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Volume 8 • Issue 48 • December 6 – December 12, 2013

Restaurant Week Now Through December 12 with “Toys for Toga” Donation Drive

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Think of it as one big weeklong dim sum sampler platter, with 57 choices (as of press time) spread over Saratoga County, and you get the idea.

For foodies, dining enthusiasts and holiday shoppers alike, the (lunch and) dinner bell has rung.

Restaurant Week has returned.

As usual, the task is to

make a great happening better and one thing worth noting is that the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau has added an important new aspect to the event.

In conjunction with DeCrescente Distributing Company and Olde Saratoga Brewing Company, they have initiated the “Toys For Toga” campaign.

During Restaurant Week, you can donate a new and unwrapped toy at any of the See Restaurant pg. 7

I n d e p e n d e n t

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F r e e saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • (518) 581-2480

December 7, 1941 WWII Vet Reflects On Pearl Harbor

by Patricia Older For Saratoga TODAY It was a beautiful Sunday morning 72 years ago when two radar operators at the U.S. naval base in Pearl Harbor spotted large groups of air craft heading for the island.

But since a squadron of B-17s was expected, they were told to not sound an alarm. Less than an hour later, a swarm of 360 Japanese dive bombers appeared, their planes bearing the red symbol of the Rising Sun of Japan on their wings. The planes descended on the base in a ferocious assault that rendered much of the Pacific fleet useless. Five out of eight battleships, three destroyers

Melodies of Christmas: Isabella’s Story See Isabella pg. 15

Ballston Avenue Improvement See Improvement pg. 9 A Newly Enlisted Niles Devoe in 1941.

See WWII Pilot pg. 5

HS Basketball Season

TIPS OFF

By Brian Cremo See Basketball pg. 36-37

Ballston Spa’s Cliff Stevens (right) rises up to contest a shot against Albany High in a scrimmage, November 29. Photo by SportsThroughThe Lens.com

Featured Stories

With league games starting this week, three local basketball teams are looking to make their imprint on the 2013-14 season.

New head coach Matt Usher and the Saratoga Springs basketball program have begun the season 2-0. With a dominant scoring threat in senior Noah Arciero, the Blue Streaks have some early momentum and a chance to establish a new identity for years to come in the Suburban Council.

After finding a rhythm late in the regular Suburban Council season, the Ballston Spa Scotties and head coach John Lea aim to improve upon last year’s eight win campaign.

Relying heavily on seniors Jeremy Mendrick and Andre Edgerton, the Scotties bring back sharpshooter Andrew Gentile and a “secret weapon” in Cliff Stevens down low.

Saratoga Central Catholic has a deep roster to be reckoned with in Class C and is playing with purpose. One game into Western Athletic Conference play, the Saints bring back an experienced group that adds a versatile threat in sophomore Evan Pescetti to the mix.

Inside TODAY Blotter 3 Obituaries 6 Gift Guide

10-12

Education 14 Families Today

15-24

Pulse 28-31 Sports 36-46

Weekend Forecast FRIDAY

43|28 SATURDAY

36|21 SUNDAY

34|25

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Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Festival Of Trees Preview December 4

Photos by MarkBolles.com

(l-r) Doug Mills, Meg Kelly, Laurie and James Murphy III.

Denise Eliopulos, Tess Nesler, Theresa Agresta

Kristine Sherman with Olivia and Luci.

Sister Charla Commins.

Don Erlenbusch shows how to run a railroad.

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013 Isaac W. Greco, 18, of Vanderbilt Terrace in Saratoga Springs was arrested November 25 and charged with second degree burglary on a warrant. The offense stems from an incident that took place on Horseshoe Drive in August, 2013.

Patrick R. Vezeau, 48, of Van Franken Avenue in Schenectady, was arrested November 27 and charged with fifth degree criminal possession of stolen property. He was arrested at 12:26 p.m. on a warrant.

Charles J. Day, 24, of Lamplighter Lane in Saratoga Springs, was arrested November 28 and charged with DWI, BAC more than .08 percent and failure to stop at a stop sign.

Tyler W. Schroeder, 22, of Scotch Bush Road in Burnt Hills, was arrested November 28 and charged with DWI, BAC more than .08 percent, failure to keep right, improper equipment and failure to signal a turn.

Robert F. Kochan, 43, of Malvern Lane in Saratoga Springs, was arrested November 29 and charged with third degree assault, following a disturbance call.

Tamara A. Miller, 55, of Marion Avenue in Wynantskill, was arrested November 29 and

BLOTTER 3

charged with DWI, failure to keep right, BAC more than .08 percent and aggravated driving while intoxicated, following a motor vehicle accident.

Street in Glens Falls, was arrested November 30 and charged with DWI, BAC more than .08 percent and failure to signal a turn.

Jamie P. Clark, 30, of Third Avenue in Troy, was arrested November 30 and charged with criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, open container and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Heather J. Murray, 37, of Vanderbilt Terrace in Saratoga Springs, was arrested December 1 and charged with third degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Murray was arrested at 11:14 p.m. following a domestic investigation.

Donald L. Clark, 36, of Third Avenue in Troy, was arrested November 30 and charged with open container, criminal possession of a controlled substance, consumption of alcoholic beverages, aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, improper equipment (rear license plate light) and possession of a controlled substance outside the original container.

Adrian S. Kelley, 35, of Morris Avenue in Albany, was arrested November 30 and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance outside the original container.

Both Clarks and Kelley were arrested at 8:38 p.m., following a traffic stop.

Andrea L. Perkins, 30, of Ogden

Guy J. Fitzgerald, 48, of 204 Locust Grove Road in Greenfield, pled to the charge of third degree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance on December 2. Fitgerald’s sentencing will be January 27 at 9:15 a.m.

David J. Mahler, 46, of 2115 Rowley Road in Ballston Spa, was sentenced to 30 days in the Saratoga County Jail and five years probation on December 2, after pleading to the charge of aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle, September 25.

Tyler A. Coon, 20, of 14 Clubhouse Drive in Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to time served, five years probation and restitution of $3,620 plus surcharge on December 2. Coon pled to the charge of attempted burglary in the third degree, October 7.

Police Chief, DA Meet On ‘Hate Crime’ Investigation

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy, III and Saratoga Springs Police Chief Greg Veitch met early Monday morning in relation to the charges pending against Luis M. Garcia, 23, of Brunswick Avenue in Brooklyn and Shayne M. Richardson, 21, of 110 Catherine St. in Saratoga Springs, to review the charges of second degree assault (hate crime) and third degree assault pending in Saratoga Springs City Court, stemming from an incident that occurred over the weekend in downtown Saratoga Springs.

The protocol for case review allows the Chief and the DA to meet and review the facts of a case at any point when a “hate crime” is under investigation or has been charged, as in this case, due to the serious and complicated nature of the New York statute.

Under Section 485.05 of the Penal Law, it is not enough to simply utter a racial slur during the commission of

the crime, but additional evidence must be obtained in order for a charge to be sustained. Evidence such as a history of documented hatred against a certain race, for instance, is one example where a hate crime has been properly charged and successfully prosecuted.

The actor must not simply use the racial slur, but it must be shown by independent corroborating evidence that the actor used the racial slur and the actor intentionally selected the person against whom the offense is committed because of his, or her, race.

The statute cautions law enforcement that “race...by itself of the victim does not, by itself, constitute legally sufficient evidence satisfying the people’s burden.”

The meeting concluded Monday morning with the following result: 1. The second degree assault charging a “hate crime” will be withdrawn by the Saratoga Springs Police Department. The investigation into

Shayne M. Richardson

Luis M. Garcia

whether or not the defendant may be charged with a “hate crime” will continue and may be ultimately determined by a grand jury in the future, depending upon what if any additional evidence is gathered as a result of the ongoing investigation.

2. A charge of assault in the second degree in violation of Section 120.05(1) of the penal law will be charged based on the allegation that the defendant intended to cause serious physical injury and caused such injury to another person. The victim was unconscious at the scene and transported to Saratoga Hospital and suffered numerous facial fractures. As of Monday morning, the victim was still in the Saratoga Hospital. The second victim did not suffer serious injury.

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week in Review

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Saratoga Cycling Studio Raises $450 For Breast Caner Locally Owned and Operated 5 Case Street, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 Phone: (518) 581-2480 Fax: (518) 581-2487 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Cycling Studio demonstrated their fundraising prowess this past Sunday by partnering with the Team Luna Chix Albany Triathlon group. The studio had 20 riders and raised $450 for the Spinning fundraiser to fight breast cancer.

The fundraiser was the brainchild

of Sarah Austin, a Star II Spinning Instructor and AFAA group fitness instructor, who taught the 90-minute Spinning class to raise the funds. The Albany Triathlon Team is a group of women dedicated to bringing the sport of triathlon to more women in a comfortable, encouraging, educational and compassionate environment.

From Broadway To Putnam Street: We’ll Take The Stairs

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 Frank Garguilo 581-2480 x 202 Production Director, Website fgarguilo@saratogapublishing.com Colleen Sweeney 581-2480 x 207 csweeney@saratogapublishing.com Jessica Kane 581-2480 x 215 Creative Director jkane@saratogapublishing.com Editorial Arthur Gonick 581-2480 x 214 Saratoga Springs, Malta and County News; 'Pulse' Editor art@saratogapublishing.com Brian Cremo 581-2480 x 206 Sports Editor, Obituaries, Briefs, Education brian@saratogapublishing.com Trina Lucas 538-1190 RSVP, Events and Benefits trina@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

SARATOGA SPRINGS – A new staircase is now open and ready for strolling. Cascading down from Broadway next to Kilwins Chocolates on the side of the Washington Building, 422 Broadway, and wrapping around past Next Summer Home Décor and Accessories, the heated staircase provides a new main artery to Putnam Street.

The design was completed with

both the community and retail business benefit in mind. Around the parameter of the building are radiant heat and emergency backup lighting, Also, the stairs and landing have hydronics systems that produce direct radiant heat. To complete the project, Bonacio Construction also installed four decorative sconces and one flood light at the top of the staircase.

“We are Team LUNA Chix Albany Triathlon and our mission is to get women active in the community in a non-competitive form,” said Dawn Borysewicz Vitti, member of LUNA Chix. “We sponsor clinics, workouts and special events throughout the region while raising money for the Breast Cancer Fund.”

As the only official Spinning facility in Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Cycling Studio has been open for a little over one year. During this time, the studio has participated in over 20 fundraisers and donated to over 40 charitable causes, including three rides for breast cancer awareness.

County Executive’s Son Receives Sentencing BALLSTON SPA – In Saratoga County Court, Schenectady County Court Judge Karen Drago last week sentenced Spencer P. Hellwig IV, 18, son of county Administrator Spencer Hellwig III, to five years of probation and drug court for damaging The Paddocks of Wilton Clubhouse during a booze party in violation of probation from a prior vandalism spree, authorities said.

Saratoga County law enforcement officials had recused themselves from the case because they work with Spencer Hellwig III. Police initially charged the younger Hellwig last spring with

third-degree criminal mischief, a felony, for shooting numerous Saratoga County homes with pellet guns and smashing personal property with baseball bats. The teen pleaded guilty in July, according to sources. Saratoga Springs Judge Jeffrey Wait sentenced him to 90 days in Saratoga County jail.

Prior to the plea, police again arrested Hellwig IV, In that case, police said he and four other Saratoga Springs High School students caused more than $1,000 in damage to The Paddocks of Wilton Clubhouse while holding an unauthorized beer party in residential community’s billiard room.

Maple Avenue Middle School Teacher Terminated

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Joseph Bruno, 30, of Gansevoort, was recently terminated from his teaching position at Maple Avenue Middle School. In response to an incident from May. Action is now being taken against Bruno, who allegedly endangered the welfare of a 14 year-old girl.

Consistently, Bruno denied the charges.

Without physical

evidence, the jury struggled to make a decision. Many debated over the accountability in the girl’s story however the district in a formal statement said it feels that firing the Bruno will ultimately be best for the school and its students.

According to Bruno, teaching was his life passion. With no choice but to start ground up in a new career, Bruno stated that he is heavily saddened by the outcome.

He has confidence however the wherever he goes next, he has many years of work experience to bring along with him.

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

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Pearl Harbor Remembered

by Gene Corsale For Saratoga TODAY

MECHANICVILLE – Note: This is a transcript of a speech Eugene Corsale made at the Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Program at Mechanicville American Legion Post # 91. Its message remains as powerful today.

December 7th at 7:55 a.m.

A Sunday morning in 1941 – 59 years ago – in an unheard place at the time to many Americans – Pearl Harbor, Hawaii – 353 planes of the Japanese Imperial Navy struck, the US Navy Pacific Fleet ships anchored at the Pearl Harbor Base – without a warning or declaration of war – a sneak attack – a cowardly attack – a premeditated attack.

And to this day – the attack is still known in world history as a day of infamy.

Five hours later, the holocaust was over. 2,335 valiant American Servicemen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines made the supreme sacrifice and became our nation’s first

causalities of war since the great war of 1918. Our Country was at war, the world was now at war.

Our main Naval fighting force, the Pacific fleet battleship row, was decimated in the savage attack.

Three battleships were sunk and 14 other naval combat ships were damaged and rendered useless in the air raid. The destruction was so devastating that the country’s west coast was now defenseless against a foreign invasion.

To state the situation was grim would be an understatement.

Ironically enough that day, while the Japanese military celebrated their surprise naval victory, Admiral Yamamato, their fleet commander and architect of the raid, remarked to his fellow officers, “Today I am afraid that we have awakened a sleeping giant.”

How true his prediction was.

From that day forward a United America - the arsenal of democracy - their fighting spirit, courage and perseverance, carried our country to victory.

In that victory, American ships damaged in the Pearl Harbor sneak attack had been repaired and participated in naval battles leading to the eventual destruction of the Japanese Navy.

In that victory, every Japanese aircraft carrier who participated in that dastardly Sunday morning attack was sunk by American combat action.

Retribution was complete. – unconditional surrender of the enemy was the order of the day.

On that day and to that final victory four years later, began the saga in American History of the heroic efforts of American servicemen who fought and were victorious in the preservation of ours and the world’s freedom and who later became known as the our nation’s “Greatest Generation.”

We pray not only for all of our World War II servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our Country and freedom, we especially pray for those 1,100 Naval and Marine

personnel forever entombed aboard the sunken battleship, USS Arizona, now a naval shrine at Pearl Harbor Hawaii..

On September 11, 2001, we suffered a second Pearl Harbor of sorts.

Regretfully those

entrusted with our nation’s security and well-being failed their fellow Americans. Again, we survived another infamous attack, and live to fight another day. This War on Terror continues to this day. We pray to God

and seven other ships, along with over 200 aircraft were destroyed or severely damaged. More than 2,400 Americans were killed in the attack and another 1,200 wounded. The surprise assault struck a critical blow and drew the United States irrevocably into World War II. Niles Devoe was fresh out of high school, sitting in the living room of his parents’ Schenectady home when the radio crackled the news that Japan had bombed Pearl Harbor.

“I was mad when I heard about it,” said Niles, 92, who lived in Saratoga Springs with his wife Vivian until three years ago when they moved in with family in California. “I didn’t feel very good about someone dropping bombs on our territory.”

And even though he had a full time job at General Electric, Niles immediately marched out of the house and straight to the nearest recruitment office where he signed up that very day to become a member of the Air Force.

“I just thought it was the thing to do—the show of power,” said Niles, admitting that he wished he had talked to his parents first, but never regretted his decision to join the armed forces, knowing the attack would draw the

United States into the war.

“It was instantaneous when I saw what happened to Pearl Harbor,” continued Niles about his enlistment. “My parents were mad because I didn’t let them know what I was going to do and I felt bad because I didn’t discuss it with my mother and father first, but it was the thing to do.”

After months and months of training in both Florida and Texas, Niles became part of the 366th bomb squadron, which was associated with the 305th bomb group stationed in Chelveston, England. Between 1942 and 1945, approximately 8,000 men passed through the doors of the 305th where the 366th squadron flew long-range strategic bombing missions attacking targets such as shipyards, motor works and submarine stations.

Niles, who served as a bombardier responsible for releasing the bombs nestled in the nose of the B-17s, said he flew on a total of five missions during his tour of duty. His bomb group, the 305th, flew over 480 combat missions and over 174 of their B-17s, known as Flying Fortresses, were shot down or destroyed.

He is most proud of the part he

played in the bombing of Dresden, Germany on February 13, 1945.

“Our B-17s flew in a 12-plane formation,” said Niles. “We were wing tip to wing tip.”

The raid saw more than 3,400 tons of explosives dropped on the city by 800 American and British aircraft.

And even though he was trained to be in the plane, Niles also often participated in ground patrols and it was while he was on one of those missions that he felt the pain of losing someone he was close to.

“I lost my best friend—his plane crashed into a mountain peak in the Alps—I was on a ground mission at the time,” said Niles. “He crashed in December and they did not find his body until April.”

He noted that the co-pilot had survived the crash, but had frozen to death before rescuers could reach them.

But he couldn’t forget his friend, Jim Schneider, and how he had lost his life in the battle for our country’s freedom.

“I named my first son after my best friend,” continued Niles.

Admitting he has a myriad of emotions when it comes to World War II, Niles said when he and his wife visited Pearl Harbor a few years

ago he was especially hit with the true impact of the invasion.

“We saw the Arizona—the battleship that was sunk,” said Niles, his voice catching in his throat. “That was a sight to see.”

He later visited an Air Force museum where he was able to see one of the B-17s from his squadron on display.

“There it was, set on top of a pedestal,” continued Niles, noting that he is proud of the time he spent in the military—31 years.

Niles later watched as three of his grandsons also joined the

military service—Dustin Klotz, who did eight years in the Navy, Jesse Klotz, who was a Marine and Michael Edwards, who is presently preparing to graduate from West Point.

“I have nothing but good things to say about the service,” Niles said.

Niles, who owned the former gas station and car wash across from Espeys, said he will always be proud of his service to our country.

“There was the good and the bad—it was not smooth and easy,” said Niles. “I am proud to have served.”

WWII Pilot Looks Back

6

obituaries

Kathleen A. Provoncha SARATOGA SPRINGS — Kathleen A. Provoncha, 65, went home to the Lord on Sunday, December 1, after a long struggle with cancer.

Kathleen was born in Mineville on May 6, 1948 to the late Patrick J. and Marie Little Coyle. She graduated from Vergennes Union High School in Vermont and retired from NYS Civil Service in Albany. She was a parishioner of St. Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs and served on the board of the Christian Women’s Club. Kathleen was active in various women’s retreats and bible studies. She also was a Weight Watchers lecturer.

In addition to her parents, Kathleen was predeceased by her beloved husband, John Jay Provoncha; her brothers Harold, James and Theodore Coyle; and her sisters Patricia Coyle, Judy Hart and Annette Baronoski.

Survivors include her daughter, Melissa Gatzendorfer; siblings Adele, Mary, Joseph and John Coyle, Therese Flanders and Caroline Bitler, all of Vermont; Jeanne Bean of Texas; Louise St. Jacques of New York; Dr. Gael Coyle of Georgia; Delores Coyle-Quirk of New Hampshire, Susan Kjaer of Massachusetts; several in-laws, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Stella Aspromatis SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stella Aspromatis, 93, died peacefully at her home on Larkspur Drive in Saratoga Springs on Saturday, November 30.

Born on December 13, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Anastasia and Peter Theodorou.

Stella was a hairdresser at various salons throughout the years. She loved to make people look and feel their best.

She is survived by her sons, Arthur, Steven and James Aspromatis, as well as her daughter, Christine and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Bishop Arnold Joseph Byrd

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Bishop Arnold Joseph Byrd, 69, of Wilton went peacefully into the loving arms of his savior Jesus Christ on Sunday December 2 at Saratoga Hospital with his devoted family by his side.

Born on March 13, 1944 in Brooklyn to Edward and Gertrude Robinson Byrd, he was a graduate of Wallace High School in Charleston, South Carolina, where he lived out his school motto “Enter to Learn, Learn to Serve.”

Joan I. Caron

Jerelle O. Long

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Jerelle O. Long, 39, of Watervliet and formerly a life-long resident of Saratoga Springs, died after a four year courageous battle with Lymphoma at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

Born on May 17, 1974, he was the son of Jean Long Simpkins of Saratoga Springs.

Mr. Long was a 1994 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School. After high school he worked for various employers in the Saratoga Springs area. Most recently he worked in the maintenance department for Tri City Rental out of Albany.

Jerelle was a member of the Soul Saving Station for Every Nation in Saratoga Springs. He loved to travel with his family to Disney World and enjoyed listening to music, especially Hip Hop and R&B. His greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his children. He volunteered as a coach for his sons’ little league teams and also their pop-warner football team. He was an avid Boston Red Sox and Dallas Cowboys fan.

He is predeceased by his grandmother Alberta Long whom he was especially close too.

He is survived by his wife Kelly Sherwood Long of Watervliet; three sons, Kaden and Kalel Long of Watervliet and Jared Long of Schenectady; his mother Jean Simpkins of Saratoga Springs; a brother Jason Long of Watervliet; two sisters, Jocelyn Simpkins of Schenectady and Jeneta Simpkins of Cohoes; as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and lifelong friends from Jefferson Terrace.

In his early twenties he gave his life to Christ and became a Born Again Christian. He felt God calling him to go into the ministry and joined the Soul Saving Station for Every Nation Christ Crusaders of America Church headquarters in New York City. He was a member of the church since 1969, achieving the position title of presiding Bishop and General Overseer of over 25 churches domestically and 20-plus churches, orphanages in Haite, Wisconsin, until his passing.

Bishop Byrd and his wife, Pastor Shelia, together served the local church Soul Saving Station at Saratoga Springs for over 30 years. Bishop Byrd retired recently from the New York State Government after 31 years of service.

He is predeceased by his mother, father and two brothers.

Survivors include his wife Shelia of Wilton, eight children, Wanda Byrd, Audrey Byrd, Arnold Byrd and his wife Neysha, Genevieve Robinson and her husband Deshawn, Justin, Michael, David and Shawn Byrd, five brothers, Francis and Matthew Byrd of Massapequa, John Byrd of Delhi, Charles of Queens and Joethel Byrd Williams of Rochester.

He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as his extended church family.

A Home Going Service will be on Friday, December 6 at The Soul Saving Station for Every Nation, 62 Henry St. Saratoga Springs at 10 a.m.

Burial will follow in Greenridge Cemetery.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Joan I. Caron, 73, died November 1 at home with her family after a courageous battle with leukemia.

Born on March 29, 1940 in London, England, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Irene Waters

of London.

She enjoyed spending time with family, taking great pride in her seven grandchildren, ages 5 to 17. She loved walking, exercising, traveling, meeting people, gardening and food of all kinds. She also loved music and attended many performances at SPAC. An especially fond memory occurred in 2009 when she was pulled up on stage to dance with Bruce Springsteen as he performed “Dancing in the Dark.”

Joan was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Donald A. Caron; and is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Darryl and Mona of Clifton Park, Jeffrey and Media of Saratoga Springs, and Donald Jr. and Christina of Reston, Virginia.; and her grandchildren, Justin and Meghana of Clifton Park, Abigail and Samuel of Saratoga Springs, and Emily, Kristen, Grace and their mother, Ann, of Reston, Virgina. She is also survived by a sister, Marilyn (Richard) Banks of Pinehurst, North Carolina; brother, Leslie Waters of London; two sisters-inlaw, Theresa Boldman of Mannsville, and Linda (Don) Belofski of Concord, North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law Harold (Rose) Caron.

To view the full version of the obituaries vist the archive section of SaratogaTODAYonline.com It is the policy of Saratoga Today to publish Obituarires as a service to our readers.

Please send your obituaries to obits@saratogapublishing.com

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

7

Restaurant Week Begins continued from page 1

participating restaurants.

These donated toys will be distributed on December 16 to local charities Franklin Community Center, Captain Youth and Family Services and Mechanicville Area Community Services Center. Last year, these three non-for-profits assisted over 1,400 children at holiday time.

A complete updated list of participating restaurants can be found throughout Restaurant Week at discoversaratoga.org/ restaurant week.

Restaurants span from

Clifton Park through Wilton.

These are the new restaurants participating in the ninth edition: Nanola - Route 9, Malta Legends Café – Congress Street Healthy Living Market and Cafe – Wilton Mall Lucky Joe’s – Saratoga Casino and Raceway Merry Monk Saratoga – Henry Street Thirsty Owl Bistro – Broadway The Brook Tavern – Union Avenue The Crown Grill – Broadway

Peabody’s – Phila Street Javier’s Nuevo Latino Cuisine – Maple Avenue Nanola is worth noting as they just opened last month, so Restaurant Week is a perfect time for them to invite you to sample.

Nanola is a New Orleans themed restaurant, specializing in both American and Cajun/Creole fare.

Restaurants have the choice of offering any or all of these price options: $5 or $10 lunches; $10, $20 or $30 dinners.

Todd Garofano, Bureau president said, “The change in price structure we implemented last year was overwhelmingly successful. It allowed more restaurants (we had a record 54 last year) to participate throughout the county which led to more visitors trying them. Saratoga County restaurants truly offer something for everyone this week.”

Whether you discover a new or re-discover an old favorite, Saratoga’s Restaurant Week is always a tasteful signpost on the event calendar. Bon appetit!

Impressions To Host Local Authors and Artists Reception SARATOGA SPRINGS — Impressions of Saratoga (368 Broadway, Saratoga Springs invites the public to visit them for a threeday celebration of local talents.

The event occurs next Thursday – Saturday, December 12 to 14 from 7 to 9 p.m.

The artists that are scheduled include: Thursday, December 12 Greg Montgomery. artist – Creator of the ever popular Travers Posters. Greg will personalize his card featuring all of the Travers Designs since they were introduced in 1986 for free.

Vicki Addesso Dodd, author and Patrick Jankowski, Illustrator – Featuring their new children’s book “A Moose in my Stable”. Kids are welcome to color in the great characters from this new book Friday, December 13 Dottie Pepper, author and pro golfer – Showcasing her series of “Bogey Balton” books. There will be a special purchase opportunity for you this evening.

Karin Vollkommer, artist – Featuring her collection of Victorian- style Saratoga images, including her 2014 holiday edition of “Betting on a Very Merry

Christmas”. Receive a free Gift personalized for you.

Saturday, December 14 Jerry Bradley, Photographer – Presenting his collection of cards and prints featuring Saratoga landmarks and scenes. Receive a free limited edition Impressions Saratoga notecard.

Dave Patterson and Charlie Kenzel – With their tour book and new Saratoga calendar for 2014 – “Saratoga Now and Then.”

For more information on this event, contact impressions at (518) 587-0666 or mbarker@impressionssaratoga.com

Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau President Todd Garofano (center) shows Angela LaTerra (left) and Franklin Community Center’s Jamie Williams (right) the proper way to donate a toy. Photo by Deborah Neary

8

NEWS

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

First Night Saratoga 2014 is Quite All Right

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — “It’s a major part of our mission to make the arts accessible.” So stated Saratoga Arts’ Executive Director Joel Reed, noting that while other First Night New Year’s Eve

celebrations have fallen by the wayside First Night Saratoga 2014 has grown in both size and prominence.

“First Night Saratoga has become the foremost New Year’s Eve activity in Upstate New York, and one of the largest First Nights in the country. Saratoga Arts is extremely proud to present this family-friendly and high-quality event that showcases all the region has to offer, while encouraging a focus on the arts and the community.”

“First Night Saratoga is also one of the most affordable exciting ways to ring in the New Year in the Capital Region.”

This year’s theme is “Color Me First Night,” accompanied by the requisite companion poster and button artwork that has become a collectible to many. An exhibit, The Art of First Night, showcases 18 years of poster art at Saratoga Arts’ reception gallery (320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs) this month.

Top Right: Saratoga Arts’ Joel Reed reveals his theme and lineup for First Night Saratoga 2014. Headlining music acts include (top left) “Hey Jude” mixing sets with Soul Session with impresario soulist Garland Nelson (center) at the City Center Main Stage. The EXIT Fest stage will have original songwriters such as Molly Durnin (right.)

As presenter, Saratoga Arts will bring over 70 regional and touring performing groups to over 20 venues throughout downtown Saratoga Springs. The entertainment lineup includes live music, dance, comedy and visual arts, attracting over 10,000 celebrants each year.

First Night buttons, which entitle the wearer to admission to all venues and free bus rides during the course of First Night, are $15 and available at Saratoga Arts, the Saratoga Springs branch of the YMCA, Price Chopper Supermarkets in the extended Capital/Saratoga Region, Saratoga County Stewarts Shops, Adirondack Trust Banks, and Crafter’s Gallery at 427 Broadway. Buttons can also be purchased online at www.saratogaarts.org and picked up the night of the event.

Kicking off with the First Night Saratoga 5K Run at 5 p.m., the evening’s entertainment spreads throughout town and culminates in a fireworks display at Congress Park

at Midnight. Most venues are within easy walking distance of Broadway, and all venues are accessible by free bus service supplied by CDTA. Supplying a broad-base of interesting entertainment is a delicate balancing act between old favorites and new programming, said Reed, who noted that over 40 percent of the entertainment this year is brand new to First Night Saratoga. Here are but a few of the intriguing new musical offerings: - Headlining on the Saratoga City Center main stage will be upstate New York favorite soul band Soul Session. Led by “soulist” Garland Nelson, former lead vocalist of the New York Players, Soul Session emotes supernatural passions from material by Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Bill Withers and many others. Visit soulsession.com.

- Also sharing the Main Stage will be an engaging theatrical experience of classic Beatles’ songs by the band Hey Jude – The Tribute.

Showcasing the talents of John Lennon impersonator Tom Lennon Raider, Paul McCartney impersonator Brad “Paul” Jarvis, drummer Don “Ringo” Ackerman and Guitarist/Vocalist Rick Bedrosian as George Harrison, band members dress in a variety of Beatles costumes and bring a wealth of humor, history and hubris to their stage show for Beatles fans of all ages. Visit imagininglennon.com/ hey-jude-the-tribute.

- Six of the best area bands and musicians will be performing in a mini-music festival called EXIT Fest, which features performances by Pete Donnelley and The Wise Easy, Molly Durnin, Ashley Sophia and others. EXIT FEST will be in Meeting Room Two of the Saratoga City Center and is co-sponsored by WEXT 97.7. Visit exit977.org/2013/11/10/ saratoga-first-night-2014.

For additional information on performers, schedules and everything else visit saratoga-arts.org/firstnight.

NEWS 9

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

The Big Picture - Ballston Avenue Improvement SARATOGA SPRINGS – On Tuesday, December 3 the Saratoga Springs City Council approved plans and transferred funds to effectuate the beginning of an important project to widen, beautify and generally improve Ballston Avenue (Route 50) from the area around the Price Chopper Plaza to the intersection of Broadway.

The $2.29 million dollar project was primarily funded from State and Federal sources, with Saratoga Springs needing to pledge about $120,000 of that total.

In addition to high daily vehicular, pedestrian and other traffic, this segment of Route 50 is currently among the most dangerous, with 42 accidents recorded in a 42 month period in a traffic study from 2008 to 2011.

Among the most notable features of the improvement

project are medians, left-turn lanes and a reconfigured (and possibly relocated) bus stop at Price Chopper Plaza for pedestrian safety. The intersections of Perry Street and the south side of Union Street with Ballston Avenue will have access closed, which, with a traffic light at Lincoln and Ballston Avenues, will help to improve traffic flow.

The city is currently in the property and right-ofway procurement phase, after which the project will be bid in the Spring of 2014. If all goes well, construction will proceed in earnest around September, 2014 with a 6-9 month timetable, with completion in time for track season of 2015.

Thanks to Tim Wales and Kate Maynard of the City of Saratoga Springs Planning Department for providing graphics and annotations.

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Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

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Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

BUSINESS 13

Chamber, Northshire to Host Luncheon Featuring Author Michael Carroll

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with Northshire Bookstore to host a luncheon featuring Michael Carroll, author of Fearless at Work and The Mindful Leader. The event will take place Friday, December 13, noon to 1:30 p.m. at The Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

As a founding director of AAW Associates, Michael Carroll consults with major corporations on bringing mindfulness into the workplace. In The Mindful Leader, Michael Carroll focuses on ten key principles of mindfulness and how they apply to leading groups and organizations, addressing a range of topics along the way.

In Fearless at Work Carroll explains how the practice of mindfulness—full awareness of our moment-to-moment

experience—can help us become more confident and open to possibility in our work life. He offers a system of potent, inspiring principles that we can use as a practice for helping us work with our insecurities and awakening our natural bravery, resourcefulness, and resilience.

“I read The Mindful Leader and came away with some very relevant and interesting ideas on leadership and how to work with others”, says Todd Shimkus, President, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

“He offered some really sensible strategies to better manage conflict and acknowledged the importance of caring for yourself while you are trying to do your job. I expect his presentation will be both inspiring given his experiences as well as practical with everyone that does attend coming away with a few

good ideas and a new book too.”

“We hosted Michael Carroll in Vermont. He is the real deal.” said Chris Morrow, co-owner of Northshire Bookstore. “He has decades of experience in various corporate environments as well as a lengthy and robust training in meditation - a great combination.”

Those attending will receive a copy of Fearless at Work, lunch and a ticket to listen to Mr. Carroll speak about leadership.

This event is open to all Chamber and community members for $40. At the conclusion of the event, you will have the opportunity to get your copy of the book signed during an autograph session.

For more information regarding Chamber membership and this event, contact John Marcantonio at jmarcantonio@saratoga.org or call (518) 584-3255.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Jeff Shinaman has been hired as the Executive Director of the Academy for Lifelong Learning (A.L.L.) at Saratoga Springs, an independent organization sponsored by SUNY Empire State College.

In his role, Jeff is responsible for management of the A.L.L., a membership with more than 250

members. Shinaman has more than 18 years of experience in membership recruitment and services as the membership associate at the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce and, more recently, as the vice president for membership and marketing at the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

Founded in 1992, the A.L.L. offers an

educational and social environment for mature adults. Volunteer-led study groups meet during the day, in eightweek fall and spring semesters. A.LL. offices are located at SUNY Empire State College at 111 West Avenue in Saratoga Springs. For more information on the Academy for Lifelong Learning at Saratoga Springs, go to www.esc.edu/all.

A.L.L. Names Jeff Shinaman as Executive Director

Marilyn Lane Awarded Living Legacy Award SARATOGA SPRINGS — Equine advocate and Saratoga TODAY columnist Marilyn Lane has been awarded a Living Legacy Award by the Women’s International Center of Rancho Santa Fe, CA for her dedication to mental wellness as a result of her work with Saratoga Warhorse.

Past recipients of the Living Legacy Award include Dr. Jane Goodall, Princess Aga Khan, Lucille Ball and Dr. Jonas Salk.

In her letter of the Legacy

Award notification, Bridget Brigitte McDonald III, Ph.D., president and executive director of the Women’s International Center stated “Thank you so much for all that you have done for veterans by treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with equine therapy. Not only have you vastly enriched the lives of PTSD survivors, but you help the wider community understand the profound value of our loyal equine companions.”

Fingerpaint Wins Four Gold and Silver International Awards SARATOGA SPRINGS — Fingerpaint announced that it won an incredible 11 awards from the International Davey Awards—which honors creative work from small agencies and companies worldwide.

“Everyone at Fingerpaint is excited about this honor,” said Ed Mitzen, founder of Fingerpaint. “It’s great to have clients who inspire and support creative work.”

Fingerpaint’s awards were spread across a wide range of categories

comprised of print and website design and advertising for vertical industries including technology, education and pharmaceutical.

The awarded works were created for clients such as General Electric, Alimera Sciences, Emma Willard, CSL Behring and Spruce Computers—highlighting the agency’s breadth of digital and direct marketing expertise.

Fingerpaint also won in the selfpromotion category for its website and

integrated business to business (B2B) campaign.

The 2013 Davey Awards received over 4,000 entries from across the globe. Entries are judged based on a standard of excellence as determined by the International Academy of the Visual Arts (IAVA)—a 600 plus member organization of leading professionals from various disciplines in traditional and interactive media. Visit fingerpaintmarketing.com

Franklin Community Center Receives Funding From Saratoga Casino and Raceway Foundation

Franklin Community Center.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Casino and Raceway Foundation recently gave an award of $2000 to support Project Lift, Franklin Community Center’s after school prevention program.

Project Lift strives to educate youth on the dangers of drugs, alcohol and gambling through character building activities that promote self-esteem and enhance peer relationships.

“With the continual threat of funding cuts, the gift that the

Saratoga Casino and Raceway Foundation has given is extremely generous and will help us continue providing effective and efficient services to Project Lift students and their families” says Jaime Williams, associate director for the center.

The funds will be used to further the program’s problem gambling prevention activities and to host family events at each site with a focus on gambling prevention.

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Education

Community Invited To Winter Concerts In Ballston Spa Schools

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District Music Department is presenting several concerts during the upcoming weeks. The concerts are free and members of the community are welcome to attend. Students and families are specifically invited and encouraged to attend and support the performing artists.

The concert series at the Ballston Spa High School Auditorium began December 3 with the first presentation featuring the High School jazz band, choir and Ballston Spa Lights. The second part of the High School series featured the High School Symphonic Orchestra and Wind Ensemble on December 5.

On Tuesday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m., the High School Concert Part Three features the concert band, concert orchestra, concert jazz band and concert chorus. The Gordon Creek Elementary School will host their annual Winter Concert featuring the orchestra, band and chorus in the Gymatorium, 50 Wood Road, on December 12 at 7 p.m.

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Parent University To Present Common Core Program

For more information call (518)583-4786

The Middle School Winter Concerts will begin on December 16, featuring the seventh grade band, chorus and orchestra. On December 17, the sixth grade band, chorus and orchestra will perform.

Both concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are held in the High School Auditorium.

Milton Terrace North Elementary School will host their annual Winter Concert

featuring the orchestra, band and chorus in the Cafetorium, 200 Wood Road, on December 19 at 7 p.m.

The students from Malta Avenue and Wood Road Elementary Schools will present Winter Concerts January 9 and 14.

Call the appropriate school for additional information or check the school district website at www.bscsd.org.

SARATO GA SPRINGS — “A Parents’ Guide to the Common Core State Standards, K-6” is scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 12 in the Meade Auditorium at Saratoga Springs High School.

The Parent University program is planned for parents, teachers and community members to outline the school district’s implementation of the standards in literacy and mathematics for kindergarten through sixth grade.

Dr. Joseph Greco, K-12 director of math, science and technology integration, and Freya Mercer, K-12 director of humanities integration, will explain:

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What the Common Core State Standards are

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How the Common Core is a focus on curriculum, not assessment

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How literacy and mathematics instruction will change

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How you can help your children succeed.

What’s Happening In School This Week?

December 6

Saratoga Springs City School District Geyser: Gear Sale Begins Ballston Spa Central School District Ballston Spa Holiday Parade, 6:30 p.m.

Schuylerville School District End of grades K-12 progress reporting period

December 9 Saratoga Springs City School District Dorothy Nolan: HSA, 6 p.m.

Geyser: PTO, 6:30 p.m.

SSTA Executive Meeting, 4 p.m., HS Ballston Spa Central School District None Schuylerville School District Grades 7, 8 Band/Chorus Winter Concert, 7 p.m., HS Auditorium

December 10

Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m., Caroline Street School Greenfield: Story Program, 10 a.m.

Ballston Spa Central School District MS PTA Meeting, 2:30 p.m.

GC PTA Meeting, 3:30 p.m.

HS Winter Concert, Part III, HS Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Schuylerville School District PEP Meeting, 6:30 p.m., ES Library Black Horses Booster Club Meeting, 6:30 p.m., HS Cafeteria

December 11

Saratoga Springs City School District Maple: PTSO, 6 p.m.

Division: PTA, 7 p.m.

Ballston Spa Central School District None Schuylerville School District None

December 12

Saratoga Springs City School District Caroline: PTSO Welcome Back Meeting, 7 p.m.

Greenfield: Parent Information Night, 6:30-8 p.m.

Lake: Parent Night/Outdoor Education Meeting, 6 p.m.

Ballston Spa Central School District College Athletic Information Night, HS Library, 6:30 p.m.

GC Winter Concert, 7 p.m.

Schuylerville School District Grades 6-12 Progress Reports posted on Parent Portal High School Band/Chorus Winter Concert, 7 p.m., HS Auditorium

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Families

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TODAY

The Melodies of Miracles Isabella Bruno is a Living Result of Giving and Caring

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – For 34 years, the Melodies of Christmas programming has delighted Capital Region audiences, whether you attend the shows live (see sidebar pg. 16) at Proctors Theatre or watch

on the CBS6 group of television stations to brighten your holiday with friends and loved ones.

It is a labor of love, but a labor in the sense of planning, time, volunteerism and effort on the part of many caring people, nonetheless.

But when you have a middle name like miracle, as in the Children’s

Above, Isabella Bruno is now healthy and delighted to introduce you to her 56 koala friends. Below, The Empire State Youth Orchestra.

Miracle Network, you have set quite a standard to live up to.

And so they deliver. Again and again.

In 33 seasons, the CBS6 Melodies of Christmas, sponsored

by Price Chopper and Friehofer’s, has raised $6.8 million for The Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center. According to CBS6’s News Director Lisa Jackson, they expect to top the $7 million mark with this year’s shows.

Jerry Golub: “How are you today, Isabella?”

Isabella Bruno: “I’m Great!”

- 2013 Melodies of Christmas/ Price Chopper PSA Yes, she is. And Isabella is great as a direct result of the giving that occurs each year. Even miracles sometimes require the proper infrastructure to happen.

Isabella’s story begins before she was even born. During a routine ultrasound, doctors discovered a mass near her right kidney.

Her twin brother, Zachary was

unaffected, but ironically it was the fact that mothers carrying twins often receive special scrutiny that Isabella’s condition was detected.

Within two weeks, she was delivered by C-section.

Only hours after her birth in California, baby Isabella was diagnosed with Stage 4s Neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer that strikes infants. Three weeks later, at little more than five pounds, she underwent major surgery to remove the tumor. Fortunately, the operation was a success, but Isabella still had a long road ahead.

Once she recovered from the surgery, her family moved from their California home to Queensbury, to be closer to family. Her doctor in San Francisco highly recommended the Melodies Center at Albany Medical Center for Isabella’s critical follow-up treatment. Without this type of

facility, Anthony and Maura Bruno would never contemplate relocation During their very first visit; Isabella’s parents knew that she was in great hands. They found the hope and healing at the Melodies Center.

Today, seven-year-old Isabella is cancer-free. She loves spending time with her family, especially Zachary, her older sister Maya and their dog Lilly, and exactly 56 stuffed koalas.

Her recovery not only allows her the ability to play with Barbie’s and Jetpack Joyride, her favorite video game, but also to ride her bike and enjoy skiing.

Thanks to support from Melodies of Christmas, Isabella’s family will proudly watch her take the stage again this year.

For this is Isabella’s second time on stage. She will perform with other Melodies Center patients See Isabella pg. 16

16 PB Families TODAY

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013 continued from page 15

Isabella’s Story

on stage. She will perform with other Melodies Center patients and take the stage alongside the Empire State Youth Orchestra and Chorale to sing “Silent Night.”

Their joyful faces show the

miracles made possible every day at the Melodies Center.

And that’s what you get for your contributions.

A happy ending — nothing less than a miracle, over and over again.

See Melodies

Performance Dates are Thursday, December 12Saturday December 14 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 15 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and $25 and are on sale now at Proctor’s Box Office, Call (518) 346-6204 or visit proctors.org The Empire State Youth Orchestra and Youth Chorale is again the centerpiece of the production. Special Guests in 2013 include: Everest Rising (first time in Melodies), Amy Platt and Randy Crafton (who are perennial favorites – both musicians were in Empire State Youth Orchestra and performed in Melodies as teens), Northeast Ballet and, new this year, an Insiders Special that will only be seen by theatre-goers.

Broadcast dates and times: Christmas Eve: 5:30 and 10 p.m. on CBS6; 6:30 p.m. on THIS-TV. Christmas Day: 11:00 a.m. and 5:30p on CBS6; 9:00a, 10:30a on CW15

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Families

17 TODAY

The Holiday Blues: Confronting the Darkness in the Season of Light

by Meghan D. Lemery Saratoga TODAY Having worked in the counseling field for over eighteen years, I have come to recognize certain emotional themes that come with the passing of seasons.

The Holiday season, while marked with joy, enthusiasm and celebration is often the most difficult season for people who are suffering from depression and anxiety.

The Holiday season paints a picture of family togetherness; romantic evenings by the tree with the warmth of your loved one and days spent finding the perfect gifts for your friends and family.

We are expected to embrace the season of light with joy and peace.

The pressure to be jolly and merry is in our face daily through the radio, TV, social media and decorations throughout our communities. These cues to be happy and full of good cheer while wellintentioned; can be extremely painful for people who are going through a dark and difficult time.

I have worked with many individuals who would rather disappear or sleep through the holiday season then confront the emotional pain that lies deep within.

The perfect Norman Rockwell family gathered around the tree sipping hot cocoa is a reminder of what you don’t have; or what you desperately wish you did have.

This season can push us into the dark hole of questioning how we got to this place where everything is falling apart rather than into place.

We can spend a lot of time going over past mistakes, lost relationships, trauma from childhood and the loss of dreams we are no longer motivated to pursue. This avoidance however is the very coping technique that can lead to a prolonged period of tremendous

sadness, hopelessness and lack of energy.

Many of us plow through the season without allowing our hearts and spirits to sort through the pain and confusion we are feeling. Rather, we numb it through avoidance or Scrooge-like behavior; counting down the days until the season is behind us.

The problem with using avoidance as a coping technique is that it takes a tremendous amount of energy. Your body will always attempt to get your attention when in emotional pain through the sensation of a heavy chest, tearfulness, general anxiety, lack of sleep, lack of motivation and in some cases even physical pain in the form of a sore back and unexplained muscle tightness. This is our body’s way of communicating to us that we need to stop and deal with the pain. The more we avoid the message, the greater likelihood we are to experience DIS-EASE. If you find yourself dreading the next few weeks of the holiday season, stop the madness of avoidance and confront the uncomfortable emotions that are making you feel depressed and anxious.

The most difficult part of confronting dark feelings is the acceptance that they exist. It is easy to judge yourself and play the game of tough love. Instead of trying to shake yourself out of the funk, stop and acknowledge your pain. Get in a quiet place, whether it is your car, bedroom, a place in nature or a place of worship. Stop and recognize that you are human and it’s perfectly normal to struggle with depression and loss, especially during a season that demands cheery and festive behavior.

Give yourself some love in the form of acceptance by silently saying, “I hear you, I know you are struggling right now, it’s okay.” If your child came to you in tears would you tell them to get over it and grow up? I imagine you would provide them with emotional and physical comfort allowing them to express their pain.

Accept that any discomfort you feel does not make you weak or less than in anyway. It simply makes you human.

Once you have admitted that you feel like you are falling down the dark rabbit hole, take some time to allow your spirit, heart and mind to guide you to the source of that emotional pain. Perhaps the

holidays remind you of the day your father walked out or that you there was never enough money for presents. Maybe you wonder if you could have done more in a past relationship or marriage so that your family could celebrate together.

Whatever the issue is, you will instinctively be led to the root source of your pain. This is definitely the part where most people go into escape mode and work harder to avoid going to that dark place. Once that root is identified you can begin the process of healing which will allow you to grow to appreciate the holiday season in a way that is more about your present and future than your past.

Depression likes to isolate us and keep us in the hole.

Reach out to someone you love and trust so that you can relieve the pain through discussing it and making peace with your past. Many people ask me what good talking about pain will do for them. This is always my response, “It’s not that we are going to fix the pain, but talking about it out loud with someone you trust makes you feel less ALONE with the pain.”

What we crave most as human being’s is to be loved and accepted. Simply sharing your pain with someone can begin the healing process and help you along the road to recovery.

Holding onto trauma from the past saps us of energy, hope, a strong body and a healthy spirit.

Don’t go through another holiday season wishing you could sleep through it or never have to face another New Year again.

This season can push us into the dark hole of questioning how we got to this place where everything is falling apart rather than into place.

Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. If every holiday season throws you into a pit of darkness and isolation, get some help today. We were meant to live a life that is full of love, acceptance, peace and hope. Don’t let depression steal one more moment of your life. Depression is treatable once you decide to reach out and address the root of your pain.

It is my hope this holiday season that you will trade the darkness for the light of hope, forgiveness, renewed faith and joy. Let the warmth of the fire

and twinkle of the lights begin to soften your heart and bring you to a place of renewed faith.

Remember, no matter how dark a place you think you are in, there will always be a flicker of light guiding you to a place of peace and rest. Follow that light and watch it grow bigger as you begin the process of healing.

Happy Holidays to you and yours! May peace, love, faith and hope guide you into the New Year!

Ms. Lemery is a psychotherapist practicing in Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs, N.Y. For more information email meghanlemery@yahoo.com or visit meghanlemery.com

18 Families TODAY

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Senior Calendar Saratoga Springs Public Library

49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Call (518) 584-7860 or visit www.sspl.org Guided Mindful Meditation

Wednesdays, 12/12, 18, 1/15, 2/5, & 2/19, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Take a break from the daily grind and clear your mind with guided Mindful Meditation led by professionals from One Roof Holistic Health Center. Sessions are free and open to the public, and are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

(Susman Room)

Life is Short: Short Story Reading and Discussion

Fridays, 12/6, 1/3, & 2/7, 10:30 a.m. to noon Join librarian Dan Hubbs in our ongoing short story reading and discussion program. Pick-up a copy of the story collection shelved with the reading group books or copied and left at the Information Desk, read and ponder the stories, and attend the meeting to discuss what you have read. Check the library’s events calendar for monthly selections.

(Susman Room)

The Savvy Caregiver – Alzheimer’s Caregiver Series

Mondays, 12/9, 12/16, 2:30 – 4 p.m. The Savvy Caregiver Program is a FREE training series for family caregivers. The Savvy Caregiver Program helps caregivers better understand the changes their loved ones are experiencing, and how the best provide individualized care for their loved ones throughout the progression of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Preregistration is required. To register please call Tonya at 867-4999, ext. 200 or email tgarmley@alz. org. (Susman Room)

and borrowed through Interlibrary Loan on our online catalog at the Information Desk. Visit www.sspl. org for details. No registration required. (Susman Room)

Lunch Trip to Sutton’s Marketplace Friday, December 13, at 11 a.m.

February 20 Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Saratoga Winter Club

Thursdays, 12/19, 1/16, & 2/20, 3:30 – 5 p.m. Books and Tea is an ongoing library book discussion group that meets monthly from September through June. Multiple copies of each month’s selection are kept in the Reading Group Choices collection on the first floor.

Books may also be put on hold

Mix & mingle with other members at the Center at our Happy Hour!

Bring your favorite beverage and we’ll provide snacks and “Grab Bag” gifts! Musicians invited to entertain at our Open Mic. Sign up suggested.

The novel is riveting multigenerational saga told in a series of interlinked stories that involve characters spread globally from Kabul, to Paris, to Tinos, a Greek island, and to San Francisco.

Thursday, 12/12 Noon to 1 p.m.

Sponsored by the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center and the Saratoga Springs Public Library. All programs will be held in the H. Dutcher Community Room and are free and open to the public.

Books and Tea Reading Group

Holiday Happy Hour Thursday, December 12 at 3:30-5:30 p.m.

December 19 Richistan: A Journey Through the American Wealth Boom and the Lives of the New Rich by Robert Frank.

Brown Bag Lunch Series

You cannot talk speed-skating in the United States without including the Saratoga Winter Club. Come hear Tom Porter talk about the Saratoga Winter Club’s rich and glorious history. (H. Dutcher Community Room)

and more? They have the answers.

Appointments preferred.

This non-fiction work profiles the demographic of a new country called “Richistan” situated inside the U.S.A. and takes us on a very entertaining journey through the lives of today’s super rich.

January 16 Saratoga Reads Selection for 2013 And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

Enjoy home cooked lunches and shopping at this wonderful country store. Leave the Center at 11 and return at 3. Pay $10 at sign up and bring lunch money with you. Store has stairs.

Donny & Marie Concert Trip Sunday, December 15 at 5 p.m.

This Times Union Center show is right out of Vegas with a dazzling performance by these two stars. Leave the Center at 5 p.m. and return at 10 p.m. Pay $82 at sign up and bring money for snacks with you. Sign up by December 6.

Academy for Lifelong Learning at Saratoga Springs This is a hauntingly beautiful novel about a 14-year-old girl named Kambili and her brother Jaja who grow up in a privileged and devoutly Catholic household in Nigeria.

Adult & Senior Center of Saratoga

5 Williams St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Call (518) 584-1621 or visit www.saratogaseniorcenter.org Capital Holiday Lights, Washington Park, Albany Monday, December 9 at 5 p.m.

Explore this enchanted display of lights that are sure to fill you with the spirit of the season. Optional stop for snacks weather permitting. Leave the Center at 5 p.m. and return at 8 p.m. Pay $14 at sign up.

Your Finances are Your Future Wednesday, December 11 at 11 a.m.

WP Wealth Advisors will be at the Center to provide free consultations. Do you have questions about trusts, long term care insurance

Empire State College 111 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-587-2100, ext. 2415 www.esc.edu/all/

A.L.L. To Host Annual Book Fair At Barnes and Noble The Academy for Lifelong Learning (A.L.L.), which offers classes for mature learners and is sponsored by Empire State College, is hosting its annual book fair at Barnes & Noble (3029 Rt 50, Saratoga Springs) on Saturday, December 14 from 9 AM to 6 PM. Come and join the fun as you shop for all your holiday gifts at this Downtown Abbey-themed fund raiser. Enjoy tea and scones from the cafe, Victorian strollers, Christmas carolers, free gift wrapping, and don’t forget to enter the free raffle for Downtown Abbey-themed gifts including a cookbook, calendar and English tea and butter cookies!

Mention A.L.L. at the cash register for a portion of your sale to be donated to the non-profit A.L.L. If you can’t attend the book fair and would like to participate, go to BN.COM/book fairs and enter A.L.L.’s ID number 11229762 from December 14 through the 19th.

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Families

19 TODAY

Making A List ,Checking It Twice Are there memory issues?

by Clare Colamaria Saratoga TODAY The holiday rush approaches, we’re making lists, checking them twice, making plans you hope to keep. For those of you who have loved ones either living alone, in a senior living community or perhaps with you, I know your holiday schedules are even more hectic than most.

There are a few more trips to the stores or doctors, a few more visits to check on your loved ones, a few more discussions regarding progress or decline, a few more concerns and perhaps a few more encounters of one kind or another.

I would like you all to read through these five important topic questions below and give them serious thought, check the ones you have addressed and make a new list of things yet to be addressed. By doing so, you just may avoid an unfortunate or unexpected turn of events when you least want to deal with one— during the holidays.

Are my loved ones safe in their present environment?

• Do they live alone? Is there a caregiver or spouse able to assist them? If so, is this the right person for the job?

• Does your loved one get confused?

• Are they eating right and staying hydrated? Who is monitoring their nutrition daily?

• Are their medications managed? If so, who is handling this important task and is this person communicating their concerns to the physicians as their care needs change?

• Has your loved one been properly diagnosed?

Have they seen a neurologist or neuropsychologist?

• Is there a treatment plan which works appropriately with their diagnosis and is their Primary Care Physician being kept in the loop with the specialist?

• It’s up to you to research the diagnosis of their disease and prepare for how it is going to affect everyone’s lives—you need to make plans for short and long term needs, not only care needs but emotional support needs as well.

Does your loved one have their legal documents in order?

• Do they have a Health Care Proxy, Advanced Directive and POA in place?

• Does someone in your family work with an attorney who specializes in elder law and estate planning? This is important; these attorneys are there to protect your loved ones hard earned assets as well as their medical and end of life wishes.

• Please get your legal matters attended to sooner rather than later.

Is it sensible for your

loved one to remain in their home?

• Much of this decision depends on their health, their mental state, physical state and the prognosis of their diagnosis.

• Based on those answers you will need to make a plan; one for immediate needs, then set short term plans—what will they need three months from now; six months from now, a year from now? You need to be a constant monitor of their ever changing needs.

• Do you have a support system to help you or are you the primary caregiver? Can you handle what the future has in store and again are you the right person for this job?

Finances— what can they afford?

• If you are planning to have them stay in their home or your home with outside assistance, what are those costs that insurance does not cover? And again, ask yourself, “What will the immediate costs of care be now? How about three months from now? Six months from now? One year from now?

• What is more cost effective— to stay in their home or to transition them out of their home and into a community or adult care home that provides care and assistance?

• And finally ask yourself this: is

your loved one experiencing the quality of life they deserve and have worked so hard for? And, how about you the family members—do you have peace of mind knowing all their needs are being met?

• If you can answer “yes” to that, then the time you are spending with them now is quality time.

If not, it’s time to start planning.

It’s all about quality of life, needs being met and peace of mind for

everyone.

Don’t wait for a crisis to happen before you take action.

Clare Colamaria is the Founder of A SENIOR’S CHOICE, LLC. If you have any concerns for a loved one or would like to discuss options for the above mentioned topics, please contact Clare at WWW.ASENIORSCHOICEONLINE. COM or call her directly at (518) 424-2527. Happy Holidays!

20 Families TODAY

Jolly Old St. Nick

by Kate Towne Sherwin Saratoga TODAY We all know that Christmas Eve is Santa’s big night. Less well known is that, a few weeks before Christmas, he slips away from his Christmas preparations for a night, visiting the houses who know to leave their shoes out in anticipation of a visit from Santa as he’s been known for much longer: St. Nicholas.

December 6 is the Feast of St. Nicholas, a bishop who lived in the third and fourth centuries in present-day Turkey. Many stories are told of his generosity to the needy, one of which relates that he saved three young women from being

sold into slavery by tossing bags of gold into the open window of their house—bags which are said to have landed in shoes left before the fire to dry. To this day, on the eve of his feast day—the night of December 5—many know that shoes left out might have a small something in them the next morning.

Or a big something, as I discovered one day when I was a little girl and I went to school on December 6, no doubt clutching happily the little candies I’d received, only to see that a classmate had received a toy, an actual toy, and not a small inexpensive trinket, but a large electronic toy that was the envy of my whole class. That may have been the day I subconsciously decided that when I was a mom and St. Nicholas visited our house on the eve of his feast, he would leave my children something more than candy—a strange thought because I don’t ever remember being ungrateful for the little treats I received in my shoe every year. And honestly, the older I got, the more impressed I was that St. Nick always remembered, even in the midst of his own Christmas busy-ness.

Then I became a mom, and you know that for that first Eve of St. Nicholas Day I had to leave out baby

Thomas’ sock or whatever he was wearing at the ripe old age of almostthree-months-old. I don’t remember what we found in it the next morning, but it certainly wasn’t candy— he wasn’t even eating rice cereal yet, so obviously St. Nick had to leave a toy. Had to. Because almost-threemonth-olds, who haven’t even found their own feet would definitely love a toy. Right?

And so it went each year and each new baby, up until last year.

Seeing five little shoes laid out by their bedroom doors before bed is just the sweetest sight, and it makes my heart swell with generosity of St. Nicholas proportions. Despite the fact that certain little gifts had already been prepared, one of wise old St. Nick’s helpers was tasked at the last minute with running out late to the store on the eve of his feast to find five toys that were of equal value but personalized for each of the five different little boys we have of all different ages. It was not my finest moment—I’m pretty sure I knew it at the time, but the hope of happy children can blind one so, can’t it?

St. Nick’s helper did well, really well. He came back bearing exactly what I’d hoped for—five gifts of equal value, but each one just the thing that would make its recipient’s eyes shine with the wonder of the season. I surely fell asleep with

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

a smile upon my lips and visions of sugarplums and the whole bit.

I had to be up early to get the kids ready for school, bustling about downstairs before they’d awoken, and left it to their dad to tell me how they liked their surprises.

I heard the crying first, all the way from upstairs.

When they all came down a few minutes later, devoid of the cheer and gratitude I’d hoped for, I said to my husband, “What happened?”

“Well,” he said, as he prepared his coffee, “apparently the item that Thomas received is not at all something he’s ever wanted.

Gabe is wailing because he ‘only’ got Legos and his brothers got ‘toys.’ Johnny’s mad that his Spider Man doesn’t shoot actual webbing.

Xave seems delighted with his light saber. And Taddy’s still sleeping.”

Then he shook his head—he who’d not known that St. Nicholas visits houses on the eve of his feast until he married me—and went back upstairs to get ready for work.

And here I’d thought St. Nick had done his very best work, the finest I’d ever seen in all the years I’d awoken to full shoes. My initial feeling of sorrow that the boys weren’t thrilled was quickly replaced with anger that I’d done such a terrible job of raising children to be grateful for what they receive. I had a good stern talk with them before they went to

school, and even had to explain to one of their teachers why my usually cheerful, friendly boy was so miserable and surly and why his face was still tear-stained when we arrived at school. All that because they received a new toy that morning.

Later that night, after the boys were in bed and my husband and I had a chance to talk about it all— amidst a chuckle or two on our part that we were so sure it would all be a smashing success, only to be so definitively proven wrong— we unanimously agreed to ask St. Nicholas to throw only small candies through our windows from now on. Just the other day one of my boys told me gleefully about the Star Wars figure he hoped to find in his shoe come this Friday morning (today, in fact). “Fat chance,” was my immediate, irritated thought, but then—maybe it would be kinder to let St. Nick ease into this new candy-only plan for these kids who were raised on toys-in-the-shoe. As of this writing, I don’t know what to expect Friday morning—I just hope there’s no crying (by them or me).

Happy Feast of St. Nicholas and Merry Christmas to you all!

Kate Towne Sherwin is a stayat-home mom (SAHM) living in Saratoga Springs with her husband and their sons Thomas (9), Gabriel (7), John Dominic (5), Xavier (3), and Thaddeus (23 months); they expect their sixth baby in Spring 2014. She can be reached at sksherwin@hotmail.com.

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Families

21 TODAY

What To Get Your Teen For Christmas Photo Provided

by Andrea Barry For Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — With Thanksgiving officially behind us, many are starting to gear up for the next big holiday of Christmas. Buying for a loved one is not always easy, especially if that loved one is a teenager. A list of this season’s must have gift items has successfully been narrowed down.

For high school students, fashion is a necessity. Clothing is a great gift option for both boys and girls. Once you know your recipient’s personal style, it is hard to go wrong buying them apparel. Popular stores today include American Eagle, Forever 21 and H&M. “The number one thing on my Christmas wish list is a white pea coat,” says Kayla Barss, senior at Saratoga Springs High School. “As a girl, you can never have too many clothes.”

In addition to fashion, it is crucial for teens to be up to date with today’s latest technologies. For Sprint carriers, the Galaxy phone has made the wish list of many. And for those with Verizon, the iPhone 5C is the mobile device one must be sure to have.

“There are so many

colors to choose from, but my favorite is the silver one,” says Mackenzie Hart, senior at Saratoga High School. “I love to take pictures and the

picture quality on the 5C is so much better [than that of the iPhone 4].”

Video games are also an option for those who spend a great deal of time in front of the screen. From Grand Theft Auto to Call of Duty, surely you won’t disappoint.

Trying to please a sports fanatic? Surprise them with tickets to their favorite game.

Not only does this ensure a day of fun, but it’s a gift that helps create a memory. If buying for a skier, treat them to a day, or season, at the mountain. If buying a ticket does not suffice, help to gear up by buying equipment.

From Nike Air Jordan basketball sneakers to Oakley ski goggles, teenagers are sure to appreciate a gift that they will get good use out of.

Not as exciting, but just as good, is the gift of money. By giving them money, you put the ball in their court as to where they wish to spend it. Gift cards also work wonders. Giving cash or its equivalent is easy, practical and pleases all ends. Who wouldn’t love to avoid the pain of shopping for someone who is fussy?

“Typically, I just ask

for money,” says Hart. “It’s either that or clothes and my family doesn’t know my taste really, so it’s just easiest.”

Whether you’re spending an arm and a leg, or a minimal amount, this Christmas has

the potential to be the best one yet. While general gifts are usually easiest, everyone knows the excitement of opening up that one gift they’ve been longing for.

Happy holidays to all!

22 Families TODAY

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Bake Shop Favorites From Linda’s Country Kitchen

SARATOGA SPRINGS — At any given moment at Linda’s Country Kitchen’s tables at Saratoga Farmers’ Market the odds are high that a few young children will be peering into the display case, selecting their favorite cookies. From peanut butter to chocolate chip to sugar cookies with brightly colored decorations, the generously sized sweets are a beloved treat for young market shoppers.

“My best-selling products with the children are the cookies, of course,” comments baker Linda Kerber. “With adults, the blueberry muffins and the pies have a huge following.”

“Friday is pie day,” says Kerber.

“On Fridays, we bake pies and tea breads all day long, so our weekend market customers are assured of a very fresh product.”

Kerber’s fruit pies come in a

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY

variety of flavors, from strawberryrhubarb and blueberry to a mixedvariety called “brumbleberry.”

She also occasionally sells savory items, including chicken pot pies and Southern-style tomato pies, as well as large bacon-cheddar cheese biscuits.

Kerber’s daughter, Chris is a huge help to her, lending some extra assistance in the past year since Kerber’s husband, George, passed away. “We worked together for 33 years in my baking business, and were married for 53 years,” says Linda Kerber, recalling her husband’s steady presence. “I consider myself very blessed.”

From her kitchen in Johnsonville, near Schaghticoke Linda Kerber transforms flour, sugar, and other ingredients — including 36 pounds of butter every week — into her fresh-baked goods that she sells at area farmers’ markets and to a few wholesale accounts.

“There are no preservatives or additives in anything we make,” she says proudly. Whenever possible, the bakery uses locally grown ingredients, including local carrots for carrot cakes, and local

fruit for the pies.

“I’d also like people to know that when we have leftover baked goods, we freeze them to preserve freshness and then donate them to food pantries, so they can share the products with their clients.”

“I’ve been baking since I was ten years old. I was one of eleven children. My mother was terrific, letting me bake on Sunday afternoons, sometimes until I had created a huge mound of donuts on the kitchen table.” As she got older, Linda became a caterer before beginning her baking business.

All year round, the changing seasons and upcoming holidays help Kerber determine her specials. Recently popular at Saratoga Farmers’ Market have been the Autumn Scones, featuring dried cranberries, white chocolate, and milk chocolate chips.

Approaching Christmas, Kerber will regularly feature decorated sugar cookies and other holiday-themed baked goods. She recommends using her cookies in these homemade ice cream sandwiches for a festive dessert that’s fun to assemble at this time of year.

Hello my Foodie Friends!

We had a great Thanksgiving this year at the Reardon household and we hope you did too. While we sat around the kitchen table my wife Paula brought up a story about our time together before we had the kids. That is when our one baby was our Dog, Bogie. He was named after Humphrey Bogart and he loved to roam between our house and our next door neighbor. This was before invisible fences and we didn’t have the money for a regular fence.

Bogie was a German Sheppard/ black lab mix puppy when we rescued him. His color was pure black and he grew very fast to 100 pounds of muscle. He was the happiest dog in the world, loved by both our family and our friends next door, Ron and Deede whose children were now grown.

Bogie could make anyone feel like they were his favorite person in the world! He would go over to visit Ron and Deede, who were passionate foodies, every day. He always came back carrying leftovers which were usually a big steak or ham bone. They loved him as much as we did.

However, Bogie would test your love from time to time by taking food that wasn’t offered to him. There was the Halloween party that stopped dead

in its tracks, as all of our guests watched as Bogie took an entire pizza down the hallway and quickly devour it. His thievery reached legendary status but he never took from Ron and DeeDe until Thanksgiving 1989.

There was a knock on our door and it was Ron. He had his head down and in a sad voice he said; “John, Bogie stole two of the Pies I had baked for thanksgiving”.

I responded to Ron with a mixture denial and embarrassment: are you sure, how do you know? Ron said he put his pie on the roof of his Lincoln Continental in the garage to cool.

When he came back there were no pies but there were paw prints on the hood of his beloved Lincoln. Those prints headed in the direction of our house.

Ron and I then found the empty, perfectly cleaned, pie tins.

I apologized and offered to pay for the pies but Ron laughed and told me not to worry. He said he would have to think of a new place to cool his pies and remember to close the door next time.

Now it’s been 24 years but Ron could tell this story like it happened yesterday. We still love to go over their house and have a cup of coffee and talk about Bogie.

Where did we find the dog after his caper? He was curled up by Paula’s legs in the kitchen sleeping it off.

Remember my friends: Life Happens in the Kitchen!”

Take Care, John and Paula

Bogie

Ice Cream Sandwiches The arrival of winter weather and the Christmas season bring many images to mind, from snowflakes to wreaths to Santa Claus. Linda’s Country Kitchen stocks its tables with holiday cookies in a variety of shapes that are delicious to use in these ice cream sandwiches, made at home.

Ingredients Seasonal flavor(s) of ice cream (such as pumpkin, egg nog, peppermint stick, gingersnap, or any flavor you like) Assorted sugar cookies, matched into pairs by shape

Directions •Let ice cream sit out on counter until somewhat soft (but not dripping or melted).

•Using a large spoon, scoop a small amount of ice cream in between a pair of similarly shaped cookies. Gently squeeze the cookies so that ice cream fills the gap in between, and scrape off any ice cream that is squeezed out from between the cookies.

•Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap, and put back into freezer for a few hours or more. As the sandwich re-freezes, the cookies will soften a bit, making the ice cream sandwich easier to bite through.

•Unwrap sandwiches and sit out for 5-10 minutes before serving, to allow the sandwiches to soften a bit.

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Families

23 TODAY

Avoiding Winter Sport Injuries

by James B. Marwica, MSPT For Saratoga TODAY

Winter is here! The mountains and ice rinks are open while we await what is sure to be a snowy winter. With some snow on the ground we can tune up the sleds and enjoy some winter time with the kids, or, like me, with adults who act like kids. Just as we transition into spring, summer or fall, the sports change and so do the muscles that are needed to perform the sport. As we mature, get older, the seasonal sport transition grows increasingly dangerous and injury may be around the bend.

More than 440,000 people were treated at hospitals, doctor’s offices and emergency rooms for winter sports-related injuries in 2010, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. They break down these injuries to 144,000 injuries from snow skiing, 148,000 injuries from snowboarding, 63,000 injuries from ice hockey, 58,500 injuries from ice skating and 91,000 injuries from sledding and tobogganing.

Typically winter sports injuries include sprains, strains, dislocations, cuts, bruises and fractures. Many of these injuries happen at the beginning or the end of the day, when people aren’t warmed up or when they overexert themselves to finish that one last run before the day’s end. A majority of these injuries can easily be prevented if participants prepare for their sport by keeping in good physical condition, warming up, staying alert and stopping when they are tired or in pain.

A few tips to help prevent injury during winter activities provided by The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons are: •Never participate alone.

•Stay in shape and condition muscles before participating in winter activities.

•Warm up thoroughly before playing or participating. Cold muscles, tendons, and ligaments are vulnerable to injury.

•Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles, helmets, gloves and padding.

•Check that equipment is working properly prior to use.

•Wear several layers of light, loose and water-and wind-resistant clothing for warmth and protection. Layering allows you to accommodate your body’s constantly changing temperature. Wear proper footwear that provides warmth and dryness, as well as ample ankle support.

•Take a lesson (or several) from a qualified instructor, especially in sports like skiing and snowboarding. Learning how to fall correctly and safely can reduce the risk of injury.

•Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature to ensure safety.

•Seek shelter and medical attention immediately if you, or anyone with you, is experiencing hypothermia or frostbite. Make sure everyone is aware of proper procedures for getting help, if injuries occur.

•Drink plenty of water before, during and after activities.

•Avoid participating in sports when you are in pain or exhausted.

Conditioning for your winter sport activity is as vital for injury prevention as proper equipment is. Skiers, boarders, skaters, sledders and hockey players can all increase their safety and performance this winter by starting with a pre-conditioning program that includes four components: endurance, strength, flexibility and balance. Aerobic fitness is the key to preventing the end of the day injuries (the last run). Cross training, which includes multiple sports and activities in the conditioning regimen, has become popular, especially with a seasonal sport such as skiing. Strength and flexibility focusing on the legs and trunk are vital in injury prevention specific for skiing and hockey. Balance training has been shown to be the single most important exercise for preventing ACL tears in all sports.

A typical conditioning program can include: 1. Aerobic fitness (five days/ week for at least 30 minutes) Running, Cycling, Swimming, Elliptical or Stair Climber, Jumping Rope, Treadmill 2. Strength (3 days/week, 2 sets of 30-60 seconds each) Leg Press, Wall Squats, Hamstring Curls, Toe Raises, Lateral Leg Raises, Situps 3. Flexibility (daily, two sets of

30-60 seconds each) Hamstring Stretches, Achilles Stretches, Quad Stretches 4. Balance Exercises (daily, 2 sets of 30-60 seconds) Standing on one leg, Mini Squats, Single Leg Hop (holding landing for five seconds) Now is the time to initiate a program such as this. Give yourself a couple of weeks to see a real change in your strength, endurance, flexibility and balance before you really challenge yourself in your chosen sport. Gradually progress your self-guided program as you find it getting easier, and at the same rate amp up your skiing or skating. You will see a difference in your agility and ability while being capable of playing later into the day or the game.

Finally, listen to your body. If in the course of training, conditioning or while on the ice or the mountain you begin experiencing pain—STOP! Have someone who knows more about your body than you examine you and clear you when appropriate to return to your winter fun.

James Markwica, MS PT is a New York State Licensed Physical Therapist at LaMarco Physical Therapy, 417 Geyser Road in Ballston Spa and 30 Gick Road in Saratoga Springs. For questions of follow-up, contact James at (518) 587-3256 or online at www.lamarcopt.com.

24 Families TODAY

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Q:From Current Levels, How Can Stocks Continue To Rise?

A:There Are Three Reasons Stocks Can Still Increase

by John D. Fox, CFA For Saratoga TODAY Speculation that the U.S. economy will have little, if any, growth in the near term has dominated the headlines.

Since the fourth quarter of 2008, Real GDP has grown, on average, at 1.23 percent per year versus its 20-year average of 2.60 percent.1 In fact, according to Barron’s, “Over the next 20 years, the U.S. economy is likely to grow only 2 percent a year. That’s down from 3 percent or better since World War II.”2 Simultaneously, the stock market (S&P 500 Index) is up more than 25 percent for the year (as of October 31, 2013) and at an all-time high price level.

With the stock market at record high price levels and slow economic growth forecasted for the foreseeable future, how can stocks continue to rise?

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1) Economic Recovery The good news is that the economy continues to grow, although at a slower pace. If we look at historical examples, this is to be expected given the fact that we had a recession coupled with a financial crisis. If the U.S. economy continues to grow slowly for an extended time period, it is not cause for alarm in my opinion. I believe it is possible to still make money in the stock market when investing in financially strong companies.

The chart below depicts economic growth and the resultant increase in the S&P 500’s price, earnings per share and dividends. Businesses grew earnings and stock prices appreciated in spite of a sluggish economy over the last 10 years.

Sept. 2003 GDP

Real GDP S&P 500 Index Close S&P 500 Index EPS S&P 500 Dividends

Sept. 2013 $11.5T $13.2T 996 $52.73 $16.59

Annualized Growth $16.6T $15.7T 1,682

$106.55 $34.00

3.8% 1.8% 5.4% 7.3% 7.4%

2) High Price, Not High Valuation While the S&P 500 Index is at its all-time high price level, so are its earnings. This is in stark contrast to 1999 when the S&P was at its then record high with much lower earnings. At the same time, the chart below illustrates that the S&P is at a significantly lower valuation than it was in 1999. Earnings growth and fair valuations give reasons to estimate that there is still considerable potential for stock market increases in the short term, and especially over the long term.

S&P 500 Index 1999 2013 Price 1,469 1,791 Earnings $45 $109* Valuation (P/E Ratio) 32.6x 16.4x

Largest Dealer in Upstate NY

*Estimated calendar year 2013 earnings. Source: FactSet 3) “Free” Cash Flow is King Cash can be used to create value despite lethargic growth in earnings because it can increase the bottom line. This is one of the reasons why I seek to invest in quality businesses with abundant free cash flow. With ample cash reserves and low debt, companies can acquire businesses or faltering competition to drive top-line growth, I observe this today. Financially sound enterprises can also reinvest in their operations or buy back stock shares at attractive levels. These actions could potentially result in a stock price increase—despite a slow economy.

Thus, the values of the businesses in my portfolio are not entirely contingent upon the economy’s growth rate. Their financial posture and ability to allocate capital reserves as they see fit are vital for the future appreciation of their franchises and my portfolio, especially in a slow-growth economy.

1 Source: FactSet 2 Barron’s “The Snail Economy” October 28, 2013 Fenimore Asset Management is an independent investment advisory firm located in Cobleskill, NY since 1974. Fenimore’s affiliates are the Fenimore Private Client Group & FAM Funds – offering separately managed accounts and mutual funds. In-depth research.

Insightful investing.

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

NEWS 25

Property Transactions BALLSTON SPA

36 Everson Way, $285,000. Debra Lucas sold property to Lawrence and Janice Hyde.

211 Sunset Ave., $123,000. US Bank Trust (As Trustee) sold property to Edward Canavan.

42 Chester St., $173,750. Cheryl Austin, Davie Charlotte, Janet Lindsey and Elizabeth Moore sold property to Matthew Spencer.

3 Sycamore St., $327,890. Heritage Builders Group, LLC sold property to Donna Watson.

1207 Route 50, $145,000. Sharon Bassett and William Crawford sold property to Scott and Jenny Crawford.

140 Westside Drive, $275,000. Stephen Haraden sold property to Joel Prescott.

42 Forestbrook Drive, $306,390.

Heritage Builders Group LLC sold property to Jack Chang.

15 Knottingley Place, $329,500.

Kevin Carmichael and Kateryna Vilchyk sold property to National Residential Nominee Services Inc. 15 Knottingley Place, $329,500.

National Residential Nominee Services Inc. sold property to Joseph and Alsie Compitello.

10 Vienna Court, $637,500. Joseph and Donna Hermann sold property to Daniel and Maria LeClaire.

86 Midline Road, $250,000. John and Barbara Christopher sold property to David and Brittany Bounds.

38 Lancaster Court, $352,442.

Traditional Builders LTD sold property to Thomas Boykin.

27 Forestbrook Drive, $349,921.

Heritage Builders Group LLC sold property to Dwight Hill.

MALTA

Lake Ave. (a portion), $3,000. Louis Farone, Jr. sold property to Burton and Teresa Segel.

Lake Ave. (a portion), $8,500. Louis Farone, Jr. sold property to Jeanne Beaudrault and Patricia Cotter.

Sweeney sold property to Galarneau Builders Inc.

202 Ballston Ave., $159,550. Noelle and Susan Dickerson sold property to Xiao Mei Wang.

6 Beacon Hill Drive, $920,000. Layden Sweet sold property to Kenneth and Joanne Wallers.

99 Catherine St., $285,000. James Reynolds sold property to Kevin and Lynn McCane.

90 Elm St., $427,000. Bryan and Dorothy Eaton sold property to Selim and Stacy Nahas.

Lake Ave. (a portion), $8,500. Louis Farone, Jr. sold property to Morris Strauss (as Trustee) and Kathryn Wright Testamentary Trust.

4 Callaghan Blvd., $499,000. Blitman Rosen Development LLC sold property to Marie Moynihan and Lawrence McNamara.

Lake Ave. (a portion), $6,000. Louis Farone, Jr. sold property to Ivy and Paul Gallacchi.

114 Dunning St., $57,000. Malta Presbyterian Church sold property to Town of Malta.

Route 50, $300,000. Gary DeRusso (By Ref) sold property to Saratogawood LLC.

112 Circular St., $695,000. Maria Gorriti sold property to Sholom Ackelsberg and Susan Monaghan.

Lake Ave. (a portion), $8,000. Louis Farone, Jr. sold property to John Teta, Jr.

680 East Line Road $386,015. Liberty Home Builders of Saratoga LLC sold property to Teal and David Reeves.

2 Lakeview Road, $355,000. Thomas and Shumei Warren sold property to 351 Hampstead Owners LLC.

126 Crescent St., $500,000. Kevin Kelley (By Ref) sold property to Nationstar Mortgage LLC.

Lake Ave. (a portion), $10,000. Louis Farone, Jr. sold property to John Collins.

Lake Ave. (a portion), $8,000. Louis Farone, Jr. sold property to Paul Phillips, Lawrence Phillips, and Glenn Phillips.

5 Willis Way, Lot 90, $344,650. John Luke Development Co LLC sold property to Brian and Lisa Kelly.

Lot 108 Coronado Way, $336,667.

John Luke Development Co LLC sold property to Michael and Heather Lofink.

8 Northwood Ct., $223,711. Maureen Bennett sold property to Timothy and Casee Meehan.

1164 Laural Lane, $224,000. Robert and Christine Bell sold property to Solomon Makwara.

132 VanAernem Road, $200,000. John Gonroff and Kali Kambourelis sold property to Jean and William Varley.

34 Cedarwood Drive, $223,000. Paul Atwell and Nicholas Salony sold property to Brendan McClune.

2 Wake Robin Road, $170,000.

Michael Orchard sold property to Stephanie Weissman.

18 Burton Drive, $462,000. Thomas and Roseanne Clavin sold property to Spencer and Jennifer Allen.

34 Thistle Drive, $220,000. M and T Bank sold property to Allen and Louise Henry.

576 Eastline Road, $259,000. Dawn Logerfo and Bradley Ecker sold property to Roger and Marisa Jaynes.

Lake Ave. (a portion), $5,000. Louis Farone, Jr. sold property to James Blaauboer.

Lake Ave. (a portion), $4,500. Louis Farone, Jr. sold property to Rose Tait.

Blood Drives

Lake Ave. (a portion), $6,000. Louis Farone, Jr. sold property to Peter Buteau.

December 5, 9:30a.m. - 3:30p.m.

211 Church St., Saratoga Springs

Lake Ave. (a portion), $6,000. Louis Farone, Jr. sold property to Peter and Amy Buteau.

December 7, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

323 Charlton Rd., Ballston Spa

Lake Ave. (a portion) $6,000. Louis Farone, Jr. sold property to Barbara Hancher.

Kathleen Miller sold property to Stephen Musci.

December 10, noon - 6 p.m.

Saratoga Springs Public Library

133 Arrow Wood Place, $133,600.

John Wimmer sold property to June Schlichting.

153 Arrow Wood Place, $155,208.

Andrew Wrobel sold property to Lee and Sarah Farrell.

SARATOGA SPRINGS

20 Friar Tuck Way $335,000. Mark and Tara Paine sold property to Joseph and Jill Arpei.

12 Ingersoll Road, $262,000. Lisa Tuttle sold property to Christopher Smith and Tiffany Danaher.

115 York Ave & 9 James St., $255,000.

Richard Bilinski sold property to Dylan and Shanna Rogers.

19 Sherwood Trail, $349,000. Andrew Prestigiacomo and Kerry Selfridge sold property to Adam and Colleen Doig.

36 Cady Hill Road, $30,000. Munter Enterprises LLC sold property to Unlimited Potential Properties.

100 Hathorn Blvd., $201,000. Sandra Hannam sold property to David Carmichael and Patricia Iannotti.

664 Acland Blvd., $451,261. Linda Puma sold property to John Moore and Corey Douglas.

43 Railroad Alley, $305,000.

Christopher Gloninger (By Agent) sold property to Roberta Lucas.

195 Elm St., $258,000. Michael and Victoria Terra sold property to Mainney LLC. 15 Van Dorn St., $256,000. John Leggett and Steven Leggett sold property to Giovanni Presenti.

19 St. Charles Place, $206,000. Erin Law (As Trustee) sold property to Wilhelm Bloem.

30 Whistler Court, Unit 212, $328,500.

Dennis Canetty (By Atty) sold property to Judith and Roger Goodman (Co Trustees).

10 Sultan Circle, $367,900. Herman and Janet Schnurr sold property to Frank and Marcia Ragucci.

27 Moore Ave., $265,000. John and Jessica Kinman sold property to Thomas Washburn.

287 Jefferson St., Rear, $270,000. Carlos Gutierrez and Ruth Kellogg sold property to Timothy Baker and Yarong Wang.

198 Lake Ave., $440,000. Marion Hazard sold property to Ellery and Carolyn Willard.

89 Petrified Gardens Road, $225,000.

Richard and Tanya Dwyer sold property to Richard and Candyce Robenstein.

220 Grand Ave., $287,000. Sean Mahoney sold property to Douglas Ward.

10 Horseshoe Drive, $384,000. Roberta Lucas sold property to Wayne and Adriana Cutler.

16 Beach Court, $415,000. Edward and Elaine Garzarelli (By Atty) sold property to Joel and Jane Huntzinger.

23 Winners Circle, $186,000. Stephen Boone and Jungwon Shin sold property to Katie O’Donnell.

103 Elm St., $533,858. Joseph Street Saratoga LLC sold property to Bradford and Ellen Beal.

26 Cleveland Ave., $263,000. Fred and

34 Longwood, $145,000. Anderson

WILTON

45 Brookside Drive, $322,000.

Margaret Cocozzo sold property to John and Karen Harvey.

129 Edie Road, $82,900. Robert Dialberto sold property to Janet Hopper.

617 Maple Ave., $6,200,000. 617 Maple Avenue LLC sold property to R and P Realty Saratoga LLC. 24 Plum Court, $315,000. Edward and Margaret Knapik sold property to David and Kathleen McDonald.

6 Carpenter Lane, $620,000. Saratoga Medical Building Co LLC sold property to Veritas Management of Saratoga LLC. 3 New Britain Drive, $168,000. Jessica Pajonk sold property to Brian Olson.

84 Traver Road, $189,360. Cynthia Schrock-Seeley, Abigail Schrock, Frances Traisman, Elizabeth Farry sold property to Keith and Rachel Boggan.

350 Northern Pines Road, $200,000.

Henry Wilson (By Admin) sold property to Richard and Shirley Werneburg.

3 Whirlaway Blvd., $266,000. Leona Dupell sold property to Saratoga Warren Conglomerate LLC. 8 Peach Tree Lane, $290,000. Joseph Halloran (By Agent) and Elizabeth Barker (By Agent) sold property to Arvid and Dinda Dahlstrom.

5 Primrose Circle, $601,979. Floral Estates LLC sold property to Michael and Jaclyn Purcell.

15 Greylock Drive, $465,000. Richard and Judy Petty sold property to Joseph and Allison Mesquita.

26

LOCAL BRIEFS (10 a.m.–6 p.m.), Friday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.), Saturday and Sunday (noon to 4 p.m.) It will be closed on academic holidays. For more information call (518) 580-5049.

Gavin Park Pickleball Indoor Pickleball has begun at Gavin Park and runs from now until April.

Players of any experience level can participate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m. Three to six courts will be available each session. Participants may bring their own equipment or may use the park’s. Players must register, in person, at the Gavin Park Office, 10 Lewis Drive, Wilton.

Doors open at 9 a.m. No regular commitment is required. Cost per person, per day, is $3. For more information call (518) 584-9455.

Winter Activities Brochure Available The Town of Malta Department of Parks, Recreation and Human Services Winter Activities Brochure is available online at www. malta-town.org and at the Malta Community Center. Registration is underway for winter classes and programs. Classes, new sports programs and special events are scheduled to begin in December.

Call the Malta Community Center at (518) 899-4411 for more information.

Seeking Tax Assistance Volunteers TaxAide is seeking volunteers for the coming tax season. TaxAide volunteers answer questions and prepare and file returns for low to moderate income taxpayers and seniors from February 1 to April 15 at various sites in Saratoga County.

No experience is required. For further information, visit www.aarp. org/taxaide or call (518) 373-1076.

Gavin Park Open Gym Open gym for basketball at Gavin Park has begun, running weekdays from 3–5 p.m. for all ages. Open gym can accommodate up to 20 players and operates on a first come, first served basis. There is no charge for participation. Children ages 10 and under must have an adult with them at all times. All participants are required to sign in, each afternoon.

For more information call (518) 584-9455.

‘Charcoal!’

Through December 15 there will be an Invitational exhibition of two and three-dimensional works in charcoal by 12 contemporary artists at the Schick Art Gallery, Saisselin Art Building (Skidmore College). Hours will be Monday through Thursday

Saratoga Recreation Winter Registration The Winter Registration at Saratoga Recreation is open and offering Youth Basketball League, Jr. Sluggers, Introduction to Ice Skating, Box Lacrosse, Golf World Clinic and a 3v3 tournament.

For more information call (518) 587–3550, ext. 2300.

American Legion Breakfast with Santa American Legion Auxiliary Unit 234 is hosting Breakfast with Santa Claus on Saturday, December 14 from 8:30–11 a.m. at 23 Pleasant Street in Ballston Spa. Enjoy breakfast and bring your cameras for pictures with Santa.

Christmas Cookie Sale Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Ballston Lake will host a Christmas cookie sale from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. on December 14 and December 15 from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Select from an assortment of home baked Christmas cookies, made with love by the ladies of the church: $10 per container, tied with a ribbon, ready for gift giving, or to take home and enjoy. For more information call (518) 885-4681.

Saratoga Children’s Theatre Musical The Saratoga Children’s Theatre presents the musical “A Christmas Carol” on December 13 at 7 p.m. and December 14 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The show will be on the third floor of the Saratoga Music Hall. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

All tickets are sold at the door, which opens half an hour before showtime. For more information call (518) 580-1782 or visit www. saratogachildrenstheatre.org.

Movie Night features ‘Arranged’ Congregation Shaara Tfille, located at 84 Weibel Avenue, will host a free movie “Arranged” on Sunday, December 15 at 7 p.m. will be shown on their 10-foot screen. For more information contact (518) 584-2370 or saratogajcc@verizon.net.

Book Bag Shop Sale The Book Bag Shop, located in the Saratoga Springs Public Library, will hold a 50 percent off sale on all items in the shop from Sunday, December 15 through Monday, December 23 during regular shop hours.

BSBPA Holiday Mixer Join the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association for the annual Holiday Mixer on December 16, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Brickyard Tavern.

Pre-sale tickets ($20 per person) are available at www.ballston. org or at Coffee Planet or at the door.

BSBPA Networking Breakfast December’s Networking Breakfast will be held on Tuesday, December 17 from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Creative Endeavors on Front Street. Cost for the breakfast is $5 with advance reservation (email or call me) or $10 that morning, both payable at the door.

Catholic Daughters Christmas Party On Saturday, December 21 the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and Knights of Columbus will hold a Children’s Christmas Party. The day begins at 8 a.m. with breakfast provided by the Knights of Columbus.

Arts and crafts and a bunny petting area will be provided by the Catholic Daughters. Santa Claus will be making a visit as well. The party will take place at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs.

For any questions or for further information about the December meeting call (518) 584-3472 or (518) 885-0663.

Win Your Wedding Contest If you have a romantic, quirky, funny, or unique wedding proposal story, the National Museum of Dance wants to hear from you. Submit your proposal story in 250 words or less along with a photo, or a two-minute video (using a Youtube or Vimeo link) for a chance to win your wedding. All submissions must be received by February 28. A panel consisting of Dance Museum staff and participating vendors will choose the top stories and post them on the Dance Museum’s Wedding Facebook page. For the following two weeks the selected submissions will be on Facebook for the public to see and vote. The story with the most likes on March 20 will win a wedding package valued at over $15,000 from some of the capital region’s best wedding vendors. The winning couple will be announced March 21.

Contact info@dancemuseum. org or (518) 584-2225, ext. 3001 for more information or to submit your story.

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013 WSWHE BOCES to Offer Free Preschool Education The Washington-Saratoga-WarrenHamilton-Essex BOCES offers a free preschool as part of its Early Childhood Education program at the F. Donald Myers Education Center on 15 Henning Road.

Under the guidance of veteran teacher Cathy Goodwin, the preschoolers will work directly with high school students studying early childhood education. Children ages 3 and 4 years old are eligible.

They must be fully toilet trained.

Enrollment is limited to 18 children. There are two sessions: 8:30 a.m.–10:15 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Classes begin on Tuesday, January 7.

Transportation is not provided. For more information on the program at the Myers Center is available by calling Cathy Goodwin at 581-3647.

Main Office to Host Holiday Event The Main Office of Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company is teaming up with SaratogaArtsFest to host a holiday extravaganza on Thursday, December 19, to benefit various community groups. The event from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at 171 South Broadway will include bagels, pastries, hot cocoa and coffee in the morning; a soup cook-off for lunch; local musicians performing throughout the day; a Malta Ridge Fire Department truck; a kids’ activity table with holiday art projects and a visit from Santa.

There will also be a food drive for the Franklin Community Center and a bake sale and raffle to benefit SaratogaArtsFest. For more information call (518) 583-3114.

Northshire To Host Luncheon With Michael Carroll The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with Northshire Bookstore to host a luncheon featuring Michael Carroll, author of “Fearless at Work and The Mindful Leader.” The event will take place Friday, December 13 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at The Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

Wednesday Crafters Circle to take Holiday Break The Wednesday Crafters, held at Simpson United Methodist Church, 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls (.4 miles south of Rt. 29) will meet until December 18, break for the holidays, and resume Wednesday January 15. All crafters, hobbyists, couponers, scrappers, organizers, etc., are welcome to drop in Wednesdays between 10 a.m.–3 p.m. No registration, church affiliation, skill level or attendance is required for this free gathering.

Come when you can, stay until you can. Bring a lunch or enjoy our light refreshments. Plenty of room to work on your projects or holiday gift-wrapping. Any questions contact Laura at (518) 288-5922 or lauraviolet@nycap.rr.com.

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari Directed by Robert Wiene, “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” will show December 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Town and Gown Movie Night.

The 52-minute screening leaves ample time for a conversation with Skidmore College German Professor Mary-Elizabeth O’Brien, who has taught and written about German Expressionist and silent cinema. One of the great horror movies of the Silent Era, the film has influenced musicians, too, from the Goth group Bauhaus to Pere Ubu, Coldplay, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Santa Live on the Air Waves Santa will be live on the radio talking to local kids from 8-10 a.m. on 101.3 FM on December 7, 14 and 21.

Kids can call (518) 899-3000 these mornings to talk with Kris Kringle.

Saratoga County Chamber Workshop The Saratoga County Chamber will host a three part workshop with Ray Patterson of the Stakeholders, Inc. to provide additional information to nonprofits about recruiting, training, supporting evaluating and celebrating their volunteers. This training series is in addition to the many workshops, seminars and collaborative meetings regularly held for area nonprofit management staff and will be brought to the Chamber members free of charge. The sessions will be held on the second Thursday in December, February and April from 8–10 a.m. at Saratoga Bridges. Reservations can be made directly through the Chamber at www.saratoga.org.

Introductory Stress Reduction Classes An introductory Saratoga Stress Reduction program class will be held January 7 from 5:15–6:45 p.m. at 58 Henry St. Remaining classes meet eight subsequent Tuesday nights from 5:15–6:45 p.m. from January 7 to March 4.

An all-day retreat for this class will be Sunday, February from 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. There are also introductory Saturday morning classes from 8:30–10 a.m. (January 11 to March 8).

To register call Dr. Selma Nemer at (518) 581-3180, ext. 307

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

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Family Friendly Event

Friday, December 6 Waldorf School Holiday Sale Waldorf School Firefly Store, 212 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, 3–7 p.m.

Local artisans will have handmade dolls, barefoot books, handmade jewelry, felted toys and gifts, hand-dipped candles and much more. Spend over $100 and you will receive 10 percent off your purchase. Also, Saturday, December 7 at 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

24th Annual Candlelight House Tour Various Homes in Saratoga Springs, 5 p.m. The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation will ring in the holiday season and celebrate our city’s unique architecture with a tour through some of Saratoga Springs’ most beautiful historic houses on Union, Madison, Fifth, Lake and York Avenues. The tour will be followed by an after party at Union Gables Bed & Breakfast, 55 Union Avenue, at 7:30–10:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets call (518) 587-5030 or visit at www.saratogapreservation.org.

Tree Lighting Ceremony and Reception Gavin Park, Lewis Rd., Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m.

The fun begins at 6 p.m., with holiday songs, led by Glenn Dorman at the piano. At 6:30 p.m., the lights will go up on Gavin Park’s beautiful Colorado Spruce tree. Then, at 6:45 p.m., Santa will arrive to meet and greet the crowd. From 6:45 – 8:45 p.m., the fun will continue, inside the Dailey Gym, where Santa will hand out candy, treats, and gifts.

Lending Santa a hand will be Frosty, Rudolph, and Santa’s elves. There will be holiday movies for the little ones and more opportunities for everyone to sing more songs of the season. Refreshments will be served from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Maple Avenue Fire Department makes the night possible, with assistance from the Wilton EMS, Hannaford Bros., and Walmart. The evening is sponsored

by Applebee’s. For more information call (518) 584-9455.

Saturday, December 7 Microchip Your Pet

Clifton Park Public Safety Building,

noon to 3 p.m. The Town of Clifton Park and HOPE animal rescue will be hosting a microchip clinic. The cost is $18 and will be administered by a veterinary professional. The procedure is simple and similar to administering a routine shot. There is no cost to register your pet into the Free Pet Chip Registry and can be done online every day, all year long.

Bikeatoga

The Church of St. Peter at 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Bikeatoga will be holding its annual Holiday Kids Bike Giveaway in Saratoga Springs. Over the past several months Bikeatoga has collected and refurbished used kids bikes specifically for this event. Parents or guardians of children who are in need of a free bicycle must call (518) 265-8507 and leave a voicemail. You will receive a return call with an appointment between 9 a.m.–1 p.m. on December 7, and directions to the Bikeatoga Workshop.

Celebration of

St. Nicolas Holiday Sale

Old Saratoga Reformed Church, Corner Pearl and Burgoyne Street, Schuylerville, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

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

Ugly Christmas Sweater 5K/1 Mile Walk

Town of Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Road, Ballston Spa, 8:30 a.m.

Sponsored by Ballston Spa National Bank to benefit Gateway House of Peace, T-shirts are available to the first 100 registered.

Cost is $25 to pre-register and $30 the day of the event. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and the race begins at 10 a.m. To register visit www. gatewayhouseofpeace.org.

Festival of Trees, Craft Fair and Parade

Saratoga Town Hall, Corner of Routes 29 and 4, Schuylerville, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Numerous artisans will be offering unique items for sale, musical groups performing throughout the day, and decorated trees for sale. The annual parade down Schuylerville’s main street featuring the arrival of St Nicholas on his white horse will follow beginning at 4:15 p.m. Families and children are invited to join in the parade carrying lighted lanterns provided by the local Lion’s Club and singing Christmas Carols. The Festival of Trees and Craft Fair will also be open on Sunday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Admission is free.

calendar 27 Holiday Market

Olde Flax Mill Gallery, 88 Broad St., Schuylerville, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

The annual marketplace is the ideal place to find unique, affordable, one-of-a-kind crafted works for Christmas, hostess and New Year’s gifts. Watch skilled artisans work their fine crafts: traditional rug-hookers, knitters, basket weavers, potters, woodworkers, mosaicists, fiber and fabric artisans and more. The marketplace runs for three weekends beginning December 7. For more information call (518) 695-5534.

Tuesday, December 10 Spiritual Living Circle

2 Imperial Lane, Charlton, 6:30 p.m. New Thought New York Center for Spiritual Living is hosting a Spiritual Living Circle featuring discussion of the articles in the November and December issues of Science of Mind magazine. For more information, visit www.newthoughtnewyork.org or call (518) 423-3569.

Wednesday, December 11

A Celebration in Four Parts

Audition Call for Community Dancers

Sunday, December 8

Myers Dance Center, 153 Regent St., Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m.

Nacre Dance company is seeing dance extras (ages 14 through adult /male or female) with prior or current dance experience to join Nacre members in an upcoming performance on March 1 and 2 at the SPA Little Theater in Saratoga Springs. For more information about the audition, rehearsals and performances contact Artistic Director, Beth Fecteau, at Beth@Nacredance.com or phone (518) 435-0510.

Sunday Breakfast

Italian Dinner

Saratoga Knights of Columbus Hall, 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m.

The 57th annual show produced by the Racing City Chorus, the Saratoga Springs Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. The Racing City Chorus, its quartets and guest quartets, Dented Fenders and One TrackMind, will be featured in a cabaret setting.

Tickets are $15 and children under 13 are free. For more information visit www.RacingCityChorus.org or call (518) 371-0062.

The Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, Route 32, Victory, 8–11 a.m.

Sunday breakfast will continue on the second Sunday of each month all year. Eggs cooked to order, bacon, sausage, toast, pancakes (regular, blueberry, buckwheat, apple cinnamon), French toast, home fries, orange juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate. Cost: Adult $6, Child $3. Everyone is welcome.

Christmas Music Festival

Old Saratoga Reformed Church, Corner of Pearl and Burgoyne St., Schuylerville, 3 p.m. The event features area choirs, a combined choir under the direction of Christopher Tucker, other local musicians, an orchestra and audience carol singing. Refreshments will follow the concert. Handicapped accessible. For more information call (518) 695-3260.

Monday, December 9 The Esoteric Symbolism of Christmas

The Saratoga Gnosis Center, 34 Waterbury Street, Saratoga Springs, 7–8:30 p.m.The story of Christmas and winter holidays exist across the world and in many spiritual traditions. Learn about the deepest esoteric roots of the holiday. We’ll explain the alchemical foundations of Santa Claus, the Christmas Tree, the yuletide fire and the chimney. Classes include a talk and guided meditation.

Courses are offered on a donation basis, there are no set fees. For more information call (518) 698-0564.

Saratoga-Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Rte. 9, Saratoga Springs, 4:30–7 p.m. Italian Wedding Soup, Chicken Riggis, Meatballs Marinara, Sausage and Peppers, Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce, Fettuccine Alfredo, Antipasto Salad, Garlic Bread, Dessert, Coffee and Tea. Donation Requested, Adults $10, Seniors and Military (active or retired w/ID) $9, Children 5-12 $6, All Take-out $10. Cash Bar available. For more information call (518) 584-2585.

Upcoming Town Meetings Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road (518) 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org 12/18: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street (518) 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org 12/09: Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road (518) 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com 12/10: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 (518) 899-2818 www.malta-town.org 12/19: PlanningBoard, 6:30 p.m.

Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road (518) 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org 12/11: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

12/18: Town Board, 7 p.m.

12/26: Zoning Board, 7 p.m.

City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway (518) 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org 12/11: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

12/16: Zoning Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Saratoga:

Thursday, December 12

12 Spring Street, Schuylerville (518) 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com 12/9: Town Board, 7 p.m.

Interfaith Prayer Meeting

Village of Schuylerville:

Longfellows Restaurant Courtyard, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 7:30 a.m. The guest Spiritual Leader/Speaker will be the Pastor of the new Grace Fellowship Church. Continental Breakfast and sign-in begins at 7:15 a.m. There are no charges or donations. All are welcome. For more information call (518) 587-9104.

Enough Said

Saratoga Film Forum, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 7:30 p.m. Written and directed by Nicole Holofcener (Please Give), the film is a sharp, insightful comedy that humorously explores the mess that often comes with getting involved again. Rated PG 13. For more information and additional showings visit www. saratogafilmforum.org.

35 Spring Street (518) 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org 12/11: Board of Trustees, 7 p.m.

Town of Stillwater: 881 N. Hudson Avenue Stillwater, NY 12170 (518) 664-6148 www.stillwaterny.org 12/16: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

12/19: Town Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road (518) 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com 12/18: Planning Board, 6:30 p.m.

12/26: Zoning Board, 6:30 p.m.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors: 40 McMaster St, #1 Ballston Spa, NY 12020 (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov

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

PULSE

28

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

week of 12/6-12/12 friday, 12/6:

saturday, 12/7:

New Regime, 9 pm

Bad Chaperones, 10 pm

Millie, 9 pm

Dan Sherwin, 9 pm

Awesome, 9 pm

Gratefully Yours/ Stone Revival Band, 9 pm

Chandler Travis Three-O, 8 pm

Rich Ortiz, 6 pm

Tailspin, 10 pm

Karaoke, 10 pm

@ 9 Maple Avenue - 583.2582 @ Bailey’s - 583.6060

Underhill Rose - Putnam Den, Friday

@ Bentley’s - 899.4300

@ Caffè Lena - 583.0022

@ Caroline St. Pub - 583.9400

Street Corner Holler, 9 pm

@ Caroline St. Pub - 583.9400 @ The Mill - 899.5253

@ Putnam Den - 584.8066

@ Primelive Ultra Lounge - 583.4563 @ Circus Cafe - 583.1106

@ Gaffney’s - 583.7359

sunday, 12/8:

Mike from Hair of The Dog, 8 pm

Tif Ginn, 7 pm

@ Irish Times - 583.0003

3 to Get Ready/Spoiler, 10:30 pm @ JP Bruno’s - 745.1180

The Velmas, 9 pm @ The Mill - 899.5253

Big Fez + Surfmatics Xmas Show, 8 pm @ The Parting Glass - 583.1916

Just Nate, 6 pm

@ Primelive Ultra Lounge - 583.4563

@ Caffè Lena - 583.0022

monday, 12/9: Chris Carey/Tim Wechgelaer, 7 pm @ Druthers Brewing - 306.5275

tuesday, 12/10: Jeff Brisbin, 7 pm

Underhill Rose/Decadence, 9 pm

@ Maestro’s- 580.0312

Dan Sherwin, 8 pm

@Caroline St. Pub - 583.9400

Rick Russo, 8:30 pm

@ Gaffney’s - 583.7359

@ Putnam Den - 584.8066 @ Ravenswood - 371.8771

@ The Rusty Nail - 371.9875

Radio Junkies, 6 pm @ The Saratoga Winery - 584.9463

The Refrigerators, 8 pm @ Vapor - 792.8282

saturday, 12/7:

Rich Ortiz, 10 pm Open Mic w/Rick Bolton, 9 pm

wednesday, 12/11: Jeff Walton, 7 pm @ Maestro’s- 580.0312

Masters of Nostalgia, 9 pm @ One Caroline - 587.2026

Open Mic, 8 pm

Keith Pray’s Soul Jazz Revival, 9 pm

@ Cafe’ Lena - 583.0022

The Blackouts, 9 pm

@ The Parting Glass - 583.1916

@ 9 Maple Avenue - 583.2582 @ Bailey’s - 583.6060

Dj Motion, 9 pm @ Bentley’s - 899.4300

Sugar Pill, 8 pm @ Ravenswood - 371.8771

Wintergreen, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena - 583.0022

Forthlin Road, 9 pm @ The Parting Glass - 583.1916

Celtic Session, 7 pm

thursday, 12/12: Jeff Brisbin, 7 pm @ Crown Grill - 583.1105

Bob Pulsifer, 9 pm @ Gaffney’s - 583.7359

Jeff Walton, 6 pm @ Horseshoe Inn - 587.4909

Harx, 9 pm

Padraic Decker, 8 pm Celtic Session, 7 pm

Beardo, 9:30 pm

Steve Candlen, 7 pm

Kings English, 10:30 pm

Al Santoro Trio, 6 pm

@ Gaffney’s - 583.7359 @ Irish Times - 583.0003 @ JP Bruno’s - 745.1180

@ Irish Times - 583.0003 @ Maestro’s- 580.0312

@ Ravenswood - 371.8771

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

29 PULSE

The Bah Humbug Club

The Scrooge Gang: Belle Cucinella, Egan Mills, Sarah Bolles, Meg Kelly, Conan Madigan. Photo by MarkBolles.com

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – I knew when I walked in that this was going to be fun.

Saratoga Children’s Theatre (SCT) is in the midst of prepping for its production of A Christmas Carol, and a cross-section of their rich talent pool made a pit-stop for some refreshments. We came upon them on Black Friday, which curiously never existed in Mr. Marley’s day.

We got to meet Scrooge, played

by Conan Madigan; Belle Cucinella is Scrooge’s tenant Mrs. Smythe; Sarah Bolles, a fourth grade acolyte and Egan Mills, who is Scrooge’s girlfriend, Emily. The cast was serious as they noted how much of the script had yet to be touched, but also exhibited a calm that only comes from the confidence of having talent.

No one seemed worried at all, not even Meg Kelly, SCT executive director who is in charge of worrying about such things. Nope, all seemed in control, which gave us a chance to get to know some cool young adults.

Except for Sarah, they all happen to be in ninth grade.

When talking to them, that was often easy to forget. Because they are growing, but at the age where they don’t have to decide what they are going “to be when they grow up,” and yields a humorous, carefree attitude that is amusing.

Belle Cucinella is making her SCT debut, having moved from Northville with her family two years ago. She can be regarded as akin to a major freeagent pickup. She was Annie for the

Saratoga Children’s Theatre

Charles Dickens’ A christmas carol Directed by Jim Charles Friday, December 13 at 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 14 at 2 and 7p.m.

The Saratoga Music Hall 474 Broadway, Saratoga Springs City Hall, 3rd Floor $10 Adults, $5 Children (BOGO coupon available) Visit saratogachildrenstheatre.org

adult troupe “Hand in Glove” that holds down the historic Glove Theater in Gloversville, plays both sax and flute — the latter in the Saratoga Springs High School band for “Godspell.”

Egan Mills has a rich SCT resume, but wait a minute, how does Scrooge get a girlfriend? “Our Chrismas Carol is the musical version, like the movie with Kelsey Grammar,” she explains.

And so we see “Emily” as a vision in Scrooge’s past, they were engaged, but alas, Emily gives the ring back to Scrooge, losing his one lifelong love.

I’m not sure whether Conan Madigan believes it is better to have loved and lost, but I am sure that the moody Scrooge is a seminal role for his development. Conan is versatile enough to be Daddy Warbucks in middle school, yet “I always enjoy playing the bad guy,” he said, which led to fellow cast members nodding in agreement about his skill set.

I mentioned to him that had Scrooge not ended up happily ever after, but stayed miserly to the end, he would seem to enjoy gauging his performance by the robust booing he

might receive, in the manner of the wicked witch of the west in Oz and it was as if a light came on, he agreed so readily. He’s someone to watch as he delves further into his inner Darthness in future roles.

Sarah Bolles, though a fourth grader at Geyser Elementary is a seasoned veteran who averages three SCT roles each year “since 2011,” she said. Viola is her instrument of choice for the school orchestra and she had absolutely no doubt that her favorite role was that of Penny in Honk, the Ugly Duckling story.

What is most interesting is how Sarah came to life when discussing her artistic side. Even though she has accompanied dad Mark to countless photo shoots for Saratoga TODAY before, I really felt I was meeting her for the first time.

And that’s the essence of what this theater company provides. Let’s face facts; we’re talking some pretty bright young adults here. But talent must have the proper outlet to maximize itself and so this is a reason to say: God bless them all, everyone.

PULSE

30

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY

A Double Triple Play for Skidmore SARATOGA SPRINGS – Greetings. We begin the festivities by acknowledging the cultural giant in this region that Skidmore College has become. This is due to investment in infrastructure as well as the arts. And this weekend proves the point. While we are well past the “frost on the pumpkin” time of year, the fruit on Skidmore’s vines are robust and ripe for anyone’s taste.

Consider: While they are

advance promoting an appearance by the highly accomplished Triple Play (see page 31), Skidmore is hardly taking off the week before.

In fact, they are pulling off another ‘triple play’ of sorts: • Skidmore College Winter Dance Concert – a program of dance with choreography by faculty and guest artists – is scheduled Friday and Saturday, December

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

6 and 7, in the Skidmore Dance Theater • The Canadian Guitar Quartet in concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, December 8, at the Arthur Zankel Music Center • A night in Vienna with the Skidmore College Orchestra at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, also in the Arthur Zankel Music Center.

Harmonica virtuoso Jia-Yi He will be the featured performer.

That’s on top of all the art exhibits and everything else.

A double triple play.

It says here it’s worth it for the town to visit the gown, as it were, and for the gown to head downtown – which leads us to…

Skidmore Dancers Performing Holberg Suite

Rustic Overtones

December at the “Den”

...where both gown and town will have plenty to choose from at Putnam Den this month, while waiting for micro-wrestling in the spring.

A survey of their offerings reveals a typical skipping-stone of genres, the only common element being quality: starting with sweethearts of the bluegrass rodeo Underhill Rose on December 6, to the return of Rustic Overtones, a 7-piece Portland, ME based funk/rock band known most predominantly for their raw performance power on the 13th, local original rockers Lucid combining forces with thirteen four for a canned food drive for the Franklin Community Center on the 20th to a New Year’s Eve Twiddle appearance. Visit PutnamDen.com for all.

Decade of Arts Center Crafts

The tenth anniversary edition of the Center Crafts show is this weekend, December 7 and 8, from 11a.m – 5 p.m. Saturday and 11a.m.

– 4 p.m. Sunday at the Saratoga Arts Center’s, Dee Sarno Theater at 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

Center Crafts show is a juried fine arts and crafts show which features a unique selection of more than 15 invited artists exhibiting

handmade “giftable” works of art.

On display are some of New England’s top artists and craftspeople working in a variety of media.

Examples include handmade jewelry, fine woven garments, sculpture, functional stoneware and raku pottery, handmade bowties, quilts mixed media paintings and photographs.

Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Donations of non -perishable food will be collected for the local food pantry.

For more information call Sue Brown Gordon at (518) 852-6478 or visitgordonfinearts.org.

Allan Dershowitz

Dershowitz by Satellite

Congregation Shaara Tfille, 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs, will host a ‘Live from NY’s 92nd St. Y’ satellite broadcast on Sunday, December 8 at 2p.m. The program will feature Alan Dershowitz, one of the preeminent defense attorneys in America today (past clients include O. J. Simpson, Bill Clinton, Julian Assange, Patty Hearst and Mike Tyson ). The attorney and author is now “Taking the Stand” in a new memoir with New Yorker writer and CNN analyst Jeffrey Toobin. The cost is $10 per person with refreshments. To RSVP, call (518) 584-2370 or email saratogajcc@ verizon.net.

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

31 PULSE

Chris Brubeck’s Triple Play to Give Special Performance be back st the Zankel Center,” said Chris Brubeck. “The center’s Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall is a spectacular venue, and the enthusiasm from the crowd is truly inspiring.”

“There is a beautiful history connected with this venue, since my Dad’s very last recorded work took place on that stage along with the group and joined

by Joel’s talented father Frank Brown on clarinet.”

The December 14 concert will also include some classic tunes of the season. “Since we are so close to the holidays, we will include a few numbers we recorded with Joel Brown on

SARATOGA SPRINGS— They brought the house down in two previous SaratogaArtsFest performances, and now Triple Play will return to the stage at Skidmore’s Arthur Zankel Music in a special fundraising concert on Saturday, December 14 at 7 p.m.

Chris Brubeck, a noted composer and musician who is the son of jazz legend Dave Brubeck, formed Triple Play in 1999. In addition to Brubeck, whose specialties are electric bass, bass trombone, piano and vocals, the group consists of Peter Madcat

Ruth (harmonica, guitar, jaw harp, percussion and vocals) and Joel Brown (guitar and vocals).

Brown is locally based and is a senior artist-in-residence at Skidmore College. The group brings a rare level of joy, virtuosity, and American spirit to folk, blues, jazz, and classical music.

Joining Triple Play will be special guest Jonathan Greene on clarinet. A 2007 graduate of Skidmore College (where he was a Filene Music Scholar), Greene has made a name for himself in the Saratoga-area music scene.

“Triple Play is thrilled to

his solo CD Christmas, Cedar & Spruce.” Brubeck said. “Many of the enduring songs we associate with this season began as folk tunes and were transformed over time into Holiday classics.

Of course, Triple Play puts a unique twist on everything we play.”

Tickets are $25 for general admission. All proceeds from the event will support SaratogaArtsFest and its community programing. To purchase tickets visit www.skidmore.edu/ zankel or the Zankel Center box office on the Skidmore College campus is open Tuesday-Friday, from 1 to 5 p.m.

32

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Wilton Elks Lodge Recognizes Departed Take a look at this week’s newest club members!

Ari

Eliana

Tooth Fairy Club is sponsored by:

Nicole M. Byrne, D.M.D Pediatric Dentistry 659 Saratoga Road Gansevoort, New York 12831 (518) 226-6010

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 held its annual memorial service to honor the memory and community service of each of its departed members on Sunday, December 1.

Nine lodge eulogists remembered and recognized departed members Nathan Goldsmith, Rod O. Sutton, John J. Carey, Wolfgang Hammer, Donald E. Godette, Joyce E. Cole, Gerald E. Wells, Russell M. Priester and Francis J. Carroll.

Girl Scouts to Host Recruitment, Holiday Event

SARATOGA SPRINGS— Girl Scout Troop 3142 will host a holiday open house and community service day from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, December 7 at the Saratoga Springs Public Library (H. Dutcher Community Room).

All girls in grades K —12, including those who are not Girl Scouts, are invited and parents are welcome.

The program will include holiday songs and crafts, including making cards to send to soldiers or seniors. Refreshments will be served. All those attending are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Saratoga County EOC. Contact saratogagirlscouts@gmail.com with questions.

Dutch Tradition Of Chocolate Initials SCHUYLERVILLE—Orders for Chocolate Letters are now being taken for delivery in the first week of December and throughout the Holiday Season, just in time for Schuylerville’s St. Nicholas Day Celebration, Saturday, December 7.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, according to old Germanic traditions, letters made from pastry were presented to children at birth as a symbol of good fortune. This became a part of the St Nicholas legend in the 19th century. When the Dutch, famous as traders, brought home cocoa

beans along with coffee, tea and spices from exotic lands, their love affair with chocolate began.

Chocolate Letters, in either Dark, Milk Chocolate, 3-by-4-inches in size, come individually packaged in a festive box. The cost is $6 each and can be ordered by calling or emailing, Chamber President Dave Roberts at (518) 695-6923 or drobert1@nycap.rr.com. Marie Foster can also be called at (518) 695-5609 or emailed at fostermr@ verizon.net. Checks are asked to be made payable to the Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013 Adirondack Christian Fellowship 8 Mountain Ledge, Wilton 587-0623; acfsaratoga.com Services: Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.

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

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

Cornerstone Community Church 516 Park Ave., Mechanicville 664-5204 Pastor Frank Galerie mycornerstonechurch.org Services: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Community

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.

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

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

Services: Sunday: 9:30 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., Ballston Spa 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., Ballston Spa 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 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 100 Saratoga Village Blvd. #17 899-7777; thechurch@ggccmalta.org www.ggccmalta.org Services: Wednesday 7:30 p.m. Good Times Restaurant, Lake Rd. 2nd floor; Friday 7:30 p.m. Saratoga Chapel, Eastline & Lake Rds; Sunday 10 a.m. - 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.

Congregation Shaara Tfille

Highway Tabernacle Church

Ballston Spa United Methodist Church 101 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa 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

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

90 River Rd., Mechanicville 664-4442 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

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

Jonesville United Methodist 963 Main St., Clifton Park

RELIGION 33 877-7332 Services: Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

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

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

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

Malta Ridge United Methodist Church 729 Malta Ave., Ext., Malta 581-0210 Services: Sunday 10:30 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 10:30 a.m.

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 a.m.; Service 10:30 a.m. Coffee and 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, Quaker Springs 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., 1 p.m. Spanish Service 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 9 & 10:30 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.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 1 Grove St., Schuylerville 695-3918 Services: Sunday 8a.m. & 9 a.m.

(Sunday School at 9:00 also) episcopalchurch-schuylerville.org Temple Sinai 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-8730 www.saratogasinai.org Shabbat Services: Friday 6 p.m.

Preceded by 5:30 p.m. Oneg.

Handicapped Accessible.

Terra Nova Church 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs 833-0504; terranovachurch.org saratogaquestions@terranovachurch. org, Services: Sunday 5:30 p.m.

Childcare: six months–four years and expanding.

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 9 and 11 a.m.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs 624 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs 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., Albany 453-3603 Services: Sunday 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

West Charlton United Presbyterian Church 1331 Sacandaga Rd., West Charlton 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.

34

fun and games Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Puzzles Across 1 Mooing critter 4 Ancient region surrounding Athens 10 Reagan era mil. program 13 Disgusted grunts 15 Resident of Tibet’s capital 16 Muscle spasm 17 Illegal activity admitted by Lance Armstrong in January 2013 19 Writer for whom the Edgar award is named 20 Not sacred 21 Secret matters 23 Baba who stole from thieves 24 Singer with Crosby, Stills & Nash 27 Glass container 29 Actress Cannon 30 Peter Fonda’s title beekeeper 31 Opposed (to) 34 Hurts with a tusk 37 ESPN show with an “Inside Pitch” segment 42 Willem of “Platoon” 43 100-lawmakers group 44 “Peter Pan” pirate 47 Hang around 49 Pretoria’s land: Abbr.

50 Trousseau holder 53 Stomach-punch response 55 Start of the line that includes “wherefore art thou” 56 Female star 60 Comfy room 61 Volcanic Hawaiian landmark, and a hint to the first word of 17-, 24-, 37- and 50-Across 64 Night’s opposite 65 __ Pie: ice cream treat 66 Reached base in a cloud of dust 67 “Tasty!”

68 Unsettling looks 69 Arid Down 1 Baby bears 2 Look at lasciviously 3 “So what?”

4 Alan of “M*A*S*H” 5 Like rosebushes 6 Pub spigot

See puzzle solutions on page 38

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 SOLUTION TO SATURDAY’S PUZZLE

12/2/13

7 “Woe __”: Patricia T. O’Conner grammar book 8 Gondolier’s “street” 9 Hopping mad 10 One of Minn.’s Twin Cities 11 Singer Warwick 12 Frigid historic period 14 Aretha’s genre 18 551, at the Forum 22 Dad’s nephew 25 Aerie hatchlings 26 Playing an extra NBA period, say 27 Quick blow 28 Gardner once married to Sinatra 29 Refusing to listen 32 Use, as a coupon 33 Entrepreneur-aiding org.

35 Optimistic 36 Opposite of WSW

© 2013 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

See puzzle solution on page 38 38 Come in last 39 Lasagna-loving cat 40 Growth chart nos.

41 Brewed drink 44 Poorly made 45 Wells’ “The Island of Dr. __” 46 Arnold Palmer or Shirley Temple, drinkwise 48 Where charity begins 51 Formally gives up 52 Raise, as a sail 53 Old fort near Monterey 54 Sounds of wonder 57 Grandson of Adam 58 Depilatory brand 59 Hot tub swirl 62 Alias letters 63 Former Russian space station

Writing the Right Word by Dave Dowling Accuracy in word choice is a key to effective communication. This quick weekly tip will help you filter the confusion in some of our daily word choices.

Taunt, Taut, Tout Taunt means to jeer, mock, scoff, or tease someone.

Ed confronted the person who taunted him during his speech.

Taut means tightly stretched or tense.

For safety reasons, the rope is kept taut for the rock climbers.

Tout means to promote.

Bill has been touted as a possible mayoral candidate.

Dave Dowling is the author of the The Wrong Word Dictionary and The Dictionary of Worthless Words. Signed copies are available for purchase at the gifts and home goods store, Homessence on Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

35

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

Publication Day: Friday

Ad Copy Due:

Classified marketplace classified@saratogapublishing.com

Wednesday, noon

Space Reservation Due:

Call (518) 581-2480 x204

Monday, 5 p.m.

ADOPTION ADOPTION: Childless, loving couple pray to adopt. Stay at home mom, successful dad, great dogs & devoted grandparents. Legally allowed expenses paid.

Bill & Debbie (800) 311-6090

FOR RENT

ADOPT: The Stork didn’adt call, we hope you will! Looking to adopt another miracle to complete our family. Contact Robin and Neil: (866) 303‐0668 www.rnladopt.info

DONATE YOUR CAR Wheels For Wishes benefiting

Northeast New York *Free Vehicle/Boat Pickup ANYWHERE *We Accept All Vehicles Running or Not *100% Tax Deductible

WheelsForWishes.org

FOR SALE

HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Brothers Inc, for straightening, leveling, foundation and wood frame repairs at (800) OLD-BARN. www.woodfordbros.com.

“Not applicable in Queens county”

SELL YOUR NEW YORK LAND, LAND & CABIN, FARM or COUNTRY PROPERTY. We have buyers! NY Land Quest Northern Division: (877) 236‐1117. Southern Division: (877) 257‐0617. www.nylandquest.com

DIVORCE $349 ‐ Uncontested divorce papers prepared. Includes poor person application/waives government fees, if approved. One signature required. Separation agreements available. Make Divorce Easy - (518) 274‐0380.

x % Ta 100 tible uc Ded

Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make‐A‐Wish.

We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible.

Call (518) 650‐1110 Today!

Call: (518) 650-1110

MASSIVE ONLINE

FIREARM AUCTION

IF YOU USED THE BLOOD THINNER PRADAXA and suffered internal bleeding, hemorrhaging, required hospitalization or a loved one died while taking Pradaxa between October 2010 and the present. You may be entitled to compensation.

Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson (800) 535‐5727

2000+- Lots From the Personal Collection of Bob “Ziggy” Ziegler of the Former Stony Point Tool & Firearms, Stony Point, NY + Additions Sell To Highest Bidder.

Hundreds of Rare Long Arms, Handguns, Full-Auto Parts Kits, Parts & Accessories Bidding Will Be Online Only NOVEMBER 25 – DECEMBER 8, 2013

Inspection: Sat. December 7th, 12 – 5 PM ONLY. General Public & Dealers Welcome to Bid Licensed & Bonded Auctioneers & (01 & 07) Firearms Dealer & Manufacturer

www.collarcityauctions.com (518) 895-8150 x 103

Tuition Assistance • Jobs • Training

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SITUATIONS WANTED

LAND WANTED‐ Cash buyer seeks large acreage 200+ acres in the Central/Finger Lakes and Catskills Regions of NY State.

Brokers protected. For immediate confidential response, call (607) 563‐8875 ext.13 or Alan@newyorklandandlakes.com Magnificent 7 Bedroom 7 Bath Upstate Mansion! 8 Acres, Tennis Courts, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Pool, Movie Theatre. Short drive to Saratoga, Albany, Lakes, Ski‐ $795,000 (518) 762‐9885 Sebastian, Florida Affordable custom factory constructed homes $45,900+, Friendly community, No Real Estate or State Income Taxes, minutes to Atlantic Ocean.

(772) 581‐0080, beach‐cove.com.

Limited seasonal rentals

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Loving Care Giver – I will care for your “special person” plus will do all household duties. Ex. Ref. Call 728-6148 to discuss details.

BUYING/SELLING Buy or sell at AARauctions.com.

Contents of homes, businesses, vehicles and real estate. Bid NOW! AARauctions.com Lights, Camera, Auction. No longer the best kept secret.

CASH for Coins! Buying ALL Gold & Silver. Also Stamps & Paper Money, Entire Collections, Estates.

Travel to your home. Call Marc in NY (800) 959‐3419 SAWMILLS from only $4897.00‐ MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill‐ Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com (800) 578‐1363 Ext.300N

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WE BUY HOUSES CASH IN AS LITTLE AS 5 DAYS

Glenn Schworm and Amber Higgins Signature Home Buyers Co-Founders

518-630-6000

www.SignatureHomeBuyers.com

36

SPORTS

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Scotties Relying On Experienced Seniors the Scotties jelled late and somewhat salvaged the season with a three-game win

Ballston Spa senior point guard Jeremy Mendrick returns with an experienced Scotties core hoping to capitalize on last year’s late season chemistry. Mendrick (right) and Andre Edgerton will need to be two primary offensive catalysts for a Ballston Spa program poised to make a mark in the Suburban Council. Photo by SportsThroughTheLens.com

BALLSTON SPA — The Scotties’ 2012-13 season was one that raised the bar for the program, head coach John Lea said last February.

After starting last year 3-5, with four losses decided by five points or less,

streak heading into sectionals, starting by beating eventual Section II Class A No. 2 seed Burnt Hills.

But finishing at 8-12 wasn’t truly indicative of the t e a m’s growth, according to L e a , shortly after the t e a m ’s Section II Class AA loss at Christian Brothers Academy.

This season, the Scotties bring back seven seniors on the short roster, led by big man Andre Edgerton and point guard Jeremy Mendrick.

Mendrick, a 6-foot-1 offensive spark, averaged 12.5 points per game last season, while Edgerton averaged 11.8 points per contest.

“We’re going to be relying on [our seniors] to get us through here,” Lea said. “Of course Jeremy and Andre are going to be our leaders, hopefully in rebound and scoring, and really carrying a lot of weight. We have some seniors we’re going to lean on. They’re just really going to have to step up and get us over

the hump.”

A big piece of this year’s puzzle will also be forward Cliff Stevens. Stevens played some in the beginning of last season, but sprained his ankle in practice before Ballston Spa was blown out in a 70-23 loss to Shenendehowa in early February, causing him to miss sectional play.

“We’re hoping Cliff Stevens comes through,” Lea said. “He really did some great things over the summer and we think he’s going to help us out a ton. He’s like our little secret weapon.”

Without Stevens at the bottom of the 2-3 zone to end last season, the Scotties held CBA to 21 first half points in the sectional matchup, before the Brothers found their stride in the second. Lea is hopeful for the bigs mix of Stevens (6-foot4), Edgerton (6-foot-4), Josiah Dillon (6-foot-2) and Ryan Campion (6-foot-3) to be a presence down low.

“We could be a pretty good zone that you have to contend with, we just really have to focus on stopping people,” said Lea. With the team missing their leading three-point shooter from last year in George Kernochann (31 three-point field goals), Andrew Gentile will be asked to step in and continue what he did at the end of last season.

In the Scotties three-game win streak to end the regular season, Gentile began to find his own stride, hitting seven threes. “[Gentile]’s going to play the one and the two,” Lea said.

“We’re hoping he’s going to have that sharp shooting eye and get some open looks for him. He’s really come a long way defensively. Offensively, I’m OK with him, but I think he’s been coming around. He’s been shooting very well and I’m hoping that continues. He really worked hard this summer and we think he’s going the help us out in scoring a tremendous amount.”

Also, look for sophomore Jack Fitzgerald to contribute along with the seniors, possibly as a starter.

“We’re not looking for [Fitzgerald] to give us 30 or 40 points a game, but we’re looking for him to, defensively, get the rebound and make the fundamental pass,” Lea said. “He does a lot of the small things right already. He’s going to have to grow up quickly. I’m very happy with him so far.”

The Scotties host Shenendehowa tonight at 7 p.m. in a Suburban Council North Division season opener.

Despite being held to one field goal against Albany Academy on Tuesday, Plainsmen sophomore Kevin Huerter will be a player to look out for in that matchup.

Although the Scotties suffered the blowout loss to Shen last season, they also beat the Plainsmen on December 14 for the first time in eight years.

“We’re just trying to build a program, trying to get more than eight wins from last year and just trying to improve that, but it’s going to rely on a lot of hard work.”

he passed on to us. We bring it every night. We have no idea what the record will be, but the effort will be there every practice and every game this year.”

With two convincing nonleague wins over the Wasaren’s Schuylerville and the Foothills’ South Glens Falls to clinch the inaugural Mike Beson Memorial Tournament last week, the Saints have shown depth, unselfish play, the ability to pressure teams in the full court and a 2-3 zone that looks to get stops and push out in transition.

The Saints return six of the team’s top eight scorers from last

year. Senior point guard Brian Hall averaged 17 points a game in the Coach Beson Memorial Tournament and returns this season with fellow teammate and senior Luke Spicer bringing the ball up. “[Brian’s] strengths are he plays great defense and he sees the floor,” Mantia said. “He’s a very good team player. A complete guard, but he also has the ability to score 15 any night.

When he’s aggressive he can light it up, but we know every game we’re getting unselfish play and great defense from Brian.”

The 6-foot-3 Michael Naughton, junior shooting guard Ryan Czarnecki and senior Keegan Murphy, who has shown an acute ability to see the floor, lead an experienced team that is very familiar with one another and has also introduced a young key addition in sophomore transfer Evan Pescetti.

“The thing I like about Evan is he loves rebounding,” Mantia said. “It’s nice to have a big guy who wants to go inside and battle with people and get on the boards. He’s very athletic and very effective in our presses— back of our scramble press or on

Saints Display Depth In Season

SARATOGA SPRIGNS —A black stripe on the right shoulder of their jerseys, “Coach Beson” painted on the team’s home bench and the acronym “EED” voiced in unison after every team huddle are reminders of the man who left a lasting legacy on the Saratoga Catholic Saints basketball program.

The principals demonstrated by the late Mike Beson, who passed away from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis October 6, have not been forgotten. Heading into their second Western Athletic Conference game tonight at Northville, Spa

Catholic and head coach Ken Mantia are 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the league.

“Coach Beson was all about preparation, hard work and enthusiasm,” Mantia said. “He’s the most enthusiastic coach I’ve ever seen in 25 years. With him there are no days off. There are not even minutes off. There’s no time off at all and this team is playing the way he taught this group last year when they were a younger group of kids, and you’re seeing it out of them.

When we break out of the huddle we say, ‘EED,’ which is ‘Enjoy Each Day.’ That’s kind of what

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

SPORTS 37

Usher Aims To ‘Set Tone’ For Seasons To Come SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs varsity basketball team has had four different head coaches in as many years.

With Matt Usher, a 2000 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, in charge, the Blue Streaks are 2-0 this season. After strong opening non-league outings against the Foothills Council’s Glens Falls (6252) and Queensbury (58-47), Usher and the Blue Streaks have started the path to re-establish themselves.

“We want to set the tone for what’s hopefully going to be the way we’re going to play for years to come,” Usher said.

One of those tone setters for the 2013-14 Blue Streaks will be senior Noah Arciero, who is averaging 23 points per game in the first two matchups. A First Team All-Suburban Council player last season, who averaged 15.7 points per game, Arciero will be called upon to play multiple positions and carry the scoring load. “[Arciero] can basically play all five positions on the floor for us,” Usher said. “He’s our tallest player and he’s a threat to score in the post whenever he touches the ball around the hoop. He’s going to be someone who we look to offensively on a nightly basis. If he is not having a great night, we’re hoping he can contribute on the glass and on the defensive end—be a steady, consistent leader for us as a senior.”

In addition to Arciero, junior and three-year varsity player, Christopher Byno will run the offense at point. “[Byno] does a great job taking charge,” Usher said. “He came up as a freshman. He’s savvy out there. He

knows how to handle the flow of the game. Whenever we’re feeling good and are on a run, or struggling over the past couple possessions, he can settle us down and get us into what we need to run. So it’s nice to have a guy like that out on the court you can look to as a coach and as a teammate with the ball in his hands.”

As Usher looks to improve upon last season’s 8-11 campaign that ended with a sectional loss to eventual Class AA champion Troy (who dropped down to Class A this season), he finds himself thinking of longtime Blue Streaks head coach Mitch Snyder, who coached him when he played at Saratoga Springs.

After Snyder left in 2010–11, the team was led by Frank Mahoney in 2011-12 before Jack Brock took over and coached in 2012-13.

“I try to think back on and remember a lot of the things coach Snyder emphasized when I played for him,” Usher said. “He comes back to things that are important like playing hard, playing the right way, thinking of the team before yourself. Obviously you want to win the game, but those intangibles are going to be what really take you places in the long run.”

One player Usher thinks brings those intangibles is senior Jesse Alexander, who will be asked to be a presence down low.

“We don’t have a whole lot of size, but Jesse works hard inside and constantly goes up against guys who might be a few inches taller

than him,” Usher said. “His motor and his heart inside makes up for what he gives up in the height department.”

The Blue Streaks go into tonight’s Suburban Council opener at home against Niskayuna before the following three-game

span on the road (Shaker, Shenendehowa, Averill Park).

Stressing a consistent effort from the first quarter to the fourth, Usher is familiar with the grind of the Suburban Council, expecting no less from the tonight’s game. “[Niskayuna] has some size and length,” Usher said. “I’m sure it will be the first of many suburban battles. I don’t think we’re going to have a night off the rest of the way. It’s going to be night in and night out we’re going to be challenged in the Suburban.”

Although they started off with two wins, the Blue Streaks are looking to shoot better from

the field as a team these next couple games, starting tonight at 7 p.m.

the ball in our diamond press.

It gives us great dimension. He’s only a sophomore, so there are things he needs to continue to work on and he has been working very hard with coach [Kyle] Stevens in practice to develop some moves, but he’s been a great addition.”

Aiming to win with defense and rebounding, Mantia said this year’s team reminds him somewhat of his Spa Catholic squad that won the Western Athletic Conference three years ago before losing to Schuylerville, 51-49, in the 2010-11 Class BB quarterfinals.

A little more zone oriented this year, the Saints are athletic and quick. Having bigger kids than they’ve had in the past also doesn’t hurt.

“Really we tend to hold teams to one shot, which is a good way to live,” Mantia said. “It gets us into our transition. And the fact that we played some good competition over the summer really gave us some confidence coming into the winter.”

In the summer, the Saints played with the likes of recent Section II Class A powerhouse Scotia-Glenville, Cohoes and Class AA’s Albany Academy,

Saratoga Springs and Ballston Spa at Skidmore College.

Compared to starting off 0-2 last year, the Saints tip-off at Northville at 7:30 tonight for a chance to continue the momentum in the first of three straight away games (Canajoharie, Fort Plain).

“Emotionally it makes a big difference to not be digging out of a whole,” Mantia said. It’s hard to tell yourself, ‘OK now we’re 0-2 and we better win a few in a row to become a .500 team.’ Now these kids have a little momentum going and I think it helps with confidence quite a bit.”

Spa Catholic sophomore Evan Pescetti works down low in Tuesday’s 66-18 rout over Galway. Photo by MarkBolles.com

Junior point guard Christopher Byno is looking to help turn things around after last year’s 8-11 campaign, as the Blue Streaks have started the season 2-0 heading into their first Suburban Council matchup tonight at home against Niskayuna. Hoping to start 3-0, the Blue Streaks go on the road for the following three games.

Photo by SportsThroughTheLens.com

Dedicated To Coach Mike Beson

38

SPORTS

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Community Sports Bulletin Skidmore Set to Play First Place Norwich

Moore Recognized For On-Field Achievement POUGHKEEPSIE — Saratoga Springs native Landon Moore was named the Pioneer Football League Co-Defensive Player of the Week on December 17, in a season that saw his team, Marist, post eight wins overall.

The defensive end helped the Red Foxes take down Mercer in a convincing 33-7 victory to take a share of the PFL Championship with Butler in a season that set the program record for wins in a season.

Moore had a team-high nine tackles, in addition to his two sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in the game, as Marist forced six turnovers total en route to holding Mercer to a season-low 227 yards of offense.

In 2013, Moore found his way to the quarterback for six and a half

Photo by Morist Athletics.

sacks. Although Marist split the league title with Butler (both 7-1 in the league), it was Butler who received the PFL’s automatic qualifying bid in the NCAA tournament. The two teams never faced each other in the regular season.

Track Admission Prices Increase

Skidmore senior forward Tony Giacin scores on Fitchburg State goalie Ryan Wysocki in a Thoroughbreds win on Saturday, November 30 at the Saratoga City Rink. Photo by SportsThroughTheLens.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore men’s hockey heads into tonight’s matchup at Norwich University with a 3-3-3 record.

After beating Fitchburg State College, 3-1, Skidmore advanced

to the championship game of the Ninth Annual Skidmore Invitational on December 1. The Thoroughbred’s fought back from two goals down to tie Buffalo State, but lost in a shootout tiebreaker, 1-0, after eight rounds, while Buffalo State improved to 4-2-3.

Skidmore looks to turn things around and improve upon its 1-3-2 conference record in tonight’s ECAC East game, which is set to start at 7 p.m.

Norwich, led by senior forward Shane Gorman, is currently in first place in the conference (4-0-1, 5-1-2 overall).

Puzzle solutions from pg. 34

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association approved a $155.1 million budget for 2014, which will also increase the admission and parking prices at the Saratoga Race Course and Belmont Park.

The plans call for raising general admission fees from $3 to $5.

Clubhouse admission would go from $5 to $8 in the first price raise since 2005.

The price hikes are part of NYRA’s plan to run the race courses without leaning on slots revenue from the Aqueduct Racetrack and the casino.

Without the slots revenue this year, NYRA would have had a $10.5 million deficit. Operating under the contract, NYRA is trying to get in the black and re-establish the 17-member

board to private hands by the end of 2015.

Although there was an attendance drop at the Saratoga Race Course this past summer, sales of food, beverages and souvenirs increased.

The fee hikes will not begin until the spring Belmont Park meet in April. The next board meeting is scheduled for March 5.

If the public opposes the decision strong enough, there is the possibility that the board would move to rescind the increases before they are in effect.

SPORTS 39

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

Buffoline Sets High Expectations, Seeks Home Playoff Game

by Brian Cremo Saratoga TODAY The loss against Shaker/Colonie in last season’s playoff game is fresh in the mind of Jim Buffoline and his team.

After being just over a minute away from a win, Shaker/Colonie scored with 1:10 remaining to force overtime and advance.

But the eventual 4-3 loss was an improvement upon the previous 5-1 loss to the No. 3 team in the league on December 8.

“It was difficult at the time, but I think our kids—now know looking back at it—it gives them something to fuel the fire to want to do better,” Buffoline said.

This year, Buffoline sees his team with the potential to be in the mix of the upper echelon of the Capital District High School Hockey League.

“We want to finish in the top couple teams in the league,” Buffoline said. “Our goal is the top four overall in the league. I know it’s going to be tough because there are teams that have

combined this year and they’re going to be stronger, but we feel with our goaltending, our offense, and if our defense can come along as the season progresses, I think we will be right up there with the top teams.”

The season opener did not go as well as planned, as Buffoline’s team dropped a 6-0 decision to La Salle on November 30. BH/BL will not just have to adjust defensively, but will also have to make up for the loss of Nick Van Liew, last year’s No. 1 goal scorer and CDHSHL third-teamer who graduated. They also are without All-Section II CDHSHL defensemen Clark Grabb.

Despite losing some key players from last year, Buffoline is anticipating other players to step up.

“We have a lot or returning players,” Buffoline said. “We have an overabundance of offensive players, so we’re looking to turn some of our forwards into defensemen this year, so we’re hoping that goes pretty well.”

Junior captain Ian Speck (Burnt Hills) will have to take the offensive reins along with Trey Swingruber

(Ballston Spa). The two were third and second on the team in goals last season, respectively, with Swingruber cashing in 10 goals and Speck finding the back of the net nine times.

Aaron Thorpe (Ballston Spa) joins the two on the front line. All three are juniors.

This year’s defense will be anchored by assistant captain Brady Campbell (Ballston Spa), while Austin Clark (Burnt Hills), a CDHSHL second team member as a junior, will be in net.

“In my opinion he’s the best goalie in the league,” Buffoline said. “We’re a young team this year and if we don’t play well for a couple of games, he has the ability to singlehandedly win us a hockey game. We can get outshot 40-15 and still pulled off a win with him in the net.”

In last season’s playoff loss, Clark snagged 57 saves.

The team travels to the Saranac lake Civic Center today to take on Lake placid (Section VII) at 6 p.m. to begin a three-week stretch of away games. They play Saranac Lake (Section VII) at the same rink on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.

Saratoga TODAY'S Star Athletes Recognizing This Week’s Standout Performers Noah Arciero

Photo by SportsThroughLens.com

Saratoga Springs • Senior • G/F Heading into tonight’s home game against Niskayuna to start the Suburban Council season, the Blue Streaks are 2-0 thanks in part to Noah Arciero’s performances in two non-league wins this past week against Foothills Council opponents.

The 6-foot-2 versatile Arciero dropped 26 points against Glens Falls and 20 against Queensbury. As expected, Arciero, who can be used at multiple positions, has started the season as the Blue Streaks’ prime offensive producer.

“He’s an extremely talented player,” said Saratoga Springs head coach Matt Usher. “He can score in a lot of ways… but he can also handle it extremely well for a player his size. He’s very smooth and athletic.”

Arciero has shown the ability to knock down the jumper, post up and even throw down a dunk from time to time.

Kelly Blackhurst

Skidmore • Senior • Forward Skidmore College field hockey’s Kelly Blackhurst was named the 2013 Longstreth/ National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division III National Player of the Year.

As the first player in the program to ever receive the award, the 2013 Liberty League Offensive Player of the Year sealed her playing career by scoring 32 goals in her senior year.

In 2013, she also had 15 assists for 79 total points, leading the Thoroughbreds to a 19-4 record and an NCAA Final Four appearance.

Blackhurst ends her career ranked fifth in career scoring at the DIII level, with 105 career goals and 54 assists. She was a four-time Liberty League First-Teamer, a three-time Longstreth/ NFHCA All-American and a two-time North Atlantic Region Player of the Year.

She is the all-time scoring leader in the Liberty League and also holds school records for game-winning goals (20), most points in a season (79) and most goals in a single season (32).

Photo by Scott Cranston.

Volume 8 • Issue 48

See Track Admission Increase pg. 38

FREE

Week of December 6 – December 12, 2013

SPORTS

See High School Basketball Previews pgs. 36-37

Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa Hockey Season Underway

See Track Admission Increase pg. 38 After a 6-0 shutout loss to La Salle, November 30, the Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa hockey team heads to the Saranac Lake Civic Center for a chance to respond at the Saranac Lake Tournament today and Saturday, December 7, against Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. Photo by MarkBolles.com