Saratoga Today 11-30

FREE

Volume 7 • Issue 48 saratogatodaynewspaper.com

Off to New Mexico The Changing Third Grader Competes in Junior Olympics

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – Geyser Road Elementary third grader Ryan Bush says he runs because it’s “fun.” If you happen to be one of the hundreds of runners he’s left in the dust on his photo by MarkBolles.com

way to winning local and regional races, it’d be easy to find yourself in disagreement.

Ryan, the reigning champion of local road races such as the Great Pumpkin Challenge at Saratoga Spa State Park or the Cantina Kids Fun Run through downtown Saratoga Springs, will be headed

See Runner page 7

Face of Wilton’s Route 9

by Patricia Older Saratoga TODAY WILTON – If the proposed zoning changes are approved for the town of Wilton, the look of Maple Avenue north of Daniels Road could change drastically over the next decade with new businesses, new signage, and more growth. In all, the Wilton Zoning Committee is proposing 23 changes to the law,

with the majority of them, said Councilman Robert Pulsifer, minor word changes and clarifications.

“We have been working on this two, two and a half years,” said Pulsifer. “And of the 23 items, most are just housekeeping.”

But a few are not minor changes, such as the signage changes, business use changes, and the revamping of the existing zoning sidewalk ordinance. That requirement, said

Biggest Restaurant Week Ever

by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA COUNTY – Over 50 of Saratoga County’s restaurants will be busier than ever beginning Friday, November 30, when this year’s 8th Annual Saratoga County Restaurant Week starts up. With cheap eats

See Restaurant Week page 24

Pulsifer, forced new businesses to construct a sidewalk 30 feet from the right of way, resulting in, essentially, sidewalks to nowhere.

“We were forcing commercial developers to give a 30-foot easement of property,” said Pulsifer of the sidewalk requirement. “If you need any examples of how that does not work, just look across the street

See Zoning Changes page 8

Inside TODAY… From the Publisher pg 5 Obituaries pg 11 Festival of Trees pg 15 Holiday Gift Guide pgs 16-18 Pulse

pgs 22-25

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

2

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

The Holidays Are Here!

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrived to a whirlwind of activity in downtown Saratoga Springs the evening of November 28 for the much anticipated annual tree lighting event. The lighting of the tree officially kicks off the holiday season downtown, preceding the open of the Festival of Trees

and the Victorian Streetwalk. To help spread cheer and joy, the “Man in Red” recruited local Girl Scouts to serve as honorary "elves” for the evening. In the customary regalia of festive green and red, the "elves" sang holiday jingles and greeted a massive crowd of children with wishlists in hand, anxious to meet the most famous couple from the North Pole. Our photographer captured all the holiday cheer along Broadway, just in case you may have missed it.

Photos by Deborah Neary for PhotoandGraphic.com

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

Darrick J. Thompson, 32, of Fairview Street in Glens Falls, pled guilty to charges of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second-degree on November 19 in Saratoga County Court.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2013.

Christopher McCarthy, 42, of South Franklin Street in Saratoga Springs, pled guilty to charges of driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony, on November 19 in Saratoga County Court.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2013.

A juvenile male was arrested November 27 along Henning Road in Saratoga Springs and charged with criminal mischief with intent to damage property in the fourthdegree, a misdemeanor.

John Lashinsky, 19, of George Street in Fort Ann was arrested November 27 along Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs and charged with criminal trespassing in the second-degree, a misdemeanor.

Paul A. Capone, 45, of Alpine Avenue in Queensbury, was arrested November 27 along Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs and charged with scheming to defraud/defraud more than one in the second-degree, a misdemeanor.

George G. Kaloudis, 46, of Meehan Road in Stillwater, was arrested November 27 along Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor.

Donnell L. Smith, 41, of Van Vranken Avenue in Schenectady, was arrested November 27 along

BLOTTER

Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs and charged with harassment in the second-degree with physical contact, a violation charge.

include Drug Treatment Court after pleading guilty October 4 to driving while intoxicated, a Class D felony.

Henry J. Frye, 51, of West Prospect Street in Fonda, was arrested November 27 along Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs and charged with aggravated harassment in the second-degree, a misdemeanor.

Christopher G. Abrams, 31, of Kimberly Lane in Fort Edward was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay $4494.75 in restitution after pleading guilty to grand larceny in the third-degree, a Class D felony.

Ryan A. Gritt, 23, of Church Road in Granville, was arrested November 27 along Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs and charged with criminal possession of marijuana in the fifth-degree, a misdemeanor.

Lloyd E. Taylor, 47, of Route 146 in Clifton Park, was sentenced to time served in a Saratoga County Jail and five years of probation to

3

4

WEEK IN REVIEW Wilton Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Multi-Million-Dollar Pot Ring

Locally Owned and Operated 5 Case St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Phone: (518) 581-2480 Fax: (518) 581-2487 www.saratogapublishing.com

Hours of operation 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday Publisher/Editor Chad Beatty 581-2480 x 212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com

General Manager Robin Mitchell 581-2480 x 208 rmitchell@saratogapublishing.com

Advertising Chris Bushee 581-2480 x 201 cbushee@saratogapublishing.com Jim Daley 581-2480 x 209 jdaley@saratogapublishing.com Cindy Durfey 581-2480 x 204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com

Art Department Richard Hale 581-2480 x 202 Production Director rhale@saratogapublishing.com Eric Havens 581-2480 x 207 ehavens@saratogapublishing.com Jessica Kane 581-2480 x 215 jkane@saratogapublishing.com

Editorial Andrew Marshall 581-2480 x 206 Managing Editor Sports amarshall@saratogapublishing.com Chelsea DiSchiano 581-2480 x 214 Features Editor Pulse, Community Corner chelsea@saratogapublishing.com Patricia Older 581-2480 x 203 Business, Obituaries, Briefs patricia@saratogapublishing.com

Calendar Cindy Durfey 581-2480 x 204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com

Photographer Mark Bolles 490-1757 mbolles@photoandgraphic.com

Distribution Kim Beatty 581-2480 x 205 kbeatty@saratogapublishing.com

WILTON — Eric Canori, 33, of Preserve Way in Wilton was found guilty of running a multimillion-dollar pot ring out of his home, with the assistance of a female mountain biking world champion, Melissa “The Missle” Giove. Canori was sentenced November 28 to five years in federal prison.

Canori was part of a marijuana conspiracy that shipped hundreds of pounds of marijuana from the West coast to the East coast.

After raiding his homes in Wilton and Ross, California, Drug Enforcement Administration officers, along with state police, discovered marijuana, packing materials and precious metals.

They uncovered a total of $11.28 million in proceeds from the pot ring.

In June 2009, DEA agents seized $1 million in cash and nearly 400 pounds of marijuana from Canori’s Wilton home and from the trailer of his accomplice, Giove. Giove, 37, who was at one point the fastest female mountain biker in the world, pleaded guilty in December 2009 to the same charge as Canori but

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

avoided a prison sentence.

Canori pleaded guilty in June 2011 to one count of conspiracy to distribute 100 or more kilograms (220 pounds) of marijuana.

Two Men Face Several Charges After Allegedly Stealing From Wal-Mart HALFMOON — State police were alerted to two men fleeing Wal-Mart Tuesday after allegedly stealing around $400 worth of merchandise from the store.

Police say a store employee kept his eye on one of the perpetrators, communicating his location to the police dispatcher.

James R. Leckony of Troy was located in the parking lot of Papa John’s restaurant and arrested while Jeffrey Letzelter of Schodack remained hidden in the woods near Sitterly Road until troopers found him walking along the road wearing only a Tshirt.

Charges include petit larceny, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal tampering, misdemeanors, and unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation.

Gansevoort Man Charged with Assault WILTON — Walter H. Bambauer, 43, was charged November 24 with misdemeanor counts of assault and criminal mischief, according to New York State Police.

Bambauer is also charged with first-degree criminal contempt, a felony, for allegedly violating an order of protection in the incident, police said.

He was arraigned in Wilton Town Court and sent to Saratoga County Jail.

Car and Foot Chase Ensues After Alleged Liquor Store Robbery WILTON — State police arrested a man suspected of robbing a liquor store following a brief car chase and foot pursuit Wednesday afternoon.

At about 3:30 p.m. a state trooper could be heard over the police scanner saying he was in pursuit of a suspected robber headed north on Northern Pines Road from Maple Avenue toward Ballard Road.

The suspect turned onto a deadend street where a state trooper on the scene said he stopped and jumped out of the car, taking off

on foot toward Route 9, which is accessible through a small thicket of trees.

A witness of the aftermath of the chase said that shortly after the cars arrived at the dead end street, several officers arrived from Northern Pines and Route 9 and tackled the suspect in short order.

Police would not say which liquor store the suspect is alleged to have robbed. At the Wilton state police barracks, where the suspect was transported after being taken into custody, troopers said they could not release any details of the incident.

Fire On East Side Destroys Home SARATOGA SPRINGS - A building along Mitchell Street on the city’s east side that contains two apartments was destroyed in a house fire during the afternoon of November 24.

The home, located less than a block from the Saratoga TODAY offices, was occupied at the time, but those inside were able to escape without injury.

Fire officials do not know what caused the blaze, but foul play is not suspeted. An investigation is ongoing.

5

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

From the Publisher’s Desk . . .

by Chad Beatty Saratoga TODAY Happy holidays, everyone.

Well, we all made it through another Thanksgiving and Christmas is a mere 25 days away.

It’s that festive time of year when

families gather together and lifelong memories are made. The children gather around the fire while Mom and Dad sit on the couch reminiscing. As the burning wood crackles, Grandma floats in with a smile that stretches from ear to ear as she serves everyone warm hot chocolate with whip cream and a sprig of cinnamon.

Okay, reality check.

Maybe holidays don’t quite play out as described and family visits are more comparable to a dental visit than a Hallmark card, but I have learned something interesting over the years.

First, I have learned that although our mothers love us very much, no one can get under our skin quite like they do. Simple little comments that would normally go unnoticed can be like nails dragging along a chalkboard. Does any of this sound familiar to you? What

is it about the mother/adult-child relationship that is so darn frustrating? And don’t even get me started on the mother/daughter in-law relationship. Yikes!

Recently, I have been trying a new technique that seems to be working well. I just go with the flow. If my mom suggests something that she knows will be annoying, I respond “Sure, that sounds great.”

Someone makes a digging comment that could begin an argument?

“No problem,” I say with a smile, “That was a good one, you got me.”

During the entire visit I regularly repeat my mantra: “Whatever you guys want, I just go with the flow.”

This new technique has a twopronged effect. First, it quells the possible argument before it builds any momentum, allowing us to transition quickly and smoothly to the next possible confrontation.

Second, and just as fulfilling (although I will never admit it out loud) it stumps her when she doesn’t get her desired response!

The next big thing I have learned, although not through personal experience, is that once they leave this world, we always want them back. Life is too short and all

too often our loved ones pass before we get to tell them how much they mean to us, or thank them for all the little things that made us feel special through the years. Don’t get caught in that trap.

So what do you think? Can you just go with the flow this holiday season?

6

NEWS

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

‘Day Without a Home’ Panel Discusses Homelessness Issues, Possible Solutions

by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS - In honor of National Homelessness and Hunger Week, the Saratoga County Housing Alliance hosted an event titled ‘A Day Without a Home,’ which allowed participants to enact scenarios that many real homeless people face every day.

The event was later followed by a round-table discussion between participants and a few people who are currently struggling with homelessness about what they took away from the event.

Various county officials such as Saratoga County Supervisor Joanne Yepsen and Mayor Scott Johnson, along with representatives from many of the Housing

Alliance’s organizations, shared their experiences from the day and discussed the difficulties they faced along with possible solutions for those problems.

Supervisor Yepsen said she was surprised by the number of people at the Transitional Services Association, a nonprofit that offers care to individuals dealing with mental illness and chemical dependencies.

“If people think of Saratoga Springs as wealthy, they’re wrong,” Yepsen said. “We do have a large homeless population.”

One possible solution that occurred to Yepsen after her experiences visiting different agencies throughout the day was to create a single point of access that the homeless can use at one place.

“It was one thing after another,” Yepsen said. “I would love for the

county to have a single complex that houses all of these agencies to put all the pieces together.”

A common theme between participants throughout the evening’s discussion was that the amount of paperwork that the homeless must fill out to receive services can be overwhelming.

Nancy Defibaugh from the Saratoga County Office of the Aging was assigned to visit Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL), and found that filling out the forms to receive Medicaid, food stamps and other services was an “eye-opener.”

“It taught me a lot of things,” Defibaugh said. “A lot of us turn the other way and don’t realize what’s out there. The services they receive are not just handouts.”

Terry Lee from the Saratoga Hospital Foundation visited Saratoga County’s Department of Social Services, and agreed with Defibaugh about the large amount of paperwork that must be filled out.

“They have to fill out all this paperwork, which can probably be maddening,” Lee said. “You could

be there all day filling out paperwork—you could be there for three days filling it all out.”

Other participants also agreed that the paperwork aspect of the services were lengthy, asked what could be invasive and personal questions, and confusing.

Overall, most of the participants walked away with good impressions of the many agencies in town that serve the needs of the homeless. The common issues that arose were the paperwork problems and unfriendly employees at the Social Services office. The homeless citizens that were present at the meeting also brought up the catch-22 that each of them faced when applying for jobs: Job applications ask for the permanent address of applicants, but when they put that they are living in a shelter or don’t have an address at all, employers will discard their applications. The same goes for apartment applications—most apartments won’t accept residents that are unemployed.

“I never thought I’d be in the situation I’m in,” said Robert Curry, one of the homeless attendees. “But

how are we supposed to apply for jobs without a permanent residence?”

A 19-year-old homeless teenager named Dylan Barber was also present at the meeting, exemplifying the kind of homeless person that can fall through the cracks of government.

After living at home with an abusive, alcoholic mother and no father, Dylan was on the streets at age 16. Living in his car, he found a way to work but was soon laid off, at which time he sought out help from the Department of Social Services. Since the department only qualifies people ages 21 and up as adults, they told Barber he needed to get child support from his mother in order to receive services from DSS. “My mother is poor,” Barber said. “If I made her give me child support, she’d be right out in the streets with me—I’m not gonna do that to her. They just wanted me to go after my parents when I really needed help.”

Barber also said that being homeless may have ruined his potential career in the Air Force: After meeting with a recruiter, he told Barber that since he didn’t have a permanent address he wouldn’t be able to sign up.

Since then, things have been looking up for Barber. He now pays $70 a week to live at Shelters of Saratoga, and recently began working for the printing company Quad/Graphics for a little over $11/hour.

“Shelters of Saratoga saved my life,” Barber said.

After hearing his story, Cindy Phillips, co-chair of Saratoga County Housing Alliance, sympathized with him.

“We have to fight the government sometimes, and that’s tough,” Phillips told him. “You’re exactly the kind of person who falls through the cracks.”

To learn more about the Saratoga County Housing Alliance and what their agencies do for the homeless, visit their website at www.saratogacountyhousingalliance.org. To learn more about Shelters of Saratoga, visit their website at www.sheltersofsaratoga.org.

7

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

Third Grade Runner Competing Nationally continued from Page 1 to Albuquerque, New Mexico to compete in the 2012 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships. He qualified after winning the local race held in Delmar, before finishing third in the regional race held in Long Island against runners his age from all over the northeast including Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maine and of course, New York.

When asked if he’s the fastest kid in his class, Ryan doesn’t take long to respond with a resounding “Oh, yeah!”

Ryan, who adds that he’s never been to New Mexico before, is hopeful he’ll perform well at the national meet. At only 8 years old, he has his sight set on finishing at the top of the leaderboard.

“I’m hoping for top three, but I

would like to make it into the top 25 to make it to the awards ceremony,” Ryan said.

Ryan’s mother, Geyser Road Elementary Reading AIS instructor Dana Bush, adds that his favorite hobby runs in the family.

“Both my husband and I are runners, so growing up Ryan saw us doing it. We never pushed him to do it. It was his passion. From the time he started walking, he was running. He’s loved it ever since,” said Dana.

“I was involved with the Junior Olympics when I was a little girl and we thought it would be a great way to get him his start in this sport because he was so interested.”

Dana and her husband both competed locally for the Shenendehowa High School track and field team, also attend-

ing Providence College together and competing collegiately.

It wasn’t long before Dana noticed that her son’s hobby was catching on with his classmates at the school.

“Last year he started showing an interest in running, and he got his whole class to do races on the playground which made me consider starting a running club.”

This did eventually lead to her starting a running club at the school, which is divided into two groups. Fourth and fifth graders run together, while the overwhelming response from the third grade – Dana says 25 of Ryan’s classmates signed up dictated they have their own separate group entirely.

“I started the running club just this year, and we had an overwhelming amount of students

Local Teen Musicians Use Their Talents To Benefit Franklin Community Center SARATOGA SPRINGS - Teens these days often get a bad rap. But one local group of talented young musicians is looking to dispel those stereotypes by bringing the community together in perfect harmony to fight hunger here at home. It will likely help keep them off Santa’s naughty list, but more importantly, these teens decided it was about time they showed their peers that giving back isn’t just about money—it’s about “using music as a force for good.”

On Friday, December 14th, Saratoga Guitar and local radio station 100.3 The Point will sponsor “Jingle Shelves”, A Musical Effort

to Stock the Shelves of Franklin Community Center’s Food Pantry.

The concert will take place at Saratoga Music Hall (474 Broadway, above City Hall) from 6:30-10p.m. and will feature three local bands comprised of high school students who are no strangers to performing for large audiences. All three featured acts are close to being able to produce their own albums.

The musicians are donating their time for this event because they wanted to do something for the community that would get their peers involved in giving back. Instead of charging admission to the show, con-

cert-goers can bring a non-perishable food item for Franklin Community Center’s busy pantry to get them in the door. Plus, one lucky audience member will win a guitar courtesy of Saratoga Guitar.

“Each artist in this show has been blessed with some pretty early success, and we get to do something we all love to do”, says Jake Brooks, lead singer and bassist for VONTUS. “We’ve had amazing support from our parents and our community and we thought this would be a fun way to give back.” “People should not have to go hungry, so we really hope people will come to the show with food to donate.

who wanted to join. So I alternate every week from third graders and fourth and fifth graders. We may expand it next year because there has been a lot of interest.”

Ryan has been scoping out his competition online, determining what kind of time will be required in order to meet his top25 ambitions. He takes pride in being more or less self-taught, competing – and beating – other kids practicing specifically for these races.

“Lots of kids are in track clubs and compete in state meets and I’m not, so I’m kind of proud of myself.”

Ryan adds that he considers himself a distance runner, preferring to run mile-long or 2K courses. Chances are you might even see him running if you visit Spa State Park.

“I like to run in [Spa State Park] and also the golf course close to our house. Sometimes I run on a track,” said Ryan.

While he appears to be a very talented runner, his mother keeps things in perspective, adding that she’d prefer her son to do what he likes rather than push him to compete past being interested.

“I don’t want to get him to a point where he’s doing too much, too early and gets burnt out.

We’re doing it for fun now and we’ll get serious when he’s older–if he’s still into it.”

Despite his talent and success, Ryan really does seem to just run for the love of it.

“I like it because it’s fun to do and I’m really good at it,” he added.

8

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

Zoning Changes Proposed for Routes 9 and 50 in Wilton continued from Page 1 [from the town hall,] and you’ll see a sidewalk that goes nowhere.”

If approved, the sidewalk ordinance would put sidewalks back on the public right of way, but it does not address the issue of what will happen to the existing sidewalks 30’ off the roadway.

“Practically and legally it should go on the public right of way,” said Pulsifer. “Plus we will retain a 15foot easement that we will need for sewer, water and utilities.”

Continuing, Pulsifer said some of the proposed changes, such as the zoning use revisions, are a matter of smart business decisions for the town.

“I believe the previous board did too much micro-managing of small businesses on Route 50 and 9,” said Pulsifer of some of the changes made in the zoning laws since the

departure of former town supervisor Roy McDonald. “They took business uses out and we’re putting them back.”

Those “tweaks” over time to the zoning law, he explained, has resulted in some business uses being shut out where they were formerly allowed, forced commercial developers to adhere to regulations that were not necessary, and slowed commercial growth rather than spur it on.

He points to town resident Rocco Levo, a Route 50 property owner who tried unsuccessfully a couple of years ago to open a mini-storage business and town resident Kelly Goodspeed, a part owner in Winslow’s who wanted an additional business on Route 9.

“Rocco wanted a mini-storage and the board took it out and made

it impossible for him to open the business,” said Pulsifer. “And where the new [Adirondack Community College] campus is, I don’t see why an ice cream shop can’t go there.”

Both Levo and Goodspeed were contacted by the committee for their opinions on the zoning changes.

At November’s board meeting, resident Mike Worth challenged Pulsifer’s lack of including more residents without business interests in the rezoning law process.

“My concern with the committee was people with a business interest were included while 75 percent of the places are residential,” said Worth, adding that he felt “left out,” of the decision making process.

Pulsifer denied he did not overlook the residents along those

routes, oftentimes speaking over Worth and calling his concerns “factually wrong.”

“I just want them included,” said Worth.

As for Route 50 and 9, Pulsifer said they are “small business incubator corridors,” and need to be treated as such.

“We should be encouraging small businesses; those are where the jobs are,” said Pulsifer. “After Roy McDonald left, [the former board] forgot what was important and we’re just putting [the zoning law] back where it was.”

Referring to himself as “probusiness rights” and “pro-owner’s rights,” Pulsifer said the zoning changes also are designed to respect the residential properties along the two corridors.

“It is a legitimate concern,” said Pulsifer of Worth’s comments.

“There are a lot of residential areas so it is built right into the code that each application will be treated on an application by application basis.”

He added that the planning board would be able to manage those issues as they arise. For example, if the signage is too close to a residence, they could require the business owner to dim the sign at night, restrict the frequency of the message change, and where the sign can be located.

“There can be certain restrictions such as the dimming of lights so there are no garish lights in people’s homes,” said Pulsifer. “And there is

some concern about how bright they are, but a digital sign that is dimmed is no brighter than a street light. I am in favor of property rights as long as it is not harming its neighbor.”

Adding that there are no dimensional changes in the zoning changes for signage, Pulsifer said that the changes for allowing digital signs was more of a “clarification” for the Route 50 corridor.

He also said he did not foresee an onslaught of applications for the digital signs for most of the corridor.

“Some at Exit 15 may put it to use,” said Pulsifer, noting that businesses such as car lots and banks may opt for the LED signs, but that smaller businesses tend to stay with backlit signage. “I do not see anyone along Route 9 in a hurry for it.”

Wilton Supervisor Art Johnson said he hoped residents and business owners alike show up for the public hearing on the zoning changes next week.

“We want to hear from the residents,” said Johnson. “Nothing [about the zoning law change] is etched in stone. I hope they will come out and voice their opinion.”

Reiterating, Pulsifer said the changes were not really different, but a return to what Wilton had had in the past.

“We are returning to uses that had been successful for us in the past,” Pulsifer said.

The next Town of Wilton meeting will be Thursday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. The public hearing for the zoning law changes will be at 7 p.m.

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

EDUCATION

Ballston Spa School District to Vote on $8.9 Million Referendum photo provided

by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA – The Ballston Spa School District made several presentations the week of November 26 to inform voters on the $8.9 million Facilities Improvement Referendum that residents will either be approving or rejecting during a vote December 4. The November 27 presentation at the Malta Community Center only had five attendees and was led by BSSD’s superintendent, Dr. Joseph Dragone, who outlined what the referendum will improve for Wood Road Elementary School as well as the athletic facilities at Ballston Spa High School.

Though $8.9 million seems like an overwhelming number, the actual cost for residents of the school district in Ballston Spa, Charlton, Milton and Malta will be only $3.35 per year, starting in 2016. That number is the projected net tax impact on the average home assessed at $220,000.

The referendum will fund Phase Two of the district’s facilities master plan—Phase One, which was approved in October 2010, is already

in motion and consists of constructing a new elementary school building to replace the current Milton Terrace South Elementary School and adding significant infrastructure, energy efficiency and health and safety improvements at Malta Avenue, Milton Terrace North and Ballston Spa Middle School. Dr. Dragone said Phase One is currently on schedule and even ahead of schedule in certain areas of the project, as well as on budget.

Phase Two, which will be voted on by residents December 4, will mainly focus on renovations and mechanical work at Wood Road Elementary School. Dr. Dragone said the school is the only one in the district with no improvements made, even though it was built in the 1970s. Renovations include closing in the current open classrooms; asbestos abatement; renovating bathrooms for handicapped accessibility; replacing carpets with flooring; upgrading boilers and hot water generators; repairing and upgrading mechanical systems; upgrading electrical systems and replacing the gym floor.

Phase Two will also improve the athletics facilities at Ballston Spa

High School. The tennis courts and the track currently have deep cracks throughout, so plans are being made to strip the entire surfaces to make asphalt repairs to the base. After the stripping, a new lining, surface and striping will be applied to the courts and track.

The mechanical systems in the pool have also reached their lifespan, so the dehumidification unit and the filter will be replaced.

Finally, Phase Two will provide scoreboards at the varsity soccer/lacrosse field, baseball field and softball field.

If approved, all renovations of Phase Two would begin the summer of 2014 and is estimated to be completed by January of 2017.

Qualified voters of the Ballston Spa Central School District will hold a vote December 4 from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. in the Ballston Spa High School (for residents of Ballston, Milton, and Charlton) and the Malta Town Hall (for Malta residents). The issue will appear on the ballot as Proposition No. 1: Facilities Improvement Bond.

For more information on the Facilities Improvement Bond Referendum, visit the school district’s website at www.bscsd.org or give the district office a call at (518) 884-7195.

9

Dorothy Nolan Students Participate in Earth Balloon Program

photo provided First grade teacher Jorgeann Ramsdill and her students stand in front of the 20-foot diameter Earth Balloon SARATOGA SPRINGS – Students in all grades at the Dorothy Nolan Elementary School participated in programs November 19-21 with the Earth Balloon, a 20foot diameter inflatable globe made up of a high resolution satellite image with true-to-life colors of the earth that helps students learn about their planet in a new and dynamic way. The Earth Balloon program was brought to the school by an organization called Earth Adventure, which travels to schools across the country providing interactive science and geography-based programs. Programs for the Earth Balloon include content presentation, interactive question and answers, inquiry based learning, demonstration and activity.

Programs by grade are as follows: Grade K: Our Amazing Earth -

animals and their environments Grade 1: Hello Meet the Earth an introduction to the planet Grade 2: Earth Explorations continents and oceans Grade 3: Rain or Shine - precipitation, temperature, and patterns Grade 4: Biomes and Ecosystems - rain forests, deserts, and more Grade 5: The Fractured Earth - a look at plate tectonics Grade 6: The Ever Changing Earth - processes that shape and form the planet Earth Adventures has been improving and expanding geographic awareness and literacy with its programs for more than 15 years. The company also participates in Earth Day events, international festivals, water festivals, summer programs, and corporate events.

10

Community Corner

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

Maple Avenue Students Raise Nearly $2,000 for Hurricane Sandy Victims

the

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

ADAM

Students and staff at the Maple Avenue Middle School raised $1,949.33 for the American Red Cross and Hurricane Sandy victims with the help of some brave faculty members who sacrificed their hair for the cause. Left to right are Stuart Byrne, principal; eighth-grade math teacher Kurt Andress, who shaved his head to raise money for the relief effort; eighthgrade science teacher Josh Nixon, who had his hair cut in a Mohawk; eighth-grade social studies teacher Rick Fleming, who shaved his mustache; and Gary Ferris, executive director of the Adirondack/Saratoga chapter of the Red Cross. The teachers agreed to the "makeovers" if the school reached fundraising benchmarks.

JULIA The tooth fairy club is sponsored by: Nicole Byrne, D.M.D Pediatric Dentistry 659 Saratoga Rd. Gansevoort, NY 12831 (518) 226-6010

Ballston Spa Lions Club Delivers Thanksgiving Meals

Hope Adoption Agency Pets Looking For Loving Homes If interested in adopting, call (518) 428-2994 for more information or fill out an online adoption application.

APRIL SOPHIE April is a 6-year-old Coonhound who weighs 60 pounds. She loves attention, playing, and going for walks. April has been an outside dog so she does tend to be vocal and must be leashed when you take her out April has not shown any aggression and gets along with her foster family's cat.

Poor Sophie! Her owner passed away and left her behind. Sophie is a very affectionate 6-year-old who would do best in a quiet home with a woman.

Recipient Justina Danison, Administrative Assistant and presented by Lion Phil Imbarrato and Lion Louis Laquidara.

The Ballston Spa Lions Club delivered the fixings "Soup to Nuts" for 20 Thanksgiving Dinners to the First Presbyterian Church for 20 different families.

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

OBITUARIES

Reverend Thomas R. Klett SARATOGA SPRINGS – Reverend Thomas R. Klett, 65, died suddenly November 14.

Thomas served in the U.S. Air Force. He was predeceased by his mother Lura Thomas Klett.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years Joyce Arnold Klett and son Robert Carl Klett of Rocky Mount, NC, his father Russell Klett and sister Patricia Klett of Chesterton, Indiana, his sister-inlaws Patricia (William) VanBuren of Bluffton, SC, Sandra Arnold of Porters

Corners, brother-in-law Alfred (Debra) Arnold of Wilton, several nieces and nephews. Services with military honors were held at the North Milton Cemetery.

Candace L. Hertik

11

Michael John Maloney SARATOGA SPRINGS – Michael John Maloney peacefully passed away at his home in Saratoga Springs with his family by his side on November 19. He was 87. Mr. Maloney was predeceased by his beloved mother Rose Maloney and survived by his loving wife of 62 years, JoAnn Smith Maloney and his daughters Nancy Maloney, Marcia Szochet and Kelly Brown. Mr. Maloney proudly served his country in World War II with the United States Marine Corps in the South Pacific on Iwo Jima Island.

He loved and warmly welcomed Garrett Brown (Kelly) and Mel Szochet (Marcia) into his family as sons. He helped raise his grandson Sandy Michael Campoli of Saratoga Springs. His granddaughters Abigail Grace, Nora Joy and Mageean Rose Brown of Hoosick Falls called him “Mikie”. Mike Maloney is also survived by a cousin, Timothy Maloney from Phoenix, Arizona and several nieces

and nephews from the Cummings family – Diane, Keith, Kevin, David and Christopher. Burial with military honors was held Friday, November 23 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Gifts can be made in honor of Michael Maloney to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

James E. Derue GREENFIELD CENTER – Candace (Candy) L. Hertik, 53, of Greenfield Center, passed away Wednesday, November 21.

Candy is survived by her husband Walter, her two children: Hannah and Luke, her father Budd Waldo Henderscheid and

step-mother Alice Henderscheid of Center, ND and her sisters: Nita, Renee, Teresa, and her brothers: Monte, Dan, and Ed. She is predeceased by her mother Shirley Jacobson.

A memorial service was held Sunday, November 25.

Edward T. Chase SARATOGA SPRINGS Edward T. Chase, 81, of Saratoga Springs passed away Tuesday, November 20.

Born Sept. 13, 1931, in Rotterdam, he was the son of the late Francis and Helen Chase.

Ed was predeceased by his great-grandson, Bentley Miner; four brothers, John, Leon, Frank and Joseph; and his sister, Helen Gibson.

Ed is survived by his wife of 59 years, Naomi Chase; his children, Thomas Chase of Ballston

Spa, Sharon Davidson (Mike Nelson) of Wilton and Mark Chase (Toni) of Wilton; and his grandchildren, Kristen Chase, Kyle Flannery, Dustin Flannery, Britnie Minor (John), Tiffanie Chase and Courtnie Chase.

In accordance with Ed's wishes, there will be no services.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Ronald McDonald House, 139 S. Lake Ave., Albany, NY 12208, or at www.rmhcofalbany.org/lenda-hand/donate.cfm.

MALTA – James E Derue of Saratoga Springs died on Tuesday November 20. He was 49 years old.

Born on April 14, 1963, in Kingston Ontario, he was the son of James W. Derue and Mary Jane Leeman Derue.

He is survived by his parents James W. and Mary Jane Derue of Chesterville, Ontario Canada, his wife Cindy Derue of Malta, two sons, Brett Derue of Malta and Jordan Derue of Freehold, NJ; two daughters, Bridgette Derue of St.

Petersburg, FL and Julie Derue of Malta; a brother Jeffery Derue (Susan) of Chesterville, Ontario, a sister Kelly J. Derue (Doug) of Renfrew, Ontario and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services were held on Saturday, November 24 at Greenridge Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made in his memory to the St Jude's Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.

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

12

BUSINESS

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

Fish Market Offers Fresh Caught Seafood

by Patricia Older Saratoga TODAY S A R AT O G A S P R I N G S Several mornings a week, a refrigerated truck makes its way from New York City to Saratoga Springs loaded with fresh seafood – swordfish from Montauk and Block Island, tuna from Massachusetts, bay scallops from Nantucket – along with seasonal favorites such as crawfish from Louisiana in the summer, salmon in the spring, and king crab in the winter.

The truck backs up to a door of a small seafood market on Route 50 in Wilton and three men begin the task of packing the seafood and shellfish into specially designed coolers.

From there, the seafood is artfully placed in display cases each morning, bringing the shaved ice to

life with the vivid colors, shapes and lines of the fresh fish, scallops, and lobsters.

“We employ a lot of proprietary preservation techniques,” said Joel Reingold, a partner in one of the newest markets to open in the Saratoga area – the Bon Ton Fish Market. He went on to explain that their market is the first of its kind to be licensed by the original Bon Ton Fish Market in Greenwich, Connecticut, adding that as part of the deal, they even employ one of the original store’s employees.

“Jonas [Valle] came from Connecticut to help us,” said Reingold. He said that with everyone’s experience, their small store has a century of experience behind them. “Our trained personnel have over 100 years in collective experience in the fish and food service industry.”

At Bon Ton, customers can

expect to find over 50 varieties of seafood ranging from the hard shell Nova Scotia lobsters, to deep water scampi and fresh roe. Then there is the fresh shrimp from the Carolinas, the giant shrimp from Panama and stone crab claws from Florida.

“Just imagine the logistics involved in getting all this stuff up here,” said Reingold, noting that in addition to the fresh seafood, they also make all their own sauces, salads and soups.

Reingold, along with his partner Maria Coral Gorriti, knew the area needed a good seafood market, but were not sure if it could support a market that dealt in such high end products. Gorriti had spent time in Greenwich and longed for fresh swordfish and shrimp.

Teaming up with Reingold, whose late wife Erna was also a seafood connoisseur, the pair decided Saratoga was in a place to support such a specialty market.

“Erna said Bon Ton was the best seafood market,” said Reingold.

“We started talking about opening one here in 1998 but did not do anything about it.”

In 2003, Erna passed away, but that did not deter Reingold from continuing to pursue the dream they had shared. Then when Global Foundries began to take off, he knew the time was right and teamed up with Gorriti to open Bon Ton. Reingold points out that all of the seafood is sourced from local Atlantic waters, as well as Canada,

photo provided

Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico, South Africa and South America.

“We have buyers bidding on our behalf in markets of Portland, Maine, New Bedford, Boston, the Fulton Fish Market is New York City,” said Reingold. “We have over 50 species depending on season.”

Pointing to the display cases filled with ice, Reingold said everything is removed every night and packaged in special coolers for preservation, taste, and safety reasons.

“Nothing is allowed to sit in the display cases and everything is fresh cut every morning,” he noted, adding that each morning the fish steaks are fresh cut so that nothing has been exposed to air and that Bon Ton helped them with “clever techniques from the original store.”

Bon Ton also offers fresh, inhouse made sauces, crab cakes, and soups.

“There is some pretty fancy stuff here,” said Reingold, pointing to

giant Alaskan king crab legs, frog legs, and escargot.

“We have two main concerns here, quality and price,” said Reingold. “Anyone who has been to the seacoast and had native seafoods, they understand the differences in the taste and the quality.

There is nothing comparable to fresh seafood.”

There are also party platters available.

“We do holiday platters of every kind,” said Reingold. “There are the wonderful cocktail size crab cakes, shrimp platters, baconwrapped scallops. We even offer the [Feast of the] Seven Fishes.”

For those who want frozen, Bon Ton has fully-cooked lobsters.

“You put them in the oven for about seven minutes and then serve them and don’t have any of the mess,” said Reingold.

Though the market does not currently offer sit down service, Reingold said they hope to offer take out in the near future.

“Right now all we do is boil because we did not want the smell to invade the market or the fresh fish,” noting that after the holidays they hope to offer soups and some carry out food stuffs.

In addition, he said the market will be offering cooking classes in the near future and classes on how to purchase fish.

“People need to know how to buy seafood and fish,” he said.

“For their safety and its freshness.”

And if they don’t have it, just ask.

“We will get anything in advance if it is at all possible,” said Goritti.

“No matter how obscure, if it’s there, we can get it.”

For more information on The Bon Ton Fish Market, call (518) 581-2500 or visit the store at 3057 Route 50, Saratoga Springs.

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

BUSINESS

13

Mancini Named Director of Community Law Office Adds Two Attorneys and Government Relations

Michael Mancini SARATOGA SPRINGS Michael Mancini, a resident of Syracuse, has been appointed

director of community and government relations for SUNY Empire State College. Mancini will be responsible for federal, state and local government and community relations for the college. He will begin his new role January 7, 2013.

Most recently, Mancini served as assistant to the dean of the college’s Central New York Center.

Headquartered in Syracuse, the center comprises two art galleries and seven offices and serves students from the heart of the state from Pennsylvania to the Canadian border. In addition to working with the dean on special projects and day-to-day operations, Mancini was responsible for developing and

maintaining regional media and government relations. Mancini earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the State University of New York College at Purchase in 2003 and Master of Education from the State University at Buffalo in 2005. After graduating, he worked in the Purchase College Department of Student Affairs as assistant judicial affairs officer.

While at UB, he worked as a graduate assistant in the Division of Student Affairs. In December 2005, Mancini moved to SUNY Fredonia, where he was the coordinator of judicial affairs until he joined Empire State College in August 2008.

Safeguard Helps Local Businesses SARATOGA SPRINGS Safeguard Promotional Products has been helping local businesses and organizations promote themselves for over 40 years with Bill Martin’s Safeguard Promotional Products franchise. The business balances the responsive and friendly service of a local family business with the capabilities of a large national company. The Martin family has owned and operated the

local franchise for over 65 years, serving an estimated 6,500 to 7,000 customers throughout the Capital Region and beyond.

Martin, along with his brother and sister, joined their father in the business, and as a team has contributed to the rapid growth of Safeguard. The company achieved 133 percent growth from 2009 through 2011 and is ranked number seven in the Advertising

Specialty Institute’s annual list of the top 10 fastest-growing distributors in the industry. For Safeguard, the holiday season is the most exciting time of the year for their business. Local companies and organizations use their promotional products to show their appreciation to customers and employees, with gourmet food gift baskets in high demand this year. For more information, call (518) 688-0800.

Amanda L. Cluff

Matthew J. Dillon

ALBANY - The law firm of Carter Conboy announced the addition of two attorneys to its Albany office – Amanda L. Cluff and Matthew J. Dillon have joined the firm as associate attorneys.

Ms. Cluff graduated from Cornell University with a B.A. in History/Law and Society. She received her J.D. from Albany Law School in 2011, where she was the senior editor of the Government Law Review and research assistant to Dean Patricia Salkin in the Government Law Center. She was also a law clerk for Albany County Supreme Court Judge Joseph Teresi. Prior to joining Carter Conboy, she was law clerk to the Honorable Anthony J. Graziano, Passaic County Superior Court, State of New Jersey. Cluff is admitted to practice in the States of

New York and New Jersey and practices in the areas of civil litigation and professional liability law.

Mr. Dillon graduated from Stonehill College with a B.A. in Political Science. He received his J.D. from Albany Law School in 2008 and is an alumnus of The Washington Center in Washington, D.C. At Albany Law, he was an intern in the Civil Rights and Disabilities Division of the Albany Law Clinic and Justice Center. He was a participant in American Inns of Court and a member of the Mock Trial Pupilage team. Prior to joining Carter Conboy, Mr. Dillon was an attorney at an Albany-area government relations firm. He is admitted to practice in the State of New York and practices in the field of civil litigation, product liability law and professional liability law.

Send your business briefs to patricia@saratogapublishing.com before Monday at 5 p.m. for Friday publication

14

RELIGION

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

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

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.

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

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 & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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; bspabaptist.org Services: 10:30 a.m. worship 9 a.m. Sunday School (all ages) 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.

Highway Tabernacle Church 90 River Rd., Mechanicville 664-4442 Services: Sunday 10:30 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 Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church 73 Midline Road Ballston Lake 399-5713 Services: Saturday 5 p.m.

Sunday 8:15 & 10:15 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

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 Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

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

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.

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. 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 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 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 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School at 9:15 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 Saratoga Friends Meeting (Quaker) Rts. 32 and 71 Quaker Springs 587-7477; 399-5013 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Saratoga United Methodist Church Henning Road 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 Road 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.

Temple Sinai 509 Broadway Saratoga Springs 584-8730 www.saratogasinai.org Friday 8 p.m. Oneg Sabbat Saturday 10:30 a.m.

Oneg Sabbat 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.

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

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs 624 North Broadway 584-1555; uusaratoga.org Services, Nursery Care, and Religious Education: Sundays 10 a.m.

Youth Group: Sundays 11:30 a.m.

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.

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

15

Welcome to the 17th Annual Saratoga Festival of Trees The holiday season is becoming quite challenging for individuals and families living in the tri-county region. Many are finding it increasingly difficult to get and keep jobs that pay enough to support their basic needs. They are not the “other” but are our neighbors, our friends and even our own family members. In the midst of these trying times, we are acutely aware of our own vulnerability as well as a heightened sensitivity

photos provided

to our deep interconnectedness.

It is with a spirit of gratitude for the blessings in our lives that we invite you to enjoy this creative holiday fantasy of delightfully decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces. Please stop at our raffle table, shop at the Holiday Store and join us for Breakfast with Santa on Saturday – a fun filled day of children’s activities in Santa’s workshop .Also returning this year is the

exquisite miniature Circus, Carnival and Train built over a 40year period and exhibited by its owner, Don Erlenbusch. May the many magical moments of this year’s festival fill our spirits with hope and the joy of the season.

Behind the scenes, scores of dedicated volunteers spent countless hours planning and preparing for this event to be enjoyed by the entire community. For them we are most

grateful. Thank you also to the many businesses and corporate sponsors who have generously supported our efforts and to the creative donors of the myriad of items of holiday décor. A special thanks goes to Family Day sponsor Healhy Living Market. Our media sponsors, Saratoga Today, Star 101.3 FM and Mannix Marketing, Inc. have been wonderful supporters as well.

We encourage you to savor this

visual feast and to further the mission of Catholic Charities by purchasing the holiday items displayed. We wish you a happy, peace-filled holiday season – one that will rekindle hope and trust in the gift of life and our relationship with one another.

-The Steering Committee Sister Charla Commins Kate Deloria Earline Johnson Bruce O’Connell

16

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

Your Local Holi

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

day Gift Guide

17

18

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

19

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

Sudoku Level: 1

2

3

4

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk

See puzzle solution on page 28

11/27/12

© 2012 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

Scrabblegram

Movie Review Cloud Atlas

See puzzle solution on page 28

PUZZLES PUZZLES PUZZLES Crossword

ACROSS 1 John and Paul 6 Capital on its own gulf 10 Bar or bel intro 14 Imminent, old-style 15 Shots served neatly?

16 Country on its own gulf 17 Mimic mackerel?

19 Tolled 20 Seed cover 21 Tony winner Roger 22 Many an Everly Brothers hit 23 “__-hoo!”

24 Mimic masquerades?

26 Early Pilgrim family 28 Ready 29 County bordering Mayo 30 Fairy tale threat 33 Mimic magazine managers?

38 The gamut 39 Obtain despite resistance 42 Key of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 24 47 European tourists’ rentals 48 Mimic masquerades?

52 “__ we having fun yet?”

53 Like much mouthwash 54 Pearl Buck heroine 55 “Dang!”

56 __ uncertain terms 57 Mimic miseries?

59 Bread brushed with ghee 60 Stationary surgical patient 61 Rival of Helena 62 In addition 63 “The War of the Worlds” foe 64 Slurpee cousins DOWN 1 Tropical fruits 2 Hot 3 Regular 4 Rank below marquis 5 Capacity-exceeding letters 6 Gold-medalist decathlete Johnson 7 Less receptive 8 Painter’s undercoat 9 __ Wednesday 10 Back fin

Who among us doesn’t want to be remembered? To make an impact that will last lifetimes? It turns out everyone’s life does, just not necessarily the way you might like or to the degree you might hope, or so says this latest offering from the creators of The Matrix trilogy based on a novel of the same name by David Mitchell.

Chronologically, the first character we’re introduced to is Adam Ewing. Ewing (played by Jim Sturgess) is an American lawyer travelling to the South Pacific to conduct business on behalf of his father-in-law. He witnesses the enslavement of the native islanders, offers passage to one who stows away on the ship, Autua (played by David Gyasi) and falls ill as a result of exposure to a parasite. Once incapacitated by his illness, Ewing is “cared for” by the maniacal Dr. Henry Goose (played by Tom Hanks).

Eighty-seven years later, we’re taken to the UK and introduced to a young man whose wealthy father sees him as an embarrassment and has disowned him. That man, Robert Frobisher (played by Ben Whishaw), dreams of being a composer. While hoping to achieve that, he takes a job dictating for a man whose already achieved fame of his own, Vyvyan Ayrs (played by Jim Broadbent), whose eyes are failing him. Despite Ayrs unpleasant demeanor, Frobisher proves up to the job and it allows him time to further his own ambitions. Flash forward another thirty-seven years, we meet Luisa Rey. Rey (played by Halle Berry who also portrays relatively minor characters in the previous storylines) is a second-generation journalist writing a story about a nuclear power plant that is opening in her hometown of San Francisco. Unexpectedly, she meets Rufus Sixsmith (former lover of the now-deceased Frobisher played by James D’Arcy). Sixsmith (D’Arcy) is a nuclear physicist who knows that the plant is unsafe and hopes to relay his knowledge to Rey and provide evidence to substantiate it. What neither Ray, Sixsmith, or Dr. Isaac Sachs (another whistleblower played by Tom Hanks) are aware of however, is that they are all being hunted by a man whose employers wish to see the plant open, no matter the risk to the environment or local residents. Once again, we jump ahead. This time, thirty-nine years to the present. There we meet Timothy Cavendish (played by Broadbent). Cavendish is a publisher at a publicity event for an author named Dermot Hoggins (Hanks). During the event, Hoggins sees a critic who panned his work and throws him off the balcony. While he is sent to jail for his actions, his book begins flying off the shelves resulting in a financial windfall for Cavendish. Members of the Hoggins family wish to take the proceeds Cavendish

At The Movies With Trey Roohan

Gasoline Alley

“As we race through our lives to catch the next train or squeeze in one more errand, we ought to pause occasionally, look around, and be awestruck by this marvelous world we are racing through.”

Chris Lowney

Words to know: dichotomy - n. Division into two contradictory parts or opinions.

See puzzle solutions on page 28

11 Sends, in a way 12 Taper, e.g.

13 Gulp down 18 Speaker of Cooperstown 22 Crude meas.

24 Letter run 25 Finn floater 27 I problem?

30 Wrong, with “all” 31 Meter opening 32 Dick Cheney’s eldest 34 Blabs 35 Has a mortgage, say 36 Tourist’s options: Abbr.

37 Break up 40 End of the slogan that starts

“Everybody doesn’t like something” 41 African dangers 42 Big food problem 43 __ column 44 Salon dyes 45 It starts with thunder and lightning in “Macbeth” 46 Mr. Rogers 47 Blow off steam 49 Irish lullaby start 50 Eating may relieve its symptoms 51 Compels 55 Frisbee, for one 57 “Lou Grant” production co.

58 Portugal’s Manuel II, e.g.

is receiving from the sales as a result of Dermot signing away his rights to them before going to jail. Cavendish goes on the run and his brother Denholme (played by Hugh Grant who, like the others, played roles of varied significance in the previous stories) sends him to an establishment that he mistakes for a hotel but that is, in fact, a secure home for the elderly. Rather than capitulate, Cavendish plots his escape with help from other unhappy residents, one of whom only says two words over and over during the planning of the escape and the escape itself.

There are two more storylines which, together, span a time of two-hundred nine years into the future. Rather than describe them both, I’ll simply conclude here with my thoughts on the film as a whole. Cloud Atlas, while not as brilliant as the hype made it out to be, is a great film. Hanks and company play all of their roles expertly. And though the connective tissue between them strains credulity at times, they each leave the viewer with a sense of hope and optimism that, in the end, things will work out somehow. That’s not a large part of my particular worldview, but it’s beautifully depicted and highly entertaining, nonetheless. See it. (8.2/10) For comments and questions, contact me at movies@roohanrealty.com.

Broom Hilda

Animal Crackers

20

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

upcoming town meetings Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org 12/4: Town Board, 7:30 p.m.

12/5: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:30 p.m.

Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org 12/10: Village Board, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com 12/4: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 899-2818 www.malta-town.org 12/3: Town Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org 12/5: Town Board, 7 p.m.

City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org 12/3: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m.

12/4: City Council, 7 p.m.

Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com 12/10: Town Board, 7 p.m.

Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org 12/3: Village Board, 6:30 p.m.

Town of Stillwater: 66 East St., Riverside Mechanicville, NY 12118 www.stillwaterny.org 12/6: Town Board, 7 p.m.

12/20: Town Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com 12/6: Town Board, 7:30 p.m.

12/6: Public Hearings – Zoning and Ethics, 7 p.m.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors: 40 McMaster St, #1 Ballston Spa, NY 12020 (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov 12/3: Board of Supervisors – Public Hearing, Budget, 5:30 p.m.

12/18: Board of Supervisors, 4 p.m.

L A C LO iefs br

Ballston Spa Christmas Parade The Ballston Spa downtown holiday parade will be held Friday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m. The parade has become a hometownstyle holiday tradition, with fire trucks, floats, animals, kids and Santa parading down the main street of the village. Before and after the parade, there will be carolers and musicians on the street corners and many village shops and restaurants will be open with music, demonstrations and displays as part of First Friday, which also falls on this festive evening. If your organization would like to march that night, please contact Ellen at the BSBPA office (518) 885-2772 or info@ballston.org.

Winter Dance Concert The Skidmore Dance Department presents an evening of dance with choreography by faculty and guest artists on Friday, December 7 at 8 p.m. It will be held in the Skidmore College Dance Theater. Cost to attend is $10 for adults; students and senior citizens $5. There are no advanced reservations. Tickets are sold 45 minutes prior to each performance. Arrive early for best seating. For more information call (518) 580-5392 Eighth Annual Center Crafts Show Coming Up The 8th Annual Center Crafts Show takes place from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday December 8 and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday, December at the Saratoga Arts Center’s Dee Sarno Theater. The show features more than 13 artists specializing in handmade fine crafts suitable for creative gift giving. Ceramics, jewelry, wood, wearable and decorative fiber, metalwork, paper arts, glass, and painting will all be available for purchase. Admission to the show is free and refreshments will be served. The Center Craft Show is held rain or shine. For more information visit www.gordonfinearts.org, or call (518) 852-6478; or (518) 5844132.

Saratoga Reads Community Series Saratoga Reads will launch its ninth year of community programming with a book fair featuring activities for the whole family on Sunday, December 2, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Barnes & Noble, Route 50, Wilton. The event will celebrate this year’s Saratoga Reads book of choice, Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup, a compelling account from the pre–Civil War era of the author’s harrowing abduction into slavery and long struggle to regain freedom. The book fair will raise funds to support Saratoga Reads and its series of public events related to Twelve Years a Slave. Door prizes at the event will include a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card, as well as copies of the book.

Barnes & Noble will donate to Saratoga Reads a percentage of purchases made that day by shoppers who mention Saratoga Reads at checkout or who use the special book fair voucher. Vouchers and the book fair schedule are available at www.SaratogaReads.org.

Shoppers must use the voucher or specifically mention Saratoga Reads to have their purchases benefit the organization. Those who shop online can also designate their purchases to support Saratoga Reads by entering the book fair ID number (10882611) upon checkout. This will apply to online purchases made from December 2 through December 7. The book fair will feature a performance by the Saratoga Springs High School Fiddle Club, an Elf on the Shelf holiday story time and an American Girl Doll tea. For a full schedule of the day’s events visit the website www.SaratogaReads.org.

Gavin Park Tree Lighting Ceremony Get into the holiday spirit with Santa at Gavin Park on Friday, December 7 starting at 6 p.m. until 8:45 p.m. Meet Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph and Santa’s elves. The celebration begins at 6:15 with Jim Burton at the piano, playing and singing holiday songs.

At 6:30, the tree lighting ceremony will begin, followed by Santa’s arrival at 6:45. There will also be holiday music and movies and refreshments will be served from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. For more information, call (518) 584-9455.

Local Author to Host Book Signing A Stop in the Park is a recently published contemporary novel by

local author Peggy Strack. It is a moving novel depicting a modern family’s struggle to restore the sense of simple fun and romance that once united them. It has earned a glowing editorial review from Kirkus Reviews and a five star Readers Favorite award. Strack will be at several venues throughout Saratoga County to sign books.

Please order from Amazon.com or purchase at an area bookstore and bring it to one of the following places to meet the author and get her signature: 12/15: 7 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Uncommon Grounds, Broadway, Saratoga Springs; 12/15: 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. – The Parting Glass, Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs; 12/18: 3:30 p.m.

6 p.m. – Mocha Lisa's, Clifton Country Mall, Clifton Park; 12/20: 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Coffee Traders, Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit The Mr Holland’s Opus Foundation, an organization that helps keep music alive in high-needs schools. Learn more at www.peggystrack.com.

Holiday Fair Sale In conjunction with the villagewide Celebration of St. Nicholaas, Old Saratoga Reformed Church, Pearl and Burgoyne streets in Schuylerville will be having a Holiday Sale on Saturday, December 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

New and gently used Christmas items will be available including decorations and collectables. There will also be a raffle, a bake sale and much more at bargain prices. For more information, call the church office at (518) 695-3479 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Brown Bag Lunch Program On December 13th, the final installment of the 2012 fall series of the Brown Bag Lunch Program will present a lecture on Gideon Putnam. Dave Patterson and Charlie Kuenzel present this notto-be missed talk about Saratoga Springs’s founding father. This event is conducted in the Dutcher Community Room located on the main floor of the library. The program is free and open to the public and begins promptly at noon. Tea and coffee are provided. For more information please contact the Visitor Center at (518) 587-3241.

Decorate for the Holidays Contest The town of Malta is hosting the annual Decorate for the Holidays Contest which is open to all Malta

businesses. and residents Beautifully engraved awards will be given in six different categories to the homes or establishments that reflect a special holiday spirit. Best Overall; Hammer and Nails; Amazing Lights; Most Unique; Fun for Kids; and Simple & Sweet.

All interested parties must fill out an entry form and submit to the Center.

Community Malta Deadline for entry is Thursday, December 6. Judging will take place on Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9. Contact the Malta Community Center at (518) 899-4411 for more information or to obtain an entry form.

Christmas Cookies Sale Christmas homemade Fresh Cookies will be sold on December 15, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, 349 Eastline Road, Ballston Lake.

Customers can choose from a wide assortment of holiday cookies made by the ladies of Christ the Savior Orthodox Church. Cost is $10 per box, tied with a ribbon and are perfect for gift giving or taking home to enjoy. Call (518) 885-4681 or (518) 363-0001.

Eleventh Annual Interfaith Memorial Service In acknowledgment of how difficult it is to get through the holidays after the loss of a loved one, the Burke/ Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes and Thomas Simone will host an Interfaith Memorial Service on December 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church on Circular Street in Saratoga Springs. Following the service, there will be a candlelight walk to outdoor tree lighting.

Everyone may hang an ornament (one will be provided) on the memorial tree which will remain lit throughout December. A reception at the social hall will follow. The public is invited to attend.

Second Hand Rose Holiday Sale The Second Hand Rose Thrift in St Broad 116 Shop, Schuylerville will have a $3.00 bag sale and Christmas Sale, during the St. Nicolaas Festival weekend, November 30 – December 1and will continue as long as supplies last. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For real bargains, do your Christmas shopping with Second Hand Rose. For more information, please call (518) 695-4640.

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

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

living

30 - Dec 6

Nov

events Friday, November 30 The 8th Annual Saratoga Restaurant Week November 30 – December 6 Get a 3-Course dinner for just $10, $20 or $30 at participating Saratoga County restaurants during Saratoga Restaurant Week! Start off with your choice of an appetizer or salad, then choose from a menu of sumptuous entrees, and top it off with a decadent dessert!

Plus some participating restaurants are offering lunch specials for just $5 or $10. Saratoga Restaurant Week is the perfect time to get out and try new restaurants in the Spa City! For more information and a list of participating restaurants visit www.discoversaratoga.org.

The Polar Express Now through January 6, 2013 5:30 & 8 p.m.

All Aboard! Read along with the story as the train makes its magical round-trip journey to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, a treat and a special gift for each child. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas. For more information and tickets visit: w w w. s n c r r . c o m / t h e - p o l a r express.html

Saturday, December 1 Annual Christmas Fair The King’s School, 6087 Route 9 N, Hadley 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Start your holiday shopping!!

Local vendors will be offering handmade crafts, jewelry,photography, gift baskets, re-claimed furnishings, soaps & scents, Mary Kay Cosmetics, coffee & donuts, designer pillows, Stampin’ Up, soups & breads, speciality candies, fudge & Christmas goodies and so much more! For more information, call (518) 654-6230 or go to www.kingsschool.info for directions.

The Saratoga Area Girl Scouts Holiday Open House & Community Service Day Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Saratoga Area Girl Scout Troops welcome all girls from kindergarten through 12th grade, including girls who are not currently in Girl Scouts, to join uswith their parent or troop. We will have many fun activities including: Holiday, Crafts, Refreshments, Holiday Carols, Make a card to send to a soldier or senior, Add a link in our paper chain to decorate the tree. *Please bring a can of food to donate to help stock the local food banks (Wilton and EOC) for the Holidays.

King Midas and the Palace of Gold Production Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Dr., Malta 2–4 p.m. & 7–9 p.m.

Come and enjoy this lively musical based on the famous Greek Mythology story of King Midas and his “Golden Touch." King Midas is the powerful ruler who can think only of gold. The musical follows his story as he acquires this special power and how he quickly learns that greed is dangerous. For more information please call (518) 899-4411 Ext. 305 Tickets are: $8 Advanced Sales $12 Door.

Concert: Skidmore String Ensemble Arthur Zankel Music Center, Ladd Concert Hall, Skidmore College 2 p.m Free and open to the public. For more information on our December concerts call 518-580-5321 or go to www.skidmore.edu/Zankel

CALENDAR

Tang Museum Family Saturday

100 Days 'Till St. Patrick's Day Concert

Tang Museum, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs 2–3:30 p.m Suitable for children ages 5 and up with their adult companions.

The program includes a brief tour of a current Tang exhibition, followed by a hands-on art activity.

Free and open to the public.

Reservations are strongly suggested. For reservations and information call 518-580-8080.

Hudson River Music Hall in Hudson Falls, 2 p.m on Sunday.

Get ready to enjoy an afternoon of Irish music. The two featured groups, Grafton Street Trio and TenPenny Bit, will present favorite Irish tunes on the fiddle, uilleann pipes, hammered dulcimer, mandolin, and bodhran. For more information, visit www.hudsonrivermusichall. com or www.eastgraftonstreet.com.

Skidmore College Theater: A Midsummer Night's Dream

Saratoga Reads Book Fair at Barnes & Noble

One of William Shakespeare's most popular works for the stage, the play features three interlocking plots set in the realm of Fairyland.

Directed by Doug Seldin.

Saturday 8 p.m. – Bernhard Theater, Main Stage Sunday 2 p.m. – Bernhard Theater, Main Stage $12 general admission, $8 students and senior citizens For more information call 518580-5439.

Grand Opening of the Saratoga Regional YMCA’s Wilton Branch Expansion 20 Old Gick Road, Saratoga Springs 10 a.m.

You are invited to join us for the grand opening ceremony of the Saratoga Regional YMCA's Wilton Branch Expansion, Phase 2. The first 500 members to join will receive a free t-shirt. Food & Beverages provided. For more information call 518-983-9622.

Sunday, December 2 Breakfast Buffet Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge #161, 1 Elk Lane, Saratoga Springs Fruit Cocktail, Pancakes, French Toast, Potatoes, Breakfast Sausage and Ham, Corned Beef Hash, Scrambled Eggs, Eggs Benedict, Juice, Coffee and Tea. Donations requested: Adult $7, Seniors and Military (Active/Retired with ID Card) $6, Children 5-12 $5, Under 5 Free, Take out $8.

Barnes & Noble, Route 50, Wilton 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Saratoga Reads will launch its ninth year with a book fair featuring activities for the whole family.

The day will include a story time, musical entertainment, and presentations by local students. Barnes & Noble will donate to Saratoga Reads a percentage of purchases made with special voucher. For vouchers and information, visit SaratogaReads.org.

Monday, December 3 Buying Items on e-bay for Absolute Beginners Saratoga Springs Public Library 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

In one session, learn tips on successfully and safely buying items on eBay. The pros/cons of PayPal and sell ratings are reviewed. For more information call 518-5847860 ext. 257.

Tuesday, December 4 Wilton Wildlife; Nature’s Homeschoolers Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park: Office 10:30 a.m.–Noon This program is designed to supplement homeschool curriculum with nature-based science. Lessons include hands-on activities and information about wildlife found in the Saratoga sand plains. Designed for students learning K-4 grade material. Preregistration required.

Please contact us at or (518) 4500321. If Saratoga Springs School

21

District cancels classes due bad weather, our programs will also be cancelled. $3. For more information call 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org.

Wednesday, December 5 Grandparents and Relatives Raising Kin Support Group Lake Avenue Elementary School, 126 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs 6–7 p.m.

Do you want to meet other grandparents raising grandchildren? Do you want information on financial assistance, your rights, respite care, or other services? Are you worried about how to care for a child Held the first Wednesday of every month. For more information, contact our staff at 518-8330215 or email info@grandparentsforchildren.org.

Thursday, December 6 River Cruises – A Rhona Koretzky Travel Program Saratoga Springs Public Library Noon–1 p.m.

Retired Saratoga Springs Librarian will give a presentation about river cruises. For more information call 518-584-7860.

Farmers’ Markets Saratoga Springs Division Street Elementary School Saturdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. www.saratogafarmersmarket.org

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

Sendyour your calendar to to Emily Fowler at efowler@saratogapublishing.com 5 pm on Monday forFriday Fridaypublication. publication.

Send calendaritems items calendar@saratogapublishing.com beforebefore 5 p.m. on Monday for

22

PULSE

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

DON’T MISS John and Orion Kribs

Photo Provided

performing at the Parting Glass Pub in Saratoga Springs the evening of December 1, 2012.

Local Gigs Week of 11/30-12/6:

Send listings to amarshall@saratogapublishing.com Send listings to entertainment@saratogapublishing.com

Friday, 11/30:

Saturday, 12/1:

Tim Olsen Quartet, 8 pm

Travis Sullivan Trio, 7 pm

@ 9 Maple Ave - 583.2582

@ druther’s - 306.5275

Nick Macchia, 7 pm

Ubuntu, 9 pm

@ bailey’s - 583.6060

@ gaffney’s - 587.7359

Sugar Pill, 8 pm

Headroom, 9 pm

@ bentley’s - 899.4300

@ irish times - 583.0003

The Joe Nacco Band, 8 pm

Cryin’ Out Loud, 10:30 pm

@ bayou cafe - 384.7226

@ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

Paul Geremia, 8 pm

jeff Strange, 9 pm

@ caffè lena - 583.0022

@ the mill - 899.5253

Jeff Nania Quartet, 7 pm

The John Kribs Band, 9 pm

@ druther’s - 306.5275

@ the parting glass - 583.1916

New Shoes, 9 pm

Rich Ortiz, 8 pm

@ gaffney’s - 587.7359

@ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

The Blackouts, 9 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

Sunday, 12/2:

Crispy Critters, 5:30 pm

The Story Circle, 2 pm

@ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

Static, 10:30 pm

@ @ caffè lena - 583.0022

@ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

Thursday, 12/6:

John Eisenhart, 9 pm

[to be determined], 8 pm

@ the mill - 899.5253

Black Abbey, 9 pm @ the parting glass - 583.1916

Larry Hooker, 9 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

@ druther’s - 306.5275

John Eisenhart, 9 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

Justin Joyner, 8 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

The Refrigerators, 9:30 pm @ vapor - 792.8282

Saturday, 12/1: Keith Pray’s Soul Jazz Revival, 8 pm @ 9 Maple Ave - 583.2582

Woodstone, 7 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

[to be determined], 7 pm @ bentley’s - 899.4300

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

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

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

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

The Kennedys, 8 pm

Thur. Open Mic, 10 pm

@ caffè lena - 583.0022

@ circus café - 583.1106

PULSE

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

Mimosa Gallery to Exhibit Local Artist SARATOGA SPRINGS – An opening reception for Mimosa Gallery’s newest exhibit, “Hybrid,” will take place December 1 and will feature an appearance by the exhibit’s artist, Jason Blue Lake Hawk Martinez.

“He’s been planning this exhibit for over two years,” said Mimosa Gallery’s owner, Michelle LaLonde. “It’s mystical and just has a lot of things going on, so it’s really beautiful.”

“Hybrid” was inspired by ideas of neo-mythology, childhood playground dreams, reclamation of heritage, prophesy of the elders and a personal revelation of life, according to Martinez’s artist statement.

The exhibit is also designed to be an interpretation to “the significant power of faith.”

Martinez has heritage in the Tiwa Clan of the Koshari, which has a strong influence on his art and the “Hybrid” exhibit.

“History shows that belief has a strong psychological effect on humanity both positive and negative. I am attempting to resolve personal issues of pain, frustration, and confusion in relation to our world tribe at constant war with itself over the lust for power, greed and the need to be (b)right,” Martinez said in his

statement. “The Koshari is both black and white, the ecclesiastical balance, the healer and trickster, and the weaver of the sacred and profane.”

Martinez earned his Masters in Fine Arts degree at SUNY Albany in 2007, and currently teaches art at the Doane Stuart School in Albany. He has had solo exhibits featured in the Visions Gallery and Albany Visitors Gallery, Salem Art Works, Skidmore College, Koussevitzky Art Gallery at Berkshire College, and the Terra Nova Gallery in Troy, among being selected for many other group exhibitions in several more galleries.

“I have composed a story of duality through balance of dark and light. I am honoring my Tiwa Clan of the Koshari, envisioning a world of converging ideas that bring reclamation of something new with moribundity to the past,” Martinez said.

The opening reception for “Hybrid” will take place December 1 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Mimosa Gallery, located at 489 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Martinez will be in attendance at the reception to answer any questions the gallery

visitors may have about his work.

The exhibit will be open to the public until December 21.

For more information on the

exhibit or the Mimosa Gallery, visit the website at www.mimosagallery.com or call (518) 583-1163.

23

24

PULSE

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

Eighth Annual Restaurant Week Anticipates Record Participation continued from Page 1 available through Thursday, December 6, Saratoga residents will have the opportunity to try local, renowned restaurants at a lower price thanks to fixed-pric-

ing menus.

The event is presented by the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau (SCTB), in conjunction with restaurant owners and opera-

tors in Saratoga County. Citizens who are seeking an opportunity to enjoy an appetizer or salad, a dinner entrée, and a dessert from a pre-set menu priced at $10, $20 or $30 (plus tax and tip) will have their chance during this once-ayear food celebration. There is also an opportunity to enjoy lunch specials for $5 or $10 (plus tax and tip).

“We created this week to highlight Saratoga’s unique, individually or family-owned restaurants during a time of year where people are out and about,” said Todd Garofano, president of the SCTB. “It’s a great opportunity for folks to try restaurants that they’ve been wanting to try but just haven’t had the chance to yet.”

Garofano added that since Restaurant Week in Saratoga has grown exponentially since its start in 2004.

“It’s exploded in growth,” Garofano said. “We actually have 52 restaurants signed up this year, and we’re thrilled with it. It’s really evolved to a county-wide event—we have restaurants par-

ticipating in Saratoga Springs, Wilton, Clifton Park and everywhere in between.”

In previous years, Restaurant Week consisted of just one menu at a fixed price of $19.18 at all participating restaurants.

However, last year the SCTB decided to try taking Restaurant Week in a different direction by offering three different fixedprice menus instead of just one.

“We wanted to make this a county-wide event, and [the one fixed-price option] was limiting some restaurants from creating menus to fit that price point, so we did some research from other cities that do Restaurant Week and we found a few that were doing $10, $20 and $30 offerings,” Garofano said. “In talking with some of those places, they felt they experienced a lot of growth, so we feel that having three different price points can allow people to dine at the level they want to, and it also allows chefs to get more creative with their menus within those price points.”

The SCTB is also creating opportunities for even more discount deals during Restaurant Week by partnering with 10 different hotels and motels, which will offer special rates for those who mention Restaurant Week.

“Over the last couple of years we’ve had our lodging partners participate by offering special rates during restaurant week so we could draw folks in from other distances,” Garofano said. “Folks can also register to win overnight packages with lunch and dinner included.”

The SCTB is offering three different gift packages for those interested in entering the giveaway contest. One package will give winners an overnight stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Saratoga (expires 12/31/13) including cooked-to-order breakfast for two and a $50 certificate to Sushi Thai Garden. The second package you can enter to win is an overnight stay at Hampton Inn & Suites in Saratoga Springs (expires 10/31/13) including breakfast and $50 to Three Olives Restaurant. The last and most valued gift package is the Mid-Week Romance Package courtesy of Longfellows Inn and Restaurant which includes an overnight stay, champagne and chocolates in your room upon arrival, a four course dinner for two from the a la carte menu and continental breakfast the following morning. There is no expiration and this package has a $200 value.

“We’re anticipating a great [turnout] this year,” Garofano said. “We have more restaurants signed up and we expect more diners to participate, as well.”

Those who are interested in entering the giveaways, learning more about Restaurant Week, or those who want to see a menu and list of participating restaurants and sponsors can do so at www.discoversaratoga.org/restau rantweek or by calling the SCTB at (518) 584-1531.

PULSE

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

25

The 8th Annual Saratoga County Restaurant Week Participating Restaurants November 30 December 6 Prix fixe menus consisting of three items for one price plus tax & tip!

3-Course Dinner | $10, $20 or $30 Lunch Specials | $5 or $10

Lunch Specials $5 Cantina Esperanto Izumi Asian Bistro & Lounge $10 Bookmakers at the Holiday Inn Comfort Kitchen Druthers Gaffney's Restaurant Irish Times Pub and Restaurant Jacob & Anthony's American Grille Lillian's Restaurant Local Pub and Teahouse Lucky Joe's at Saratoga Casino and Raceway Maestro's at the Van Dam

Phila Fusion PJ's BAR-B-QSA Ravenous Scallions Restaurant Sushi Thai Garden Restaurant The Springs Uno Chicago Grill Wheatfields Bistro & Wine Bar Wheatfields Restaurant & Bar

Three-Course Dinner $10 Esperanto Karavalli Regional Cuisine of India $20 Angelo's Prime Bar and Grill Boca Bistro Bookmakers at the Holiday Inn Cantina Capriccio Saratoga Chez Pierre Restaurant Chianti Il Ristorante Circus Cafe Druthers Duo Modern Japanese Cuisine Forno Bistro Gaffney's Restaurant

The Great American Grill Hattie's Restaurant Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill The Inn at Saratoga Irish Times Pub and Restaurant Izumi Asian Bistro & Lounge Jacob & Anthony's American Grille Karavalli Regional Cuisine of India Lillian's Restaurant Limoncello Ristorante Longfellows Restaurant Maestro's at the Van Dam Mouzon House Nove Italian Restaurant

Olde Bryan Inn One Caroline Street Bistro Pasta Pane Phila Fusion PJ's BAR-B-QSA Putnam's at Gideon Putnam Resort Ravenous Scallions Restaurant Sperry's Restaurant Stadium Cafe Sushi Thai Garden Restaurant The Springs Three Olives Restaurant Uno Chicago Grill Wheatfields Bistro & Wine Bar Wheatfields Restaurant & Bar

$30 Capriccio Saratoga The Inn at Saratoga Jacob & Anthony's American Grille Lillian's Restaurant Max London's Restaurant & Bar Prime at Saratoga National Golf Club The Springs The Wine Bar Wishing Well Restaurant

26

FOOD

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

Kale, Potato and Sausage Soup A wonderful rich crowd pleaser for the Winter Solstice Ingredients

It is not unusual for people to turn their noses up at kale, especially in summer when it can be quite bitter, or when eaten raw. But this vegetable sweetens after a frost, and is much more palatable in the fall and early winter. When cooked in certain dishes, kale is a wonderful and nutritious addition.

This soup is definitely an example of how to enjoy fresh kale (and other local ingredients.) The chorizo and Italian sausages, fresh root vegetables and rich sweet cream set the stage for the kale to taste its best. Soup is a comfort food and

this winter solstice soup is as much a comfort for its flavor as it is for its heartiness.

Note: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or used over a few days time, but it does not freeze well.

Ingredients marked* are available now at the Saratoga Springs (Winter) Farmers’ Market.

Customers can use their EBT, credit or debit cards at the Market, which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through April at the Division Street School.

4 cups of cold-washed fresh kale* 10-12 whole local potatoes diced.* (Red potatoes hold up well in soups. For a slightly different flavor, use a couple of sweet potatoes.)

1 medium yellow onion, chopped* 3 garlic cloves* Olive oil 3 medium fresh carrots, peeled and sliced very thin* ½ pound chorizo sausage* (See note, below.)

1 pound sweet or hot Italian sausage* (See note below.)

Approximately ½ tsp. red pepper flakes (depending on preferred spiciness) 2 cups low sodium chicken broth (Or use homemade from farmers’ market stewing chickens*) 2 cups Battenkill Valley Creamery whole milk*

4 cups Battenkill Valley Creamery half-and-half* Fresh oregano* Black pepper to taste (Notes: Use one type of sausage or a mixture, to total 1½ pounds.

Use sweet Italian sausage only if the least amount of spice is desired.

No salt is needed because the sausages will contain enough.)

Directions 1. Wash kale in cold water and pat dry. Tear into small pieces and set aside.

2. Cut up potatoes, chop onions and garlic. Sauté all in a frying pan with olive oil until onions are tender, but not burned. Potatoes will not be done but will continue to cook in the soup. Put these ingredients into a large soup pot.

3. Cut carrots into less than ¼

inch thick slices and add to the pot.

4. If the sausage is in linked form, remove from casings and crumble. In the same pan used to sauté the vegetables and garlic, add a small amount of olive oil and cook one or both sausage varieties with the red pepper flakes until just cooked through. Drain fat, and scrape the meat into the soup pot.

5. Add the chicken broth to the pot and heat gently while stirring occasionally, to just below the boiling point. Add the kale and bring to a simmer; cook, stirring for 5-10 minutes.

6. Turn down heat and add the whole milk, cream and oregano.

Continue stirring, until the mixture comes to a simmer. Cook for another five minutes, until heat has penetrated through the entire soup.

Add black pepper to taste.

7. Serve immediately.

Quick and Easy Chili Ingredients:

Richard Hale Saratoga TODAY

Hello, my foodie friends!

Since he started writing his column “Compliments to the Chef,” our foodie friend John Reardon has been dishing out tips, tricks and all sorts of helpful cooking advice. Well, he’s been awful busy with his store along Broadway getting ready for the big day, so I am stepping in this week in order to share my family’s quick and easy chili recipe. It may be simple to make, but it is also simply delicious!

1½ lbs. ground beef ½ lb. ground pork Salt Black Pepper 2 cans tomato soup 2 cans stewed tomatoes 2 pkgs. McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix 1 can small red beans 1 large onion (chopped) Directions: 1. In a large saucepan brown 1½ pounds of ground beef and ½ pound of pork (season with salth and pepper).

2. Drain fat from pan and move cooked meat to a large CrockPot® or slow cooker.

3. In a blender combine both cans of tomato soup, both cans of stewed tomatoes, and both packages of chili seasoning mix.

4. Blend until the stewed tomatoes are smooth and chili seasoning is well incorporated.

5. Pour blended mixture into the slow cooker and stir to combine.

6. Add can of small red beans to slow cooker and stir to combine.

7. Chop 1 large onion and then add to slow cooker. Stir to combine.

8. Turn slow cooker on low and cook 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally.

This recipe is perfect for a Sunday afternoon of watching football or your favorite movies, especially when served with fresh corn bread.

“Eat well, live well.”

Happy Holidays!

Rich

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

TODAY’s

classified M A R K E T P L A C E

Call (518) 581-2480 x204

Publication day Friday

REAL ESTATE

FOR RENT WILTON MCGREGOR VILLAGE APARTMENTS. FALL SPECIAL - 1ST MONTH FREE 2 bdrm, 1 bath. Cats only. (A/C avail) All 1st flr. units includes features for persons w/disabilities required by the Fair Housing Act. Now $775/month.

518-886-8013

Ad Copy Due Wednesday 12:00 p.m.

LOST & FOUND REWARD! (2 Cash Rewards) for information of stolen Fisher Plow from 5 Care Lane which was taken in April of 2011. Please Call 518-495-6300.

WANTED WANTED TO RENT Mature woman seeking affordable studio or 1 bdrm apt., Saratoga Springs. 1 cat, non-smoker. Please call Veronica 518-265-5732.

Space Reservation Due Monday 5:00 p.m.

MISCELLANEOUS GET A FREE VACATION

By Donating your vehicle, boat, property, collectibles to Dvar.

Maximize your IRS deductions and help teens in crisis. Call: 1800-338-6724 ARE YOU IN FORECLOSURE? There is no need to lose your home. We have the answer. Call 518-365-6828

27

@

classified saratoga publishing

.com

It’s where

YOU

NEED to be.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY POPULAR FAST FOOD FRANCHISE Estab. 5 years in Saratoga. Loyal following. Sales $700K. Motivated owner. Only $105K. CBAI (518) 459-9070

ADVERTISE HERE! CALL (518) 581-2480 to place your ad

WANTED DELAWARE: For Sale Several NEW Ranch Homes! 55+Peaceful Country setting with all amenities included.

Low 100's, low taxes Call Today: 302-659-5800 www.bonayrehomes.com and www.lenapebuilders.net

Will Pay up to $15.00 for High School Yearbooks 1900-2012.

Any School/Any State. www.yearbookusa.com or 214-514-1040

SITUATIONS WANTED WANTED: Woman 49 yrs. old, piano teacher, looking for a job as a Nanny, housekeeper and/or caregiver for disabled. Live-in/out. References.

Veronica 518-265-5732.

HOME IMPROVEMENT HALFMOON HANDYMAN SERVICES Angies List, BBB, Home improvement Renovation of bathrooms/kitchens; Tile floors, decks, screen rooms, all repairs.

Call JD at: 518-859-4226 Geographical limitations!

ADOPTION ADOPT: Kindergarten teacher longs to give your precious baby endless love, secure home, large extended family, bright future.

Expenses paid. Private. Legal.

Call Jenny 1-866-751-3377

ADOPTION ADOPTION-YOUR OPTION. NY couple offers your newborn happiness, laughter, financial security, tons of TLC. Expenses paid as permitted. Legal/ confidential. Call Peggy & Sonu 1-888-962-5022

SPORTS

28

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

Community Sports Bulletin Saratoga Central Catholic Baseball Volunteers To Help Decorate the Albany Ronald McDonald House for Holidays

Jason Morris Judo Center Hosts 10th Annual JMJC Open Tournament

Front row left to right: Jo Ann Lambert, past board member, Debbie Ross, director of the Ronald McDonald House, Mikey Angelini, Joseph Schmidt, Liam Gibney, Jake Moline, Sean Hart, John Natale, JR Hmura and Coach Chris Hackett.

Back row left to right: Jesse Winters, Ryan Czarnecki, Jake VanPatten, Coach Alphonse Lambert, Michael Naughton, Cameron Coons and Chris Larson.

ALBANY - The Saratoga Central Catholic Saints baseball team visited the Ronald McDonald House in Albany November 20. The team helped to decorate the house for the Christmas season, put up and decorated Christmas trees, and visited with families currently living at the Ronald McDonald House.

Photo by Lou DiGesare/realjudo.net

GLENVILLE - The Jason Morris Judo Center held its 10th annual JMJC Open this past November 24, at their facilities in Glenville. This event drew over 60 competitors from four different states. The JMJC Open is a development competition to help athletes learn how to compete and sharpen their skills as each athlete sometimes has over 10 matches on the day.

Photo Provided

BOLEN ‘EM OVER - JMJC's Brad Bolen (Blue) throws his opponent at the 10th JMJC Open. Bolen has been the number-one ranked athlete in the United States at 66-kilograms for almost three years and is currently ranked 34th in the world. Bolen is also a top prospect from the JMJC to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge 161 Holding Hoop Shoot Basketball Competition The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge 161 will hold its annual Hoop Shoot basketball free throw shooting competition on Saturday, December 1, from 9 a.m. - noon at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center located at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, Saratoga Springs.

This event is free and open to boys and girls ages 8-13. Boys and girls will be divided into separate divisions and by age groups of 8-9 year olds, 10-11 year olds, and 12-13 year olds. Participants’ ages will be determined as of their age on April 1, 2013.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place winners in all age groups in both divisions. Local winners will advance to the District Championship to be held in Cohoes, and have the opportunity to advance to Regional, State, and National Championships.

The National Championship will be held at the National Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, where all national champions will be enshrined.

For more information, contact the Elks Hoop Shoot Director, Steve Dorsey, at (518) 369-1985.

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

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

Get an Early Start on Saratoga 150

With Special Items for Holiday Gift Giving

SPORTS

29

Blue Streaks Pick Up Right Where They Left Off, Crush Guilderland 12-0 Photo by MarkBolles.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Make it an early celebration of the 150th Anniversary of thoroughbred racing in Saratoga Springs, coming in 2013, with new items marking this monumental anniversary of the oldest sporting venue in the United States - the Saratoga Race Course New commemorative items for this once-in-history event have been created by Saratoga 150’s newest merchandise partners - N. Fox Jewelers and Impressions of Saratoga - both located in the city’s downtown.

These new products are perfect for gift giving this holiday season for all, who love Saratoga and/or horses.

Now available online at the anniversary website’s store, www.saratoga150.com/store, are a number of items - all unique reflections of this 150th anniversary.

From Impressions of Saratoga, there is a line of products that includes a commemorative Saratoga 150 T-shirt, Euro sticker, holiday ornament, money clip, key chain and baseball cap.

From N. Fox, the exclusive jeweler to custom design and create the Saratoga 150 jewelry line for the Festival, indulge with an official Saratoga 150 ring, cufflinks or pendants.

Also available are Saratoga 150 Packages - Win, Place and Show medallions - with prices ranging from $15 to $150. Each includes a host of benefits. Visit www.saratoga150.com for details, or purchase the $15 medallions at all Adirondack Trust Co. banking locations.

ABOUT SARATOGA 150: Next year, Saratoga will go back 150 years to celebrate the

birth of Thoroughbred racing, with technology and activities that could never have been imagined when Saratoga racing was founded in 1863 by John Morrissey of Troy, New York.

Organized by Saratoga 150 and chaired by Adirondack Trust President Charles V. Wait with the assistance of many other volunteers, the five-month-long celebration will extend from May through September 2013, and will offer more than 150 events for area residents and visitors to the region, as well as special Win, Place and Show medallions for Saratoga 150 “Friends”.

The celebration’s major kickoff event is scheduled for Sunday evening, May 26, 2013, (Memorial Day weekend) on the grounds of the Spa State Park/Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The community event will include music spanning a wide range of tastes, an old-fashioned picnic supper, youth dance groups, storytellers and a variety of family activities and contests; concluding with a spectacular Saratoga 150 fireworks display.

Those with medallion lapel pins will be admitted free.

One of the racing season events of the anniversary will be a “Bettors Ball” to be held August 17, 2013, at the Saratoga City Center. Dance bands will offer music from different decades from the 1940s swing era, up through music of the 1980s. The $5 admission will benefit backstretch workers, and those with Friends medallion lapel pins will receive free admission.

For more information on Saratoga 150, or to be a sponsor of the celebration, visit www.saratoga150.com or contact (518) 587-3255.

ADD IT UP - The 2011-12 Blue Streaks varsity hockey team was honored prior to November 28’s game against Guilderland/Mohonasen for advancing to the NYS Frozen Four for the second year in a row. The victory celebration would serve as the prelude to a 12-0 victory.

by Andrew Marshall

Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Blue Streaks varsity hockey team got their season started November 28 at Weibel Avenue Arena against the Guilderland/Mohonasen Dutch Warriors, taking a moment during player introductions to unveil a banner honoring the 2011-2012 Blue Streaks that advanced to a second-consecutive New York State Frozen Four in Utica.

The fond memories of last season weren’t dwelled upon very long by this year’s squad, as the Blue Streaks got right to work on a possible third-straight trip to Central New York and crushed the visiting Guilderland/Mohonasen team by a score of 12-0.

Seven Blue Streaks would score a goal during the game, which at 2-0 after the end of the first period was still within reach for the Warriors. The Streaks would pepper the opposing goaltender with an unbelievable 60 shots during the game, or 55 more than Guilderland would manage for the entire game.

Saratoga would break the game wide open in the second period, tallying six goals including four in a span of just over two-and-ahalf minutes.

Senior forward Tyler Bullard put forth a great effort, registering a hat trick and two assists.

Seniors Matt Flynn, Ryan Flynn

and Devin Smith each scored twice, with Matt Flynn chipping in two assists of his own.

The Blue Streaks return to action November 30 against Christian Brothers Academy.

Their first away game of the season begins at 7 p.m. at the Albany County Hockey Training Facility.

SPORTS

30

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

Coaches: Keep the Ball in Play!

Damian Fantauzzi

Earlier this month, I was invited to the Saratoga Springs High School girls’ tennis banquet by their head coach, Tim O'Brien. Many years ago (actually it was only six), I was their assistant coach and before that, the junior varsity team’s coach.

The head coach was my good friend, Rich Johns. In 1986,

Rich asked me if I would be interested in becoming the first ever JV coach for the girls’ tennis program. I thought it over for about a day and decided that it might be an enjoyable experience for me, so I said yes. My experience as a fall sports coach at Saratoga Springs High School was that I coached cross-country from 1972 to 1976. Then took about 10 years off from coaching any fall sport until 1985 when Ray Waldron, the athletic director, asked me if I would help him out by coaching the modified girls’ soccer team as no one else was interested in the position. So, I agreed to do it!

I’ll be the first to admit that soccer was a bit foreign to me. I had very little prior knowledge of the sport. I had a great group of young ladies who actually guided me on what to do in practice and during the games.

It certainly was a learning experience and my connection with those girls was rewarding. They were a terrific group of seventh and eighth graders. I had fun, but still felt that I was not qualified to be a soccer coach. I coached tennis at Granville for three years, as the varsity coach since there was no JV program or even a girls’ team. So my team was 99 percent boys and 1 percent girls - one girl. She just happened to be the second best player on the team, (Eileen Troy, the current athletic director at Greenwich Central School). We had a decent team!

My experience as a tennis coach, at Saratoga, comes from my association with Rich Johns and he taught me a lot about teaching the game and I was able to pass it on to the kids.

Rich Johns is a very knowledgeable tennis coach!

The legacy of Coach Johns and what he has done for the girls tennis program is being continued through the efforts of his protégé, Tim O'Brien.

During our time coaching tennis, Rich and I agreed that we would have a no-cut policy, which is a rare thing in team tennis, especially at the high school level. Tim has continued that tradition and has had great

success employing that philosophy. During the last couple years, Rich was awarded the national honor of "Coach of The Year" and the "Starfish Award" by the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

The "Starfish" is an honor that is given to a coach who has the philosophical characteristics of keeping all who come out for the team. It relates to the story of a young girl walking on the beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. People watched with amusement. She had been doing this for some when a man approached her and said, "Little girl, why are you doing this?

Look at the beach! You can't save all these starfish. You can't begin to make a difference!" The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated.

But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, "Well, I made a difference to that one!" The story goes that the man looked at the girl with deep thought and then began helping her throw the little fish back into the ocean!

I like that story and I also liked the fact that we were able to allow many girls the experience to play tennis. In the spring season of my last 12 years as a teacher, I was the boys’ varsity tennis coach and continued with the same philosophy of no-cut with Coach Johns as my assistant coach, while Tim O'Brien was our JV coach. There are many yearbook photos of our teams, and I remember we were all sitting in the gym, where the yearbook photo was being taken, where there were 80-plus girls sitting in the bleachers, with the coaches. Amazing! After my retirement, I was replaced by a young woman who I have had the pleasure to be associated with, physical education teacher Annie Testa! The girls love Ms. Testa/Sweeney who bought into the system, loves the kids and is nothing less than a positive influence and role model for the

girls!

Tim O'Brien has done an outstanding job, not only by continuing the tradition but because he puts his heart and soul into his teams. This past season, the girls pulled off some major upsets in the team sectionals and lost to Emma Willard in the Class AA championship match. Emma Willard has girls on the international teams from Europe and South America and a few of these girls are internationallyranked in tennis. Little old Saratoga, with a team of local young ladies, made it to the finals, defeating perennial public school tennis programs like Niskayuna and Bethlehem. Both matches were nail-biters, with the Blue Streaks winning five to four in each game. During those two matches, there were numerous tie-breakers that ultimately decided the outcome.

Tim O'Brien, his assistant and friend Kevin Crotty and Annie Testa should be commended for keeping a good thing alive.

During the banquet you could see the love and dedication that these coaches have for their players. The appreciation that the girls have for their mentors and coaches was such a heartwarming thing to see. The legacy created by Coach Johns has become a known factor among the local high school tennis coaches, in Section II and watching the current coaches carry out that tradition is very rewarding. I would guess that when a new coach steps into a leadership role, the coach would say "This is my way!"

Tim O'Brien has the knowledge and ability to change the programs' philosophical demeanor but since he originally came into this program as Rich's assistant and a JV coach for me, he saw all the good and positive effects of the system. The logic outweighs the ego and Tim has the intellect to keep with a good thing that enables the boys’ and girls’ tennis programs at SSHS to remain a successful tradition.

Congratulations to all of the girls and coaches of the 2012 Saratoga Springs High School Tennis Team - keep the ball in play!

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

SPORTS

31

Skidmore Men’s Basketball Win Third Straight Against Castleton State College SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Skidmore College men's basketball team outscored Castleton State 51-20 over the game's final 14:37 on their way to a 106-85 win Monday night at the Williamson Center.

The Thoroughbreds have won three straight to improve to 3-1, while the Spartans fell to 1-2.

Connor Merrill and Tanner Brooks led six Skidmore players in double figures. Merrill scored 26 points and had 10 rebounds and five blocks off the bench, while Brooks tossed in 24 points to go along with four assists.

Aldin Medunjanin had a rare point-assist double-double with 14 points and 10 assists. Kevin Dahill and Doolun Anyam had 10 points each, while Sakhile Sithole scored 11 points.

Jeremy Odena led Castleton with 19 points. Rob Collutti and Dammy Mustapha scored 10 points apiece. Mustapha also had 10 rebounds.

Down 51-49 at the half, the Spartans opened the second with a 17-5 run to take a 65-55 lead with 14:37 to play. Skidmore would take over from there and never look back.

The

Thoroughbreds responded with a 16-5 run to take the lead for good, 70-69 with 10:21 to play.

Merrill and Brooks combined for 12 of the 16 points in the run and scored 31 of the team's 55 second half points.

Skidmore shot 55.2 percent from the floor in the second half, hitting 16 of 29 shots from the floor, while the Spartans struggled, making only 10 of 34 (29.4 percent). For the game, the Thoroughbreds were 36-68 (51.5 percent) from the floor and went 30 of 36 from the line (83.3 percent).

Photo by MarkBolles.com

FROM NEW YORK TO VERMONT - Connor Merrill (33) receives a pass from Aldin Medunjanin (5) during their November 26 game against Castleton State College. The Thoroughbreds would cruise to an easy 106-85 victory over the Spartans.

Photo by MarkBolles.com

REACH FOR THE SKY - Tanner Brooks (4) goes in for a lay up during the November 26 game against Castleton State College. Brooks finished with 24 points and four assists.

News & Notes from Skidmore Athletics Three Thoroughbreds Earn Liberty League Weekly Honors

Skidmore golf ranked 15th in GolfWeek/Nike Golf coaches' poll

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Liberty League announced that three Skidmore College studentathletes received recognition for their performances during the past week.

Women’s basketball freshman Ella Scheuerell was named Rookie of the Week, while senior Logan Frederick was named to the weekly honor roll.

Scheuerell scored a game-high 16 points off the bench, including a pair of free throws with one second remaining to help the Thoroughbreds secure a 56-54 win at Potsdam. Frederick recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds to go along with three steals. Skidmore is 1-2 overall this season.

Men’s basketball sophomore Connor Merrill was selected to the weekly honor roll for the second straight week. Merrill registered a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds while also recording six blocks in a 7643 win over Southern Vermont.

His 19 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks were all career-highs.

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Skidmore College golf team moved up one spot to number 15 in the final GolfWorld/Nike Golf Division III coaches’ poll of the fall season.

The Thoroughbreds won two of their four fall tournaments, including the Liberty League qualifier. They also finished second at the Middlebury Duke Nelson Invite and ninth at the GolfWeek Invite featuring 18 of the top teams in Division III. Senior Anthony DiLisio currently leads Skidmore with a 73.3 scoring average and three topfive finishes. Classmate John McCarthy ranks second with a 74.8 scoring average and three top-10 finishes.

Oglethorpe remained No.1 in the poll, followed by Methodist and Saint John’s (Minn.).

Nebraska Wesleyan and UT-Tyler round out the top five.

Skidmore returns to action on March 14 at the Jekyll Island Collegiate championship in Georgia.

Saratoga 150 pg. 29

Week of November 30 - December 6, 2012

SPORTS

Skidmore Men’s Basketball pg. 31

Vol. 7 • Issue 48 • FREE • Saratoga TODAY

A BANNER NIGHT!

Photos by MarkBolles.com

Blue Streaks start season strong with 12-0 rout of Guilderland/Mohonasen. Story on page 29