Saratoga Today 5/11

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Volume 7 • Issue 19 saratogatodaynewspaper.com

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Local Readers Prove Comic Books and Graphic Novels no Longer Just for Kids

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by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA COUNTY - If you went to the movies in the last week, there’s a really good chance it was to see “The Avengers.” The Marvel Comics film grossed over $200,000,000 in its opening weekend alone, and it seems very likely to surpass the one billion dollar mark before the end of the month. With both “The Amazing Spider-man” and “The Dark Knight Returns” scheduled for release in July, it will be a summer filled with your favorite fictional good

guys finding their way into a theater near you.

Thanks to the bump from blockbuster film releases, the unique world of comic books and graphic novels has begun to experience a revival in popularity. It’s not just about the superheroes anymore either. Just one look around a library or comic shop reveals material written about almost anything. There are the standard genres of humor, mystery, suspense and even topics such as U.S. history or proper nutrition. As their popularity continues to grow, graphic novels and comics could be the most interesting way to encourage

See Reading page 8

Saratoga

150 5 Months of Fun See 150 page 9

Moms Dish on Motherhood

Saratoga Nissan Silver Chokes

RAIDED

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY

MALTA – State police stormed the Saratoga Nissan lot just off of Northway Exit 13 Wednesday, May 9, seizing dozens of boxes filled with documents from the local dealer.

Police packed the documents away in a large moving truck to take down to the state’s Attorney General’s office as part of an ongoing investigation.

The raid stemmed from numerous complaints received by the Attorney General’s office, although a spokesperson declined to go into further detail. However, consumers who wish to register a compliant about their dealings with Saratoga Nissan may contact the consumer helpline at 1-800-771-7755 or visit www.ag.ny.gov to download a complaint form.

A representative at Saratoga Nissan said she was, “Not at liberty to discuss the matter,” when asked for further details.

No charges were announced from the raid as of press time.

Out MMA Bill

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY ALBANY – For the third consecutive time, a bill aiming to legalize mixed martial arts (MMA) in New York State will not make it to a vote on the Assembly floor. Bill No. S.1707-A was scrapped by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver after private discussions held May

7. The bill had been sponsored by Assemblyman Joe Morelle. New York and neighboring state Connecticut are the only two states that currently do not allow MMA promotions to hold events.

The bill had little trouble making it through the Senate in April, passing 43-14. This was the third time

See MMA page 10

See page 20

Inside TODAY... pgs 15-25 Schuylerville Budget

pg 5 Business pgs 6-7

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Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

Bailamos!

Photos by MarkBolles.com

In honor of the recent Cinco de Mayo holiday, seventh grade students at Saratoga Springs’ Maple Avenue Middle School were treated to a Latin-themed dance lesson courtesy of Johnny and Diane Martinez. Students learned classic Latin dance styles including salsa and merengue. Our cameras caught all the hip-shaking and toe-tapping action, no castanets required!

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SARATOGA

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BLOTTER

Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

James G. Jones, 33, of 341 Hamilton St., Apt. B, Albany, pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class-C felony.

Jones was arrested February 24, 2011, in Saratoga Springs and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing July 20.

Karen T. Buss, 54, of 33 Ginger Terrace, Clifton Park, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony. Buss was arrested May 21 in Ballston and has been sentenced to five days in Saratoga County Jail, five years of probation and an ignition interlock device.

Phillip D. Brayman, 38, of 22B Mazie Lane, Halfmoon, was resentenced April 27 by Judge Jerry J. Scarano to one year in Saratoga County Jail with credit for time served and probation terminated.

Brayman was originally convicted May 22, 2008, of driving while intoxicated, a class-D felony, for which he had been sentenced to time served, five years of probation and drug treatment court.

Jason Naja, 40, of 1418 Route 9, Landmark Motor Inn, Moreau, pleaded guilty to a charge of firstdegree criminal contempt, a class-E felony. Naja was arrested December 30 in Moreau for an incident that occurred December 28 and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 18.

Stephen W. Michaels, 52, of 3 Brook Hollow Rd., Ballston Lake, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony.

Michaels was arrested February 17 in Clifton Park and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 21.

Michael A. Pauldine, 35, of 105 Traver Rd., Wilton, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony. Pauldine was arrested December 10 in Wilton and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 21.

Casey M. Dodge, 27, of 492 2nd Ave., Troy, pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree burglary, a class-D felony. Dodge was arrested July 25, 2010, in Halfmoon and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 14.

Shawn R. Kelly, 28, of 2865 Route 9, Budget Inn, Room 109, Ballston Spa, pleaded guilty to a charge of failure to report an address change within 10 days, a class-E felony. Kelly was arrested December 29, 2011, in Malta for an incident that occurred January 26, 2009, and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 18.

Timothy H. Arenas, 46, of 1000 Mountain Rd., Gansevoort, pleaded guilty to a charge of first-degree attempted promotion of prison contraband, a class-E felony. Arenas was arrested December 5 in Moreau and has been sentenced to one and a half to three years in New York State Prison.

Nathan D. LeGere, 35, of 37 River St., Apt. 3, South Glens Falls, was resentenced April 23 by Judge Jerry J. Scarano to continued probation. LeGere was originally convicted November 8, 2007, of fourthdegree criminal possession of stolen property, a class-E felony, for which he had been sentenced to time served, five years of probation and drug treatment court.

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Kane C. Bachand, 28, of 39 Leicester St., N. Oxford, Mass., pleaded guilty to a charge of thirddegree attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class-C felony. Bachand was arrested July 19 in Saratoga Springs and has been sentenced to time served and five years of probation.

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WEEK IN REVIEW

Town Board Meetings: Wilton Town Board WILTON – The Wilton Town Board met for their monthly meeting Thursday, May 3, to discuss a highway equipment purchase, hear a quarterly report from the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, and to say farewell to a longtime member on the town’s zoning board.

The board opened the meeting by paying their respects to longtime zoning board member Al Mottau, who passed away late last month after decades of service to the town. Supervisor Arthur Johnson led the board in a moment of silence in remembrance of Mottau.

The board also considered three bids to purchase a new 4x4 truck with a snow plow. Nemer Chrystler Jeep and Dodge presented their bid at $86,859; Stephens Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Ram

Trucks put in a bid for $85,899; and the Carbone Auto Group placed their bid at approximately $94,000. The board decided to let Highway Superintendent Kirkland Woodcock review the bids and equipment before a purchase was finalized.

Margo Olson from the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park presented a quarterly report to the town board.

She detailed the organization’s ongoing efforts to expand and connect trails within the park, to increase the educational programs provided to local school children, and told the board about the reception of a $17,500 grant from the Conservation Partnership Program, which will pay for the organization’s second intern.

Malta Town Board MALTA - The Malta Town Board’s latest meeting was held Monday, May 7, and began with an

introduction by Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Tom Wood. Wood cited budget findings from 2012, as well as the challenges ahead for 2013, largely due to the nine unfunded New York State mandates. Wood also announced plans to improve 2014’s projected budget. One possibility involves a possible project involving a never before used landfill located in Northumberland, which private companies are looking to both own and operate.

Charlton Town Supervisor Alan Grattidge also spoke on these same issues.

Peter Shaw of Malta Ridge Fire Company thanked the board for their continued support including their gift of new radios, while reiterating the importance of continuing upgrades, repairs and training at the company in order to maintain their volunteer status.

Public hearings took place regarding the Cramer Road North planned development district, Saratoga Medical Park at Malta’s planned development district amendments and fire service agreement, as well as possible expansion and amendments to Malta water district number one. Various new business items were heard.

The board heard a request from Audrey Ball, of the Town of Malta Department of Parks, Recreation and Human Services, for approval of conducting background checks on all hired summer employment personnel over the age of 18 which would incur costs. The board agreed to look into the matter along with the aid of town attorney, Thomas Peterson, and with advice from the insurance company.

SARATOGA

Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

Top NYRA Executives Hayward and Kehoe Fired SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Board of Directors of The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced May 4 that they had decided to terminate the employment of NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward and NYRA Senior Vice President and General Counsel Patrick Kehoe, effective immediately. C. Steven Duncker, the chairman of NYRA’s Board of Directors, stated that the board’s decision was based on a determination that these executives failed to perform their duties at a level required by the board. Mr. Duncker noted that there are ongoing governmental inquiries relating to the circumstances surrounding the takeout issue, that NYRA was cooperating with those inquiries, and that NYRA expects that those inquiries will thoroughly and fairly investigate the matter. The two executives were originally suspended April 30 after allegations surfaced indicating NYRA officials had been aware of violations in state law regarding payouts on exotic wagers. The allegations state that NYRA had not lowered the takeout level from 26 percent to 25 percent for 15 months following the expiration of a state law until last December. This resulted in over $8 million in winnings not being paid, due to the higher takeout percentage.

President Barack Obama visits UAlbany ALBANY – While he didn’t make his originally planned visit to the GlobalFoundries site in Malta, President Barack Obama did still make the trip to the rain-soaked Capital Region May 8. Obama spoke to a capacity crowd inside the

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SUNY Albany College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering’s NanoTech Complex, where he praised the area’s ability to create jobs using public and private funds, adding that the rest of the country should take notice. This was President Obama’s third trip to the Capital Region since taking office in 2009. His address mentioned that some of the world most advanced manufacturing takes place right here in upstate New York, a nod to plants such as GlobalFoundries. The original trip to the computer chip plant was changed due to logistical concerns.

MaryLou Whitney: No more Whitney Galas SARATOGA SPRINGS – One of the most lavish events of the Spa City social scene is no longer, as MaryLou Whitney has decided not to continue throwing the annual Whitney Gala. The event was cancelled in 2009 after Whitney and her husband, John Hendrickson, felt it was inappropriate to hold such a spectacle amid the country’s economic recession. The event returned to Canfield Casino in 2010, which would end up being the final Whitney Gala.

Whitney and Hendrickson have instead decided to focus their attention on their philanthropy and continue helping support the backstretch workers in the local racing industry. Whitney started a backstretch worker appreciation initiative, which is now entering its fifth year, and provides meals and activities every night of the sixweek meet at Saratoga Race Course.

Whitney and Hendrickson personally appear during these events and aim to help backstretch workers find a sense of belonging during their stay.

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Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

Schuylerville Central School District Continues ‘Reduce, Don’t Eliminate’ Budget Philosophy SCHUYLERVILLE Schuylerville residents will vote on a proposed $30.97 million budget for the 2012-13 school year Tuesday, May 15. The plan represents a decrease in spending for the second year in a row, while also retaining all academic programs at some level.

The projected tax levy increase of 2.74 percent is below Schuylerville’s state-determined tax levy cap of 3.21 percent. Tax rates for individual properties will be determined over the summer once equalization rates and assessments are available for the district’s seven towns.

“You could call it a ‘bad news/less bad news’ scenario for Schuylerville,” said Schuylerville Board of Education President Mike Booth. “We made reductions in some areas but were able to maintain all academic programs at some level.”

With increased mandated expenditures and continued loss of state aid, Schuylerville started its budget development process with a gap of nearly $1.23 million.

“We joined fellow school districts across the state and nation in once again making tough decisions about our spending and how to best balance student needs with the reality of today’s economic situation,” said Superintendent Dr. Ryan Sherman.

Schuylerville typically relies on state aid to cover more than 40 percent of the district’s expenditures, so reductions in this funding stream have to be made up in other ways— either by cutting programs and personnel or by increasing taxes.

“Some schools benefited from more state aid this year.

Unfortunately, Schuylerville wasn’t among those districts,” Sherman pointed out.

Here’s a summary of the major factors affecting the budget development: • Loss of more than $146,000 in state aid on top of $1.22 million in state aid cuts last year • More than $371,000 in increased health insurance premiums • Special education out-of-district placement/services ($200,000) • A 30 percent increase in the mandatory contributions to the state’s Employee Retirement System ($97,300) and a 3.7 percent increase in contributions to the Teacher Retirement System ($47,000) • Increase in projected costs for fuel, electricity and other utilities Taking an approach shared by numerous school districts across the state, Schuylerville is using program

and personnel reductions, as well as undesignated fund balance (“rainy day” funds) to balance its 2012-13 spending plan.

“We’ll allocate $696,053 for the coming school year, but we’re concerned that the remaining funds will be gone within the next few years if aid isn’t restored,” Sherman explained. “Also, we want to be sure we utilize our reserve funds for emergency situations and short-term and long-term fixed liabilities.”

Staff cuts and program reductions were made across all areas of the budget. These reductions are on top of the $1.2 million in cuts made for

the current school year’s budget.

Some of the cuts, concessions and changes in the 2012-2013 budget include: eliminating a K-6 assistant principal position; cut funding for nine teaching positions (two lost through retirement and one from resignation); cut funding for seven nonteaching positions; additional staff cuts due to loss of federal aid; cut winter junior varsity cheerleading and modified cross-country; and continued cuts in funding for supplies, materials, postage and summer school. Also, reductions in allocations for co-curricular chaperones, substitute teachers and tuition reimburse-

ment; four extracurricular clubs reduced/combined into two clubs; Web-based Kodak photo gallery eliminated; and staff concessions, including a two-year salary freeze for superintendent, administrators and Student Services Center staff, as well as increased health insurance contributions for these employees.

Management confidential staff will forfeit some existing benefits and contribute more toward health insurance.

For more information on Schuylerville’s proposed 2012-13 budget, call the superintendent’s office at (518) 695-3255, ext. 3242.

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SARATOGA

BUSINESS

Week of May 11- May 17, 2012

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Cupcake Lab Finds New Home and New Name as Elizabeth’s Table on Broadway

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS Elizabeth’s Table at 510 Broadway in Saratoga Springs is building upon the community support it garnered back when it was the beloved (but harder to find) Cupcake Lab, opening its doors under a new name and with expanded offerings, but still fostering the same great intimate feel that owners Elizabeth and Mike Philips have always been proud of.

“Like the Cupcake Lab, we really would like this to be a community gathering place, a place where you’re called by name and greeted at the door when you arrive. We have a great community of supporters, and that sense of community really car-

ried forward when we returned here,” said Elizabeth.

Elizabeth’s Table is offering expanded menu items compared to the former location, where everything possible is bought from local farmers and vendors to bring customers the finest organic products available.

Many of the great comfort food items have returned (as have their fantastic chocolate chip cookies), but newer, savory options have been added as well.

“We actually start serving dinner items tonight, along with beer and wine selections,” said Elizabeth.

“Tonight we’ll have steaks from the local producer at Locust Grove.

Everything we have here is truly farm to table,” she added.

Menu items will change with the

seasons and will also reflect customer requests.

Breakfast can be anything from a simple bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich to French toast, omelets, a smoked salmon BLT and more.

For lunch, try the cranberry apple tuna wrap, grilled chicken, tomatoes, Swiss and arugula panini, or a veggie burger with a side of sweet potatoe oven fries.

Muffins, tea, coffee and house “always-made-from-scratch” soup is also readily available.

To learn more about Elizabeth’s Table, or to become a member of their “Community Supported Restaurant” (details on the “notes” section of their Facebook page), visit www.facebook.com/ElizabethsTableSaratoga.

photos by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga TODAY

Top: Elizabeth Philips, owner of Elizabeth’s Table, whips up something good at 510 Broadway, serving up fantastic baked goods, sandwiches, salads, coffee and more.

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Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

Business Briefs Cunningham's Celebrates 75 Years BALLSTON SPA - On Saturday, May 12 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Cunningham's Laundromat in Ballston Spa will be having a grand re-opening ceremony to celebrate 75 years in buisness.

At 11 a.m. Cunningham’s will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Romano, Assemblyman Jim Tedisco and Senator Hugh Farley.

Representatives from the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce will also be on hand.

There will be many other things to do and see, besides your laundry, during the re-opening ceremony.

Cunningham’s will be giving away raffle prizes, including a flat-screen TV, iPod, gift certificates, gas cards and Cunningham’s Laundry Bags.

A DJ will be onsite playing oldies while attendees are encouraged to snack on food and drinks.

Cunningham's offers the latest state-of-the-art laundry equipment to help to save energy and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. The all-new high-speed extract washers reduce gas consumption on the dry time. The on-demand hot water heaters are up to 95 percent efficient and use less gas.

serving clients.”

Saratoga Hospital’s Director of Public Safety Receives National Recognition SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Hospital is pleased to announce that Director of Public Safety John DiNovo was recently awarded Campus Safety magazine’s coveted Director of the Year award.

DiNovo received the top honor in the hospital category. He transformed the security group that formerly reported to engineering into a 20-member, full-service public safety department that reports to the vice president of operations and facilities. DiNovo also expanded and upgraded his hospital’s video surveillance, call box, panic alarm, photo ID and access control systems.

Now in its sixth year, the Campus Safety Director of the Year Award program honors public safety and security executives who go above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrating outstanding leadership skills, ingenuity, selflessness and overall achievement. In-depth coverage will appear in an upcoming issue of Campus Safety magazine, as well as on their website at www.campussafetymagazine.com.

New Agent Added to Scott Varley Group

Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs Achieves Green Engage Status

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Scott Varley Group, of RealtyUSA, based out of Saratoga Springs, proudly announces its newest addition to their professional sales team, licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Jason Zappia.

Zappia recently joined the Scott Varley Group with five years of experience in the real estate industry. His primary focus is in residential new construction.

“Jason comes to us at a time when the Scott Varley Group is experiencing tremendous growth with the recent launch of Varley Commercial,” noted Scott Varley, president of The Scott Varley Group. “We welcome Jason and his knowledge of residential new construction, and his passion for

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs achieves Tier One Green Engage status and launches a complete “Green Meetings” package for clients.

“We have long been dedicated as a corporate citizen of the Saratoga Springs community. Tier One Green Engage status sends the message that we are equally committed to the well-being of the world community.” said Cindy Hollowood, general manager.

Green Engage, is a program of Intercontinental Hotels Group of which the Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs, is a member. This broadsweeping initiative quantified the myriad ways in which a hotel can operate and deliver excellent guest service in a sustainable way.

In addition to Green Engage efforts, the Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs has also developed a Complete Green Meetings Package for meeting and event planners, and has recently undergone an inten-

sive voluntary review by NYSERDA to implement maximal energy and operating efficiencies.

“While efforts such as these require diligence and daily commitments of staff, time and resources, our traveler recognizes green-friendly hotels and it has become an integral part of the way we operate today and into the future,” said Hollowood.

For more information, contact the Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs at (518) 584-4550 and ask for Cindy Hollowood or email at chollowood@saratogahi.com.

BUSINESS Correction In the May 4 edition of Saratoga TODAY newspaper within the business article, “Price Chopper Limited Moves Full Steam Ahead at Railroad Place,” it was stated that, “Price Chopper opened its doors on the ground floor of a luxury condominium complex on

Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs.”

However, it has come to our attention that the complex will not be made up of condominiums, but in fact will be rental apartments.

Saratoga TODAY regrets this error.

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Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

Reading Comics continued from Page 1 reading in both hesitant children and adults alike.

To say libraries never carried graphic novels wouldn’t be completely true. They just never carried very many. For the Saratoga Springs Public Library, that all changed around 2009, when a new teen services initiative was introduced. Since then, graphic novels have become some of their most circulated items.

“Use of our young adult collection in general skyrocketed about the

same time we started the teen services center, but the graphic novel collection particularly grew, because we know there is a crossover audience of teens as well as adults,” said Ike Pulver, director of the Saratoga Springs Public Library.

Adults that read comics while they were children are starting to share that hobby with their children. The parents themselves, however, are rediscovering that same hobby with longer, more complex novels published by companies like Vertigo.

Titles like Neil Gaiman’s

“Sandman” and “American Vampire” by Scott Snyder are written with a more mature audience in mind.

“The audience is changing,” said Pulver. “I think any kind of reading is good reading and kind of a doorway for reluctant readers. It’s not just for reluctant teen readers but new adult readers.”

Adult readership increases can be looked at as a pleasant surprise, but the catalyst for the growth of the library’s graphic novel section was always its teen services center. The center was designed as a place in downtown Saratoga Springs where teenagers could hang out, do schoolwork, play games, read and interact with other teens in a positive environment.

“When I got here our graphic novel collection was just a couple of 5-foot shelves on a countertop in the old teen area in the corner,” said Trevor Oakley, teen services librarian.

The teen section has moved a few times since Oakley joined the library in 2008, finally settling in its current location on the first floor. With each movie, the Saratoga Springs Public Library has kept in mind their

growing circulation numbers.

“When we moved the teen collection, I had more and more space for graphic novels,” said Oakley. “We have a pretty generous budget to buy kids and teens materials, so I was able to use a good chunk of that and start to expand and bring in material we thought would be popular.”

The center not only offers a constructive environment, but it also encourages the reading of just about anything, whether it’s animated or otherwise.

“Research shows that there’s no such thing as ‘bad reading.’ Any time you’re reading something, especially younger minds, you’re acquiring concepts,” said Oakley. “Concepts are the things that allow you to interact with and navigate your day-today world. It’s less likely you’ll engage in destructive behavior.”

Of course, if you’re not the best at returning your library books on time, you might want to consider just buying your own. Comic Depot located in the Wilton Mall is a local shop owned and operated by the dynamic duo of Darren and Kristi Carrara.

The shop originally opened in Greenfield Center before eventually

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moving into their 3,500-square-foot store, complete with arcade games and ample space to hold Magic the Gathering games and other tournaments. The shop is packed with action figures, board games, trading cards and of course, thousands of comic books and graphic novels.

“People aren't hiding the fact that they read comic books anymore,” said Darren. “It's a popular time for comic books. They're more mainstream now than they used to be.”

The popularity of graphic novels could be summed up with the idea that already successful television shows such as “True Blood” or “Heroes” are actually being animated and published as novels, when it’s almost always the other way around.

As new generations of comic book fans begin to build their collections, publishers are taking bold steps to build their fan bases. DC Comics recently rebooted all of their titles at issue number one, allowing their writers to tell new stories without having to follow any previous continuity and cause a giant stir in the process.

“The idea was to build a jumpingon point for the masses,” said Kristi.

“Especially with the superheroes, because there’s so much background you have no idea what’s going on.”

While there are the classic superheroes and established titles being released, even more original content published by smaller companies is also finding its way to the shelf.

After all, no one knows where the next hit movie franchise might come from.

“The thing now is people are scouring comic books to find the next big thing,” said Darren. “There are all these awesome stories that they already have, so it's easy to port that to a movie.”

Comic Depot recently celebrated national Free Comic Book Day May 5, by having The Avengers (with the notable exception of the Incredible Hulk) in costume to meet with their fans. Darren and Kristi estimate that over 500 people turned out for the promotion. During the event, pictures with The Avengers were sold, with all proceeds benefiting the Franklin Community Center. Older crowds could check out a graphic art exhibit, while children participated in coloring contests and face painting.

“We look at it as a customer appreciation day,” said Kristi. “It’s just a day to come and hang out with everyone.”

“It’s a great day to get new people in the store, even people who come in just to look around, but also to give back to all our regular customers too,” said Darren.

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Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

150 Years of Thoroughbred Racing in Saratoga SARATOGA SPRINGS – Next year marks the 150th anniversary of Thoroughbred racing, and in true Saratoga-fashion, the party-planning has already begun!

To throw a worthy celebration with all the Saratoga flash and flare, a simple one-day bash wouldn’t do.

A week-long carnival fell short of expectations. A month dedicated to the anniversary? Child’s play.

Instead, the Saratoga 150 event committee has outdone themselves and planned a five-month-long party.

Five months of fun, events, food and horses!

The festivities will begin in May 2013 and run through September, and will offer more than 100 events for area residents and visitors to the region.

The celebration’s opening event, now in the preliminary planning stage, is scheduled for Sunday, May 26, 2013, at SPAC. The kickoff event will include music; an oldfashioned picnic supper; dance groups; storytellers; stilt walkers and clowns; and a variety of family activities and contests. The evening will end with a Saratoga 150 fireworks display.

The first race was held August 3, 1863, and to commemorate that race, during the week of the anniversary Saratoga Race Course will celebrate by hosting a Bettors Ball.

Dance bands will offer music spanning from the 1940s all the way to the 1980s. Admission to the ball will cost $5 and will benefit backstretch workers.

Throughout the anniversary celebration, area museums will be educating museum-goers on the history and influence of the race track. The National Museum of Racing and the Saratoga Springs History Museum will each showcase exhibits

Saratoga 150 Founding Members

commemorating the 150-year anniversary. The racing museum will highlight the horses themselves, as well as the farms they came from, while the history museum will focus on the peoplethe founding players, the racing fans and their unique roles in the city’s history. Additionally, the New York State Military Museum, the Tang Teaching Museum, the Brookside Museum and the Hyde Collection in Glens Falls will also be participating.

To keep residents engaged and interested in the long year of waiting ahead, Saratoga 150 has modified their website to include new, interactive features. The site is now home to a number of informational segments, and a place to share individual memories, or “Your Stories.”

The public can even assist with memorabilia collecting through the website and during a special collection event to be announced at a later date.

The site also contains a timeline of the past 150 years, showcasing more than 350 race course and Saratoga Springs highlights, photos, videos and an up-to-date calendar of the anniversary celebration’s events.

Starting next week, special event Saratoga 150 “Friends” lapel pins and benefits will be offered through the website and the $15 “Show” medallions may be purchased at all Adirondack Trust Co. banking

locations.

The medallions’ three categories, “Win,” “Place” and “Show,” offer participants different levels of event participation.

Those who purchase a “Win” medallion are entered into a contest to attend each of the Triple Crown events, with hotel accommodations and airfare for two. Additionally, the “Win” category will provide medallion-holders with two commemorative crimson and gold lapel medallions; two admissions to the track on specified dates; two double-sided static window/door promotional decals; two admissions to the Bettors Ball; two official poster-art T-shirts; one official polo shirt; a listing in the official program; and two-for-one admission to Saratoga museums. The Win category price will be $150 initially and will increase to $200 later this summer.

“Place” category medallions are priced at $50 and “Show” lapel pins are $15.

If you would like to do more than just purchasing your medallion, there are sponsorship and eventhosting opportunities still available.

Businesses, not-for-profit organizations and individuals requesting information on sponsorships, event hosting or general information should contact Saratoga 150 through the website, www.Saratoga150.com.

The Adirondack Trust Co. NYRA Stewart’s Shops Skidmore College Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson Saratoga Casino and Raceway DeCrescente Distributing Company Ron and Michele Riggi Each Founding Member has contributed an initial $25,000.

Saratoga 150 is chaired by Adirondack Trust President and CEO Charles V. Wait

SARATOGA

10

Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

TODAY

MMA Bill Stalls in NYS Assembly continued from Page 1 the New York State Senate has voted in favor of the bill, only for it to die before reaching the Assembly floor.

“There’s frustration on from colleagues on both sides of the aisle over this not getting voted on,” said Assemblyman Jim Tedisco. “We had multimillion dollar deficits this year and last year. We’re looking for revenue; we’re looking to create jobs, and we’re looking to be competitive with other states.”

As Speaker of the Assembly, Silver controls what bills will or will not make it to the floor for a proper vote. Much could be made of Speaker Silver’s apparent distaste for MMA fighting, but the circumstances in which the bill met its doom are being questioned. A source quoted by the New York Daily News had said an informal poll conducted by Silver indicated that about 60 members of the Assembly had raised their hand when asked who intended to vote in favor of the bill, to about 25 who said they did not. The source also said Silver alleged other members of the Assembly had met with him privately to voice their opposition to the bill, thereby changing the count.

His official statement was that the vote seemed “pretty evenly divided.”

“This is a no-brainer as far as bringing in revenue, entertainment and attracting tourism. It’s something that should reach the floor for an up-and-down vote,” said Tedisco.

The bill enjoyed some high-profile support, as co-owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) had publically stated he expected the bill to enjoy “strong bipartisan support,” which was part of the Legalize MMA N.Y. campaign. UFC has been aggressive in their campaign, sending fighters to political events and Capitol Hill to lobby for legalization.

Assemblyman Tedisco argues that some politicians might not realize how much of what happens during MMA events is already legal in New York.

“Every single legal maneuver in MMA competition is legal in some other form of marital arts. It’s legal in judo, karate or boxing. For some reason because it’s ‘mixed’ martial arts, some of my colleagues don’t understand this. In fact, there are more deaths in cheerleading and

“This is a no-brainer as far as bringing in revenue, entertainment and attracting tourism.”

Jim Tedisco New York State Assemblyman

football than mixed martial arts.”

One of UFC’s biggest points of contention centers has been the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon “Bones” Jones, a native of Rochester, being unable to defend his title in his own home state. UFC also has made no secret their desire to schedule an event at one of the most storied sports venues in history, Madison Square Garden. Top UFC officials expressed their disappointment and expressed little doubt that the bill would pass should it ever be put to a vote.

Locally, concerns that this might push New York-based promotions to surrounding states in hopes of holding a legal, sanctioned MMA event continue to mount. Saratoga County MMA promotion Kaged Kombat has been holding events all across Vermont since 2009. Coowner Nick Sanzo says he’d love to be able to hold events here in New York, adding that his small business could stand to benefit greatly should the bill ever pass.

“We would have access to all the casinos in New York,” Sanzo said.

“For instance Turning Stone would have given us an opportunity to do an event there, but even though they’re a sovereign nation they still respect the rules of New York.

Passing the bill would allow us to access a whole new series of venues and markets that we don’t have now.”

As for the issues surrounding fighter safety, Sanzo echoed Assemblyman Tedisco’s sentiments that perhaps it’s time to take another look at what mixed martial arts really is before continuing to deny the bill from reaching a floor vote.

“Fighter safety is the number one thing, just like any sport. Safety is important to all of us. I would hope they view it that way and back away from some of the old school views from back when it first started. It’s changed dramatically.”

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

Summer Camp Directory This Week’s Spotlight Skidmore Sports Camp Skidmore College offers a variety of programs for children of all ages during the summer months.

Camp Northwoods, Skidmore’s day camp for children entering grades one through six, offers an exciting program of sports, cultural arts, nature study and relaxed play. The goal is to provide a variety of fun activities that happily challenge the imagination, intellect, and body.

The camp's home base is Falstaff's Pavilion on the Skidmore College campus, but campers frequent the Williamson Sports Center, Schick Art Gallery, Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, and Zankel Music Center. The daily enrichment activities led by the qualified staff are supplemented by weekly field trips to recreational and historical sites and visits by special guests.

Children will also enjoy arts and crafts, ceramics, games, hiking and daily swim time.

One and two-week sessions are available from June 25August 10.

Skidmore College also offers a wide array of Sports Camps from June through August for children of all ages. Choose from baseball, lacrosse, swimming, basketball, tennis, soccer, volleyball and field hockey. Children learn the concept of teamwork while acquiring the necessary skills for his or her

sport of choice. Adults, novice or experienced, can participate in a rowing program offered throughout the spring, summer and fall at the Boat House located on beautiful Fish Creek. All other programs are held on the Skidmore Campus at the Sports and Recreation Center and/or the adjacent fields.

For more information or to register online, visit www.skidmore.edu/summer or call the office of the Dean of Special Programs at (518) 580-5596.

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EDUCATION

SARATOGA

Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

TODAY

YMCA Preschool Offers Unique Curriculum

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – If you’re considering a new preschool, the Saratoga Regional YMCA has several interesting programs that offer your child more than just the standard preschool experience. Take for instance their Wesley Intergenerational Preschool Program, located within the Wesley Community on Lawrence Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Children between the ages of 3 and 4 spend a portion of each session interacting with

some of the residents of Wesley Community. It gives the children a chance to meet some of the older residents who may be away from their families, and bring a little youthful spirit into their everyday lives. Three-year-old groups meet 911:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while 4-year-old groups meet 12:30-3 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The preschool is much like the other programs the YMCA offers.

Children take monthly swimming classes at the Saratoga Springs branch; play outside in the courtyard as part of the Kids’ Fit

Program: and even take beginning Spanish lessons. The difference is the interaction with the Wesley residents, who are more than happy to see the children arrive each afternoon. For about an hour each day of the session, the children greet the residents with a song, appropriately titled “How do you do today?” Led by the program’s teacher, Katy Nutting, and her assistant, KatieLynn Egan, the children take the time to say hello, before they begin the day’s session.

“The seniors help us implement the curriculum. They sing with us, they dance with us, they place games with us; the children learn that seniors are wonderful and that wheelchairs aren’t strange or that it’s not a big deal if they use an air tank,” said Colleen Girvin, prechool director for the Saratoga Regional YMCA. “It’s a phenomenal program for both the Wesley Community and the Saratoga community.”

This particular afternoon, the children are playing a game with the residents. Katy passes out one half of a card to the children and the rest to the residents. The children go

Photo by Deborah Neary for Saratoga TODAY

Wesley resident, Alden, and Jack, 4, play their version of throw and catch around to the different residents (or as they say it, “grandmas and grandpas”) trying to find the other half of the matching card. The residents happily play along to the children’s guessing, offering them a chance for socialization they wouldn’t otherwise have the chance for. The children’s enthusiasm is contagious, and the residents seem to genuinely enjoy the interaction.

“Socialization is the biggest thing, not just for the children but for the seniors here as well,” said KatieLynn Egan, current teacher’s assistant, who will take over for Ms. Nutting at the end of the school year. “We do fun projects that help the children learn to share or take turns, and what’s special is that the seniors are involved in helping them learn.”

The children spend the next few minutes playing an easygoing game of catch with the residents, before

they bring it back in for a story read by their teacher. Katy has chosen a book called “Rain, Drop, Splash,” which was ever-appropriate given the blustery day outside.

The children are very wellbehaved and respectful toward the residents, which comes with getting to know them throughout the length of the program. After about an hour, the children wave goodbye and head back downstairs to their preschool to prepare for their upcoming graduation ceremony June 18. All the while, their teachers are quizzing them on beginning Spanish vocabulary and even a little sign language.

For more information about the Saratoga Regional YMCA’s Wesley Intergenerational Preschool Program or any of the other great preschool programs they offer, visit www.saratogaregionalymca.org.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

Save a Horse!

Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III announced today that anyone interested in finding out more information about adopting a horse presently owned by Ann Arnold, who is currently the subject of a criminal conviction in Greenfield Town Court, should send an email inquiry through the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office website at http://www.jimmurphyda.com/contact.html and fill out the “online form” with their name, address and contact information, along with the specific inquiry. The DA will forward the inquiry to the Upstate SPCA, who is monitoring the condition of the horses.

Upstate SPCA will respond directly to the person sending the email to the DA website.

Support Women & Children Who Are Victims of Domestic Violence Members of The Chamber of Southern Saratoga’s Women In Business Committee are reaching out to the community for help with their charitable initiative, Baskets of Hope, which supports the daily needs of the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County (DVRC). The Committee seeks donations of women’s personal care items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. Donated items are assembled into gift baskets/bags by committee members and given to victims entering the shelter with the hope that the recipient will take comfort in knowing there are people in their own community who care and want to help.

Anyone who wishes to participate in this worthy program can do so by bringing donations to The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County at 15 Park Ave., Clifton Park (behind the Shoppers World Plaza). Anyone who brings in a donation before 5 p.m. Monday May, 14 will be entered into a drawing for a prize.

Questions about the program should be directed to Liz Roggenbuck at (518) 371-7748, ext. 108. For more information about the chamber, visit www.southernsaratoga.org.

Yankee/Red Sox Raffle The Shaker Museum and Library is raffling off a spectacular Yankees/Red Sox dream baseball package. The package includes: Champions Suite Seating at Yankee Stadium: Four front-row seats in Section 12 – next to the ball boy, between first and right field, so bring your glove!

• Access to the Ketel One Bar with free food, soft beverages, and snack bar • Access to the Audi Yankee Club/Mohegan Sun Sports Bar • Parking Pass included - arrive early and watch the team warm up!

• Game Date and Time: Sunday, August 19; game time: TBA Raffle tickets are $50 each (The prize includes four seats, so split between you and three friends, that’s just $12.50 each!). Only 300 tickets are available. The drawing will be held August 1, 2012, at noon. Contact Becky at (518) 794-9100, ext. 220 or codner@shakermuseumandlibrary.org to purchase tickets. Proceeds benefit the museum’s educational programs.

HELPING HANDS 13 Rebuilding Together Saratoga County Assists Local Veterans Heroes at Home, a program created through the collaboration of Sears Holdings Corporation and Rebuilding Together, announced the beginning of their spring 2012 Heroes at Home projects. Heroes at Home projects are key initiatives for Rebuilding Together, the nation’s leading nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership, and striving to improve the lives of the military and their families through extensive home rehabilitations.

This spring, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County will be assisting two veterans and two nonprofit organizations. Mr. B., a Vietnam War veteran who lives in Malta was assisted earlier this month. Approximately 25 volunteers from longtime sponsor Gilbane Building Co. and Brookside Nursery made modifications to his bathroom, installed a wheelchair ramp, made repairs to his front deck and landscaped his property.

Mr. B. is pictured with his medals and a picture of himself as a soldier with a volunteer from Gilbane Buildng Co., Kevin Perrizelli.

For information on how you can volunteer for Heroes at Home, visit www.RTSaratoga.org or call (518) 587-3315.

Luminary Bags for Relay for Life On Friday, June 8 the Relay for Life will take place at the East Side Recreation Field in Saratoga. Luminary bags that are decorated and marked in memory of or in honor of lost loved ones are available for a $5 donation to the American Cancer Society. These bags with a candle inside will light the track all night for the walkers raising money to help wipe out cancer.

The bags will be on sale outside AC Moore Saturday, May 12 from 10:30-2 p.m. You can decorate your own bag or choose one that is already decorated. All money raised will go to the Saratoga Relay for Life to help fight cancer and support patients’ needs. For more information, call Debbie at (518) 885-6506 or visit www.relayforlife.org/saratogaspringsny.

Donate your Hair at the Saratoga Relay Relay for Life Event, East Side Recreation Field, Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs Locks of Love is a not-for profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children 18 and younger with medical hair loss.

This year at the June 8 American Cancer Society Relay for Life from 6-9 p.m., we will have a stylist from Broadway Salon in Saratoga available for anyone who would like to donate at least 10 inches of their hair for Locks of Love. The stylist will be available to professionally cut and prepare the hair to be donated.

Those wishing to donate, call Marcy at (518) 893-0671 to make an appointment.

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OBITUARIES Avilla G. Deits

Saratoga Springs, NY- Avilla G. Deits, 88, passed away peacefully May 7, 2012.

Born April 29, 1924, in Schenectady, NY, she was the daughter of the late Frederick Geier and Avilla Martin Geier.

In addition to her parents, Avilla was predeceased by a brother, Frederick (Buddy) Geier Jr. Survivors include her daughters, Ellen D. (J. David) Woods and Diane (Jeffrey) Bartlett; grandchildren, John and Harrison Woods; and many special friends.

Memorial services will be held

Saturday May 12, 2012, at the Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 at 11 a.m. Family and friends may call from 10-11 a.m., prior to the service.

Memorial donations can be made in Avilla’s memory to the Katrina Trask Garden Club, 17 Pinewood Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or to the Esterville Animal Shelter, 100 Russell Rd., Greenfield, NY 12833.

Online remembrances can be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com

Peter Dickens Ballston Spa, NY – Peter Dickens, 57, passed away Sunday, May 6, 2012, following a long courageous battle with brain cancer.

Born February 14, 1955, in Warner Robins, Georgia, he was the son of the late Fay H. and Phyllis (Huffmire) Dickens.

Survivors include his loving wife, Mary Frances Murphy Dickens; siblings, David Dickens, Deryl and Leo Loviza and Brian (Laurel) Dickens; an aunt and uncle; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends may call from 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, May

12, 2012, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway (518) 584-5373.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home by the Rev. Neil Draves-Arpaia.

Burial will follow in Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Ave., Saratoga Springs.

Memorials may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs.

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.

SARATOGA

Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

TODAY

Thomas E. Galvin Saratoga Springs, NY – Thomas E. Galvin, 85, passed away Monday, May 7, 2012.

Tom was predeceased by his sister, Ella; and his brothers, Paul and Jack.

Survivors include his brother, Reverand William Galvin; his sister-in-law Mary Harris Galvin; and 15 beloved nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call from 9:45-10:45 a.m.

Monday, May 14, 2012, at Our Lady’s Chapel, St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrat-

ed at 11 a.m. in the church.

Burial will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday May 15, 2012, at Calvary Cemetery, 4902 Laurel Hill Blvd., Woodside, NY. Funeral procession will assemble at the cemetery office.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 305, Maryknoll, NY 10545 and please note that the donation is to support the mission work of Rev. William Galvin.

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

Dr. Leo J. Hoge, MD Saratoga Lake, NY – Dr. Leo J. Hoge, MD, 96, passed away Friday, May 4, 2012.

Born November 23, 1915, in Saratoga Springs, he was a son of the late Dr. Leo J. and Anne (Jordan) Hoge.

In addition to his parents, Leo was predeceased by his wife, Sheila Scott.

Survivors include his son, Lee Scott Hoge; three grandchildren, Larissa Scott Albashian, Ian

Scott Hoge and Jack Hoge; and one great-granddaughter, Ilee Sheila Hoge.

A memorial service was held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Wednesday, May 9, 2012.

Memorial donations may be made in Leo’s name to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or Wesley Health Care Center, 131 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

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

Herbert Yves Kondo Saratoga Springs, NY- Herbert Yves Kondo, 88, passed away Sunday May, 6, 2012.

Born January 3, 1924, in New York City, Herbert was the son of the late Noberu Kondo and Valentine Comte Kondo.

Survivors include two children, Dr. Nicholas I. Kondo and Vala Kondo Legan; and six grandchildren, Nicholas, Haley, Christian and Sierra

Kondo and Olivia and Sanna Legan.

Burial will be at The Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery; at his request funeral services will be private.

Services are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations in Herbert’s memory may be made to Memorial Sloan –Kettering Cancer Center via his web page: mskcc.convio.net.goto/herbertkondo.

Marion J. “Rod” Rodriguez Saratoga Springs, NY – Marion J. “Rod” Rodriguez, 86, passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2012.

Born January 11, 1926, in Stillwater, NY, Rod was the son of the late Marion and Charlotte Smodell Rodriguez.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Jean Lynn Garant.

Survivors include his wife, Rita (Welch) Rodriguez; grand-

children, Laura MacMillan and Daniel Garant; sister, Sally (Leisetta) Bochette; and nephews, Bruce and David Bochette.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 8, 2012.

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

Donations may be made to the LUPUS Foundation, 1533 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12205.

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

Gloria Jean Nokes Saratoga Springs, NY- Gloria Jean Nokes, 62, died suddenly Sunday, May 6, 2012.

Born August 29, 1949, in Glens Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Richard Watson Sutliff and Helen Hermance Sutliff.

Gloria was a homemaker for her five children throughout her life. In her spare time she enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles.

She is predeceased by a brother, Forest Sutliff.

Survivors include her mother, Helen; her life companion, George Haley; sons, John (Bonnie) Nokes and James Nokes; daughters, Regina (Keith) Wilson, Tanya

(Robert) Meyers and Jeanette Omega Hailey; brothers, Carl (Zoie) DeRush, Craig (Cindy), Michael, Raymond, Larry, Brian (Becky) and Richard Sutliff; sisters, Eva (Mona) Stone, Georgiana (Harold) Vance, Donna Balkus and Gayle Martinelli; 19 grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services were held Thursday, May 10, 2012.

Burial will be at Truthville Cemetery in Granville, NY. Online remembrances can be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

15

Celebrating the Roles of Parenthood: The Keys to Raising Healthy Children

Meghan D. Lemery LCSW-R In the coming weeks we are called to celebrate and honor Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. For many of us this is a joyful period when we take time to celebrate our own parents, or as a parent, receive honor and thanksgiving for the job we have done raising the next generation.

Parents represent our first introduction to the world. In the formative years of our birth and toddler ages, we are taught what the world is like based on the experience we have with our parents.

In my work as a psychotherapist for over 15 years, it is clear that many of the emotional difficulties we experience throughout life can be brought back to the roots of the type of mother and father we had.

A mother’s love is the key to feeling safe and secure in the world. Mother’s teach us how to receive love and care for others.

Moms teach us our values, morals and ethics shaping the kind of character we will develop and take out into the world.

A father’s love is the key link to self-esteem. Children immediately look to their fathers for approval and praise. A father’s attention and time gives us the strength we need to believe that we are worthy, capable and valuable to ourselves and those around us.

When each parent works together in their different roles to raise a child, the end result is a person who feels safe and secure, is kind to others and has self-esteem rooted and grounded firmly in love.

When the storms of life come, a healthy child raised by two healthy parents will be an unstoppable force who can pass the baton of health to the next generation.

When one or both parents is unable to provide the necessary tools to help the child feel whole, the end result is someone who searches in life looking to feel safe and secure, and/or constantly seeks approval from others in their hopes to build self-esteem. This imbalance will create a person who is on a quest that will lead to a dead end over and over again. It feeds a dysfunctional cycle that can only be stopped through awareness, insight and healing.

The key to ending this dysfunctional cycle is to go back to the root of the issue and begin the healing process.

A good place to start this process is to examine the relationships in your life. If you grew up with a mother who was cold and emotionally unavailable, you will seek out intimate relationships from people who give off that same unavailable, cold energy. It is an unconscious quest that is rooted in healing and the need to feel safe, secure and loved.

Likewise, if you grew up with a father that did not shower you with praise and approval, you may unconsciously seek out people who continue the cycle of ignoring your needs and put you down, thus affirming that which you already received from your father, which is disapproval.

Whatever was missing from your parents will be the wound you attempt to heal in your future relationships. It is no coincidence that people pair off with others who are just like their parents. We seek out what we are familiar with, but this is how we get into unhealthy patterns of dysfunction.

Once you get a sense of what was missing from your formative years, you can begin to heal the brokenness and break the cycle of dysfunction.

The next stop on the journey to wholeness is to take a look back at the family tree. Go back a few generations and ask the elders in your family what their parents were like. This will help you to gather the information you need to

see the patterns of dysfunction that were passed down to each generation. Like a jigsaw puzzle, the pieces will begin to fall into place and you will get a clear picture of where the brokenness began.

A parent who cannot fulfill the role of giving you security, safety, love and approval, is a parent who did not receive this as a child.

Whatever you didn’t receive from your parents has nothing to do with you- rather, it is about their own unfulfilled needs that began generations prior.

This insight can help you break free from the chains of feeling unworthy and help you instead feel compassion for the parent who repeated the pattern and passed the baton to you.

A parent who refuses to give you approval or love is someone who grew up without it. They are still looking to heal that void themselves and they are giving you what they experienced. They too, feel unloved and unworthy and are attempting to fill a void within them.

Once you view the generational void that was passed down to start a pattern, you stop personalizing your experience with the parent that failed to validate you in some way. This enables you to let go, heal and break the curse!

As we look forward to celebrating Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in the weeks ahead, take some time to reflect on what was lacking in your own childhood. The only way we grow into people who are whole is to deal with our own brokenness so that we can pass the baton of heath and wholeness to the next generation.

There is a spectacular synergy that takes place when a mother and father commit to their individual roles in parenting and seek to raise a safe, secure, kind child who is rooted and grounded in self-worth and love.

Happy Mother’s and Father’s Day! Here’s to breaking the cycle of lack and living WHOLE! Ms. Lemery is a psychotherapist practicing in Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs, N.Y. For more information visit meghanlemery.com

Upcoming Workshops: Digging Up Your Bones, Learning to Heal from the Past Adults 18 and up Tuesday, June 12, 6-7 p.m.

GIRLPOWER It’s not about being perfect but being PERFECTLY YOU! Teenage girls 13-16 Tuesday June 26, 6-7 p.m.

He Said She Said The Art of Clear Communication Tuesday July 10, 6-7 p.m.

Workshops are held at: 101 Ridge St Glens Falls, NY To register, email meghanlemery@yahoo.com.

A $30 registration fee is required at time of workshop.

SARATOGA

Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

16

TODAY

Pork with Apples and Asparagus A stir-fry spring delight!

Suzanne Voigt Farmers’ Market Spring in upstate New York this year has been a real teaser. Early March saw temperatures in the 70s and implied spring was coming early. Then temperatures swung back down and stayed low until very recently. Now we are in a pattern that keeps fruit and vegetable farmers white-knuckled, wondering if a late frost will ruin the apple or peach crops, wilt the greens or if the lack of rain will hinder sprouting.

The farmers that supply the Saratoga Farmers’ Market are marching slowly forward. For the most part, they have been spared widespread losses, but the weather is still making for a drawn out and tenuous growing season—not quite warm enough or wet enough to make the flowers and vegetables bloom with abandon. Hoop houses and advanced watering techniques are helping, and the tables looked full at the market Saturday at High Rock. However, we won’t say that spring has truly arrived until the season’s most revered vegetable, the asparagus, has sprung. Start watching, they should be here soon, and this is a great recipe to celebrate their arrival.

A few notes about stir-fry: The high heat sears food quickly making it a quick, easy and nutritious meal. The rapid short cooking

allows for high retention rate of vitamins and a low volume of fat compared to traditional cooking methods. The searing produces browned but succulent meats, and crisp, tasty and colorful vegetables. Preparing all ingredients ahead of cooking is essential.

Keep in mind that once the food hits the heat, constant attention is required, stirring and flipping to prevent burning. It’s quick, intense and worth every second!

Ingredients (for four) 1 lb. pork tenderloin, sliced into ¼-inch slices (hint, it is easier to cut if meat is slightly frozen) ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp ground black pepper 2 Tbsp. peanut oil, divided

1 lb. fresh asparagus, end trimmed off, then cut into 2 inch pieces 2 cloves garlic, diced ¼ cup water 2 cups apples skinned, cored and chopped into large chunks (Crispins are a good choice) ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 1 tsp. grated orange zest 2 Tbsp. orange juice Directions 1. Slice pork and then toss in a bowl with salt and pepper.

2. Heat wok or large skillet to high and add 1 tbsp. of oil, swirling to coat and immediately add the pork slices and start stirring and flipping pork. Cook 2-3 minutes or until

the pork just loses its pink color.

Remove from heat.

3. Add 1 tbsp. oil to hot wok, again swirling to coat cooking surface. Immediately add the asparagus pieces, garlic and water. (Watch out for spray add water slowly and with gloves). Cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly until asparagus are tender but still firm.

4. Return pork to wok and add apples, red pepper flakes and orange zest, stirring as you add.

Cook for 1 minute more or until everything is heated through.

Remove from heat source and stir in orange juice, then serve.

Note: I like to serve it over sticky rice or wild rice.

A Tribute to Mothers & Their Kitchens

John Reardon Compliments to the Chef

Hello Foodie Moms!

Compliments to the Chef would like to salute all the moms who have made life happen in our homes and especially the kitchen!

Who was the first one to start cooking a meal and the last to sit down for a meal? Who was still in the kitchen cleaning well after everyone else had left? What room in the house did mom dole out free advice on dating, school, employment and dealing with disappointment? Where did some your funniest memories of mom take place?

Here’s an example. Recently, my mother in-law and I were in the kitchen and she asked me, “John, I heard some of the checkout boys say ‘she is a milk!’ What does that mean?

Milk?” I scanned my wife for help, but she wasn’t jumping in, so I just blurted out: “Mother I like knowing!”

She said, “Oh, how nice!” And I

thought it was time for a quick exit!

My wife has had her funny kitchen moments as well. Once, when my wife was pregnant with Aubrey Kate, she called me at work and said, “Hurry home I made a big pan of brownies!” When I arrived home nine hours later there was only one tiny brownie left in the big pan!

I said to her, “Did you have company?”

She said, “No, why?”

And I was told I had to watch my weight!

In our family, a kitchen isn’t just a place where laughs happen and meals are made; it’s the family headquarters. My wife, her mom and my mom have their kitchens battleready! What that means is that no matter what situation arises, they are prepared! Hurricane? Flashlights, candles, matches, lighters etc., they have it all. Boo-boos, headaches or fever? They have a MASH unit standing by. Rule-breaker needs to be punished? These moms hold family court in their kitchens.

So this Mother’s Day when it is time for dinner, seat mom first and clean up so she can enjoy her day!

And as for every other day- call mom on a regular basis and tell her how you feel about her! You cannot say “I love you, Mom” enough!

And I bet I know where she will be when you stop by to see her.

Remember, “Life happens in the kitchen.”

Take Care, John

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17

A Treat for Mom

No baking required for dad and the kids…

Super Stepmom Shannon’s Mexican Lasagna

By Shannon James Straight from a busy stepmom’s kitchen, this easy recipe is one that your whole family will enjoy!

Mexican Lasagna 1 lb of ground beef 1 Jar of salsa 1 1/2 Cups of cottage cheese (cream style or small curd) 2 Cups of cheddar cheese 2 Eggs slightly beaten 12 Tortillas

by Jodie Fitz for Saratoga TODAY Peanut Butter–Chocolate Crunch Ice Cream Cake 7 ½ cups vanilla ice cream ½ cup chocolate syrup ½ cup peanut butter 12 Oreo cookies 10 Nutter Butter cookies 8 inch spring-form pan (approximately 2 ¾ deep) Soften the vanilla ice cream so that when you scoop it the edges are very creamy.

Prepare a plate that will fit into your freezer and hold the base of the spring form pan by placing a piece of waxed paper onto it.

Layer 1: 2 ½ cups softened ice cream. Place the pan onto the plate with the waxed paper and place the cake into the freezer while you are preparing the next layer.

Layer 2: Place the Oreo cookies into a mini-chopper or food-processor and grind them until they have become crumbs. Pour them into a bowl and stir in the chocolate syrup.

Spread the chocolate cookie layer onto the cake. Immediately add layer 3.

Layer 3: Add 2 ½ cups of softened vanilla ice cream. Place the cake into the freezer and prepare layer four.

Layer 4: Place the Nutter Butter cookies into a mini-chopper or foodprocesser and grind them until they have become crumbs. Pour them into a bowl. Place the peanut butter into a glass dish and melt it slightly by microwaving it for 30 seconds (you don’t want to do it any longer, it will burn). Stir the melted peanut butter and cookies crumbs together and add them as layer number 4 to the cake. Immediately add layer five.

Layer 5: Add the final 2 ½ cups of softened vanilla ice cream.

Let the cake set overnight or at the very least for a four-hour period.

To remove the sides of the pan, either dip the pan (sides and bottom only) into warm water or carefully run the sides under warm water for a few seconds to release the ice cream from the pan before removing the spring form sides. Note: the bottom of the pan is meant to remain on the cake.

Immediately place the cake back into the freezer while prepping the frosting.

Preheat oven to 350 Brown burger and drain. Place beef in a bowl and stir in salsa. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup cheddar cheese, cottage cheese and eggs.

Spray the bottom of a 9x13 (or lasagna) pan or use about ½ a cup of salsa so your first tortillas don't stick. Lay down three tortillas on the bottom of the pan and overlap six around sides of dish, making a shell. Spoon beef/salsa mixture evenly over tortillas and top with three more tortillas.

Then spoon cheese mixture over and bake for 45 minutes or until cheese is set.

Remove the dish from the oven and spread the last cup of cheddar cheese on top. Bake 5 more minutes or until cheese is melted.

You can add additional items like jalapeños, tomatoes and onions based on your family’s tastes.

Enjoy!

Frosting 3 cups confectioner’s sugar 1/3 cup milk 1/3 cup Crisco 1 teaspoon vanilla 4 Oreo cookies (save the others for décor) 4 Nutter Butter cookies Place two Oreo cookies and two Nutter Butter cookies into a minichopper or food -processor to create cookie crumbs.

Mix confectioner’s sugar, milk, Crisco and vanilla extract together until frosting is smooth. Add cookie crumbs and continue to mix until they are evenly distributed.

Remove the cake from the freezer and frost it. I often put on one thin layer, place the cake back into the freezer and finish the frosting process. Frosting an ice cream cake is not always smooth, so I rely heavily on finishing touches.

Finishing Touches: Create cookie crumbs with two more Oreos and two more Nutter Butter cookies.

Place them along the sides. Cut Oreos in half and garnish the top.

Voila! Ice cream cake…delicious, no bake, but possibly just a tad bit time consuming.

But, after all…mom is worth it!

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18

TODAY

Take me out to the Ball Game Kate Towne Sherwin Saratoga SAHM “I read about your new brown chair and your old white chair in the paper,” a friend of ours said to our Thomas recently. Thomas turned to me with a quizzical look, “You wrote about the white chair in the newspaper?”

“Yes,” I said, to which he lowered his eyelids to half-mast and said, “Mom, you need to find

some more interesting things to write about.”

All this past week, Thomas has been coming up with ideas for things I should write about, all of which I guess are more interesting than our shabby old chair.

“You can write about how I’m learning cursive!” he told me one night while I was making dinner, pointer finger in the air. “Or about the ‘Race for Education!’” he said as he followed me around the kitchen, referring to one of his school’s fundraisers, “Or how we’re doing book reports at school!”

But what’s really been making me chuckle recently, when I’m able to step back and look at it from a distance, is the circus of getting us all ready and out the

door for the boys’ baseball games.

Both Gabe and Thomas are playing baseball this year—the first year we’ve had two boys playing. They each have one game during the week; games are at 5:30 p.m., with warm-ups beforehand, so I shoot to get us to the field by 5.

In getting us ready to go, first there are all the pieces of the uniforms to find: baseball pants, team shirt, team hat, socks, and cleats, all in the right sizes for the boys playing, all for the correct team.

Then there’s the necessary equipment for each boy: batting helmet (each player is now required to have his or her own due to the threat of head lice),

mitt, bat and water bottle.

Then there’s the reinforcements needed to keep the little boys occupied: snacks (usually cheese crackers and/or fruit snacks and/or popcorn), sippy cups, shovels, pails, coloring books and crayons, even a bag of lollipops.

Then there are the baby supplies: my nursing cover, as many burp cloths as I can find, diapers, wipes and a warm blanket to wrap him up in if it’s cold.

And finally, there’s the mug of coffee I make to bring for myself.

Although I have this list pretty well memorized, and I start getting us ready to go an hour or more before we actually need to leave the house, we’re still sometimes a few minutes late, and I feel completely stressed out by the time we actually walk out the door.

Sometimes, if it’s cold or rainy, we drive to the field and stay in the van to watch the game. The benefits of this include the fact that all of our stuff is hidden away from view, and our

yelling/crying/tantrums are harder to hear. Plus, the boys are contained.

Most times though, especially on the beautiful sunny springtime days, I prefer for us all to walk to the field. I feel good about us being out in the fresh air and sunshine and it seems so simple and wholesome to walk down the street to a baseball game. The negatives, however, include the fact that all of our stuff is in full view of everyone, as are our yelling/crying/tantrums. Plus, the boys have nothing keeping them close to me but their tenuous adherence to my maternal authority.

Our neighbors and the other players’ families must think we’re just the weirdest sight when we walk to the games. I usually push the double stroller, since it fits Xave and all of the aforementioned stuff—the pails and shovels, the blanket for the ground, the sippy cups, water bottles and snacks. The baseball equipment all fits too, though the bat usually sticks out at an angle that will swipe the leg of anyone walking too close to the side of

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the stroller. The baby’s nearly big enough to sit in the stroller, but not quite, so I still pop him in the sling on the front of me and look 13 months pregnant as I push the stroller with all of our stuff and the three older boys walking. I require John to hold onto the handle of the stroller as we walk, while Thomas and Gabe walk in front, to the sides, behind, backward, forward, or diagonally, chattering away the whole time.

Arriving at the game, each of us in one piece and mostly on time, feels like a major victory.

Staying patient and collected during the game, while Xave shrieks because I won’t let him out of the stroller, Taddy cries because he wants to nurse and Johnny yells because I insist he stay close by, is my nearly exclusive focus. Being able to see Gabe and Thomas when they’re up to bat is my only goal in terms of watching the game; seeing any more of the game is a bonus.

Arriving home with the boys covered in dirt, dinner to eat (yes, even after the cheese crackers

and lollipops and freeze pops), homework to finish, and the bedtime routine to go through is sometimes enough to make me cry.

It’s also enough to make me laugh. Recalling all the tiny details that go into any kind of outing with small children really is hilarious and surely a fairly universal parenting experience.

And though I’m completely exhausted at the end of one of our busy days, I also feel full to the brim with living, like I couldn’t possibly wring a single drop

more out of life with my boys.

That’s what makes these stories interesting to me, Thomas, my boy, and I think other parents might agree. Happy Mother’s Day to you all!

Kate Towne Sherwin is a stayat-home mom (SAHM) living in Saratoga Springs with her husband, Steve, and their sons Thomas (7), Gabriel (5), John Dominic (3), Xavier (2), and Thaddeus (4 months). She can be reached at sksherwin@ hotmail.com.

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TODAY

Moms Dish on Motherhood

by Emily Fowler Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA COUNTY-Today, the options modern mothers have for raising their children are varied.

Choices can span the range from day care to home school, from staying at home to working full-time.

Whichever option a mother adopts will carry both sacrifice and reward. As Mother’s Day approaches, it could be a perfect time to review those choices in order to ensure that what’s best for the family, with a little juggling, may hopefully coincide with what’s best, too, for mom’s well-being.

For local mom Jill Richardson, maintaining a working-mother’s schedule successfully relies heavily on the support of her employer.

Luckily, her chosen profession is a personal passion as well, which gives birth to a sense of fulfillment that enhances the already rewarding experience of caring for her son and daughter.

“Photography was something I did because I loved it for so many reasons. I’ve always been drawn to photos, looking at that moment, seeing that image captured, and really feeling that time. I invested in a very nice camera early on which I learned, used and always had with me. It was something I did all the time for myself,” said

Richardson.

Before she was professionally trained in photography, Richardson initially turned down her first client, feeling under qualified, but ended up accepting the job which she credits as turning out, “really well.” Afterward, Richardson changed, and remembers thinking, “I can do this.”

Richardson began taking continuing education classes and studied alongside a professional photographer.

“He encouraged me so much by saying, ‘I think that you have something here.’ He really became my mentor,” said Richardson.

Jill accredits her current boss Angela Beddoe, editor of Capital Adirondack Her Life magazine, with affording her the same level of encouragement as her mentor did, coupled with the support she needed in order to maintain the dual role of being a working-mom.

“Angela knew I was a mom and that would come first. She was not only respectful of my schedule, but also my children’s schedules and she worked around those for me as well as for the other mothers on the team. There’s no guilt involved about time here; that never

happens.

Jill uses what time she does have available to work on her craft.

“When my children go to bed I’m editing and returning emails, always multitasking. I think that is the case with any mom. There’s no such thing as part-time parenting, you’re a full-time mom and then some.

“There’s no stepping away from the emails and phone calls unless you mentally say- ‘I’m not going to do it right now.’ When my children are speaking I put everything down, look them in the eye, hear what they’re saying and let them know they are most important. They are so full of thoughts; it would be easy to miss that and that would be the worst thing. This is a huge part of what I’m trying to do as a mother, and what a joy that is.”

Beth Alexander, co-owner of Hattie’s Restaurant, Hattie’s Chicken Shack, their catering company, and the “Track Shack,” is another successful working-mom who has chosen not to neglect a passion which she finds adds peace to a full schedule. She describes her life while raising daughter, Zoe, 12, and son, Charlie, 6, as one in which she must wear many hats- or in her case, many shoes.

“In our household, I am responsible for coordinating and running the house. I feel like captain of the ship there. I also do that at the restaurant, so I have to balance,” said Alexander.

In addition to wife, mother and business-owner, Alexander, an exprofessional dancer, instructs and dances at the Myers Ballet School/ Northeast Ballet Company, of Schenectady and Saratoga Springs.

In the past, Alexander had taken on too many fundraising responsibilities; something she learned overwhelmed her while leaving little time to pursue her passion for dance. While she still fundraises, Alexander says she’s taken a couple steps back from that.

“I just got back into dance in the last three years. I realized how much it means to me and makes me happy. Even though I’m busier than I’ve ever been I’m more focused.

Dance is for me,” said Alexander.

Through the family-like atmosphere the staff at Hattie’s has created, Alexander is able to gain support from those around her.

“I have a lot of moms who work

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for me and lend a sympathetic ear.

We are fortunate to have wonderful and supportive families ourselves between in-laws, and grandparents, that help, but also a support staff at Hattie’s, which is really my second family,” said Alexander.

But it is her role as mother that makes her love of dance and the importance of a successful business always come second.

“Having children was really the best decision [my husband and I] ever made. I absolutely love being a mom. I’m so proud of my relationship with my children.”

Like Richardson, Alexander too, knows how to make what available time she has work for her, in this case by turning it into bonding time.

“We even use our time in the car to talk and really connect. The biggest compliment was when my daughter told me, ‘I know I can always come to you,’” Alexander said.

The open relationship Alexander has formed with her children has helped her explain to them what parenting is like while she figures out its logistics and complexities right alongside them.

“Kids don’t have a manual, so I talk to my kids, a lot. [In terms of being a parent] I say to them, ‘We are growing with you;’ we are human and we are going to make mistakes. It’s all part of life,” Alexander said.

While Richardson and Alexander maintain lives with everyday challenges, the harsh reality is that some families are forced to face issues that are tragically difficult.

When Heather Straughter and her family lost their beloved son, Jake, it was, as Heather says, an intense, incredible and immediate void.

Yet in the dark depths of their inescapable grief was the birth of an idea that held the possibility of realigning their torn lives.

“My husband, Brian, and I learned so much from Jake- the strength that he had and his perseverance. We wanted to figure out how we could give back,” said Straughter.

The Straughters went on to found the “Jake’s Help from Heaven Foundation” in 2011, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with multiple medical challenges and disabilities.

Together they’ve helped over 30 families and given away $24,000 in the foundation’s initial 15 months.

The experience of raising Jake gave the Straughters the tools to assist other families facing similar situations.

“Through this whole network, we were able to get our foundation up and running. We had all these skills and knowledge and we could use to help other families. The evolution of starting this foundation, watching it take off and have a successful initial year, has given my life a

clear direction and purpose,” said Straughter.

As a stay-at-home mother and former teacher, Straughter, along with caring for son Ethan, 7, had a full plate in dealing with Jake’s complications and needs on a daily basis. Now, she explains, “[The foundation’s work] has been a very good thing for me. It has filled the time void left from Jake’s constant 24-hour care that I lived and breathed. This is now what I do.”

Although working with the foundation oftentimes gets emotional for Straughter, she takes comfort and strength from the group of families they are helping, which she describes as “amazing.”

“Their stories and illnesses are different, but they share the same common thread that we had, and that is an ill child that they are trying their absolute best to provide for and give the best quality of life to. I feel like those kids are ours.

The children are fighting the fight that Jake fought,” said Straughter.

The foundation is one way Heather is able to continue feeling connected to Jake.

21 “I still have that piece of me that was Jake’s mom. It fulfills that part of me,” said Straughter. “To have this legacy for him makes me feel very connected to him.”

The Straughters have begun bringing son, Ethan, along on deliveries, something Heather feels is

already benefiting him.

“It’s hard to put into words, but helping [out] gives Ethan a little something; lets him understand who is brother was a little better, and turn something sad into something positive. So, there is peace.”

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TODAY

Nurturing Your Mom on Mother’s Day

Clare Colamaria Our Elders, Our Actions

Sending flowers, candy and greeting cards are the norm for mom on Mother’s Day, but as a member of the baby boomer generation, we recognize that what your aging mother really wants on her special day is to feel nurtured.

Sandwiched boomers recognize that aging is a natural progression and a normal part of the life cycle.

But just as it is difficult to accept

your own aging, when you witness your mother regressing, the facts of life provide scant comfort.

Acknowledging your mother’s decline in well-being becomes the first step in your plans for realistic long-term care for her. Research shows that money, title or good health has less effect on life satisfaction than strong personal relationships can. So this Mother’s Day, make a commitment to do what you can to improve your relationship and give your mom and yourself positive memories.

Here are six tips to help you get

started: 1. The gift of time is one of the most precious gifts that you can give your aging mother. Spend some quality time with her talking and reminiscing. Look through old family photographs and ask her to tell you stories about when she was a young girl. The time you spend with her now will sustain you both.

2. Make your mom feel more valued by concentrating just on her-plan a date with her for lunch or shopping. Let yourself become absorbed and delight in these

pleasurable activities. Pay attention to the details. Talk about what you are doing, appreciating and enjoying. Linger awhile in order to make it last.

3. On some of your visits, do a chore to ease her burden - go grocery shopping together, accompany her to the next doctor’s appointment, cook a delicious meal with enough left over for the next day. The old-fashioned art of letter writing can help you develop a closer bond. Write her a letter about how grateful you feel to have her as your mother. Sharing these feelings increases good memories about the past and leads to greater personal satisfaction for both of you.

4. If you have some old issues to work out with your mother, you may be able to move forward in addressing them by writing her an apology letter or a letter offering forgiveness. When you apologize, you free yourself from shame or guilt and your mother from dwelling on anger or resentment.

5. When you forgive your mother for some past transgression, it doesn’t necessarily excuse the action, but it does free you from ruminating about it. Forgiveness releases you from the past; it is a gift that you give to yourself.

6. Enjoy your mother today and savor these moments. Reflect on the positive feelings you have from the past and cultivate rich memories now to sustain you in the future.

I would like to share with you a special something I read recently: “When a couple exchange wedding vows “for better or for worse, in sickness and in health,” those words often apply many decades later, long after the wedding photos fade and crack. That promise of fidelity through good times and in bad, frequently extends to the couple’s children when the roles are reversed and they have to care for their aging parents.”

And here is an essay on the website springintheair.com that puts intergenerational conflict into perspective. It is a letter from an elderly mother to her daughter: “My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.

If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: ‘You said the

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same thing a minute ago’... Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep.

When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl?

When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way ... remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day.

If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing

for me is to be with you.

And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked.

When those days come, don’t feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you ... my darling daughter. Happy Mother’s Day!” “Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while but their hearts forever.” - Author Unknown Wishing all mothers many heartfelt happy and healthy days!

Clare Colamaria is the founder of A Senior’s Choice and an advocate for seniors and their families. For more information or assistance, go to www.aseniorschoiceonline.com or call (518) 424-2527.

Senior Briefs Emeritus at Landing of Queensbury Open House Saturday, May 12, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Stop by Emeritus at Landing of Queensbury to take a tour and learn more about our wonderful senior living community. Call Erin Gryniak, community relations coordinator, at (518) 793-5556 for more information.

Olde Saratoga Meeting

Seniors

The Olde Saratoga Seniors will meet May 16 at the Town Hall in Schuylerville with a sandwich luncheon at noon. For more information, call Esther Blair at (518) 695-4217.

Seeking Donations for Garage Sale at Maplewood Manor The Resident Association of Maplewood Manor is taking dona-

tions of gently-used items that are clean and /or in good working condition for a garage sale being held Saturday, June 9. All proceeds will benefit the Manor’s Awning Structure Fund. Please no TVs, car seats, or adult clothing, but children’s clothing is acceptable. You may drop off donated items any day from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. at Maplewood Manor, 149 Ballston Ave., Ballston Spa. Larger items/quantities may be dropped off on the following dates: May 30, from 5-7 p.m., June 2, from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., and June 5, from 5-7 p.m. For more information about consignment or arranging an alternate drop-off time, contact Regina at (518) 885-5057 or email her at scmmawningfund @gmail.com.

The Wesley Community Open House The Wesley Community will showcase its highly-regarded senior housing options at Woodlawn Commons and the Embury Apartments during an open house

Saturday, May 12 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Wesley Community campus in Saratoga Springs.

Prospective residents are invited to meet the staff and current residents, tour the apartments, and learn more about the care, education, and lifestyle enhancement programs available at The Wesley Community.

Visitors to the open house will be able to get answers regarding the various levels of care at The Wesley Community, as well as about seniorrelated issues including dementia, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, outpatient therapies, short-term rehabilitation, and the Evergreen Adult Day Services, a comprehensive and supervised day program for seniors.

Light refreshments will be provided. Woodlawn Commons and the Embury Apartments are located on The Wesley Community campus at 131 Lawrence Street in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. For more information or directions, call (518) 691-1563.

Ask the Financial Advisor

Peter Sweetser Fenimore Asset Managment

Q:

As a small business owner, are there retirement plans that are easy to implement and have no administrative fees?

A:

Yes, there are two plans that you may want to consider.

A good retirement plan can make it

easier for you, as an entrepreneur, to achieve your personal financial goals. It can also help attract and retain loyal employees while offering them the opportunity to retire comfortably. Running a small business is not easy. As an entrepreneur, you have countless issues to juggle and may often find yourself forced into business matters that are beyond your expertise.

You may also be crunched for time and place some beneficial initiatives on the back burner.

Unfortunately, it is my experience that business owners, especially ones with a handful of employees, do not take advantage of the basic retirement plans that are available because of the misperception that they are complicated. However, retirement investing can be easy to understand and administer.

Ask yourself, “Who is saving for my future?” Just like many aspects of your business, you have to be proactive and save for your retirement. Small business owners tend to pay themselves last, but I recommend that you get in the habit of treating your retirement contribution like a monthly bill and actually pay yourself first.

Small business retirement plans are the perfect way to save

for those golden years.

First of all, contributions for both you and your employees can be a deduction for the business.

Second, the contributions that are made are going to grow taxdeferred until you withdraw money down the line.

Two of the options available to small businesses that can be effective and are easy to implement are: the Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA and Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRA. They both offer lowcost, tax-advantaged retirement savings opportunities for selfemployed individuals and small business owners and are rather easy to administer. A SEP IRA often works best if you are the only employee of the business or if it is just you and your spouse. A SIMPLE IRA is good for those who want to help not only themselves, but their employees as well. Additionally, if you have a SEP or SIMPLE plan through your company, you may also invest in your own Traditional or Roth IRA to supplement your retirement savings.

I suggest you speak with an investment professional to discuss the details of SEPs and SIMPLEs, as well as other options that are available to small businesses, and start saving for your future today.

As Ben Franklin said, “You may delay, but time will not.”

The writer is a Retirement Plan Specialist at Fenimore Asset Management in Cobleskill, NY. Fenimore Asset Management (Fenimore) is an independent

investment advisory firm located in Cobleskill, NY, and has been hand-selecting investments for almost four decades.

Fenimore manages individual and institutional portfolios and mutual funds – FAM Funds.

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24

All That I am, or Hope to be, I owe to My Daughter Abraham Lincoln said, “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother,” “ …without my daughter, I would not have the greatest of honors- to be a mother.”

–Gayle LaSalle

Gayle LaSalle I’m the Boss of Me The actual quote is “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother,” by Abraham Lincoln. I’ve changed this, as without my daughter, I would not have the greatest of honors to be a mother and now, for the past five years, a grandmother.

Without the wisdom of this wonderful young lady, I’m not quite sure I’d be where I am or who I am today. I wonder if she even remembers the moment or has any idea of

how momentous it was for me. I’m sure most people have memories that are so clear they can almost be seen even years later. This moment with my daughter is like that for me.

I know where we were eating-even to the point of being able to picture the table. Let me give you a bit of background. I’ve had my life figured out. I’ve had it figured out several times. Each time, life has made plans I hadn’t counted on. About nine years ago, I thought I finally had it all together. Again, life intervened. I was engaged to be married, to my soul mate, my life partner and my best friend. We had plans, lots of plans. But then life stepped in. Ten weeks before our marriage, my darling Keefe was taken from me in an auto accident involving bad weather and black ice. My personal life was

turned upside down, as was my financial life.

I’m not generally the kind to give up. In fact, when confronted by resistance, I often dig in my heels and get quite stubborn. However, in this case, I came close, more than once, to giving up. I thought I was hiding this quite well until a lunch date with my daughter brought me back to reality. This lovely young lady looked at me across the table and said something to the effect of, “Mom, you’ve always talked about the ability to make choices, even in tough situations. Right now, mom, you aren’t making any. You are just miserable and making those around you miserable.”

Now, based on what happened to me, some would say I had a right to

National Nurses Week

be unhappy and give me a pass. Not this child! Instead, she continued, “Even with all this pain, would you want to have had those five years with Keefe?” Of course, my answer was a resounding “Yes!” She pointed out then that I really had two main choices. I could take the gifts of a great and empowering relationship and create a life. Or, I could choose to be miserable and thus throw all those gifts away.

WOW! Talk about a defining moment! Out of this insanity, came clarity, so strong that, for me, it was the moment that has lead to much of what has happened in my life since and continues to motivate me to be more of what I want to be and can be.

My daughter is now grown and has two wonderful daughters of her

own. I look forward to watching her as she grows into an amazing woman, wife and mom. We’ve had many great moments and many great memories. Of course, we’ve also had our “not-so-greatmoments.” I mean, we are both human after all. But every day, in small and large ways, I know she is and will always be my greatest life gift. However, the gift she gave me that day, the gift of honesty, clarity and love, is one that has had a more powerful impact on me than even I realized at that moment. It is a gift that has made me only want to be better, be more and be proud. So on this Mother’s Day, I turn the tables to pay tribute to my daughter without whom, well...I just don’t know where I’d be. Thank you, and I love you, Dania!

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25

Why Yoga? Reasons to Begin Your Practice

Justin Wolfer For the past two years I have been a full time student and teacher of yoga. I consider myself to be at the very beginning of my practice and I encourage my students to adopt a similar attitude.

Since each day is new it is necessary to view this as such. The only way to experience life fully is to be immersed in the present moment which is always new. If you are constantly looking ahead or behind, you will lose the attention yoga practice requires. If you are a local struggling to pay your bills but are interested in starting a practice, please contact me. This summer the Saratoga Breakfast Yoga Club will be launching a new program to sponsor low-income students.

So what is yoga?

This is not an easy question for the analytical mind. All things change. You are always changing.

At a cellular level your physical body is in a state of constant flux.

We lose hundreds of billions of cells each day. Yoga can be defined as change or movement from one point to another, higher point. Deciding to eat healthier or go for a walk can be yoga practice.

If you consciously move in this direction, from moment to moment, that which was impossible will become possible. You will learn to move not through, but around, the obstacles on your path.

Sounds easy, right?

Well, sort of. This requires a great deal of patience, honesty and self-discipline. It requires you to become familiar with your inner processes and to show them compassion. At first, you may not like everything you find. The process can be described as peeling away the many layers of an onion. You might cry. You most certainly will resist. This is both natural and healthy. You must retrain the mind to look within instead of outwardly searching for sensory or instant gratification. This will divert you from yourself.

What about the poses?

Modern yoga is associated with “asana,” which means yoga postures. You probably envision beautiful, smiling, flexible humans in inaccessible positions. Well, we all must start somewhere. Best to begin where you are. If you consistently show up, breathe and practice with compassion your body will respond positively. As your perspective shifts the inaccessible will become accessible.

When do I start?

Yoga will teach you that today is always the most important day and that the right time is always now.

Start right away. Making the time for you is the practice.

Where do I start?

If you’re fortunate enough to live in a community with several yoga studios I suggest you try them all. I recommend committing to at least 10 classes and going 23 times per week to begin. A particular style or teacher may resonate with you. Most studios offer a new student discount. Take advantage of, or seize, if you will, this opportunity. Carpe diem!

Justin Wolfer, ECYT, (Experienced Certified Yoga Teacher), is a dedicated student, practitioner and teacher of Ashtanga Yoga. Initially, yoga served as a means to rehabilitate physical injuries sustained during his career in college athletics.

With steady practice, yoga became a sanctuary and a means to develop physical vitality, internal strength and mental clarity. For more information, contact Justin by email at yogawithjustin@gmail.com or Facebook at facebook.com/yogawithjustin.

Saratoga County Gym List Crossfit Clifton Park 1580 Route 9 Clifton Park, NY 12065 • 250-9348 albanycrossfit.com/clifton-park

MYGYM Fitness Center 2100 Saratoga Rd. Ballston Spa, NY, 12020 855-4222 • mygymfitness.com

Snap Fitness 1340 Saratoga Rd. Gansevoort, NY 12831• 792-0039 snapfitness.com/gansevoortny

Curves of Greenwich 2530 Route 40 Greenwich, NY 12834 692-8899 • curves.com

Planet Fitness 1532 Crescent Rd. Clifton Park, NY 12065 • 688-2818 planetfitness.com/gyms/NY/Clifton_ Park

Union Fitness 1 South Federal St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 588-7728 SaratogaUnionFitness.com

Saratoga Health and Wellness 30 Gick Rd. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 306-6987 saratogahealthandwellness.com

Wellness Center of Saratoga 6 Care Lane Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 587-7625 • saratogacardiology.com

Curves of Wilton 4208 Route 50 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 587-4114 • curves.com Curves For Women 2532 Route 9N Greenfield Center, NY 12833 893-0220 • curves.com Feral Crossfit 165 High Rock Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 774-4880 feralcrossfit.drupalgardens.com Global Fitness 19 Kendall Way Malta, NY 12020 899-9199 • globalfitnessny.com Global Fitness 425 Glen St. Glens Falls, NY 12801 792-6264 • globalfitnessny.com Gold’s Gym 1220 Route 146 Clifton Park, NY 12065 • 383-1017 goldsgym.com/capdistrictny Health Plex Fitness and Wellness Center 1673 Route 9 Clifton Park, NY 12065 383-0225 • healthplexfitness.com High Rock Sports and Fitness 165 High Rock Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 584-5005 • hrsfitness.com

Snap Fitness 821 Main St. Clifton Park, NY 12065 • 670-0050 snapfitness.com/cliftonparkny

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upcoming town meetings Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org 5/16: Parks & Rec., 7:30 p.m.

5/17: Farmland Protection, 7 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 Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 899-2818 www.malta-town.org 5/14: Historic Preservation Review Commission, 7 p.m.

5/15: Planning 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 5/15: City Council, 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 Town of Stillwater: 66 East St., Riverside Mechanicville, NY 12118 www.stillwaterny.org 5/17: Town Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com 5/16: Planning Board, 6:30 p.m.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors 40 McMaster St., # 1 Ballston Spa, NY 12020-1985 (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov 5/15: Board of Supervisors Board meeting, 4 p.m.

5/17: InterCounty meeting, 10:30 a.m.

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

Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

L A C LO fs brie

Saratoga Springs Election Districts and Polling Places Voters in the Saratoga Springs City School District will go to the polls Tuesday, May 15, to vote on a $109,732,677 proposed budget that represents a 1.14 percent increase over the current year’s budget. In addition to the budget, district residents will vote on propositions concerning school bus purchases and the creation of a Capital Reserve Fund, and elect three trustees to the Board of Education. Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. at the Caroline Street, Division Street, Lake Avenue, Geyser Road, Dorothy Nolan and Greenfield elementary schools. If you are uncertain where to vote, call the office of the assistant superintendent for business at (518) 583-4703. For more information about the budget, propositions and school board election, visit the school district’s website at www.saratogaschools.org/budget.

B’Spa School District Budget Referendum and Board of Education Elections The annual statewide School Budget Vote and Board of Education Elections will be held May 15 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). Three seats are available on the board, each for a three-year term, commencing in July 2012.

Interested voters will select three of the following candidates at the polls: (in order of ballot position) Kevin Schaefer, Christine Richardson, Nancy Fodera, Donna Miter. Additional information is located at school offices, on the district website at www.bscsd.org or by calling the district office at (518) 884-7195.

Automobile Museum Auto/Euro Show Weekend 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs The Saratoga Automobile Museum kicks off their spring events schedule with an exciting line-up of activities planned for the weekend of May 18-May 20, including your opportunity to view classic American cars and Europe’s most iconic automobiles, as well as take part in a live auction. Some pre-registering in advance may be required. Additional information and tickets for all events can be found on the museum’s website at www.saratogaautomuseum.org.

Annual Food Sale United Methodist Church, 243 Main St., Corinth The UMW of the United Methodist Church will be holding their Annual Food Sale on June 2 from 9 a.m.-noon. Homemade soups, salads, baked goods and much more!

A.L.L. Presents the Apple Tree Readers Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library On Friday, May 18 at 10:30 a.m., the

Academy for Lifelong Learning at Saratoga Springs (A.L.L.) will showcase several members who have been published in the organization’s journal “The Apple Tree.” Joe Peck, Kate McNairy, Bill McClary and Janice Cutbush will entertain the audience with readings from their original works. Information about the academy’s quality educational program for older adults will be included in the program.

Refreshments will be available at 10 a.m., preceding the program. This special event is free and open to the public.

Those unable to attend the session may visit the academy website: www.esc.edu/ALL or call (518) 587-2100, ext. 2415 for more information or to request a brochure and application for the upcoming fall term.

Craft Garage Sale Vendors Wanted

Lyme Disease Presentation

Community Emergency Corps., Thompson St., Ballston Spa The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association is sponsoring a Networking Breakfast on Tuesday, May 15, from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Cost is $5 with advance reservation or $10 that morning. Business and community members are welcome; you do not need to be a BSBPA member to attend either of these events. Membership information will be available. The BSBPA sponsors networking breakfasts every month throughout the year at different locations in Ballston Spa. For more information or to RSVP, contact Ellen at (518) 885-2772 or info@ballston.org.

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. The Adirondack Lyme Disease Foundation will be showing “Under Our Skin,” Saturday, May 19, from 1-3 p.m. in the Susman Room.

This award-winning documentary investigates the human, medical and political dimensions of Lyme disease, and brings to light one of the most serious and controversial epidemics of our time. Seating is limited, and on a first-come basis. For more information, contact info@AdirondackLymeDiseaseFoundation.com

Third Thursday Breakfast Saratoga Hilton, 534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs The Saratoga County Chamber’s breakfast will be held Thursday, May 17, from 7:30-9 a.m.

This month’s topic is Globalization of Education and is sponsored by Wesley Community. This event is open to all chamber members.

Reservations before May 15 are $15 and $20 thereafter. To make a reservation, call (518) 584-3255. For more information about the breakfast and other chamber events, visit www.saratoga.org.

After The Fire’s Monthly Meeting Halfmoon Town Hall, Harris Rd., Halfmoon After The Fire’s monthly meeting will be Tuesday, May 22 at 7 p.m. New members are always needed. Attend a meeting, find out about our organization, and see how you can help your neighbors in need. If you plan on attending a meeting, it is advised that you call ahead to assure that there are no changes in meeting locations, dates or times. If you would like additional information, leave a message at (518) 435-4571 or visit www.afterthefire.org.

Fire Tower Hours at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park The Cornell Hill Fire Tower will be open on the following dates from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: May 12 and 13, June 9 and 10, July 14 and 15, August 11 and 12, September 8, 9, 22 and 23, and October 13, 14, 27 and 28. The tower will also be open on June 2 for the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park’s Wildlife Festival.

The fire tower will only be open if the weather permits. To confirm that it is open, call (518) 469-0918. Parking for the tower is in Parking lot #3 on Scout Rd. For more information, visit www.wiltonpreserve.org.

1 Elks Lane, off Rte.9 Maple Ave., Saratoga The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Ladies Auxiliary is looking for market vendors for an indoor market to be held once a month at the lodge on Sundays from 11-3:30 p.m. Admission is free and the cost for an 8-foot table space will be $15 each paid in advance. Doors open to set up at 9:30 a.m. The next dates are June 22, September 23, October 28 and November 25, 2012. Come and enjoy; for an application or more information, call Linda at (518) 289-5470.

May Networking Breakfast in Ballston Spa

Heritage Hunters Meeting Town of Saratoga Town Hall, Rt. 4, Schuylerville Heritage Hunters of Saratoga County will meet Saturday, May 19, at 1 p.m. Erica Wolfe Burke, archivist and special collections librarian at the Folklife Center at the Crandall Library in Glens Falls, will offer tips and instructions for exploring the 1940 U.S. census. The public is welcome. For more information, call (518) 5872978.

Electronics Recycling Event Round Lake Library & Colt Recycling Northway Exit 12 West- State Farm Parking Lot Saturday, May 12 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. organizers are accepting items such as: computers/laptops and monitors, cell phones and handheld devices, printers and scanners, stereo systems, radios and MP3 players, telephones/systems, back-up power supplies, microwave ovens and TVs (no consoles nor projection units). The Round Lake Library will receive a donation from Colt Recycling for a portion of the value of the recycled waste. Not accepting items containing mercury or other hazardous materials, i.e. paints, thinners, etc. batteries or bulbs.

Grange Meeting The Old Stone Church, 159 Stone Church Rd., Ballston Spa Milton Grange #685 will hold their monthly meeting. The public is invited to join members for the meeting Saturday, May 12, which will include a pancake breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. Cost is $5. Reservations are required. This month’s speaker will be Garth Ellms of Ellms Family Farm. For reservations, call Carol at (518) 275-7595.

Celiac-Sprue Support Group Meeting Saratoga Eagle,

TODAY

45 Duplainville Rd., Saratoga Springs Saratoga/Glens Falls Celiac-Sprue Support Group (Gluten Intolerance) will hold its meeting Monday, May 14 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. A representative from Hillcrest Foods will be there to discuss their products. For more information, contact Jean McLellan at (518) 584-6702

JCI Saratoga Springs (Jaycees) Time Management Seminar Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. The seminar will be held May 17, at 6:30 p.m. and be held in the Susman Room. Chapter members and the community are welcome.

Seating is limited; RSVP to Matt Ronas at compubasic@gmail.com.

Help Design Greenfield Elementary Playground Greenfield Elementary has an online survey on their website (www.greenfield playground.com) asking for feedback about their current playground and what changes/ideas people would like to see incorporated into their new one. The goal is to obtain community input from the survey to be summarized and submitted to the designer. The survey will be online for the next few weeks.

Lilac Walking Tour & Gardener’s Weekend 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.

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.

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/scholarship. The deadline to submit applications is May 15, 2012.

Grant Cottage Opens Memorial Day Weekend On Memorial Day weekend, the cottage’s doors will open to the public for the first time this season. Informative tour guides will lead guests through rooms and among the furniture Grant used during his last days. The visitor’s center will be open, offering interpretive displays as well as books and souvenirs from the gift shop.

SARATOGA

TODAY

CALENDAR

Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

living

11 - May 18 May

events Weekend-Long

Founders and Friends Celebration 62 York Ave., Saratoga Springs Join us at 1 p.m. for The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs’ 30th anniversary celebration.

For information, visit www.waldorfsaratoga.org.

Sunday, May 13 Victory Mother’s Day Sunday Breakfast The Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, Route 32, Victory Join us from 8-11 a.m., for a delicious Mother’s Day breakfast.

Adults $6, children $3.

Stillwater Players Among Others, Inc. Comedy Mother’s Day Brunch Show Greenwich Elks Lodge, State Route Stillwater Parish Theater, All Saints On the Hudson, Stillwater Come and show support for this troupe that has reconvened after a two-year hiatus and are eager to present to you, “The Prisoner of Second Avenue.” Dinner will be catered by Panza’s. Dates are May 11-13, 18 and 19. For more information or reservations, call the SPAO box office at (518) 290-0019 or visit www.spaotheater.org.

Friday, May 11 Trike-A-Thon Skidmore College 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs The Skidmore Early Childhood Center, a lab nursery school, will be having their third annual “Trike-A-Thon.” Money raised will go to St. Jude's Research Hospital.

Catch little trikers and their college helpers at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. For information, email Mary Ellen Towne at Mtowne@skidmore.edu or call (518) 580-5473.

Saturday, May 12 Doodle Day Barnes and Noble, 3029 Rte. 50, Saratoga Springs Join friends from the Hyde Collection as we turn your creative drawings into masterpieces.

Come join the fun and doodle.

For information, call (518) 583-7761.

40, Greenwich Mom’s eat free with family and proceeds will benefit youth and community programs. Full breakfast buffet from10 a.m.-2 p.m. includes seafood casserole and more with cocktails available after noon for an additional fee.

Adults $15, children $7, under 5 free. For more information, call (518) 692-2061.

Monday, May 14 Storytelling Open-Mic Caffė Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs The monthly series has presented wonderful and diverse tellers from the Capital District and beyond and this month’s featured teller is Janet Carter. Enjoy a wonderful evening as Janet and other storytellers from Saratoga and the Capital District share contemporary, personal and traditional stories. New storytellers are welcome. Event begins at 7 p.m., sign-ups for storytellers are at 6:45 pm. Cost $3. For information, call (518) 587-4536.

Thorofan Monthly Meeting Seven Horse Pub, Phila St., Saratoga Springs Thorofan, the organization of horseracing fans, is holding its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. featuring speaker Dick Powell, a horseracing consultant and local handicapper. The public is welcome to attend. For information, call Nancy Dix at (518) 226-0456.

Tuesday, May 15

Historical Book Discussion on Fugitive Slave Epic Saratoga History Museum, Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs Presented by Christopher Webber and the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust Program Series.

Christopher Webber, author of “American to the Backbone: The Life of Fugitive Slave James W. Pennington,” will discuss at 7 p.m. the life of James Pennington as part of the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust Program Series.

For information, visit www.saratogahistory.org or call the museum at (518) 584-6920.

Wednesday, May 16 Saratoga Builders Spring Mixer Saratoga National, Saratoga Springs From 6-9 p.m., enjoy great food, an open bar and networking opportunities with special guest speaker Carolyn Jones, publisher of the Business Review. All attendees of this Saratoga Builders Association Spring Membership Mixer will receive a free 2012 Saratoga Showcase of Homes TShirt. Cost is $40. Guests and prospective members are welcome.

"The Best Revenge is Living Well" Seminar Courtyard Marriott, 11 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs Come learn how to manage your own emotions and handle others.

Learn skills for managing those who make you crazy with the benefit of great networking. This is the third in a series of HR seminars presented by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and Gayle LaSalle, Living Lily/LaSalle Consulting & Training.

Registration starts at 7 a.m., program runs from 8-9 a.m. Cost is $10. Make reservations online at:http://bit.ly/ytGcCY or call (518) 584-3255. For information, email Denise Romeo at dromeo@saratoga.org or call (518) 584-3255, ext. 205.

Thursday, May 17

NOOK Book Club Barnes and Noble, 3029 Rte. 50, Saratoga Springs Join in on a discussion of this year’s Clifton Park and Halfmoon Two Towns, One Book selection, “The Book Thief.” For information, call (518) 583-7761.

Friday, May 18 All-You-Can-Eat Dinner 13 Oak St., Saratoga Springs The Principessa Elena Society at will have its monthly fundraising all-you-can-eat dinner from 5-7 p.m. Seniors $8, adults $9, children 5-12 $5, under 5 free and takeouts $10. For information, call (518) 584-4163.

Upcoming Events Saturday, May 19 Plein Aire Art Saratoga National Historical Park Battlefield, Route 4, Stillwater All local artists including photographers are invited to visit the battlefield from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for a free day of enjoying the park's pristine landscape as inspiration for their art or photography.

Savor this unique opportunity to explore the wide variety of natural beauty found at Saratoga National Historical Park. Rain date is Sunday, May 20. For information, call the visitor center at (518) 664-9821 ext. 1777 or visit their website at www.nps.gov/sara.

Antiques Road Show 1 Bayberry Dr., Malta Community Center Enjoy a fun and informative event featuring Mark Lawson of Mark Lawson Antiques and sponsor of Antiques Road Show as he educates participants on the world of antiques and performs appraisals from 10 a.m.-noon, hosted by the Town of Malta Department of Parks, Recreation & Human Services. Pre-registration is necessary. Space is limited. For information, call (518) 899-4411.

Cruisin’ in on the Farm Car Show Little Theater on the Farm, 27 Plum Rd., Fort Edward Car show features: live music, swap meet for car parts and tools,

27

crafts fair, flea market, bake sale, and raffles presented by Cole’s Cruisers from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Vendors and those pre-registering, call Janice at (518) 638-8925 or Dave Cole at (518) 360-6364.

Rain Date, Sunday, May 20. For information, visit www.littletheater27.com.

Hee Haw Variety Show Little Theater on the Farm, 27 Plum Rd., Fort Edward Many of your favorites from Minnie Pearl to Buck Owens will be portrayed beginning at 7 p.m.

Produced by Steve “Skeeter” Morse. Refreshments and a 50/50 raffle will be available. Cost, $5.

For information, visit www.littletheater27.com.

Sunday, May 20 Live Acoustic Music Greenfield Grange Hall, 17 Grange Rd., Greenfield Center Home on the Grange Concert is presented by singer-songwriters, “Three Gals (Nancy Walker, Roseanne Raneri and Kate McDonnell) and Their Buddy,” Larry Clyman, with special guest Sam Zucchinni. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and show begins at 3 p.m. Cost $8 each ticket or two for $20 (cash only). For information, email Nancy Walker at nrwalk@gmail.com.

Elks’ Breakfast Buffet 1 Elks Lane, Rte. 9, Saratoga Springs Let the Saratoga-Wilton Elks serve you a buffet breakfast from 8:3011 a.m. Adults $7, seniors/military with ID $6, children 5-12 $5, under 5 free, takeouts $8.

East Meets West at Saratoga Battlefield Visitor Center at Saratoga National Historical Park, 648 Route 32, Stillwater “East Meets West: Global Impacts of the Battle of Saratoga,” will offer a unique perspective on how America’s Revolutionary War impacted India and how events there had effects on the American Revolution. Free lecture at 1 p.m. with music at 1:45 p.m.

Skidmore College professor Tillman Nechtman will speak on the America-India connection, and Skidmore College music department lecturer Veena Chandra will offer a concert of 18th-century Indian music. For information, call the visitor center at (518) 664-9821 ext. 1777, or visit www.nps.gov/sara.

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

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Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

TODAY

Local Gigs Week of 5/11-5/17:

Send listings to entertainment@saratogapublishing.com

Friday, 5.11:

•Kings of Stupid Mt., 10:30 pm

•Joe Barna Quartet, 9 pm

•EB Jeb, 3 pm

@ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759

•Full Circle, 9 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

•Yellow Dog, 9 pm @ bentley’s - 899.4300

•Chandler Travis Three-o, 8 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

•Rich Ortiz, 9 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•Rakkish Paddy, 8:30 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

•Bodells, 6 pm •Street Talk, 10:30 pm @ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

•Tom Harding, 9 pm @ the mill - 899.5253

•McGroovin Duo, 9 pm @ the parting glass - 583.1916

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

•MaryLeigh & The Fauves, 9 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

•Dougapalooza Open Jam, 7:30 pm @ van dyck - 348.7999

•Big Eyed Phish - DMB Tribute, 8 pm @ vapor - 581.5772

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

Saturday, 5.12: •Dave Berger Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759

•Steven L. Smith Band, 9 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

•Just Nate, 9 pm @ bentley’s - 899.4300

•Jon Pousette-Dart, 8 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

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

•Children At Play, 9:30 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

@ jp bruno’s - 745.1180 @ the mill - 899.5253

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

•Lovin’ Life, 6:30 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

•Lucid w/Formula 5, 9 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

•DJ Playground & J Will, 9 pm @ vapor - 581.5772

•Two Planets Away, 9 pm @ wallabee’s jazz bar - 792.8282

Sunday, 5.13: •Honey Dew Drops, 7 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

Thursday, 5.17: •Mikki Bakken, 9 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•Jeff Walton, 6 pm @ horseshoe inn - 587.4909

•Jeff Brisbin, 8 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

•Chris Dollard, 6:30 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

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

•Colleen Pratt & Friends, 7 pm @ van dyck - 348.7999

•Spin Doctors, 8 pm @ vapor - 581.5772

Open Mics: •Sun. Open Mic, 7 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

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

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

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

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

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Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

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Home Made Theater’s Youth Conservatory Presents: ‘Guys and Dolls,’ Announces Scholarship Opportunities for Graduating Seniors

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS - High rollers and Havana night clubs, loaded die and stacked decks, Mindy’s cheesecake or sweet strudel - whether you’re an uptight “mission doll” or a smooth-talking slickster, come by the Spa Little Theater Friday, May 18 for the Home Made Theater’s Youth Conservatory’s opening performance of “Guys and Dolls Jr.” Featuring a famous cast of beloved characters, Damon Runyon’s musical follows gamblers Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson, as well as the dolls who love them, Sarah Brown and Miss Adelaide, as they gamble their way toward high paydays and high romance.

Home Made Theater’s (HMT) “Guys and Dolls Jr.,” is directed by Laurie Larson, a vocal performance

major from Ithaca College with a master’s degree in theater from SUNY Albany. Larson has previously directed youth theater productions at HMT, including “Annie Jr.,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.,” “Beauty and the Beast Jr.,” and more, along with HMT main stage productions of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” and “Charlotte’s Web.” “Guys and Dolls Jr.” opens Friday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m., with additional performances Saturday, May 19 at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The production is presented by youth theater enthusiasts between the ages of 8 and 18. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children aged 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased online at www.homemadetheater.org, by calling (518) 587-4427, or visiting the theater box office Wednesday, May 16.

Home Made Theater Scholarship Available: HMT has announced the Jonathan Foster Memorial Performing Art Incentive Award is being made available to a local graduating senior who wishes to pursue a higher education in the performing arts.

The award, which comes with a $250 scholarship, will be given to a student who wishes to study and become a performer, or to someone who hopes to work at the technical level.

Qualified students must demonstrate an active interest in the performing arts, and should submit a list of related activities over the last three years, two letters of support (preferably from people within a related discipline), a high school transcript, a letter written by the student stating their goals, the name of the school they’re applying to and the course of study they plan to pursue.

photo provided

The cast of “Guys and Dolls Jr.,” opening Friday, May 18 at the Spa Little Theater.

The relevant information must be mailed to the Home Made Theater, Jonathan Foster Memorial Award, P.O. Box 1182, Saratoga Springs,

NY 12866 by June 1. Contact information should include the applicant’s home address, email and telephone number.

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Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

TODAY

Tickets on Sale for Military Museum Hosts World War II USO Show Saratoga Brewfest

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS Looking to enjoy what some of the area’s finest brewers have to offer this summer, June 16 at the Saratoga Brewfest? Then get your tickets now - or at least before May 15 - to still qualify for discounted admission prices.

The third annual Brewfest will be held at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds in Ballston Spa, giving over 60 participating breweries 20,000 square feet of space to stretch out. Attendees, who must be 21 or older, will be able to sample more than 125 different beers

during the event, with live musical entertainment by Rich Ortiz, Trails to Town and Groove Therapy.

Dozens of vendors selling food and goods will also be scattered across the fairgrounds.

A VIP ticket package includes parking, entry, five hours of tasting (from 2 - 7 p.m.), $10 in Brewfest Bucks at participating vendors, unlimited samples, the souvenir glass and a map.

General admission tickets include four hours of tasting (3 - 7 p.m.), unlimited samples, a sou-

venir glass and map.

Designated driver tickets are also available for purchase at the box office for $10, and includes admission and bottled water.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.saratogabrewfest.com, with up to $10 off the ticket price if purchased before May 15.

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Friends of the New York State Military Museum are paying homage to the late, great Bob Hope and his first USO broadcast from May 6, 1941, with a special re-creation broadcast and cantina performance. Scheduled for Saturday, May 19 from 2 - 5 p.m., the New York State Military Museum on Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs will transform itself into a World War II military base, where audience members will be part of a live remote broadcast featuring a performance by the Manhattan Dolls and various other performers.

Local historian and entertainer Gary Ferris will emcee the program, which will include monologues inspired by Bob Hope, period ad spots, War Bond promo pieces and songs from that era.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Friends of the New

photo provided

Bob Hope York State Military Museum, which in turn will help fund new Civil War and Korean War exhibits at the museum.

Refreshments, similar to those served at USO cantinas during World War II will be served throughout the afternoon.

Tickets purchased in advance are $25, or $30 at the door. Active military personal get in for $20.

Contact 1-800-381-5448 or (518) 584-2244 for ticket information or visit www.friendsofthenysmilitarymuseum.com.

SPAC Bids Adieu to Board Chairman Bill Dake, Welcomes Susan Phillips Read as New Chair SARATOGA SPRINGS - SPAC said farewell to outgoing Chairman of the Board Bill Dake Wednesday, May 9, who is stepping down from the position after serving as the organization’s leader since 2005.

“Bill Dake has been a transformative leader for SPAC,” said Marcia J. White, SPAC’s president and executive director. “He assumed leadership of our board in 2005, a period of time when SPAC faced its greatest challenges as an organization. Drawing on decades of experience running a successful corporation, he helped steer SPAC’s finances back to a position of stability and built valuable new partnerships with business and community leaders.”

Dake also helped oversee the building of SPAC’s newly renovated façade, which is on schedule for completion by June 1.

Susan Phillips Read, the former vice chairman on SPAC’s board of directors, will be stepping up to fill Dake’s position as chairman.

PULSE

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Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

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SaratogaArtsFest Passes Available May 15 SARATOGA SPRINGS SaratogaArtsFest, a collaboration of more than 40 community arts organizations, will present a packed schedule of events and activities for the sixth annual citywide celebration of the arts, June 710. The festival will once again offer something for everyone— from the seasoned arts aficionado to families with young children— with programs spanning music, dance, visual art, film, theater and literary art.

“The heart of our programming comes from local arts organizations, all of which have a proven ability to create an amazing array of events and activities,” said Mary Ellen O’Loughlin, executive director of SaratogaArtsFest. “When

you combine that with the artists we draw from the national and international arenas, you get a powerful mix of talent and a wide breadth of artistic expression.”

Among the wide range of community-based events, Saratoga Arts and the Saratoga Film Forum will team up to present Kristin Hersh, founder of the seminal rock band Throwing Muses, who will explore teenage angst in a performance of her “Paradoxical Undressing.”

Opera Saratoga will celebrate our national pastime, as its singers perform baseball songs from America’s past, taking listeners on a nostalgic journey.

Other performers from the area will include the Saratoga Chamber Players, presenting “The Art of the

String Quintet,” featuring performances of works by von Dittersdorf, Onslow and Dvorak. The Albany Symphony Orchestra brass quintet, led by noted trumpeter Eric Berlin, will offer a varied program ranging from Renaissance and Baroque selections to big band jazz and Broadway show tunes. The Bostonbased Duo Sonidos, a chamber music duo of guitar and violin, will also perform.

The SaratogaArtsFest line-up will feature such well-known artists as singer-songwriter Don McLean, whose 1971 hit “American Pie” has become a popular music classic.

Also on the roster will be the acclaimed Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, which will open the festival with a performance at

the Saratoga Performing Arts Center Thursday, June 7, at 8 p.m.

The show will be preceded by “Arts Alfresco,” an evening of gourmet, artisan and comfort food creatively paired with wine and other beverages, presented by area arts organizations.

A number of the performances will cross traditional boundaries. In “Undercover Playground” the Ellen Sinopoli Co. dancers descend upon a local playground to leap, twirl and glide along swing sets, monkey bars and slides, accompanied by Ghanaian percussionist Zorkie Nelson.

In “Keeping Company with Cage,” choreographer Debra Fernandez and artist Margo Mensing collaborate with pianist (and Skidmore president

Old Friends at Cabin Creek Raise Money to Support Retired Thoroughbreds

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS Old Friends at Cabin Creek, an organization dedicated to supporting retired Thoroughbreds at their Greenfield farm, raised nearly $12,000 last Saturday, May 5 during their fundraising event at the National Museum of Racing.

“It was really one of our best parties ever,” said Joanne Pepper, owner and manager of the Greenfield farm. “Everyone really had a great time.”

Pepper and like-minded volunteers see to the care of 13 retired Thoroughbreds at the local farm, including former Travers winners Thunder Rumble and Will's Way, stakes winners New Export and

Watchem Smokey, and everyone’s favorite loser, Zippy Chippy.

Money raised during the event will go toward purchasing feed and hay for the horses.

While the $12,000 raised will certainly help, Pepper indicated it takes “about $50,000 a year for just feed alone. That doesn’t include other expenses for taking care of these horses.”

For those interested in supporting the retired Thoroughbreds and Old Friends at Cabin Creek, donate through their website at www.oldfriendscabincreek.com, visit the farm on Saturdays from noon-3 p.m., or send a check to 483 Sand Hill Road, Greenfield, NY 12833.

“And mark your calendars for next year,” said Pepper, “the first Saturday in May.”

photos by Sharon Castro

Upper Left: Joanne Pepper (far left) and volunteers for Old Friends at Cabin Creek help to raise money during last Saturday’s event at the National Museum of Racing.

emeritus) David Porter to bring together dance, recorded sounds, live video and the experimental music of composer John Cage—all to celebrate the centennial of the composer’s birth.

The full festival schedule is available at www.SaratrogaArtsFest.org The ArtsPass, the festival admission package for adults and seniors, provides access to most festival events as well as discounts and perks at area shops and eateries during the festival. The Artspass also includes year-round benefits and discounts at area arts organizations, including galleries, theaters and museums.

The prices for the admission packages are adults and seniors $35; students (18 and older with student ID) $20; military $15; and youth (ages 5-17) $5. Children under age 5 are free.

All admission packages can be purchased online at www.SaratogaArtsFest.org or in person at the Skidmore College Bookstore and three downtown locations - Impressions on Broadway, Mimosa Gallery on Beekman Street, and Saratoga Beads on Henry Street.

Beginning May 15, admission packages will be available for sale and pick-up at the SaratogaArtsFest Center and Gallery, located at 43 Van Dam Street.

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Community Corner

Hannaford Supermarkets hit a Home run for Little Leaguers Saturday, April 28, Hannaford Supermarkets presented Saratoga National Little League with a check for $3,000 as part of their annual Pitch for Kids Program. The donation helps to subsidize entry fees and provide equipment for underserved children in youth softball and baseball programs in the league.

The donation had particular significance to Rick Stauffer, the manager of the Hannaford on Weibel Avenue.

Stauffer is the father of San Diego Padres pitcher Tim Stauffer, who is a graduate of Saratoga Central Catholic School and a former Saratoga County little leaguer. Rick was on hand to present the check.

“Ann” Rosse

Darling,

Physically, we may be far apart I know that you know that deep down love has always been in each other’s heart.

You suffered in so many ways, now you are in God’s care to relax and rest, pain-free and we always believed that He knows best.

My love, should it be God’s will we will be together again.

Your loving husband, Bill

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom! Everything I am is because of you- and I mean that as a compliment! I couldn’t ask for a better mother, best friend or role model. You are the best mom in the entire world.

I love and miss you!

-Maynard

SARATOGA

Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

TODAY

The 26th Class of Leadership Saratoga Graduates

Leadership Saratoga students graduated from their intensive seven-month program April 12.

Members of the Class of 2012 are: Brian Akley of MLB Construction Services; Charles Dunham IV of O'Connell & Aronowitz; Kristen Farina of the NYS Department of Health; Andrew Gilpin of CAPTAIN Youth & Family Services; Gregory Grieco of Vertis Communications; David Howson of Skidmore College; Heidi Ives of The Adirondack Trust Co.; Ron Jacobs of KAPL-BMPC); Timothy Jaques of Line of Sight; Debra Kaelin of the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office; Chad Kiesow of Stewart’s; Nathan LaFrance of Key Bank; Jason Lynch of the Olde Bryan Inn; Charles Marshall also of Stewart’s; Jane Mastaitis of Saratoga Bridges; Lori Munn of Saratoga National Bank & Trust Co.; James B. Murphy of Knolls Atomic Power Lab; Michael Relyea of the Luther Forest Technology Campus; Cindy Schmehl of To Love A Child; Francine Vero of Towne, Ryan & Partners, P.C.; and Pierre Zimmerman of One Roof.

the

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

Addie

Noelle The tooth fairy club is sponsored by:

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

SARATOGA

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PUZZLES PUZZLES PUZZLES

Sudoku

Crossword

See puzzle solution on page 36

Scrabblegram

Movie Review

See puzzle solution on page 36

ACROSS 1 Losing casino roll 5 Motorolaʼs Droid __ phone 9 Smart way to think?

14 Probate determination 15 Case for tiny scissors 16 Time to strike 17 “Guess the jokeʼs __” 18 Rory McIlroyʼs game 19 Lightens 20 Legume polisher?

23 Play matchmaker for 24 “Mad Men” revenue 28 Singer Al after a jog?

33 Prefix with gram 36 City known for its cheese 37 Country rocker Steve 38 Matter of opinion 40 Powerfully built 42 Level 43 First sign, astrologically 45 She played Addie in “Paper Moon” 47 Advance teaching deg.

48 Reptiles won at fundraisers?

51 Where to take it from?

52 Civil rights org.

56 Cubicle reorganization?

61 Expand, as a compressed file 64 Mélange 65 Logic lesson verb 66 Soft leather 67 Plasma bits 68 Variable quantity 69 Didnʼt go on 70 Punching tool ... or, read differently, a hint to 20-, 28-, 48- and 56-Across 71 Sugar and spice amts.

DOWN 1 Preps for the chef, say 2 Soprano Fleming 3 Go for 4 Celeb wedding feature, often 5 U.S. Army unit 6 Minimal step 7 Phonetic alphabet ender 8 9-Down solo 9 U2 guitarist 10 Dock pest 11 Island in the Aegean 12 Prompt 13 EMS destinations 21 “__ and away!”

22 Smoke, slangily 25 Weird

American Reunion

I normally begin these reviews with a question. My only question for this film, the fourth in the series, why?

All our favorite sex-obsessed high-school students are now 13 years older and experiencing varied levels of disappointment with the current state of their lives. Jim Levenstein (played by Jason Biggs) is married to the same girl he’s loved since high school and they have a 2-year-old son. They are completely out of synch romantically. Jim’s (Biggs’) sex life revolves around his laptop and Michelle, his wife, (played by Alyson Hannigan) is dependant on mechanical devices. Chris “Oz” Ostreicher (played by Chris Klein) is a TV sports anchor living with a supermodel. I said he was unhappy with his life, I didn’t say I could explain why. Kevin (played by Thomas Ian Nicholas) is a married architect who works from home in addition to running the household. Lastly, Steven Stifler (played by Seann William Scott) is still carrying an attitude big enough to fill most rooms and some buildings despite working as a poorly-paid office temp and living at home with his mother. Even though they missed the 10-year mark by three years, Kevin, Oz and Jim

At The Movies With Trey Roohan

Gasoline Alley

33

Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

“I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.”

Abraham Lincoln

Words to know: libretto: n, The text of an opera, musical comedy or other dramatic musical work.

See puzzle solutions on page 36

26 Fished with pots 27 Bergen dummy 29 “Neato!”

30 Wrings oneʼs hands, say 31 “Let me try that again ...”

32 Three-nation pact of the ʼ90s 33 Estranged 34 “Donʼt Know Why” singer Jones 35 Biography subtitle 39 Sailorʼs port 41 Laugh syllable 44 Fed, in a way 46 Bistro window posting

49 Clean Air Act org.

50 Alarmed to the max 53 Puffy dos 54 Workshop tool 55 “__ Dragon”: 1977 Disney film 57 Hair affair 58 Sci-fi race 59 Wrongs 60 Run the show 61 Make the most of 62 One in an order 63 Down-under 10-point game tile

decide to plan a reunion and “forget” to invite Stifler. But, somehow, he shows up anyway.

I didn’t catch any of the spin-off films, e.g. “American Pie presents The Naked Mile,” “Beta House,” or “The Book of Love.” I did see “Band Camp” and will regret it till the day I die. Having seen the original film and both the canonical sequels, I can say unequivocally that there’s nothing new here. Embarrassment, obscenity and nudity from people who really have no business being naked anywhere, let alone onscreen. If you feel you have to see it, try and see a matinee. This just isn’t worth the full ticket price. (5.3/10) For comments and questions, contact me at movies@roohanrealty.com.

Broom Hilda

Animal Crackers

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classified TODAY’s

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Call (518) 581-2480 x 204

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Space Reservation Due Monday 5:00 p.m.

GARAGE SALE

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Call National Aviation Academy Today! 800-292-3228 or NAA.edu

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Everything must go!

Driver- Up to $.42/mile plus $.02/mile safety bonus. Daily Pay. Weekly Hometime. Van and Refreigerated. CDL-A, 3 months recent esperience required 800-414-9569 www.driveknight.com

COMMUNITY WIDE GARAGE SALE IN MALTA'S HIGHPOINTE!!

Friday May 18th 9-4 ( no early birds for our school children's safety) Saturday May 19 th 8-4 Kitchen item, baby clothes baby furniture, DVD, Books, over 40 Families participating ! 518.791.2728 or email raikecarol@gmail.com for details Directions I87 to exit 12 go east to the route 9 rotary go north on Route 9 turn left on to Bayberry Dr.( Highpointe )

VETERANS CAREER TRAINING-Use your post 9/11 G I benefits to become a professional tractor trailer driver.

National Tractor Trailer School, Liverpool, Buffalo NY branch www.ntts.edu 800-243-9300 Consumer Information: www.ntts.edu/ programs/disclosures

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it’s where you need to be.

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MERCHANDISE SNOWBLOWER Craftsman Professional 30", 357 cc dual stage Snow Thrower with easy steer, elec. start. 5 yr. warranty. $800.00.

Call 450-1183

AIRLINES ARE HIRING- Train for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified- Job Placement Assistance.

CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866)296-7093 PT/FT Counter Help- Apply in person, Saratoga Cleaners, 228 Washington St. 587-3047

Business Service Directory cleaning

Clean As A Whistle Professional Residential Cleaning From our shining customer service, to your sparkling clean home, you can count on Clean As A Whistle!

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decorating ELEGANT INTERIORS Custom painting and wallpapering. Residential/ light commercial. Faux finishes. Custom Molding.

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

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small engine repair Adirondack Equipment Repair Snowblowers, Chain Saws, Lawn Equipment. Pick up & Delivery 581-3809 87 Old Schuylerville Rd, Saratoga Springs, 12866

Reach the most readers with Saratoga TODAY Classifieds!

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FOR RENT

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SPRING SPECIAL - 1ST MONTH FREE 2 bdrm, 1 bath. Cats only.

(A/C avail) 518-886-8013 All 1st flr. units includes features for persons w/disabilities required by the Fair Housing Act. Now $775/month.

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Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

TODAY

Community Sports Bulletin Saratoga Springs

Camp The Saratoga Springs Booster Club is holding a field hockey camp Monday, June 25 through Friday, June 29 from 8-11 a.m. daily at Saratoga Springs High School.

Registration is now open for students in grades 3-12. The camp brochure can be downloaded from the Booster's Club website at www.eteamz.com/Saratogafiel dhockey1. For more information, contact Jo-Anne Hostig, Saratoga Springs Head field hockey coach at Tig10@juno.com.

The Saratoga Regional YMCA Helps Strengthen the Community

by Educating Youth on Health & Wellness On Saturday, April 28, the Saratoga Regional YMCA celebrated Healthy Kids Day with a free community event that was open to the public. With over 350 families in attendance, the YMCA educated and encouraged both parents and children to make healthier choices in their lives.

The kickoff to the event was the first annual Kids’ 1K-Fun-Run with 26 participants! Families enjoyed a day filled with games, bounce houses, adventures on the rock climbing wall, and an obstacle course. The Y offered a karate demonstration, as well as family Zumba and yoga classes. The state police attended with their K-9 unit, and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department brought a fire safety obstacle course. Family-friendly vendors were also there to provide information regarding health, nutrition and general wellness. Overall, the Y and the local community enjoyed another successful Healthy Kids Day!

SPECTATOR SPORT - Children look on as a karate demonstration takes place at the Saratoga Regional YMCA’s annual Healthy Kids Day event. Over 350 families took part in a day’s worth of fun activities that got them up and moving.

2012 Northeast Regional Gymnastics Championship Results: The Saratoga Regional YMCA Springettes gymnastics team attended the 2012 Northeastern Regional Championships held May 4-6 at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Thirty-three different teams were in attendance, hailing from all over the northeastern U.S. bringing in over 950 athletes from seven different states.

Saratoga had 62 competitors in levels 3-9. In the team division, the Level7 team brought home a championship for Saratoga Springs. The seven-person team was made up of Rebecca O’Neil, Caroline Green, Mackenzie Ellor, Courtney Kirshe, Kelsey Jackowitz, Marissa Verro and Victoria Timpanaro. Along with the win in Level-7, there were six other teams that brought home awards. The Level-3 team placed second overall. The Level-4 team placed fourth overall. The Level-5 team placed fourth overall, as well. The Prep-Optional team placed second overall and finally, the Level-8 team placed sixth overall.

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

Photo Provided

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SPORTS

Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

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Blasting “The Rocket” Women’s tennis team captures second straight Liberty League Championship POUGHKEEPSIE - For the second straight season, the Skidmore College women’s tennis team defeated Vassar to win the 2012 Liberty League Championship. The 17th ranked Thoroughbreds captured their eighth Liberty League Championship with a 5-2 victory.

Skidmore (13-5) got out to a 2-1 lead after doubles. The number one doubles team of Nataly Mendoza and Lee Ford picked up a dominating 8-2 victory, while Robyn Baird and Alex Smith were 83 winners at third doubles. The Brewers were able to take second doubles as Jennifer Beckerman and Samantha Schapiro were 8-4 winners over Yumi Karlshoej and Melissa Hirsch.

In singles action, Mendoza was a 6-2, 6-2 winner at number three singles, while Lee Ford won 6-1, 6-2 at fourth singles and Robyn Baird was victorious at sixth singles, 6-3, 6-1.

The success of the tennis team didn’t end there as Junior Lee Ford and freshman Alex Smith swept the Liberty League weekly awards.

Ford earned Performer of the Week honors as she contributed two points in every match of the Thoroughbreds’ run to the Liberty League title. She was a perfect 6-0 in singles and doubles in the tournament. She defeated DeFabo of Bard 6-0, 6-0, Joanie Hilton of William Smith 6-0, 7-5, and Samantha Shapiro of Vassar 6-1, 6-2.

She teamed up with Nataly Mendoza to dominate at number one doubles defeating Wong/DeFabo of Bard 8-0, Hilton/Ocasio 8-1, and Backer/Sadeghi of Vassar 8-1.

Smith was named Rookie of the Week for the third time this season. She went 4-0 in singles and doubles to help Skidmore to the Liberty League title. While teamed with Robyn Baird in doubles to go 3-0 defeating Plotkin/Gan of Bard 8-1, Leighton/Raevsky of William Smith 8-3, and Vandermark/Kantor of Vassar 8-3. She defeated Plotkin of Bard 6-0, 6-0 in singles.

Seven Players Earn All-Liberty League Baseball Honors Seven members of the Skidmore College baseball team earned AllLiberty League honors, as announced by the league May 9.

Senior Zack Rudman and junior Max Martins were both first team selections.

For the third straight season, Rudman earned two honors as he was named first team designated hitter along with second team pitcher.

Joining him on the second team was catcher Geoff Green and second baseman Erik Watkins. A trio of outfielders earned honorable mention as Brian Lowry, Leejay Pollacchi and Matty Tatkow were all honored.

Martins was selected as a first team pitcher after a breakout season.

He has posted a 4-0 record this season, including two complete games and a shutout. He is currently fifth in the league with a 2.53 ERA. Rudman is batting .377 with 22 RBI and a team-high 12 doubles at the plate this season. On the mound, he is 5-3 with a 4.04 ERA including a 1-0 shutout victory over regular

season champion St. Lawrence.

Green has played in 37 games this season, most of them behind the plate. He is batting .328 with five doubles and 23 RBI, while leading the Thoroughbreds with 28 walks and posting a .471 on base percentage.

Watkins currently ranks third in the league with a .410 batting average. He currently leads the team in doubles (12), hits (59), RBI (34) and total bases (34).

Lowry is batting .383 with nine doubles, a home run and 24 RBI. He leads Skidmore with a .556 slugging percentage and a .474 on base percentage.

Pollacchi has started every game this season, leading the Thoroughbreds with 34 runs scored, 19 stolen bases and three triples. He is hitting .324 with a home run and 32 RBI. Tatkow is batting .345 with 10 doubles and 27 RBI. He has stolen 16 bases, while amassing 48 hits and 23 runs scored.

Damian Fantauzzi Roger Clemens, guilty or not guilty? When does all this end?

Why would Roger Clemens lie, if he did? Andy Pettitte now says that he had only "50-50" certainty that he remembered in a conversation with Roger Clemens if he used HGH. Clemens’ lawyers now want the former protégé Pettitte's previous wishywashy, non-jury testimony to be tossed out of the perjury trial as evidence. Clemens faces the likelihood of a prison sentence if convicted on the six counts of perjury after allegedly providing false statements to a Congressional House committee in 2008.

Clemens, fondly known as "The Rocket,” has a career win-loss record of 354-184, with a career ERA of 3.12. He has many more stats that are relevant to his history, but this column isn't about him as a baseball player. He played most of his career with the Red Sox spending 13 years in Boston, but he also pitched for the New York Yankees for six years, the Houston Astros for three years and the Toronto Blue Jays for two years for a total of 24 seasons as a major league pitcher.

The Rocket, in my opinion, is one of the greatest pitchers in the archives of professional baseball. If he is guilty, why in the world did he do anything to enhance his ability, when he didn't have to? What is it with some pro athletes and their desire to take a supplement to help them perform at a higher level? Professional athletes are already at the highest level in sports and generally, most are athletically untouchable compared to any other level of play. There

needs to be more monitoring by the professional athletic organizations, across the board, in all sports. The NCAA has its committees for any situation that might arise or come about in collegiate sports. I know that the bureaucratic systems of each professional league have rules but how closely are their regulations policed?

Human Growth Hormone sounds a little less ominous than HGH. These hormones are usually prescribed by doctors for children with growth disorders and adults with hormone deficiencies. There is a lot more to the description of HGH, but the important terminology of it is that it is considered a very complex hormone, and many of its functions are still unknown.

The most potent form of HGH is through injection and that form is only available with a prescription.

Over-injection of the HGH by athletes in large dosages has resulted in death caused by massive heart attacks and heart disease with much higher risk of diabetes and cancer. There is an over-the-counter form that’s a safer version of the supplement. The hormone focuses on the pituitary gland, which is a gland that needs to be treated by a physician and its function should be observed by a doctor not a coach or trainer.

I'm not going to accuse Roger Clemens of anything, but the problem isn't only that he might have used HGH illegally, it's the possibility that he has perjured himself to a Congressional committee, providing quite a sad ending to a great career. What I find amazing and sad is what fame can do to celebrities who think that they can get away with things that are criminal. It's the obvious old story that people in the limelight think they're bigger than they are and can do whatever they want, without consequences. Look what’s happened recently with some famous people in American politics: Eliot Spizter, Anthony Weiner and John Edwards to name a few who were up-and-coming political stars that made career ending decisions. Look what Hollywood did to Lindsey Lohan and Charlie Sheen, who jeopardized their careers with poor choices. It was dumb and poor personal judgment on the part by these people of fame! I can compare these person-

alities to the maturity of middle school age students because of their choices , but I also know many children of that age group who have better common sense than some of these famous or I should I say, infamous, "adults!”

In conclusion, I feel that people who are in positions of fame can be positive role models for all Americans, no matter what age! I am also of the opinion that people of fame have to understand that they are in roles of leadership and have a responsibility to society to lead by example! Everyone is watching and the fans are people who put their idols up on a pedestal and it's those same fans that are the reason that celebrities can enjoy this fame. The fan base has a right to expect these admired people to demonstrate intellectual choices on how they live!

What comes with fame and being in the limelight is a role of responsibility and it should be part of the job description as part of their posture in society!

During my career as a public school educator I had to be aware of how I was seen by the community. I made it my business to do all the right things, to be at my best behavior and to be the best role model for my students, as well as my own children. There is no excuse for people of fame to live a reckless life, their fans are watching and deserve to be able to admire and praise their idols in a positive way!

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SARATOGA

SPORTS

EMBRACE THE RACE and Epona Racing Stable to Host Triple Crown Social Event

SARATOGA SPRINGS EMBRACE THE RACE and Epona Racing Stable are hosting a special event featuring three horse racing industry panelists called “Beyond the Derby: Prepare for the Rest of the Racing Season.” This event, which is open to the public, will be held Tuesday, May 15 at 6 p.m., at the Seven Horse Pub, located at 43 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, New York.

Admission to the event is free, but space is limited so attendees should make a reservation by emailing events@embracetherace.com.

“We always say, a big race is two minutes, enjoy it. But the passion is year-round, embrace it!’ There is no better way to bring that statement to life than with a night of engaging discussion about the Triple Crown, past racing legends and the keys to solving the handicapping puzzle,” said Mike DeAnzeris, president of EMBRACE THE RACE. “We are proud to partner with Epona Racing Stable on this event and collectively bring together a great panel of speakers.”

Scheduled guests include NYRA Paddock Analyst Maggie Wolfendale, Mike Beer, a Saratoga County native who currently serves as a Daily Racing Form handicapper, and

Brien Bouyea, communications director for the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. The panelists will participate in a discussion that will include such topics as the Hall of Fame Class of 2012, physical evaluation of the race horse, a Kentucky Derby review and a Preakness preview.

Following a meet and greet cocktail hour, guests will be encouraged to participate in an open dialogue with the panelists and will be entered for free giveaways of Saratoga Race Course clubhouse seats and EMBRACE THE RACE apparel. They can also learn more about racing partnerships with Epona Racing Stable. To register, email events@embracetherace.com For more information, visit www.embracetherace.com or www.eponaracingstable.com Based in Saratoga Springs, Epona Racing Stable offers individuals the opportunity to experience the excitement and pageantry of owning a highquality Thoroughbred race horse at an affordable price. In 2011, it completed its most successful Saratoga Race Course meet, with two wins and a second from eight starts. Epona Racing Stable was one of the leading owners by percentage at the recently-concluded Aqueduct spring meet with three wins and one second from only four starters.

Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

TODAY

Local Boxer Steps Up for Friday Night Fights at Times Union Center SARATOGA SPRINGS Local boxer Vincent Miranda (14-1, 8 KOs) will be stepping into the ring at the Times Union Center in Albany Friday, May 18 to take on David Telesco on the undercard of the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights event. Miranda, who trains under Tyrone Jackson at the Saratoga Boxing Gym, is coming back to the ring after suffering an injury that pulled him out of the last bout set at the Times Union Center.

Local favorite Bryan Abraham from Schenectady is also on the card, as is Kevin Rooney Jr., son of Kevin Rooney Sr., who trained former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson.

Headlining the event is a Jr. welterweight title fight between Raymond Serrano and Karim Mayfield.

Support your local fighter, Miranda, and come down to the Times Union Center next Friday for some live fight night action,

with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets for the event start at just $30 and can be purchased through the Phinney Design Group by call-

ing (518) 587-7120 or through the Times Union Center website at www.timesunioncenteralbany.com.

Saratoga Bike to Work Challenge Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network is sponsoring the Saratoga Bike To Work Day Challenge. Companies and organizations with offices or workplaces in Saratoga County are encouraged to form Bike To Work Teams for Bike to Work Day Friday, May 18, 2012.

Go to www.healthytransportation.org to register. Come on down for breakfast at The Arts Center on Broadway and Spring Street between 6:30-9 a.m. or join the post-work "bike mob" at Spa City Cycle Works located at 79 Beekman Street from 4-7 p.m.

Competition Catagories: - Companies with 10 employees or less will compete for the Chrome Crank Trophy (highest percentage of participation) - Companies with 11 or more employees will compete for the coveted “GearHead Trophy" (highest percentage of participation) - Company with the largest number of riders, will get the coveted “SteerHead Trophy" - The Saratoga County School with the highest percentage of participation will receive a trophy.

- Individual with longest self-power commute will receive a trophy

SARATOGA

TODAY

SPORTS

Week of May 11 - May 17, 2012

39

B’Spa Boys Lacrosse Standing Tall in Suburban Council The Scotties close the season against top three teams in Suburban Council, won four of last five games.

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA – The Ballston Spa High School boys’ varsity lacrosse team might not have drew it up this way, but the Scotties will end up closing their season facing all three of the top teams from the Suburban Council. First up for the Scotties were the visiting Shaker Bison, who came into their May 7 matchup at the top of the Suburban Council’s South Division, sporting a 9-2 record on the season. There would be no backing down as Ballston Spa would score four of the first five goals after the half, and hold on to win their fourth straight game by the score of 10-8.

Ballston Spa really took advantage of man-up opportunities, converting on six of 10 chances with the extra player on the field. Jake Gargiulo scored three goals of those man-up goals for the Scotties, while assisting on another. Gargiulo would only see playing time during the man-up time due to an injury.

His second goal would spark a flurry of scoring in which Matt McDonald, RJ Borgolini, Mark Leslie and John DeGuardi all scored to pull ahead 10-6 late in the fourth quarter. McDonald finished

with two goals and three assists, while Sam Groves had a goal and three assists for the contest.

Shaker hung around, but never really challenged the Scotties, and surrendered an early two-goal lead by the half. The Bison opened the second half with a goal to take a 65 lead, but the Scotties would respond with a goal of their own less than 60 seconds later. Shaker would not hold a lead for the rest of the game. For the Bison, Steve Farrell, Stephen Refuss and Nick Dodd all scored twice.

It was a great win for a Ballston Spa team who would likely not have such an easy time with their next opponent, arguably the best team in the Suburban Council, the Niskayuna Silver Warriors.

Niskayuna is undefeated in Suburban Council action, but did suffer their first loss of the year May 5 against Massachusett’s Duxbury High School. Prior to the loss, Niskayuna was the 10thranked team in the latest ESPNHS FAB 50 national poll.

Ballston Spa would make the trip to Niskayuna to play under the lights, bringing with them their four-game winning streak.

Unfourtunately for them, the Silver

Photo by MarkBolles.com

MIDFIELD MANAGER - Ballston Spa’s John DeGuardi moves the ball upfield for the upstart Scotties’ lacrosse team.

Photo by MarkBolles.com

MOVER AND A SHAKER - John McDonald (9) comes in contact with a defender during Ballston Spa’s May 7 matchup against the Shaker Bison. McDonald would finish with a goal and an assist in the Scotties’ fourth straight win.

Warriors team was in no mood for games after dropping their first contest of their outstanding season so far. Jordan Davis, Mark Leslie and

John McDonald all scored a goal apiece for Ballston Spa, but it wouldn’t be nearly enough to defeat Niskayuna, as the Scotties would

lose 20-3. John Blake managed only seven saves. For Niskayuna, Luke Goldstock led the way with a four-goal, four-assist game.

Awards page 37

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sports

Bike to Work page 38 Week of May 11 May 17, 2012

Vol. 7 • Issue 19 • FREE • Saratoga TODAY

Photo by MarkBolles.com