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Volume 6 • Issue 51 SaratogaPublishing.com Saratoga Prepares for First Night
Art Unleashed
Saratoga’s Economic Forecast
by Yael Goldman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – The 2012 Saratoga First Night, hosted by Saratoga Arts, is themed “Art Unleashed,” featuring more than 80 performers in 35 venues across the city New Year’s Eve, including one very high-tech project that uniquely fits the bill. The Hands Off Arcade, which will take place in meeting room one of the Saratoga Springs City Center from 6-10:30 p.m., is a “retro-techno” interactive experience that updates the classic video arcade concept to showcase modern gaming technology. MarkBolles.com • Saratoga TODAY SSAS student Blayne Turner will volunteer at the Hands Off Arcade during First Night Saratoga 2012. See Hands page 5
by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA COUNTY – While the country, state and county still struggle with the economic recession triggered nearly four years ago, financial and housing experts forecast slow but steady growth in Saratoga County’s future, showing greater resilience and stronger numbers than most in the nation. The strength of Saratoga County’s local economy can be measured by
BALLSTON SPA – Coming home for the holidays – for many, it’s what the season is all about. But what happens when you can’t be home for the holidays, not because of high-priced airfare or travel delays, but because you literally have no place to call your home anymore? We may officially be in the recovery phase for the country’s
deepest recession in decades as we near the end of 2011, but don’t kid yourself – there are still hundreds of families in our region struggling with the fallout from the housing market’s collapse and the economy’s persistent woes. “The numbers keep getting higher and higher,” said Dawn Howk, a counselor with the Ballston Spa Central School District who works with the school’s Families in Transition Program. “Right now we oversee
105 students who are either in the program or at-risk for the program. These are kids with families who live in temporary housing. They might be staying with a neighbor, family member or friend, maybe sharing one bedroom or all sleeping in the living room together.” And these examples are the fortunate ones. Some families have no other choice but to wait out the holidays at local shelters
See Security page 8
See Economy page 13
Inside TODAY...
Operation ‘Night Night’ by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY
looking at several indicators, including activity within the housing market and employment numbers, while also taking into account some of the trends taking place at the national and global levels. “One thing that I’ve learned over time is that it’s very difficult for New York State, or for any region of New York State, to really not be impacted by what’s going on in the national economy,” said Hugh Johnson, a nationally-renowned expert in
Obituaries pgs 6-7 Season’s Greetings pgs 10-11 Education pgs 14-15 Mamatoga pg 16 Gift Guide pgs 20-22 Photo provided
Families in Transition Program Coordinator Mara Gallagher (L) and Counselor Dawn Howk (R).
First Night Saratoga Schedule pg 29
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