at Aqueduct Racetrack. NYRA receives four percent of the VLT revenue - roughly $27.6 million annually.

To view a complete summary of the capital improvement plans, visit www.nyra.com/index_saratoga and click “Capital Projects Information” on the left side of the page.

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TODAY

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Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

City Manager continued from Page 1 ual department structure and mayoral responsibilities.

The idea was originally brought forth by a petition submitted by the nonpartisan group Saratoga Citizen back in 2010. The city rejected the petition for a number of reasons, most notably the proposal’s lack of a fiscal note detailing the cost for such a change to take place. Saratoga Citizen successfully sued the city and the city’s case appeal was rejected earlier this month.

It seems the city council will finally make the decision on whether to include the measure on the ballot and let the people of Saratoga Springs decide this coming fall. At least four members of the city council have publically indicated their intentions to vote in favor of the measure being included. Mayor Scott Johnson has indicated he would prefer to wait for further counsel from the New York Council of Mayors before issuing further comments.

Saratoga Citizen has spent a lot of time, not to mention money, fighting to get their message heard. So now that they seem likely to get their day at the election booth, just what exactly is it that the group is proposing, and what does that mean for Saratoga Springs?

“This is by far the most popular form of government. It’s not like we’re bringing some wild concept to this community,” said Patrick Kane, Saratoga Citizen’s most vocal and prominent committee member.

“Quite frankly, the concept of keeping the commission form of government doesn’t really have much of a base. There’s really only about five cities Saratoga Springs-sized and larger that still have the commission form of government. People have abandoned this plan decades ago.”

Likely the most talked-about aspect of the changes would be the implementation of a city manager, who would assume all administrative duties of the current departments while rendering the city council to a strictly legislative branch. The city manager would be hired by, and answer to, the city council. He would attend city council meetings, and be encouraged to participate in discussion, but would not be permitted to vote. The real questions are what can a city manager do that we don’t already have with a mayor, and why make this change at all?

“Change is always difficult.

People look around and say things aren’t that bad, why change,” said Kane. “Opposition is largely coming from the emotional perspective rather than a factual perspective.”

The city manager would ideally be someone who’s been both formally educated and wields experience in the practices of local government.

Qualified candidates would likely possess a master’s degree in public administration and has served as a department head or assistant city manager for a different municipality.

The manager would take over the tasks normally delegated down to deputy commissioners.

“What we do is we elect someone, and then they appoint someone to run the department. People say they want to elect someone to represent them in government, but they don’t now. You elect a [Chris] Mathiesen or a [Skip] Scirocco but they appoint the deputy who carries out the daily operations. It’s not unlike what we’re suggesting. It’s just that this way, we hire a qualified person to run the city so that we can get the most out of it.”

The city manager would become the chief executive officer of the city, which would seem to cut considerably into the current responsibilities of the mayor. The mayor would still preside over city council, and be recognized as the head of the city’s government for all ceremonial purposes, but all administrative duties would be shifted to the city manager. This includes, but is not limited to, appointing or removing all city employees, directing and supervising the administration of all departments, offices and agencies of the city; enforce laws; preparing and submitting an annual budget; and advise the city council to the financial condition and administrative activities of the city.

Of course, a mayor needs to be someone from the city itself. With a small city like Saratoga Springs, the number of qualified candidates isn’t as easy to find as you’d think. A city manager would not have to be someone from Saratoga Springs, but certainly could be if they’re qualified.

“You have to find someone who

can be elected, wants to be elected, who’s capable of being the mayor and wants to be the mayor,” said Kane. “Those numbers dwindle dramatically because you’re really looking for someone who has all of the skills you need in a community leader. The legal, judicial and budgeting skills in a single person – and then you have to get them elected.”

The city manager would be hired by city council, meaning they would not have to take time away from their duties to campaign for office.

The search would likely be nationwide, not unlike a hospital hiring a new CEO. City managers are also exempt from any sort of term limit being imposed.

According to Saratoga Citizen, the average tenure for a city manager is about eight years.

Of course, what does this mean for the fiscal aspects of government?

Aside from the much-discussed yet ultimately unnecessary fiscal note which held the proposal up for so

long, how would a city manager change the way our tax dollars are spent in Saratoga Springs?

“Take this year for example, we didn’t get a lot of snow,” says Kane.

“In the unified form of government, the city manager would see that the city saved money from not having as much snowplowing or overtime.

They can allocate that money to other departments to help a different department with other needs. In a commission form of government that doesn’t happen. Everyone holds on their money.”

This would seem to include the recent surplus of over $1.5 million uncovered by the city’s department of finance. Instead of using the money toward other future projects within the finance department alone, the money could immediately be allocated to a department with a greater need, whether it’s new ambulances to overtime for city police officers patrolling Caroline Street during last call hours.

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SARATOGA

BUSINESS

Saratoga Hospital Receives Red Cross Award

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

TODAY

Saratoga Core Fitness Finds New Home at 68 West Avenue

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY

photo provided

Front Row (L to R): Betsy St.Pierre and Pam Drislane Back Row (L to R): Kevin Ronayne, Nydia Rodriguez and Joseph Kaz SARATOGA SPRINGS Saratoga Hospital was one of nine area hospitals in the New York and the Northwestern Pennsylvania Region recently honored by Nydia Rodriguez, hospital account manager for the American Red Cross, for going above and beyond in helping to collect blood donations. Each

year, Saratoga Hospital hosts five successful blood drives and exceeded its February donation goal. The commemorative plaque symbolizes donors and recipients through a collage of handwritten notes and was accepted by several department leaders whose efforts make the blood drives successful.

SARATOGA SPRINGS - At Saratoga Core Fitness, owner and fitness trainer Vicki Nye Cordi stresses proper technique and form over sheer repetition or the amount one can lift, utilizing a series of finely-tuned workouts to help strengthen one’s core muscles and balance the whole body.

“I spent years training and developing my own program,” said Cordi, who recently opened Saratoga Core Fitness - SCORE for short - at 68 West Avenue in Saratoga Springs. “At SCORE, we center on the core muscles.

The core is really your principal strong point in the body,” she explained. “So I try and stress proper technique and give my clients a proper foundation. It’s really not about how much you can lift, but about how much you can lift while using the proper technique.”

Cordi, a certified personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine, The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association and the International Youth Conditioning Association, offers seven different types of group classes (as well as personal training opportunities) for people of all athletic backgrounds - from the fit and highly-active athlete to someone who has never trained a day in their life.

“Everybody is an athlete,” said Cordi. “You shouldn’t be intimidated when you go somewhere,

photos by MarkBolles.com

Top: Vicki Nye Cordi works with a client to help develop proper technique and strengthen the core muscles. Right: The class moves outdoors at their new location on 68 West Ave.

and we’re not here to intimidate anyone. We’re here to help you reach your goals.”

For students at any level, Cordi’s willPower and Grace class features an equipment-free, cardiovascular barefoot workout that stabilizes the ankles, knees and hips to increase agility and prevent injury.

“It’s an incredible cardio workout, and it’s really for all body weights. Anybody can do it, at any age and any fitness level,” said Cordi.

Saratoga Core Fitness also features the revolutionary RealRyder exercise bikes, a popular piece of equipment at SCORE that redefines the traditional stationary indoor cycling workout.

“These bikes take indoor cycling to another level,” said Cordi. RealRyder bikes incorporate outdoor cycling movements that mimic a full range of motions, including leaning, steering and balancing. “You really work the core with these bikes,” said Cordi. “They’re incredible.”

Cordi also offers a class specifically geared for new moms Mommy and Baby Restore the Core. With this class, new mom’s work to restore and build their strength, agility, balance, cardio and core muscles along with their little one in a fun and familyfriendly environment.

SCORE offers a variety of packages, including 20-class packages, 10-class packages, or a simple drop-in rate.

“You’ll come out feeling stronger, taller, more balanced, more agile and more self-confident,” said Cordi.

To learn more, visit www.saratogacorefitness.com, call (518) 583-3488, or visit them at their new location at 68 West Avenue in Saratoga Springs.

SARATOGA

TODAY

9

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

Book Aims to Teach Children Life (and Golf) Lessons continued from Page 1 Pepper. One of the most important “Bogeyisms,” or core values the book promotes, is truthfulness.

This comes into play, if you will, on your scorecard and in life.

Lessons learned in golf parallel lessons learned in life. Hard work, patience and practice should precede the game, win or lose. Bogey the ball, the story’s protagonist, bears a red stripe making him different from the other balls, something kids may identify with.

Bogey has to be truthful about who he is, be himself, and remember where he comes from in order to make it onto the PGA tour.

The hardcover edition of the book is set for its debut release at the Men’s U.S. Open in San Francisco early this June. Events are also scheduled at the Women’s U.S. Open.

The response to Bogey from kids is already strong. Over 600 children attended The First Tee of Hampton Roads Bogey launch. The First Tee of Hampton Roads is a premier youth development organization in Virginia Beach.

The concept for Bogey originated when Fuller wrote the story as a screenplay for an animated feature film and shelved it. He took it out years later to read to his son and became interested in the project again, giving it new life by turning each scene of the script into a children’s book.

But Fuller needed someone who knew golf, and Pepper was looking for a new way to give back. After a schoolmate pulled her into the business side of the idea, the LLC, Scooter Pines, was formed along with illustrator Kenneth Templeton and their business partner, Robert Levin.

“I like to write, have always loved to read, and I wanted to get juniors more involved in the game.

I have a platform for what is good in golf, and then I found this,” Pepper said.

Fuller’s ideas were in line with these concepts.

“Golf should be fun. I love how Bogey represents us all. Through Bogey and his adventures, I am hoping to inspire generations to aim high in life, take a big swing, and follow through to make your dreams come true,” Fuller said.

The book includes blank autograph pages for young readers to fill with signatures of golfers as

well as scorecards to incorporate the application of math skills into the Bogey experience.

“We wanted to make the story an interactive experience for children, something they could make their own,” said Pepper.

The idea to include a glossary of index terms was Pepper’s input, along with the “Tee Box,” discussion topics for parents and instructors. Pepper believes in learning golf the right way, without drudgery, and wanted Bogey to become the fun face of golf. Beginning with the game’s fundamentals and core elements first gives kids something to build on, which according to Pepper is essential to mastering the essence of golf.

“I’m trying to get kids more interested in golf for life and also get them reading more. The idea is to start them talking about golf early on in life. I want to let the sport have a cool face that is not intimidating to kids and carry the message: aim high, but you don’t have to change yourself,” Pepper said.

Bogey’s message is reaching children across the country. Golf doesn’t presently have a mascot for children to recognize and identify with so a major league type mascot of Bogey is being built by the Maydwell Company to be present at live events, meet-and greets, pediatric wards, and clinics for the sport.

In addition to making the sport of golf more appealing to children, Pepper and Fuller are working to make it more accessible to them.

Funds have been increasingly cut for athletic programs and they are doing their part to stem that effect.

“Because we have self published, we can afford to take 20 percent off the top of each book sale, along with the sales of accessories including T-shirts and golf covers, and donate it to charity,” Pepper explained.

Proceeds collected will benefit First Tee at Hampton Yards and the New York State Golf Association.

The First Tee in Virginia, internationally part of The First Tee founded not only by the PGA of America, but also the PGA Tour, the LPGA and a program of the YMCA there. The program introduces youngsters to the game of golf while teaching them character values, healthy habits and life skills. The NYSGA promotes conserving the traditions of golf

Photos Provided

Above: Dottie Pepper hopes to impart wisdom on young readers like the one shown here.

Right: A display set up at a recent signing for “Bogey Tees Off: A Lesson About Being Truthful: Vol. 1. “ through awarding scholarships, and bestowing training and education through programs like Kids on Course. Through this program, affordable access to golf has been created for youth while promoting the rules of golf, etiquette and life skills. Junior golfers, ages 10-17, complete an NYSGA administered online certification and earn a membership card for participating golf courses.

To make Bogey’s message even more accessible to children, an ebook version will soon be available for purchase through amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and ScooterPines.com.

Scooter Pines has also set up fundraising opportunities and will match donations for organizations interested in participating. For more information on how you can work with Bogey to raise funds for your cause, contact Robert Levin at blevin@nextleveltma.com.

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Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

TODAY

Summer Camp Directory This Week’s Spotlight Saratoga Children’s Theatre For kids who have a passion for performing arts, Saratoga Children’s Theatre summer camp is a dream come true.

Saratoga Children’s Theatre offers performance camps, which means each camper will be working on a full-fledged production throughout their session. Campers will learn all aspects of performance and will have the opportunity to perform in two shows at the end of camp: a matinee and an evening show are both open to the public. Campers will perform on stage at St. Peters’ Auditorium in Saratoga Springs. Camp hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Performance camp is divided into two age groups: 6-9 and 10-18.

Ages 6-9 will participate in one-week camps. These camps will include Disney’s Sleeping Beauty kids; Cinderella kids; Aristocats kids; 101 Dalmatians kids; and Lemonade. These camps will be directed by Megan O’Sullivan, a local elementary school music teacher, and assisted by Karey Trimmings, also a local elementary school music teacher.

Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week camps. Each camp will practice and perform a different show. These camps include “Thoroughly Modern Mille Jr.”; “Cinderella Jr.”; “Fiddler on the Roof Jr.”; and “Once on this Island Jr.” These camps will be directed by Michael Lotano, local actor and elementary school music teacher, and choreographed by Sarah Sutliff.

Saratoga Children’s Theatre also offers a one-week camp at the end of the summer, “Master your Audition.” This camp will help your child get ready for fall and winter auditions. These audition workshops have been very popular and sell out quickly. Any child at any skill level with an interest in the performing arts is welcome to join in on the fun. Saratoga Children’s Theatre Executive Director, Meg Kelly, aims to give each camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp experience and every camper will get to perform. The Saratoga Children’s Theatre hires professionals to help your child gain the most from their summer camp experience. The cost for a two-week session is $450 and $250 for the one-week session. For more information, visit www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org or call (518) 580-1782.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

Paintings by Mechanicville Elementary School Children Travel to Uganda

EDUCATION

11 Ballston Spa School District Budget Sessions in Community Come and learn more about the proposed board and the top candidates in the election BALLSTON SPA-The board of education approved a proposed budget of $76,394,402 for the 2012-2013 school year which represents a 4.8 percent increase in expenditures from the current year’s budget and a .4 percent tax levy decrease. The projected budget that district voters will see as Proposition I on the voting ballot on May 15 is currently projected to result in an average tax savings of 1.9 percent for property owners. This amount would equal an actual dollar decrease of approximately $67 annually (for the average property owner assessed at $220,600). This budget proposal must be approved by 60 percent of the qualified voters present and voting.

school budget by attending community budget presentations in each of the local towns.

School district representatives will present information and answer questions from interested residents at 6 p.m. May 1 at the Malta Community Center; May 7 at the Milton Community Center; and May 9 at the Ballston Town Hall.

In addition, a Meet the Candidates Night will be held Monday, April 30 in the Ballston Spa High School library at 6:30 p.m. The high school’s participation in government classes will facilitate the evening to give area residents a chance to learn more about the four candidates running for the Ballston Spa Board of Education. Three seats are available on the

will serve for a three-year term on the board, commencing in July 2012. Board of education candidates include: (in order of ballot position) Kevin Schaefer, Christine Richardson, Nancy Fodera and Donna Miter.

The annual statewide school budget vote and board of education elections will be held May 15, 2012, from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. District residents vote in either the Malta Town Hall (residents of Malta) or the Ballston Spa High School (residents of Milton, Ballston and Charlton). Check the district newsletter for more information (mailed to all homes in the coming weeks), online at www.bscsd.org or call (518) 884-7195 for additional information.

Driver Education Course Offered MECHANICVILLE- The children in Mrs. Urbaetis’ kindergarten class are drawing a connection halfway around the world – thanks to an art exchange project.

In a gesture of goodwill, the children painted pictures of cardinals in the snow for children in Uganda. In exchange, the children from the Rehaboth Primary School in Bugembe drew pictures of their world.

Those drawings, as well as photos of the young artists that drew them, will go on display in the halls of the elementary school.

“I wanted to expose the children to another culture,” said Mrs. Urbaetis who worked in conjunction with AIDS Orphans Education Trust (AOET) in Saratoga Springs. “I wanted to raise their awareness that not everyone lives like they do.”

Ann Fantauzzi, project director for Drawn Together, which works with AOET, traveled between Mechanicville and Uganda with the art to be exchanged. In addition, she brought art supplies including paper, crayons, colored pencils and paint to the Ugandan children. Those supplies were donated by the school PTA, headed by Kim Dunn.

“The children were so grateful and excited to receive the supplies,” said Mrs. Fantauzzi, a retired Saratoga Springs teacher. “They don’t get any formal training in art, but they loved everything, especially the colored pencils.”

Additional students in Mrs. Steller’s first grade and Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Gleason’s second grade classes also contributed artwork.

Mrs. Urbaetis said that the exchange was so successful, she and art teacher Jen Seymour may do another exchange before the year is complete.

The entire experience has been documented in a children’s book, “Drawn Together.” The book compares the two schools, the children and the communities as a way to foster understanding different cultures.

For more information on the art exchange project, email Kathleen Urbaetis at kurbaetis@mechanicville.org or call Ann Fantauzzi at (518) 584-1735 to purchase a book.

Photos Provided

Mrs. Urbaetis’ class creates art to send to Ugandan children

Signups for the driver education course will be offered this summer at Saratoga Springs High School will begin May 14 in the ninth-grade office. Registration will be held in the high school’s main lobby from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. Thursday, June 28. Class and driving time will be scheduled during registration. Orientation is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, June 29, in the Meade (teaching) Auditorium. The fee is $375 per student; payment must be made by check or money order during registration. The program begins July 2 and ends August 15. To be eligible, students must be at least 16 years old and have a valid New York State learner’s permit or license by June 29, 2012.

For more information, call the ninth-grade office at (518) 587-6690, ext.3341.

Correction:

Voter Forum Date Announced SARATOGA SPRINGS-The Saratoga County League of Women Voters will hold a School Board Candidate Forum Thursday, May 10 at 7 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs High School Library. This event will feature a round table discussion with each candidate speaking to the voters and answering their questions directly. All candidates have been invited to participate. For more information, contact Terry Lowenthal at (518) 587-2516.

In last week’s Education section, we regret and apologize for the error of misspelling Julie Guetti’s name, fundraising chair and shared decision-making team member for Greenfield Elementary School.

SARATOGA

FOOD Catch-of-the-day yields, Fried Calamari

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

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Suzanne Voigt Farmers’ Market Few vendors at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market have had the impact on sales and diet the way Pura Vida Fisheries has had over the last year. The lines at the fisheries’ table are often long as people crave fish fresh-caught off our own state’s ocean shores. There just is no comparison between

fresh-caught, wild fish and the store-bought, previously frozen or farm-raised versions of the same, and calamari is no exception.

I used to think of calamari as a delicacy reserved only for trips to high-end restaurants with cordon bleu chefs, but now I know that even an amateur can prepare it beautifully. The key to getting it right has nothing to do with a high price tag or a culinary school education. There are only three things you need to do to cook delicious calamari right in your own home: follow the recipe, don’t overcook, and buy fresh.

Below is a recipe based on one Paula Deen prepared on her cooking show—the white wine and red pepper variations are thanks to Bryan Walsh of One Caroline St. Bistro. Lucky for us in Saratoga, not only do we have fresh squid to

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Generations Agree:

Cast Iron is King! use, we also have the tastiest and freshest buttermilk, tomatoes and scallions. Eat your heart out Paula!

Ingredients 2 cups calamari sliced into rings or small strips 2 cups Argyle Cheese Factory fresh buttermilk 2 cups flour Salt and pepper Canola oil 2 tablespoons whole butter 3/4 cup sliced mild banana peppers 3/4 cup large diced Sushan Hydroponic tomatoes 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (use white wine if using red pepper) 1/4 cup chopped fresh scallions Pinch of hot red pepper flakes, optional for those who like it spicy Directions Cut calamari into strips and/or rings. Put in a large glass dish and soak calamari in buttermilk for two hours. Season flour with salt and pepper in small mixing bowl.

Drain off the buttermilk from the calamari and run pieces through flour until each ring separates easily from others. Put in sieve and shake off excess flour.

Heat oil and fry calamari until golden brown—it fries quickly, be sure to not overcook. Put the fried squid onto a plate with paper towel sheet to soak up extra oil.

Drain off oil.

In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter until melted. Add peppers and tomato slices.

Deglaze with lemon juice or white wine, your preference. Add remaining butter and scallions (add red hot pepper here if desired) and stir around. Toss in fried calamari, thoroughly coating the squid with glaze. Serve immediately.

Tip: Pair this with a nice dry white wine and a fresh greens salad.

John Reardon Compliments to the Chef Hello my foodie friends!

Welcome to the world of cast iron cookware! I have mentioned some pieces in the past, but today I am highlighting what is, in my opinion, the best cast iron cookware company in the world: Lodge Manufacturing Company!

Cast iron, a form of cookware developed over a millennia ago remains as popular as when it was used to prepare food for the Pilgrims, Lewis and Clark and President William McKinley in 1896; this was also the year that Joseph Lodge began his foundry.

Many of the pieces of cast iron cookware made in the Lodge Foundry over a century ago remain in use today (Lodge was sustainable before it was cool!).

Cast iron is one of only two metals compatible with induction stovetops. Lodge, the sole U.S. manufacturer of cast iron cookware and the oldest family-owned cookware company in the country, is based in the small town of South Pittsburg, Tenn. With the introduction of supposedly new “green” cookware, Lodge is

ranked as the “Original Green Skillet” by Cook’s Illustrated. It is the original nonstick skillet, is great for blackening fish, and it can be used for every meal of the day, including desserts (people even bake pies in them).

It is safe to use on top of the stove, in the oven, on the grill, in a fireplace or even in a campfire.

My mom even found it to be a very effective in keeping three little boys from fighting. Just the sight of it made us stop in our tracks! No, she didn’t use it on us, but it was like her own nuclear deterrent. If you are worried about how heavy it is, just think of this: some of my best customers are in their 80s! They know and they keep coming back for new pieces (although when I tell them that it lasts 100 years they are not impressed).

Maybe it’s not the prettiest pan in your kitchen, but nothing cooks food better than cast iron, nothing! Your great-great grandmother, great-grandmother, grandmother and mother can’t be wrong.

Remember Foodies: Life happens in the kitchen.

Take Care, John

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

HELPING HANDS 13 Hunger Awareness Drive

For the Love of Lexi May 6 Benefit The Cottone family started out like many families- a wedding, a baby, shortly followed by a second child. What wasn’t typical were events beginning during the second pregnancy, changing their lives forever.

Their daughter Alexis, now 17 months old, has overcome many obstacles in such a short time. After her birth, her parents, Margie and Tony, found out that she has a genetic disorder known as Thrombocytopenia Absent Radius (TAR). She suffers from critically low platelets which cause her to bruise easily and bleed internally. Alexis is also missing her radius bones in both arms, which has caused her arms to be half the normal length. Doctors said the first few years of Alexis’ life would be the most threatening. Within the first year of her life, she has received 24 platelet transfusions and 12 blood transfusions. Children with TAR have very low immune systems- a simple 24-hour bug can last several weeks and may require hospitalization.

During adolescence, Alexis will undergo several hand, arm, leg and knee surgeries. The family presently travels to a hospital in Albany, as well as Shriner’s Hospital in Springfield, Mass., for her various appointments. Watching Alexis, you would never know what she has been through. She is a brave little girl who is always laughing and smiling.

In April of 2011, Alexis’ father, Tony, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He has undergone many surgeries which have affected his memory and gross motor abilities. He is currently receiving chemotherapy and is unable to work. Margie is at home taking care of Alexis, Tony and their 2-year-old son, Jayden. The Cottone family is a true testament to what it means to live day-by-day.

Their financial and emotional strain is enormous, but the family stays strong together.

Here’s how you can help: The family is throwing a benefit dinner for Alexis on May 16 at Longfellows Hotel and Restaurant. The event will feature a 6 p.m. cocktail hour and silent auction followed by a dinner and live auction from 7-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 each and a table of 10 is $350.

Local businesses and organizations are asked to donate products or services for the auctions, and all monetary donations will go directly to the Alexis Cottone Supplemental Needs Trust.

Donations can be sent to: Alexis Cottone Supplemental Needs Trust, Adirondack Trust Co., 473 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

For more information on how you can help, contact Jean Garrant by emailing gramirunner71@gmail.com or by calling (518) 584-1161.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs The church will be hosting over 30 kids for a 30-hour famine. The event will take place from April 27 at 4 p.m. until April 28, 6 p.m. in correlation with World Vision’s famine (http://www.30hourfamine.org).

The youth, leaders and congregational members are helping raise awareness of hunger. The youth will be collecting non-perishable food for St. Paul’s food pantry as well as accepting donations.

During the famine the youth will also be bringing awareness to homelessness. They will be building a “tent city” out of boxes and spending the night in the city. The city will be built in the church parking lot.

Members of the community are asked to stop and show their support, by brining non-perishable or monetary donation.

News from Saratoga Bridges Saratoga Bridges is thrilled to announce its season sponsors who have donated $41,000 thus far in 2012. Over $1 million has been cut from the agency’s state and federal funding sources over the last two years.

Fortunately, the following contributors have risen to the occasion and provided incredible support: Title Season Sponsor, The Adirondack Trust Company; Lead Season Sponsors, Constance & Thomas D’Ambra and DIAGEO; Featured Season Sponsor, Coca-Cola; Associate Season Sponsors, The Bonacio Group and Stewart’s Shops

2012 Fundraising Events Ninth Annual J. Michael Fitzgibbons Memorial Golf Classic: Presented by New Country Toyota Scion of Saratoga Springs Monday, July 16, Edison Club, Rexford “The White Party,”: Presented by DIAGEO & CDPHP Saturday, July 21 23rd Annual Travers Day at the Races: Presented by DIAGEO Saturday, August 25 12th Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge: Presented by MVP Health Care Saturday, October 20 For information on becoming a sponsor or to make a reservation at an event, contact Heather Varney at (518) 587-0723, ext.

1266 or email hvarney@saratogabridges.org.

Let’s March for Babies!

On Sunday, April 29 at the Crossings of Colonie, hundreds of families and business leaders will join together in the March of Dimes’ annual March for Babies—the nation’s oldest walk fundraiser honoring babies born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. with the 3-mile walk kicking off at 10 a.m. Participation in March for Babies will provide a memorable and rewarding day for the whole family to enjoy.

In addition to the 3-mile walk, there will be nutritional snacks, a “Memory Garden,” where families participating in the walk can have a flower planted in memory of a child lost by prematurity or illness, and a Family Team Tent, a space representing the families who understand and have experienced the NICU journey.

To join an event near you, visit www.marchforbabies.org.

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Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

Autism Awareness continued from Page 1 something wasn’t right.

“No one knows your kids as well as you do,” said Scirocco. “My best advice to other parents is to keep going until someone helps you.

Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer. You will breathe easier when you feel understood and know there are others on your side. I would never want to change my children, but part of my job as a mom is to make sure they will be able to hug family, make friends and live in society.”

Scirocco would later learn that not only did her daughter’s condition qualify as autism, but also her son, Vince, would grow to display symptoms of the disorder.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recently upgraded their previous estimates from one in 110 to one in 88 children identified with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Almost five times as many boys were identified with ASDs than girls, according to estimates from their Autism and

Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. This startling figure, combined with the fact that April is National Autism Awareness Month, highlights the need to keep this issue in the public discussion.

In an effort to generate community support, local entities are coming together. ASPIRe NY, Skidmore College Psychology Department, The Parent Network of the Capital Region and Saratoga Bridges, in cooperation with Senator Roy McDonald, will present the First Annual Autism Information Fair and Carnival Sunday, April 29 at the Skidmore College Intramural Gymnasium, located at 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs from noon – 4 p.m.

ASPIRe decided to hold the fair when they received more and more phone calls from families in the dark about resources available to them.

The fair will be a one-stop-shop for families as exhibitors, resources, services and contact people are brought together. Psychology stu-

dents at Skidmore will be on hand to man carnival activities, bounce houses, games and arts and crafts; but there will also be a quiet corner with activities for children who need it.

Debbie Garrelts and Julie Marks co-founded ASPIRe in 2005, both having not only extensive professional training in the fields of health and education, but also the experience of parenting autistic children.

ASPIRe serves over 50 individuals with developmental disabilities which begin before the age of 21 and continue throughout their lives.

“We go out; we have initiatives, trips and activities, many things for teens and young adults to do,” said Marks.

ASPIRe continues to constantly expand the number of those they help. ASPIRe has a financial partnership with Saratoga Bridges, and it is through their generosity of gifts from office space to resources, that families and individuals are being served from Coxsackie to Warrensburg.

Similarly in line with those initiatives, the mission of the Parent Network of the Capital Region (PNCR) is to provide parents with the knowledge, skills, resources and support to effectively advocate for their children. They are facilitating productive relationships between parents and school districts for the benefit of students with disabilities, offering services to parents, service providers, disability organizations and schools.

“All of the training and workshops we offer are free for 13 counties. Our main goal is to help educate and empower parents to work collaboratively with the school dis-

tricts,” said Mary Fornabia of PNCR. Because of autism, Heather takes extra measures every day with her family. She must do what she refers to as her “pre-setting,” that is, preparing her children’s minds and expectations before placing them in a new setting. This can become a challenge even when doing something as normal as taking them to the circus.

“That was a huge deal. I pulled up a video of the circus for weeks leading up to the event to show Madison and brought a special chair that Vince would stay in.”

Back when Madison was a baby, less was known about ASDs. Luckily, Scirocco was able to take advantage of those resources she did find, which has made all the difference in her daughter.

“The first pediatrician we had said that my baby was a just a ‘late bloomer.’ I researched and came about the diagnosis on my own.

Then I got a new pediatrician,” said Scirocco.

“I also contacted Autism Speaks and they recommended Madison’s speech be analyzed. Then the Early Intervention Program through Saratoga County provided services for the whole family to be trained as caregivers in my home. Speech therapist Nancy Gratton was instrumental in both children’s advancements.

Gratton began working with Madison at age 22 months and she finally said her first words at a little over 2 years.

Funding has been cut for the Early Intervention Program twice in one year. Scirocco began circulating a petition and joined a writing campaign to thwart the state funding

TODAY

cuts. In her view, cutting the funding was short-sighted, and would lead to higher costs down the road.

Senator Roy McDonald has worked with his colleagues in the legislature through hosting forums locally and across that state where experts, advocates and family members who have a loved one with autism are given the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas on providing the best care. These events generate media coverage and local interest to raise awareness.

“Last legislative session, Senator McDonald was proud to introduce legislation that guaranteed insurance companies would cover the costs of diagnosis and treatment of autism. This care was routinely denied in past practices. The bill passed both houses of the legislature and was signed into law by Governor Cuomo,” said Mike Veitch, spokesperson for Senator McDonald.

“I’m ashamed to admit that before my grandsons were diagnosed, I knew hardly anything about autism,” said Senator McDonald.

“But with the frequency of diagnosis rising at astonishing levels, it’s become a significant part in many of our lives. It’s our responsibility in government to provide for the most vulnerable population of people, and individuals with autism need to receive adequate care along with opportunities so they are able to accomplish much in their lifetimes.”

Professionals agree on the importance of intervening early on for children with developmental disabilities.

“Screening and accurate diagnosis are important for any developmental disability, but especially for autism since it’s a spectrum disorder with deficits in three core areas: social interaction, communication and repetitive and stereotyped behavior,” said Kristin V. Christodulu, Ph.D. director at the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. “There is no medical test to diagnose autism (i.e., blood test) but there are experts in the field who use autism-specific interviews and observations as part of a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.

Regarding treatment, early intervention can greatly improve outcomes for children with autism, and matching evidence-based interventions to individual child needs is essential.”

Thanks to the help of countless individuals and organizations, Scirocco is pleased to report the huge strides her daughter has made.

“Madison is academically amazing. She is now on her way to a gifted accelerated program.”

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Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

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SARATOGA

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Week of April 27- May 3, 2012

OPEN HOUSE SAT 1-3 PM

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OPEN SUNDAY 4/29 11-1 8 WILTON CT. CLIFTON PARK $165,825 Reduced to Sell! Maintenance-free living in this 2 bedroom townhouse located in Knox Woods. This is one of the best floor plans with a half bath downstairs and two full baths upstairs. New furnace, appliances all within last six years. The private yard makes this a perfect place to call home!

692 LUZERNE RD., QUEENSBURY $204,000 Very well kept 3 bedroom raised ranch home on over 2 acres of woods surrounding the property in Queensbury school district .With plenty of space BRAND NEW energy efficient furnace and NEW tankless water heater, also a beautiful upper level porch facing the back yard .Storage shed in front is included

Lorraine Sharpe (518) 588-9396

Rachael Flewelling 307-6925

OPEN SUNDAY 4/29 2-4:30

OPEN SUNDAY 4/29 12-2

NEW LISTING FIRST TIME OPEN SUNDAY 4/29 2-4

18 BIRCH HILL DRIVE, BALLSTON LAKE $509,900

8 RALEIGH DR., CLIFTON PARK $191,900

Adorable 2 bedroom 1.5 bath, This home STANDS OUT, clean & fresh. New white raised panel interior doors thru/out including closets, kitchen cabinetry, w//enclosed wine rack, glass corner cab, w/LED lights and counter 3yrs.young. 1yr old above range microwave, newer laminate in kit. too! New ceramic tile in ba. down, Nicely painted bedrooms w/stenciling, LR w/chair rail ,Rinnai gas heater,Elec. panel replaced, freshly painted garage. Lg yd w/patio and privacy fence, spacious shed/storage.

Beautiful 4 bedroom 3 ½ bath colonial with an open floor plan located in Windsor Point. Twostory foyer, 9’ vaulted ceiling in family room w/fireplace and second staircase, gourmet kitchen with family size island, 3-season room, inground heated pool, great location to I87 and Global Foundries.

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Lorraine Sharpe (518) 588-9396

82 PEPPERBUSH PL., MALTA $159,900

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 4/29 1-3PM

OPEN SATURDAY 4/28 • 10 AM-2 PM

End unit townhouse with an open floor plan located in maintenance free Knox Woods. Three floors of living space…3 bedrooms, two with full baths, family room, living room, central air, private yard & patio.

Lorraine Sharpe (518) 588-9396

JOIN US FOR A SUNDAY BRUNCH • OPEN HOUSE 4/29 FEATURING CUISINE OF MASTER CHEF DALE MILLER FROM SPERRY'S RESTAURANT IN SARATOGA SPRINGS. OPEN SUNDAY 11:00-2:00

1050 NISKAYUNA RD, NISKAYUNA $234,500 Unique Ranch 2.85 Acres, Woods, Forever Green Ravine & small Brook Total Finished Sq Ft= 2437 plus large storage/utility room. Up: Living rm w/ fireplace, Kitchen, Dining Area w/sliding glass door to screened porch, Master Bedroom w/full bath, 2 other bed rooms (1 is an office), and another full bath. Finished walk-out Basement: Family room, Bedroom, full bath, Large laundry room with Atrium door to yard w/raised veg & flower gardens. An easy walk to Mohawk river and bike path.

2 WATERVIEW DR., SARATOGA First floor master bedroom with full bath. Hardwood floors throughout first floor. Formal dining room. Gas fireplace in living room with bay window. 3 bedrooms on second floor with loft den area-lots of room for racing season guests.

Dining room appointed with custom trim work. Full finished basement. Private beach area on Lake Lonely for Summer Winds residents only. HOA dues are paid per quarter. Taxes do not reflect star. Neutral paint colors. Cozy breakfast nook in kitchen. $359,900

OWNER SAYS SELL! Gorgeous, top floor, 3 br 2 bth condo, 1500 sq ft, wood floors. granite counters, ceramic tile, Viking, sub-zero appliances, heated parking for two cars and private storage. This is a must see!! $397,500.00 Excelsior Ave to the end, right behind the Residence Inn. Mark Richardson 466-9663 mrichard@nycap.rr.com

Dir. from Congress Park: S. on Broadway, r. onto W. Circular St. 4 blocks to a left onto Elm St. Model home is 1 block in on r.

Sue Mackenzie 986-1982 smackenzie@cbpp.com

OPEN SUNDAY 12-2

12 LONGWOOD DR., CLIFTON PARK $239,900 30 WHISTLER CT # 133

*New Construction - 28 lot sub division *Many plans to choose from - single and two story options *Walking distance to Broadway *Many high end features Homes built by Award Winning Builder: BCI Construction Inc.

Route 7 East to left on Niskayuna Rd, house on right, about half way to Rosendale Rd near bike path and Mohawk river.

Lisa McTygue 598-4098 Lisa.McTygue@ColdwellBanker Prime

OPEN HOUSE SUN 1-4

Please join us for a fabulous Sunday Brunch in our award winning model home and explore all that The Elms at Saratoga have to offer. This quaint neighborhood is nestled on the historic West side of town and is Saratoga living at its finest.

Privacy, privacy!!! Warm inviting home on huge private lot with forever wild behind. Two front entries, one into the family room with wood burning fireplace with insert - heats whole first floor. Kitchen with new counters & DW. Hallway includes 1/2 bath and first floor laundry. Living room with new carpet and sliders out to deck. Formal dining room with wood floors. 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths upstairs. Walk up attic with huge storage potential. Driveway '09, New roof '05. Home could use some updating.

Barbara Bechmann 518-229-2721 yankeebb@aol.com

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 4/29 12-2PM

GALWAY SCHOOLS!! $252,900 Fantastic Colonial Style Home on 2 acres. New Kitchen, 4 bdms, 2.5 baths and hdwd floors. Full basement, security system, 14x22 shed. Close proximity to Saratoga, Malta and Amsterdam.

Directions: West Galway Road (45) to end. Take Left onto County Hwy 132, home is on the right side Janine D’Angelo Coldwell Banker Prime Prop 518-640-4934

Natalie Amsler 366-2495 www.theelmsatsaratoga.com namsler@theelmsatsaratga.com

OPEN HOUSE 4/29 1-3

22 GARSIDE RD, SARATOGA

$178,900 Unique opportunity to own on Saratoga Lake in a beautiful Planned unit development with a gorgeous view.

Home owner fees include winter boat storage and common grounds maintenance. Exceptional price in this completely remodeled home. Garage space and back yard patio.

Patricia Roberts 885-9121 trishroberts@pr-realestate.info

PR Real Estate

587-4500 • RoohanRealty.com OPEN SATURDAY 11–1

OPEN SATURDAY 12–2

130 COBBLE HILL DR., WILTON

10 TOM SAWYER DR., WILTON

Virtual Tour Gorgeous 4 BR, 2.5 BA spec home by awardwinning Waldron Builders in The Links on McGregor Golf Course. It features an open floor plan, 1st floor MBR, gourmet kitchen w/FP, vaulted great room; granite counters & custom trim. Ask about spring incentives... 3 more lots remain. $598,000 - Nancy Schumacher

New construction by McPadden Builders, LLC from $219,900. Located in the Town of Wilton, these new homes will offer efficient floor plans, generous lot sizes, natural gas, public water, public sewer, 2-car garages & full basements.

From $219,900 – Ellen Ritchie

Dir: I-87 Exit 15, R on Rte 50, L on Jones Rd, R on Jodi La, L on Cobble Hill Dr

OPEN SUNDAY 11–2

ELM ST., SARATOGA SPRINGS BRUNCH BY SPERRY’S SERVED!

Virtual Tour Priced from $599,500, The Elms at Saratoga is a 24-lot subdivision, featuring historic inspired architecture only minutes from Broadway! Visit our showcase model at 000 Elm Street for info regarding floor plans and pricing. $879,000 – Natalie Amsler

From south, Rte 9 north, R on Northern Pines Rd, bear R on Traver Rd, L on Tom Sawyer

OPEN SUNDAY 12–2

OPEN SATURDAY 12–2

1241 KING RD., CAMBRIDGE Meticulous 4 BR, 2.5 BA colonial on 9+ acres w/trails, woods & fruit trees. Refinished plank floors, fresh paint, DR, new windows, walk-in pantry, upper & lower decks, garage w/ 2nd story & wood shop; energy efficientpassive solar design & whole house wood furnace!! $247,000 - Darlene Chorman

Dir: From Congress Park, S on Broadway, R on West Circular, L on Elm

9 BURGOYNE ST., SCHUYLERVILLE 1st Time Open! Classic home w/a large kitchen, formal DR w/ a tin ceiling, beautiful woodwork, french doors & built-ins.

LR, FR, sunroom/front porch, 3 BRs w/walk-in closets, updated baths, wood floors, fenced yard, deck, garage w/alley access plus a newer roof & H20 heater. $172,500 – Darlene Chorman

OPEN SUNDAY 11–2

130 COBBLE HILL DR., WILTON BRUNCH SERVED!

Virtual Tour Gorgeous 4 BR, 2.5 BA spec home by awardwinning Waldron Builders in The Links on McGregor Golf Course. Open floor plan, 1st floor MBR, gourmet kitchen w/FP, vaulted great room; granite counters & custom trim.

Ask about our spring incentives...3 more lots remain. $598,000 - Karan Hankinson Dir: I-87 Exit 15, R on Rte 50, L on Jones Rd, R on Jodi La, L on Cobble Hill Drive

Dir-From village, west on Rte 372, L on Co. Rte 59, L on King Rd

Dir: Schuylerville village Rte 4/Broadway to Burgoyne St; or from Saratoga Springs, Rte 29 east, R on Burgoyne, past monument

OPEN SUNDAY 12–2

OPEN SUNDAY 12–2

OPEN SUNDAY 12–2

47 ARROWWOOD PLACE, MALTA

130 RIVERVIEW DR, HADLEY ENTER A DRAWING FOR A $50 GAS CARD!

406 FINLEY RD, CHARLTON

Virtual Tour Reduced! Panoramic Hudson River views from this 3 BR, 2.5 BA home! It boasts a beautiful terraced garden, formal DR, large LR w/ FP, deck w/power awning overlooking 106' of Hudson River frontage & additional detached 2-car garage w/ apartment. $299,000 – John Hayes

Virtual Tour Great 5 BR, 3.5-BA colonial on 9+ scenic acres.

The 1st floor of this lovely home has an in-law/rental or nanny apt. w/a separate entrance. It also boasts hardwood floors, brand new SS appliances, a fireplace, huge deck, bilco door, mature landscaping & a spring fed pond. $369,900 - Elizabeth Todd

268 BROADWAY SARATOGA SPRINGS Virtual Tour Bonacio Construction’s fabulous showcase condo at Park Place! 3 BRs, 3.5 BAs, gourmet kitchen w/custom appliances, wine refrigerator & sub-zero refrigerator; butler’s pantry w/full refrigerator; mudroom & 1,000 SF terrace overlooking Congress Park. Walk to shops & restaurants! $2,100,000 – Julie Bonacio

OPEN SAT. 2:30–4:30

New Listing 1st Time Open! This 2 BR, 2 BA town home features a 10 x 16 screened porch, 3-year old roof, gutters, shed & extra paved parking area. The MBR has a walk-in closet & the 2nd BR has it's own bath w/a tub. A privacy fence and wooded area behind the home make this a nice, quiet spot. $159,900 – Chris Benton

OPEN SUNDAY 12–2

OPEN SUNDAY 12–2

OPEN SUNDAY 12–2

OPEN SUNDAY 12–2

38 FREDERICK ST. SARATOGA SPRINGS REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED!

513 ROUTE 32 S, SCHUYLERVILLE

191 EAST AVE. SARATOGA SPRINGS

4 REGATTA VIEW DR. SARATOGA SPRINGS

100% USDA financing for this super-clean 3 BR, 1 BA-Ashley ranch in a residential neighborhood near everything. Start w/nice HW flooring & family room w/gas woodstove; update in your own style! The corner landscaped lot w/patio has space for a new garage. $176,900 - Joan Fitzhenry

Virtual Tour Beautiful small horse farm 15 minutes from Saratoga w/million dollar views on 4+ acres. Includes a 3 BR, 2 BA log home w/ extra-wide wood plank flooring & granite flooring, 2-story stone W/S, MBR w/a balcony w/views; his & hers closets; & a 3-stall barn, 2 sheds & a garage. $330,000 – Kasia Israel

Walk to Broadway or the track from this eastside charmer. Lots of updating in this 3 BR, 2.5 BA home w/HW floors, living room w/FP, large family room, formal dining room w/built-ins & mud room/office. Includes a detached 2-car garage, garden & gas grill. $369,000 Earline Johnson

Virtual Tour Beautiful home in a great location minutes to Broadway & Saratoga Lake. Standout features of this 4 BR, 3.5 BA home include an open floor plan, 1st floor BR, finished basement, backyard w/an in-ground pool, deck & a 2-car garage. Ideal for entertaining~stop by today! $489,900 – Sage Cerone

2 MADELINE DR., SARATOGA SPRINGS ENTER A DRAWING FOR A $50 RESTAURANT CARD!

OPEN SUNDAY 12–2

OPEN SUNDAY 12–2

OPEN SUNDAY 12–2

OPEN SUNDAY 12–2

OPEN SUNDAY 12–2

5030 JOCKEY ST., GALWAY

160 HIGH ROCK AVE. SARATOGA SPRINGS

OPEN SUNDAY 12–2

Virtual Tour Sweet cozy 3 BR, 2.5 BA , 7-year young colonial minutes from downtown. Offers a beautiful kitchen w/an 8 ft. granite island, hardwood floors, 9 ft. ceilings, gas FP, roomy MBR suite & a finished basement w/high ceilings & full egress windows. $279,900 – Ellen Ritchie

10 TOM SAWYER DR., WILTON 287 JEFFERSON ST. SARATOGA SPRINGS Reduced Don’t miss this great opportunity to own a hardly-used 2 BR, 1 BA condo convenient to the track & I-87.

Features wood flooring, corian countertops, stainless steel appliances & a 1-car garage; handicap accessibility & convenient 1st floor living! Furnishings can be included. $194,900 - Tamara Valentine

7 SO. COLLINS TERRACE SARATOGA SPRINGS Reduced The best of Birch Run! Luxury 1 level end unit w/walk-out partially finished basement and a private driveway. Come and see the great views of the golf course and the surprising amount of privacy! 2 masters on 1st floor, basement has bedroom, family room, full bath and sauna. $495,000 – Kara Collins

OPEN SUN. 2:30–4:30

OPEN SUN. 2:30–4:30

133 WOODFIELD BLVD., MALTA

15 THOMAS ST., SARATOGA SPRINGS

New construction by McPadden Builders, LLC starting at $219,900. Located in the Town of Wilton, these new homes will offer efficient floor plans, generous lot sizes, natural gas, public water, public sewer, two car garages and full basements. South Glens Falls schools.

From $219,900 – Valerie Thompson Dir - Rte 9 north, R on Northern Pines Rd, bear R on Traver Road, L on Tom Sawyer

Virtual Tour 3 BR, 2.5 BA updated home ready to move into! Improvements include roof, interior/exterior paint, shutters, gutters, hot water heater, generator & porch screens on a treed 1.29-acre lot w/shed & garden space.

Very reasonable electric heat..ask for last year's cost! $219,900 – David Schweizer

OPEN SUN. 2:30–4:30

OPEN SUN. 2:30–4:30

OPEN SUN. 2:30–4:30

102 INDEPENDENCE DR. BALLSTON SPA

5 LARKSPUR CT., GREENFIELD

Come home to this adorable ranch just 1+ mile from downtown Ballston Spa w/4 BRs, 2.5 BAs; living, dining & family rooms. It boasts new flooring, 2 updated baths, new kitchen counters, new dishwasher, laundry hook-up in 1/2 BA & fresh paint in 2010. $226,000 – Kimberly Martin

Virtual Tour Reduced! Spectacular custom home minutes from historic downtown Saratoga. Situated on a 6+ acres on a quiet cul-de-sac, the 4,000+ SF home features 6 BRs, 4.5 BAs & all the upgrades including a walkout basement w/BR & full bath, landscaping & a 3-car attached garage. $679,000 – Barbara Cassier

Gorgeous 4 BR, 3.5 BA in-town row house w/a bright open floor plan walking distance to downtown. Boasts a gourmet kitchen, gleaming HW floors on the 1st floor & 2nd floor laundry. With 3,100 SQ feet of living space, this spacious home has tons of closets for storage. $579,900 - Kate R. Naughton

13 PINE RIDGE RD., STILLWATER Virtual Tour Immediate occupancy w/this 4 BR, 2.5 BA colonial in Woodfield Estates. Offers a walkout basement w/theater & pellet stove, formal DR w/HW floor, FR w/gas FP, high efficiency gas furnace, C/A, MBR suite w/ cathedral ceiling, 400 SF deck, patio & 2-car garage. $330,000 – Ann Craft

New Listing Come see this historic 3 BR, 1.5 BA row house in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs! It has a freshly painted exterior, new 1st floor windows, new rubber roof & new deck off the dining room ~ perfect for summer entertaining. Do not miss this in-town opportunity. $299,900 –Julie Bonacio

Bright 3 BR, 3.5 BA town home w/beautiful Saratoga Lake views. It boasts a recently upgraded gourmet kitchen, wood floors, FP, skylight, vaulted ceiling, walkout finished basement & 2-car garage. Great decks & terraces make it ideal for summer enjoyment. $338,900 – Sage Cerone

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Community Corner

DA Awards Public Service

District Attorney Public Service Awards were presented at last week’s crime victims’ candlelight vigil in Saratoga Springs. The award is given to those who make a significant contribution to crime victims and victims’ rights. Pictured from left to right are District Attorney Jim Murphy; keynote spearker, Lisa Savard; Janet Koupash of NYS Corrections and Community Supervision; Cindy Dort of Cornell Cooperative Extension; and Irene Safford of Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County.

Dobermans are Welcome!

The Spa City Dobermans had an outing April 22 and made a stop in front of the newly-opened Russo's restaurant. The owner and chef, Joe Russo, is also a Doberman owner. If you're interested in more information on this special group, contact Tom Quinn at (518) 226-0324.

It’s a Boy! Monica and Robert Kelly are proud to announce the birth of their son Isaiah Christopher Kelly. Isaiah made his debut April 20, 2012, weighing 8 lbs. 7 oz. and measuring 21 inches long.

The proud grandparents are Felix and Diane Aragon of Elmira, NY, and Robert and Shirley Kelly of Mineville, NY. Isaiah joins siblings Eliana, Mateo and Nadia at home. Congratulations to the Kelly family!

SARATOGA

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

TODAY

Welcome Charlotte Olivia Towne!

Future parents of the century Laura and Roblee Towne are proud to announce the birth of their beautiful baby girl Charlotte Olivia Towne. Entering the world April 23, 2012, at 7 lbs. 4 oz. and 21 inches long, Charlotte has instantly become the apple of her adoring Aunt Emily’s eye.

Congratulations to the Towne family!

Malta’s Marjorie Shaw 2012 Senior Citizen of the Year Marjorie Shaw of Malta has been named the 2012 Senior Citizen of the Year by the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club. “Our club presents this award annually to a senior in our community who has dedicated a lifetime to the Rotary motto of ‘service above self,’” said Jim Doern, president of Saratoga Rotary.

Mrs. Shaw’s accomplishments include being secretary of the Saratoga Bridges Board of Directors and having also served as vice president of the board. She served as the chair of the Saratoga Bridges Guardianship Committee and is an active membership recruiter. In addition, she was a member of the Malta Ridge Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary for more than 50 years, a Sunday school teacher, piano and choir member of the Ballston Center Presbyterian Church, an usher Congratulating Marjorie Shaw (center, with award) are at Proctors Theater, a member of the Dunning Rotarian Sara Dallas, chair of Senior Citizens Award Street Cemetery Association, a former Special Committee; Stephen Shaw, Marjorie’s son; Valerie Olympics coach, American Red Cross blood drive Muratori, executive director of Saratoga Bridges; Bill coordinator, 4-H leader and coordinator of Shaw, Marjorie’s husband; and Jim Doern, president of Samaritan’s Purse, an organization that ships school supplies, personal hygiene items and Saratoga Springs Rotary Club.

Christmas gifts to children in Africa.

“If you give your time, energy and financial resources, you in turn will be rewarded,” said Marjorie.

the

Happy 5th Birthday Nadine!

Tooth fairy club

Love, Mommy, Take a look at this week’s new club members Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Beth & Uncle James

Mya The tooth fairy club is sponsored by:

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

SARATOGA

TODAY

PUZZLES PUZZLES PUZZLES

Sudoku

Crossword

See puzzle solution on page 28

Scrabblegram

See puzzle solution on page 28

Top 10 Movie Rentals

ACROSS 1 “The __ Kings Play Songs of Love”: Hijuelos novel 6 “But wait, there’s more!”

10 Surrounded by 14 Animated mermaid 15 Mascara target 16 Better half, so to speak 17 Did a fall chore 18 Kid’s comeback 19 Luau strings 20 See 38-Across 23 Pathetic 24 Where to ’ang one’s ’at 25 Insightful 26 See 38-Across 32 “The Matrix” hero 33 Bit of shuteye 34 Hi-tech brains?

35 Test one’s metal 38 Clue for four puzzle answers 39 Family insignia 41 Like some coll. courses 42 Big initials in Detroit 43 Low digit?

44 See 38-Across 50 SFO guesstimates 51 One is often seen near a dessert array 52 RAV4 or TrailBlazer, briefly 54 See 38-Across 58 Turbaned Punjabi 59 Feels lousy 60 Professeur’s charge 61 Colored part of the eye 62 Pool path 63 “American Idol” success Clay 64 Club membership, maybe 65 Logician’s “E,” perhaps 66 Numerical extreme DOWN 1 Some are mini 2 Mount sacred to Armenians

1. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocal 2. The Sitter 3. Hop 4. The Descendants 5. Immortals 6. War Horse 7. The Darkest Hour 8. Tower Heist 9. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo 10. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close Gasoline Alley

19

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

Broom Hilda

Animal Crackers

"Every individual makes a difference. We cannot live through a single day without making an impact on the world around us. And we all have free choice – what sort of difference do we want to make? Do we want to make the world around us a better place? Or not?"

Jane Goodall

Words to know: acquiesce: v, to submit or comply without protest.

See puzzle solutions on page 28

3 Title Gilbert and Sullivan ruler 4 __ Wellington 5 Stick-in-the-mud 6 Connects with a memory 7 Desktop item 8 Outdated globe letters 9 Badly rattled 10 Talisman 11 Reprimand to quarreling siblings 12 Brangelina, for one 13 __ Arc, Arkansas 21 Texter’s “If you ask me ...”

22 TV’s Arthur 27 A, in Oaxaca 28 Bowled over 29 Souvenir from Scotland 30 Black __: spy doings 31 Zealous type

35 “Walk me!”

36 Inspiring msg.

37 Close game 38 Mason __ 39 Polenta base 40 Crank (up) 42 High-end 43 She played Lois on “Lois & Clark” 45 Violinist Perlman 46 Spinning toon 47 Group within a group 48 “I’ve got it!”

49 Log cabin warmers 53 Olympics segment 54 Baloney 55 One writing a lot of fiction?

56 Prismatic bone 57 Ballet class bend 58 “How’s it hangin’, bro?”

SARATOGA

20

upcoming town meetings Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org 5/1: Town Board, 7:30 p.m.

5/2: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:30 p.m.

Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com 5/1: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:30 p.m.

5/3: Town Board Agenda, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 899-2818 www.malta-town.org 4/30: Town Board, 6:30 p.m.

Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org 5/1: City Council, 7 p.m.

5/2: Design Review Commission, 7 p.m.

Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org 5/2: Board of Water Management, 7 p.m.

Town of Stillwater: 66 East St., Riverside Mechanicville, NY 12118 www.stillwaterny.org 5/3: Town Board Agenda, 7 p.m.

Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com Saratoga County Board of Supervisors 40 McMaster St., # 1 Ballston Spa, NY 12020-1985 (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov 5/1: Buildings & Grounds, 3 p.m.

5/1: Public Health, 4 p.m.

5/2: Personnel & Insurance, 3 p.m.

5/2: Economic Development, 4 p.m.

5/3: Technology Committee, 4 p.m.

Friday, April 27, 2012

L A C O L riefs b

Saratoga Springs City School District Voter Registration May 1

The Saratoga Springs City School District will hold a voter registration day from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, for district residents who have not previously registered.

Registration will be held at the district’s MacFadden Administration Building, located at 3 Blue Streak Blvd. on the high school campus.

Anyone who is registered to vote in general elections and has voted within the past four years may vote in school district elections.

District residents may also register at the Saratoga County Board of Elections office in Ballston Spa from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays through May 14.Those who prefer to register by mail may pick up voter registration forms at post offices, public libraries or state government offices. The completed forms should be mailed to the Saratoga County Board of Elections.

To register, residents must be United States citizens, at least 18 years old and have resided in the school district for at least 30 days prior to the vote. Absentee ballots will be available at the school district’s administrative offices beginning April 27.

I Am I Can Welcomes Three New Board Members I Am I Can, Inc. recently named Judith McKinnon, Amanda Savarese and Allison Reynolds as board members. Judith, Amanda and Allison join Avon Scherff, Nikki Moreschi, Kathleen Occhiogrosso, Carissa Conley, Renee Walrath and Laurie Boyce to lead the operations of I Am I Can, Inc. I Am I Can, Inc. was created to mentor girls in grades nine through 12. The organization provides encouragement, guidance and advocacy to students as they navigate their high school years and move toward post-graduation goals. For more information, visit www.iamicanachieve.org or contact Avon Scherff, at (518) 688-3010, ext 102 or Avon@scherffinsurance.com.

“Fambul Tok” Peacemaking Film Hudson Valley Community College, Bulmer Telecommunications Center Auditorium On Thursday, May 3 at 11 a.m.,

Hannah Ewing, Catalyst for Peace member and North Greenbush native, will screen and discuss the film “Fambul Tok,” a film about a peacemaking and community reunification project in Sierra Leone following a bloody civil war that pitted family members and friends against one another in unspeakable acts of violence. This event is open to the public free of charge.

Lilac Walking Tour to Bloom in Schuylerville Lilac lovers are encouraged to get to Schuylerville soon. Any day now, over 30 lilac specimens will be in bloom in the village. A special project, sponsored by the Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce, is a community effort to bring something unique to the area – a lilac collection and walking tour.

Maps of the Lilac Walking Tour are available at Schuyler Sweets, Olde Saratoga Wine and Spirits, and Old Saratoga Books, all in the heart of the village, and the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center. Information on a special two-day Gardener’s Weekend (Mother’s Day weekend), and plant sale information can be found at www.schuylervillechamber.org. For more information, contact Mary Roberts at (518) 695 6923.

World War II USO Show New York State Military Museum, 61 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs In honor of Bob Hope's first USO broadcast on May 6, 1941, the Friends of the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center will present a recreation of an Armed Forces Radio broadcast and cantina performance. The majority of these broadcasts were live from military bases around the country. On Saturday, May 19, from 2-5 p.m., the Military Museum will become a World War II military base and you will be part of the audience for a live remote broadcast featuring actual performances by the incomparable Manhattan Dolls and an accompanying music group.

Local historian and entertainer Gary Ferris will host the program that will include monologues inspired by Bob Hope, period ad spots, War Bond promo pieces and songs requested by America's best generation, World War II's fighting men and women serving around the globe. Refreshments like those at USO cantinas during World War II will be served.

Come and join us for this historic look back in time! Proceeds will benefit the Friends of the NYS Military Museum. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Active

military personnel are $20. For more information, call (518) 5842244 or visit www.friendsofthenysmilitarymuseum.com.

Military Museum Acquires Civil War Diary The diary of a 25-year-old New York Civil War soldier who was wounded and captured at the siege of Fort Wagner, S.C., and made famous in the movie "Glory," is now part of the New York State Military Museum’s collection. The 85-page diary of Cpl. William B. Howard was donated to the museum by Braintree, Mass., couple Jim Livingston and Sherry Penny. The diary is a significant acquisition for the New York State Military Museum, which holds one of the largest collections of Civil War items in the United States.

Drop off Clothing Donations to Cudney’s Drop off your gently-used, in-season clothing Saturday, May 5 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at all Cudney’s locations in Saratoga and Wilton. The clothing will then be sorted, cleaned and donated to Franklin Community Center.

Seeking Vendors and Crafters Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake Christ the Savior Orthodox Church is seeking vendors and crafters for their second annual flea market taking place July 7, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the church. Outside and indoor spaces are available. For more information, email xcsavior@yahoo.com or call (518) 363-0001.

Taste of Home Cooking School to benefit Newspapers in Education Tickets are on sale now for the Taste of Home Cooking School, a special one-night event May 14 at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

The two-hour interactive event will feature 10 all-new spring recipes prepared by Taste of Home Chef Michael Barna. General admission is $15. A limited number of VIP admissions at $60 include preferred seating, a Taste of Home cookbook, exclusive admission to a pre-show reception sponsored by Price Chopper, and early admission to a Vendor Expo. General admission tickets can be purchased weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at The Saratogian in person or by calling (518) 584-0205. VIP tickets are available only through The Saratogian.

Tickets can also be purchased at

TODAY

four area Price Choppers: The Price Chopper on Route 50 (Ballston Ave.) and Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs; on Route 50 in Wilton; and off Route 9 in Malta.

Proceeds benefit the Newspapers in Education Program, which provides newspapers to area classrooms. Doors open for the May 14 event at 5 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.

Prevention Council Announces Prescription Drug Drop The next prescription drug takeback day is scheduled for next Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saratoga County residents are encouraged to get rid of unused or expired medications at three drug drop locations sites that were established in collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Saratoga Springs: Police Benevolent Range, 52 Weibel Ave. Clifton Park: NY State Police Public Safety building, 5 Municipal Plaza, off Route 146 Mechanicville: CVS parking lot, 12 South Central Ave. The process is completely anonymous. Items accepted include unused, expired, or unwanted prescription and OTC medications; vitamins, supplements, and herbals; and medication samples. Items that cannot be accepted include needles, sharps, syringes with needles, aerosols or pressurized containers, thermometers, bloody or infectious waste, and hydrogen peroxide.

Future disposal days will be scheduled throughout the year.

When drug drop venues are not available, consumers are encouraged to remove unused or expired medications from their original containers, mix them with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, seal them in a plastic bag, and throw them in the trash. Unless specifically directed, medication should never be flushed down the toilet.

AGC NYS Offering Scholarship Opportunities The Associated General Contractors of New York State (AGC NYS) is now accepting applications for their undergraduate, graduate and diesel technology scholarship program. For eligibility requirements, contact Brendan Manning at (518) 456-1134. To download an application, visit https://www.agcnys.org/programs/s cholarship. The deadline to submit applications is May 15, 2012.

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

SARATOGA

TODAY

CALENDAR

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

living

27 - May 4 Apr.

events Weekend-Long Saratoga InvitationalRegatta Race Saratoga Lake, Saratoga Springs The 15th annual Saratoga Invitational will be held from Friday, April 27- Sunday, April 29 on beautiful Saratoga Lake.

Watch as 935 participants race over three days! Racing will begin Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. with the Liberty League Championships held between 7 and 10 a.m. on Saturday before the invitational begins. For more information, visit www.saratogarowing.com.

Friday & Saturday Schuylerville Community Theater Presents “Bingo, the Musical” American Legion, Old Saratoga Post #278, Clancy St., Schuylerville Showtimes are Friday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 28 at 2 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m.

Bingo cards will be distributed at the door and dessert will be served during intermission, all included in the ticket price.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for students/seniors and can be purchased at the legion or reserved for pickup at the door by calling (518) 695-5480.

Friday, April 27 Student Recycled Art Show Schuylerville Elementary School From 5:30-7 p.m., check out a special student-created recycled art show.

International Organ and Flute Ensemble to Perform United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs The organ and flute ensemble “Due Solisti” will perform a diverse musical program beginning at 7:30 p.m. Free event, donations encouraged. For information, call (518) 5843720.

Bowling Party to Benefit the Saratoga Independent School Garden Project Saratoga Strike Zone, 32 Ballston Ave., Saratoga Springs Bring the kids and invite the neighbors for two hours of bowling, shoes, pizza and two pitchers of soda for $49.95 per lane, maximum eight people per lane. 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, April 28 Vital Aging Our Way Conference Murray-Aikens Dining Hall, Second Floor, Skidmore College From 9 a.m.-1 p.m. enjoy speakers and a lively discussion followed by a book signing by featured author Meika Loe of “Aging Our Way: Lessons for Living from 85 and Beyond.”

This conference provides a forum for participants to hear how others have navigated the aging process in unique ways.

Limited seating, early registration suggested. For more information, email dsarno@saratogavitalaging.org.

The Saratoga Regional YMCA Hosts Healthy Kids Day YMCA, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs The Saratoga Regional YMCA will be celebrating Healthy Kids Day with a free community event that will help families find fun through active play and educational opportunities to improve health and wellbeing. This event is open to all, not just members. At Healthy Kids Day, participants will enjoy open swim, face painting, outdoor physical challenges, nail painting, rock climbing and much more. There will also be

raffle drawings for various prizes! In addition, each youth that participates in Healthy Kids Day will receive a YMCA drawstring bag. Event takes place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, call Taraya Ricci at (518) 583-9622, ext. 120 or visit www.saratogaregionalymca.org.

Pet Appreciation Celebration It's time for our eighth annual Pet Appreciation Celebration at Impressions and Dawgdom. It will be a fun-filled day for you and your four-legged friends.

The Saratoga County Animal Shelter will be at Impressions with their new mobile adoption van and many adoptable animals, Safe Pet Partnership will be here and H.O.P.E. will be holding their Walk for the Animals with a Broadway scavenger hunt. Photographer, Tracey Buyce will be here with her "Buyce Booth" taking professional pictures of your pet with proceeds donated to The Shelter and C.A.N.D.I.. Bring your pet’s favorite toy to photograph them with. There will be treat tastings, a count the biscuits contest and a pet food and supply drive with $1 Barker's Bucks (good at Impressions and Dawgdom) as donation rewards! Gaffney's Patio will be open for you and your pup to enjoy lunch for this one special day (weather permitting). For more details, visit www.ImpressionsSaratoga.com or www.Dawgdom.com.

Sunday, April 29 Vasa Tegner 109 Presents a Swedish American Pancake Breakfast Burnt Hills Fire Department, 811 State Route 50 Ballston Lake From 8 a.m.-noon Swedish pancakes will be served with lingonberries. Hotcakes with maple syrup will be served as well. Dine in or take out. Adults are $6. Children ages 5-12 are $3 (under 5 free). Contact David Faltskog at David.faltskog@gmail.com or call (518) 312-0535 for more information.

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. 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 pre- kindergarten to college-level school programs, technological applications and more.

Reading a Quilt 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa The program “Reading a Quilt” will be held at Brookside Museum from 1-3 p.m. Join the Capital Region Quilt Study Group as they share their knowledge of historic quilts and the techniques used to discover their stories. You are welcome to bring a quilt you want to learn more about or you are welcome to attend and observe what others have brought with them. This program will be in a roundtable discussion format, as many members will have insights to share. You will also have the opportunity to learn about appropriate options for storing and cleaning quilts.

While monetary appraisals will not be available during this program, information will be offered about how to find an experienced textile appraiser.

This program is free to the public, but donations are gratefully accepted.

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why it has such a low ranking.

The League will also be recruiting volunteers to help with voter registration prior to the November elections. For more information, contact (518) 7280237 or visit www.lwvsaratoga.org.

Thursday, May 3 Saratoga County Citizens for Mental Health Annual Dinner Meeting Longfellows Restaurant, Saratoga Springs This dinner is to recognize a member of the community for their contribution to mental health. Open to the public for consumers, supporters and mental health professionals.

Raffle and silent auction will raise funds for grants that benefit mental health community in our county. To attend, visit www.SCCCMH-Saratoga.org.

Upcoming Crafty Shopper’s Marketplace The Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Dr. The Malta Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting the Crafty Shoppers Marketplace Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Fifty local vendors of both handmade and manufactured merchandise will be available for your shopping pleasure.

Free admission and free parking. Call the center at (518) 8994411 for additional information.

Monday, April 30 League of Women Voters Presents Strategies to Increase Voter Turnout Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library At 7 p.m. The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County will present: “Increasing Voter Participation in New York State.”

New York State has one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the nation, and this program explores many of the reasons

Send your calendar items to Emily Fowler at efowler@saratogapublishing.com before 5 p.m. on Monday for Friday publication.

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SARATOGA

PULSE

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

Get Your Monthly Dose of Comedy at DiDonna’s South Shore Restaurant SARATOGA SPRINGS - Head on down to DiDonna’s South Shore Restaurant, overlooking the beautiful Saratoga Lake on Rt. 9P, this Friday, April 27 at 8 p.m. for your monthly dose of comedy - not to mention great food and drinks.

Featuring some of the best standup acts from both the local region and beyond, $15 will get you through the

door for the monthly “Laughter The Best Medicine Comedy Night” event. Bring four or more people and you get in for free. Dinner and admission package for two is also available for $50.

Great comedy, great food and plenty of drinks to be had this Friday.

Pro tip: try the ice cream nachos for dessert - you won’t regret it.

TODAY

Local Gigs Week of 4/27-5/3:

Send listings to entertainment@saratogapublishing.com

Friday, 4.27:

•Kevin & Kate McKrell, 9 pm

•Dave Fisk Quartet, 9 pm

•GRAVITY, 10 pm

@ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759

•Wendy Young, 8 pm @ arthur zankel music center - 580.5321

•Steve Candlen, 9 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

•Vivid, 9 pm @ bentley’s - 899.4300

•Mike Agranoff, 8 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

@ bentley’s - 899.4300 @ bullpen - 583.9400

•Molasses Creek, 8 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

•Tim Wechgelear Trio, 9 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•2U (U2 Tribute Band), 10 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

•Crying Out Loud, 10:30 pm @ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

•Laughter The Best Medicine Comedy Night, 8 pm

•Chuck Kelcy, 9 pm

@ didonna’s south shore restaurant - 584.0227

•Jeff Strange, 8 pm

•Erin Harkes and Blaze, 9 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•The Plum Muffinz, 8:30 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

•Crisp Critters, 6 pm •Kings English, 10:30 pm @ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

•Frank Jacklitch, 9 pm @ the mill - 899.5253

•Comedy Gold Showcase, 8 pm @ the mine - 871.1430

•Joe’s Boys, 8:30 pm @ the parting glass - 583.1916

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

•Wild Adriatic, Mirk & more, 9 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

•George Fletcher'$ Foldin' Money, 8 pm @ saratoga city tavern - 581.3230

•Christine Santelli, 8:30 pm @ van dyck - 348.7999

•The Refrigerators, 8 pm @ vapor - 581.5772

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

@ the mill - 899.5253 @ the parting glass - 583.1916

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

•American Cancer Society Benefit, 9 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

•Club Crush w/DVDJ Reel, 9 pm @ vapor - 581.5772

•Jim Wilson Quartet, 9 pm @ wallabee’s jazz bar - 792.8282

Sunday, 4.29: •Betty & The Baby Boomers, 7 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

Thursday, 5.3: •Don & Victoria Armstrong, 7 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

•Rock Pile, 9 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•Jeff Walton, 6 pm @ horseshoe inn - 587.4909

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

Saturday, 4.28:

•Wed. Open Mic, 8 pm

•Jim Wilson Quartet, 9 pm

•Thur. Open Mic, 7 pm

@ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759

•The High Peeks Trio, 9 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

@ putnam den - 584.8066 @ caffè lena - 583.0022

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

PULSE

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

A Visit From The Man In Black

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS - A tall man dressed in black with a booming voice stood in the entranceway of the Saratoga TODAY offices.

“Hi,” he said, extending his hand. “I guess this is the part where I’m supposed to say, ‘Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.’”

Sold. Harold Ford is a dead ringer for the late country legend, and after years spent touring across the United States and Canada, Ford is bringing his tribute act to Saratoga Springs

Friday, May 4 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Saratoga Music Hall.

Billed as “The Spirit of Johnny Cash,” Ford will take to the stage at 474 Broadway with Laura Lucy - Ford’s June Carter to his Cash - along with The Cash Band for a performance to rival only the original Cash himself.

But despite the uncanny resemblance, Ford, a musician for most of his life, never thought much about performing a tribute act to the original Man in Black. It wasn’t until a close friend encouraged him to perform a few songs at an open mic that Ford had a change of heart.

photo provided

Laura Lucy (as June Carter) and Harold Ford (as Johnny Cash)

For Ford, whose voice, phrasing and musical sensibilities also mirror Cash’s, performing as Cash has now become a kind of personal calling - a way for Ford to keep the man and the legend alive on stage.

It’s a performance you won’t want to miss, made all the more enjoyable by Lucy, whose playful presence and wonderful harmonies make songs like “Jackson,” “Guitar Pickin’ Man” and more a true joy.

Ford and Lucy are backed by the considerable talents of Sten Isaschen on lead guitar, Mitch Throop on upright bass, Peter Maine on drums and Les Wheeler on rhythm guitar and harmonica.

Tickets for the Friday, May 4 performance run $20 per person, and can be purchased online at www.thejohnnycashband.com or by calling (518) 683-0913. Doors open at 6 p.m. at the Saratoga Music Hall, located on the third floor of the Saratoga Springs City Hall building. The show begins at 7 p.m.

For more information about the show, or to learn more about Ford, Lucy and The Cash Band, visit www.thejohnnycashband.com.

Fifth Annual WILDWOODstock Benefit Concert May 6

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS - Eight live bands, dozens of silent auction items, raffles, great food, great drinks and for a great cause - all of this coming your way Sunday, May 6 during the Fifth Annual WILDWOODstock benefit concert at the Parting Glass Pub in Saratoga Springs.

For $5 in advance or $10 at the door (kids 12 and under are free), concertgoers can hear bands like Olivia Quillo, Holly & Evan, ThE BLiSTeRz, Brian Gibney Band, Erin Harkes Band, Beth Zaje Band, The City Never Sleeps and Rob Skane 3 perform during the nine-hour event.

Proceeds go to benefit the Wildwood Programs, a not-for-profit day program for students ages 3-21 with neurological impairments, learning disabilities, autism and related developmental disorders.

Tickets can be purchased at the Parting Glass Pub at 40-42 Lake Ave., or through the performing bands.

photo provided

Harold Ford takes to the stage as Johnny Cash Friday, May 4 at the Saratoga Music Hall. He will be joined by Laura Lucy and The Cash Band for a performance you won’t want to miss.

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PULSE

SARATOGA

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

TODAY

SPAC Rock & Run Lineup Goes the Distance SARATOGA SPRINGS – Nationally recognized, New York City-based alternative rock band My Pet Dragon is one of several top bands that will be performing live music for runners participating in Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s Rock & Run 5K on Sunday, May 20 at 10:30 a.m. in the Saratoga Spa State Park. In total, the 5K will feature music by more than 10 top bands; a post-race party with entertainment and family activities follows. The run starts at SPAC at 10:30 a.m.; a one-mile Kids’ Race kicks off at 10 a.m. Online registra-

tion is available at www.areep.com.

Proceeds from the event help underwrite SPAC’s Vivienne Anderson Program, an initiative which provides underserved children with the opportunity to attend classical performances.

“Our Rock & Run is the perfect, high-energy kick off to our season.

The enthusiasm of local runners, families and residents from around the Capital Region has made this unique 5K and post-race party a huge success in each of the last two years. This year’s tremendous lineup of bands should translate into an even bigger turnout,” said Marcia J. White, SPAC’s president and executive director. “My thanks go out to the members of SPAC’s Action Council for their hard work on behalf of this terrific event, which raises much-needed funds for SPAC’s programming and education programs.”

Drawing comparisons to Arcade Fire and Coldplay, My Pet Dragon is known for its anthemic songs and powerful live shows led by singer/songwriter Todd Michaelsen and dancer/actress Reena Shah.

They will be headlining the 2012 Breckenridge Beer Festival in

photo provided

Headband Jack, one of several bands who will perform at the annual SPAC Rock and Run 5K race.

Colorado in April. They are also a featured band on the Occupy Movement-inspired, “Occupy This Album,” along with Jackson Brown, Debbie Harry, Tom Morrello and other noted musicians. My Pet Dragon's newly released LP, “Mountains and Cities,” is currently receiving airplay on radio stations all across the United States.

Other top regional bands participating for the first time in Rock and Run include: • Headband Jack – Offering a

new twist on a classic sound, Headband Jack blends trademark vocal harmonies with a backbone of folk, rock and Americana. A mainstay at Putnam Den and Bailey’s and a finalist in last year’s Battle of the Bands at SPAC, the band is a Capital Region favorite.

• Black Mountain Symphony -Evocative of artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Guster and The Dave Matthews Band, Black Mountain Symphony is an eclectic five-piece band that combines their live sets with everything from classical music to Motown, blues and jazz.

• Jenson Rhodes Band – A tribute band for Jenson Rhodes, considered by some to be the godfather of the alternative rock movement, this band’s music is cathartic rock with a punk twist.

• The City Never Sleeps – This Indie/Jazz Rock Band from Albany, NY was voted "Band of the Week" in June 2009 by GuerillaMagazine.com receiving praise such as, "The City Never Sleeps is a refreshingly hard to categorize rock outfit from [Albany, NY]... unsigned, relatively new on the music scene, but undeniably catchy.”

Back by popular demand will be several bands and musicians who have participated previously in the event including Garland Nelson, Lost Cantina, Tamer Lane, Dirt Cheap, Kemp Avenue Band, Betsy and the Bygones, John Donvito and Tracy Corey, who will sing the National Anthem at the start of the race.

WEQX’s acclaimed morning onair personality, Jeff Morad, will emcee for the first time. “WEQX is among the Northeast’s top rock music radio stations and a great part-

ner to SPAC throughout the season,” said White. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome Jeff to the first event of our season.”

Other features of the Rock & Run include: • performance/moisture-wicking shirts for the first 750 pre-registered 5K runners • tickets to SPAC’s Wine & Food and Fall Ferrari Festival for the top male/female finishers • tickets to SPAC classical performances for the top three male and female finishers in each age category • finisher awards for all children participating in the Kids’ Race • free post-race party with live music, refreshments and children’s activities Early registration cost (postmarked by 5/14) for the 5K is $27 per person and $5 for the Kids’ Race.

The general public may enjoy viewing the race or attending the postrace party free of charge.

Proceeds from Rock & Run benefit SPAC’s Vivienne Anderson Children’s Program, a special program which hosts underserved area youth at select matinee performances of the NYCB. The children visit the National Museum of Dance, meet with dancers from the company, and learn about a dancer’s life.

They view the performance after having been introduced to the story line, choreographer and composer. It is the goal of the program that experiencing the arts in such a meaningful way, often for their first time, will help these children foster a lifelong love of the arts. The program is named for former Action Council President Vivienne Anderson who was a tireless advocate for children’s education.

PULSE

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

THE MUSICAL

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SCHUYLERVILLE - Is it just me, or does “BINGO, The Musical” seem like a perfect fit for a local community theater troupe to tackle?

At the very least, Schuylerville Community Theater (SCT) and the American Legion, Old Saratoga Post #278 seem to agree, with the organizations collaborating to open the show Friday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. Two additional shows are also scheduled, one at 2 p.m. and the other at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 28. All performances will be held at Legion Hall on Clancy Street in Schuylerville.

Directed by Fran Williams and musical director Christopher Tucker, “BINGO, The Musical” follows a trio die-hard BINGO fiends who brave a killer storm to get their low-stakes gambling fix, only to arrive late at the hall and have no choice but to sit in

photos provided

Cast members from “BINGO, The Musical” help bring the wacky game and the outrageous characters to life at the Legion Hall on Clancy Street. the non-smoking section. That’s where the trio meets newcomer to the BINGO world, Allison, who hints at a big secret the trio must pry out of her before the last BINGO! is called.

“BINGO, The Musical,” is one part show and one part game.

Popcorn will be provided at every

table, along with BINGO cards, which audience members will get to use during three games of BINGO with prizes.

Tickets are $20 a piece and $18 for seniors and students and can be purchased at the legion or by calling the SCT ticket line at (518) 695-5480.

Home Made Theater Holds Open Auditions for ‘9 to 5: the Musical’ SARATOGA SPRINGS - Home Made Theater (HMT) has announced open auditions for their October production of Patricia Resnick’s “9 TO 5: The Musical,” music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, directed and choreographed by Laurie Larson, musical direction by Richard Cherry.

Auditions will be held Sunday and Monday, May 6 and 7 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Spa Little Theater in Saratoga Spa State Park. The cast consists of men and women ranging in age from 20s-50s.

“9 to 5: The Musical” is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. It tells the story of three unlikely friends who conspire to take control of their company and learn there's nothing they can't do - even in a man's world. Outrageous, thoughtprovoking and even a little romantic, “9 to 5” is about teaming up and taking care of business, about getting credit and getting even.

HMT is looking for strong singers and actors that can move well. Those auditioning should prepare 16 - 32 measures of a standard musical number in their key. An accompanist will

be provided. Actors are asked to dress comfortably for auditions. Actors may be asked to do short movement excerpts and should bring a current photo and resume. Photos cannot be returned.

Production dates are weekends, October 12-28, 2012. Rehearsals

begin in late August with a full schedule beginning September 4. No appointments are necessary for the audition. For a detailed flyer with character descriptions or questions about the audition, contact HMT at (518) 587-4427, or visit their website at www.homemadetheater.org.

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PULSE

SARATOGA

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

St. Clement’s Spring Ball A Stunning Success

photo provided

From left to right: Tim Howe, Janet Franco, Beth Howe, Heidi Bielefeld and Anna Farone at St. Clement’s Spring Ball.

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Over 230 of Saratoga’s best and brightest flocked to the Canfield Casino last Friday, April 20 for the annual St. Clement’s Spring Ball, helping to raise a record breaking $70,000 - the highest gross ever - for the regional catholic school.

“This fundraising and social event benefits the St. Clement’s School students,” said Greta McCauley, the St. Clement’s Alumni Association Board treasurer. “Our mission is to support enrichment programs, providing the students with opportunities that might otherwise not be funded through the operatintg budget.”

In the past, the association has helped fund a rock climbing wall, smartboards and distance/remote learning opportunities for students.

“This year’s event will be tough to beat,” added McCauley. “We had a great volunteer team, top-notch entertainment and food, and we raised the most money we ever have at this event.” ~by Daniel Schechtman

TODAY

Call for Artists for TRASK: A Juried Art Show and Benefit Reception SARATOGA SPRINGS Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and Saratoga Springboard have joined forces to plan “TRASK: Preserving Saratoga Springs Through Art,” an art show and fundraiser to benefit the foundation’s efforts to restore the Spencer Trask Memorial, which includes the Spirit of Life sculpture in Congress Park.

TRASK will be held Thursday, June 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Canfield Casino and feature a silent auction of art work by local artists in all mediums. Donna Hassler, former Saratoga Springs resident and director of Chesterwood, the home and studio of Daniel Chester French, and Elaina Richardson, executive director of Yaddo, will be honorary co-chairs of the event. Proceeds from TRASK, including ticket and art sales, benefit the Spirit of Life & Spencer Trask Memorial Restoration Campaign.

Organizers of TRASK are currently seeking submissions from artists for this juried art show.

TRASK will showcase artists who, in some way honor preservation, local history, architecture, landscapes, culture, concepts of philanthropy, and generally the “Spirit of Saratoga Springs.” Interpretations and concepts can be applied literally or broadly; works may be from an extant body of work that addresses these themes or newly created for the show. After applications are submitted, a selection committee will make certain works are appropriate for the scope of the show. After works are installed, prior to the TRASK opening and reception, the

works will be judged by wellknown sculptor Beverley Mastrianni and painter David Miller. Works will be on view for one night only and all works submitted must be available to be sold as part of the silent auction that night.

Artists will receive 50 percent of the sale of their works, with the other half benefiting the restoration campaign.

All entry applications are due by Tuesday, June 12. Selected works must be dropped off Wednesday, June 27 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Canfield Casino. Late entries are not permitted. The exhibition is juried by review of actual artwork, not digital images or slides, three submissions per artist are permitted.

For complete guidelines and exhibit information, visit the foundation’s website at www.saratogapreservation.org. For queries, email Sara Boivin, membership and program director at sboivin@saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of April 27 - May 3, 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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SERVICES

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SPORTS

SARATOGA

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

TODAY

Community Sports Bulletin The Varsity Sports Round-up

Upcoming Games:

Saratoga Springs Varsity Baseball April 27 - vs. Glens Falls, 4:15 p.m.

April 30 - @ Ballston Spa, 4:15 p.m.

May 2 - vs. Guilderland, 4:15 p.m.

May 4 - @ Columbia, 4:15 p.m.

May 8 - vs. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, 4:15 p.m.

Saratoga Springs Varsity Softball

Spa Catholic Varsity Baseball April 27 - @ Fort Plain, 4:30 p.m.

April 28 - Bishop Maginn, 7:00 p.m.

May 2 - @ St. Joseph’s, 4:30 p.m.

May 4 - vs. Schoharie, 7:00 p.m.

Spa Catholic Varsity Softball April 27 - @ Fort Plain, 4:30 p.m.

April 30 - vs. Canajoharie, 4:30 p.m.

May 2 - @ St. Joseph’s, 4:30 p.m.

May 4 - Schoharie, 7:00 p.m.

April 30 - @ Ballston Spa, 4:15 p.m.

May 2 - vs. Guilderland, 4:15 p.m.

Schuylerville Varsity Baseball

May 3 - @ Lake George, 4:15, p.m.

May 1 - @ Hoosick Falls, 4:15 p.m.

May 4 - @ Columbia, 4:15 p.m.

May 3 - vs. Hoosic Valley Central, 4:15 p.m.

May 7 - vs. Catholic Central High, 4:15 p.m.

May 4 - vs. South Glens Falls, 4:15 p.m.

May 7 - @ Greenwich Central, 4:15 p.m.

Ballston Spa Varsity Baseball

April 28 - @ Schenectady, 1:30 p.m.

April 30 - vs. Saratoga Springs, 4:15 p.m.

May 2 - vs. Averill Park, 4:15 p.m.

May 3 - vs. Albany Academy, 4:15 p.m.

Ballston Spa Varsity Softball April 30 - vs. Saratoga Springs, 4:15 p.m.

May 2 - vs. Averill Park, 4:15 p.m.

May 4 - @ Colonie, 4:15 p.m.

May 7 - @ Troy High, 4:15 p.m.

Puzzle Solutions from p.19 Send your sports stories or briefs to Andrew Marshall, Sports Editor at amarshall@saratoga publishing.com

Schuylerville Varsity Softball May 1 - @ Hoosick Falls, 4:15 p.m.

May 3 - vs. Hoosic Valley Central, 4:15 p.m.

May 4 - vs. South Glens Falls, 4:15 p.m.

May 7 - @ Greenwich Central, 4:15 p.m.

SARATOGA

TODAY

SPORTS

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

29

The Legacy of Matt Muzikar

Damian Fantauzzi Matt Muzikar is a former basketball player who played for me while in his junior year of high school at Saratoga Springs High School. During his senior year, he became very ill and missed most of the school year. After getting back to good health and back in school, he was allowed to play basketball the following year after the Section II committee granted him the extra year of eligibility due to his illness. In Matt's last year of school in 1987-88, the team, under the direction of coaches Tom Coons and Michael McGraw, earned a sectional championship and made it to the state tournament's final four.

Matt’s family has some deep roots throughout the archives of Saratoga Springs High. His mom, the late Patricia Muzikar, and his aunt Mary Tallman were both part of the Blue Streaks’ athletic history. His cousins Danny, Michael, Kelly and the late Nick Tallman all were basketball players for the Saratoga programs. It is worth mentioning here that Danny Tallman played for me as a JV, varsity and a Skidmore College player and he was outstanding at all three levels. The Muzikar name is known in Schuylerville for the now defunct gas station and heating company. Matt's dad and grandfather co-owned and ran the business for over 50 year though both passed away in 2001.

Matt, who is 42 years old and lives on Long Island (just a short drive from Belmont Park) is nationally known as a very successful jockey agent. He has represented jockeys such as Joe

Bravo, Mike Luzzi, Aaron Gryder, Shaun Bridgmohan, Channing Hill, Eibar Coa, Cornelio Velasquez and many more. Also he has won titles at Monmouth Park in the Meadowlands and multiple titles at Aqueduct, Belmont and Gulfstream parks.

He has been a jockey agent for 15 years and currently represents Javier Castellano, the number one jockey in the world in purse earnings. In the last month Muzikar has picked up female rider Rosie Napravnik who is touted as possibly the best female jockey, even being compared to the famed Julie Krone! More current and recognizable clients are: Todd Pletcher, Chad Brown, George Weaver, Dominic Galluscio, Bruce Levine and Eddie Kenneally.

Mr. Muzikar is a graduate of Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications. He began his collegiate career at the Junior College of Albany where he earned an associate’s degree. He had a successful career in basketball at both schools. Matt stands tall between 6' 5" and 6' 6", and he was an excellent rebounder with a natural scoring touch and a high basketball IQ. Many communities are reminiscent about the athletes and teams of their past and Saratoga is no different. For example, a few weeks ago I wrote an article about the basketball players who came from the small town of Waterford and I have had quite a bit of feedback from some Fordians. I intend to do future stories about past athletes from the city of Saratoga that will involve extensive research on my part. There are many high school and college heroes who graduated from SSHS and Spa Catholic (St. Peters), male or female. Matt Muzikar is someone who has come into his own through the avenue of athletics. To a degree he's like Jimmer Fredette of Glens Falls or Dottie Pepper of Wilton, where a small town athlete jumped into the national limelight and the fame of public attention. I am of the opinion that a big part of his success was fostered by

the environment of the community of Saratoga Race Course! It was around him, he was around it, and it seeped into his blood stream and has given him the passion for the macrocosm of horse racing!

Compare it to his love for basketball, which he also had an obvious thirst for and like anything else; it can become a passion for those who have a love for the sport! Matt took his love for the game of basketball and was able to use that same kind of focus and intensity in his drive to become a successful jockey agent. Many successful entrepreneurs and professionals were athletes in high school or college. There are many employers who like to single out applicants and job seeking candidates as potential employees if they played a sport! They are not necessarily looking for superstars as much as they like to recruit people who were members of a team. These candidates seem to have an edge over those who never experienced playing sports because former athletes know how to compete, be a team player, never quit and understand how to mentally prepare for pressure situations.

I am impressed with the success of Matt Muzikar and proud of what he has done in his career.

I feel that his experience as an athlete and his involvement in sports has helped him get into the groove of his game as a professional jockey agent. That profession can be an environment of "cut-throat competition", and it's about convincing or winning over potential clients by demonstrating how good your services will be for them - selling yourself as a commodity. Here's my analogy: it's in the final seconds of a basketball game. Imagine yourself going to the foul line, your team is behind by one and there is no time left on the clock, the ref hands you the ball and tells you that it's a one and one situation, not only can you tie the game, but you can win it.

Matt Muzikar made both free throws!

Skidmore Golf Team Rallies to Win Rain-Soaked Palamountain Invitational SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Skidmore College golf team continues to find ways to get it done with a one-stroke win over Salem State in the 26th annual Joseph Palamountain Invitational Sunday at the Saratoga Spa State Park.

The Thoroughbreds shot a second-round 288 to finish with 586, one stroke better than firstround leader Salam State in the 11-team event. Division II Bentley was well back in third with 300-297—597, four strokes ahead of St. Lawrence.

Skidmore’s John McCarthy

led from start to finish, shooting a four-under-par 69-71—140.

Jack Whelan of St. Lawrence was second with 70-71—141 and Salem’s Chris Berry was third with 70-73—143.

Also for the Thoroughbreds, Garrett Colgan was fourth with 73-71—144; Peter Anderson tied for 13th with 78-73—151 and Anthony DiLisio tied for 16th with 79-73—152.

Skidmore will close out the regular season April 28-29 with the Liberty League Championships at the Spa State Park.

30

SARATOGA

SPORTS

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

TODAY

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Announce their Class of 2012 ‘04 Horse of the Year Ghostzapper, John Velazquez, Roger Attfield and Robert Wheeler to be inducted August 10 Ghostzapper won the Vosburgh Stakes. He closed out his career with a victory in the Metropolitan Handicap at age 5. Ghostzapper raced for Frank Stronach and is currently a stallion at Stronach’s Adena Springs in Kentucky.

Velazquez has won 4,803 races, including 733 stakes, and has earned more than $263 million.

He won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey in 2004 and 2005 and led all North American riders in earnings during those years. He led all New York jockeys in wins from 2001 through 2004 and set a record with 65 wins at Saratoga in 2004.

Velazquez has won 22 riding titles at New York Racing Association tracks and has nine Breeders’ Cup wins. He posted 50 Grade 1 wins from 2006 through 2011. Velazquez won the Kentucky Derby in 2011 with Animal Kingdom and the Belmont Stakes in 2007 with Rags to Riches. His other major victories include the Travers, Alabama, Champagne, Sanford, Personal Ensign, Whitney, King’s Bishop, Hollywood Derby and Kentucky Oaks.

Attfield has saddled the winner

of 1,731 races, including 369 stakes, and has purse earnings of more than $88 million. He has won the Sovereign Award for Outstanding Canadian Trainer a record eight times and trained three Canadian Triple Crown winners (Izvestia, With Approval, and Peteski). Attfield has won a record-tying eight runnings of the Queen’s Plate and seven editions of the Canadian Breeders’ Stakes.

He won his first Breeders’ Cup race in 2011 when Perfect Shirl took the Filly and Mare Turf.

Attfield is a member of the Canadian Racing Hall of Fame.

The many other stakes races he has won in the United States include the Wood Memorial, Flower Bowl, Shadwell Turf Mile, Maker’s Mark Mile, Elkhorn, Yellow Ribbon, Orchid, and Carter Handicap.

Wheeler, whose career spanned from 1938 through 1992, won 1,336 races and trained for prominent owners such as C.V. Whitney, J. Rukin Jelks, Greentree Stable and Nelson Bunker Hunt. He conditioned 56 stakes-winning horses, including 1982 Champion Older Female Track Robbery. The majority of

his career predates the grading of races, but from 1976 on he won 18 of the 69 graded stakes his horses ran in and 44 of his 175 overall stakes attempts. In 1959 and 1960, Wheeler’s West Coastbased division included Tompion, winner of the Santa Anita Derby, Blue Grass Stakes, and Malibu, and the distaff pair of Bug Brush and Silver Spoon. Bug Brush won six stakes at 4 and set a world record the day she beat males Hillsdale and Terrang in the San Antonio Stakes. Silver Spoon, a member of the Hall of Fame, won 10 stakes in two years, including the trainer’s first of back-to-back wins in the Santa Anita Derby, in which she defeated Preakness winner Royal Orbit. He also sent out five winners of the Hollywood Juvenile Championship, which prior to the Breeders’ Cup era was one of the nation’s top races for 2-year-olds.

From 1959 through 1969, Wheeler was on the leaders list of the top 30 North American trainers seven times in terms of earnings. His division accounted for more than 60 percent of the earnings of the C.V. Whitney stable when it led all owners in 1960.

Ballston Spa Boys’ and Girls’ Lacrosse Both Lose to Guilderland

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA – It was a difficult afternoon all around for both of the Ballston Spa High School Lacrosse teams April 24, with both teams dropping their matchups against Guilderland High School.

The boys’ team was the victim of six-straight Guilderland goals during the second quarter that they never seemed to recover from. The Scotties had held a 3-1 lead prior to the Dutchmen’s burst of goals, and would lose the game by a final score of 8-6. Seven different players tallied a point for Ballston Spa, with five different players scoring a goal.

Mark Leslie had two goals, and John McDonald scored a goal and assisted on another. Guilderland’s Patrick Wood led the game’s scoring with three goals and an assist.

Guilderland goaltender Sean Klim stopped 12 Ballston Spa shots on the afternoon.

Photo by MarkBolles.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ghostzapper, the 2004 Horse of the Year, jockey John Velazquez and trainers Roger Attfield and Robert Wheeler have been elected to the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame.

The class of 2012 will be inducted August 10, in Saratoga Springs at the Fasig-Tipton sales

pavilion at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony is free and open to the public.

Ghostzapper, Velazquez, Attfield and Wheeler were elected in the contemporary category by the 183 members of the Hall of Fame voting panel.

Ghostzapper won nine of 11 career starts and earned $3,446,120. He was named Horse of the Year and Champion Older Male in 2004 when he posted a perfect 4-for-4 record. Trained by Hall of Fame member Bobby Frankel, Ghostzapper won the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Classic in stakes-record time, covering the 1¼-mile distance in 1:59.02. That year, he also won the Woodward Stakes, Tom Fool Handicap and Iselin Handicap.

At 3,

The Ballston Spa Scotties battle with the unbeaten Guilderland Lady Dutchmen April 24.

On the girls’ side, it wasn’t much prettier. The undefeated Guilderland Lady Dutchmen were simply too big, too fast and too athletic as they cruised to a 16-2 blowout win April 24 at Ballston Spa High School.

Kassie Purcell did what she could to get the team on the board, scoring both goals for the Scotties. Ballston Spa goaltender Logan Wollaber was bombarded with 27 shots on net, managing to stop 11.

SARATOGA

SPORTS 31 Judo Fighters Strike Gold in Texas

TODAY

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2012

Martin, Bolen and Hatton bring national championships home following their wins at 59th U.S. Senior Nationals makes the 2012 United States Olympic team. Joining Bolen in Montreal will be JMJC teammates, Nick Delpopolo and Kyle Vashkulat.

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School graduate Hannah Martin won her first national title in dominating fashion winning all of her matches by ippon, which is the highest score achievable in a judo match. Martin now moves into the number-two seed in 63-kilogram weight class on the U.S. rankings list, which is as high as Martin has ever been ranked on the list in her career, despite only moving up to that weight class from the 57-kilogram class last year.

The Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake junior Hatton won gold in the brown belt 73-kilogram division, impres-

Photo Provided

IRVING, TEX. - Brad Bolen, Jack Hatton, and Hannah Martin of the Jason Morris Judo Center (JMJC) in Glenville captured gold medals in their respective divisions at the 59th U.S. Senior National Championships at the Irving Convention Center April 21-22, 2012. Bolen, who resides in Glenville, swept the 66-kilogram division, going 5-0 on the day to claim his first national crown. Bolen has now completed the medal stand trifecta, as he won silver last year and took the bronze in 2009. The tournament was a great chance for Bolen to get prepared a week before he competes at the Pan Am Championships in Montreal, which will determine whether or not he

JUDO KNOW? - (Standing L to R) Hannah Martin, Jack Hatton, Brad Bolen (Kneeling L to R) Nick Kossor, Cammi Kaichi, Natalie Lafon.

May Day Soccer Classic at Gavin Park This Weekend Kick off spring with the annual May Day Soccer Classic, at Gavin Park in Saratoga Springs, on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29. Come out and cheer on over 100 of the top boys’ and girls’ soccer club teams from the Capital District, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Vermont as they compete over two days. Catch a game or two or just come out to enjoy the park. Admission is free.

So make plans for a funfilled day of exciting soccer. For more information contact tournament director, Christina Slade, at (518) 727-4388.

sively submitting his first two opponents with Brad Bolen’s patented "Bolen" chokehold. He then prevailed during an exciting final match, scoring multiple times to capture his first national title.

Natalie Lafon came ever so close to defending her 52-kilogram title, but lost by the slimmest of margins to Anne Shiraishi in the final.

Shiraishi had earlier upset numberone seed Angelica Delgado in the semifinals. Cammi Kaichi nailed down her second consecutive 52kilogram national bronze medal. She was also defeated by Shiraishi during the tournament. Kaichi finished strong though and won her bronze medal match in style submitting

Maria Dhami with an arm bar during overtime.

Burnt Hills Graduate Nick Kossor was upset in the 60-kilogram semifinals as he was defeated by Matt Dong. Kossor was able to recover and captured a bronze medal, making that his sixth overall after winning the title in 2008 and 2010.

Leah Fisher picked up a bronze in 70-kilogram division, giving the JMJC seven total medals in the event, cementing their status as one of the top teams in the country. Upand-comers Dave Harris and Brice Rudat placed ninth for the JMJC during the tournament. The JMJC has now won 22 total U.S. Senior National Champions and 73 overall

national medals in its 11-year history.

"I am extremely proud of all our athletes this weekend as they put in a tremendous effort as well as putting in some great preparation for the event," said Coach Jason Morris.

"The future is very bright for all these kids.”

Golf pg 37

32

sports

Hall of Fame pg 38 Friday, April 27, 2012

Vol. 7 • Issue 17 • FREE • Saratoga TODAY

Photos by MarkBolles.com