Saratoga Today 12-14

FREE

Volume 7 • Issue 50 saratogatodaynewspaper.com

Cooking for a Cause

by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS Imagine that you are in charge of feeding a minimum of 32 people three meals a day, every day of the week. Imagine that you have to prepare that much food out of a normal household kitchen with appliances only meant to feed an ordinary family, and imagine that you have to make each of those meals out of donated foods that are often only canned goods or enough ingredients to make a basic meal.

For Bonnie Potter, the house manager at Shelters of Saratoga, this scenario is an everyday reality.

So when Chef Maureen Clancy, instructor of the WSWHE BOCES culinary arts program, heard that Potter needed some help creating new meals, Clancy immediately decided that helping feed the houseguests of Shelters of Saratoga (SOS) would be her culinary arts students’ community service project for the year.

“We have the resources, the equipment, the manpower and the bodies to help out and do this

See Cause page 7

Wilton Residents Come Out in Force

by Patricia Older Saratoga TODAY WILTON – With 118 zoning changes looming on the horizon and a sweeping change of the current Ethics Board, Wilton town residents showed up in force at last week’s town board meeting, arguing the town council and the zon-

“I believe that the Ethics Committee was used by senior councilmen as a tool for revenge with the ultimate goal of eliminating the current Ethics Board …”

Dennis Towers Wilton Resident

ing review committee locked them out of the process and gave town residents no voice in the changes.

Residents accused the board and the committee of supplying little, if no information to the public, and of asking only local business owners who had something to gain from the changes for their help in

See Wilton page 5

photo by Deb Neary

Chef Instructor Maureen Clancy prepares a meal for Shelters of Saratoga with her students.

Saratoga’s Historical Gift

Inside TODAY…

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY

Business

SARATOGA SPRINGS – If you ask local historian and author Hollis Palmer, he’d tell you Christmas came early for the city of Saratoga Springs’ History Museum located in the Canfield Casino at Congress Park.

That’s because the museum just recently received a donation containing written works and photographs pertaining to one of its most

notable early 20th century figures, Academy Award-winning screenwriter and producer Charles Brackett.

Earlier this month, Palmer received a phone call from a man named Ernie Duval, who informed him he was the last surviving member of the Brackett family tree.

Palmer recently published a piece in the latest edition of Simply Saratoga Magazine regarding the history of both Charles Brackett

pg 8-9 Obituaries pg 11 Holiday Gift Guide pg 15-18 Local Gigs/Pulse pg 22-25

See Gift page 6

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

2

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

Don’t Call the Fashion Police!

First annual “Ugly Sweater Run” benefitting local nonprofit hospice care facility boasts over 100 participants.

Photos by Deborah Neary for PhotoandGraphic.com MILTON – Ugly sweaters have never looked so good.

Dozens of runners braved the wet weather December 8 to

participate in the first annual Gateway House of Peace Ugly Sweater 5K Run. The name of the game was to don the ugliest, tackiest holiday-themed sweater to keep warm while running to raise money for the Gateway House of Peace. Over 100 registered runners made good use of their old sweaters from Aunt Phyllis, which began at the Milton Community Center.

27-year-old Shaun Donegan of Saratoga Springs was the first sweater across the finish line, posting a time of 17 minutes, 10 seconds. Emily Bertier, 27, of Gloversville was the first woman to finish, with a time of 20 minutes and 40 seconds.

The Gateway House of Peace is a nonprofit charitable Hospice care facility in Ballston Spa where patients can receive care in a comfortable, home-like setting. For more information, visit www.gatewayhouseofpeace.org.

Above: Runners Eric Gould, Ben Yatt, Kelly Martinet, Jenna Postler and Nikki Cox pose with their, um, lovely sweaters.

Shaun Donegan

Above: Brandy Kelleher and Victoria Rodriguez match in red with green bows, while Jen Kuzmich deserves special consideration for her nutcracker-themed threads.

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

Henry Davis, 49, of Grand Avenue in Saratoga Springs was arrested along Congress Street in Saratoga Springs and charged with petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor.

James McWilliams, 60, of Meditation Way in Saratoga Springs, was arrested along Lake Avenue and charged with criminal mischief in the third degree, a Class E felony.

Joseph W. Hanna, 44, of North Second Street in Mechanicville, was sentenced to five days in Saratoga County Jail, five years of probation, payment of related fines and fees and the installation of an Ignition Interlock device after pleading guilty to driving while intoxicated, a Class D felony.

Skyler W. Day, 22, of Route 29 in Rock City Falls, pleaded guilty December 7 to driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. Sentencing is scheduled for February 28, 2013.

Alexandra M. Waters, 23, of Washington Street in Saratoga Springs, was arrested December 8 along Washington Street and Broadway in Saratoga Springs and charged with driving while intoxi-

cated, a misdemeanor, and registering a blood-alcohol content over .08 percent, a misdemeanor.

Michael J. Mercado, 31, of Middlebrook Avenue in Ballston Spa, was arrested December 9 along Washington Street in Saratoga Springs on charges of driving while intoxicated and registering a bloodalcohol content over .08 percent, both misdemeanors; and failing to keep right, a violation.

Connor F. Demarco, 19, of Traver Road in Gansevoort, was arrested December 9 along Broadway in Saratoga Springs and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation.

Shawn G. Skidmore, 28, of Nelson Avenue Extension in

BLOTTER

Saratoga Springs, was sentenced December 10 to time served in Saratoga County Jail and five years of probation including the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device as a condition of discharge for a period of three years. The defendant pled to the charge in October.

William A. McDonald, 26, of Broad Street in Glens Falls, was sentenced December 10 to time served in Saratoga County Jail and five years of probation after pleading guilty to charges of robbery in the third degree, a Class D felony.

The defendant pled to the charge

in October.

Nicole M. Ohler, 31, of Fifth Avenue in Troy, pleaded guilty in Saratoga County Court December 6 to charges of criminal impersonation in the first-degree, a Class E felony. Sentencing was adjourned to January 30, 2013.

Tami, M. Deitrich, 38, of Hyde Boulevard in Ballston Spa, was resentenced in Saratoga County Court by Judge Jerry Scarano to one year in Saratoga County Jail

3

with credit for time served, termination of probation and a modified order of restitution for $633.55 following a violation of the previously stated probation, according to a spokesperson at the Saratoga County District Attorney’s office.

Stephen R. Halliday, 43, of Shady Lane Park in Fonda, pleaded guilty in Saratoga County Court to aggravated driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. Sentencing is scheduled for March 1, 2013.

4

WEEK IN REVIEW Two Surviving Shen Students Return Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photographer Mark Bolles 490-1757 mbolles@photoandgraphic.com

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

HALFMOON – The two surviving students from an accident that claimed the lives of two of their friends were both released from the hospital this week. Bailey Wind, 17, and Matt Hardy, 17, were hospitalized in critical condition following the crash on December 1. Wind’s boyfriend, 17-year-old Christopher Stewart and Hardy’s girlfriend, Deanna Rivers, 17, died in the collision.

The accident stunned the students of the Shenendehowa and Shaker high schools where the teens had been students and hundreds turned out for their memorials and funerals.

Anger turned to the 22-year-old Clifton Park man who caused the accident, but so far the police have not charged him with a crime. Dennis S. Drue allegedly was driving aggressively just prior to the accident and was reported to have been speeding and changing lanes. Eye-witness accounts tell of Drue’s Volvo first switching from the far left lane to the center lane before quickly switching again to the far right lane and ending up behind Stewart’s Ford Explorer.

His car struck the SUV from behind sending both vehicles off the road.

The Ford flipped several times before coming to rest in the tree line.

Rivers, Stewart, and Hardy were sen-

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

iors at Shenendehowa High School and Wind a senior at Shaker High School. The two couples had been on a double date attending a basketball game in Albany.

While Drue tested positive for alcohol at the scene and police report his blood test results are in, they have not charged him with anything.

Police have said they are waiting on further tests to reveal whether any drugs were in his system before releasing his blood alcohol content.

Local Marine Killed in Battle MECHANICVILLE – A local Marine killed while fighting in Afghanistan was buried this week in Stillwater. Lance Cpl. Anthony J. Denier was buried on Tuesday, December 11. He had been a rifleman assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, and 2nd Marine Division out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. On December 2, Denier was on patrol with his unit when they met with enemy fire. He was killed instantly with a single gunshot. Denier had been in Afghanistan less than two months and was only 26 years old.

Over 200 people attended his funeral at the American Legion Post 91 in Mechanicville and his mother, Mary Denier Morgan, was presented the Purple Heart medal citation posthumously for her son by Marine officers participating in the service.

Saratoga Casino and Raceway Donates to Local Organizations SARATOGA SPRINGS – It was a big night for 26 local charities on Tuesday when Saratoga Casino and Raceway’s held their 8th Annual Make a Difference event. The charities were presented with monetary donations totaling $100,000. Those donations, combined with others made by the casino in 2012, brought the amount to $250,000 donated to community support.

Since its official inception in 2006, the annual Make a Difference event has presented $715,000 to local organizations, and over $2 million in monetary, sponsorship and in-kind donations. The casino opened in 2004.

Host Benita Zahn presented the checks. Each year the selected host is given the opportunity to allocate $2,500 for the organization or organizations of their choice. Zahn chose Building on Love and the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region and each received $1,250.

The other recipients for Tuesday night’s Make a Difference event were: $10,000 – Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc.; $10,000 – Saratoga Hospital Foundation; $5,000 – Capital District

Community Gardens; $5,000 – Franklin Community Center, Inc.; $5,000 – Nathan Littauer Foundation, Inc.; $5,000 Rebuilding Together, Saratoga County, Inc.; $5,000 – Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, Inc.; $5,000 – Saratoga P.L.A.N.; $5,000 – Shelters of Saratoga; $5,000 – The Wesley Foundation; $5,000 – To Life!; $2,500 – American Red Cross – Adirondack Saratoga Chapter – Local Disaster Relief Fund; $2,500 – Cornell University Cooperative Extension – CCE Equine, Saratoga County; $2,500 – Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County; $2,500 – Jake's Help From Heaven; $2,500 – National Center for Missing & Exploited Children; $2,500 – Operation Adopt A Soldier, Inc.; $2,500 – Saratoga Bridges; $2,500 – Saratoga Center for The Family; $2,500 – Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar; $2,500 – Schenectady Community Action Program, Inc.; $2,500 – Schoharie Area Long Term (SALT); $2,500 – The Prevention Council; and $2,500 – Wildwood Foundation, Inc.

5

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

Wilton Residents Angry

Letter to the Editor

continued from Page 1

Dear Saratoga TODAY,

the revisions of the existing comprehensive plan.

In a packed meeting room with standing room only, residents spoke out in anger and frustration, telling the board during the public hearing for the zoning changes that they felt left out of the process. One resident informed the board that he had the required number of signatures to file a permissive referendum which would prevent the board from approving the proposed changes and that he had every intention of filing the lawsuit.

“This town went to great lengths to develop the comprehensive plan and these zoning changes are in conflict with it. These are not minor tweaks,” said resident Dennis Towers. “I am letting you know I am filing a permissive referendum. So far we have 633 signatures and it is the only way to combat these changes.”

Towers also told the board that he felt the changes being made to the ethics law was an “act of retaliation” by Councilman Robert Pulsifer, the subject of the only ethics investigation by the Board of Ethics.

“I believe that the Ethics Committee was used by senior councilmen as a tool for revenge with the ultimate goal of eliminating the current Ethics Board as an act of retaliation and as a means to weaken the scope of a future Ethics Board,” said Towers.

“Councilman Pulsifer, the subject of Wilton’s only ethics investigation, provided the outline for the proposed ethics law.”

Towers then presented an April 2011 newspaper article in which Pulsifer is quoted as saying the Ethics Board needed at least four revisions: The name of the person making a complaint should be disclosed so the accused can address his or her accuser; Party officers should not be allowed to serve on the ethics panel; the Ethics Board scope of inquiry should be limited to financial disclosure and conflicts of interest, not personal conduct apart from town duties; and that the Ethics Board needs some oversight to make sure, when launching an investigation, it does not go beyond its intended responsibilities.

Pulsifer was the subject of an

investigation in 2010 when a complaint was filed about his financial disclosure forms. The ethics report, while noting the Ethics Board did not feel it was a violation, said that Pulsifer failed to disclose a source of income which, in essence, failed to make the public fully aware of a possible conflict of interest.

The source of income at the middle of the controversy was Pulsifer’s band. Pulsifer has publically said several times that he feels the Ethics Board overstepped their boundaries by looking into his band and his conduct while playing venues with the band. At one 2011 town board meeting, to make a point, he showed up in his band outfit – a sleeveless flannel shirt, jeans, straw cowboy hat and carrying a guitar case.

The changes in the new ethics law eliminates all current Ethics Board members and removes the confidentiality clause, which gives a complainant anonymity. It also states no two members can be from the same political party. Board members went forward anyway and approved the new law.

Towers was not the only resident upset with the town board. Dave Gabay spoke up, telling board members that he had worked with the town board in 2000 on the Comprehensive Plan and felt he had been blindsided by the proposed changes. “[In] early 2000 I had the pleasure of working with that Master Plan,” said Gabay. “It was amazing – it involved hundreds of people.

You dropped the ball on keeping us informed. It is also my fault because I didn’t see this coming.”

Continuing, Gabay said he tried to get up to speed on the proposed changes and even looked on the town’s website for the history of the modifications and what they were supposed to correct, but that he could not find anything.

“There are 118 changes,” said Gabay. “That is more than housekeeping. I don’t think we have gone through those changes and we have not been given the tools to analyze those changes. You went only through town officials and professionals but not town residents.”

Resident Janet Talley also expressed frustration, noting that

the process used by the zoning committee was possibly an ethics violation. Her comments were met with applause from the audience.

“The process was not in sync with the comprehensive plan,” said Talley. “It has been a waste of time and money to throw out the [existing] comprehensive plan. It appears to me to be an ethics issue.”

Donald Weller agreed with Gabay, telling board members that with the comprehensive plan, “hundreds of folks got involved.”

He said that Pulsifer’s comment that the people he consulted during the review process did not have an agenda was wrong.

“Mr. Pulsifer is not correct. You should follow the processes set out by the plan. Businessmen do have [agendas.]” said Weller.

“This board wants more development in this town at the cost of the residents.”

Some of the proposed changes include opening what has been designated as rural areas, such as the Parkhurst and Ernst Road areas, to development which could include hotels, self-storage facilities and drive through restaurants.

In addition, it will add new uses by consolidating RB2 zones along routes 50 into RB1 opening that area up to commercial development and apartment complexes.

Jarod Ginsmore of Woodlake Drive also expressed anger at the proposed changes, noting that the board was eliminating one of the hamlets in the town.

“You are getting rid of one of the hamlet zones,” said Ginsmore.

“That is taking away property rights. The public should be more involved – you say this has been going on two-and-a-half, three years and the public does not know about it? There is no open dialogue.”

The proposed change would affect the hamlet area near Route 9 and Ballard Road.

He ended his comment asking the town supervisor, Art Johnson, to not take a vote on the changes.

“Art, please keep this open,” he said.

Board members did not vote on the zoning changes.

The next Town of Wilton Board meeting will be January 4 at 7:30 p.m.

The 7th Annual Tom Indiano Memorial Ride was held again this year on September 22 and once again your generosity assisted us in getting the word out. I wanted to publicly thank you and your staff for making it so easy to accomplish this and to thank you for publishing the ad for two weeks at no cost to us.

Each year, we receive numerous donations from local businesses and individuals too numerous to mention.

However, I would like to mention that the Italian American Club each year has allowed us the use of their facility as our starting and ending point for this great ride.

A big thanks to all the people who helped that day selling shirts and raffle tickets and cooking and serving the food, and of course all you riders who came out and donated and made it a huge success. I can't thank everyone enough. For those that don't know, Tommy was a fire fighter in Saratoga Springs prior to his death, so I also want to thank the members of the Fire Department for their assistance in helping me keep this event going.

This year we raised $2,545 for the VETHELP home of Saratoga County. Thanks again and see you next year.

Fred Whipple SSFD (retired)

6

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

Historical Society Receives Unique Donation

Kids Denied Gifts

continued from Page 1

and his father, politician Edgar Brackett and their old home located at 605 Broadway.

This led to Palmer, Duval and the museum’s executive director Jamie Parillo meeting December 11 to personally donate dozens of books, newspaper clippings and photographs including things neither historian had ever seen before.

Standing out among the donations was a book of caricatures which left Palmer and Parillo with more questions than answers.

“I called Jamie yesterday, and asked him if he’s even heard of this. He said he hadn’t, and neither had I and I’ve scavenged a lot of libraries and everything else,” said Palmer. “This is a book of caricatures of some of the most famous

men in Saratoga throughout the 1890s.”

The leather-bound book of caricatures is labeled “JUST FOR FUN” on the front cover, and while the binding may have not held up over time, the drawings are in pristine condition. Both historians agreed this was the most intriguing piece among the new collection.

“Le t me put it to you this way, if there are other copies of this, there aren’t going to be very many,” said Palmer. “In all fairness, if someone bought this back then they would have cut it up, mounted them individually and sold them for $40 to $50 apiece. Instead we’ve got the whole collection together.”

Palmer theorizes that these were likely created in limited numbers

simply for each person caricatured to have a copy. With only 60 pictures in the collection, the likelihood of other intact copies remaining is dismal.

“These were all the players in the community poking fun at each other,” added Parillo.

Since the collection had just arrived at the museum, Parillo had yet to pour over it more closely, but provided a general idea of what happens when new items are received.

“I’ve seen this stuff for about five minutes,” said Parillo with a laugh, “But what we’ll do is send these up to the archives and will be accessible for researchers to use.

Certain pieces will go out immediately. Other things will be available for future exhibits.”

Parillo specifically notes the photo of the Brackett gate dedication marked with the date of 1914, adding that he’d “never even seen that photo before.”

“That’s definitely a rare one,” added Parillo. “I haven’t seen most of these books. They’re very unique pieces. It’s good too that you can connect it to an actual city resident, someone who was influential in the city. It’s really great to get these pieces.”

One of the biggest questions surrounding the book of caricatures is identifying the illustrator in question.

“We have no idea who drew these. What we know now is that there will forever be at least one complete copy here,” said Palmer.

As for the collection’s previous owner, Ernie Duval, he said providing the city with further glimpses into its rich history was something he had always planned to do.

“I’ve always planned to donate this stuff. I’m 81 now, so I thought it was time,” said Duval.

Other pieces included books written by Brackett, a copy of his wedding announcement and his memoriam. There was a published book of poetry from when Charles was a senior in college.

While Parillo and Palmer will get to work trying to fill in gaps in the city’s history, they are simply grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the Spa City’s past.

“These are now, proudly, the possession of the Historical Museum,” said Palmer.

by Patricia Older Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – They claim it was a “miscommunication,” but last week a mom of three young children temporarily living in a hotel room was told by a Saratoga County Social Service worker that she could not have the Christmas gifts purchased for her children until she moved into an apartment.

“I was told I had to find an apartment by Christmas or else I couldn’t get the gifts,” said Laken Murphy, who found herself homeless within a couple of weeks of her youngest child’s birth.

Murphy, along with her fiancé, Jamie Prosser, have three children: four-year-old Chasity, two-year-old Trinity, and newborn, Logan. The young family had been living at her parents’ home, but shortly after the birth of the baby three months ago, the couple was asked to leave.

They turned to social services for temporary help.

The young mom said she had not asked to be put on the gift program, only finding out about it after the fact.

“Social Services signed the kids up for it,” said Murphy. “Then one day they asked me what did the kids want for gifts and what sizes did they wear.”

Feeling relieved that buying gifts would not be on their plate or take away from saving money for the security deposit an apartment would require, the couple said they were thrilled that their children would be happy on Christmas morning.

Things were beginning to look brighter for the young family. Both Prosser and Murphy recently found employment – she works the night shift at Dunkin Donuts and he works the day shift at McDonalds – and Christmas seemed taken care of.

That is why the news that there would be no gifts for the kids took them totally by surprise last Friday.

“I went in for recertification,” said

Murphy. “And I asked if I could bring the kids gifts home and that is when I was told that unless we get an apartment, we can’t have them.”

With no solid explanation from Social Services as to the reasoning behind the decision to withhold the gifts, the frustrated young father called Saratoga TODAY and asked if there was anything the paper could do to help them.

“It is all about the kids,” said Prosser, as he gently rocked the sleeper seat Logan was dozing in.

“They shouldn’t have to go without because we have to stay in a hotel room.”

At first, calls to Social Services for an explanation went unreturned and because of client confidentiality, no one was able to talk about Murphy’s concerns.

After a release was signed by Murphy giving the department permission to speak with the paper, it took two more calls and two faxes of the release before the director of eligibility, Marissa Albert called and said there had been a “miscommunication” with Murphy.

“I think she must have misunderstood – there was a miscommunication between a staff member and Laken,” said Albert, adding that they had spoken with Murphy that morning and were arranging to have the gifts delivered. “We have never denied someone their gifts.”

Albert explained that when Murphy was put in the Christmas program, gifts for the entire family had been purchased and included “pots and pans and household things.”

“We had offered to hold the bigger things for the apartment rather than her try and put them in that tiny hotel room,” said Albert. “She must have misunderstood us.”

Albert said that they had contacted Murphy and that she had opted to take all the gifts at once.

But Murphy said that was not the case, stating that no one had suggested she could leave the household items behind for storage and still take the children’s gifts on either last Friday or when they called Wednesday morning.

“They never said anything about holding pots and pans for us,” said Murphy, adding that she had been called that morning and told the gifts would be delivered by 2 p.m.

In the end, Murphy said she was happy her kids would be having a Christmas.

“They are so excited,” she said.

“This is good.”

7

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

BOCES Students Prepare Meals for Less Fortunate continued from Page 1 work, so we decided to take on SOS as our big year-long project,” Clancy said. “That house has an average household kitchen, but [Bonnie] has to feed over 30 people every day—it’s like a catering nightmare. She doesn’t have the refrigerator or the freezer space, but she’s doing great. I don’t know how she does it.”

Since Clancy and Potter’s collaboration began about a month ago, the chef and her students have turned six cases (about 50 pounds) of canned corn into a variety of corn-based meals, including corn chowder, corn bread and corn muffins. Several pounds of turkey were turned into turkey chili, turkey patties, turkey pot pies and soup. The students even took donated chicken meat and cooked up chicken cacciatore, a meal that the houseguests had never eaten in the shelter before.

“Maureen helps me through when I’m panicking about coming up with new menu ideas,” Potter said. “I tell her the excess stuff I have here—for example, I told her we had a lot of beans, so they made vegetarian chili. I didn’t think people were going to eat it with all the beans, but they loved it. They loved every minute of it.”

Potter said that the meals help SOS maintain a homey, comfortable atmosphere for its houseguests.

“Everybody gets together and they’ll warm up the food or make a salad to go with it,” Potter said. “It makes it very homey and they sit around the table knowing where [the food] came from, and we always talk about the kids that are cooking the meals, and it makes them very bright and cheery.”

Chef Clancy said that cooking for SOS has given her students a new sense of purpose in her program.

“The students are loving it. They feel good because they are doing something good,” Clancy said.

“And we’re getting great feedback.

People are saying they loved this or that, or they’ll ask ‘Can you make that chili again?’ [The houseguests] especially thanked us for the cinnamon buns we made them for breakfast—that was a huge treat for them.”

Potter added that the homecooked meals have made a positive impact on the houseguests of SOS. “They really have something to look forward to now,” Potter said. “They are out during the

day, so they come home to this nice meal and know where it came from. Even though they haven’t met the students, there’s still a connection there.”

To help out SOS even more, Clancy’s students organized a schoolwide canned food drive, which garnered over 1,000 cans of food. They are also now working with the school’s Future Farmers of America and SkillsUSA clubs to continue canned food drives throughout the month of December.

Students are also collecting winter clothes, business suits and dresses for houseguests who are looking for jobs.

“The kids are into it,” Clancy said. “They’re motivated and they’re learning a good lesson to give back to the community. It’s not only to help out this time of year, but to raise awareness of how many people in our community really need this.”

Clancy also said that cooking for SOS has helped her students realize that there are many residents of Saratoga who are in need of help.

“When Bonnie came in and talked to the group for about an

hour and told them stories and testimonies from other people, the tears were coming down in the kids’ eyes thinking that this is happening in our own backyard,” Clancy said. “You can go up and drive all around Saratoga and see these great, huge beautiful mansions—but I’ll tell you what, three blocks in the opposite direction there are people standing in line looking for food, and I think that’s a big reality check.”

For those who are thinking of donating food to the shelter this holiday season, Potter explained that though canned goods are always helpful, donating meats to the shelter is also appreciated due to the expensiveness of meat.

“Our biggest expense is meat,” Potter said. “Right now we have a lot of people doing drives, which we appreciate very much, but our biggest expense is meat so if you’re out shopping and want to donate and see a ‘buy one turkey, get one free’ type of deal, pick one up.

We’re open 24/7 so anybody can drop things off anytime.”

As far as the outlook of the SOS and BOCES culinary arts collabo-

ration goes, Clancy is optimistic that their working relationship will continue for the foreseeable future.

“I’m proud of my kids,” Clancy said. “They do a good job and I hope we can continue to do this, because it’s definitely worth the cause.”

For more information on BOCES programs, visit the website at www.wswheboces.org. To learn more about Shelters of Saratoga, visit the website at www.sheltersofsaratoga.com. For those interested in dropping off food, the main SOS shelter is located at 14 Walworth Street in Saratoga Springs.

8

BUSINESS

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

Entrepreneurs Team-up to Swap Buildings

by Patricia Older Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – It is a win/win situation for local entrepreneurs Melissa Paquet and Mark Straus.

Paquet, who owned the building which had housed The Metro, a local nightclub at 17 Maple Avenue, began toying with the idea of selling it, but knew she would probably want to buy another downtown property.

Straus already owns several buildings in the downtown area and had wanted to buy the Metro building for several years. He had a few of them up for sale.

So the pair decided, why not swap?

And last week, that is just what they did. Straus took over ownership of the Metro building and Paquet is the new owner of the Silverado building on Broadway.

“I love the building,” said

Straus of the Metro. “It has a lot of potential.”

Getting there took some time and work.

“It took a while, but it all fell into place,” said Paquet, calling the process “pretty much seamless.”

The original Metro was a neighborhood nightclub started in the 1980s by Paquet’s late husband, Peter, who was an art professor at Skidmore. He had originally purchased the building in the 1970s as a studio, but eventually renovated it into a highly successful bar with disco music and dancing in the early 1980s. Later, the front of the bar became a must-play venue for local and nationally known musicians.

The couple married in 1990 and in 1996, Peter decided to return to his passion, his art, and leased the nightclub out.

But in 2009, Peter passed away and Paquet found herself the landlord of the nightclub.

“It was not an easy decision for me,” said Paquet. “My husband had had the building a number of years and I always considered it his building.”

Paquet noted that she did not want to be critical about the former tenants or the nightclub, but as the nightclub’s reputation deteriorated, she found being the landlord increasingly more challenging.

“I do not want to say anything negative about it,” said Paquet. “It just became too difficult for me.”

This past year, the nightclub made the news when it was the scene of several brawls and rowdy incidents. In an attempt to turn the establishment around, Panza’s came on board and leased the restaurant portion of the club, 28 Tables. They brought in a new chef, ramped up the menu and hoped to obtain their own separate liquor license. But in August, 28 Tables was denied their liquor license by the New York State Liquor Authority because it does not have its own separate entrance. Patrons had to enter the restaurant through the courtyard, which was part of the nightclub.

28 Tables closed that month and the nightclub, The Metro, followed suit in September.

Paquet said that when she recognized she was ready to sell The Metro she also realized she would probably want to buy another

Saratoga Springs building.

That is when she remembered that Straus had expressed an interest in the building and he had other downtown buildings for sale.

“Mark had spoken to me in the past about buying the building,” said Paquet. “But I had to get over the sense that it was my husband’s building.”

So they got together and decided to swap properties.

Paquet, owner of Miranda Realty, took over ownership of the Silverado building at 446 Broadway and Straus, along with partner Thomas Gardner, owners of Saratoga Historic Restoration, took over the Metro at 17 Maple Avenue.

“We had them appraised and they came in very similar,” said Straus.

The buildings are assessed at roughly the same amounts – 446 Broadway is assessed at $883,500 and 17 Maple Avenue is assessed at $853,500.

Straus saw it as a win/win situation as well. He owns The Marketplace building which backs up to The Metro’s courtyard. He has had to live with the loud dance music and rowdy crowds and said that the atmosphere generated by the nightclub would often cause a quality of use issue with his Marketplace, especially with the adjoining courtyard where a bandstand had been erected.

“They’d have a nine-piece band in there,” said Straus of the bandstand that is up against the rear of The Marketplace.

Now that he owns the courtyard, Straus said it opens up both places of business to some interesting options.

“I am open to ideas with new future tenants,” said Straus. “But I

want it consistent with the needs of the neighbors and downtown.”

Calling The Metro “a very beautiful building,” Straus said it has a lot of potential for a future tenant.

The three-story building has several ground floor entrances and is divided into four separate areas. There is the bar area downstairs with a separate, glass-enclosed wine cooler, the dance area, the restaurant and bar on the second floor with a full kitchen and an office/apartment area on the upper level with high ceilings, large skylights and tall windows.

“I want to do something that is a credit to the neighborhood and Saratoga,” said Straus, who envisioned a fine dining restaurant, a steak house, even a Bistro for the uniquely designed space.

“I think it has a lot of potential,” said Straus, who has renovated several Saratoga properties and has received awards for the renovations.

Paquet said she is very pleased with the Silverado building, noting that is has undergone extensive renovations under Straus’s ownership including a new heating system, a new roof and a restored façade.

“It has an awful lot of charm,” she said, noting that she loves the tenants in both the jewelry store and the upstairs apartments. “I hope everyone is comfortable and stay as long as they want.”

“I think it’s a win/win,” said Straus.

For more information on Saratoga Historic Restoration or for information on leasing The Metro, visit the website www.saratogacommercialrealestate.com or call (518) 857-2238.

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

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

Saratoga Bridges Partners with Saratoga Specialties Company photo provided

WILTON – Saratoga Bridges has exclusively partnered with Saratoga Specialties Company to package their Original Saratoga Chips and flavored dip mixes at their Alpha Industries program located in Malta. Individuals with developmental disabilities gain work experience, learn responsibility and earn a paycheck through this prevocational program. Alpha Industries serves as a valuable outsource to businesses and local nonprofit organizations which allows them to boost manpower and help meet production deadlines by subcontracting their packaging needs.

Danny Jameson, President of Saratoga Specialties Company, states, “Partnering with Saratoga Bridges will allow us to grow gracefully to meet the dynamic demands of our expanding business. At the end of the day, like most small businesses, we were scrambling looking for a way to grow our business and meet the demand for our products and Saratoga Bridges does just that.

The community is so fortunate to have such an incredible resource

for small business right here in our own backyard.”

Saratoga Specialties Company is excited and honored to have received a call from Washington, D.C., asking them to provide Original Saratoga Chips for the N.Y. State Inaugural Ball to be held on January 21, 2013. The Original Saratoga Chips provided for this historic event have been assembled by people from Saratoga Bridges.

Saratoga Specialties Company was launched on the 4th of July, 2009. The company’s mission was to reintroduce the Original Saratoga Chip to the market. The Saratoga Chip was invented in Saratoga Springs in 1853 and was sold until the original company closed its doors in the early 1920s.

Since launching the company in 2009, the company has enjoyed rapid, consistent growth and continues to develop innovative products to compliment the core Saratoga Potato Chip line. Saratoga Specialties Co. is privately held.

Saratoga Bridges has been providing the highest level of programs to people with developmental disabilities and their families for more than 55 years by promoting their abilities and achievements in every aspect of community life. As one of the largest private non-profit organizations in Saratoga County, they have been committed to ensuring that the individuals they serve are able to realize their goals, hopes and dreams as they work, shop, play, and volunteer while leading full, productive and contributing lives. This voluntary service provider believes that the care they give increases immeasurably the quality of life for every citizen.

Saratoga Bridges’ philosophy is that every day is full of possibilities.

BUSINESS

9

Teakwood Builders Wins Two National Awards

photo provided

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Area custom home builder and remodeler Teakwood Builders was awarded two National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) design awards at the local Tri-State Chapter NKBA Designer Awards in Saratoga Springs. The awards included Best Remodeled Bathroom up to 300 square feet and Best New Kitchen up to 300 square feet.

This was the chapter’s first Designer Awards Extravaganza and Ceremony. The event was held at the Holiday Inn in downtown Saratoga. Area members entered

their projects in the categories of Best New Kitchen, Best Remodel Kitchen, Best New Bathroom, and Best Remodel Bathroom, for spaces ranging from under 150 square feet, 151 – 300 square feet and over 300 square feet.

Present at the ceremony was Teakwood’s newest team member, interior design consultant Eva Anderson.

“These two awards are really significant to us right now and do a lot to introduce our new kitchen and bathroom design services in a big way,” said Jim Sasko, founder and

president of Teakwood Builders.

“We’re thrilled to have Eva on board, and winning these two awards are proof that Eva’s work is amazing and right in line with the standards of custom home building and remodeling our clients have come to expect.”

The NKBA is the only trade association dedicated exclusively to the kitchen and bath industry and is the leading source of information and education for professionals in the industry. Learn more about the New York Tri-State chapter at http://www.nytristatenkba.org.

Community Corner the Tooth fairy club

10

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

ANYA

BEN

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

Informz Donates $5,000 to Franklin Community Center Informz employees stopped by the Franklin Community Center with a surprise donation of $5,000 December 10. The email marketing software company is the neighbor of the community center and has been supporting them in various ways for years. This donation from Informz was the largest from the company thus far and was in addition to their employees sponsoring multiple families for Christmas.

Pictured Left to Right: John Luttmer, Informz HR Manager; Alicia Deering, eMarketing Advisor; and Franklin Community Center’s Jaime Williams, Deputy Director.

New Country Toyota Donates Second Van to VetHelp CHLOE

JACOB

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

Pictured: Bob McKenna and Terry Clare The donation of the 2006 Toyota Sienna Van from New Country Toyota is the second Toyota Van that New Country has provided for Vet Help’s veterans. This van has meant the world to Vet Help and our veterans! From something small like a trip to the store or piling in for a trip to the Stratton VA Medical Center, the van has provided the organization the ability to do both individual and group transport. Bob McKenna and his staff at New Country Toyota are great supporters of the veteran community. Terry Clare said, “I have told Bob many times that if we didn’t have the van, the veterans would not have access to medical attention and other much needed services.”

Week of Decemeber 14 - December 20, 2012

OBITUARIES Jane A. Mihalek

John J. Finerty SARATOGA SPRINGS – John J. Finerty, 92 years old, of Saratoga Springs passed away Thursday, December 6.

Born on June 13, 1920 in Kingston, he was the son of the late James and Elsie Borgwardt Finerty. A US Army Air Corps veteran, served during World War II, from 1942 to 1945 as a navigator over Germany aboard B-17s. Mr. Finerty was also a veteran of the Korean War. He was married to the former Mary Herring in September, 1945. In addition to his wife, survivors include five children;

11

GREENFIELD CENTER – Jane A. Mihalek passed away Monday, December 10, at the home of her son, with him by her side.

Born on June 25, 1925 in the Town of Saratoga, she was the daughter of the late Florence and Joseph Schultz. Jean, as she was known to all, was married to the late Frank J. Mihalek in 1947.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is predeceased by her siblings, John Schultz, Jay Schultz, Ann Richmond, Thelma Little, Betty Latham, Helen Green, and Ruth Bardwell and her grandson Joseph “Joey” Mihalek II. Survivors include her two sons, Joseph F. (Michelle)

John (Carol) of Alexandria, VA, Donald (Patricia) of Las Vegas, NV, Emily (Gary) of Holley, NY, Michael (Andrea) of Poultney VT and Mary (William) of Ballston Spa, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Graveside services with military honors were held on Tuesday, December 11 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in his name to any area Community Hospice or to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Mihalek and Frank E. Mihalek; her loving grandchildren, Mandee (Travis) Dearborn, Kirkland and John and her greatgrandchildren, Aiden and Connor, all of whom will miss her greatly. She is also survived by her siblings, Rita Clark and Robert Schultz as well as many nieces and nephews.

At Jean’s request, there will be no public calling hours.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, December 12.

Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Clement’s School, 231 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Robert F. Hummel SARATOGA SPRINGS – Robert F. Hummel went home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 7. He was 67.

Born on May 21, 1945 in Brooklyn, he was the son of the late Robert and Adele Hummel.

Survivors include two brothers, David J. Hummel of Corinth and Mark C. (Sue) Hummel of Charlotte, NC; five sisters, Janet Hayes of Saratoga Springs, Adele Falardeau of Virginia Beach, VA, Lorraine (Ron) Robinson of Ballston Lake, Marguerite (Jeff)

Lajeunesse of Clifton Park, Anne Petruzzelli of Saratoga Springs; many nieces, nephews and cousins and his faithful Wymie “Blue.”

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 12 and burial was in the family plot at Maplewood Cemetery.

Donations may be made in his memory to Mary’s Haven, 35 New St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Beverly “Bev” (Drake) Huntington SARATOGA SPRINGS – Beverly “Bev” (Drake) Huntington, formerly of Saratoga Springs, passed away Friday, December 7 at Naples Community Hospital following a short illness. She was 80.

Born on February 21, 1932 in Saratoga Springs, she was the daughter of the late Frank

and Doris (Martin) Drake. A graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, she was the widow of Peter “Pete” Huntington.

Services were held on Wednesday, December 12 in Bonita Springs, Florida and burial will be conducted at a later date in New York.

Pictured, from left to right, are Mark Phillips, chairman, Thomas Klotz, Exalted Ruler, and Janet Bennett, Chaplain.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – On Sunday, December 2, Saratoga – Wilton Elks Lodge #161 held a memorial service for brothers who had passed away in 2011.

The service was under the direction of Chairman Mark T. Phillips and Exalted Ruler Thomas Klotz. During the service, nine separate eulogists spoke in remembrance of the members and their contributions to the Lodge, the community and their families. As each

eulogist approached the podium, they placed a red rose on the chair of the missing brother and upon return, placed a lit candle in honor of them. A bag pipe solo was also part of the service.

“It was a very beautiful ceremony,” said Brother Robert C. Lindahl, public relations spokesperson.

Family members and close friends of the departed brothers attended the ceremony.

The nine absent brothers and their eulogists were Benjamin E.

Nickleson, Jr. – Mark T. Phillips; Joseph P. Tarantino, Jr. – Thomas Boehlert, Past Exalted Ruler (PER); George Spieldenner – Michael Cummings, PER; Willis B. White, Jr. – Kenneth Tubbs, PER; Marion J. “Rod” Rodriquez – Patrick Mansfield, PER; Dr. Russell B. Peacock – Thomas Curley, PER; Raymond A. Waldron – Vaughn Woodworth, PER; Edmund F. Wojcicki, Jr. – Rolland Hoag; and Alfred J. Scavuzzo – Charles Fricano.

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

12

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

by Trina Lucas for Saratoga TODAY

House Party The Eastside was ablaze with holiday color on Friday, December 7, when the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation held its 23rd annual Candlelight House Tour, showcasing homes in the Marion Place/Court Street neighborhood. Eight historic residences opened to ticketholders at 5 p.m., and volunteers greeted 400 tour supporters over the next three hours, providing respite from the damp evening.

This year’s generous homeowners included Lisa Bates, Anna and Robert DeMarco, Shannon and Dave Hungerford, Mara King, Beth and Paul Milton, Vince Pelliccia and Carol Cooney, Dr. Susan Sharp and Dr. John Koella and Chelsea and Joshua Silver.

Chelsea also served as co-chair of the event with her mom, Charlene Courtney.

The pair own Silverwood Home & Gallery, the elegant and eclectic décor boutique located on the corner of Caroline and Putnam Streets.

Post-tour festivities took place at the Union Gables Bed & Breakfast, and despite the weather, many attendees ventured around the corner to Union Avenue for the sold-out ‘after party.’ Warming near the parlor fireplace were Christine and Tom Sands, Anne Trainor and Mark Gelber. Others like Joan Walter, Doug Kerr, Cheryl Gold and Deborah Johnson toasted the holidays near the bar while noshing on light fare provided by local restaurants. Ken Grey chatted with Sue HensleyCushing and Kevin Cushing, revisiting the homes and critiquing the character of each. When asked, Hensley-Cushing was quick to name her favorite, the MitchellNichols Building.

In addition to participating in the traditional 50/50 raffle, party guests could bid on unique silent

Rita Forbush, Carol Godette and Diane Crookes

auction items. Included were a oneof-a-kind Raku piece by Jill Fishon-Kovachick, several original photographs, and a beautiful scarf hand-knit by board secretary Linda Harvey-Opiteck. Also getting high marks were numerous overnights, tickets for performances at Glimmerglass and SPAC, and a box at the Saratoga Racecourse.

Rita Forbush, Susan Brooks and Diane Crookes shopped the room, checking their bids frequently.

Displayed on the sweeping front porch were stunning wreaths and arrangements for auction, from local florists that had provided holiday decorations for the tour.

Magical creations were designed

by Balet Flowers, Dehn’s Flowers, Hidden Gardens, Jan’s Florist Shop & Gifts, Posie Peddler, Price Chopper, Rena’s Fine Flowers and Sunnyside Gardens.

Naturally, traditions are important to the Preservation Foundation, so Mike Fitzgerald of Saratoga Sweets played a big role in the tour, donating a Peppermint Pig for every home. The ‘hidden’ pigs created a scavenger hunt of sorts, and those who spotted all eight were entered in a drawing for Fitzgerald’s generous sampler basket.

The event was an incredible success, raising significant funds for

the Foundation’s ongoing educational programs and advocacy efforts to preserve the architectural, landscaped and cultural heritage of Saratoga Springs. The post-party celebration continued well into the night, proving once again that though the weather outside may be frightful, with friends, food and fun, the holidays are so delightful.

Pictured right: Ken Grey, Sue HensleyCushing and Kevin Cushing Pictured below: Anne Trainor and Mark Gelber

13

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

Peggy Lynch, Ken Baer, Cassandra Lyons and Anthony Maney

Explore the Night Saratoga Arts welcomed supporters to Longfellow’s Restaurant on Tuesday, December 4, for a special soiree honoring the first recipient of their Community Arts Leadership Award. More than 150 friends gathered to toast Marie Glotzbach, founder of SaratogaArtsFest.

The fundraiser kicked off at 5:30 p.m. with conversation, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Event chairs Christianne Smith and David Howson mixed, mingled, and thanked guests for attending. Steve Sullivan’s outstanding service team set up stations early on, and tempting aromas quickly filled the courtyard. Among those enjoying the specialty entrées were board members Jenny Mirling, Louis Hotchkiss, Nedra Stimpfle, Robert Coughlin and Carrie Woerner, with Anne Palamountain, Bob Kimmerle, Dee Sarno and Skidmore president Phil Glotzbach.

Complementing the food and cheer, blues band Collette & the Mudcats entertained the crowd, beckoning to those who weren’t busy bidding on the silent auction.

Packages there included overnight escapes at The London NYC, the Woodstock Inn & Resort, the Boca Raton Resort & Club, The Essex (Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa) and the Holiday Inn Saratoga. A golf outing at Saratoga National, Proctor’s Theater tickets and dinner gift certificates added to the bidding excitement.

Shortly after 7 p.m., Kathleen Fyfe, chair of the Saratoga Arts

Board, gave the band a break to express her appreciation to the crowd. She introduced executive director Joel Reed, who spotlighted the night’s honoree.

“In creating the Community Arts Leadership Award, the board of Saratoga Arts wanted to recognize the work, vision, and talent required to enhance arts access for all,” Reed said. He noted that the award was established to recognize an individual who has demonstrated the ability to “mobilize arts organizations, artists, arts patrons and volunteers, and through all that work create a stronger Saratoga.”

Reed emphasized Marie Glotzbach’s leadership in launching and guiding Saratoga Reads, a program based on community-wide reading of a single book, now in its ninth year. And, of course, he lauded her founding of SaratogaArtsFest, the four-day, citywide celebration that will mark its seventh year in June 2013.

board members Tim Collins, Darryl Leggieri, Chuck Breiner, James Gold and Emily Farnham Mastrianni. Also seen supporting the arts were Josey Kakaty, Cassandra Lyons, Anthony Maney, Peggy Lynch, Beth Payer and Ken Baer.

The soiree was an outstanding success for Saratoga Arts, thanks to generous donors and event underwriters like Flanigan, Donna Gagnon, Allerdice Rent-all and Designsmith Studio. The organization is now busy planning its next celebration, First Night Saratoga. For more information about the New Year’s Eve revelry, visit saratoga-arts.org/firstnight.

Susan Brooks and Linda Harvey-Opiteck

Accepting the inaugural award, Glotzbach stated, “I stand here on behalf of the many volunteers and inspirational leaders with whom I have had the privilege of working.

‘It takes a village’—and I am just a small part of that backdrop. None of us would be able to advance arts in Saratoga without each other.”

The fun continued after her brief remarks as attendees indulged in a chocolate fountain, with fruit and treats for dipping. Spotted with a sweet tooth were Brendan Flanigan, who designed and donated the unique centerpieces that evening, Judy and Doug Smith, Morris and Joanne Todd, and

Saratoga Arts Executive Director, Joel Reed, and Board President Kathleen Fyfe, with honoree Marie Glotzbach (middle)

Christine and Tom Sands

14

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

Sudoku Level: 1

2

3

4

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

See puzzle solution on page 29

12/11/12

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

Scrabblegram

Movie Review Lincoln

See puzzle solution on page 29

PUZZLES PUZZLES PUZZLES Crossword

ACROSS 1 *Century maker 6 Berlin beef?

9 They may be lost or frozen 14 Ishikari Bay city 15 Before, before 16 How holes are rarely made?

17 Red Square honoree 18 Title in a Shakespeare title 20 Chair part 21 Karmann __: classic VW 23 *Name of eight English kings 24 [As written] 25 *Engenders 27 Pageboys et al.

28 Down Under runners 30 Banks of Chicago 32 Suffragist Julia Ward __ 34 Michigan, to Mitterand 36 Tippler 40 Hindu teacher 42 Sajak sale 43 Arab League founding member 44 Carpentry joint component 45 History 47 Many presidential periods 48 Joined a jam 50 Business opening 52 Kentucky Colonels' org.

55 *To whom Hamlet said, "O, I die" 57 Glove box item 60 *Certain psychic 62 Comes together 63 One-time link 64 Seeing red?

66 Hues 68 Sombrero wearer 69 Sombrero, e.g.

70 Mark Twain, for one 71 Emotionless 72 Poehler of "Parks and Recreation" 73 Reason to wear shades (and a word for which you have to 7-Down to find a word, different in each case, that can follow a starred answer) DOWN 1 Hurled weapons 2 Development sites 3 "Atonement" author 4 Champagne shout

You make it your mission to rid your nation of its most shameful human rights violation. While fighting a war to achieve that goal, you’re simultaneously trying to pass legislation in furtherance of that goal. What if you fail?

Abraham Lincoln (played by Daniel Day-Lewis) has brought the south to the edge of defeat in The Civil War but has yet to pass the thirteenth amendment, which will outlaw slavery and involuntary servitude. He feels that he can’t end the war without first passing the amendment. His cabinet, in contrast, feels they will not be able to pass the amendment if they are not trying to end the war. His Secretary of State, William Seward (played

by David Strathairn) tells him that peace and the amendment are mutually exclusive.

Debates among congressmen rage on the floor on a constant basis with arguments in favor of abolition being voiced by Republican congressman Thaddeus Stevens (played by Tommy Lee Jones) and arguments opposing abolition coming from Fernando Wood (played by Lee Pace) and George H. Pendleton (played by Peter McRobbie). Behind the scenes, operative William N. Bilbo (played by James Spader) is constructing backroom, and in some cases backwoods, deals that will ensure anyone who may vote for the amendment will and anyone who won’t will abstain. As far as any struggles Abraham Lincoln is dealing with in his home life, his son, Robert Todd Lincoln (portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Leavitt), has abandoned studies at Harvard to join the Union army. His mother, First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln (portrayed by Sally Field) is foursquare against the idea of her son going to war, as she is still dealing with the loss of two sons. Edward Baker Lincoln who died in 1850 and William Wallace Lincoln who succumbed to typhoid fever one year prior to the Emancipation Proclamation.

At The Movies With Trey Roohan

Gasoline Alley

“Your children need your presence more than your presents.”

Jesse Louis Jackson

Words to know: quantum: n. A specified amount.

See puzzle solutions on page 29

5 Panda's skill, in a 2008 film 6 Auspices 7 See 73-Across 8 Egg source 9 Carefree quality 10 From the top 11 Snap 12 Janvier, across the Pyrenees 13 Elates 19 Seagull relative 22 It often winds up in a yard 26 Some Deco works 29 Office joggers 31 Alpine peak 32 '40s-'50s D.C. initials 33 Have a mortgage 35 South American forest dweller

37 What might involve reminiscing about old flames?

38 Place to chill out 39 TDs may end them 41 Dashing, maybe 46 Follow 49 Hefty volume 51 Attend alone 52 Screwy 53 "John Brown's Body" poet 54 Hersey's "A Bell for __" 56 Irritable 58 Rose oil 59 Outmoded 61 Pitching wedge, e.g.

65 "Now I get it!"

67 Not well

I cannot overstate how much I enjoyed this movie. Some actors simply play themselves while answering to different names and others disappear into a role. Where Bruce Willis is the former, Daniel Day-Lewis is most definitely the latter.

Makeup or no, this is not an actor’s portrayal of Abraham Lincoln, this is a brilliant man transforming himself into the most courageous politician this country’s ever known. Likewise, Tommy Lee Jones as Thaddeus Stevens, a man even more devoted to the cause of abolishing slavery but far less concerned with matters such as tact and courtesy steals every scene he is in.

There is no justification for foregoing this movie for this long but, if you haven’t seen it yet, you should. It is brilliant. (9.1/10) For comments and questions, contact me at movies@roohanrealty.com.

Broom Hilda

Animal Crackers

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

15

16

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

Your Local Holiday Gift Guide

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

17

18

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

Ballston Spa Education Foundation Presents Fall 2012 Grant Awards

photo provided

BALLSTON SPA - The Ballston Spa Education Foundation (BSEF) presented its Fall 2012 grant awards to educators in the Ballston Spa School District at the December 5 Board of Education meeting, held at the Ballston Spa High School library.

The grant awards, which totaled over $8,000, included funds for an anti-bullying film production at Malta Avenue Elementary School, technology for a Control Area Network (CAN) and SMART

slates, both for Ballston Spa High School, reusable atomic models and K'Nex Renewable Energy kits for Ballston Spa Middle School and supplemental non-fiction books for Wood Road Elementary School's library collection. The latter grant was funded in part by the Cornelia Mahar Trust for Elementary Literacy.

With these latest grant awards, the BSEF has, since its inception in 1996, funded over $280,000 in enrichment grants to the school district.

Saratoga Reads Announces Selected Books for Young Readers SARATOGA SPRINGS Saratoga Reads has announced its choice of a junior discussion book and a list of eight other titles for young readers, selected to complement the program’s designated book for this year—Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup—a harrowing account from the pre–Civil War era of the author’s abduction into slavery and long struggle to regain freedom.

The list of “companion books,” designed to appeal to a wide of range of age groups, includes picture books for beginning readers through titles for young teens. This year’s list focuses on slavery in the U.S. and related issues such as the abolitionist movement, the Underground Railroad, and the legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Some of the books depict daring escapes from slavery, both fictional and nonfictional.

For the full list of companion titles, go to www.SaratogaReads.org.

EDUCATION

Ballston Spa Board of Education Names New Elementary School BALLSTON SPA - The Ballston Spa Central School District Board of Education recently selected the name for the district’s newest elementary school, set for completion this coming summer. The students at the current Milton Terrace South Elementary School had completed a selection process for choosing a new name for the school that they will occupy in the fall of 2013 and presented their rankings to the Board for consideration. The Milton Terrace South Elementary School Student Council representatives led the selection process and presented the names to the Board of Education at their December 5 meeting. The Board of Education members voted for their choice and the name “Gordon Creek Elementary School” was unanimously decided to be the name of Ballston Spa’s newest school. Construction of the new school continues to be completed on time as the majority of the work has moved to the interior of the building. The current Milton Terrace South Elementary School is scheduled to move into the building at the end of the school year. The current Malta Avenue Elementary School will then occupy the vacated space during renovations in their building, scheduled to begin during the summer of 2013. Please visit the facilities pages on the district website at www.bscsd.org for updates and to view a live “video cam” of the construction process.

19

New Saratoga Springs High School Club Collecting iPods for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients SARATOGA SPRINGS Students at Saratoga Springs High School hope to share the gift of music with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients at Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs by donating iPods that will be loaded with music evoking memories of younger, happier days.

Junior Emma Hyatt, founder of the school’s new Generation Outreach Club, along with club adviser and social studies teacher Tim O’Brien and other club members, are seeking donations that

will equip 100 Wesley patients with iPods. Donations of both new and used iPods, as well as monetary contributions, are requested.

The iPod program was prompted by Music & Memory, a nonprofit organization which helps Alzheimer’s and dementia patients reconnect with the world through memories that are triggered by familiar music. Since the program began in 2008, it has been implemented in more than 60 facilities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Ballston Spa Facilities Improvement Referendum Approved By Voters BALLSTON SPA - Ballston Spa School district voters passed the budget proposal 69 percent to 31 percent. The plan includes significant renovations and mechanical work at the Wood Road Elementary School and needed renovations and improvements to athletic facilities, including the pool, the track and

the tennis courts. The bond referendum of $8.9 million includes a scope of work that maximizes state aid and has a projected net tax impact (on the average home assessed at $220,000) of an estimated average of $3.35 per year starting in 2016. Additional information is at www.bscsd.org.

20

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

classified TODAY’s

M A R K E T P L A C E

Call (518) 581-2480 x204

Publication day Friday

Ad Copy Due Wednesday 12:00 p.m.

MISCELLANEOUS

Space Reservation Due Monday 5:00 p.m.

FOR RENT

It’s where

YOU

NEED to be.

APARTMENT FOR RENT 584-6407 1 bdrm apt.. Avail. Now. 1 yr. lease.

Sec. Deposit, no pets & smoking.

Heat included. Close to Northway exit, close to both tracks. Off st.. parking avail.

*Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice, *Hospitality, Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified.

SCHEV Authorized.

Call 888-201-8657 www.CenturaOnline.com

from only $3997.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship.

FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N

.com

SARATOGA $750-

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE FROM HOME:

SAWMILLS-

@

classified saratoga publishing

REAL ESTATE ONEONTA, NY AREA-

WANTED BUYING/SELLING: gold, gold coins, sterling silver, silver coins, diamonds, fine watches (Rolex, Cartier, Patek, Phillippe), paintings, furs, estates. Call for appointment 917-696-2024 JAY WANTEDWill Pay up to $15.00 for High School Yearbooks 19002012.

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

FOR RENT WILTON MCGREGOR VILLAGE APARTMENTS. 2 bdrm, 1 bath. Cats only.

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

518-886-8013

2,600 sq ft Farm house 5 BR, 2 Baths on 5 acres. Views 1,120' Elevation $109,000 Owner financing. More Land available www.helderbergrealty.com CALL: 518-861-6541

LAND and FARMS WANTEDSerious cash buyer seeks investment property, 200 acres and up, with or without mineral rights.

Brokers welcome. For immediate confidential response, call 607-563-8875 ext.13 or e-mail alan@newyorklandandlakes.com.

HOLIDAY DECORATING

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

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

Expenses paid. Private. Legal.

Call Jenny 1-866-751-3377

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

21

TO PLACE YOUR RECRUITMENT ADS, CALL CINDY DURFEY AT 518-581-2480 X 204 CDURFEY@SARATOGAPUBLISHING.COM

LOOK HERE FOR YOUR NEXT CAREER!

PSYCHOLOGIST $5,000 Relocation Seeking Psychologist for a prominent human services agency that supports people with developmental disabilities in the Catskill Mountain region. Become expert in our proactive philosophy and positive approach, assist in the development and monitoring of positive, proactive plans, and train and support staff in areas of teaching and behaviorism. Learn more at www.delarc.org Qualifications include Ph.D. in Psychology, licensed to practice in NYS, and valid Driver’s license; experience with people w/ disabilities preferred. Send resume to: The Arc of Delaware County, 34570 State Highway 10, Walton, NY 13856 or e-mail delarc@delarc.org.

AIRLINES ARE HIRING – Train for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified -Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-296-7093

DRIVER – Driver- $0.03 enhanced quarterly bonus. Get paid for any portion you qualify for: safety, production, MPG. CDL-A, 3 months current OTR exp. 800-414-9569 www.driveknight.com

DRIVER – Owner Operators CDL with 1-year driving experience. Home every other day. Competitive milege pay.

Dedicated runs, recession-proof freight. Contact Jennifer for information: 866-242-4974

22

PULSE

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

Don’t Miss

Local Gigs

Thirteen Feet of Blue Grass

Week of 12/14-12/20:

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

Friday, 12/14:

Saturday, 12/15:

Dave Fisk Quartet, 8 pm

Wholesale Klezmer Band, 8 pm

@ 9 Maple Ave - 583.2582

@ caffè lena - 583.0022

Party Boat, 7 pm

Rich Ortiz, 9 pm

@ bailey’s - 583.6060

@ gaffney’s - 587.7359

Frankie Lessard Trio, 8 pm

The Dude Abides, 9 pm

@ bentley’s - 899.4300

@ irish times - 583.0003

Headroom, 10 pm

Off the Hook, 10:30 pm

@ bayou cafe - 384.7226

@ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

Grainbelt, 8 pm

Just Nate, 9 pm

@ caffè lena - 583.0022

@ the mill - 899.5253

Justin Joyner, 7 pm

DJ Playground, 9 pm

@ druther’s - 306.5275

@ vapor - 792.8282

The Blackouts, 9 pm

Out of the Box, 8 pm

@ gaffney’s - 587.7359

@ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

Jimmy Kelly, 9 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

Sunday, 12/16:

Kings of Stupid Mt., 5:30 pm

Thirteen Feet of Bluegrass. 7 pm

@ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

[to be determined], 10:30 pm

@ caffè lena - 583.0022

@ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

Thursday, 12/20:

Dan Sherwin, 9 pm

Wechgelear & Larry, 9 pm

@ the mill - 899.5253

Triskele X-mas Show, 9 pm @ the parting glass - 583.1916

Rich Ortiz, 9 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

@ gaffney’s - 587.7359

Harmonic Duo, 8 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

A3, 8 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

The Refrigerators, 9 pm @ vapor - 792.8282

Saturday, 12/15: Rob Lindquist Group, 8 pm @ 9 Maple Ave - 583.2582

Radio Junkies, 7 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

2096, 8 pm @ bayou cafe - 384.7226

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

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

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

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

Yellow Dog, 7 pm

Thur. Open Mic, 10 pm

@ bentley’s - 899.4300

@ circus café - 583.1106

LIVE at Caffe Lena, Sunday, December 16 at 7 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now at the Caffe Lena box office.

Adults are $14, and children under 13 are $7.

Photo courtesy of Facebook

PULSE

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

23

Upcoming Screenings from the Saratoga Film Forum The Saratoga Film Forum is closing 2012 with a schedule of diverse films ranging from an inside look at a fashion legend in “Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel” to the terrifying “Smashed,” about the damaged marriage of two alcoholics.

Films are screened at the Saratoga Arts Center, located at 320 Broadway, on Thursday and Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. and at 3 p.m. on Sundays (unless otherwise indicated). Refreshments are available. General admission is $7; $5 for Film Forum members and students.

“Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel,” December 14 and 16 For more than 50 years, the late Diana Vreeland (1903-1989), the “Empress of Fashion,” wielded power in the industry; she launched the career of iconic model Twiggy, advised socialite Jackie Kennedy Onassis and set unmistakable and inescapable trends. From her 25year reign as fashion editor of Harper’s Bazaar and then editor-inchief of Vogue before moving to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, the ambitious and unique Vreeland set the bar very high for fashionistas. “Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel” is a close-up view of a vibrant personality who left her distinctive imprimatur on fashion, beauty, publishing and culture. This documentary airs bits of television interviews with Dick Cavett, Diane Sawyer and Jane Pauley, and through them, celebrates the grande dame who embraced both high and low culture—she championed denim as heartily as she did silk chiffon.

“Her pure exuberance — not to mention a fierce work ethic — was contagious,” said The Denver Post.

The film features photos of her with a broad smile and an everpresent cigarette dangling from her polished red fingernails.

“Fanny and Alexander,”

Tuesday, December 18, and Wednesday, December 19, 7:30 p.m., Spring Street Classic Series, 110 Spring Street, Saratoga Springs. No charge.

(This film will be shown in two parts; this is not two separate showings.)

Said Rovi of this rarely screened, autobiographical film by Ingmar Bergman, “Bergman recreates several episodes from his youth, using as conduits the fictional Ekdahl family. Alexander, the director's alter ego, is first seen at age 10 at a joyous and informal Christmas gathering of relatives and servants.

Fanny is Alexander's sister; both suffer an emotional shakedown when their recently-widowed mother (Ewa Froling) marries a cold and distant minister. Stripped of their creature comforts and relaxed family atmosphere, Fanny and Alexander suddenly find their childhood unendurable. The kids' grandmother (Gunn Wallgren) ‘kidnaps’ Fanny and Alexander for the purpose of showering them with the first kindness and affection that they've had since their father's death. This ‘purge’ of the darker elements of Fanny and Alexander's existence is accomplished at the unintentional (but laudable) cost of the hated stepfather's life.”

Oscars went to “Fanny and Alexander” for Best Foreign Film, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design and Best Art Direction/Set Decoration.

This is the five-hour director’s cut.

“Simon & the Oaks,” (Simon och ekarna) December 20, 21 and 23 (in Swedish with English subtitles) Based on Marianne Fredriksson’s bestseller of the same name, this sprawling wartime drama portrays how fundamental human connections and impulses can transcend social class, religion, age, national origin and current events. In this lush and handsome-

ly crafted film, two boys – one a gifted child from a working-class Swedish family and one the more privileged son of Jewish immigrants who escaped the Nazis – bridge and intertwine families and generations in a small domestic world they inhabit away from – but surrounded by – war, as the boys find richness in each other’s families’ uniqueness. “‘Simon and the Oaks’ branches out in ways unusual and interesting enough to hold your attention and then even shake it a bit,” said The Detroit News.

“Simon & the Oaks” received a record 13 nominations for the 2012 Sweden’s Guldbagge Awards (the equivalent of the Oscars), including for best picture, best director, best actress and best cinematography.

“Smashed,” December 27, 28 and 30 The marriage of two alcoholics, Kate and Charlie, has them out of control both as individuals and as a couple. But when one decides to stop the downward spiral to save her job and her life, sobriety presents a whole new set of problems, such as how to deal with her marriage and her mother. The fleshand-blood characters draw a story that is compassionate without being melodramatic, and is a thoroughly gripping 82 minutes that transcends the stereotype of the addiction movie.

“The movie offers a no-frills look at the struggle of sobriety that emphasizes the challenges of the fraught decision to literally change your life,” said amNewYork. “The movie conveys the fundamental truth that some victories don't always feel so victorious.” In a departure from her big studio norm, Mary Elizabeth Winstead ("Live Free or Die Hard") plays 20-something Kate, whose marriage to Charlie (Aaron Paul) seems predicated on spending night after night getting wasted together. In the cold light of day,

though, Kate hates her inebriated self and sets out to find her way toward a healthier life. amNewYork concluded, “At the end of the day, ‘Smashed’ stands out because it regards Kate's struggle as less that of a broken woman becoming whole than as a painful break from the past.”

The Saratoga Film Forum is a

nonprofit arts organization dedicated to bringing a wide variety of quality films to downtown Saratoga Springs. Founded on principles of community involvement, the Film Forum pursues creative collaborations with other nonprofit and for-profit groups.

For more information, go to www.saratogafilmforum.org.

24

PULSE

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

Local Teens Create ‘Jingle Shelves’ Concert to Benefit Franklin Community Center

by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – Every holiday season, many people look for different ways that they can give back to their communities. This year, several ambitious teens of three bands have collaborated by putting together a concert that will benefit the Franklin Community Center (FCC) in their efforts to give back to those less fortunate this winter.

The show will feature local bands VONTUS, The Dependents and singer/songwriter Bridgette Guerrette. The idea for the benefit was arranged with the help of Michael Brooks, booking agent/father of two VONTUS band members, and Matt McCabe of Saratoga Guitar, who came up with the idea to benefit the FCC by having attendees bring canned goods to gain entry rather than money for tickets.

“I was involved in a project with FCC last fall, and it’s a nice organization in the middle of town—it’s one of those unspo-

ken, quiet hero nonprofits in how it works in the community,” McCabe said. “[Mike] wanted to do something to benefit an organization, so it was a real easy call for us.”

“Each artist in this show has been blessed with some pretty early success, and we get to do something we all love to do,” said Jake Brooks, lead singer and bassist for VONTUS. “We’ve had amazing support from our parents and our community and we thought this would be a fun way to give back.”

Bo Goliber, coordinator of development and volunteers at the FCC, said she thinks these teenagers should be applauded for their efforts to help out their community.

“I think high school kids don’t always get the recognition they deserve for wanting to do good,” Goliber said. “We so often hear negative things about teenagers these days, but I think it’s awesome that these groups of kids are real bands and a real business, selling concert tickets and participating in Battle of the Bands—I

think it’s awesome.”

“People who have heard [these bands] realize they are competing with real acts, and all these acts are at the top of their game and serious talent,” said two VONTUS members’ father, Mike Brooks. “And we love it because we are watching them doing what they love, and not sitting at home playing PlayStation.”

McCabe said people of all ages can come out to see the show, which will mix Christmas music with rock and roll, at Saratoga Music Hall.

“They’re great kids that are very talented, and it’s nice to have a facility that kids can go to without worrying about the bar scene,” McCabe said. “Parents take part with the kids and it’s nice to see them with the kids and enjoying each other’s company and the bands.”

Saratoga Guitar will be on hand at the concert to give away a free guitar to the winner of a drawing that will take place at the show, and local radio station 100.3 The Point will have a van outside where attendees can bring their non-perishable food items.

“Our goal is to fill the van full with food,” McCabe said. “You can bring one can or a whole grocery bag full, and before you walk in you can go to the van and drop in your food and they’ll stamp your hand, so you get access to show that way.”

Goliber said the FCC is grateful for the community’s efforts to provide canned goods in a time when the pantry is running low on food.

“We just want people to know how thankful we are for the continued support we are getting from our community,” she said.

The concert will take place at Saratoga Music Hall (474 Broadway, above City Hall) December 14 from 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Bring one or more non-perishable food items to gain entry to the show.

Opening Act: The Dependents, won third place at SPAC’s Battle of the Bands. Band Members: Jocelyn Arndt, 17, lead singer, keyboardist and is a senior; Evan Searles, 15, drums, freshman; Chris Arndt, lead guitar, vocals, junior. All are students at Fort Plain High School. Valerie Hoffman is 16, plays bass and is a junior at Canajoharie High School.

Second Act: 17-year-old Singer/Songwriter, Bridgette Guerrette, of Latham who is a senior at Shaker High School.

Third Act: Vontus, won second place at SPAC’s Battle of the Bands. Band Members: Jake Brooks, 17, bassist, lead singer, and junior at Saratoga Springs High School; Johnny Gravitt, 15, lead guitarist and Josh Morris, 15, drums and vocals, both of whom are freshmen at Queensbury Union Free High School. Joining VONTUS, as they do for bigger shows, is a very talented horn section called The UniqHORNS: featuring Mike Parish, 17, Saxophone; Adam Marino, 15, trumpet; and Charlie McCabe, 17, on trombone – all of whom attend Saratoga Springs High School.

PULSE

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

All-New Production of ‘A Chorus Line’ Arrives at Proctors Theatre

25

Caffè Lena Presents Musical by Director, Screenwriter Joss Whedon

photo provided photo provided

SCHENECTADY - “A CHORUS LINE,” the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line is back on tour with an all-new production. “A CHORUS LINE” plays at Proctors in Schenectady from December 14 through December 16.

The original production of “A CHORUS LINE” opened at the Public Theater’s Newman Theatre on May 21, 1975 and transferred to Broadway’s Shubert Theatre on July 25, opening there on October 19 of that year. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, nine Tony Awards—including Best Musical, Score and Book—and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award.

It ran for nearly 15 years, closing on April 28, 1990 after 6,137 performances. On September 29, 1983, “A CHORUS LINE” became the longest-running American musical in Broadway history and held this title for 28 years from 1983 to 2011 (when it was surpassed by Chicago).

In 2006, “A CHORUS LINE”

reclaimed its place in the heart of Broadway at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre where it opened to rave reviews on October 5, 2006. Elysa Gardner of USA Today called it “Exhilarating and endearing, it still has a freshness and fervency too seldom seen in contemporary musicals,” while The New York Daily News exclaimed “There’s nothing better! The show thrills from the opening number to the glittering finale,” and Jeffrey Lyons of WNBC TV hailed it “an American Masterpiece. “ This all-new production will be directed and restaged by Baayork Lee, and will play at Proctors from Friday, December 14 through Sunday, December 16.

Tickets to “A CHORUS LINE” at Proctors are $20, $35, $50, $55 & $65 and are on sale at Proctors Box Office, 432 State Street in Schenectady, online at proctors.org or by phone (518) 346-6204. Group orders for 20 tickets or more may be placed by calling (518)3823884, x 139.

The show has Mature Content.

The running time is 118 minutes with no intermission, and YMCA Parents Time Out will be available.

Proctors in Downtown Schenectady offers more than 1,700 events a year to close to 600,000 visitors and residents of New York State’s Capital Region.

As a charitable, cultural and educational non-profit organization, Proctors depends on membership, donations and grants to bring exciting shows and excellent educational and community events to the Capital Region. Income from ticket sales pays for only 67 percent of the cost of running Proctors.

SARATOGA SPRINGS “Doctor Horrible’s Sing-a-long Blog: A Musical” is the hilarious story of an aspiring super villain, a not-so-heroic superhero, and a beautiful girl.

Dr. Horrible is your typical, underachieving, wannabe super villain. As a nerdy guy with a few cool gadgets, he knows he’ll have to step it up if he wants to impress Bad Horse, Thoroughbred of Sin, and gain entry into the exclusive Evil League of Evil.

Once he’s done that, maybe he’ll finally work up the guts to speak to his laundromat crush, Penny.

Enter Captain Hammer, preten-

tious Savior of the City, getting in the way of all the Doc’s evil plans.

When Hammer starts chatting up Doctor Horrible’s dream girl, Doctor Horrible knows - it’s now or never!

Will Dr. Horrible ever talk to Penny? Will he get into the Evil league of Evil? Come see the musical adventure in Caffè Lena's Black Box Theater to find out!

Showings will take place December 15 and 16 at 2 p.m. and December 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. in Caffè Lena’s Black Box Theater.

Tickets are available for purchase online for $10 at www.caffelena.org or at the door.

FOOD

26

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

Seasons Eatings! people worldwide. Secret family recipes that have been around for over 50 years are usually delivered nationwide to hand out. Holly wreaths were always my favorite Italian Christmas cookie to make with my mother. Using the old Italian cookie press with the star plate #2, my mother would use:

John Reardon Compliments to the Chef

Hello, my Foodie Friends!

I’m so sorry that I have neglected you! We here at Compliments to the Chef have been very busy and there has been no time to write.

Now, this is my fun time of year and it always has been since my childhood. Mom would be baking Italian cookies and pastries daily in December. They would go so fast that they didn’t have much time to cool. It was every kid for themselves! There were five cookie monsters running around the Reardon household. Yes, cooking and baking scents were a daily occurrence and the excitement kept building up for the day the man with the white beard stopped by to get his cookies and leave something for the sweet, angelic little Reardon kids!

Everyone knows that baking is part of the Christmas holiday.

Italian Christmas cookies are a wonderful gift for family and friends. There are many types of Italian Christmas cookies made by

Ingredients: 1 cup butter 6 oz. cream cheese ½ cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla, 2 cups sifted flour Creaming the butter and cheese first, she would gradually add the sugar, beat in vanilla, and gradually blend in the flour. They are baked on ungreased baking sheets at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes and should make about four dozen yummy holly wreaths.

I love hearing stories of my Italian relatives. Our family really values certain traditions derived from our Italian culture and heritage. Both Paula and my grandparents came over from Italy. We try to hand down our Italian heritage to our children. Although we do not speak the language, we do try to cook some of the dishes we have learned over the years. We absolutely adore Italian cookies.

Italian Tutu cookies are another part of Paula’s childhood memories of watching her mother and grand-

mother bake holiday cookies. The kitchen was filled with the wonderful aroma as tray after tray of cookies came out of the oven. Paula had to learn how to apply the sprinkles on the cookies and not overload them with sugar (which is obviously, the best part.) Today, looking at the handwritten notes, Paula tries to recreate the recipes she can taste in her memories. The Italian Tutu cookie has a distinct taste of a mix of chocolate, cloves, and walnuts.

They are not too sweet and are extra yummy dipped in espresso!

Tutu Cookies For the cookies: 1¼ lbs. unbleached flour ½ cup cocoa 3½ tablespoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped ½ cup milk 3 eggs, beaten 1½ cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup butter, room temperature

For the glaze: 1 tablespoon melted butter 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 1-2 tablespoons milk 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare two baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

2. Combine all the dry ingredients, except the walnuts, in a large bowl. Beat together the eggs, milk, sugar and butter until combined well. Add the wet ingredients to the dry. Use a wooden spoon to combine the ingredients, add in the walnuts. The dough will be very thick; knead the dough with your hands to combine, adding additional flour if too sticky.

3. Break off pieces of the dough and roll into small balls, the size of a walnut. Place on the parchment lined baking sheet about 1 inch

apart. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool on rack, and then glaze.

For the glaze: Combine all ingredients and mix well until smooth and thin. Add more milk to reach the desired consistency. Brush glaze over each cookie and return to rack to dry.

Makes about four dozen cookies.

Enjoy your family baking traditions! It is always important to include personal tradition that everyone can love. Creating simple traditions makes holiday memories priceless. You can almost guarantee that your family will continue the tradition for generations to come.

Happy Holiday Traditions! And remember: “Life Happens in the Kitchen” Take care, John and Paula Reardon

Mini Apple Pies—A Perfect “Finger Sweet” ‘Tis the season for friends and family to gather for merriment and festive times. These small morsels of flaky crust pockets filled with apple bites add a sweet touch to a table of finger foods. They are quick to prepare and can be made ahead to help you during the busy season of entertaining. Of course, sourcing fresh pie apples from the Saratoga Springs Farmers’ Market always will give the best flavor.

Ingredients: (Makes eight mini pies. Double or triple this recipe for larger gatherings.)

1 refrigerated pie pastry or homemade dough for one pie 2 medium apples 2 tsp. lemon juice

¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon ¼ tsp. ground ginger � tsp. nutmeg 2 tbsp. butter 1 egg, lightly beaten 1-2 tbsp. granulated sugar Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Make pie dough or take out prepared dough from refrigerator and let it warm to room temperature.

2. Peel, core and dice the apples.

Put apple chunks into a bowl and toss with lemon juice.

3. In a small bowl mix brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg together and pour over apple chunks, thoroughly coating the apples with the sugar mixture.

4. Roll pastry dough onto a solid flowered surface into a rectangle approximately 8x16 inches. Cut into eight four-inch squares.

5. Spoon two tablespoons of the

apple mixture onto the center of each pastry square. Top the filling with a dab of butter.

6. Brush edges of the dough squares with the beaten egg.

Fold the corners of the dough over the apple filling so the corners meet; pinch to seal closed.

Place the filled apple squares on an ungreased baking sheet.

7. Brush the squares with the remaining beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake approximately 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm, or cool on a wire rack for later use.

Hints: Don’t overfill. If you have more filling than squares, save to use as a topping for Argyle Cheese Factory yogurt or Battenkill Valley Creamery ice cream; or top the excess apples with Homestead Artisans crème frâiche.

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

L A C LO iefs br

All You Can Eat Dinner The Principessa Elena Society will host their monthly All You Can Eat Dinner on Friday, December 21, 5–7 p.m. at 13 Oak Street, Saratoga Springs. Cost for seniors is $8, adults - $9, children five to 12 - $5, and children under five are free. All take out dinners are $10. For more information, call (518) 584-4163.

Benefit to Help Local Make-A-Wish On Friday, December 14, CL Events presents “New York, New York,” a high energy event held from 8 p.m.to midnight, at the Paddock Lounge on Caroline Street in Saratoga Springs, with proceeds to benefit Make-A-Wish Northeast New York. The event will include a runway fashion presentation by 5th Ave Gowns out of NYC, a live DJ, free food, drink specials, 50/50 drawing, giveaways, auction and more. For more information or to make reservations, call (518) 514-8490 or email caseylaneevents@yahoo.com.

Operation Adopt a Soldier Dinner/Dance Operation Adopt a Soldier will be holding their 10th Anniversary Dinner/Dance on February 23, at Saratoga Holiday Inn. It will start at

4 p.m. and go to 10 p.m.

Please come and join us for a time of fun and reflection of 10 years of serving our military services. A donation of $10 is requested per person. If you would like to come and enjoy please contact me at (518) 587-8010 or Terri at (518) 232-4526 for more information.

Please sign up early because there are only 200 seats.

Chocolate Letters Still Available The Dutch Tradition of St. Nicolaas Chocolate Letters is still available through Christmas. The first initial of the person’s first name can be ordered in milk, dark or sugarless chocolate by calling Schuyler Sweets at (518) 695-4171 or emailing rstickle@schuylersweets.co m Part of the proceeds from this sale support Schuylerville Area Chamber’s St Nicolaas Festival.

Make your own Christmas tree Make your own ceramic Christmas tree in the Adult & Senior Center’s Ceramic Class. The traditional style tree is 13” tall with a base, colored lights and a star on top. After cleaning the green ware tree, it is kiln-fired and ready to glaze and decorate.

The ceramic class meets every Wednesday from Noon–2 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to Noon.

Expect to attend about 3–4 classes to complete the project. Members pay a onetime fee of $35 and nonmembers pay $50. Fee

includes tree, two firings, glazes, bulbs, light kit and instruction. Sign-up is required so trees can be ordered in time for the holidays. Call (518) 584-1621 for more information.

Food Addicts in Recovery Meetings Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat? Are you over weight or underweight, obsessed with food, weight, or dieting?

You are not alone – there is a solution. Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) has a weekly meeting at the United Methodist Church in the Adkins Room. They meet on Mondays and there are no dues, fees or weighins. For more information, call John at (518) 605-3090 or Helena at (518) 5848190 or visit the website at www.foodaddicts.org.

First Night Saratoga 5K Run The 15th annual First Night Saratoga 5K Run, presented by Saratoga Arts, will be held on Monday, December 31, at 5:30 p.m.

The race is limited to 1,500 registrants. Awards are given to the top three male and female, plus age category awards. All finishers will receive a First Night commemorative medal.

Registration fee is $30.

Register online at www.saratoga-arts.org for further information, call (518) 584-4132.

Holidays Schedule for Crafters The Wednesday Crafters at Simpson UMC, 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City

27 Falls follows the Ballston Spa School District schedule and so will not meet on December 26 or on school closing days. Meetings will resume on Wednesday, January 9, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. All crafters and hobbyists are invited to bring their latest project and drop in any time. No ability level, attendance, or church affiliation required. Bring a bag lunch or partake our light refreshments. Stay an hour or the day, whatever works for your schedule.

Any questions please contact Laura at (518) 8855286 or email her at lauraviolet@nycap.rr.com.

Zumba at Gavin Park Tired of the workout?

Looking for fun? Come join the Zumba party at Gavin Park. Zumba is a Latin inspired dance fitness program that features exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats which are easy to follow. Before you know it, you’re getting fit and your energy level is soaring.

Classes run for six weeks beginning with Mondays, 5:45–6:45 p.m.; and each Wednesday, 6:15–7:15 p.m.

Monday classes begin January 7; Wednesday classes begin January 9.

Sign up for one or sign up for both. Pre-registration is required, no “drop ins” allowed. Space is participants must be at least 15 years of age. Just stop down to Gavin Park, or visit online at www.townofwilton.com, Parks & Recreation Dept.

For additional information, contact (518) 584-9455.

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

upcoming town meetings Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org 12/19: Planning Board, 7:30 p.m.

12/27: Tentative Town Board, 7:30 p.m.

Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org 1/14: Village Board, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com 1/01: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:30 p.m.

1/08: Planning Board, 7:00 p.m.

1/10: Town Board, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 899-2818 www.malta-town.org 1/07: Town Board, 7 p.m.

1/15: Planning Board, 6:30 p.m.

Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org 12/19: Town Board, 7 p.m.

12/27: Zoning Board, 7 p.m.

City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org 12/17: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m.

12/18: City Council, 7 p.m.

Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org Town of Stillwater: 66 East St., Riverside Mechanicville, NY 12118 www.stillwaterny.org 12/20: Town Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com 12/17: Planning Board, 7:30 p.m.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors: 40 McMaster St, #1 Ballston Spa, NY 12020 (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov 12/18: Board of Supervisors, 4 p.m.

28

CALENDAR

living

14 - Dec 20

Dec

events Friday, December 14 Santa’s Play Land – Quick Response Friday 12/14 & Saturday 12/15 (Rain Date 12/21) Quick Response, 2077 Route 9, Round Lake 5:30 – 9 p.m.

Bring your family and friends to our 12th annual holiday light display. Feel the warmth of Christmas with Santa and his live reindeer, horse drawn carriage ride, train rides, carousel & more.Meet Frosty, Rudolph and Winnie the Pooh. Enjoy the free refreshments. We want to show our appreciation to you, the public, for making Quick Response the number one restoration company in the area. Parking available in the Corpus Christi Church and in our lot at 21 Wood Rd. For more information call (518) 899-7090.

Fun Nature Film, Craft & Snack Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Office 6 – 8:30 p.m.

Do you need more time to finish shopping or wrapping presents before the holidays arrive? Feel free to bring your school-age kids to us for a film, craft & snack.

Minimum registration for this program is 5 children and maximum is 20. Pre-registration for all events at least one business day in advance of the actual event. For more information call us at (518) 450-0321 or email at info@wiltonpreserve.org. If Saratoga Springs School District cancels classes due to bad weather, our programs will also be cancelled.

Jingle Shelves Presented

by Saratoga Guitar and 100.3 The Point Saratoga Music Hall, 474 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (above City Hall) 6:30–10 p.m.

The musicians are donating their time for this event because they wanted to do something for the community that would get their peers involved in giving back.

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

Saturday, December 15 Christmas Cookie Sale Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, 349 Eastline Rd. Ballston Lake 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Choose from a delicious assortment of Christmas cookies, home made with love by the ladies of Christ the Savior Orthodox Church. $10.00 per box, tied with a ribbon. Perfect for gift-giving or take home and enjoy. For more information call (518) 885-4681.

“I Love You Daddy, I Love You More” Book Signing by Author Vicki Addesso Dodd Impressions of Saratoga Springs, 368 Broadway 3 – 6 p.m.

A heartfelt story of the growing relationship between a father and daughter, from infancy to adulthood. Written through the eyes of a little girl as she looks at her father and says, "I love you Daddy, I love you more. I love you more than the day before.

With you as my Daddy and me as your girl, anything's possible in this whole world." This is a must have book in any little girls collection and the perfect gift for the perfect Daddy! Book signing will begin at 3 with a story reading by the author at 4:30. There will be treats for the kids so don't miss it!

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

Tang Museum Family Saturday Tang Museum, Skidmore College 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Suitable for children ages 5 and up with their adult companions. The program includes a brief tour of the current Tang exhibition, followed by a hands-on art activity.

Free and open to the public.

Reservations strongly suggested.

For reservations and information call (518) 580-8080.

Sunday, December 16 Breakfast with Santa Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elk Lane, Rt. 9, Saratoga Springs 8:30 – 11 a.m.

Fruit Cocktail, Pancakes, French Toast, Potatoes, Breakfast Sausage and Ham, Corned Beef Hash, Scrambled Eggs, Eggs Benedict, Juice, Coffee and Tea. Donation requested: Adults $7, Seniors and Military (active/retired w/ID card) $6, Children 5-12 $5, Under 5 Free. Takeouts $8.

Winter Classical Concert Series Arthur Zankel Music Center, Ladd Concert Hall, Skidmore College 3 p.m.

Presented by the Saratoga Springs Youth Orchestra and directed by Maestro Gioacchino Lonobard.

The orchestra will perform a unique repertoire of classical music selections of Corelli, Porpora, Bach, Handel and other baroque and romantic era composers. $15 Adults, $10 seniors, $5 children and students. For more information call (518) 580-5321 or go to www.skidmore.edu/Zankel.

The Sunday Club Saratoga Springs Public Library Noon – 3 p.m.

An informal weekend club for teens on the Autism spectrum to get together socially and play board games. No registration fee.

For more information call (518) 584-7860 opt. 3.

All On A Winter’s Night: An Afternoon with the Adirondack Harper Saratoga Springs Public Library 2 – 4 p.m.

A gifted storyteller Martha

Gallagher will weave together music, story and more creating an experience that goes far beyond one’s usual expectations for a holiday program. Great for the whole family. For more information call (518) 584-7860 opt. 3.

Start at the Manger – Christmas Musical The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa, 202 Milton Ave. 6 p.m.

The church choirs of Ballston Spa under the direction of Eve Kenyon, created by David Guthrie and vocal arrangement by Dave Williamson. The musical is preceeded by hors d’oeuvres at 5pm.

For more information call Eve Kenyon at (518) 885-6515 or email evekenyon@aol.com. Free.

Monday, December 17 Toga Tots and Kids Holiday Party Saratoga Springs Public Library, Susman Room 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join Toga Tots in celebrating the holiday spirit by making crafts for others, watching a holiday movie and enjoying a few snacks. Ages 1-10 with an adult. Please bring an item to donate to the adopt-a-soldier program, items include toothpaste, lotion, sunscreen, etc. This event is sponsored and hosted by Toga Tots (we just rent space at the library). For more information contact Janelle at togatots@yahoo.com.

Parkinson’s Support Group of Saratoga Woodlawn Commons, 156 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs 2 p.m.

This meeting is open to any one with Parkinson’s Disease, family members and friends. For more information call Joyce Garlock at (518) 885-6427 or Marilyn Merry at (518) 798-8947.

Wednesday, December 19 Lego Club Saratoga Springs Public Library 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Children grades K-5 welcome to participate, parents and caregivers welcome to attend. We will use our imaginations to create build-

ings, creatures, and other objects.

This program does not include Lego Robotics. No registration required. For more information call (518) 584-7860 opt. 3.

Thursday, December 20 Winter Tales Saratoga Springs Public Library Noon – 1 p.m.

Local storytellers Margaret French and Betty Cassidy will be here to entertain us with tales inspired by the season. Come in out of the cold and enjoy some inspiring stories. For more information call (518) 584-7860 opt. 3.

Books & Tea: Library Reading Group Saratoga Springs Public Library 2:30 – 4:45 Books & Tea meets the third Thursday of every month.

For more information visit: www.sspl.org or call (518) 584-7860.

The McKrell’s Christmas Show at the Parting Glass The Parting Glass, Saratoga Springs 7 p.m.

“Snowday” a fresh take on holiday musical tradition. Great for everyone, especially good for families with kids. Expect stunning new renditions of holiday songs, traditional and lesser-played classics along with old favorites from The McKrell’s Chirstmas Show. Dec. 20 – 23, times vary. Cost $10. For more information call (518) 583-1916.

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

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

Send items calendar@saratogapublishing.com beforebefore 5 p.m. on on Monday for Sendyour your calendar calendar items toto Emily Fowler at efowler@saratogapublishing.com 5 pm Monday forFriday Friday publication. publication.

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

SPORTS

29

Skidmore Comes Back to Defeat Lowly Green Mountain

Photo by Greg Fisher

ABOVE: Skidmore’s Eli Johnson steals the ball intended for Green Mountain’s Christopher Strong. BELOW: Skidmore’s Doolun Anyam intercepts an errant Green Mountain pass.

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Skidmore College men's basketball team closed out the first semester with a 66-53 non-league win over Green Mountain College, December 11 at the Williamson Center.

The Thoroughbreds take a 6-2 record into the break, while the Eagles fall to 1-9.

Skidmore freshman guard Aldin Medunjanin led all scorers with 14 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Kevin Dahill added 10 points, while Eli Johnston and Connor Merrill had nine each.

Merrill also had four blocks and Johnston contributed five assists.

Jakerion Ales was the lone Green Mountain player with 10 points. Carnelius Green had nine points and a game-high eight assists.

Photo by Greg Fisher

Puzzle Solutions from p. 14 Send your sports stories or briefs to Andrew Marshall, Sports Editor at amarshall@saratoga publishing.com

Green Mountain led by seven at the half, 34-27 and then scored the first basket of the second half for its biggest lead, 36-27. Skidmore used a 14-3 run to erase the deficit and took the lead for good, 41-39 on a Doolun Anyam lay-up with 14:13 to play. Medunjanin had

eight of the 14 points in the run.

The Eagles out rebounded the Thoroughbreds 41-30, but Skidmore scored 18 points off 15 GMC turnovers.

The Thoroughbreds are off until a December 29 game at Stevenson University.

30

SPORTS

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

After Tragedy, the “518 Nation” Rallies Damian Fantauzzi

The recent tragedy of the deaths of two local teenage athletes from Shenendehowa High School has opened the community up to something that needs to be nurtured, by all of us.

Children are not supposed to die. It is against the rules of

nature and should not happen.

The accident that took the lives of Deanna Rivers and Chris Stewart obviously did not have to happen and the survivors Bailey Wind of Shaker and Matt Hardy of Shenendehowa are out of the hospital. With God's will, they’ll hopefully be on the road to a full recovery.

All four of these young adults were student-athletes at Shenendehowa and Shaker.

Some inquisitive people have asked would this display of mourning be as big, if these teenagers were non-athletes. I would have to guess probably not. My feelings are not very complicated, everyone has a measure of grief and all should respect whatever method used.

Does it really matter? No. The athletic community in the “518 area” is quite large and encompasses all of Section II sports. This sad story has really hit home for many people, because there is a sort of fraternity and sorority connection, which has changed in the past decade or two. Many of the local kids who play sports, not only play for their schools, but they also play for travel teams, AAU teams or whatever other program that can be noted. There can become a blending of the area school athletes as members of these teams and programs.

Therefore, new friendships are developed.

This is a great thing for the young athletes. It gives them a wider scope of acceptance when dealing with each other and in many cases, can wipe out the feeling of disdain or animosity in touted high school rivalries.

My opinion is that this can be one reason that there was such an outreach of the local high school athletes and many of their parents by showing their respect for Deanna Rivers, Chris Stewart and their families.

There were more athletes, other than from the Shenendehowa community, who might have had a connection with the two through the involvement of other athletic programs.

There is a deeper and closer reason that the Shenendehowa

environment will never be the same, at least not for a long time.

There will be some thoughts and questions that their schoolmates will be asking themselves: “How did this happen to one or two of us, and why?” “I can't believe he or she is gone, I just saw them in the halls this past week.”

These are normal feelings and they will obviously be addressed by the local support groups. Some students will come together and share stories and grieve with their friends, and some will do it alone.

A team member is like a family member and there will be times when parents miss the signs that their child is still grieving for their teammate. It is a part of the process of not being able to let go of the bond that the athletes have or once had.

“The impact is enormous and it is something that has to be dealt with. These teenage peers are going to need help and understanding to get through it.”

As a former high school athlete and former college athlete, I had the misfortune of losing teammates and friends and it took a long time for me to get over the fact that I will never see them again. The impact is enormous and it is something that has to be dealt with. These teenage peers are going to need help and understanding to get through it. It's time to look at a positive situation that developed because of Deanna and Chris - look at the coming together of the Capital District community. On the night of December 4, thousands of local high school athletes, coaches, parents and other adults met at the Shenendehowa football stadium to honor the two fallen Plainsmen. This ceremony will be remembered for years and how these two young adults, who were killed, became the cohesive bond that united us all, from Clifton Park and surrounding towns.

There are no words of wisdom that I have that could soften the

impact of what happened. To the students who lost their friends: time heals. To the teammates who lost a fellow player: keep them in your memory when you compete, and if you need do it for them while doing it for yourselves.

To the community of supporters: we need to remember what tribute was paid to these young victims, and mostly, how what happened has brought us all together. Is there a message? Of course, there always is. Whether it be personal or communal, it is a message meant to unify us all, down deep in our hearts. Matt Hardy and Bailey Wind need to focus on healing both physically and psychologically, and their community of friends and teammates will definitely be part of their support groups.

The event of December 4 demonstrated to me that times have changed for the good, in a unified way. Maybe because of what happened on September 11, 2001 where we all felt the impact of love for community in our despair, as we grieved as a nation. We had a lesson of the true nature of our common interest in our local area. The thousands of supporters at the Shenendehowa football field on that night and with over a thousand mourners, at both funerals, is an indication that we are all in this together as a support network.

The fact that many local athletes came in to pay their respects to the fallen Shenendehowa athletes is the all the evidence I’d need to suggest that young adults do not think that they are immune to death. I think seeing the respect that the thousands of local high school students displayed is one of the most positive signs of the human experience that can be expressed.

Yes, there was a big event to honor the lives of the two athletes and young adults, Deanna Rivers and Chris Stewart, the biggest part of the event was that it was all in good faith and to show respect for the families.

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

SPORTS

31

B’Spa Boys Basketball Notches First Win Versus Nisky Scotties hold of second half surge from visiting Silver Warriors to claim first Suburban Council victory.

by Andrew Marshall

Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA – The Ballston Spa Scotties hosted the Niskayuna Silver Warriors in a Suburban Council clash December 11. The game stayed close throughout, with Ballston Spa holding off a Niskayuna rally in the fourth quarter to win, 35-32.

Ballston Spa jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter, which ended with the Scotties up three, 10-7. Niskayuna would keep the game close, but entered the half trailing by six points, 18-12.

The second half was a different story, as Niskayuna continued to chip away at the Ballston Spa lead. Niskayuna would outscore Ballston Spa in the third and fourth quarters, but could not make up for the lackluster second quarter, which would ultimately be the difference.

For the Scotties, 6’1” junior guard Jeremy Mendrick led the way with 19 points. Junior Andre Edgerton added seven points and senior Jesse Flynt, junior Andrew Gentile and senior George Kernochann each had three points.

Ballston Spa made the most out

Send your sports stories or briefs to Andrew Marshall, Sports Editor at amarshall@saratoga publishing.com

of their trips to the free throw line, converting nine of twelve shots including five by Mendrick.

The Silver Warriors employed a more balanced scoring attack, with five players scoring at least four points. Brandon Fine led the team with nine points while Michael Sise and Liam Byrne each added seven. Niskayuna shot over 75 percent from the free throw line, but only managed nine attempts.

With the victory, Ballston Spa improves to 1-1 on the season, with an identical record in the Suburban Council after two early season meetings.

With the loss, the Silver Warriors drop to 0-1 in the Suburban Council. They return to action Friday, December 14 on the road against the Burnt HillsBallston Lake Spartans.

Ballston Spa will look to make a statement in their next game, which will also be played December 14, as they visit the perennial Suburban Council contender, Shenendehowa.

The Scotties also face Columbia at home on December 18 and take the trip to Bethlehem

ABOVE: Ballston Spa’s Jeremy Mendrick (#1) attempts to throw the ball into the post near Clifford Stevens (#12) among a throng of Silver Warrior defenders. Ballston Spa would win this Suburban Council clash by a final score of 35-32. on December 21 before the school breaks for winter recess.

The Scotties first game of 2013 will be a home match up against the Guilderland Dutchmen on January 4.

Skidmore Basketball pg.29

Week of December 14 - December 20, 2012

SPORTS

Damian Fantauzzi pg. 30

Vol. 7 • Issue 50 • FREE • Saratoga TODAY

Ballston Spa Hangs On to Beat Nisky

Photos by MarkBolles.com

Story on Page 31