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Volume 7 • Issue 31 saratogatodaynewspaper.com

Betting; Big Business in NY

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – New York State’s nine racetrack casinos have generated more tax in 2012 than all casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City combined.

The New York Gaming Association, which represents all nine of New York’s racetrack casinos, including Saratoga Casino and Raceway, reported that tax

“Saratoga Casino and Raceway alone has raised over half a billion dollars for education since we began operations in 2004.”

Rita Cox Senior vice president of marketing and external affairs at Saratoga Casino and Raceway

Inside TODAY...

revenue generated by the casinos from January – June of 2012 totaled $619,511,789, as compared to $329,064,907 generated by casinos along the Las Vegas Strip and in Atlantic City. New York casinos are taxed at a 68 percent rate; Las Vegas is at 6.75 percent and Atlantic City at 8 percent.

The tax rate on New York casinos is one of the highest in the country, with much of the revenue used to help fund education,

pgs 10-15

See Racetrack Casinos page 6

The Champs are Here Auctions Begin Photo by MarkBolles.com

by Christina James Saratoga TODAY On Monday, August 6 and Tuesday, August 7, the 92nd Saratoga Fasig-Tipton yearling sales take place, bringing with it all the excitement and drama of a live, Thoroughbred auction.

Reputed as the premier yearling sale in

See New York page 9

Photo Courtesy of Fasig-Tipton

pgs 20-21 Winner’s Circle pgs 23-27 Historic Homes pgs 30-31 Food

pg 32

pgs 33-41

See Fasig-Tipton page 5

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

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Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

First Saratoga Skate Jam Weathers the Storm The Skate Jam at Saratoga Skate Park held July 29 marked the first time the City of Saratoga Springs Recreation Department worked with the skateboarders since the concrete bowl was reopened last fall.

The Skate Jam was postponed due to heavy rain on July 28, but the rescheduled event and was attended by about 50 people. The park volunteers gave away skateboard gear, free refereshments and played music during the event. The event was highlighted by a "Worst Trick Demonstration,� which awarded the skater with the least impressive moves, (all in the name of good fun!)

TODAY

Photo Provided

Left to right: Skateboarders Charlie Samuels and Benj Gleeksman with Skate Jam organizer Belinda Colon and Commissioner of Finance Michele Madigan (who stopped by with her family to watch.)

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Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

James J. Blair, 56, of 102 West High St., Ballston Spa, pleaded guilty to a charge of first-degree criminal contempt, a class-E felony.

Blair was arrested March 23 in Ballston Spa for an incident that occurred March 22 and has been sentenced to 10 months in Saratoga County Jail.

William P. Annino, 51, of 43 Tampa Ave., Albany, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony. Annino was arrested June 1 in Saratoga Springs and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing September 21.

Karim A. Thaxton, 33, of 129 Saratoga Ave., #112, South Glens Falls, pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class-C felony. Thaxton was arrested March 6 in Moreau and has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison and three years of post-release supervision.

Jamie J. Thompson, 39, of 147 Bay St., Apt. 2, Glens Falls, pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to register as a sex offender, a class-D felony. Thompson was arrested April 12, 2010, in Malta, for incidents that occurred February 1 and April 1, 2011, and has been sentenced to one to three years in prison.

Michael J. Wallace, 26, of 176 Rt. 9P, Malta, pleaded guilty to a charge of promoting a sexual performance by a child, a class-D felony. Wallace was arrested February 7 in Malta for an incident that occurred August 2, 2011, and has been sentenced to six months in Saratoga County Jail and 10 years of probation.

Chad M. Herron, 37, P.O. Box 31, Palatine Bridge, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony. Herron was arrested October 7 in the town of Saratoga and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing September 24.

Leojas Avila, 42, of 200 Westside Dr., Ballston Lake, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony. Avila was arrested March 24 in Saratoga Springs and has been sentenced to time served, five years of probation and mandatory use of an ignition interlock device.

Richard Bambara, 49, of Kayderosseras Park Rd., Saratoga Springs, has been charged with firstdegree burglary, a class-B felony; third-degree assault, criminal obstruction of breathing and fourthdegree criminal mischief, all misdemeanors. Bambara was arrested July 31 in Saratoga Springs and is expected to return to court at a later date.

Michael A. Lombardo, 32, of 26 Dean Mountain Rd., Hadley, plead-

ed guilty to a charge of fourthdegree grand larceny, a class-E felony. Lombardo was arrested November 3 for incidents that occurred from April 20 – April 26, 2009; from August 10 – October 11, 2009; from February 8 – February 21, 2010; and from May 10, 2010 – February 20, 2011. He is scheduled to return to court for sentencing September 25.

Sandra G. Wheeler-Arey, 51, of 2589 Galway Rd., Galway, has been charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle, a class-E felony, and driving while ability impaired by drugs, a class-A misdemeanor. WheelerArey was arrested November 2 in Milton and is expected to return to court at a later date.

Shaun M. Smith, aka “Shawn M. Smith,” 33, P.O. Box 573, Amenia, has been charged with two counts of driving while intoxicated, a class-D felony, and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a class-E felony. Smith was arrested March 7 in Malta and is expected to return to court at a later date.

BLOTTER

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WEEK IN REVIEW Locally Owned and Operated

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Narcotics Search Leads to Woman’s Arrest

Charges Increased For Man Involved in Teen’s Death

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Saratoga Springs Police Department’s narcotics sweep of a Jefferson Terrace housing complex has led to the arrest of a 54year-old woman.

In a statement released by the police department, Elizabeth J. Lorman, of Building Three of the Jefferson Terrace complex, had become a person of interest in determining the location of alleged drug deals and gang activity.

Lorman’s arrest comes just one month after city authorities made another arrest at Jefferson Terrace when they took Royal Hamilton, 31, from the Bronx, into custody on a violent felony robbery charge, along with a warrant for violating his parole in the Bronx.

Lorman was charged with two class-B felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance when the police found both cocaine and heroin in the apartment. She was also charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth-degree, a class-D felony, and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh-degree, a class-A misdemeanor. She was remanded to Saratoga County Jail on $20,000 cash or $40,000 bail bond.

BALLSTON SPA – The man who was charged with driving while intoxicated after he allegedly struck and killed a teenage girl in Milton was formally charged with manslaughter July 31.

Gavin J. Staulters, 21, of Rock City Road, was charged with seconddegree vehicular manslaughter, a felony, and released on $10,000 bond following an appearance before Milton Town Justice Thomas Schroeder.

Police say Staulters was driving drunk the evening of July 7 when his SUV allegedly struck 14-year-old Kari Liedel. The Ballston Spa High School student was walking along the side of the road at the time of the accident, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Staulters is due back in Milton Town Court August 14. His charge carries a maximum prison sentence of five years.

NYRA Says 2012 Saratoga Season Off To a Fast Start SARATOGA SPRINGS – Compared to last year, the attendance and wagering at Saratoga Race Course is up after 10 days of racing, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) said in a statement released July 30.

According to NYRA, the attendance for the first two weeks of the meet was 203,780, which was an

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Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012 increase of 1.2 percent from the 201,400 reported in 2011.

The on-track handle reached $28,941,361, which is a 4.4 percent jump from $27,728,174 in 2011.

Wagering totals including all ontrack at Saratoga and simulcast outlets across the country were also up, reaching $142,894,233, which was a 6.7 percent increase from $133,920,503 last season.

Wagering downstate at Belmont Café and the Aqueduct simulcast center was $5,308,731 which when combined with the on-track handle of $34,250,092, up 5.2 percent from $32,549,735 in 2011.

Skidmore Student Accused of Sexually Abusing School Employee SARATOGA SPRINGS – A 22year old Skidmore student was placed under arrest July 31 after he allegedly sexually abused a college employee.

Ajibu Timbo was charged with first-degree sex abuse, a felony, and second-degree unlawful imprisonment, a misdemeanor.

Police say Timbo led the Skidmore employee - said to be in her 20s - into a room before forcibly touching the woman in an inappropriate fashion.

The incident was reported to both police and the college, and Timbo was arrested.

Police say the victim was not treated for any injuries, and stress that the woman was not raped.

Timbo was serving as a residency

TODAY

adviser at Skidmore College, and was listed on their college website earlier this week before being removed. He is still listed as a potential graduate for the Class of 2013, but school officials say pending the outcome of an administrative hearing, Timbo is barred from returning to campus.

Timbo was processed and remanded to Saratoga County Jail on $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond.

Saratoga Springs Included in CNN List of Hamptons Alternatives SARATOGA SPRINGS – Look out Hamptons, Saratoga Springs is on the rise! The cable news giant CNN recently published an article that names the Spa City one of the top alternative destinations to the Hamptons for city dwellers looking to get away.

Author Annie Fitzsimmons positively raved about the city, citing Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Performing Arts Center and the downtown shopping district as reasons to visit.

“If you've ever dreamed of quitting your high-stress job and opening a bakery, strolling the main street of Saratoga Springs just might convince you to do it. It's like a movie set of what an upstate town should look like,” waxed Fitzsimmons in the article.

Other locations included in the piece were Greenport, Lake George, the Hudson River Valley and Skaneateles.

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letter to the editor There are still great movements to be had at old SPAC. My first time to American Girl Night (Wed. July 11) with the NYC Ballet gave me hope. So many happy children. The large screens under the walkways brought the action out to the lawn.

Intermission saw the lower walkway filled with groups of young up-and-coming ballerinas practicing their signature dance moves. I think everyone had a good time.

Jazz Fest is a tradition for many. Boy, do I miss the trees out by the gazebo. But that’s where I set up for day one – each Saturday. A bunch of us go there ever year. On Sunday, the usual suspects are again lined up, ready to go pre-11 a.m. Just get to the gate early. Through several names changes (Newport Jazz Festival, Saratoga Jazz Festival, Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival), it’s still the same festival it always was. For 35 years, old SPAC has been getting it right.

The Philadelphia Orchestra arrives, still for three weeks, starting August 1. It’s on everyone’s agenda. Some plan on spending every night there.

So far so good.

And it was so good for so long, back when the “special events” adequately supplemented the classical programs. That’s why “special events” were allowed to come to old SPAC – to pay the bills.

Booking, promoting, hosting – when it came to running the show, old SPAC did it all. It seemed to work for about 35 years or so (1966-2000). SPAC was SPAC back then.

The slide begins: Since 2000, SPAC has had a split personality: old SPAC and the new “special events” promoter – Rock ‘n’ Roll King. Things changed radically back then. Ask anyone! Old SPAC gave the keys to the place over to the Rock ‘n’ Roll King anytime the ballet and the orchestra weren’t playing. OK – fine (as long as the classical programs are paid for with the profits from these shows). I can deal with the new reality of getting less for more money by going to a rock ‘n’ roll production at old SPAC. Just keep to the old and understand that you’re going to help pay for the classical programs.

But somehow, things started slipping down that slippery slope. The money wasn’t there. What happened to the safety net?

Avalanche: The new contract in 2010, with the newly-minted King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, has provided less money to old SPAC than the 2000 contract. Result: the classical programs are being slashed. The new reality is the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll likes picking up an additional week to schedule his events . Who could blame him? He can pick up those open dates for free. Instead of three weeks of ballet, we got Phish for three days (on a weekend the ballet gave up) and two weeks of ballet. OK – fine again. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll gets $3 million in ticket sales with Phish – just as long as you cover the bills of what’s left of the classical programs.

But that’s not happening this year either, or next, with the ballet being cut to one week next year.

Classical program’s old friend, “special events,” who one can barely recognize as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, will take over another weekend of what used to be classical programs.

Assessment of SPAC’s direction?

I figured it out – We’ll be seeing more of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and less old classical stuff.

I never thought I’d see the day, When the NYC Ballet would be cast astray, From its Summer Home built on clay, That somehow melted and drifted away.

Save the classical programs at SPAC; it’s why SPAC was created.

- George Neary www.savethenycballet.wordpress.com

Fasig-Tipton Sales in Saratoga continued from Page 1 America for close to a century, the Saratoga Sales have something for even the most particular of buyers. With 189 of the world’s best yearlings to choose from, the competition for ownership will be fierce, and spectators can expect a thrilling day filled with all the anticipation and fun

the Spa City has to offer.

Top 2011 consignors by gross, Taylor Made Sales Agency ($4,715,000), Gainesway ($3,280,000) and Lane’s End ($3,010,000) are returning again this year with yearlings sired by some of the world’s top horses, including 2006 3-year-old champ, Bernardini; the number one active sire with a lifetime

yearling average of $306,790, Unbridled’s Song; and sire of 53 worldwide stakes winners, Mr. Greely.

Last year’s Saratoga Sales grossed $32,892,000, selling 103 horses at an average price of $319,340.

The 2012 sales begin at 7 p.m. in the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion in Saratoga Springs.

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Racetrack Casinos Generate $619.5 Million for State continued from Page 1 agribusiness, local government and more.

“From the very beginning, the system was designed to generate as much possible revenue for education in the state, as well as to ensure that racing in New York maintains a healthy and robust environment,” said Rita Cox, senior vice president of marketing and external affairs at Saratoga Casino and Raceway. “I think the numbers show that’s exactly what’s happening.

Saratoga Casino and Raceway alone has raised over half a billion dollars for education since we began operations in 2004.”

Since 2004, New York’s nine casinos have contributed $3.2 bil-

lion in aid to education, $3.8 billion in aid to New York State, over $666.2 million to agribusiness and over $170 million to local governments.

“In terms of the local community, we’ve generated and given over $1 million to local charities through our various foundations, including our Make a Difference Program and through ongoing donations,” said Cox. “Nearly $100 million has gone into helping breeders and horsemen,” she added.

Through July 21 in this calendar year alone, Saratoga Casino and Raceway has generated over $42.9 million for education and $8.3 million for breeders and horsemen.

At the peak of the season, the

local casino also employs upward of 700 staff members. Currently, the 900-stall stables at the raceway are also full.

“That’s a significant local impact,” said Cox, “especially since most of our employees live relatively close to the facility.”

Since opening in 2004, the Saratoga Casino has also raised over $107.1 million in aid for agribusiness and $13.53 million in aid to the local government.

Lawmakers in New York State are currently debating whether to legalize stand-alone, Las Vegasstyle casinos in the state, as opposed to the already legal casino and raceway models. A constitutional amendment allowing up to seven such casinos in the state was approved earlier this year, and must once again be approved by the legislature next year and by voters during a referendum in November 2013. New York’s nine racetrack casinos have lobbied for the exclusive rights to build such Las Vegas-style casinos if approved. Meanwhile, Governor Andrew Cuomo has publicly expressed an interest in letting other organizations build said facilities.

TODAY

High School Entrepreneur Donates Proceeds to Veterans

photo provided

Colin Brady mans his stand outside the Saratoga Race Course.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Springs High School student Colin Brady was shut down by the city during last year’s track season for selling lemonade outside the Saratoga Race Course. But this year the 14-year-old entrepreneur is back, selling bottled water and donating 25 percent of his proceeds to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Brady, who used to fundraise for the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (an organization battling childhood cancer), decided to work with the Wounded Warrior Project this year after a TV ad piqued his interest.

“I just felt like this was my

way of giving back to the troops,” said Brady, who sets his stand up six days a week near the intersection of Union and East Avenue. “This was the least I could do.”

Along with donating 25 percent of this year’s proceeds, Brady has found another way to say thanks to those who serve and protect.

“I’m big on giving free water to veterans, the police and the security as well,” said Brady.

The Wounded Warrior Project strives to assist injured service members and provides a variety of programs to help in their recovery. To learn more, visit www.woundedwarrior project.org.

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Downtown Movie Theater Proposal Receives Over $950K in Tax Breaks

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – The proposal for an $18 million movie theater facility in downtown Saratoga Springs gained significant momentum July 30 after the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) voted to award the developer $956,653 in tax breaks over the next 10 years.

The builder, Sonny Bonacio, was granted the property, sales and mortgage tax breaks for the construction of an 11-screen theater located on Railroad Place. Bonacio had initially sought $1.3 million in tax breaks for the project. That original proposal had factored in breaks for 36,000 square feet of leasable office space above the theater, but it was determined those two floors would not be eligible for the tax cuts.

Under this plan, Bonacio would not have to pay taxes on the movie

theater for five years, and would be required only to pay for 10 percent of total taxes in the sixth year; 30 percent in the seventh; 50 percent in the eighth; 70 percent in the ninth; and 90 percent in the 10th and final year.

Members of the city council were in attendance at the IDA meeting to place their support in favor of the tax breaks. Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan released a statement July 30 which said “the potential upside is worth the investment” and stated the theater could attract businesses and tourists while increasing the assessed tax base.

Reached by phone earlier this week, Madigan echoed those sentiments while noting Saratoga Springs’ current lack of a movie theater.

“The movie theater is unique.

There have been other pilots that have come to us and I have not agreed to or approved of them, but we don’t have a movie theater.

Rendering provided by Bonacio Construction

An artist’s rendering of the proposed movie theater on Railroad Place.

We’re a city, and we have to go to the suburbs to see a movie.”

When asked about the potential risk of the investment, Madigan remained confident in the decision.

“I think, in turn, it will pay for itself, with more people wanting to go to dinner beforehand, or parents dropping their children off at the movies and go to dinner or shop at

our shops. It seemed to me that this was worth the pilot.”

As far as other businesses hoping to develop in downtown Saratoga Springs, tax breaks aren’t likely to happen unless it adds more to the city that may not have been here before. The commissioner added that as GlobalFoundries draws closer to

possible expansion, the opportunity to bring more revenue and tourism to the downtown area is beginning to materialize.

“I don’t think we’d approve the pilot for another hotel or more office space,” said Madigan. “The surrounding community is changing, and if we don’t do these things first, somebody else is going to.”

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TODAY

NEW YORK GIANTS 2012 SEASON PREVEW

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY ALBANY – The defending Super Bowl XLVI champion New York Giants have returned to the Capital Region for their annual training camp at SUNY Albany.

While the Giants certainly finished last season at the top of the NFL hierarchy, they won their division with only a 9-7 overall record and have the distinction of having the worst regular season winning percentage of any previous Super Bowl champion ever. Their division doesn’t appear to have gotten any easier this season, Philadelphia returns with a healthy Michael Vick and a Pro Bowl-caliber secondary; the Redskins (who defeated New York twice last season) have reshuffled their organization and drafted reigning-Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III; Dallas remains an annual question mark but still has Tony Romo and Demarcus Ware on either side of

the ball. Repeating simply as division champions won’t be an easy task for the G-men, let alone another Super Bowl appearance, but it won’t be impossible.

While Michael Vick waxes about how Philadelphia has a chance to become “a dynasty,” the Giants can actually boast two championships in their last five seasons. Starting quarterback Eli Manning is all of a sudden the alpha-Manning, usurping his brother Peyton after passing him by with another Super Bowl victory, as well as earning the game’s MVP honors. He acknowledged earlier this offseason that the Giants happened to get hot at the right time and that their record wouldn’t normally guarantee a playoff berth. The team has gone under some considerable changes since they raised the Lombardi Trophy last February, with key members of their stretch run now playing for other teams.

Of course, what happens at training camp typically never has an impact on the regular season. Most

position battles, while evaluated during training camp, often get decided within the first three weeks of the Preseason. For the Giants, it isn’t simply about going through the motions. As defending champions, it’s likely the most positive environment for a training camp, if not the most complacent.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s voice bellowed unmistakably on the practice field as he instructed the players to begin warm-ups.

Coughlin battled rumors of his impending departure all last season. There were reports that he had “lost the locker room,” and that his old school “disciplinarian style” just no longer fit with today’s NFL culture. Those detractors were silenced, just as they were in 2007, as Coughlin stuck to his guns and brought a Super Bowl banner to MetLife Stadium in its inaugural season.

The New York Giants will be training at UAlbany until August 14. All sessions are free to the public, and begin at 1 p.m.

Key Additions: The loss of Travis Beckham and Jake Ballard to knee injuries left the Giants scrambling for new blood at the tight end position.

Enter Martellus Bennett, signed away from Dallas after he struggled for playing time behind Pro Bowler Jason Witten. Bennett, who is better known for his lively Twitter account, could flourish in New York, but arrived at camp appearing out of shape and has been plagued by drops over the course of his career.

Their first two draft picks were spent on the opposite side of the ball as they selected running back David Wilson from Virginia Tech and wide receiver Rueben Randle from LSU. Wilson was the reigning ACC player of the year, and figures to work behind Ahmad Bradshaw, replacing Brandon Jacobs. Randle was considered one of the better receiving prospects in the draft but almost seems like a luxury given the talent the Giants have at wide out.

Photos by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga TODAY

LEFT: Place kicker Lawrence Tynes works out with Special Teams RIGHT: Quaterbacks Eli Manning and Ryan Perriloux

The Giants also acquired linebacker Keith Rivers from the Bengals in a relatively low-risk move considering Rivers is in the last year of his current contract.

Key Departures: Mario Manningham, arguably the hero of the Giants run through the NFC playoffs thanks to a number of brilliant and clutch receptions, has left the team to sign with the San Francisco 49ers. Same goes for running back Brandon Jacobs, thus justifying both of their early draft picks. Streaky cornerback Aaron Ross signed a deal with Jacksonville this off season, which stings in the wake of the recent news regarding Terrell Thomas’ season-ending knee injury.

Star Watch: The biggest and most pleasant surprise of the Giants 2011 campaign was the emergence of the dynamic play-making receiver Victor Cruz. The 25-year-old New Jersey native admits theirs much less pressure this off season compared to last, as his spot on the roster is all but cemented thanks to a breakout season that saw him collect 82 receptions for 1,536 yards and nine touchdowns. Cruz has become an instant fan favorite, and his celebratory touchdown dance even had NBC piping in salsa music after he scored during a broadcast of Sunday Night Football.

Another star who has to be feeling much less pressure this summer is defensive lineman Osi Umenyiora. Last season started as a rocky one for Umenyiora, who was embroiled in a bitter contract dispute with the Giants’ front office.

While he signed an extension back in 2005 that paid him roughly $5.5 million per season, the going rate for a premiere defensive end in the NFL has risen to almost $11 million a season. His 51 sacks in 77 games (including the playoffs) since signing that deal suggest he’s an elite level player.

Though, Umenyiora is likely benefiting from the Giants having one of the most impressive defensive lines in the entire league. He rejoins a unit that includes standouts Justin Tuck and Jason PierrePaul.

The Giants’ first round draft pick in 2011, cornerback Prince

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Amukamara, may be called upon to fill the gap in the secondary following the loss of Terrell Thomas and Aaron Ross’ departure.

Amukamara didn’t see NFL action until Week 11 last season, but made an immediate impact by intercepting Eagles’ quarterback Vince Young in his first series on the field.

Schedule Outlook: The Giants, as defending champions, have the honor of opening the regular season with the annual

Thursday night game on NBC. Their opponents will be the Dallas Cowboys, who would hope to make a statement against the champs on opening night. The Giants also figure prominently on the prime time schedules, playing another Thursday night game in Carolina on September 20 and again on Sunday Night Football against Philadelphia September 20.

Looking ahead to the latter half of the season, the team’s schedule

following their Week 11 Bye offers no easy victories. They start with a home game against Green Bay, followed by a divisional match up against Washington on Monday Night Football before playing New Orleans, Atlanta and Baltimore. They close the season against at home against Philadelphia. How they finish the season may be the difference between defending their crown or watching the playoffs unfold from home.

PRESEASON SCHEDULE 8/10 at 7:30 p.m. @ Jacksonville Jaguars 8/18 at 7 p.m. @ New York Jets 8/24 at 8 p.m. vs. Chicago Bears 8/29 at 7:30 p.m. vs. New England Patriots

REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE Week 1

9/5 (Wed.) at 8:30 p.m. vs. Dallas Cowboys (NBC)

Week 2

9/16 at 1 p.m. vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 3

9/20 (Thurs.) at 8:20 p.m. @ Carolina Panthers (NFL Network)

Week 4

9/30 at 8:20 p.m. @ Philadelphia Eagles

Week 5

10/7 at 1 p.m. vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 6

10/14 at 4:25 p.m. @ San Francisco 49ers

Week 7

10/21 at 1 p.m. vs. Washington Redskins

Week 8

10/28 at 4:25 p.m. @ Dallas Cowboys

Week 9

11/4 at 4:25 p.m. vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 10

11/11 at 1 p.m. @ Cincinnati Bengals

Week 11 Bye Week

Week 12

11/25 at 8:20 p.m. vs. Green Bay Packers*

Week 13

12/3 (Mon.) at 8:30 p.m. @ Washington Redskins*

Week 14

12/9 at 4:25 p.m. vs. New Orleans Saints*

Week 15

12/16 at 1 p.m. @ Atlanta Falcons*

Week 16

12/23 at 1 p.m. @ Baltimore Ravens*

Week 17

12/30 at 1 p.m. vs. Philadelphia Eagles* *subject to NFL Flex Schedule

Photos by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga TODAY

TOP: Wide receiver Victor Cruz during a recent practice at UAlbany BOTTOM: Defensive end Osi Umenyiora seen jogging back to the sideline.

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PULSE

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

TODAY

Local Gigs Week of 8.3-8.9:

Send listings to entertainment@saratogapublishing.com

Friday, 8.3:

•Banooba, 10 pm

•Dave Fisk Quartet, 9 pm

•Frank Chase, 7 pm

@ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759

•Cabin 3, 9 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

•Jeremy Wallace Trio, 8 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

•T.S. Ensemble, 9 pm @ dango’s - 587.2022

•Steve Candlen & Friends, 9 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•Who’s Your Paddy, 9 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

•Forthlin Road, 9 pm @ the parting glass - 583.1916

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

•Dangermuffin w/American Babies, 9 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

•Big Johnson Blues Band, 8 pm @ saratoga city tavern - 581.3230

•2U (U2 Tribute Band), 6:30 pm @ siro’s - 584.4030

•Brian Patneaude Quartet, 7 pm @ tang - 580.8080

•Cryin' Out Loud, 8 pm @ vapor - 581.5772

@ putnam den - 584.8066 @ seven horse pub - 581.0777

•Rick Alviti’s Elvis Tribute, 6:30 pm @ siro’s - 584.4030

•DJ Jazzy Jeff, 9 pm @ vapor - 581.5772

Sunday, 8.5: •Railway, 8 pm @ dango’s - 587.2022

•Street Corner Holler, 8 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•Jeff Brisbin, 6 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

•Jeff Strange, 8 pm @ the parting glass - 583.1916

•Four Down, 6:30 pm @ siro’s - 584.4030

Thursday, 8.9: •Skeeter Creek, 8 pm @ dango’s - 587.2022

•Garland Nelsen w/Soul Session, 8 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•Horse Partnership Pig Roast, 6 pm @ the parting glass - 583.1916

Saturday, 8.4:

•Stone Revival Band, 10 pm

•Pat Attanasio Quartet, 9 pm

•Al Bruno, 8 pm

@ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759

•The Dude Abides, 9 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

•Aztec Two-Step, 6:30 & 9 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

•Funk Evolution, 9 pm @ dango’s - 587.2022

•The Resonators, 9 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

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

•Lost Wages, 9 pm @ the parting glass - 583.1916

•Royal Khaoz, 6:30 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

@ putnam den - 584.8066 @ seven horse pub - 581.0777

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

•Mon. w/Steve Candlen, 8 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

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

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

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

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

PULSE

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

ACTION!

Fifth Annual Ballston Spa Film Festival Opens August 3 – 4 BALLSTON SPA - Roll out the red carpet! The fifth annual Ballston Spa Film Festival returns August 3 - 4, featuring two evenings of short films from local and international talents vying for the festival’s top awards and honors.

Featuring 39 short films, 18 premieres and seven shorts, celebrity judges (whose credits include “True Lies,” “So I Married an Axe-Murderer,” “Mystic Pizza,” “Any Given Sunday,” “Silence of the Lambs” and more) will consider candidates for eight possible awards: Best New Film (world or USA premiere), Best Young Filmmaker (under age 21), Best Picture, Best Comedy, Best Director, Best Sound, Best Editing and Best Screenplay.

The free festival begins Friday, August 3, at 6:45 p.m. in the Ballston Spa High School Auditorium. The initial screening features nine films, including local Mike Feurstein’s film, “How to UnMake a Bully,” which has gained national and international attention and is now being shown in schools overseas.

At 9 p.m. the festivities move outdoors to Wiswall Park, featur-

ing entries from Germany, Spain and the United States.

Saturday’s schedule is similar, with showings beginning at 6:45 p.m. at the Ballston Spa High School Auditorium, followed by 9 p.m. screenings at Wiswall Park.

In addition to the short film screenings both Friday and Saturday evenings, there will also be a special presentation of the family classic, “Milo and Otis,” at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Ballston High Auditorium.

After the film, there will be a discussion on how music used in the film helps drive the production forward, and how music in general is used effectively in movies.

Other weekend events include an open-air photo booth, kettle corn, cotton candy, ice cream, trivia, games, after parties and more.

Award winners will be announced Saturday evening during the after party at The Brickyard Tavern.

To learn more about the Ballston Spa Film Festival or for a complete listing of the films and schedule of events, visit www.bspafilm.org.

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‘Con•struct’ Juried Exhibition Opens August 3 SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Arts Center Gallery at 320 Broadway in Saratoga Springs holds an opening reception for their juried exhibition, “Con•struct,” Friday, August 3, from 6 - 8 p.m. Artists, including Saratoga TODAY’s very own photographer, Mark Bolles, will display works that embrace the idea of art as a construct, as an object that exists only because of one’s insight and memory; metaphors fueled by everyday thoughts, environments, social circumstances and historical events.

photo by MarkBolles.com Pictured is a skull of the critically endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle. "Alien" in this visual portrayal, the effect serves to communicate the plight of this threatened species. One day the skull may be all that remains and their existence will truly be alien to us.

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SARATOGA

PULSE

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

MAYHEM FEST Anthrax • photo by MarkBolles.com

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) became the latest venue to host the 2012 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival on July 31, bringing some of the most popular, peculiar and legendary acts in heavy metal to the Spa City for a day filled with guitars, sunshine and caffeine. The lineup has rotated throughout the summer, but anchoring the entire tour are the legendary British rockers Motörhead, thrash metal icons Slayer and the traveling circus of masks and guitars known more fondly as Slipknot.

Music festivals are a bit of a doubleedged sword. On one hand, you can easily see several of your favorite bands in one place, for one (normally reasonable) price.

On the other hand, most festivals come whitewashed in corporate sponsorship and advertising, as was the case with Mayhem Fest. The normally serene back lawn at SPAC became home to the Jägermeister Stage, which was bookended by both a giant inflatable can of Rockstar Energy Drink and bottle of Jägermeister.

Off to the side was a third, smaller stage

sponsored by the indie label Sumerian Records where their signed artists played between bigger acts setting up on the Jägermeister stage.

The Jägermeister stage was where the second-tier acts on the tour played, where admission to the lawn could get you a spot next to the stage if you were willing to fight your way up there. Acts such as The Devil Wears Prada and As I Lay Dying appeared to be big hits with the crowd, with requisite stage-diving and crowd surfing going on throughout. Headlining the back lawn were New York City’s own Anthrax, featuring rhythm guitarist Scott Ian, who might be better known as a pundit on various VH1 shows discussing the 80s and 90s than as the founding member of Anthrax.

Located adjacent to the liqueur-sponsored stage was another attempt to seamlessly integrate advertising into our entertainment, as the Rockstar Energy Drink Refueling Tent offered respite from the sun, as well as copious amounts of complimentary energy drinks. What I noticed in my own vast knowledge of caffeinated beverages is that the products being given away weren’t normally available at the market. Rockstar was market testing new products, and they had hundreds and hundreds of willing test subjects all ready to fuel up before headbanging.

Before the headliners took the stage, I saw Kerry King from Slayer taking some time to sign autographs in yet another tent slathered with Jägermeister logos.

Anthrax also had an autograph session.

Both appeared to be free of charge, so long as you didn’t mind waiting in line for a while.

After Anthrax finished their set, the acts appearing on the amphitheatre stage started to play. Up first was a band I’d admittedly never heard of called Asking Alexandria, who were from England. What I noticed before their set is anyone wearing their merchandise appeared to also be younger than legal voting age in the United States. Kids these days! The band wasn’t particularly special, and I ran into a friend of mine who plays in a few wellknown acts from Albany, who put my thoughts perfectly by saying he was going to be “Asking Alexandria for his money back.”

Up next on the main stage was Motörhead, for which I was practically giddy about. The band has been playing together for almost 30 years, and produces a sound normally suited from a band of more than just three men. Their bassist and lead vocalist, Lemmy Kilmister, taunted the crowd saying that the three of them could make so much more noise than the thousands who looked on. He introduced

TODAY

photo by MarkBolles.com

Lemmy of Motörhead

what is likely their most famous song “Ace of Spades,” by humorously remarking they were going to play what had amounted to their “theme tune.”

Guitarist Phil Campbell shred his way through their set with a cool charisma not normally seen in the metal world.

Drummer Mikkey Dee’s drum solo was impressive if not a bit long.

The decibel levels reached by Motörhead were soon approached by the next act on the main stage, Slayer.

The band played for close to an hour, including “Seasons in the Abyss,” “South of Heaven,” and crowd-pleaser “Reigning Blood.” Guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman both displayed a technical proficiency and stage presence that kept the fans engaged.

Bassist and vocalist Tom Araya’s voice sounds nearly as good as it does on tape, and he was sporting a look that my photographer described as the “heavy metal Jerry Garcia.”

While I was as close as I could get to see both Motörhead and Slayer, I made sure to take in the final act of the evening, Slipknot, from what I deemed as a safe enough distance. It is enough for me to admit I do not care for Slipknot, but I was willing to give them another chance. After all, it had been years since I last heard their material, and perhaps they had somehow evolved as artists able to produce something more than what they did back when I was in high school.

This was my greatest folly, as two songs into their set, I was reminded of why I felt the way I did in the first place. Though, they were clearly the most popular act of the day (which in itself surprised me greatly, given the pillars of the genre that performed earlier to much less fanfare).

At the end of the day, my ears were ringing, my throat was hoarse and I was exhausted. I tip my cap to the staff at SPAC, who despite dealing with more bloody moshers and drunken hooligans as the show progressed, were able to maintain order and make sure everyone was relatively safe.

Preventing the Mayhem Fest from descending into actual mayhem, which given the amount of free caffeine and purchasable alcohol, was no small task.

Here’s hoping they can replicate that for the next metal festival, scheduled for September 1.

SARATOGA

TODAY

PULSE

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

CHICAGO Musical Coming to Saratoga Arts Center

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Saratoga Arts Center is getting the old razzle-dazzle treatment the weekends of August 17 and August 24 thanks to the Local Actors Guild of Saratoga and their performances of “Chicago,” the musical.

The local guild will present six performances in total at the 320 Broadway location, including 8 p.m. showings August 17, 18, 24 and 25, and 2 p.m. showings Sundays, August 19 and 26.

General admission tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling (518) 393-3496.

Set in the Windy City during the roaring 1920s, murderesses Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart use their feminine wiles to garner fame and notoriety to sway public opinion and save themselves from death row. Featuring a lively, lecherous line-up of characters and a repertoire of unforgettable musical numbers, “Chicago” has become a true institution - a show not to be

photo provided

missed for the musical theater fan.

To learn more about the

upcoming performances, visit www.saratoga-arts.org or call (518) 393-3496.

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PULSE

SARATOGA

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

TODAY

The Spirit of Johnny Cash

photo provided

The Cash Band, featuring Harold Ford as Johnny Cash

LAKE GEORGE – The spirit of Johnny Cash lives on in Harold Ford.

Ford, with his uncanny resemblance to the Man in Black both in sound and appearance, is joined by Laura Lucy as June Carter and the red-hot Cash Band Friday, August 10 beginning 8 p.m. at the Roaring Brook Ranch.

Ford has toured the country as Cash, an engaging and often charming performer who takes his time between songs to interact with the audience. Rife with stories about Cash’s repertoire and the man himself, Ford is just as engaging and entertaining between numbers as he is during them.

A full bar, food menu and ample parking are available. For more information and online ticket ordering, visit www.thejohnnycashband.com or call the ticket hotline at (518) 683-0913.

Advance ticket price is $20; night of the show is $24. Doors open at 7 p.m.; the show starts at 8 p.m.

DJ Jazzy Jeff at Vapor August 4 SARATOGA SPRINGS - DJ Jazzy Jeff, once known as part of the Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince duo featuring Will Smith, will be appearing at Vapor Night Club August 4 during the club’s Sights and Sounds series.

Over the course of his career, DJ Jazzy Jeff has achieved many accomplishments, including a DMC Championship and multiple Grammy and American Music Awards and nominations. He continues to travel and DJ at nightclubs and casinos all over the world, including Palms in Vegas, Margaritaville in the Cayman Islands and Le Palais in France.

Jazzy Jeff’s appearance is part of the club’s weekly series, Sights and Sounds, featuring local and national DVDJs and occasional celebrity guests. Recent events have included reality stars Drita from “Mob Wives” and Vinny from “Jersey Shore.” The series kicked off in January with Biz Markie. Jazzy Jeff will DJ during his appearance.

Doors open at 9 p.m. for this event, and tickets are being sold online at www.vapornightclub.com for $10. As always, guests must be 21 and older to enter Vapor.

DJ Jazzy Jeff • photo provided

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

‘Arabian Nights,’ Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin Highlighted at The Philadelphia Orchestra S A R AT O G A SPRINGS - At 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 4, SPAC’s lawn will be transformed into a bustling Turkish bazaar for its new “Arabian Nights” P r e - S h o w.

Storytellers will tell astonishing tales from “One Thousand and One Nights,” belly dancers will stroll the grounds and a vibrant marketplace of free-trade wares and goods will provide a colorful backdrop. Al-Baraki, a Lebanese restaurant, will be offering free samples from their menu and DiviniTea will present tastings of their Morrocan Mint Tea. The Philadelphia Orchestra’s second week is highlighted by the debut of superstar conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

Fresh from the excitement of a spectacular opening week, SPAC’s Philadelphia Orchestra season moves into its second week, which will feature the debut of the orchestra’s dynamic Music Director Designate, Yannick Nézet-Séguin. One of the most sought-after conductors on the international classical music scene, Nézet-Séguin has been widely praised by audiences, critics and artists alike for his musicianship, dedication and charisma.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads three powerful evenings of brilliant repertoire: • Wednesday, August 8: For his inaugural SPAC performance, NézetSéguin conducts superstar pianist Lang Lang in a performance of Liszt’s “Piano Concerto No. 1,” as well as two works by Brahms, the vibrant “Hungarian Dances” and the “Symphony No. 4,” the composer’s final symphonic masterpiece.

• Thursday, August 9: Drawing on his wide experience conducting at the finest opera houses in the world, Nézet-Séguin presents Italian Opera Night, featuring classic arias and overtures by Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, Leoncavallo and Mascagni with accompaniment by two stellar operatic vocalists.

• Friday, August 10: This evening will feature SPAC’s first performance of contemporary composer Jennifer Higdon’s “Concerto for Orchestra,”

photo by Marco Borggreve

Yannick Nézet-Séguin one of the most popular works written in the 21st-century, a performance by soloist Arabella Steinbacher of Prokofiev’s demanding “Violin Concerto No. 1” and Tchaikovsky’s masterful “Symphony No. 2” a work that has not been performed at SPAC in more than two decades.

For more information, visit www.spac.org.

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Caboose Open House, Cruz-In and Cookout GREENFIELD - T he town of Greenfield and the Greenfield Historical Society are hosting the third annual Caboose, Cruz-in and Cookout at Kings Station, located on the corner of Route 9N and Porter Corners Road Saturday, August 11 from 11 a.m.

- 3 p.m. Bring your classic cars to show off at the vintage car show, enjoy refreshments from the bake sale and cookout and tour the historic caboose at King’s Station.

Built by Kings Station Agent Clarence Latham in 1912, the historic home at 66 Porter Corners Road is also celebrating its 100th year anniversary with a special open house showing.

To learn more about the Caboose Open House, visit www.greenfieldhistoricalsociety.com/44801/54401.html. To learn more about the Latham House, contact Michelle Przedwiecki at Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs, 38 High Rock Avenue, Saratoga Springs, at (518) 871-9949.

Photo courtesy of Dick and Donna Schneider

The Latham House, as seen on a postcard in 1934.

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SARATOGA

BUSINESS

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

TODAY

Grand Illusions Hair Design Offers New Services at New, Expanded Location

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS Grand Illusions Hair Design salon has found new digs amongst old friends, with owner Carole Levine moving to 81 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs, the former site of Progressive Mode Hair Styling.

“Muriel and I have been friends ever since we worked together 20 years ago,” said Levine. Muriel Gurren, longtime owner of Progressive Mode Hair Styling, is stepping down to make way for Levine and Grand Illusions.

“She’s been calling me - and this is no lie - probably once a month for nine years asking me when I’m coming back,” said Levine.

“She’s at the retirement stage now. So she’s going to work a couple days a week and be part of my full-staff at our full-service salon.”

Grand Illusions is moving from its 400-square-foot Caroline Street location to its new 1,000-squarefoot space, where Levine and company will have plenty of room to stretch their wings. With five staff members (including Levine, Gurren, Chloe Vickey, Wendy Homenuci and Jill Flynn) well versed in cutting, coloring, manicures, pedicures, barbering, styling and more, Levine is also looking to hire a new esthetician to round out the salon’s offerings.

But perhaps most important to Levine: “The new space helps me to reconnect with my creativity.

photo by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga TODAY

From left to right: Owner Carole Levine, Chloe Vickey, Muriel Gurren, Wendy Homenuci and Jill Flynn of Grand Illusions Hair Design.

Being in a small space [on Caroline Street] gave me a break to rejuvenate and regroup myself mentally, physically and creatively after the fire burned down my first location in Malta. [The new space] allows me to get back into my creative mindset, which I absolutely enjoy. It’s just who I am.”

Along with her creative spirit, Levine also hopes her sense of collaboration and compassion can also be used to drive her business forward.

“We want to be friendly to everybody,” said Levine. “I want to be an upscale salon without those upscale prices. I know how hard people are working for their money with this economy. We want to offer the same high-quality services, but at more reason-

photo by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga TODAY

Carole and Gary Levine have completely redesigned the space at 81 Railroad Place for Grand Illusions’ new, expanded home. “Thank you, Gary,” said Levine. “Couldn't have done it without you.”

ably, modestly priced rates.”

To that end, Levine is currently offering a $10 haircut discount to new clients, as well as a $20 discount for new clients off of all color services.

Be it men or women, old or young, Levine’s salon is equipped to handle it all.

“I come from the old days,” said Gurren, who graduated beauty school in 1964. “So I love to do perms; I love to do roller sets, which a lot of girls don’t know how to do anymore.”

Meanwhile, Levine and her staff are regularly taking classes to learn the latest trends and styles, including a new permanent wave, “called the beach wave,” said Levine. “It’s a totally different type of perming that gives you those beautiful beach curls.”

With the brand-new, expanded space, Levine is also hoping to host more charity events at her salon. One program she’s particularly excited about is Cuts for Kids.

“Cuts for Kids, which is for homeless kids, contacted me to see if I’d be interested in donating and giving these kids fresh haircuts, up-to-date styles,” said Levine. “So I’m getting into that.”

Levine is also hoping to provide her services to organizations outfitting cancer patients with affordable wigs, and encourages them to reach out to her.

To learn more information about Grand Illusions Hair Design or to make an appointment (walkins are also acceptable), visit www.GrandIllusionsHairDesign.c om or call (518) 581-2889.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

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SARATOGA

RELIGION

Adirondack Christian Fellowship 8 Mountain Ledge, Wilton 587-0623; acfsaratoga.com Services: Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.

Adirondack Friends Meeting 27 Saratoga Ave., S. Glens Falls 793-3755, AdirondackFM@ nycap.rr.com; www.adirondackfriendsmeeting.org Regina Baird Haag, pastoral minister Services: 10:30 a.m. Sunday The Alliance Church 257 Rowland St., Ballston Spa 885-6524 Services: Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Assembly of God Faith Chapel 6 Burgoyne St., Schuylerville 695-6069 • Rev. Jason Proctor Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

Assembly of God Saratoga 118 Woodlawn Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-6081 Services: Sunday Worship 10 a.m., coffee served at 9:45 a.m.

Bacon Hill Reformed Church 560 Route 32N, Bacon Hill 695-3074 • Rev. Janet Vincent Services: Worship service 10 a.m.

Sunday School 10 a.m.

All are welcome. Handicapped accessible Baha’i Community of Saratoga Springs 584-9679; 692-7694; usbnc.org.

Ballston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 58 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa 885-7312; ballstoncenterarpchurch.org Services: Sunday Worship Service, 10:30 a.m.

Ballston Spa United Methodist Church 101 Milton Ave. • 885-6886 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Bethesda Episcopal Church 41 Washington St., Saratoga Springs 584-5980 Services: Sunday 6:30, 8 & 10 a.m.

Church of Christ at Clifton Park 7 Old Route 146 371-6611; cliftonparkchurchofchrist.com Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Christ Community Reformed Church 1010 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-7654; ccrc-cpny.org.

Services: Sundays 10 a.m.

Christ Episcopal Church Routes 50 & 67, Ballston Spa 885-1031 Services: Sunday 8 & 10 a.m.

Christian Restoration Ministries Saratoga Senior Center 5 Williams St.Saratoga Springs 796-4323 • Pastor Pat Roach Services: Sunday 10 a.m.; 6:30 p.m.

Congregation Shaara Tfille 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs 584-2370; saratogasynagogue.org

Services: Saturday 9:30 a.m., Monday & Thursday 7:30 a.m., third Friday each month 7:30 p.m.

Handicapped Accessible

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012 Highway Tabernacle Church 90 River Rd., Mechanicville • 6644442 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

Corinth Free Methodist Church 20 Hamilton Ave. 654-9255; 792-0271 Services: Sunday at 10 a.m.

Hope Church 206 Greenfield Ave., Ballston Spa 885-7442 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

River of Hope Fellowship 100 Saratoga Village Blvd. Malta Cmns., Ste. 3, Malta 881-1505; riverofhopefellowship.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Corinth United Methodist Church 243 Main Street 654-2521; cfumc@cnyconnect.net Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Jonesville United Methodist 963 Main St., Clifton Park 877-7332 Services: Sunday 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-2375 Services: Eucharistic Celebrations: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m.

Living Springs Community Church 59 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs 584-9112 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-6122.

Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8, 9:30, 11:15 a.m. & 5 p.m.

Cornerstone Community Church Malta Commons 899-7001; mycornerstonechurch.org Associate Pastor Paul Shepherd Services: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Community 2001 Route 9 Round Lake 877-8506, ccorpusc@nycap.rr.com Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.; Weekday Masses: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.

Eastern Orthodox - Christ the Savior 349 Eastline Road, Ballston Spa 786-3100; xcsavior@yahoo.com.

Services: Sunday: 9:15 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Saratoga Springs 45 Washington St. • 584-6301 Services: Sunday: 11 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Ave. (Rt. 50) 885-8361; fbcballstonspa.org Services: 10:15 a.m.

First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa 22 West High St. • 885-5583 Services: Sunday at 10 a.m.

Full Gospel Tabernacle 207 Redmond Road, Gansevoort 793-2739 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.; Bible Study: Thursday 6:30 p.m.

Galway United Methodist Church 2056 East Street (at intersection of Route 147), Galway 882-6520 www.galway-united-methodistchurch.com Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. (9:00 a.m. in July and August) Grace Brethren Church 137 W. Milton Rd., Ballston Spa 587-0649 • Rev. Dan Pierce Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

Greater Grace Community Church Pastor David Moore 899-7777, thechurch@ggccmalta.org Services: Wednesday 7:30 pm. Good Times Restaurant, Lake Rd. 2nd floor;. Friday 7:30 pm Saratoga Chapel, Eastline & Lake Rds; Sunday 10am - Glenville Senior Center, 32 Worden Rd. Greenfield Center Baptist Church 30 Wilton Rd., Greenfield Center 893-7429 Services: Sunday School for all ages - 9:45 a.m.

Church Service - 11 a.m.

Prayer Meeting - Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

Living Waters Church of God 4330 State Rt. 50, Saratoga Springs 587-0484; livingwaterscog.us Services: Sundays 10 a.m.

Malta Presbyterian Church Dunning Street, Malta • 899-5992 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Malta Ridge United Methodist Church 729 Malta Ave., Ext. • 581-0210 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Middle Grove United Methodist Church 581-2973 • Pastor Bonnie Bates Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

Handicapped accessible New Horizon Church 150 Perry Road, Saratoga Springs 587-0711 Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

New Life Fellowship 51 Old Gick Rd., Saratoga Springs 580-1810; newlifeinsaratoga.org.

Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.-noon Childcare is available at all services.

NorthStar Church Shenendehowa High School West Auditorium, Clifton Park 371-2811; northstarchurch.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Old Saratoga Reformed Church 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville oldsaratogareformedchurch.org Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

Old Stone Church (American Baptist) 159 Stone Church Rd., Ballston Spa 583-1002 Services: Sunday: 9 a.m.; Adult Sunday School 9:00; Service 10:30 Coffee & Fellowship in Living Stone Hall; Wednesday: noon potluck luncheon; 1 p.m. choir rehearsal; 2 p.m. Bible Study Group Presbyterian-NE Congregational Church 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs 584-6091; pnecc.org Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

Quaker Springs United Methodist Church 466 Route 32 South 695-3101; qsumc.com Pastor Al Johnson

St. George's Episcopal Church 912 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-6351; stgeorge@csdsl.net Services: Saturday 4:30 p.m.; Sunday 8 & 9:30 a.m.

St. Isaac Jogues Roman Catholic Chapel Route 9P (4 miles south of bridge over Saratoga Lake Outlet), Saratoga Springs 935-3449 Services: Saturday 6

TODAY

Saratoga Friends Meeting (Quaker) Rts. 32 and 71, Quaker Springs 587-7477; 399-5013 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Saratoga United Methodist Church Henning Rd., Saratoga Springs 584-3720; saratogaumc.com.

Services: Sunday 9 & 10:45 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

Saratoga Seventh-Day Adventist Church 399 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs 882-9384; saratogasda.org Services: Sabbath School: 10 a.m.

Worship Service: 11:30 a.m.

Shenendehowa United Methodist 971 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-7964 Services: Sunday 7:45, 9 & 10:45 a.m.; Acts II Contempory 10:45 a.m.

Simpson United Methodist Church Rock City Rd., Rock City Falls 885-4794 Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

Soul Saving Station for Every Nation Christ Crusaders of America 62 Henry St., Saratoga Springs 584-3122 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church 3159 Route 9N, Greenfield Center 893-7680; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com; www.stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m. Handicapped accessible

Temple Sinai 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-8730 www.saratogasinai.org Services: 5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat 6:00 p.m. Services Handicapped accessible

St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church 167 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa 885-7411; stmarysbsta.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon.

Handicapped accessible

The Salvation Army Worship, Service & Community Center 27 Woodlawn Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-1640; Mail-P.O. Box 652 Captain Aaron A. Boone, Sr. Captain Amber S. Boone Commanding Officers/Ministers Services: Sunday School 10 a.m.; Praise & Worship 11 a.m.;

St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church 771 Route 29, Rock City Falls 893-7680; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com; www.stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter.org Services: Sunday 8:30 am.

Handicapped accessible.

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 149 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-0904 Services: Saturday 5 p.m. with Holy Communion. Sundays 8:30 & 11 a.m. with Holy Communion.

St. Peter Lutheran Church 2776 Route 9, Malta • 583-4153 Services: Sunday mornings 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.

St. Thomas of Canterbury 242 Grooms Rd., Halfmoon st-thomas-of-canterbury.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Saratoga Abundant Life Church 2325 Route 50 South, Saratoga Springs 885-5456; saratogaabundantlife.org Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

Saratoga Chabad 130 Circular St., Saratoga Springs 526-0773; saratora@aol.com; saratogachabad.com

Trinity United Methodist Church 155 Ballard Rd., Gansevoort 584-9107 tumcwilton.com Rev. Gail Falsetti-Pastor Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs 624 North Broadway 584-1555; saratoga-uu.org Services and Nursery Care: Sundays 10 a.m. Religious education classes resume in September.

Unity Church in Albany 21 King Ave. • 453-3603 Services: Sunday 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

West Charlton United Presbyterian Church 1331 Sacandaga Rd. 882-9874 • westcharltonupc.org Rev. Thomas Gregg, Pastor Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Wilton Baptist Church 755 Saratoga Rd, Wilton 583-2736; wiltonbaptist@gmail.com; wiltonbaptistchurch.com Services: Sunday Service 11 a.m.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Community Corner

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

Ballston Spa Alumni Committee Seeking Nominations

Serbalik-Grady Announce Engagement

The Ballston Spa Central School District will continue the tradition of honoring accomplished alumni during the district’s annual homecoming and spirit week. Alumni honored during the past two events include Mayor John Romano, Marcie Fraser, Richard Thomas, Christopher Douglas, Harvey Staulters, Dr. William Kelley, James Funiciello, Maurice “Christopher” Morley, Karen Heggen, Ron Ravena and Brien Hollowood.

The district is now accepting nominations for the third annual Alumni Recognition Event to be held this coming fall. Nomination forms can be found on the district website at: www.bscsd.org on the Community Link in the Alumni Information section or at the District Office, 70 Malta Ave., Ballston Spa. The Alumni Recognition Event will take place September 25, at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Courtney Lamport at clamport@bscsd.org or by calling (518) 884-7195, ext.1369.

Val and Tracy Serbalik, of Bolton Landing, along with Dana Serbalik and Mike D'Arcy, of Saratoga Springs, are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter, Leah Serbalik, to Collin Grady, son of Susan and Martin Grady, of Lake George. The bride-to-be graduated from Siena College in 2005 and went on to earn her master's degree from SUNY Plattsburgh. She is a high school Spanish teacher at Queensbury High School. Her fiancé graduated in 2005 from St. John Fisher College and is a Territory Manager with U.S. Foods.

A June 21, 2013, wedding in Saratoga Springs is planned.

the

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

Circles of Mercy Honors Local Youth Volunteer with Award

Isabella

It’s a Boy! Lindsay and Michael Speranza are proud to announce the birth of their son Luke Michael Speranza. Luke made his debut at 7:02 a.m.

July 20, 2012, and weighed 9 lbs. 4 oz. and was 22 inches long.

The proud grandparents are Donald and Donna Cooper of Saratoga Springs, NY, and Joseph and Gail Speranza of Glen Cove, NY. Congratulations to the Speranza family!

Act With Respect Always in Uganda Act With Respect Always ambassador Ann Fantauzzi has connected the AWRA program with students at the Kargoma Gate Village in Uganda. Ann is working with the Giving Circle to build a school for the village. Her passion to "improve the world" is a wonderful thing and AWRA is honored that she would take Act With Respect Always with her.

19

Happy 2nd Birthday, Cailin!

You never cease to amaze us!

Love, Mum and Dad

The tooth fairy club is sponsored by:

Volunteer Santino Sierra (center) accepts the Sister Gail A. Reith, RSM Volunteer Service Award from Richard Zazycki (left), executive director of Circles of Mercy and Kathleen Pingelski (right), board chair for his volunteer work at both Catherine’s Closet and Circles of Mercy.

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

SARATOGA

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Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

Trina Lucas

And They’re Off! Vapor Night Club became the Vapor Racecourse last Thursday, July 26, when Jake’s Help From Heaven featured Saratoga’s Finest Fillies. Close to 150 guests placed $10 ‘bets’ on nine lovely ladies, earning a chance in their favorite filly’s drawing. While attendees received one ‘bet’ with admission, additional betting was fast and furious after the evening kicked off at 7 p.m.

All waited with bated breath when post positions were drawn early in the night. As with true horse racing, position can make a difference in Plinko, the chosen method for advancing the fillies in their race. Taking the first spot was “All Eyes on You,” better known as Susan Halstead. The rest of the field filled in quickly. Julie Johnson, Johanna Friedman, Elaine Sillery, Christianne Smith, Kelly Hite, Heather Straughter, Amy Raimo and Melissa Zieker cheered as their positions were noted. At stake were not only great prizes for their betting fans, but also a one-of-a-kind hat for the filly with the highest handle at the end of the night. Each of the ladies modeled their favorite chapeaus from Saratoga Trunk, several of which were the creations of Cat Stevens, in the audience that night cheering the fillies to victory.

Rachel and Tommy Uccellini chatted with Donna Talley, surmising which lady would win the race, and which lucky guest would be heading to Hawaii for the grand prize. Bill and Dianne Sillery encouraged friends, Amy and Eddie Esposito, to bid often on their daughter, Elaine.

Knowing so many in the field was a challenge for bettors like Rebecca Beers and Joanne Finn. Who

TODAY

Photos by Deborah Neary for MarkBolles.com

Top Left: Melissa Zieker, Christianne Smith and Susan Halstead await their post positions; Top Right: Brian Straughter; Middle Left: Milliner Cat Stevens with Mistress of Ceremonies Natalie Sillery; Middle Right: The Winning Fillies – Elaine Sillery, Amy Raimo and Johanna Friedman; Bottom Left: Heather Straughter is out of the gate!; Bottom Right: Mylea Aldrich, Barent Aldrich, Sara Burton and Oliver Aldrich was a good bet? How to choose?

Post time came shortly after 8 p.m. Brian Straughter, who founded Jake’s Help From

Heaven with his wife, Heather, took the stage to share the story of their sweet Jakey, his struggle with a rare illness and the charity they launched in his memory. The organization is dedicated to supporting individuals with multiple medical challenges and disabilities, and helping them and their families.

Following Brian’s introduction, Skip and Colleen Carlson joined Mistress of Ceremonies Natalie Sillery on stage. It was post time at Vapor!

The Plinko puck fell where it might, and with each drop, one of the fillies advanced in her row of dots.

Only 10 moves were needed to win, place or show.

First out of the gate was Elaine Sillery, aka “Billionaire Beanzie,” followed by “Runway Sensation” Smith. The others followed, with “Get Along Gimpy” Johnson making a late showing, not because of her ankle brace, but because the puck wasn’t kind to her. Heather Straughter, “Go Big Go Home,” waited patiently with Hite, “U2 I Follow You Mrs. Bono,” to get out of the gate, while “Wrinkle Remover” Zieker crept slowly toward the finish.

Seen rooting for their favorites were Ilene Kahn, John Tartaglia, Gayle LaSalle, Mary Gavin, Jim LaVigne, Mary Alice Lee, Lisa Gabryshak, Tamara Rapisarda, Julie Slovic and Todd Shimkus.

In the end, it was Sillery who won. “I’m Too Sexy for My Hat” Raimo placed, and Friedman, the

“Naughty Teacher,” showed. Each drew one lucky bettor from their respective boxes. The grand prize, five nights in an ocean view room at the Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Resort, went to Carole Moreau, and Barent Aldrich took the second prize, an overnight at either the Hampton Inn & Suites in Saratoga or the Holiday Inn Resort in Lake George. His mom, Mylea Aldrich, accepted on his behalf.

After tallying the bets, the filly with the greatest take was Halstead. All eyes really were on her as she sashayed out of Vapor under her stunning new hat, donated by Saratoga Trunk.

Of course, the ultimate winner of the night was Jake’s Help From Heaven and those the organization assists. Thanks to the fillies, their fans and the Saratoga Casino and Raceway, over $10,000 was raised for this extraordinary charity.

Saratoga’s Finest Fillies was part of Vapor’s Party for a Cause series. Held on Thursday evenings throughout the racing season, the parties feature selected charities, providing use of the night club and the house DJ without any rental fees. The organizations pre-sell admission tickets, keeping all proceeds. Admission is also collected at the door the night of the event and Saratoga Casino and Raceway matches all ticket sales up to $1,000 for every guest attending. To learn more about the series and upcoming events, visit www.saratogacasino.com.

Let us know about your event, cause or celebration. ‘RSVP’ to trina@saratogapublishing.com.

SARATOGA

TODAY

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Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

Fire & Ice

Recipe for a Benefit Start with a lively polo match, throw in 90 silent auction items and nine live auction features, mix with unlimited amounts of scholarship support, and top with an incredible ‘school-made’ dinner buffet. That, combined with perfect summer weather, was the recipe for success at Polo by Twilight, the 33rd Annual Palamountain Scholarship Benefit for Skidmore College.

More than 500 guests, including current students, recent graduates, alumni and community donors, donned colorful attire Tuesday, July 31, for this classic Saratoga event. Early arrivals, like Patty Novo and her mom, and Skidmore alums Chris and Kristin Grosso, were able to enjoy a match for the famed Palamountain Cup. And while players took to the field, other guests played under the tent, sipping champagne with raspberries and shopping amongst the three sections of silent auction items. There was something for everyone, from a CBS News “insiders” tour and a unique horse hitching post, to wine, jewelry, riding and dance lessons, dinner packages and artwork. Spotted bidding were Virginia Payson, Linda and Michael Toohey, Liz Bishop, Gary and Beth Harker, Fran Dingeman, Susan Bokan and Mary Ellen O’Loughlin, out for girls’ night with her daughter, Allie.

The bright Veuve Clicquot umbrella tables along the tent allowed several to keep an eye on the match without missing the action inside. Melissa and Chris Zieker toasted their 13th wedding anniversary with friends Jason and Michele Jacobs, and Nancy Smith and her husband, Peter Flaherty, chatted with colleague Dan Czech.

With so many friends to see, and auction bids to watch, attendees were slow to trickle into the dinner tent. Of course, that kept the line manageable, providing time for diners to carefully select from the delicious spread.

Should one go with the wood-grilled tenderloin, or the braised barramundi? The salad of grilled asparagus with cippolini onions or the healthy grains? There were no bad choices. The food is always a highlight of this event, as it’s prepared entirely by the award-winning team at Skidmore’s Dining Services Department.

Seen savoring the feast were Skidmore president Phil Glotzbach and his wife, Marie, Anne Palamountain, event chair Tabitha Orthwein and her husband, Will, Chris and Beth Payer, Ed Lewi, Clark and Linda Brink, Curt and Cathy Tucker, Lew and Pat Titterton, Don and Judy McCormack, Mayor Scott Johnson and his wife, Julie, and honorees Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson. The couple was later presented with the Lucy Skidmore Scribner Medal. Named for the college’s founder, the medal recognizes a selfless dedication to others, a capacity to imagine creative solutions to social problems and a deep commitment to community.

“From early on, Marylou Whitney has been a staunch supporter of our cause, and she has been a constant presence at the Palamountain Benefits over the years,” said Mrs. Palamountain. “She and John are truly our loyal and caring friends.”

Friends to all Saratoga residents, in fact.

And with that special recognition, Skidmore College put the finishing touch on a delightful evening.

Photos Provided

Top Left: Nancy Smith, Peter Flaherty, Dan Czech; Top Right: Skidmore President Phil Glotzbach with his wife, Marie; Middle Left: Scott Martin, Judy McCormack, Pat Titterton, Lew Titterton, Don McCormack; Middle Right: Cathy Tucker, Carla Skodinski, Michael Fieldman, Curt Tucker; Bottom Left: Toasting winners of The Palamountain Cup; Bottom RIght: Skidmore Alumni Tabitha LeClair Orthwein ’91, Kristin Carbone Grosso ’91, Chris Payer ’90 and Beth Osborn Payer ‘90

Visit us online for the full RSVP on the 30th Annual Summer Gala for Saratoga Hospital.

Photo by Deborah Neary for MarkBolles.com

Photo by Image Photo & Events

Left: John Hendrickson, Michele Riggi and Marylou Whitney after the trio bid a combined $176,000 in the live auction; Right: Event chairs Mylea Aldrich and Colleen Carlson in front of Bella Home Builders custom playhouse (raising $16,000 in the live auction)

RSVP

Spotlight

The week was a whirlwind, but some of the best events, for wonderful causes, are yet to come. RSVP today!

Come to Studio PRIME, A Disco Inferno, on Saturday, August 4. Chairs Margie and Michael Rotchford will welcome you to the grounds of Saratoga National Golf Club for this divine event benefiting Medical Missions for Children. Guests will dine at Prime dinner stations and enjoy an open bar before hitting the dance floor to the sounds of New York City’s The Dennis Collins Band. Renowned singer Joe Cerisano will also entertain disco-goers. Over 300 have already registered for this incredible evening. Don’t miss it! Reservations may be made at www.mmfc.org, and a limited number will be available at the door.

On Sunday, August 5, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation hosts An Evening for the Thoroughbred, the most important annual fundraiser for this organization devoted to providing a lifelong haven for more than 1,000 former racehorses. This year, the gala event will

celebrate Jockey Club’s Ogden M. Phipps for his efforts and influence on racehorse welfare, safety and retirement. HRTV host Carolyn Conley and Tom Durkin, the voice of racing, will host the benefit at Saratoga Springs City Center. A live auction will showcase stallion seasons and unique experiences including an expedition to Machu Picchu, a Formula One racing package and a behind-the-scenes visit to the Fox NFL Sunday set. For details, visit www.trfgala.com.

Fasig-Tipton has cataloged 189 selected yearlings for its 92nd Saratoga Sale on Monday and Tuesday, August 6-7. While the serious bidders sit quietly, the backyard always provides fun people-watching, not to mention the chance to see beautiful horses strutting to capture the eye of their next owner. Have a glass of wine and see who you can spot!

Tuesday, August 7, offers the opportunity to support two unique events. First, the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. invites guests to Visión, a look at life behind the scenes, featuring a new exhibit of photos by Latino immigrants living and working in the area. The showcase reception kicks off at 5 p.m. on the Clubhouse Porch at the Saratoga Race Course. Light fare and drinks will be served to the tunes of The Garland Nelson Ensemble. To

learn more, visit www.saratogaeoc.org/vision.

Also that evening, the Little Sisters of the Poor will host a Gala in the Pines at the Hall of Springs. The benefit for Our Lady of Hope Residence in Latham will honor Fr. Thomas Morrette and Michael Cocca for their untiring service to the sisters and their mission to serve the elderly poor. Dr. and Mrs. William Vacca will serve as Honorary Chairs for the night which includes cocktails, a strolling buffet, live and silent auctions and a grand raffle. The Hamilton Street Jazz Trio, featuring Donna Purnomo, will perform. For reservations, call Sue Ferris at (518) 213-4503.

The week ends with Song & Dance at the annual gala for the National Museum of Dance on Saturday, August 11. Michele Riggi chairs the elegant event with honorary chairs Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson, and it is truly one of the most exquisite benefits of the season. Ben Vereen headlines this year’s celebration as he is inducted into the Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Hall of Fame. Vereen will also entertain guests, and the New York Song and Dance Company will dazzle with a showstopping performance. For details, visit www.dancemuseum.org.

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Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

PUZZLES PUZZLES PUZZLES

Sudoku

Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.

Albert Einstein

Words to know: Palaver - n, idle chatter

Crossword

See puzzle solution on page 44

Scrabblegram

Movie Review

See puzzle solution on page 44

ACROSS 1 University of Georgia athlete, familiarly 5 Scorned paper 8 Ticket holder with a conflict, maybe 14 In opposition 16 Self-loathing direction 17 “Just curious” 18 Note sentiment 19 Novice chocolatier’s lessons?

21 Pres. between JAG and GC 22 It might be closed due to flooding 23 Walks in the rain, vis-à-vis fair-day activities?

29 Med. land 31 “... __ he drove out of sight” 32 Mena of “American Beauty” 33 Endured 36 Tar on a deck 38 Mantle’s number 39 Hardly unexpected 41 Threw one’s hat in the ring 43 Head start?

44 Vacations led by Twitter?

48 Internet game site 49 __ Balls: Hostess treats 50 Speaker’s challenge scrambled three times in this puzzle 56 Of an upper heart chamber 58 Tab, for one 59 Eyre’s creator 60 “Enough already” 61 Luxury accommodations 62 Charles River sch.

63 Ocean current sources?

DOWN 1 Dapper dressers?

2 Say it is so 3 “__ off!”

4 Where Olympus rises 5 Make clearer, hopefully 6 Baseball’s Jesus 7 Ibsen title character 8 Dentistry number, familiarly 9 Taking a break 10 Graceful plunge 11 Wait around 12 Sitcom world 13 OED listing 15 Occupied, as a desk

Savages

Can two men share a woman and stay friends? Can a small, independent group of marijuana dealers take on a Mexican cartel? Has Oliver Stone lost his touch?

We are given a brief history of two of the lead characters, Ben and Chon (played by Aaron Johnson and Taylor Kitsch), by their girlfriend and the film’s narrator O (short for Ophelia, played by Blake Lively). Ben (Johnson) is a college graduate who majored in business and botany. Chon (Kitsch) is a veteran who returned from Afghanistan with the seeds that became an extremely potent form of marijuana and the foundation of their successful business. Ben contributes a great deal of his income to worthy causes and travels extensively. While he’s away, O and Chon receive a video containing numerous severed heads and chainsaw. They fear Ben has been killed until he returns home a short time later. They had a scheduled meeting with the cartel and so, they go ahead with it. The cartel representatives propose that Ben and Chon join their organization, but rather than consider their offer, they say they will take the time they’ve been given to consider it and make plans to flee the country. A DEA agent named Dennis (played by John Travolta) tells them that the partnership is the best option.

They disagree, but before they can leave the country, O is kidnapped. Ben and Chon hear this

At The Movies With Trey Roohan

Gasoline Alley

TODAY

See puzzle solutions on page 44

20 Los Juegos Olímpicos prize 23 Penned 24 Physics unit 25 Corp. change 26 Pew areas 27 Oldest Brady Bunch kid 28 Rat 29 Kid’s comeback 30 Get into a hold 34 Tight game difference 35 Blow up 37 Step to the plate 40 Wavy lines

42 “Consider it done” 45 __-turn 46 Show of strength 47 1977 Australian Open champ Tanner 50 “Star Trek: T.N.G.” role 51 Kingdom south of Moab 52 Torch type 53 Tip for a dealer 54 Mideast flier 55 Beams 56 They may be sculpted 57 1989-’90 Broadway biodrama

directly from Elena Sanchez, the leader of the cartel who ordered it. Elena (played by Salma Hayek) tells the two men that she intends to hold O hostage until they honor the terms of their agreement. During that time, O is held prisoner amid miserable surroundings and guarded by a cartel henchman who goes

by Lado (played by Benicio del Toro).

Now, regardless of what anyone might say about its historical accuracy, or lack thereof, I greatly enjoyed “JFK.” Same goes for “Wall Street,” “Nixon,” “The Doors” and “Born on the Fourth of July.”

I thought “Any Given Sunday” was alright, but nowhere near as good as the others I’ve mentioned. I don’t know if this movie’s failure is something to be blamed on Stone, the actors or the source material, but the story didn’t really go anywhere and the characters were completely unrealistic. I’m not saying I won’t watch it again, but I certainly won’t pay for the opportunity. (6.7/10) For comments and questions, contact me at movies@roohanrealty.com.

Broom Hilda

Animal Crackers

WINNER’S circle

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Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

Saratoga TODAY’S Guide to the 2012 season at the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York

Week Three at Saratoga Race Course

Brendan O’Meara Saturday’s Grade I $750,000 Whitney Invitational, run at nine furlongs at the Spa, showcases 2012 Horse of the Year candidate Ron the Greek.

Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, Ron the Greek comes off an impressive win in the Grade I Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs back in June and the Santa Anita Handicap at Santa Anita in March. The favorite at 3-1, Ron the Greek breaks from post number six “I think [Ron the Greek is] a real late-developing horse,” Mott said.

“He’s a huge, gorgeous horse, actually, but a horse you could tell probably wasn’t going to get good until later in his career. I think it’s just a timing issue, as most things are in this business. He’s starting to come around at the right time and just landed in our hands at the right time.”

Tied for fourth in wins through Tuesday, Mott also saddles Flat Out for the Whitney.

“I thought [the Monmouth Cup] was a perfect race for [Flat Out],” Mott said. “He probably didn’t get to run full out the whole way. He was kind of stuffed early in the race and got out late. He was closing on the winner. It was a useful race. I think it was the type of race you’d like to see going into a major race like the Whitney. It was enough, but it wasn’t too much. I think sometimes we panic a little bit if a horse runs clearing the field and worry about him running a little too fast, but I think this was probably just right.”

Mott has never won the Whitney before and with the favorite and two of the nine horses in this field, his chances this year are strong.

“I’m really not sure how many times I’ve run in the Whitney; I haven’t kept track. I don’t know if I’ve ever run in it at all; I can’t remember. I know it’s a great race, and it would be a great race to win, obviously. It’s named appropriately for a race to be run at Saratoga.”

Trainer Todd Pletcher also saddles two horses in the Whitney with Caixa Eletronica at 15-1 and Rule at 5-1.

Caixa Eletronica was defeated in the Grade III James Marvin on opening day back on July 20. Pletcher and owner Mike Repole are wheeling back and going long.

“I think the division is still very wide open,” Pletcher said. “You have

a couple of major players on the East Coast who are not in here and will probably show up in the Woodward.

It’s a division that’s waiting for someone to step up and take control of on the dirt. Maybe Game on Dude has taken control on the West Coast, but it’s kind of wide-open here, waiting for someone to reel off a couple wins in a row.”

Rule and C a i x a Eletronica drew posts one and three respectively, putting them close to the fence.

“The post positions are fine. We’ll be able to save ground around the first turn. There appears to be plenty of pace in there so hopefully we’ll be

2012 Horse of the Year candidate Ron the Greek

able to save ground and work our way into a good position.”

Ian Wilkes trains the second choice Fort Larned at 7-2. He’ll break from the far outside in post nine.

Photo Provided by NYRA.com

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“He really stepped it up. The blinkers really helped him. He just wanted to run a little bit. I went into the Stephen Foster with a pretty horse. I didn’t have a racehorse, so, he didn’t run much that day. The owner was willing to take a shot [two weeks later for the Cornhusker Handicap],” said Wilkes.

Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey sends Grade I Suburban Handicap runner-up Hymn Book into the fray against this accomplished group. Hymn Book charged from way behind in the Suburban but ran out of ground before losing to Mucho Macho Man. “I’m going to say he stumbled [last time out in the Suburban],” said McGaughey, “and I think that’s just what he did. I think he just broke hard, and his right front went out from under him. When it did, [Velazquez] had to gather him up and sort of lost all position. I was pretty happy with the way he did finish. He came on against that group of horses.

The winner is a very nice horse, Mucho Macho Man. He had a really good trip and been laying up there, and it’s hard when you give up that much ground to catch up to that kind

Paynter

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

of horse.”

The rest of the field includes Trickmeister, Endorsement and Hunter’s Bay.

Travers prep is in the books This past weekend featured the three main Travers Stakes prep races in the ungraded Curlin Stakes, the Grade II Jim Dandy and the Grade I Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park.

Paynter, second to Union Rags in the Grade I Belmont Stakes, powered to a convincing win in the Haskell.

He rated off the right hip of Grade I Wood Memorial winner Gemologist and kicked clear to win by daylight.

Just like his sire Bernardini, Alpha, the Kiaran McLaughlin-trained colt, was the impressive winner of the Jim Dandy. It was his first win since the Grade III Withers Stakes at Aqueduct over the winter.

“This was the plan the whole time,” McLaughlin said, “to run in this and back in the Travers.

Hopefully, everything goes well for the next four weeks.”

Street Life, trained by Saratoga leading trainer (as of Tuesday July 31) Chad Brown, stole the Curlin

Stakes on Friday, July 19. All horses are considered strong contenders for the Travers come August 25.

“As long as the horse is OK and doing well, he’ll be ready for the Travers,” Brown said.

Shack is back Trainer Dale Romans confirmed on July 30 that his horse Shackleford will run in the Grade I Vanderbilt Handicap scheduled for Sunday, August 5. The plan is to run on Labor Day in the Forego and the Vanderbilt is a sensible prep.

“He’s a horse that likes to run, and if nothing else, it would be a good prep for the Forego,” Romans said.

“He only has three or four more races left in his career, so we might as well get them.”

Shackleford will attempt to become just the fifth horse to win a Grade I race at six furlongs and longer than nine furlongs. He won the Grade I Preakness Stakes run at 9.5 furlongs in 2011 and has since won at a mile and seven furlongs. He has never raced at six.

If he wins he’ll be in rarefied air with Ruffian, Foolish Pleasure, Precisionist and Dancing Spree.

Photo Provided by NYRA.com

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

winner’s

circle

Dylan Davis: Riding in the Right Direction

Marilyn Lane Dylan Davis is on a journey, and the young rider is relishing every step as he picks up the reins and prepares for a career as a jockey.

“Dylan is focused and we’re 100 percent behind him,” said his father, Robbie Davis. “He is like a ship ready to set sail.”

His mother, Marguerite, agreed.

“Soon he will be a speck on the horizon; we have to be ready for that.”

Davis took out an exercise riders license at 16, and after graduating from Saratoga High in 2011, headed off to jockey school in Lexington, KY. His older sister, Jackie, was a member of Chris McCarron’s North American Racing Academy’s inaugural program. She graduated with an associate degree in equine science in 2008 and is presently plying her trade very successfully at Suffolk Downs.

“I didn’t do the full two years,” Davis said. “I completed the equine studies, but skipped the last part. That’s when students freelance for trainers at the Kentucky Training Center. My dad thought it would be better for me to come home and learn from trainers here. I was all for that – saves me rent! Dad is introducing

me to lots of people; many of the best trainers are here and I’m getting on horses for some of them.

It’s so exciting, especially coming out of the gate. Every day I’m watching top jockeys ride; I get to work horses beside some of them.

I’m looking, listening and learning all I can. I am having so much fun,” said Davis.

How fortunate it is for an aspiring rider to enjoy this kind of

tutoring, especially with most of it coming right from home. Dylan’s father, Robbie Davis, was a top rider for 20-plus years, during which time he visited the winner’s circle 3,382 times. He won many of the most prestigious races the game has to offer and was the goto jockey for some of the best trainers. He’s been on the ballot for the Hall of Fame and all of us who remember his skills as a jock-

Robbie Davis, Wesley Ward and Dylan Davis

Photo by Sharon Castro

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Dylan Davis in action.

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Photo by Sharon Castro

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

ey know he deserves to get his plaque. No one better understands the physical and emotional dangers jockeys face every day. He was vehemently opposed to his daughter Jackie’s decision to become a jockey, but once she made her case, he and all the family supported her. Now it’s time for Dylan’s ship to sail and the family’s blessing is there once again.

Robbie has educated Dylan about the perils some jockeys go through to maintain their weight.

When asked about his own eating habits, Dylan, a natural lightweight, replied thoughtfully, “I try to eat healthy foods and stay away

from sugary drinks like sodas. I’m working hard on my strength and flexibility.”

Asked who he was galloping for, young Davis replied. “I get on horses for Glenn DeSanto, Dave Appel, David Figueroa, Bill Allyn and Wesley Ward.” The renovation break was over. Davis apologized and rushed to make his next appointment.

I took this opportunity to ask Ward about the young rider.

“First and foremost he is a gentleman; his dad was one of the best.

He has the right breeding-looks like a million dollars on a horse and just as soon as his dad gives him the green light, I’m going to ride him. I think he’s ready now, but Robbie wants him to get more experience. He knows what’s best; he has the wisdom.”

Wesley Ward has his own share of wisdom. In 1984 he was honored with the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey, following a season in which he won riding championships at Aqueduct, Belmont and the Meadowlands. He went on to

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

winner’s compete at racetracks in Italy, Malaysia and Singapore before weight gains forced him to retire in 1989. Ward has since made his mark as a trainer, just as his pedigree suggested.

His father, Dennis, was the leading apprentice jockey in New York in 196263 and later became a successful trainer. His grandfather on his mother’s side was the highly skilled and hugely admired NYRA outrider, Jim Dailey. In 2009, Ward became the first U.S.based trainer to ship to Ascot and win not one, but two races at the prestigious meet, proving he was a heady guy, whether wearing a riding helmet or a top hat!

When I asked Robbie about Ward’s jockey days, he smiled broadly and said, “Oh yeah, I used to drive him to the track – he was too young to get a driver’s license when he came to New York... He didn’t care much for my music, wanted to know if I had any newer tunes. The Conway Tweedy, George Straight stuff wasn’t cutting it with him – just so happens I did have a brand-new cassette; you see, I was just starting to date a new girl.

I popped in Madonna’s “Lucky Star” and we immediately just started singing, ‘Star light, star bright...’”

Photos by Sharon Castro

Top: The young Jockey Dylan Davis; Bottom: Dylan learns to ride with the help of his father, Robbie Davis.

circle That girl was standing beside Robbie this morning. Through thick and thin, Robbie and Marguerite have been a team for all of these years. They have six children, with Dylan being the youngest. Robbie and Wesley rode together for five to six years.

It excites all of us to look down the pike; meanwhile, Dylan listened to Ward’s instruction, took his leg-up, carefully tied his knot and headed off to the main track.

He looked professional, sitting handsomely astride the big bay colt. I watched the young rider finesse his mount and after backtracking, turn to gallop him gracefully to the pole and execute a well-timed half-mile work. I jumped in in my car to catch Dylan at his next stop.

Jack Wolferseder was holding his tacked up horse when Dylan arrived. Again, Davis listened intently to the trainer’s instructions, accepted a leg-up and weaved his way through the backstretch to the Oklahoma Training Track.

How did you come about putting him on your horse, I asked Wolferseder. “Early in the spring I noticed him; I thought jeez, that rider looks just like Robbie Davis.”

We laughed and

27 Wolferseder went on to say, “He’s quiet and sits a horse nicely.

We’ve become like peas and carrots. He’s such a genuine kid, well-raised. He’s doing a marvelous job. I tell him to be patient and he listens; he waits and looks for seams.”

After Dylan jumped off Nugget of Wisdom, rinsed his bridle, put the tack away and shared his ride with Wolferseder, I was able to quiz him a little more. Which riders do you most admire, I asked.

Dylan smiled and said, “Oh, I like a lot of them - Joel Rosario, Julien Leparoux and Rosie Napravnik are some of my favorites. Rosie is a real thinker, she outsmarts the boys sometimes.”

Do you think you will be a better rider on the dirt or on the turf, I asked. Without hesitation Dylan answered, “I think I’ll be primarily a dirt rider; that’s where most races are run here (New York), but I’ll ride the turf whenever I can.”

This kid just wants to ride!

About spare time Dylan said, “I like to relax at home. I keep my focus on riding. I take quick bicycle rides and every now and then get on the dirt bike. I used to race them; it’s a little like horse racing, except bikes always go where you point them.”

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TODAY

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

L A LOC fs brie

Single Parents of the Capital District Calling single parents ages 30s – 70s (with young or adult children) - Parents Without Partners (PWP) meets at 6:45 p.m, August 4, for their singles orientation and open house at the Shenedehowa Adult Community Center, at Clifton Commons.

Learn more at www.meetup.com/PWP796 or by calling (518) 348-2062.

Antiques Show and Sale at the Adirondack Museum The show will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both Saturday, August 11 and Sunday, August 12. Visitors interested in an early buying opportunity can visit on Saturday from 8-10 a.m. Tickets will be available at the door. For additional information, visit w w w. a d i r o n d a c k m u s e u m . o rg or call (518) 352-7311.

Saratoga Arts needs volunteers Pick up an application to volunteer online at www.saratogaarts.org/opportunities or stop by The Arts Center at 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

“Visión - a look at life behind the scenes” Benefit and Photography Exhibition On Tuesday, August 7, Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council will celebrate the fifth annual “Visión~a look at life behind the scenes” benefit for the Latino Community Advocacy Program. The annual event, held on the clubhouse porch of the Saratoga Race Course, is an opening reception for EOC’s ongoing black and white photography project “¡Estamos Aquí!” (We Are Here).

For more information, tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.saratogaeoc.org/vision.

Interfaith Prayer Breakfast Meeting The Monthly Interfaith Prayer Breakfast Meeting will take place Thursday, August 9, in the Courtyard at Longfellows Restaurant 500 Union Ave.,

Saratoga Springs. The meeting begins at 7:30 a.m. and concludes no later than 8:30. Sign-in and continental breakfast begin at 7:15. For more information, call (518) 587-9104.

Lake George Festival

Music

This week-long event will feature over 70 professional and student musicians in seven live performances and dozens of open rehearsals. Everyone participating is a volunteer. Events are held in a variety of public venues, such as local churches, museums, hotels and in the village’s popular Shepard Park amphitheater.

Admission is free to all events.

For more information, call (518) 791-5089 or visit www.lakegeorgemusicfestival.com.

Ecobelli's to open doors August 4 Those wishing to stroll down Memory Lane with the authors of a new cookbook honoring the legacy of Laurina Inzinna Ecobelli, the late matriarch of Ecobelli's Tam O'Shanter Restaurant, are invited to attend a celebration inside the landmark at 1475 Route 50 in Ballston Spa from 5 - 7 p.m., Saturday, August 4. For more information, Tracy Metzger can be reached at (518) 426-5211 or www.tlmetzger.com.

Engineering Enrichment Summer Program Proves Popular in Ballston Spa The interest in participating in STEM enrichment opportunities continues to grow in the district as students prepare for the rigors of high school science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) classes. The critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration skills will benefit the students in their future educational experiences and eventual employment in the 21st century workforce.

The summer program’s activities included constructing the tallest paper tower, designing solar ovens to cook s'mores, and building a magnetic levitating train. For additional information, contact Ballston Spa High School at (518) 884-7150, ext. 2317.

NYS Approved Defensive Driving Class On Saturday, August 4, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. there will be a defensive driving class at the First Baptist Church. Receive up to four points off of your driving record and save 10 percent on your base auto insur-

ance. Fee is only $35 and if you bring a friend, it is $30 each.

Registration is required and can be made by calling Ray Frankoski at (518) 286-3788.

From Scratch Club Academy Classes at Brookside Brookside, home of the Saratoga County Historical Society, is very excited to announce that the From Scratch Club Academy will be offering a variety of classes on food preparation and preservation. These unique classes allow participants the opportunity to learn about safe and effective methods for preserving the harvest and creating foods most people never considered making at home, like bacon and yogurt.

Participants will be able to rediscover these traditional skills that were practiced in Saratoga County kitchens for years and learn how to create a variety of delicious foods at home. For more information, call (518) 885-4000.

Enrollment Open at The King’s School The King's School is the most affordable private Christian school in the region. Designed around the Multiple Intelligence Model, the school’s Pre-K through 12th grade classes, explore, nurture and celebrate every child's thrilling awareness of their uniqueness, abilities and

gifts! The King’s School’s 100acre Adirondack campus is located at 6087 Rt. 9N, Lake Luzerne.

An open house is taking place August 30, from 3-8 p.m. For more information or to schedule a tour, call (518) 654-6230 or visit www.kingsschool.info.

Third Annual Country and Bluegrass Jamboree Wednesday, August 8 will be the third annual Country and Bluegrass Jamboree at Little Theater on the Farm, 27 Plum Rd., Fort Edward. The Jamboree runs from noon-10 p.m. with each of the five participating bands playing two sets, one in the afternoon and one in the evening.

Suggested donation is $10.

Vendors are welcome and should call (518) 747-3421. Raffles and refreshments will be available.

For more information, the schedule of performances and directions, visit www.littletheater27.org.

Talent Wanted The Town of Malta Parks & Recreation Department is holding auditions. Performing artists wishing to share their talent in the Malta Community Day Show, “Spotlight on Malta,” can audition by appointment the week of August 6-10. Call or email Elyse Young, artistic director, for further details at (518) 899-4411, ext.

305 or email theater@maltatown.org.

upcoming town meetings Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org 8/7: Town Board, 7 p.m.

8/8: Park Advisory, 7 p.m.

Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org 8/8: Planning Board, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com 8/7: Zoning Board, 7:30 p.m.

8/9: Town Board, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 899-2818 www.malta-town.org Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org 8/8: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.or 8/8: Board of Trustees, 7 p.m.

Town of Stillwater: 66 East St., Riverside Mechanicville, NY 12118 www.stillwaterny.org Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com 8/6: Park & Rec., 7 p.m.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors 40 McMaster St., # 1 Ballston Spa, NY 12020-1985 (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov 8/6: Equalization Committee, 3 p.m.

8/6: Veterans Committee, 3:30 p.m.

8/6: Legislative & Research Committee, 4 p.m.

8/9: Technology Committee, 4 p.m.

Send your local briefs to Eric Havens at ehavens@ saratogapublishing.com before Monday at 5 p.m. for Friday publication

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

living

3 - Aug 9 Aug

events Ongoing Events Tails and Terpsichore Exhibit National Museum of Dance, 99 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs An exhibit about the many occurrences where animal and dance themes become intertwined.

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. March 20 November 24 (518) 584-2225

Oklahoma Training Track Tours The National Museum of Racing, 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs This walking tour covers approximately one mile and lasts for one and a half hours. $10; 8:30 a.m.

June 2 - October 27 (518) 584-0400, ext. 120

American Baptist Affiliated Third Annual Revival 159 Stone Church Road, Ballston Spa The revival starts at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, August 8; Thursday, August 9; and Friday, August 10.

A snack wil be served at 6 p.m. If you have any questions regarding this program call Pastor Howard Sheffey at (518) 356-8069 or (518) 986-1142.

High Rock Pavilion Thursdays, June 8 - August 31 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

(518) 461-4893

Tang Museum Concerts: UpBeat on the Roof Tang Museum, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs A different artist performs every Friday through August 31 at 7 p.m. on the Tang Museum rooftop patio. For more information, call (518) 580-8080.

History, Legends, Lore and More Saratoga Springs Visitors Center, 297 Broadway This tour departs the Visitor Center daily at 10:30 a.m. rain or shine and is 90 minutes long. Tickets are $5 for adults and children under 12 are free. For more information, call (518) 587-3241.

to Atlanta"” a lecture and book signing from 1 - 3 p.m. To register, call (518) 885-5238 .

Sunday, August 5 Here Lies Saratoga’s Past: Greenridge Cemetery Part II

Friday, August 3

High Rock Park Pavilion on High Rock Avenue Gloria May will build on her first tour of the Greenridge Cemetery and elaborate on one of Saratoga’s most interesting families. For more information, call (518) 587-5030 or visit www.saratogapreservation.org.

Music in the Park with Robonic Reggae

Turning Point Parade

Smead Memorial Park, Stony Creek Rd., Hadley Music from 7 - 9 p.m. The concession stand will be open, come ready to move! For more information, call (518) 696-4379, ext. 4.

Guided Early Morning History Walks Saratoga National Historical Park, 648 Route 32, Stillwater Join park volunteers Ray Palmer and Dick Farrell from 9 - 11 a.m.

Participants should be able to walk two miles over uneven ground and should bring water and insect repellant. For more information, call (518) 664-9821, ext. 224.

Saturday, August 4 Sale to Benefit Campers

Saratoga Artisans and Crafters’ Market

CALENDAR

St. Peter Lutheran Church, 2776 Rte 9 St. Peter Lutheran Church will be holding its annual tag sale from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. There will also be a sale of baked ziti (with cheese, no meat), salad and a roll for $5 a unit.

For more information, call (518) 583-4153.

VFW Ladies Auxiliary Garage Sale 190 Excelsior Ave., VFW Post 420 Sale to support veteran programs and to send packages overseas to the troops. NO early birds, please.

Enjoy the air conditioned comfort at Post 420 in the hall. For more informatiion, call (518) 669-0364.

“Gone With the Wind” Lecture and Book Signing Ballston Journal, 83 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa Pauline Bartel will share behindthe-scenes stories about the making of Gone With the Wind in "Gone With the Wind’s Rocky Road

Rte. 29 and Rte. 4, Schuylerville Commemorating the Battle of Saratoga and the American victory in 1777. For more information, visit www.turningpointparade.com.

Picnic Performance at Grant Cottage Mount McGregor, Wilton Bring a picnic lunch up Mt. McGregor to experience the ragtime sounds of Scott Joplin performed by Michelle Von Haugg.

Grab a shady picnic table, lay down a blanket, or pull up a chair in front of the cottage where General Grant spent his final days 127 years ago. For more information, call (518) 584-4353.

Monday, August 6

Mountain's chef Mark Anthony featuring a variety of appetizers and party food and punches. Class includes group and one-on-one instruction, aprons and side towels, snack, and a recipe booklet to take home. For more information, call (518) 251-2411.

August Music Series Saratoga National Historical Park, Stillwater The track is closed, but music echoes through the Hudson River Valley. Bring a bag lunch and enjoy the views while listening to noontime concerts every Tuesday. For more information, call (518) 6649821, ext. 224.

Wednesday, August 8

Gore Mountain, North Creek Enjoy an afternoon with Gore

Fasig-Tipton Sales Arena Annual induction ceremony for new Hall of Fame members by the National Museum of Racing at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call (518) 584-0400, ext. 133.

Along the NYS Canal System and Erie Canal August 10 through 12 Celebrate the history of the canals. For more information, call (518) 436-3034.

Hocus Focus Family Event Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. From 11a.m. - noon. For more information, call (518) 584-7860.

Four-Time Camping World Truck Series Champion Ron Hornaday

Thursday, August 9

Amuse Bouche Cooking Class

Friday, August 10 Racing Hall of Fame Inductions

7th Annual Canal Splash

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. From 6:30 - 8 p.m.

For fee and registration information, call (518) 584-7860.

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. Indoor games in the H. Dutcher Community Room from 11:30 a.m.

- 1 p.m. Kids - bring your grownups and show them how it's done!

Registration not necessary. For kids grades K-5. For more information, call (518) 584-7860, ext. 3.

Upcoming Events

Roosevelt Bath & Spa, 24 Gideon Putnam Rd. A play day and some amazing patterned water produces when intergrated with light and sound. For more information, call (802) 4732836.

Writing Ghost and Horror Stories With David Pitkin

Family Game Day

The event will take place from 9 11 p.m.. There will be a $5 cover charge at the door and all proceeds from this event will benefit the Saratoga Regional YMCA’s annual scholarship campaign, We Build People. For more information, call (518) 583-9622.

Water, Light and Sound

Saratoga Automobile Museum, 110 Avenue of the Pines Meet and Greet series continues at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available at www.saratogaautomuseum.org.

Tuesday, August 7

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Steak Night 190 Excelsior Ave., VFW Post 420 Grilled Steak dinner will consist of rib steak, baked potato, corn on the cob and salad. Come enjoy our air conditioned hall. 5 - 7 p.m.

For more information, call (518) 884-1235.

Adirondack Circuit Dog Show 2012 Saratoga County Fairgrounds Dog Show and Obedience Trials.

For more information, call (518) 399-2040.

Party for a Cause: Rock Around the Clock Vapor Night Club, Saratoga Casino and Raceway

Farmers’ Markets Saratoga Springs High Rock Park Wednesdays 3 - 6 p.m.

Saturdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. www.saratogafarmersmarket.org

Greenfield Center Middle Grove Park on Middle Grove Rd. Fridays 4 - 7 p.m. www.greenfieldhistoricalsociety.com

Ballston Spa Wiswall Park on Front St. Thursdays 3 - 6 p.m.

Saturdays 9 a.m. noon www.ballston.org

Burnt Hills / Ballston Lake Corner of Lake Hill Rd. and Route 50 Saturdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Malta Community Center Tuesdays 3 - 6 p.m. www.saratogafarmersmarket.org

Send your calendar items to Eric Havens at ehavens@saratogapublishing.com before 5 p.m. on Monday for Friday publication.

Saratoga’s Historic Homes: The Davidson Safe Opera

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

30

by Hollis Palmer Saratoga TODAY Although he never lived in it, the house at 203 Union Avenue is a testament to a man who lived both the American dream and, for a few months, the American nightmare of having his name in the newspaper daily.

John McBain Davidson was orphaned at an early age. Left a small inheritance, his gumption impressed his mentor, Erastus Corning, the wealthy patron of Albany. Davidson, encouraged by Corning, invested in an iron manufacturing business which would expand into the manufacturing of safes. The safe business would place Davidson as the center point of one of the biggest political scandals of the 1870s.

Davidson, an avid horse lover, had business interests in New York City. There he befriended Boss Tweed of Tammany Hall. Without

competitive bidding, Tweed and his associates purchased from Davidson’s company numerous safes for the buildings owned by the City of New York. When it came time to pay for the safes, Davidson was told to endorse the checks without turning them over. He received the amount of his invoices; however, invoices showed that the city had been billed more than once for the same safe. The Tweed Ring was pocketing the additional money. At first it was believed that Davidson was involved in the false invoices, but over time it was shown that he was an unfortunate victim of the scam. By the time of the Tweed’s trial in the 1870s, Davidson had learned his lesson and divested himself of the safe business.

In the late 1850s, Davidson and his partner Captain D. Hitcock began the operation of the Hudson River Day Line Steam Company. As the business expanded Davidson maintained a half interest, selling shares to Alfred Van Santvoord. The Day Line operated two boats, the

Daniel Drew and the Armenia.

While one ran from Albany to New York, the other ran in the opposite direction. The trip took nine hours, with riverboat passengers enjoying a restful excursion versus those who elected a loud, smoky, jolting ride on the railroad. The steamboat investment proved extremely lucrative for Davidson until after his death when his estate sold his share.

It was a wise move because the automobile was soon to change travel. It was not that early autos were faster, more comfortable or safer; their true benefit was in providing greater independence once people reached their destinations.

Partly because of her business insight, Mrs. Davidson and her daughter would never be called upon to work. Among other properties, the Davidson women owned the two theaters at the corner of Forty Second Street and Seventh Avenue (Times Square) Mrs. Davidson bought the site for $55,000 in 1897. In 1913 it was appraised for over $1,500,000.

Following Davidson’s death, his daughter, Beatrice, and her mother maintained their homes in Saratoga and in New York City and traveled extensively in Europe. They spent several years in the 1890s in Berlin where Beatrice was trained to sing opera at some of the leading music schools in Europe. Early in the last century, Beatrice performed during the season at the Grand Union before leaving to perform in an opera production in Germany.

In January 1915, in the living room, 34-year-old Beatrice married Lt. Percy Alexander Cook. Lt. Cook was British and served in the British Navy during the Boar War. A true playboy, Cook was once on an oceangoing yacht that capsized.

When the rescue ship approached, Percy told them to wait a minute because he had a big one on the line – he was using the opportunity to do some sport fishing.

The 23 Union Ave. house was under construction when Davidson died, which may explain two of its unique features. The grand staircase

SARATOGA

TODAY

ends halfway between the second and the third floor. One explanation could be that the area was to be a stage for young Beatrice. More likely it was not finished because the remaining stairs would lead to Mr. Davidson’s pool room (the custom at the time was to have the pool table on the third floor.) The second feature is the full bathroom on the first floor – an unusual feature in Saratoga cottages. It is probable that the bathroom was installed so that Mr. Davidson, who was an invalid in his later years, would not have to climb the stairs.

One of the claims made by many who live in Saratoga’s Victorian houses is that Lillian Russell stayed within their walls. It was after seeing the main bathroom on the second floor that, in the case of the Davidson’s home, the author imagined the story may be true; it is huge with a bathtub big enough for two (or Diamond Jim Brady), a wraparound shower, and a special basin to wash one’s feet.

The house was reportedly vacant

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TODAY

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

from 1932 through 1946 and then went through a series of owners.

SPAC owned the house in 1964 when there were plans to use it to house performers; instead they sold it for $12,500. By 1970 it would become the home of the American Ballet Company operated by Madame Phyllis Latin. Currently operating as a Bed and Breakfast, owners Cindy and Don Nichols have come to understand that their most frequent guests are actually friends.

Interesting side notes on the Davidson family: In 1908, when there were less than 200,000 cars in the United States, only a few thousand miles of paved highway, and women rarely drove, Mrs. Davidson and Beatrice, along with two other ladies, motored from New York City to Saratoga for the season.

The week before John Davidson died in 1887, the Saratoga police closed five disorderly houses in the vicinity of Spring and Henry streets – no direct connection between their closure and Mr. Davidson’s death could be found.

At her wedding party, Beatrice cut her wedding cake using her husband’s military sword from the Boar War. At the corruption trial for Boss Tweed, Davidson admitted that he made a 100 percent profit on each safe.

For the census, Percy Cook would list his profession as a poultry breeder – a fancy way of admitting he raised fighting cocks.

Beatrice and Percy would divorce in 1942.

The books by Hollis Palmer are availble at Crafters Gallery and the Saratoga Springs History Museum.

Correction: Last week’s article stated that Agatha Quintana was married to Charles Kilmer. In fact, she was married to Clarence Kilmer (the story of his life is from the correct obituary.) I apologize for the mistake. - HP

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SARATOGA

FOOD

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

TODAY

FRESH PEACH AND BLACKBERRY CUSTARD Go for gold - to match any English custard!

There is nothing better to eat fresh than just-picked summer fruits.

Fresh fruit is juicy and sweet with a bit of al dente firmness that brings a smile of satisfaction to the consumer’s face. Golden peaches and blackberries, a pair of fruits which synergistically lend themselves to culinary delights, are now plentiful at the farmers’ market. Combine them in salads, serve plain with yogurt or cream, and even cook to create savory meat sauces. I am sure our Olympic athletes are themselves discovering this English favorite–fresh peaches and blackberries in summer custard.

While we may not have Derbyshire Cream, we do have real-

ly delicious fruit, the award-winning Battenkill Valley Creamery milk (or better yet, their half-and-half or heavy cream), and wonderful local eggs with golden yolks to create a gold-medal custard to rival any English version. This recipe makes a delightful summer dessert, good enough for any Olympian and a certain hit when company is coming.

For the cook, this recipe is easy, almost foolproof, and can be made ahead, giving the host maximum time to enjoy dinner and guests.

Ingredients: (Should serve 8) • 1 tsp. butter • 1 cup fresh blackberries* • 2 cups peeled and sliced fresh peaches* • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 2/3 cup sugar • 1 1/4 cup milk, half-andhalf, or cream* (Cream makes the best and most decadent custard.)

• 3 local eggs* • 1/2 tsp. vanilla • pinch of salt

Bowled over!

John Reardon Compliments to the Chef

Hello my Foodie Friends!

The first anniversary of Hurricane Irene is quickly approaching. Hurricane Irene was the fifth costliest United States hurricane. It was a large and very destructive tropical cyclone, which affected much of the Caribbean and East Coast of the United States during the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season.

Irene made its ninth and final landfall in Brooklyn. Early on August 29, Irene transitioned into an extra tropical cyclone near the Vermont/ New Hampshire border, after remaining inland as a tropical

cyclone for less than 12 hours. In upstate New York, streams raged out of control and in New England, Vermont got hit hard by the storm and found itself dealing with what its governor called the worst flooding in a century. For many people, the aftermath of the storm proved to be more painful than the storm itself.

Currently, our store proudly sells hand-turned hardwood bowls that were handcrafted by a Vermont artisan from cherry and butternut woods reclaimed from the trees damaged by Hurricane Irene. These beautiful wood bowls are of the highest quality, handcrafted from a single piece of premium hardwood.

They are a testament of the strength and perseverance of those impacted by this catastrophic hurricane. The bowls come in 8-, 11- and 13-inch sizes. Wood bowls are excellent for prepping, creating a magnificent salad and for chopping food in.

When cleaning your wood bowls or any wood surface product, you

Photo Provided

(Note: You can find items marked * at the Saratoga Springs Farmers’ Market.)

Preparation: Blanch whole peaches for about half a minute in simmering water, then immediately plunge into cold

water. Slip off the skins and slice.

Pour the blackberries and peach slices into a buttered 2-quart baking dish. Whisk the remaining ingredients in a bowl to form a light, thin batter. Pour over the fruit mixture and place in a preheated 350°F. oven

for 45 minutes ,or until browned and puffed around the edges, and the center is set. Allow to cool to room temperature before serving.

Serve plain or with a scoop of Battenkill Valley Creamery ice cream.

should use a wet cloth or non-abrasive scrub pad in warm, sudsy water, and scrub the entire surface until free of food. Immediately dry the surface of moisture with a clean cloth or paper towel.

When the wood becomes dry, apply another coat of mineral oil.

The use of vegetable oils is not recommended as a finish, as they contain ingredients that may tend to create a culture for bacteria to build up.

Vegetable oils tend to become

gummy and resist attempts to properly clean wood surfaces. Mineral oil is nontoxic, inert oil that is light textured and will not build up an excessive coating over time.

Mineral oil will not stain the wood, however, spices and food may discolor the surface over time, especially if the wood becomes dry.

Our family proudly uses Vermont hardwood bowls every day at the Reardon household. The young man that makes these bowls is an

example of the American ability to take a negative and turn it into a positive!

These bowls will stand up to years of use and will be part of many wonderful family memories.

Remember friends, “Life happens in the kitchen.”

Take care,

Photo Provided

John and Paula

SARATOGA

TODAY Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

Your Home

33

Do You Love to Cook?

Then you have to check out the BlueStar line of Ranges!

Suzanne Voigt Do you love to cook? I do. Do you follow the cooking channel and classes on TV and try to replicate the recipes at home? Are you like me and can’t wait to get to the farmers’ market to purchase the finest, freshest ingredients for your latest dinner party?

I also love to bake and I dream of being able to make my daughter’s wedding cake. During the holidays, I spend days baking all the cookies and cakes I give away, and at this time of year, I am canning ingredients from the garden. Come fall, I do catering for gatherings of up to 300 people.

I truly have a passion for cooking, but I am an amateur and my kitchen is small, so I am limited to the size stove I can own. What I would give to be able to have a commercial range with high BTUs for canning and stir-fry, a low simmer so my sauces don’t scorch, and a big oven to fit four dozen cookies in at a time or the bottom layer of a wedding cake. Up until recently I thought this was just a fantasy…

Then along came Tom Thibeault of Adirondack Appliance with a BlueStar Range, literally. Tom helps the Saratoga Farmers’ Market with their Annual Iron Chef Competition by supplying the cooking surfaces for the chefs to work their culinary magic, and I am their market coordinator. This past year he drove up to the market with a BlueStar Range! I was transfixed.

Tom introduced us to the RNB BlueStar Range. This model has a 22,000 BTU burner, the highest power burner on the market, for the most efficient cooking experience possible. It also has a 130˚ simmer burner for preparing delicate sauces and soups (without the scorch!), AND the oven was commercial size with convection. Wedding cakes? No problem! This all came in a freestanding range 30 inches wide! Of course, not all this was used during the Iron Chef Competition, but the contestant chefs and the audience loved the appliance.

Needless to say, I had to find out more about this amazing kitchen stove! First I talked to more professional sales folks: “Did you know it comes in 190 color choices?” What?! That in itself boggles the mind, but there are plenty more choices. You can customize your grates.

Do you want your simmer burner on your right or left, up front or in the back—it is your choice.

Is stir-frying your thing? No problem. The range has a grate on the high BTU burner that is a perfect hole to drop a 14- to 16-inch wok into (no ring required). I can only imagine how quick and easy it would be to can with 22,000 BTUs of

water-boiling power! It also comes standard with an infrared broiler and an oven that fits a commercial (18 x 26-inch) baking sheet.

There are no computerized functions on this range—no wizardry to using it or high-priced computer chips to replace if they break down.

One of the biggest pluses is that the entire top surface is cast iron - not stainless steel, not porcelain. One can remove the entire top for cleaning, which would be a huge plus for me!

The next step in checking out this range was to research the reliability and customer satisfaction. According to Consumer Research, the “BlueStar is a professional quality range for the home kitchen and is highly regarded by cooking enthusiasts as well as top professional chefs.”

Bon Appetite magazine rated it the best top residential pro range in the industry and Kitchen Designs says its color range just “makes the kitchen sizzle”! I also discovered the BlueStar line was introduced in 2002 by Prizer Painter Inc., a 100-year-old American company, “to provide genuine restaurant ranges to the American residential market.”

Consumers also seem to rave about the BlueStar line, though, like with anything, there were a few detractors. (The two biggest issues seem to deal with it radiating more heat than some are used to and poor installation—the heating issue has been fixed in the latest models, according to Tom Thibeualt, and “Every BlueStar we deliver is calibrated by me personally so they are perfect right out of the box!”)

One enthusiastic consumer online noted how much they liked the unsealed burner design: “Since the flame shoots straight up, it doesn't get wider when you turn up the power, meaning you can use small pots with higher power than you can with other ranges we have used…and it is great for melting chocolate.”

(That is always a winner comment in my house). Others commented on the even-cooking and large capacity of the oven and the fact the black, cast surface of the cooktop was easy to maintain-- two more pluses in my book!

Finally, I went looking for a professional chef that uses a BlueStar. I didn’t have to go far.

Rachel Ray endorses their latest retro line and Saratoga chef extraordinaire, Jamie Ortiz, of Mazzone Hospitality, personally owns a BlueStar range. While he admits he actually didn’t buy it—he bought the house the range was in-- because it had a BlueStar range (and remodeled kitchen)! In his own words: “I like the stove so much because of its professional, commercial, kitchen build and the feel that it has.

The burners and knobs have a heavy-duty feel like a restaurant stove. The oven has an infrared broiler and is wide enough to fit full-size sheet pans. The BTUs it pumps out are great. I feel confident in catering a party of 50-100 just off of this six-burner stove in my kitchen. My conclusion is: if you know how to cook, love to cook and want a commercial range in a residential kitchen, then you would love a BlueStar.”

I am sold. Now to “rob the bank” to pay for it!

It isn’t cheap (this model is around $4,500), but

neither is a car, and I spend more time at the stove than I do behind the wheel of my car. By this comparison, it IS cheap at five times the price, and I can’t wait!

• Olive oil • Grilled vegetables of your choice: zucchini, summer squash, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, mushrooms

A Great Recipe to Cook on The BlueStar Corn Chowder (from the BlueStar kitchen of Karen Watts, Texas-born, foodie extraordinaire)

Ingredients: • 6 ears of corn, husks and silk removed • 2 sprigs – fresh thyme • Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon) • Salt

1. Carefully cut the kernels off the ears of corn. To do this, stand each ear of corn upright on its wide end, then use a serrated knife to carefully saw down the length of the cob, rotating and repeating until all of the kernels are removed. Set the kernels aside. Do not discard the cobs.

2. To make corn stock, place the cobs in a

large stockpot. Add enough water to just barely cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes to one hour, or until the water has a rich corn flavor. Strain the stock and discard the cobs and any solids. Set aside.

3. Reserve ¾ cup of the corn kernels, then place the remaining kernels in a blender. Purée until smooth, about 45 seconds. If needed, add a bit of the corn stock to help get the blender started. Pour the purée through a mesh strainer into a medium saucepan. Discard any bits of skin.

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TODAY

Armchair Perennial Gardening

by Kerry Ann Mendez Owner of Perennially Yours Let’s face it. Flowers are beautiful, but they are work. Living things are like that. Most flowering perennials need nutrients, water and some loving kindness to thrive, and their neediness doesn’t stop after blooming.

They still need to be deadheaded, tidied-up and watered. Wouldn’t it be nice to have color in the garden with minimal involvement on our part?

Below are 10 ideas to add pizzazz, but let me start by saying mulch is not one of them. I know I risk offending some folks, but I believe mulch should be understated (not orange) and used as a functional backdrop, not the focal point. There, I said it.

Leave it to the leaves. Admit it or not, leaves are the backbone of your perennial gardens. They play an invaluable, and usually thankless, role. Great leaves can complement flowers and bring out their best, just like in a beautiful bouquet. Leaves can also hide eyesores and carry the interest when there are no blooms in sight. When designing gardens, I count on at least one out of three perennials to contribute striking leaves. And leaves are little or no work. Some great perennial families with sassy leaves include Coral Bell (Heuchera), Deadnettle (Lamium), Ligularia, Hosta, Foamflower (Tiarella), ornamental grasses,

Lungwort (Pulmonaria), Sedum and Snakeroot (Cimicifuga).

Colorful containers and urns help breakup ‘boring’ expanses of flowers. You don’t even have to fill them with flowers. Besides, planting them only defeats the purpose of reducing maintenance. Tuck interesting pieces among perennials and shrubs or set them by themselves as focal points. I am a huge fan of glazed blue containers, especially in the shade where blue flowering perennials are a rare find.

Chairs and benches add pop.

They can be made from many different materials, providing both an architectural dimension as well as color. Bright pink, purple, blue, yellow and chartreuse are popular furniture colors. Natural finished wood is

less flamboyant but can make an equally strong impression. I love using teak chairs, benches and tables in the landscape. These are especially striking when surrounded by an apron of cool green leaves of various hues, sizes and textures. Very soothing. To keep the wood looking rich and lustrous, I apply an annual application of Penofin, a protective oil.

This also increases their longevity. I am thinking about rubbing some on myself.

Gazing globes, birdhouses, birdbaths and other entertaining pieces are always fun. Let your personality shine. Glowing globes are becoming all the rage. They contain a special material that absorbs sunlight, turning them into solar-powered beacons at night. You can also buy glowing gnomes and fairies. I tend to be on the conservative side and stick with gazing globes. I tuck blue gazing globes of varied dimensions (4, 6 and 10 inches in diameter) throughout my gardens. Some are placed on the ground, nestled among cool foliaged

plants, while others sit atop stands or in birdbath basins. These ornaments subtly carry the eye from one garden bed to the next with no handholding on my part.

Statuary and fountains are a nobrainer. My favorite no-brainers!

The added bonus of fountains is the soothing sound of running water they provide. My only comment on statuary and fountains is to be careful they are in scale to the surrounding area. If they are too large or tiny for the space, they can look silly.

Outdoor lighting can be a unique color source. Agreed, we are talking primarily in the evening, but this is when many of us actually have time to enjoy our gardens. When locating the lamps, think creatively.

Don’t just blast an area with ‘stadium lights.’ Outdoor lighting is an art form and there are landscape specialists in this area. Uplighting, downlighting and backlighting create a magical atmosphere. Don’t just think ‘white’ light. Use different colored

bulbs to make a light show second to none. And by using LED powered ‘projectors,’ you also save money.

You can direct lighting to focal points, pathways, walls, water features, graceful branched trees and through special light panels in decking.

Stonework (natural stone or man-made tiles) and stamped colored concrete are solid choices.

Concrete acid stains have now evolved from earthy color selections to greens, blues and lavender.

Obelisks, armillaries and sundials add a ‘cottage-y’ dimension. I like planting delicate, wispy flowers or foliage around their base to act as ballerina skirts. Theme ‘panels’ that are placed on walls or freestanding can also add punch. Usually these are in sections or they come as folding panels with colorful artwork painted on them.

Well-placed pillows and throws add a leisurely feel to a garden setting. Of course they work better on furniture than tossed among plants.

Spray paint can be likened to duct tape. Very functional. I spray spent flower heads of Alliums, Astilbes and Hydrangeas to extend color into fall (and winter if I don’t whack the plants back). You can spray just about anything to add excitement. Heck, one of my students even spray-painted the tail of a friendly gray squirrel in his yard bright blue. Is nothing sacred?

By Kerry Ann Mendez is the owner of Perennially Yours www.pyours.com and the director of marketing at Faddegon’s Nursery in Latham (www.faddegons.com).

Kerry is also the author of “The Ultimate Flower Gardener’s Top Ten Lists” and “Top Ten Lists for Beautiful Shade Gardens.”

Your Give Summer-Stressed Plants a Helping Hand Home SARATOGA

TODAY Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

by Melinda Myers For Saratoga TODAY Don’t let summer stressors ruin your landscape’s good looks. Instead give your plants’ natural defenses a boost and keep both vegetable gardens producing and flowers blooming.

Busy summer schedules can lead to plant neglect and less-than-pictureperfect gardens. When you team this with summer heat and drought that can lead to wilting, brown leaves, and poor growth, and add insects and diseases that can further weaken and damage plants, gardens can really suffer.

An exciting new organic tool for gardeners is now available to help.

Plant strengtheners, like JAZ sprays, help boost plants’ natural defenses so they are better able to deal with environmental stress, neglect, as well as insects and disease attacks.

Scientists found that when plants experienced stress from drought, temperature extremes, insects or diseases they produced certain molecules that activated their natural defenses. They isolated these molecules, applied them to other plants, and found that the treated plants were better able to tolerate stress.

Plant strengtheners contain such molecules that increase natural defenses in plants. One such family of molecules are the jasmonates, originally identified in the jasmine plant, which increase hundreds of natural defense molecules in treated plants.

Some of the natural defenses make the plants more resistant to pathogens and others help reduce damage from drought, heat and salt.

While proper care can help increase a plant’s natural defenses, plant strengtheners give them an extra

boost to help plants thrive even during periods of environmental stress.

These organic products act like vitamins or immunizations, helping plants deal with extreme and often unpredictable weather, pest and disease challenges.

You can even keep healthy plants performing their best by proactively using a plant strengthener. By doing so, you’ll boost a plant’s immune system before environmental stresses hit and ultimately help it thrive as it faces serious challenges throughout the remainder of the season. It’s a great way to protect plants before they become threatened.

Make sure to give your plants proper care throughout their lifetime.

Water thoroughly and as needed.

Then mulch the soil surrounding your plants with shredded leaves, evergreen needles or other organic materials. These conserve moisture, keep roots cool and moist, suppress weeds, and improve the soil as they break down.

And, if your plants experience the same problems each year, it is time to make a change. Move stressed plants to more suitable growing conditions.

Match the plant to the light, soil and moisture it prefers. Replace diseased plants with resistant varieties and provide proper care.

By taking these steps and investing a bit of time and energy you’ll be sure to create a beautiful, healthy and productive landscape.

A nationally known gardening expert, TV/radio host, author and columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books. For more information, visit Melinda’s website at www.melindamyers.com.

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East Elm Interiors’ Tips for a Winning Outdoor Racing-Themed Party

by Shelly Walker & Chris Liberty From East Elm Interiors for Saratoga TODAY

Thinking about throwing a racing-themed party this summer or for the Travers? Then take your party outside with these design and decor tips from East Elm Interiors.

These tips will show you how to

make a memorable outdoor party that will rival any race day at the track.

First and foremost, start by setting the theme in green. Bring in shrubbery and ferns to set the lavish outdoor feel of being at the track. You can use smaller shrubs or evergreens in decorative containers that can remain all year long or be planted at a later date, preferably fall or spring. Also use Boston

SARATOGA

TODAY Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012 ferns while layering in the greenery as they add a lush touch that drape rather nicely and can be used inside after the summer for next year's party.

Once you have the guest list finalized, take stock of how large your space is and compare it to how many guests will be attending. If you are going to have a large event, consider using your deck or patio and your lawn too by setting up multiple table arrangements. If you are short a few tables, consider renting tables and chairs from your local rent-all store to keep a consistent look in the furnishings.

Now that the table(s) are ready to be set, find out what color silks will

be donned by the jockeys for that day. Use sateen tablecloths in the various jockeys’ colors by layering the colors for each table. If your gathering is on the smaller size, you can print out pictures of different jockey silks to use as name place cards or pick your favorite horses and name the different tables after them.

When setting the tables you can continue on with the colorful theme of racing. However, do not go crazy with too many mixed and matched items. Keep your dishes simple and preferably one color, using chargers to match your "silk" table cloths.

To construct centerpieces, have

Your Home

your garden center or florist make arrangements utilizing annuals, perennials and cut flowers. If mixing in busts of horses, candles or even horse candle holders, keep the floral arrangement smaller to accommodate all items without overwhelming the table. The Internet or local Saratoga shops offer a great variety of horse items from the kitschy to the elegant, but don't overdo it with the horse theme.

Lighting is always very important and will set the mood or destroy it! We recommend layering in as much as you can. For outdoor sconces, try using a lower wattage bulb than what you normally use.

Use candles on tables or placed around the deck/patio with floor candle holders in varying heights.

Pick up solar landscaping lights to use in the ground or pots. Be sure to place them out in advance to charge the solar panels.

Even though your racing-themed party is just getting started, it isn't too early to start thinking about next year. Do so by taking pictures of you and your guests and jotting down notes about the event.

Compile these into a "racing form" for next year. It will be a wonderful trip down "winner’s memory lane" and will make for great conversations along with lovely parting gifts for your guests.

37 Follow these fun tips and add your own flair for a party that’s sure to end up in the Winner’s Circle.

East Elm Interiors is a locallyowned interior design firm that serves clients throughout the Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls and Lake George area. Owned by partners Shelly Walker and Chris Liberty, East Elm Interiors offers residential and commercial interior designer services, custom window treatments and home staging services.

For more design inspiration or to reach East Elm Interiors, call (518) 793-0515 or visit www.eastelminteriors.com.

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Belmonte Builders’ Whitehall

Welcome Home

photo provided

Belmonte Builders is proud to present Whitehall as the featured home in this month’s publication.

Beautifully located at 21 Hidden Farm Lane, on a half-acre lot in the family-friendly Harvest Bend neighborhood, this custom home is surrounded by rolling hills in the Town of Halfmoon. Harvest bend is country quiet, yet close to everything and located within the excellent Shenendehowa School District. It is a wonderful place to start a family or to find more room for one that is expanding.

Whitehall exudes charm, character, and superior architectural quality and design, and is one of many traditional, custom designed homes offered by Belmonte Builders. A craftsman-themed exterior characterizes this architectural treasure, featuring a covered wraparound front porch, carriage-style overhead garage door and cultured stone accents. The elegant steeped pitched roof adds curb appeal and

features Custom Elevations Lifetime Warranty Architectural Shingles. The extensive landscaping includes a built-in sprinkler system, added trees and a generous plantings package.

Encompassing almost 3,000 square feet, and boasting four bedrooms and three and a half baths, the spacious and well-proportioned floor plan reflects a sense of comfort and charm in every detail. The airy and light-filled floor plan features a dining room with a lovely arched entryway. The open and spacious eat-in kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a dining nook, double pantry, and island complete with a breakfast bar, offering generous seating for entertaining. The adjacent sunroom is perfect for enjoying a relaxing cup of coffee.

A fireplace warms the great room which features an 11-foot vaulted ceiling and abundant natural light from the surrounding win-

dows and transoms.

The two-car garage features a carriage-style, insulated overhead garage door with decorative glass and enters directly into a mudroom with built-in coat hooks and a conveniently located adjacent bathroom.

Additionally, the first floor of this home features lofty 9-foot ceilings, prefinished oak flooring and oversized colonial baseboard throughout.

Craftsman-style oak stair railings lead to the second floor. The master bedroom suite offers its own private master entry vestibule with art niche and features a beautifully crafted tray ceiling and large walkin closet. The master bathroom transcends you to a tranquil environment with large custom shower with separate his and her vanities.

The second floor of this home has three additional spacious bedrooms with beautiful natural light and walk-in closets, two full bath-

rooms, and a tech niche, perfect for doing schoolwork, listening to music or playing online games.

The laundry room also boasts a convenient second-floor location as well, with an adjacent linen closet.

Descend to the partially finished basement via the open staircase located off the Foyer hallway and enjoy the garden-level large egress windows that complete this design.

Belmonte homes are built to Energy Star Specifications, with generously sized, Energy Star rated Pella “Proline” Series wood double-hung windows throughout, Energy Star rated insulation, a 95 percent efficient furnace, air conditioning and programmable thermostat and humidifier, and ThermaTru insulated entry doors with adjustable thresholds.

Belmonte Builders strives to create custom homes as individual as their customers. Known for their attention to detail, naturally flow-

ing floor plans, and their ability to bring the world of true custom home building into an affordable price range, Belmonte will take the time to make sure your home is a true expression of who you are.

Specifications are available on their website and show that many of Belmonte’s standard features are other builder’s upgrades.

By paying close attention to detail, using innovative high-quality products, and attaining and keeping an experienced staff that strives for perfection, Belmonte has built a reputation for excellence. They take pride in their ability to adapt to new challenges while maintaining high standards.

Founded in 1977, Belmonte Builders is one of the largest custom homebuilders in the Capital District, and has won numerous awards for their excellence in homebuilding. Visit www.belmontebuilders.com for more information.

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Features Livings Spaces: -3,000 square feet -Four bedrooms -Three and a half baths -Dining Rom -Sunroom -Great room -Mudroom

Details: - Arched entryway to dining room - Carriage-style overhead garage door - Cultured stone accents - 11-foot vaulted ceiling in great room - Prefinished oak flooring - Oversized colonial baseboard - Craftsman-style oak stair railings

Amenities: - Custom Elevations Lifetime Warranty Architectural Shingles - Fireplace - Walk-in closets - Laundry room - Partially finished basement - Energy Star rated Pella

“Proline� Series wood double-hung windows - Energy Star rated insulation - ThermaTru insulated entry doors

The Kitchen: -Stainless steel appliances -Granite countertops -Dining nook -Double pantry

Your Home

-Island with breakfast bar

Outdoor Spaces: - Surrounded by rolling hills in Halfmoon - Wraparound front porch

School District: Shenendehowa School District

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Get the Look you Love in Five Steps

by Dawn DiLorenzo Locust Grove Designs Five Tips for Getting the Look you Love on a Budget HGTV makes it look easy; despite a $1,000 budget, the designer has fabulous fabrics which she picked up for just $50 and whips into gorgeous slipcovers for $100 outlet chairs and amazing window treatments. Add the $2,000 rug she just happened to find on clearance for $199, the $500 lamps for $99 each, and the $5,000 sofa found at her local antique shop for $200 – in perfect condition, of course. All told, the room that could grace the cover of House Beautiful only took a half hour and $997.

If only decorating in real life was that easy! While decorating is fun, staying on budget and still creating a beautiful room can be challenging.

But follow my secrets of good design, and you too can have an amazing space without breaking the bank.

1.

Define your style. I talk to people all the time who have no idea what their style is. Look at lots of pictures, magazine and websites, and pay attention to the styles that you feel yourself respond to. Do you like country (or its modern cousin)?

What about contemporary? Folk art? Adirondack or mission? There are a plethora of styles, so do some homework and figure out which one suits you (and your budget) best.

Ethan Allen has a great online tool called “What’s Your Signature?” that helps you define your style

through a series of pictures. I’m not saying you need to clear out your closest Ethan Allen, but use the things you love as inspiration for finding items in your budget. Other retailers like Pottery Barn regularly host design seminars in their stores and even offer a discount on products used in that day’s demonstrations.

2.

Create your own design library. Tear out pages from your favorite magazines and catalogs.

Keep pages separated by room or accessory (rugs, window treatments, wall décor) so you can find things easily when inspiration hits. I started collecting pages years ago and now have half a file cabinet drawer filled with thousands of ideas for everything from kitchens and baths, to kids’ rooms, and art – and even outdoor décor and gardening projects. It’s really an invaluable resource. A word of advice – unless you’re doing only a single room, just setup files now and be done with it. Trying to cram all those lovely pictures into a 3-ring binder will only cause you headaches later when you cannot find the rug you HAD to have last year now that you’re finally making over your bathroom. Keeping your pages in dedicated folders make the job much easier down the line.

3.

Shop. Visit stores and browse online – hit the national chains and your locally owned stores and boutiques. You don’t have to actually buy anything, but know the stores you like and check

back frequently for sales, closeouts and new merchandise. LIKE your favorite stores’ Facebook pages and be the first to know of sales, coupons and specials. And don’t forget to bargain hunt on Craigslist, eBbay and your local thrift stores (my personal favorite!).

4.

Only buy what you love. I know it’s tempting to buy something because it’s on sale, or it “goes” with your room, but if you don’t love it – and I mean, love it like you can’t live without it – then do not buy it. You’ll only end up throwing it out or giving it away later. Even if you have to save more money or wait until the thing you really want goes on sale, it’s not a bargain unless you really love it.

5.

Try new things. Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not saying go out and drop $5,000 for a plum velvet Victorian sofa for your contemporary den (although, it could look fabulous!). But what I am saying is mix it up a little bit. If you like country, stick with it but throw in some elements from other styles. Or instead of the usual mid-tone country palette, use deeper hues to give it your own signature look. Mixing styles can be a great way to personalize your space. A contemporary element such as a piece of artwork or accessories in a country-style room can infuse energy into a room and creates your own personal style.

How do you make your design dreams come true? LIKE my Facebook page, Locust Grove Designs, tell me about your favorite projects and how you used ingenuity to get the room (or house) of your dreams. And I’ll give you lots of ideas for your next project!

Ready to finally get started on that makeover you’ve been putting off but don’t know where to start? Give me a call today to schedule your inhome consultation and get ready to “Love Your Home Again.”

About Locust Grove Designs Dawn DiLorenzo founded Locust Grove Designs in 2011. She is a graduate of Skidmore College and former sales, marketing and design expert at Teakwood Builders. She is also principal at Locust Grove Marketing, a marketing firm specializing in e-marketing. Connect with her on Facebook at Locust Grove Designs or visit her website at www.locustgrovedesigns.com. Contact her by phone at (518) 222-9551.

TODAY

Property Transactions BALLSTON 21 Beacon St., $253,169: Traditional Builders Ltd. sold property to Alexander and Janet N. Daniels.

6 Woods Edge, $394,500: Haldane and Ellen Wilson sold property to Catherine Terry.

40 Long Creek Dr., $400,000: James and Lisa Doan sold property to Timothy and Catherine Biesty.

CLIFTON PARK 30 Beechwood Dr., $245,000: John and Patricia Pruyn sold property to Eli and Amy Marsh.

503 Kinns Rd., $379,200: David Vogelsberg and Tara MacDonald sold property to Eric and Yayoi Peterson.

34 Torrey Pines, $340,000: Brian and Laura Hemphill sold property to Trajan and Lauren Bayly.

21 Aster Dr., $283,000: Lutfe and Sadiya Shams sold property to Bumhwan Jeon.

3 Morgan Ct., $368,000: Francis and Michelle Galligan sold property to Linus and Haejin Jang.

1218 Route 146, $230,000: Paul Shan LLC sold property to Camaj Holding LLC. 90 Westchester Dr., $155,000: Pamela Demers sold property to Deborah Hess.

30 Woodside Dr., $214,000: Mary Duffy sold property to Patrick Pondillo.

16 Valencia Lane, $200,000: James and Kathryn Bargy Family Trust and John Kittle sold property to Jeffrey and Anjanette Yeager.

24 Torrey Pines, $352,000: Deborah Satterlee sold property to Christopher and Catherine Anderson Hanley.

9 Grenada Dr., $265,000: Robin Murray and Robert Clum sold property to John Carriola.

3A Deer Creek, $136,000: Michelle Gabriele sold property to Joseph Gabriele.

MALTA 57 Glade Mallow Rd., $235,000: Kevin and Shannon Rabbit sold property to Gregory Cramer.

33 Dino Ave., $249,100: Jules and Susan Rapaport Revocable Trust sold property to Diane, Brian and Michael Branca Sr. 127 Woodfield Blvd., $250,000: Gary and Kathryn Clifford sold property to Zoltan Zborovszky.

Willis Way, Lot 65, $327,900: John Luke Development Co. LLC sold property to Amara Salvatore and Matthew Altman.

67 Snowberry Rd., $150,000: Adam Parisi and Wayne and Jennifer Miller sold property to Trustco Realty Corp.

57 Bayberry Dr., $334,000: Leslie and John Dagen Jr. sold property to Janina Mantell and Janina Mantell Living Trust.

7 Stonebreak Rd., $500,000: Hayes Paving Co. Inc. sold property to 120 Division St. Holdings LLC. 107 Arrow Wood Place, $172,300: Christopher Taylor sold property to Sharon Kelly.

15 Pepperbush Lane, $154,000: Alan Brandenburg sold property to David Wells and Kaitlin Stanislowsky.

16 Sonja Lane, $344,000: John and Carol DiPasquale sold property to Daniel and Marissa Marchegiani.

3 Candlewood Dr., $417,500: Marie and Joseph Taglione Jr. sold property to Gary and Jennifer Weis.

167 Thimbleberry Rd., $160,000: Anthony Canzone Jr. sold property to Gregory Harrigan.

MILTON 971 MacArthur Dr., $277,700: Tra-Tom Development Inc. sold property to Christopher and Deborah Pratt.

168 Prospect St., $165,000: Marlene Brown sold property to Elizabeth Litchfield.

32 Milton Heights Blvd., $254,000: Daniel and Tracie Apanasewicz sold property to Gibran Khalil.

699 McCrey Dr., $310,000: Cartus Financial Corp. sold property to Eid and Joyce Sweis.

129 Kayaderosseras Dr., $275,000: Christian and Susan Bernd sold property to Jason and Emily Straight.

699 McCrey Dr., $310,000: Christopher and Jennifer Miller sold property to Cartus Financial Corp.

1015 Middleline Rd., $265,000: Darrow Mansfield sold property to April Laws and Jessica Knapp.

11 Mechanic St., $116,000: Clifford and Eleanor Russ sold property to Springer Holdings LLC.

SARATOGA SPRINGS 5 Sunrise Dr., $258,300: John Russel sold property to Michael and Rose Cavalluzzo.

68 Tompion Lane, $188,500: Melissa West sold property to Nancy Bettencourt.

178 Lake Ave., $275,000: Robert and Margaret Vanhorson and Vanhorson Living Trust sold property to Alicia Holmes.

38 High Rock Ave., Unit 6A, $955,000: High Rock Condominiums LLC sold property to Luke and Nichole Rigolosi.

11 Outlook Ave., $350,000: DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders Inc. sold property to Rachel Kurtz.

18 Waterview Dr., $370,000: Marilyn and Clifford Walker Jr. sold property to Sue and Walter Jennings Jr. 127 George St., $425,000: Brad, Kristin and Joseph Mauro sold property to Fasig-Tipton Co. Inc. 70 Railroad Place, Unit 310, $527,500: Brookfield Relocation Inc. sold property to Robert and Susan Rivers.

134 Circular St., $295,000: Carrie Johnson sold property to Steven Groseclose and Jael Polnac.

9 Cottage Place, $15,000: Carrie Johnson sold property to Steven Groseclose and Jael Polnac.

38 High Rock Ave. Unit 46, $670,563: High Rock Condominiums LLC sold property to Benjamin and Joann Round.

289 Jefferson St. Unit 15, $199,000: 285 Jefferson LLC sold property to Mary Veitch Gridley.

102 Lawrence St., $270,000: Lisa Meade sold property to Michael and Lauren Perry.

STILLWATER 18 Secretariat Lane, $339,000: Lisa Ippolito sold property to Donn and Deborah Turner.

17 Revere Run, $50,000: Brigadier Estates LLC sold property to DeGraff Custom Builders Inc. 22 Russell Drive, $179,900: Stephen Streeter and William Perry Jr. sold property to Randall Rocheleau.

9 Secretariat Lane, $245,000: Teresa Roberts and Falahyar Fatmi sold property to John Moran and John and Mary Lou Moran Life Estates.

WILTON 44 Pheasant Ct., $147,975: Diana Villanueva sold property to Jayson and Kelly Stevens.

90 Blanchard Rd., $149,900: Adam and Heidi Mullin sold property to Eric Baker.

110 Ruggles Rd., $490,000: Danielle Stark sold property to Justin Bergin Revocable Living Trust.

12 Commerce Park Dr., $500,000: Brian Hayes sold property to 120 Division St. Holdings LLC. 6 Melanie Dr., $329,000: David and Louise Joseph sold property to Bryan and Andrea Annarino.

1 Dandelion Dr., $285,000: Sean and Lori Marry sold property to David Pitaniello and Michelle Gabriele.

SARATOGA

TODAY Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

Your Home

Downtown Apartment Living At Its Finest

Market Center Apartments at Railroad Place is located in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs one block from Broadway and adjacent to the historic Franklin Square neighborhood. This mixeduse apartment building by Bonacio Construction offers a variety of one, two and three bedroom homes and is anchored by Price Chopper Limited, a full-service grocery store.

Amenities Include: - Laundry in every unit - Stainless steel appliances including dishwasher and microwave - Granite countertops

- Hardwood-style flooring in foyer and kitchen - Tile baths - Fitness room equipped with cardio equipment and weights - Storage units available for rent

- Secure building One bedrooms starting at $1,350 Two bedrooms starting at $1,945 Three bedrooms starting at $2,410

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SARATOGA

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

42

classified TODAY’s

M A R K E T P L A C E

Call (518) 581-2480 x 204

Publication day Friday

GARAGE SALE

GARAGE SALE

KITTENS - 2 beautiful, orange, male kittens. Born 3/13/12. Inseparable.

Very good with people, love to play indoors/outdoors. Good loving homes only. $20/ea. Call Walter. 518331-6173 (c) or 518-608-5084 (h).

Yard Sale The Old Wayside Inn, Greenfield EVERYTHING MUST GO! Antique sleigh, pipe organ, furniture, restaurant supplies, unique china, etc…August 3, 4 & 5th / from 8am 104 Wilton Rd., Greenfield

CRAFT/GARAGE SALE VENDORS WANTED - The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Ladies Auxiliary is looking for market vendors for an indoor market to be held once a month at the Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, off Rte.9 Maple Avenue, Saratoga, on Sundays from 11 to 3:30 pm.

Admission is free and the cost for an 8 foot table space will be $15 each paid in advance. Doors will open to set up at 9:30 am. The next dates are June 24, September 23, October 28, and November 25, 2012.Come and enjoy; for an application or to answer any questions please call Linda at 289-5470 or Debbie at 885-6506. The money is used for our ongoing community donations.

MERCHANDISE Privacy Hedge, Windbreak, Cedar Tree, Evergreen Mail Order $7.50, Delivery, Installation Other Species Available! Services Available in NY, NJ, & New England. CALL 1-800-889-8238 or 518-314-1446 discounttreefarm.com

Albany, NY Area Athletic Republic Training Franchise! Turnkey business includes: equipment, build-out, established customer base, protected territory. Perfect for sports medicine pros. Call 518-879-4002, Jack@AthleticRepublicCP.com 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

SERVICES

Dining Room Set Table w/4 cushioned chairs & china cabinet w/lighting. White Washed Oak, Asking $300.00. Call 791-5691 BEDROOM FURNITURE - 5 drawer dresser, solid maple, wood framed mirrors, night stands & lamps. Desk 5 drawer, glass top 24"W x 54" L x 29 1/2" H. Antique hand-painted serving trays. All mint cond. Call 383-3617 SAWMILLS from only $3997.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N CANADA DRUG CENTER. Safe and affordable medications. Save up to 90% on your medication needs.

Call 1-888-432-1479 ($25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping)

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!

Reliable. Insured. Bonded 518-894-4476 Reach the most readers with Saratoga TODAY Classifieds! Call 5812480 TODAY!!

Space Reservation Due Monday 5:00 p.m.

PETS

HELP WANTED

ATTN: COMPUTER WORK. Work from anywhere 24/7.

Up to $1,500 Part Time to $7,500/ mo. Full Time. Training provided. www.workservices3.com

Ad Copy Due Wednesday 12:00 p.m.

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

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

When attention to detail matters. Greg Perreault (518)366-5743

handyman services Dry wall repair, Painting, Cleaning Services, Junk Removal, Dump runs, Clean Outs.

495-5539 or 421-5938

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

Tree Service Residential Tree Service Tree Removal & Cabeling Iron Horse Tree Service 518-677-5878

Ragtime Stuff for Sale.

4084 Route 9N. Month of August, Mon.-Wed. 10-? Antiques, collectibles, funky stuff, cast iron.

Check it out! Watch for signs.

MOVING SALE 1 DAY ONLY Sat., 8/4. 8am-3pm. 4 Erinn Ct. Gansevoort. Furniture, lawn items, sporting goods, housewares & much more!

MERCHANDISE

MERCHANDISE

TODAY

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.com

it’s where you need to be.

AUTOMOTIVE 1998 Chevy Express 3500 Box truck • 84,136 miles • 6 brand new tires • Anti-lock brakes • Bucket seats with new seat covers • $5900 Call 587-4500 and ask for Stephen Towne DONATE A CAR- HELP HOMELESS PETS! Free Next-Day Towing. Tax Deductible. Non- Runners OK. Receive $1,000 Grocery Coupons.

Call National Animal Welfare Foundation 1-888-333-3848

LAND FOR SALE LENDER SELLING SHORT! 40 ACRES- $69,900. 3 properties for the price of one! Near Cooperstown, NY. LOW taxes, incredible views, trophy deer! Call NOW!(888)701-7509 NewYorkLandandLakes.com DEAL FELL THRU @ $49,900!

11 ACRE- NOW JUST $39,900 Jaw dropping views! 2 1/2 hrs NY City! Fields, woods, spring!

Terms avail!

Call(888)905-8847 or NewYorkLandLakes.com

AUCTIONS Real Estate Auctions, 151+/ - Acre Farm, Executive Home w/ Pool, Outbuildings, & Pasture, Divided, Hamptonville, NC, 8/7/12 at 11am, On Site, Also on 9/8 at 2pm, Executive Mountain Home w/ Guest House & Lake on 229+/ - Acres, Grayson County, VA, On Site, Iron Horse Auction Company, 800-9972248. NCAL3936. VAAL580. www.ironhorseauction.com OTSEGO COUNTY REAL PROPERTY TAX FORECLOSURE AUCTION. 50+/- Properties August 15 @ 11AM at Holiday Inn, Oneonta, NY. 800-243-0061 AAR & HAR, Inc. Brochure: www.NYSAuctions.com

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

FOR RENT

CLASSIFIED REAL ESTATE

WILTON McGregor Village Apts.

SUMMER 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.

$459,900

LIVE THE SARATOGA DREAM 11 Acres of wooded trails and a 5BR, 3.5BA 20 yr old replica of a New England Cape home! Charm galore, many updates, open floor plan, inground pool -- County setting in Saratoga Schools, 7 mi. to Broadway! www.741stonechurchrd.com

Melissa Cartier (518) 321-5762 RealtyUSA

REAL ESTATE Popular Fast Food FranchiseEstab. 5 years in Saratoga.

Loyal following. Sales $672K. Motivated owner. Only $105K. CBAI (518) 459-9070

REAL ESTATE

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SARATOGA

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

TODAY

Community Sports Bulletin letter to the editor Saratoga TODAY received the following letter from pediatrician Manny Cirenza, MD in response to sports columnist Damian Fantauzzi’s July 27 piece titled “Who Does the NCAA Think They Are Punishing?”

I wish to address two concerns that Damian Fantauzzi is forgetting. First, the sanctions handed down by the NCAA are not meant to merely punish Penn State, their students or local businesses. The sanctions are to serve as a deterrent for all NCAA programs throughout the country. I think many people would agree that far too many basketball and football programs within the NCAA are rife with cheating and scandals. Paterno and others covered up Sandusky's actions not because they wanted to protect Sandusky but because they wanted to protect a football program and a school's reputation that generates tens of millions of dollars every year. They were more concerned about money and reputation than innocent children.

At the end of the day, there were people in power at PSU that decided that the football program and all the revenue it generates were more important than the welfare of children who were being sexually molested. That is an unforgiveable sin and worthy of severe retribution. Sandusky deserves to be punished and he will, but those who allowed him to do what he did are guilty as well. They did what they did to protect their football program and its reputation at the expense of children who were being abused. The NCAA sanctions are severe so that the next time something similar occurs somewhere else the PSU story will serve as a lesson that you are better off coming clean than covering up.

For example, if the football players at Auburn University are beating up the water boys, or cheerleaders at North Carolina are being forced to have intimate relations with the basketball players, then the Penn State story will hopefully serve as a cautionary tale that when such heinous behavior is committed that you better expose it and stop it rather than cover it up so that a multimillion dollar program can continue to operate no matter what the cost. Indeed innocent students and fans of PSU football are being made to suffer, however, we need to stop treachery in its path even if it uses the innocent as a shield from retribution. To borrow an analogy from the recent banking crisis: Penn State football is not "too big to fail!”

As a second point, as a pediatrician and father, I cannot look the other way as others defend Penn State football and Joe Paterno; as if the Sandusky cover-up was some kind of minor transgression akin to insider trading. Countless children were molested and forever scarred. If that were my child (or imagine if it were yours) being molested- there would be no consolation in me hearing that football should go on at Penn State because we don’t want innocent students and citizens to suffer due to this scandal.

Those children suffered in unimaginable ways. Perhaps the pain the students at Penn State and the local fans of that program and citizens of Happy Valley feel will serve as a small example of the pain and horror that those children felt for years and will for many years in the future. Sandusky continued to get away with what he did because he was connected to powerful people with millions of dollars and fans. That system needs to be brought to its knees, everywhere. So what if the students at Penn state won’t get to see great football, the players won’t play in bowl games, the T-shirt vendors will lose money, the fans of Penn State won’t see their team on TV, and Joe Paterno's legacy is tarnished forever. Small price to pay compared to how some kid must have felt when he realized that Sandusky was going to molest him and no one was going to stop him because Penn State football was more important than him. ~ by Manny Cirenza, M.D.

Puzzle Solutions from pg. 22 Send your sports stories or briefs to Andrew Marshall, Sports Editor at amarshall@saratoga publishing.com

Saratoga Springs High School Announces Blue Streak Hall of Fame Class of 2012 The Saratoga Springs Athletic Department is pleased to announce that the following individuals have been selected to the class of 2012 Blue Streak Athletic Hall of Fame: Erin Porter Bembry, Amy Thelen DiPreta, Bernard "Benny" Fasulo, Ernest "Sonny" Gooden, Stephen Jones, Erinn (Dennis) Kolligian, Kevin Mulligan, Matthew Robbens, Patricia Sutton, Hutch Tibbetts, Marge Tibbetts and Jenny Whalen The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at Saratoga Springs High School in Saratoga Springs, New York on Friday, September 14, 2012, at 4:30 p.m.

Congratulations to all the inductees from the staff at Saratoga TODAY!

Miss Saratoga Softball Announces Fall Ball, Looking for Volunteer Coaches Saratoga Miss Softball is seeking girls between the ages of 8-17 to join their Fall Ball league. There is no residency requirement. Fall Ball is a competitive softball league consisting of both travel players and recreational players alike. The Fall Ball season consists of eight games played on four consecutive Sundays. There are two games played on each Sunday. Games will be scheduled at various locations throughout the Capital Region.

Game dates are: September 9, 16, 23 and 30.

Registration cost is $45 per player and ends August 15, 2012.

Miss Saratoga Softball is also currently looking for volunteer coaches.

For more information, visit www.saratogamiss.org.

Second Annual Abner Doubleday Classic Scheduled for August 4 Brookside Museum, home of the Saratoga County Historical Society, will be holding their the Second Annual Abner Doubleday Classic Saturday, August 4. This event is held in honor of Saratoga County’s long and impressive baseball history.

The Abner Doubleday Classic game will be held at the PBA fields at 1 p.m. in Saratoga Springs and will feature players representing the long-standing rivalry between Saratoga Springs and Ballston Spa. The public is invited to attend and concessions will be available at the park.

Proceeds from this fundraiser directly support the education programs that Brookside offers to thousands of Capital Region children each year. A reception will also follow directly after the game on Charleton Street in Ballston Spa. For more information, call (518) 885-4000 or email sstrevy@brooksidemuseum.org.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

SPORTS

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When Budgets Attack: How Sports Motivate and Enrich

Damian Fantauzzi A new study has surfaced from California about sports and education. More specifically, it’s a study about a subject which is very close to my heart! It demonstrates what I have known for years, formerly as a player and later in my career as a coach. There are school districts that are considering cutting certain levels in sports or even their athletic programs entirely.

It appears that the authorities and politicians are not only going after the teaching profession, but they are also going after the students.

A reporter from the Los Angeles Times, Eric Sondheimer, discovered a correlation between students' participation in interscholastic sports and their performance in both attendance and in the classroom.

According to the study, the 35,000 student athletes in the Los Angeles Unified School District attended an average of 21 more days of school per year than the non-athlete. In the same study, the scholastic athletes came in higher with their grade point averages by a greater margin.

The point proven is that participation in interscholastic sports positively enhances a student's academic standing. I am of the opinion that a large part of this is due to the intervention and guidance by qualified coaches who understand the relationship between academics and athletic success, and have the experience of a certified

teacher.

Personally, I have seen some of my former student athletes achieve in the classroom simply because they wanted to stay eligible to play the sport that's become their passion. School districts have been strapped by lack of funds, due to cuts in state aid and restrictions placed on them by the political process, which has handcuffed teaching in general. It doesn't seem likely that schools will solve this financial crisis too soon; they face an uphill battle for athletic funding for some years. If sports are one of the best ways to help aid academic achievement, how can schools continue to improve in the classroom without the money to fund sports or even alternative academic programs that help bridge achievement?

There is a prominent educator by the name of Dr. Diane Ravitch who was originally on board with the Bush Administration's plan of "No Child Left Behind,” which brought forth the idea of replacing public schools with charter schools. Ms. Ravitch realized that the theory had no structure for administering and the idea of charter schools would be the destruction of a right for public education. She later debunked the whole NCLB theory.

Ravitch, a highly respected guru in the educational community, has done extensive research throughout the world and has found that countries that extensively use the charter school format have suffered academically.

One such nation is the Netherlands, where 99 percent of the schools are charter and 1 percent is private. The system allows anyone to teach, whether qualified or not, including those who have no degree, and teachers are being cut back because of the economics.

Class sizes are increasing, they’re canceling educational programs (especially for deprived children), teachers are working longer hours and wages have been frozen for four years.

Therefore, there is a huge shortage of qualified teachers. I just cannot think of any other profes-

sion with such a phenomenon.

Just imagine a shortage of medical doctors, lawyers or policemen while their employers silently hire tens of thousands of unqualified people just to fill the vacancies.

I recall an American senator proposed practically the same Netherlands' philosophy as part of a way to curb the cost of public schools by filling teaching positions with just anybody and cut all programs and just teach the basics. Remember when Newt Gingrich suggested children should do the custodial work in their own schools?

Really, Newt? Why do people who can afford to send their children to exclusive private schools seem to think that it's OK to dumb down a system that they don't understand or even use?

What's wrong with this picture? Where is the promise of the American Dream, where we all have the constitutional right to a public education? Part of education is having a diversified offering where a single student has choices and a chance to advance his or herself in a direction that might lead to a successful life. I have had students and athletes who have come from struggling economic backgrounds and the opportunities that were at their disposal through the public school system enabled them to move on to a life of hope and opportunity. Education is the one tool that takes people out of poverty!

I know of a few school districts in the Capital Region, like Galway and Averill Park, that have cut parts of their athletic programs as well as other "specials" (art, music, kindergarten, special education, elementary physical education, preschool and after-school programs). Are these programs frills? I don't think so! This is an intricate part of the educational system's function, to serve all of the students' needs. Charter schools are not the answer because they have a selection process for entrance and only a few are chosen.

Hiring unqualified people has been proven to be a mistake and

cutting teachers will result in larger class sizes, which is the educational kiss of death. Having politicians run the schools for profit is risky business. What do they know about the learning process, teaching and the psychological and physiological needs of children? This whole situation brings to mind the old cliché of "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.”

The obvious answer is money, as Congress fails daily to see that making those millionaires pay their fair share in taxes, and I do mean "millionaires," not the people in brackets of $250,000 or even up to $500,000. In today's economy, those people are modestly wealthy and our nation is

struggling because we need the upper 10 percent to help pay and support the backbone of our existence - public education.

I like the mantra of the Three Musketeers, "One for all and all for one!” It sounds like a good idea for America, because we're all in this together and our youth will someday guide us. Let's educate them the best way we can! Let them play their sports without the threat of losing them. It does so much for their futures and it pays dividends for America!

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SPORTS

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame to Present Jockey Autograph Sessions to Benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund SARATOGA SPRINGS – The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will present four jockey autograph signings during the month of August, with the proceeds to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). Jockeys scheduled to appear and sign autographs are 2012 Hall of Fame inductee John Velazquez, Hall of Fame members Edgar Prado and Kent Desormeaux, as well as standouts Javier Castellano, Ramon Dominguez, Rosie Napravnik, Julien Leparoux, Joel Rosario, Jose Lezcano, Mike Luzzi and Irad Ortiz Jr. The jockeys will sign color photographs provided by the museum for $10 each.

The Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund (PDJF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity that provides financial assistance to former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. Since its founding in 2006, the PDJF has distributed more than $3 million to permanently disabled jockeys, most of whom have sustained paralysis or brain injuries.

SARATOGA

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

TODAY

First-Time Olympian Judoka Nick Delpopolo Finishes Seventh at 2012 London Games Photo by Lou DiGesare/realjudo.net

Autograph Session Schedule: Monday, August 6, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. — John Velazquez, Edgar Prado and Irad Ortiz Jr. Thursday, August 9, 10 - 11 a.m. — John Velazquez, Edgar Prado, Joel Rosario and Ramon Dominguez Monday, August 13, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. — Javier Castellano, Rosie Napravnik and Jose Lezcano Thursday, August 16, 10 - 11 a.m. — Kent Desormeaux, Julien Leparoux and Mike Luzzi

LONDON - Class of 2007 Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School graduate, Nick Delpopolo, from the Jason Morris Judo Center placed seventh in the 73-kilogram division at the XXX Olympic Games in London, England. This was Delpopolo’s first appearance in the Olympic Games.

Thumbs up from Delpopolo after his win over Van Tichlet (BEL) Delpopolo received a first-round bye, then looked sharp throwing Chi Yip Cheung of Hong Kong for ippon (full point) in his second-round match.

In the round of 16, Delpopolo squared off against number eight seed and former numbertwo-ranked Dirk Van Tichlet of Belgium. Delpopolo scored yuko (partial point) early in the bout and dominated the rest of the way to get the victory. Van Tichlet had won their only other previous meeting at the 2010 Miami World Cup. This set up a bout with World number-one and top overall seed Kin Chun Wang of South Korea. Wang had defeated Delpopolo in their three previous matches, which were all close. This time would be no different, as it turned out to be an eightminute thriller that ended with no score and came down to a referee’s decision with all three judges voting for Wang. Delpopolo then lost by the

slimmest of margins to eventual bronze medalist, Nyam Ochir Sainjargal of Mongolia two shidos (penalties) to one.

“I am both pleased and proud of Nick, as he performed at the highest level today,” said Delpopolo’s coach Jason Morris. “The difference between gold and seventh is so small, and Nick put himself in a position today to challenge for an Olympic medal, which is amazing.”

Delpopolo’s performance comes on the 20th anniversary of Morris winning a silver medal on July 30, 1992, at the Barcelona Olympics.

Delpopolo, along with fellow Burnt Hills graduate Kyle Vashkulat, have both been training at the JMJC for about 10 years.

[Editor’s note: JMJC’s Kyle Vashkulat lost in the first round of his 100-kilogram bout in the early morning hours of August 2. Expect a full report in our next edition.]

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of August 3 - August 9, 2012

s m a e r D k c a d n o r i d A To ise t r e v Ad ntact: Co Cindy Durfey cDurfey@ saratogapublishing.com 581-2480 ext. 204

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Blue Streak HOF page 44

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Vol. 7 • Issue 31 • FREE • Saratoga TODAY