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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
10,000 copies distributed weekly • Call To Advertise • (518) 581-2480
SARATOGA
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Friday, December 23, 2011
TODAY
Seasons Greetings from Geyser Elementary to Wesley Health Care by Mark Bolles Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS Second grade students of Geyser Road Elementary School delivered good will and cheer to the Wesley community at Wesley Health Care Thursday, December 15. The children of Mr. Terry's class shared a craft, read stories and helped decorate the Christmas tree. A festive time was had by all.
photo by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga TODAY
SARATOGA
TODAY
BLOTTER
Friday, December 23, 2011
Nicoli Ninas, 22, of 79 Harrison Ave., Rensselaer, pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree grand larceny, a class-D felony. Ninas was arrested April 13 in Clifton Park for an incident that occurred February 19 and was sentenced to one year in Saratoga County Jail and restitution. Shawn R. McCarthy, 23, of 1562 Broadway, Rensselaer, pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree grand larceny, a class-D felony. McCarthy was arrested April 13 in Clifton Park for an incident that occurred February 19 and was sentenced to one year in Saratoga County Jail and restitution. Kyle R. Stratton, 21, of 49 Park St., Apt. 2nd Flr., Saratoga Springs, pleaded guilty to a charge of thirddegree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class-C felony. Stratton was arrested April 1 in Saratoga Springs and was sentenced to two years in state prison and three years of post release supervision.
attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class-C felony. Purvee was arrested May 5 in Ballston Spa for an incident that occurred August 17, 2010, and was sentenced to one and a half years in state prison and two years of post release supervision. Denise M. Rodrigues, aka Denise M. Rodriguez, 28, of 272 Taurus Rd., Schenectady, pleaded guilty to a charge of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a class-E felony. Rodrigues was arrested December 5 in Wilton and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing March 2. Geraldine R. Bridges, 36, of Hollandale Apartments, Apt. 14H, Clifton Park, pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class-C felony. Bridges was arrested January 5 in Clifton Park for an incident that occurred December 16, 2010, and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing March 2.
glary, a class-C violent felony; first-degree sexual abuse, a class-D violent felony; second-degree sexual abuse, a class-A misdemeanor; endangering the welfare of a child, a class-A misdemeanor; and firstdegree unlawfully dealing with a child, a class-A misdemeanor. Lorman was arrested February 28 in Saratoga Springs for incidents that occurred February 27 and is expected to return to court for sentencing at a later date. Michael Catlow, 51, of 828 Davis Terrace, Schenectady, pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree grand larceny, a class-D felony. Catlow was arrested August 9 in Clifton Park and is expected to return to court for sentencing at a later date. Nicholas W. McDonald, 32, of 41 Avendale Dr., Ballston Lake, pleaded guilty to a charge of second-degree assault, a class-D violent felony. McDonald was arrested August 21 in Saratoga Springs and is expected to return to court for sentencing at a later date.
Mary F. Fascia, 52, of 6 Hill Ave., East Greenbush, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony. Fascia was arrested August 12 in Malta and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing March 1. Joseph J. Owens, 46, of 48 Washington St., Greenwich, pleaded guilty to charges of third-degree burglary, a class-D felony and driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony. Owens was arrested July 1 in Mechanicville and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing February 2.
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Michael A. Primelo, 47, of 571 Winding Hills Rd., Montgomery, pleaded guilty to a charge of fourth-degree grand larceny, a class-E felony. Primelo was arrested May 19 in Clifton Park for an incident that occurred December 14, 2010, and was sentenced to one and a half to three years in state prison and restitution.
John W. Lovejoy, 52, of 2806 Shaw Rd., Middlegrove, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated, a class-D felony. Lovejoy was arrested July 21 in the town of Moreau and was sentenced to time served and five years of probation to include Drug Treatment Court.
Heather M. Purvee, 40, of 61 Front St., Ballston Spa, pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree
James Lorman, 24, of 81 Saratoga Ave., Ballston Spa, was charged with second-degree bur-
Katy Holland 581-2480 x 215 graphics@saratogapublishing.com
Editorial Yael Goldman, Managing Editor Business/News 581-2480 x 214 news@saratogapublishing.com
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Columnist Meghan D. Lemery meghanlemery@yahoo.com
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WEEK IN REVIEW
GlobalFoundries-Town of Malta Foundation donates $37,500 to Local Groups MALTA - The GlobalFoundriesTown of Malta Foundation announced Wednesday, December 21, that 13 different local organizations serving the Malta community were selected to receive a total of $37,500 in grant funding from the foundation. Captain Family and Youth Services received the highest amount, $5,000, which the organization will put toward the purchase of a new van for the runaway and homeless youth shelter. The Round Lake Auditorium received $4,700 to upgrade the sound and lighting equipment. Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York received $4,600 to purchase materials used in 46 classrooms throughout the
Ballston Spa Central School District. The rest of the funding was split between the Dunning Street Rural Cemetery, Literacy New York, Living Resources Corp., Malta League of Arts, Malta Ridge Cemetery Association, Malta Ridge Volunteer Fire Co., Round Lake Hose Co., Malta Seniors, Malta Sunrise Rotary Club, Malta Veterans Committee and the Shenendehowa High School robotics club.
NYRA Owes Millions to Bettors SARATOGA SPRINGS - The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has been ordered to refund more than $8 million to the public by March 30. The decision stems from the discovery that NYRA failed to lower the amount kept on some exotic
bets from 26 percent to 25 percent as required in September 2010. In addition to the payout, the Racing and Wagering Board reduced the amount NYRA keeps by an additional point to 24 percent to compensate for the time bettors were shortchanged. The 24 percent rate goes into effect at Aqueduct Racetrack December 28. The Racing and Wagering Board is still investigating to decide if the compliance failure was on purpose or, as an NYRA press release stated, "an unintentional oversight." NYRA has stated that it will work to implement the board's conditions and to pay back customers owed before the March 30 deadline.
Malta Man Dies in Bicycle Accident with Postal Truck SARATOGA SPRINGS Kenneth Phelps, 63, of Malta, passed away from injuries sustained during a bicycle accident involving a U.S. Postal Service truck Tuesday, December 20, at approximately 5 p.m. Police reports indicate Phelps was riding his bicycle along Crescent Ave. south of Union Ave. when he collided with the back of a U.S. Postal Service truck.
SARATOGA
Friday, December 23, 2011 Investigators concluded that the postal vehicle was stopped with its flashers on, with the mailman making a delivery when Phelps rode into the back of the truck Monday at approximately 11:27 a.m. It is unknown if Phelps was distracted or was experiencing some kind of medical emergency leading up to the accident. No tickets have been issued at this time.
Parents File Death Lawsuit
Wrongful
BALLSTON SPA- Oksana and Yuri Naumkin of Wilton have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Edward O'Rourke and his son for the December 22, 2010, death of their 12-year-old son, Nicholas Naumkin. According to reports, Nicholas and O'Rourke's son were playing with Edward O'Rourke's handgun when it was discharged, fatally wounding Nicholas. In a pending case, the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office has charged Edward O'Rourke with endangering the welfare of a child, while his son, a juvenile defender, has received two years of probation. The Naumkins' lawsuit against O'Rourke seeks unspecified finan-
TODAY
cial compensation, listing funeral and estate expenses, as well pain and suffering due to the negligence and recklessness of O'Rourke and his son.
Woodlawn Ave. Parking Deck Goes to BCI Construction SARATOGA SPRINGS - BCI Construction, an Albany-based construction company, was awarded the bid for the Woodlawn Avenue parking deck by the city council Tuesday, December 20. BCI has agreed to a contract of $4.382 million to complete the project, with the final agreement to be made official in January. The BCI design will allow for approximately 475-500 new parking spaces, as compared to the original proposal of 328 spots. Because of the structure’s design, the parking deck will remain at two levels (originally plans called for building a third level in the future), while leaving the northern portion of the lot as a standard parking lot. The structure will stand 40 feet high and feature a brick facade to match the surrounding architecture. BCI plans to begin construction in February, and expects to finish the project in late July.
SARATOGA
TODAY
Friday, December 23, 2011
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Hands Off Arcade Offers High-Tech Excitement continued from Page 1 This one-of-a-kind project brings professors from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) together with a student in the Saratoga Springs Sponsor-A-Scholar (SSAS) program to inspire and elate First Night revelers with the thrills of the gaming art form. RPI artists/professors Shawn Lawson, Ben Change, Silvia Ruzanka and graduate student Anton Hand have created five high-tech “experiences” that use hands-free, controller-free gaming technology. Much like the Xbox Kinect, the individual will play these games with their body, while enjoying music by Chicago DJ ipaghost. The exhibit includes works called Broken Breakout, Operation Human Shield, Levitation, Conjurer’s Dream and Frosty’s Snowpocalypse. Lawson said Conjurer’s Dream was created for the theme. “It’s a direct response to the idea; it’s about creating art, creating vision, creating those wonderful effects and unleashing them into a large 10-foot wide canvas,” he explained. However, the connection between the rest of the games and the 2012 theme is more abstract and is, in a sense, coincidental. Lawson explained that the National Endowment for the Arts recently classified gaming as a “valid” art form, which he said should have happened years ago. “In a professional sense, we are thinking of [First Night] as unleashing gaming as art into the world,” he said. Lawson explained that experiencing a game without a controller is an artistic expression – “You’re moving your body kinetically, unleashing and freeing your body to explore these games instead of being tied to your couch holding something.” Blayne Turner, 16, a Saratoga Springs High School junior in the SSAS program, is volunteering on the big night to explain these artistic “experiences” to the arcade’s visitors. His participation began a few months ago when fourth-year SSAS mentor Nedra Stimpfle, who is also a Saratoga Arts board member, took him to RPI to sit in on one of Lawson’s classes. Turner also acted as a docent at a recent
Saratoga Arts fundraiser held at Longfellows, when Lawson setup a demonstration to preview the Hands Off Arcade. Turner, who had his first First Night experience last year, said he is excited about ringing in the New Year as a volunteer. “I want to explain the games to people so they won’t just walk by,” Turner said. He added that Operation Human Shield is his personal favorite. So far, Turner’s participation in the Hands Off Arcade project has exposed him to a unique college curriculum and a new art form that he did not previously classify as such. The SSAS student admits he’s not much of a gamer, but said his interest has been sparked; that he would like to learn more about computers. “It’s always good to learn something new,” Turner said. Stimpfle agreed that it has been an excellent learning experience, one that fits perfectly within the First Night Saratoga 2012 theme. “I think this project is a great example of ‘Art Unleashed,’ of how art can be expanded in so many ways, particularly with technology, which more and more people are getting involved in,” Stimpfle said. In addition, a unique collaborative installation called “Saratoga in Bb” that draws from local music talents will continue this theme within the arcade. Local musicians are asked to submit a video uploaded to YouTube in the key of B flat. Then, on New Year’s Eve, First Night attendees will have the chance to “play” the various videos, creating a live, continuous piece of original music. Saratoga Arts has already received a handful of submissions, but is looking for more. Anyone can contribute, and Lawson said the musical clips will be accepted until December 31, although late submissions are not guaranteed to be included. For more information, visit www.saratoga-arts.org/firstnight. With so many opportunities for high-tech interaction and inspiration, the Hands Off Arcade is sure to be one of many successful First Night entertainment stations. “I don’t know what’s going to happen yet, but I think it’s going to be really high energy, really crazy
with a lot of people running around and dancing in front of the screens,” Lawson said. “I can’t wait.” The Hands Off Arcade project is sponsored by State Farm. For more information about 2012 First Night Saratoga, visit www.saratogaarts.org/firstnight. To view the full list of performances and activities by venue, see page 29.
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OBITUARIES
name to the Wesley Foundation, 131 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or to a charity of one’s choice. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
ters, Margaret Baldwin and Helen
68, died peacefully after a courageous
Fitzwater;
battle with cancer, Monday, December
McDonald, Frank Flynn and Sarah
12, 2011.
Flynn; and several cousins.
Born February 28, 1943, in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late John Graham and Helen Duffy. In addition to her parents, Catherine was also predeceased by a brother, Jack Survivors include her husband, Frank Flynn; children, Frank (Judy) Flynn, Kelly Flynn and Lisa Mc Donald; sis-
grandchildren,
Matthew
Funeral services were held Saturday, December 17, 2011, at the Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Burial
Graham.
will
be
in
Greenridge
Cemetery. Online remembrances may be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com.
James C. Ohlsen Saratoga Springs, NY – James C. Ohlsen, Jr., 66, passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2011. Born July 1, 1945, in Plattsburgh, NY, he was the son of the late James C. and Jane (Wilson) Ohlsen, Sr. Survivors include his wife, Donna (Foster) Ohlsen; children, Jim Ohlsen and Caitlin (Bill) Hart; grandchildren, Jake, Daisy and Ava; siblings, Christopher (Deborah) Ohlsen, Karen Ohlsen and Kathryna O. (Bob) Zuckerman; and several nieces and nephews. Private funeral arrangements are under the direction of the William J.
Phillipsport, NY - Saul Hershenhart died peacefully in his home Thursday, December 15, 2011. The son of James and Fannie (Rudinsky) Hershenhart, Saul was born in Laurelton, NY, October 4, 1924. Saul was predeceased by his wife, Edith. Survivors include his sisters, Rose Noble and Stella Orlofsky; daughters, Elise (Steve Emerman) Hershenhart; Lori (Christine Wegryzn) Hershenhart and Beth (Amanda Hiller) Hershenhart; grandchildren, Christopher and Erica; and a loving extended family. Burial will be at the
Gerald
B.H.
National
Solomon
Cemetery,
Saratoga
Duell
Rd.,
Schuylerville, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Saul’s name to the Open Space Institute Roosa Gap Stewardship Fund, 1350 Broadway, Suite 201, New York, NY, 10018. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, (518) 584-5373. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
Raymond E. Heslin
Catherine E. Flynn Greenfield, NY, - Catherine E. Flynn,
TODAY
Friday, December 23, 2011
Saul Hershenhart
Norman R. Brown Saratoga Springs, NY – Norman R. Brown passed away Sunday, December 18, 2011. Born October 12, 1926, in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late I. Reed and Isabelle Dake Brown. In addition to his parents, Norm is predeceased by his sister, Jeanette Darling. Survivors include his wife, Ellen; children, Cheryl (Dennis) Lohse and Kenneth (Kelly) Brown; grandchildren, Kate and Lauren Brown; brother-in-law, Frank Darling; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made in Norm’s
SARATOGA
Saratoga Springs, NY - Raymond E. Heslin, 85, passed away Saturday, December 10, 2011. Born on October 27, 1926, in Cohoes, NY, he was the son of the late Lymyra (Mary) Joyce Heslin and Raymond E. Heslin, Sr. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by one sister, Dorothy Heslin Rock; his wife, Veronica (Ronnie) Blair Heslin; and his companion, Rachel Parisis Caputo. Survivors include his children, Raymond W. (Gale) Heslin and Deborah (John) Heslin McKown; grandchildren, Dawn Cunniff Gratton, Daniel Mahoney, Raymond W. Heslin Jr., Brian Heslin,
Casey Heslin Yetto, Sean McKown, Scott
McKown,
Kelly
McKown
Sandercox, Christopher McKown and Kerry McKown St. Pierre; and his extended family, Philomena (Robert) Murphy, Mary Anne (Jim) LaPointe, Joseph (Ro) Caputo and their children and grandchildren. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Waterford. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, (518) 584-5373. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
Robert E. Park
Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, (518) 584-5373. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
To view the full-text version of the obituaries printed on this page, visit the archive section of www.SaratogaTodayNewspaper.com. It is the policy of Saratoga TODAY to publish obituaries as a service to our readers. Please send your obituaries to Christina James at cjames@saratogapublishing.com.
Saratoga Springs, NY - Robert E. Park, 71, died unexpectedly Sunday, December 11, 2011, following complications from an unexpected illness. Bob was born in Brooklyn in 1940 to Stewart and Evelyn Park. Bob is survived by his wife, Jan Ingmire Park; sons, Derek and Christopher; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Mosher Park; grandchildren, Coulson and Christiane Park; and siblings, Stewart, Carol MacNeil and Barbara Ballance. Burial will be at the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob’s name to The Friends of The New York State Military Museum, 61 Lake Ave., Saratoga
Springs, NY 12866, or to Saratoga P.L.A.N. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, (518) 584-5373. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA
OBITUARIES
TODAY Friday, December 23, 2011 Alberta Joyce Smith-Long Saratoga Springs, NYAlberta Joyce Smith-Long, 87, has passed away. Alberta was predeceased by her parents, George and Anna Smith; brother, Joseph Eugene Walker; her husband, Harry lee Long; and sons, Keith Long and Harry Long Jr. Alberta is survived by her daughter, Jean Simpkins; sons, James and David Long; grandchildren, Jason, Daryl, Adrienne, Nina, James, Ezra and Jerelle Long, Jocelyn and Jeneta Simpkins, Londelle Van Arnum and Monique Bennefield; and a host of beloved family and friends. A celebration of Alberta’s life was held Thursday, December 15, 2011. Burial will be with her husband, Harry, in Greenridge Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made in Alberta’s name to the Soul Saving Station for Every Nation, 62 Henry St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Arrangements are under the direction of the Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. www.tunison funeralhome.com.
Richard Leifer Saratoga Springs, NYRichard Leifer passed away peacefully after an extended illness
on
Monday,
December 19, 2011. Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Dr. Jane Leifer; sons, Gabriel and Jeffrey Leifer; brothers, Bill and Ben; sister, Betty; and grandson, Andrew. A memorial service was held Thursday, December 22. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Richard's name to The
American
Cancer
Society's Hope Lodge or to The
Saratoga
Foundation.
Hospital
7 Deceased Veteran of the Month
Charlotte Worrell Justin Saratoga Springs, NY Charlotte Worrell Justin died December 12, 2011, after a brave 20-year battle with cancer. Born June 2, 1944, in Providence, RI, to Jessie and Frederick Worrell, Charlotte’s greatest passion and priority was her family and she dedicated herself to fostering a joyful, creative and open home life. Charlotte leaves behind her husband, Dr. Alan Justin; children, Adam (Welling Savo) Frederick, Jessie Alexa and Tyler Read; granddaughter, Zora Charlotte; siblings, Nancy and Ted; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Services were held Saturday, December 17, 2011. In lieu of flowers, Charlotte asked that donations be made to WAMC radio or WMHT
Joseph H. Hughes
television. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral
Home,
628
North
Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, (518) 584-5373. Online remembrances may be made
at
www.burkefuneral
home.com.
The Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency has named Joseph Hughes the December 2011 Deceased Veteran of the Month. Hughes was enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1943-1945 and he served in the Siege of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. Hughes was awarded the European-African-Middle East Service Medal with one battle star. After leaving the Army, Hughes worked for International Paper Co. in Corinth and was a member of American Legion Post 533. He also served as the vice chair for the Saratoga County Democratic Party. Hughes is survived by his daughter, Barbara Pombrio and son, Howard.
Green Holiday Tips from Sustainable Saratoga With “rip and toss” being the norm this time of year as people get ready to tear into holiday presents, there are some simple changes to consider that will make the season a much greener one for all. The first, appropriately, involves holiday greenery. Fresh trees, wreaths and garlands not only are available through local merchants who carefully tend this renewable resource, but they can do double duty by being turned into mulch and wood chips for use later in the year. And if you're happier with live greenery, you can buy a tree complete with its root ball. Keep it watered and in proper light during the winter, then plant it in the spring. Why not start a family tradition by creating a grove of such holiday trees in a special location that you can add to each year? When it comes to gift wrapping, in addition to choosing recycled paper products, get a bit more creative. Since it takes just seconds to undo all of that effort, why not wrap your holiday offerings with colorful comics from the newspaper? That way you can pop the torn
wrapping right back in the recycling bin (or safely feed the fireplace) when finished. Or offer your presents in gift bags made from recycled materials then save the bags for reuse next year. Just refold them once they are empty and store them all inside the largest of the gift bags until next season. Ditto with your bows and gift ties. Collect them after the festivities and you'll develop a stash to reuse (responsibly) for presents during the rest of the year. When it comes to those lastminute gifts, don't waste the gas or the agitation wandering too far from home. Local merchants are close by, and tend to offer unique items you are less likely to see a friend standing in line at a big box store to return later! And with everyone on such tight holiday schedules, often the best gifts are ones of time. Make up gift certificates redeemable for a number of nights of babysitting or dogwalking - or dust off the cookbooks and bake up some real, homemade holiday treats for friends. If your recipients don't polish off the goodies right from the plate, they're likely to
“re-gift” them (the ultimate holiday recycling) to someone who will enjoy them – and feel happy they had something so nice to offer! Either way, your gift is a winner. Speaking of “re-gifting”... Sustainable Saratoga, the local all-volunteer group which represents a broad cross-section of area residents, all committed to encouraging efforts to improve the quality of life in Saratoga area while conserving the vitality and diversity of regional resources, is planning an event in January to do just that: re-gift or “free-cycle” the items you may have received
that you would consider trading for something more to your liking. Keep an eye on the group's website: www.sustainablesaratoga.org for specifics on the date, time, location and other information on their regifting event. In the meantime, try some of these simple tips to green up the holiday season – and help everyone have a happy, healthy and more sustainable 2012! -Mackenzie Cairn, Sustainable Saratoga
SARATOGA
Friday, December 23, 2011
8
Security for the Holidays
TODAY
Community Fund Names 2011 Grant Recipients
continued from Page 1 or motels due to a loss of housing or a domestic violence issue. It’s an unstable situation at best, one that can cause much anxiety and stress for children as they watch their parents struggle to get by. But stability is exactly what those like Howk at Ballston Spa’s Families in Transition Program are seeking, as the organization prepares to deliver a special “Project Night Night” package to families just in time for the holidays. “We want to give [the students] a sense of stability,” said Howk. “Some of these families had to leave behind belongings where they were, so they don’t have the books they had at home, stuffed animals, things like that. So we tried to include a few security items in our little bag, to give them something that’s just
theirs and theirs alone.” Funding in the amount of $600 was awarded to the Families in Transition Program from the Ballston Spa Middle School’s Penny Harvest Roundtable, which was used to purchase bags containing special books to encourage family bonding, a fleece blanket to provide a sense of security, and a small stuffed animal to provide comfort to children receiving the care package. Program Coordinator Mara Gallagher is credited with spearheading the local “Project Night Night” effort, basing her work on a California organization that distributes packages to over 25,000 children annually. “We were very excited and fortunate to have received a donation from Ballston Spa Middle School
students through the Penny Harvest Program,” said Gallagher. “The donation has specifically allowed us to give our youngest children in the program keepsakes that will hopefully add some sense of normalcy during a time of uncertainty.” The Ballston Spa School District has a contract with the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Council of Saratoga County to employ one full-time counselor and one part-time coordinator through funding awarded from the McKinney-Vento Grant through the New York State Department of Education. Funding from the grant is then put toward programs like Families in Transition, which serves over 100 students and families from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. For more information on how to donate or assist the Families in Transition Program, contact Coordinator Mara Gallagher at (518) 884-7195, ext. 1372, or email at mgallagher@bscsd.org.
Photo provided
Advisory Committee members present grants to representatives from the nine organizations awarded funding in 2011. SARATOGA SPRINGS - The members of the Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund Advisory Committee recently announced that grants have been awarded to nine local nonprofit organizations, totaling $10,250. The grants were handed out at the Community Fund's inaugural grant award reception. "We are extremely grateful for this opportunity to present these deserving organizations with these grants," said Advisory Committee Chairperson Joan Taylor. Grants were awarded to the following nine organizations: 1. Aspire (Autism Spectrum Peer Integration & Recreation): for transportation expenses 2. Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County: to support the Youth Services Program 3. First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa: to help fund the Summer Feeding Program 4. Friends of Ulysses S. Grant Cottage: to develop a "Guide by Cell" audio service 5. Glens Falls-Queensbury Historical Association: assist with funding for the school outreach program
6. Peaceful Acres Horses: to support equine-assisted learning for atrisk youth 7. Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY: to offset Saratoga County transportation expenses 8. Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar: to provide graphing calculators to program students 9. Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation: to support the restoration of the Spencer Trask Memorial & Spirit of Life The Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund was established in 2009 to make charitable giving easier. The Community Fund provides donors with the option to create a Donor Advised Fund, which offers significant tax advantages and the ability to customize donations to their favorite charities. A second option is the General Fund, which accepts taxdeductible donations of any amount from any donor. The Advisory Committee accepts grant applications and distributes the General Fund monies to local nonprofits and organizations. The Community Fund will accept grant applications between June 1 and September 28 for the 2012 grant period. The grant application can be found online at www.atccommunityfund.org.
Student Councils Coordinate Record Food Donations SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Student Council at Saratoga Springs High School partnered with elementary school student councils in the Saratoga Springs City School District to collect a record amount of food for local charities. Seventy-five boxes of food will be delivered this week to the Salvation Army, the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council and Shelters of Saratoga. Thousands of items have been donated, including canned goods, pasta and cake mixes. Michael Miller, a social studies teacher and adviser to the high school Student Council, said the need this year is much greater than in many years, and students have risen to the challenge. "We've had great participation around the school district," Miller said. "This is the first year we've coordinated with the other schools, and we hope to make this a new tradition so we can be even more effective in helping those in need." The food drive is one of many events the district's students have participated in to help make the holidays brighter for struggling families in the area. Students have purchased and wrapped holiday gifts, and donated art supplies, cold weather apparel and other items. For more on their philanthropic activities, visit the school district’s website at www.saratogaschools.org.
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Friday, December 23, 2011
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Wishing all of our customers the Happiest of Holidays!!
Wishing all of our customers the very best in 2012
Dehn’s Flowers & Gifts 180 Beekman St., Saratoga Springs • 584-1880 15 Trieble Ave., Milton Town Center Plaza, Milton • 885-6222
www.dehnsflowersandgifts.com
Established
1892 Saratoga's Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaner www.cudneys.com
Call 584-4848 for information about FREE Home Pick-up and Delivery!
Established
1952
Established
92 WestAve. Saratoga Springs 587-8273
• 99 West Ave • Wilton Square (next to Family Dollar) (near Staples) 587-5619 581-0327 www.feigenbaums.com
1910
Established
Happy Holidays from all the elves at
MATT’S SERVICENTER Towing • Repairs • Quality Preowned Vehicles
300 Maple Avenue • 583-1111
Established
1961
BRYNE ORTHODONTICS Brian P. Byrne, D.M.D James J. Byrne, D.D.S www.ByrneOrthodontics.com
Established
1970
Established
41 Walworth St. Saratoga Springs 584-5533
1980
170 Main Street Greenwich, NY 12834 518-692-2666
454 Maple Avenue Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-584-2044
Allerdice Building Supply
Established
1917
Allerdice Hardware
Allerdice Hardware
Milton Center Plaza (next to Hannaford), Ballston Spa 885-8508
2570 State Rt 9, Malta 899-6222
Established
1982
1992 Established
1992
1982
We
Love
Our Customers! 33 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs • 584-3632
Established
1991
Established
Established
2003
Established
2003
Established
2006
SARATOGA
Friday, December 23, 2011
Established
1938
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Established
11
Season’s Greetings
2011
Mulholland On Call Plumbing • Heating Air Conditioning Residential & Commercial Repairs & Installations 99 Walworth St. Saratoga Springs 584-2300 • www.newbaths.com
Established
1979
Established
1987
518-210-6508
Jackie at “Weight No More” wants to thank all the Dieters for over 25 years of continued success in the Diet business! Make your first New Years Resolution at our newest location in Saratoga at the “5points.” Remember “Nothing Tastes as Good as Thin Feels!”
Established
1987
Allerdice Rent-All
221 West Circular Street, Saratoga Springs • 584-0002
Adirondack Equipment Repair
Allerdice Rent-All Party Division
Authorized Service Center 87 Old Schuylerville Rd. Saratoga 581-3809
30 Storage Lane, Saratoga Springs 584-1412
Established
Established
1992
2007
Thank You for Your Support!
Established
Established
1994
2009
Established
2002
I feel fortunate to be a local business and to have such loyal customers...I am truly grateful each day to be where I am. Thank You!! Happy Holidays! My Best, Pam, Delores, Julie, Eileen, Patty, Melissa & My Dear Mumsy!!
Established
2011
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Friday, December 23, 2011
Reserve Your Space!
Buy Local Program Supports Consumers and Merchants by Yael Goldman Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA - Local Living In is a convenient and easy way for local consumers to support their economy. Launched by Juergen Klingberg, owner of Ballston Spa-based Hounddog Graphics, in January 2010, Local Living In is a buy local marketing strategy that connects small businesses between Albany and Lake George with the consumers in their communities. Through the combination of the Local Living In website (www.LocalLivingIn.com), free BuyLocal discount card (which provides consumers with access to great discounts offered by participating merchants), and an advertising co-op that makes outreach affordable, small businesses are given the platform they need to get the word out about the services they offer and the contributions they make to their community. Members pay a flat rate, typically $50 per month, to participate in an advertising co-op that maximizes their exposure to consumers via www.LocalLivingIn.com, social media sites as well as print, direct mail and street-sign advertising. For consumers, it's simple. Log on to www.LocalLivingIn.com and find out about the small businesses that are in your community. Then sign up to receive a free Local Living In discount card, and gain access to great
discounts and giveaways offered at all of the 400 participating businesses. There's no booklet to carry around or coupons to cut and the card never expires. Simply present the BuyLocal card and enjoy the benefits yearround. The discount card offers consumers many of the same benefits as popular coupon sites without requiring them to make a purchase. Plus, the merchant can come up with any discount or incentive they want and can afford to do so without having to forfeit a significant portion of their profit. For Klingberg, that's key. Klingberg said the point of Local Living In is to make advertising affordable and easy for small businesses, so they can have access to the exposure they need. Small business owners live and work in their community; they employ their neighbors and keep their profits circulating in local economy. But, in turn, they rely on the support of local consumers. "The [concept] is designed to highlight and feature local businesses and tell everybody what they do, what they offer and what value there is to buying local," Klingberg said. The portal site, www.LocalLivingIn.com, is the centerpiece of this marketing concept. The website divides the region into pocket communities - Albany, Ballston Spa, Clifton Park, Glens Falls, Malta and Saratoga Springs. "Each community has a mini-site, where we market, highlight and fea-
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ture the businesses in that community," Klingberg explained. Member businesses will also benefit from a micro-site on www.LocalLivingIn.com, where they can post announcements about specials, contests and giveaways. A community calendar function also allows businesses to submit events and selfpromote. "They are able to get much greater exposure because our website generates more traffic than they could get themselves. Our website has almost 100,000 hits per month," Klingberg said. "It's a cost-effective way to bridge the gap between consumers and merchants," he said. Shannon Speicher-Allitt launched Berrylicious Bouquets two months ago, and Local Living In has been a vital tool for getting the word out about her business. Located at 241 Milton Avenue in Ballston Spa (inside Decadent Divas), SpeicherAllit specializes in chocolate covered strawberry bouquets, a local alternative to the products offered by the chain Edible Arrangements. She has been busy filling orders, many of which are coming in through the help of Local Living In. "We've been so busy. People are definitely catching on," she said. Speicher-Allit is currently offering a special that supports Jake's Help From Heaven, a local nonprofit organization. For every BuyLocal cardholder's order, Berrylicious will make a $5 donation. "Local Living In is about supporting local businesses; it's about working together as a community," Speicher-Allit said. For more information or to browse local offers, visit www.LocalLivingIn.com. To request your free BuyLocal card or sign up your business, email info@locallivingin.com or call (518) 795-6500.
by Yael Goldman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS Saratoga Publishing, the Spa City company that brings you Saratoga TODAY Newspaper and Simply Saratoga magazine, will host the 2012 Enchanted Wedding Expo on February 26, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. inside the Saratoga Springs City Center, located at 522 Broadway. In its fifth year, The Enchanted Wedding Expo is the premier bridal event in the Capital Region. Each year, this event draws more than 70 of the area’s best vendors and hundreds of brides. Expo guests will have the chance to peruse, taste-test and chat with the experts, all while enjoying live music and the romantic backdrop of downtown Saratoga Springs. So far, the 2012 vendor list includes caterers and bakers (yes, they're bringing delicious samples!), reception venues, bridal boutiques, stylists, photographers, wedding planners, entertainers and many more. Admission is a $5 donation to The Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund. Coat-check is complimentary. "What makes the Enchanted Wedding Expo the best expo in the region? First and foremost, the location," said Chad Beatty, owner of Saratoga Publishing. "We are the
only show to take place inside the newly designed Saratoga Springs City Center, a beautiful glass ensconced building overlooking Broadway. Wedding dresses will line the windows and the interior will be decorated like the name implies, like an enchanted wedding." The Enchanted Wedding Expo is an excellent opportunity for area vendors to connect with local brides and tell the world what they have to offer. This year's event is expected to draw over 200 brides. "Any bride planning a wedding in Saratoga should attend the expo," Beatty said. "We will have the region's premier bridal vendors onsite to help you plan your big day." For brides, the expo is a convenient and enjoyable way to find who and what you need to make your big day everything you've dreamed of. Whether you're looking for that missing piece, searching for inspiration or just beginning the planning process, let our vendors help you explore the possibilities. Brides can pre-register online at www.saratogabridalexpo.com, which guarantees quick entrance to the expo, and a chance to win a $500 ice sculpture from The Ice Man and 25 percent off floral arrangements from Posie Peddler! Winners will be announced during the expo on February 26. Vendors can reserve their space by calling (518) 581-2480 or by downloading the registration form at www.saratogabridalexpo.com. "Every year it is just a fantastic event," Beatty said. "The vendors are great, the brides-to-be are great and last but not least, the food is great." The 2012 Enchanted Wedding Expo is not an event to miss. For more information visit www.saratogabridalexpo.com or contact Chad Beatty at (518) 5812480 or cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com.
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Economy in 2012 continued from Page 1 economic forecasting with offices in the Capital Region. “But that’s not to say that policymakers in Saratoga or what’s going on with GlobalFoundries won’t make a difference.” GlobalFoundries and the high-tech industry sector have contributed to Saratoga’s relatively low unemployment numbers – 5.9 percent according to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistic’s most recent data, as compared to an 8.6 percent unemployment rate nationally. “Luckily here in our region, we have that stabilizing effect of being a center for government employment, education and medical jobs as well,” said J. Shelby Schneider, director of marketing and economic development specialist with the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC). “It’s also been a traditionally conservative area, so for example, when everyone else experienced the big housing boom, we didn’t have as much in Saratoga County.” Therefore, when the housing bubble burst in late 2007, Saratoga was certainly hit, but not as hard as other areas in New York and other states, such as California, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. “The big swings in the housing market that occurred throughout the nation did not occur in New York State generally, and not in Saratoga,” said Johnson. “Housing conditions are slightly improving. We’re bumping along the bottom, but we’re not deteriorating.” The housing market can be broken down into three distinct sectors: new construction, the resale of existing homes, and rental properties. Of the three categories, new construction has been the hardest hit. “Everything that’s happened goes back to credit,” explained Barry Potoker, executive director of the Saratoga Builders Association. “It goes back to whether the banks are lending the money for builders to build homes and whether they’re lending it to people to buy new homes. All of that is what I would say has been the main cause for slow growth in new construction.” The reasons for slow resale rates are a bit more complicated to understand. “Resales are sort of a conundrum. Borrowing rates are so low, almost at 1960s levels,” said Potoker. “It has picked up over the course of the last couple of years, but I think it goes back to the fact that cash is just not easily available.” However, Johnson noted that with
the Federal Reserve promising to keep short-term interest rates low, mortgage rates will likely remain low and attractive, with affordability getting better and better with each passing day. “The problem is that in every part of the country, Saratoga included, there’s an enormous inventory of overhang from foreclosures,” said Johnson. “And that’s sort of keeping the lid on prices. But there are some signs that that’s starting to be relieved.” One promising indicator can be found in the housing market’s third sector: rentals. “The demand for rentals has been pretty strong,” said Potoker, pointing to new apartment projects being built in downtown Saratoga at Market Center and another development in the works along Weibel Avenue. But once again, when comparing Saratoga’s numbers to the rest of the country: “Actually, Saratoga’s numbers look better than New York State and the nation as a whole. The point is, if you measure it by the unemployment rate or by almost any other measure, Saratoga is going to do better than the nation and better than the state. And that’s the good news,” said Johnson. Johnson predicts Saratoga County will see a 1.2 percent increase in the employment growth rate for 2012, following what he predicted would be a .8 percent growth rate in 2011. The numbers aren’t huge, admits Johnson, but they’re not so bad either. “Saratoga is keeping pace with the growth rate of state employment, and is likely to do somewhat better in 2012. We’re not talking about strong growth. But it is growth,” said Johnson. As well as keeping an eye on the national economic landscape, Johnson cautions Saratoga residents to pay attention to the public policy decisions coming out of Europe regarding their economy. “Europe is the X-factor in all of this,” said Johnson. “There are companies in Saratoga that do business in Europe, and there are enormous risks associated with the European economy. [These businesses] are going to get banged around a little bit.” Ultimately, Saratoga seems to be fairing the economic recession better than most areas across the country. But the battle is far from over. “What we’re doing with GlobalFoundries and other highgrowth industry sectors – the stabilizing factor is good,” said Schneider. “But in order to see some real economic expansion, we do have to dip
13 our toes in the water with some of these higher-growth, slightly riskier industry sectors.” According to Johnson, Saratoga can expect 2012 to hold, “slow growth, but not great growth.”
Johnson will be sharing his views on the global, national and local economy January 18, 2012, from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Place Saratoga/Malta. The event is reserved for members of the Chamber of
Southern Saratoga County or SEDC. The cost is $20 per person, and includes breakfast. To reserve a seat, call (518) 371-7748. To join SEDC, call (518) 587-0945.
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Clean Tech and Sustainable Industries Early College Program Opens Up to Capital Region by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA - Interest in the Clean Technologies and Sustainable Industries Early College High School Program at Hudson Valley Community College’s (HVCC) TEC-SMART facility is growing, prompting HVCC and their partner, the Ballston Spa Central School District, to expand enrollment to include students from all across the Capital Region. Over 180 students and parents attended an informational event on the program earlier this month, which expects to accom-
modate 75 additional students for the 2012-2013 school year. “The early college high school model that was created in concert with Ballston Spa Central School District, HVCC and NYSERDA is one the we believe has the ability to accommodate many students in our region,” said Stuart Williams, coordinator of community relations for the Ballston Spa Central School District. “The program provides the students with the opportunities to learn about new and emerging fields of study from business and industry leaders, and provides them opportunities to pursue college level course work on a college
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Students, parents and officials mingle during an information session for the expanding Clean Technologies and Sustainable Industries Program.
campus [while completing] their high school course work.” Students who take part in the program will travel to the TECSMART campus for instruction, where college professors hold courses on everything from sustainable design, environmental science and engineering, 2D auto computer aided drafting, nanotechnology, nanoeconomics and more. In total, students enrolled in the program have the opportunity to earn 20 college credits by the time they graduate high school. “The feedback about the program has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Williams, who believes this model of education can be replicated throughout the state. “These students will have the ability to continue pursuing higher education programs and will have the requisite skill sets to smoothly transition to matriculated programs of study and ultimately the workforce,” he added. The program is open to all high school juniors and seniors throughout the Capital Region who are on track to graduate. Approximately 40 spots are still available for the 2012-2013 school year. Applications for the program can be picked up in the guidance office of local participating schools. Simply fill out the form, gather the required signatures and return the application to your guidance counselor. Enrollment is based on a first-come-firstserve system. To learn more about the program, contact Laurel Logan-King at lking@bscsd.org, or by phone at (518) 884-7150, ext. 2362. You may also contact Diane Irwin at dirwin@bscsd.org, or by phone at (518) 884-7150, ext. 2317.
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Friday, December 23, 2011
TODAY
Aspiring Skidmore Photographers Show Off Fruits of Labor
photo provided
SARATOGA SPRINGS - Four aspiring local photographers recently completed a challenging five month internship with Emma Dodge Hanson Photography. The internship culminated with an Eye Level Photography Show displaying their works at Skidmore College's Atkins Atrium. The show was very successful and well attended. Besides learning how to run a professional photography studio (booking and making appointments, printing photos and helping with photo shoots) students were assigned a series of projects to perfect their black and white portfolios. “There are a tremendous amout of rules that frustrate them at first, but once they show they can master these rules, then the assignments allow them to gradually break the rules and they begin to create art,” said Emma Dodge Hanson. “Some of their stuff this year was crazy-beautiful,” she added. “Some of their pictures actually made me cry.” Pictured above from left to right are Michaela Martin, Molly Leon, Emma Dodge Hanson, Emma's daughter Calla, Kelsey Thorn and Lauren Beck. Local artist and photographer Emma Dodge Hanson's studio is located at 112 Spring Street, Saratoga Springs, (518) 587-4282.
Reading List for the Winter Break Looking for something to keep you busy during the holiday break? Why not pick up one of the many great books suggested by Saratoga Reads for the 2011-2012 Junior Companion Book List! Medical Research For middle grade readers: “Guinea Pig Scientists: Bold Self Experimenters in Science & Medicine,” Dendy “Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science,” Fleischman “Doctors Did What?!: The Weird History of Medicine,” Platt Scientits at Work For younder readers: “Stone Girl, Bone Girl,” Ahholt “The Fossil Girl: Mary Anning's Dinosaur Discovery,” Brighton “Odd Boy Out: Young Albert Einstein,” Brown For middle grade readers “Case Closed?: Nine Mysteries Unlocked by Modern Science,” Hughes “The Mysterious Universe,” Jackson “Giants of Science series,” Krull “The Case of the Vanishing Golden Frogs: A Scientific Mystery,” Markle For the full list, visit www.saratogareads.org/juniorbooks.cfm.
Send your education stories to Daniel Schechtman at reporter@saratoga publishing.com
SARATOGA
TODAY
Friday, December 23, 2011
EDUCATION Artists Who Care Club Donates Art Supplies
Five Committees Formed to Address New Schuylerville Middle School Needs SCHUYLERVILLE - As Schuylerville Central School District readies to open a new middle school for the 2012-2013 school year, teachers, administrators, parents and students are coming together to address the new facility’s many needs. Schuylerville's Middle School Task Force has formed five committees, each designed to address different needs and aspects of the implementation of a middle school concept. Each committee will meet monthly until May 2012. The Middle School Task Force, tasked with overseeing the coordination of all other committees, communicating with teachers, parents, students and the community regarding the middle school, and developing and planning the middle school handbook will meet for the first time in the new year Thursday, January 19 at noon. The Middle School Transitions Committee, tasked with overseeing the transition of students to the middle school, developing annual traditions for the transition from fifth to sixth grade and eighth to ninth grade, developing an orientation program for all students, and organizing an open house for the middle school will next meet Wednesday, January 18 at noon. The Middle School Building Needs Committee, tasked with taking an inventory of equipment currently in the rooms, determining the technology needs (computers, Smartboards, etc.), and helping with the moving logistics (how, where and when) will meet Wednesday, January 11 at noon. The Middle School Professional/Instructional Collaboration Committee, tasked with addressing literacy issues, professional development opportunities, and library and teacher collaboration possibilities will meet Thursday, January 12 at noon. The Middle School Core Values Committee, tasked with developing core values, disciplinary guidlines, developing the guidance curriculum, investigating and implementing an anti-bullying program, and creating a positive intervention program will meet Friday, January 13 at noon. Each committee will meet in the Administrative Building Board Room. For more information about the development of a middle school concept in the district, please contact Katie Elsworth at (518) 695-3255, ext. 2265.
Ballston Spa High School Senior Receives VFW Award BALLSTON SPA - Ballston Spa High School senior Scott Ferron received the first place VFW Voice of Democracy Award for his vocal essay, which he presented December 18. Scott also placed third for the regional level of the VFW award contest. He will be presented with that award in February at the VFW Region 3 Annual Dinner. Please contact the Ballston Spa High School Guidance Office for additional information at (518) 884-7150 ext. 2330.
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Pictured left to right: Howard Steggs, Scott Ferron, Arthur Devoe and Ballston Spa High School Principal Kristi Jensen.
photo provided Members of the Artists Who Care Club at Maple Avenue Middle School donated art supplies valued at about $300 to local children during the holidays. Under the guidance of adviser and art teacher Janis Kelleher-Dawsey, the students are fulfilling the mission of this service club: to have a positive effect on the world through a love of the visual arts.
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New Column!
Kid-Friendly Ideas for Saratoga Snow Days
Jenny Witte Mamatoga.com/ The winter can pose some tricky situations when you have little ones at home. Either it is too cold to go outside or you're lacking ideas for what to do with once you have them bundled up and out in the snow. Whether your plans call for frolicking in the white stuff or spending some time indoors, here are some great, kid-friendly winter activities that will keep you and your little ones happy and entertained this winter break. Rather than park them in front of the television, you can use the indoor time to get crafty with your kids! This time of year is perfect for making snow globes. If you hope to see some snow falling, make your own! It's simple: find glass jars with lids, fill them with water and your choice of glitter, screw on the top, and voila, instant snow! If you're really feeling crafty, glue a figure, or a small branch to the inside of the jar with a hot glue gun and let it set before you add the glitter and water. Then, you can personalize the globe with stickers on the outside and ribbon tied around the lid. Here's another idea: head to the kitchen and make gingerbread playdough! It's something the kids can create and get messy with and has the extra bonus of the holiday spice! (see sidebar for recipe). When cabin fever strikes, there are plenty of options for moving your indoor activities to another location. For example, the movie theater always has matinees of current kid-friendly flicks. Or let your kiddies explore the Children's Museum at Saratoga, located at 69 Caroline St. The museum offers many opportunities to engage in imaginative play. You can also head to Saratoga Strike Zone (32 Ballston Ave.), where you can have fun at the bowling alley and then hit the arcade and
ball pit play area. There are many hands-on activities in downtown Saratoga Springs, At Creative Sparks (42 Phila St.) you can have your little ones choose their own piece of pottery to paint and decorate, and they even offer mosaics to try their hand at as well. If your child is interested in jewelry, you should stop by Saratoga Beads at 80 Henry St., where you can bond while creating a necklace or bracelet using beads from their large selection. If the forecast is looking snowy, bundle up and head outdoors! Once the first flakes start falling, your kids will most likely envision winter wonderland fun, and our area is packed with great ways to spend a day outdoors in the snow. Those visions are even sweeter when they come during the week and fun in the snow means a snow day! These days, kids have access to toys and gadgets that enhance winter outdoor fun - even the most timehonored snow day traditions, like building a snowman, are made easier! You can use a plastic mold, made specifically for creating perfect snowballs, to build snowmen, forts, snow sculptures and more by simply filling each half of the mold with snow, then pressing them together. Once opened, you will have a perfectly round, 12-inch snowball which you can then make larger or smaller by rolling or sculpting to create the perfect snowman or snowwoman! These molds also come in brick and square forms ( there's even a model shaped like a turret!) to help little hands easily form the snow building blocks to create a little igloo, fort or wall to defend themselves in the event of a friendly snowball fight. Fun outdoor activities can also double as exercise. You might think that snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are meant for older children, but there are plenty of products on the market made for little feet. You can get great exercise with the right equipment and the right planning. You can also rent snowshoes and cross-country skis at Saratoga Spa State Park before heading out on the park's trail system. Plan ahead and pick a trail that is right for your family - make sure the excursion is the right distance and keep in mind that moving in the snow takes a lot more energy than a regular summer walk.
If the kids get tired, you can always take a snow angel-making break to catch your breath. Besides the state park, you can also check out the trails at the Saratoga Battlefield. Ice skating is another great winter activity. There's several rinks at the state park, an ice skating rink in front of the Victorian Pool Complex and an ice hockey rink near the Warming Hut, as well as a rink at 30 Weibel Avenue (for more rinks see sidebar). There are lots of ice skate options for little feet which have adjustable sizes so they can accommodate growing a size or two in between snowy seasons. I've taken the kids for a little spin on the ice since they were 2 years old. For the younger ones not ready to try skates, there is plenty of room to pull them around on the sled while an older sibling tries their hand at skating. One thing you can't miss on a snow day is sledding. There are tons of sledding spots to choose from (see sidebar) and even more options for sleds. You can pick a tube or a flat molded sled, depending on how fast you want to go. They make toddler sleds and double sleds and even sleds for moms and dads to hop on and ride down the hill too! Pack a thermos full of hot chocolate and hit the hill; you'll get a full workout in between sledding runs, walking back up with the sled in tow. I've never had a day of sledding that didn't end up with two completely tired out little ones. When you're ready to head indoors, you can continue the fun with this easy little craft. While you're out and about, ask your kiddies to find just one leaf to bring back home. Then, when you get home, take a regular dinner plate and fill it with water to make a puddle. Then place the leaf in the little puddle, add a loop of string to the top of the plate above the leaf and set it outside overnight. In the morning they'll not only have a great handmade ornament to hang on a tree outside, they'll also have a cute little reminder of the great day they spent outdoors in the snow! Jenny Witte is a co-founder of Mamatoga.com, the local spot online for where to shop, where to play, where to eat and where to learn in Saratoga. She and Julie Nolan launched the site in August 2011.
Indoor Activities & Outdoor Adventures Gingerbread playdough Ingredients: 2 cups flour 1 cup salt 1 tbsp. ground ginger 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon 2 tbsp. vegetable oil 1 cup water. Directions: Mix together and knead until smooth.
Cabin-Fever Relievers Children’s Museum at Saratoga 69 Caroline St. (518) 548-5540 www.childrensmuseumatsaratoga.org Saratoga Strike Zone 32 Ballston Ave. (518) 584-6460 www.saratogastrikezone.com Creative Sparks 42 Phila St., #2 (518) 583-2030 www.creativesparksceramics.com
Snow Playgrounds Saratoga Spa State Park has over 12 miles of snowshoeing trails. The park offers cross-country skiing along the golf courses which offers practice for beginners and good downhill terrain is found by skiing into the valley carved by the Geyser Brook.Contact Saratoga Spa State Park at (518) 584-2200 for more information on skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating. Another place to stomp around in the snow is Saratoga Battlefield. The grounds are open to pedestrian use every day during daylight hours. Enjoy over 7 miles of hiking trails open to hiking, and when the snow flies, to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. A trail map is available at the visitor center, open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (518) 6649821 for more information. Local ice skating rinks: -Saratoga Springs Ice Rink, 30 Weibel Avenue -Clifton Park Ice Arena, 16 Clifton Common Blvd. -SPA State Park, two outdoor rinks Top places to sled locally: Milton Terrace School off Route 67 in Ballston Spa Saratoga Spa State Park McGregor Links Country Club in Wilton Deadman's Hill off Rowland St. in Saratoga Springs.
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TODAY
Friday, December 23, 2011
A Christmas Day Mitzvah by Christina James Saratoga TODAY The last Sunday of every month, volunteers from Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs prepare and serve dinner at the Economic Opportunity Council’s (EOC) Soup Kitchen. This month, that Sunday is Christmas. The dinner, served at the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church, 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs, lasts from 1:30-5 p.m. and is a great opportunity for local needy families to celebrate the holidays. In addition to the Christmas Day Mitzvah, items for a dinner for 12 and a “Family Fun Night” will be given to Domestic Violence Rape Crisis Center (DVRC) of Saratoga. Donated boxes of popcorn, board games, DVDs and holiday items are given to the women at the DVRC safe house to make their holidays brighter. “You won’t have families show up on Christmas, but you have them coming in the day after and the next… this way when they get [to the safe house] they have gifts,” said Ronnie Silver, chair of the temple’s social action committee. “It is awful for a child to have to go through Christmas with nothing to open.” The holidays aren’t the only time the temple is making contributions to the community. This year, their religious school theme translates into “Repair your Corner of the World” and the hope is to turn the participating students into socially conscious community members. Youngsters partaking in the religious school programs hold events throughout the year to raise funds or sup-
plies for five local nonprofit organizations: Shelters of Saratoga, Hospice, the Franklin Community Center, DVRC and the Backstretch Employee Service Team. “It’s my hope that a kid will get into this and that they will continue to do this even when they’re out of religious school because it’s become part of their everyday life,” Silver said. Keep your eyes peeled for these kids and the wonderful things they have planned for 2012. For ways you can help Temple Sinai’s various community-based initiatives, visit their website at www.saratogasinai.org/support.
HELPING HANDS 17 Free Christmas Dinners Clifton Park Center Baptist Church 713 Clifton Park Center Rd., Clifton Park The Clifton Park Center Baptist Church is hosting a free home-cooked dinner from 2-4:30 p.m. for those in the Clifton Park community who have no place to go, no one to celebrate with, or who are otherwise unable to provide a meal for themselves. Presbyterian New England Congregational Church 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs The dinner, served from 1:30-5 p.m., is a great opportunity for local needy families to celebrate the holidays.
Upcoming Blood Drives Mt McGregor Correctional Facility QWL Building, 1000 Mt. McGregor Rd., Wilton Friday, December 23, from noon-5 p.m. * Receive a coupon for 6 FREE WINGS at Buffalo Wild Wings
Saratoga Wilton Elks 1 Elk Lane, Saratoga Springs Tuesday, December 27, from 1-6 p.m. * Receive a coupon for 6 FREE WINGS at Buffalo Wild Wings
Saratoga County Maplewood Manor 149 Ballston Ave., Ballston Spa Wednesday, December 28, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. * Receive a coupon for 6 FREE WINGS at Buffalo Wild Wings
Tiny Tots Tea Room Plaza 8, Clifton Park Wednesday, December 28, from 1-5 p.m.
Finch Paper LLC 1 Glen St., Glens Falls Tuesday, January 3, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. * Call Susan for Appt. (518) 793-2541
SARATOGA
FOOD ’Tis the Season A Sharp Knife is Best for Eggnog! Friday, December 23, 2011
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Sharpening Steels:
Suzanne Voigt Farmers’Market
I find commercial eggnogs not very appealing, so over the years I started making my own. However, a couple of years ago, Battenkill Creamery started making "commercial" eggnog, and my opinion changed. Their eggnog is rich, fresh tasting and with a little spice of choice, a very satisfying (and easy) substitute. I still love homemade, but theirs is close and very easy. Battenkill Creamery Eggnog is my eggnog of choice for baking, which is actually my favorite way to have eggnog. This New Year's Eve we will feast with friends and the dessert I plan to make is this:
Battenkill Eggnog Flan! Ingredients 3/4 cup sugar 4 cups Battenkill Eggnog (or substitute 1/4 cup dark rum or bourbon for 1/4 eggnog) 5 large farm fresh eggs 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp cinnamon Directions 1. Preheat oven to 325. Have ready eight 6oz custard cups, a 10inch round cake pan or an 8-10-inch soufflé dish. 2. Combine sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until sugar is dissolved. Mixture should not boil until sugar is dissolved and you don't want to
stir in air, so you may have to slide the pan onto an off burner. Once sugar is dissolved, turn up heat and bring mixture to boil, continuing to gently stir until color is deep amber (about 5-7 minutes). Now you have caramel! 3. Quickly pour caramel into cups or dish and then immediately tilt cups/dish so that the caramel evenly coats over the entire bottom and partly up sides. 4. Bring a kettle of water to a boil. Meanwhile, pour eggnog into a large bowl, adding liquor as desired and nutmeg and cinnamon. Whisk in eggs until mixture is smooth, but not allowing a lot of air to form (minimal froth). 5. Pour eggnog mixture over the caramel covered dish/es, and place them in a large roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with enough boiling water to come halfway up the side of the flan dish. Loosely cover roasting pan with foil and bake for one hour. Remove the foil and cook for another hour or until custard is set but still quivers. 6. Immediately remove flan dish/es from roasting pan and let cook at room temperature. 7. At this point you can serve the flan, but it's not as easy as when it has been cooled in a refrigerator for a couple of hours. In either case, to serve, run a thin knife around the edge of the flan, place an inverted plate over the dish and flip to unmold. I personally like flan warm, so, I like to serve it after it has been at room temperature just a short while-but unmolding doesn't always come out clean with this method. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL from the SARATOGA FARMERS' MARKET! The Saratoga Farmers' Market is open Saturdays, 9 a.m-1 p.m., both December 24 and 31, to insure your holiday tables will be full of the freshest and tastiest foods.
John Reardon
Compliments to the Chef Hello again Foodies! In this issue, we are going to talk briefly about my favorite subject, kitchen knives! There isn't enough time or space to cover every kitchen knife, so I will talk about keeping your knives sharp. We can discuss brands when you stop in and share a cup of Joe with me on a cold winter's day. The best advice I can give is that a good knife is the one that best fits your hand, and the best knife is a sharp knife! You could own the most expensive knife in the world, but if it's dull it won't be any better than a sharp $10 knife. Even a good knife will lose some of its sharpness with time. However, sharpening a knife is easy if you have the right tool and know how to use it. Great sharpening tools help yield great results.
Generally three different materials are used for sharpening steel knives: • Chromium-plated stainless steel: Sharpening steels with a chromium-plated, grooved surface delivers a good re-sharpening result (my favorite). • Ceramics: When sharpening a ceramic blade, sharpen gently and carefully. The ceramic blade is sensitive to shock. A fall can easily damage it. • Diamond: Sharpening steels with a diamond coating of the blade delivers a particularly fine re-sharpening result. The average life span is shorter, though, because the coating tends to wear off with time.
How to sharpen knives correctly: 1. Place the knife blade against the tip of the sharpening steel at an angle of approximately 20 degrees and 15 degrees for Asian style knives. 2. Pull the knife down and across the steel in a slight arc. 3. Repeat this action on the back of the steel to sharpen the other side of the blade. 4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 five to ten times, alternating the left and right side of the blade. It is very important to maintain the angle of 20 or 15 degrees and to run the full length of the cutting edge along the steel from the hilt to the tip of the knife. The speed of the movement is not important. Use finesse not brute force!
Sharpening With a TwoStage Hand Sharpener: 1. Place your sharpener on a flat surface. Hold the sharpener with one hand and the knife handle with the other. Insert knife blade fully into the slot. 2. Apply moderate downward pressure (remember finesse) on the blade while pulling the knife toward you through the appropriate notch. 3. Repeat this action, always pulling from heel to tip (never back and forth) through the carbide or the ceramic notch. The first stage carbide (coarse) sharpens dull edges. The second stage ceramic (fine) provides a polished, razor sharp edge. A reasonably sharp knife may only require light honing. A steel or hand sharpener may cost between $15 and $75 but they can help make your knives last a lifetime. If you like, I can give your knives a new factory edge for $3 each. If you have any questions, just stop by Compliments to the Chef, located at 488 Broadway. You can ask me anything. Remember a great knife is in the hand of the beholder and a sharp knife is up to you! Take Care, John
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Friday, December 23, 2011
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Friday, December 23, 2011
Holiday Gift Guide
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Friday, December 23, 2011
Holiday Gift Guide
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Holiday Gift Guide
Friday, December 23, 2011
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CALENDAR
Friday, December 23, 2011
living Dec.
23 - Jan. 6 events Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Old Saratoga Reformed Church, 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville Everyone is invited to attend the annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, December 24, at 8 p.m. The service will include music, a Christmas message and a traditional lighting of candles.
Christmas Eve Road March Glens Falls Civic Center, Glens Falls This 3.2 mile walk starts with a short ceremony in Heritage Hall and is a great way to show your support to those servicemen and women who cannot be home for the holidays The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. and the march is free to attend.
Fourth Annual Community Christmas Breakfast Christ Church, 54 Bay St., Glens Falls This is a free breakfast for the community from 9 a.m.-noon.
Thursday, December 29 “A Christmas Carol” Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., H. Dutcher Room A Charles Dickens holiday classic, this show features beautiful handcrafted marionettes, shadow puppets, gorgeous masks, lavish costumes, vivid sets, a professional soundtrack that includes many holiday favorites, and a giant 9foot parade puppet. Showtimes are at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and admission is free.
Healing Meditation One Big Roof, 433 Broadway, 3rd Floor, Suite 302, Saratoga Springs For a $20 donation, you can bring balance to your body and mind and promote harmony and peace in your life. Meditation begins at 7 p.m.
Friday, December 30 New Year’s Eve Teddy Bear Sleep Over Stillwater Free Library, Stillwater Cost: $5 per stuffed animal Friday, December 30, between 5-8 p.m. drop off your stuffed animal for an exciting weekend retreat in the library! Get your photo taken, create a name tag, and then tell us what your animal likes to read and eat.
Saturday, December 31 Old Friends at Cabin Creek Happy New Year Birthday Party 483 Sandhill Rd., Greenfield Center Cost: Free - Donations gratefully accepted Come from noon-3 p.m. and celebrate the birthday of retired Thoroughbred racehorses! Thunder Rumble, Will’s Way, Crusader Sword and all the other athletes would love to share their birthday cake with you.
Sunday, January 1 Empire State Capital Volkssporters Start point: Virgil’s House, 86 Henry St., Saratoga Springs For Fitness, Fun and Friendship! Group walks starts at 1:30 p.m. A ‘volkswalk’ is a leisurely walk through a scenic and or historic area over a pre-marked trail. For more information, visit www.ava.org/clubs/escv.
Tuesday, January 3 Teen Improv Boot Camp Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. A free Teen Improv Boot Camp, led by Terrie Gifford from 3:30-5:30 p.m. January 3, 10, 17, and 24, will lead teens through four weeks of comedy training in preparation for the library’s Teen Improv Showcase
January 31. This is a great program for teens aspiring to be actors or any teen that would like to become more comfortable in front of an audience. To register, call (518) 584-7860, ext. 239.
Wednesday, January 4 Olde Saratoga Seniors Potluck Saratoga Town Hall, Schuylerville The Olde Saratoga Seniors will begin the new year with a potluck luncheon at noon. Guests are welcome. Contact Jim Young for more information (518) 747-9213.
Caffe Lena Open Mic 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs A poetry open mic with featured readers Marilyn Sandberg and Kathleen McCoy. Sign up for the open mic starts at 7 p.m., the reading starts at 7:30. Admission is $3.
Lego Club Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. Children in grades K-5 are welcome to join us from 6:30 – 8 p.m. in the Crawshaw Story Room for the Lego club. Parents and caregivers are also welcome to attend. We will use our imaginations to create buildings, creatures and other objects. In addition we may have Lego games and challenges. There is no registration for this program.
Friday, January 6 Clifton Park History Presentation Historic Grooms Tavern, Clifton Park At 7 p.m. Clifton Park Town Historian John Scherer will give a presentation on some of the more interesting experiences he has encountered in researching the history of Clifton Park. Hear about some remarkable discoveries and the serendipitous manner in which they came to light.
Upcoming YPN Blood Drive Wesley Community This is the fifth year that the chamber’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) is teaming up with the Red Cross to help make a difference and save lives. The YPN is hosting the blood drive from noon- 6 p.m. Come and give blood or volunteer. People are needed for check in and for serving juice and cookies to those who give blood.
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New Year’s Eve Events New Year's Eve at the Rusty Nail The Rusty Nail, 1781 Route 9, Clifton Park Cost: Free admission and music from DJ Darik. New Year's Eve party at Putnam Den 63A Putnam St., Saratoga Springs Cost: $7 Adv / $10 Door Starting at 8 p.m. Featuring special guest Sirsy with Maryleigh and The Fauves. New Year's Eve party at Vapor Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Crescent Ave., Saratoga Springs Cost: $20 Adv / $25 Door Enjoy live entertainment by the New York Players, watch the ball drop on our amazing 16' HD screen and our balloon drop at midnight. The fun begins at 8:30 p.m. New Year's Eve at Prime at Saratoga National 458 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs Cost: $99 Bring in the New Years in style at Prime at Saratoga National! The party goes from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. New Year's Eve at the Irish Times Pub 14 Phila St., Saratoga Springs Cost: Free Music by Gravity on New Year's Eve! From Broadway to Billboard Charles Wood Theater, 207 Glen Street Glens Falls From 8-10 p.m. enjoy a musical revue through the All American Songbook to start a new year with music and fun. New Years Eve 2012 Peddlers Bistro, 16 Clifton Park Village Rd., Clifton Park Cost: 45.99 per person Join this multi-group event from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. with over 100 professionals during the second Annual New Year’s Eve Party at one of the Capital District's hottest venues, Peddlers Bistro! New Years Eve Night Out! The Cambridge Hotel and Restaurant Cost: $65.00 per couple A party for all ages with a menu fit for a king as well as a great band to boogie down to...you cannot go wrong!
Send your calendar items to Christina James at cjames@saratogapublishing.com before 5 p.m. on Monday for Friday publication.
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SARATOGA
RELIGION
Places of Worship Please contact Robin Mitchell for any copy changes: (518) 581-2480x 208 rmitchell@ saratogapublishing.com
Adirondack Christian Fellowship 8 Mountain Ledge, Wilton Contact: 587-0623; acfsaratoga.com Services: Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m. The Alliance Church 257 Rowland St., Ballston Spa Contact: 885-6524. Services: Morning worship 10:30 a.m. Assembly of God Faith Chapel Rev. Jason Proctor 6 Burgoyne St., Schuylerville Contact: 695-6069 Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m. Assembly of God Saratoga 118 Woodlawn Ave Saratoga Springs NY 12866 Contact: 584-6081 Sunday Worship 10 a.m., coffee served at 9:45 a.m. Bacon Hill Reformed Church 560 Route 32N, Bacon Hill, NY Contact: 695-3074 Rev. Janet Vincent Worship service 10 a.m. Sunday School 10 a.m. All are welcome. Handicapped accessible Baha’i Community of Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-9679; 692-7694; usbnc.org. Ballston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 58 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa Contact: 885-7312; ballstoncenterarpchurch.org Services: Sunday Worship
Service, 10:30 a.m. Ballston Spa United Methodist Church 101 Milton Ave. Contact: 885-6886. Services: Sunday 10:00 a.m. Bethesda Episcopal Church 41 Washington St., Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-5980. Services: Sunday, 6:30, 8 & 10 a.m. Church of Christ at Clifton Park 7 Old Route 146, Clifton Park Contact: 371-6611, cliftonparkchurch ofchrist.com Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Christ Community Reformed Church 1010 Route 146, Clifton Park Contact: 371-7654; ccrc-cpny.org. Services: Sundays 9:15 & 11 a.m. Christ Episcopal Church Corner of Routes 50 and 67, Ballston Spa Contact: 885-1031. Services: Sunday 8 & 10 a.m. Congregation Shaara Tfille 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-2370; saratogasynagogue.org Services: Sat. 9:30 a.m., Mon. & Thurs. 7:30 a.m., 3rd Fri. each month 7:30 p.m. Handicapped Accessible Corinth Free Methodist Church 20 Hamilton Ave., Corinth 654-9255; 792-0271 Services: Sunday at 10 a.m. Corinth United Methodist Church 243 Main Street, Corinth
Friday, December 23, 2011 Contact: 654-2521; cfumc@cnyconnect.net Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Cornerstone Com munity Church Associate Pastor Paul Shepherd located in the Malta Commons Contact: 899-7001 mycornerstonechurch.org Services: Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Community 2001 Route 9 Round Lake (Exit 10 of Northway) • Contact: 877-8506, ccorpusc@nycap.rr.com Mass Schedule: Sat. 4 p.m., Sun. 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Weekday Masses: Mon-Fri at 9 a.m.
Grace Brethren Church Rev. Dan Pierce 137 W. Milton Road, Ballston Spa Contact: 587- 0649 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Handicapped accessible. Grace Community Church of Malta Wed. 7:30pm - Good Times Restaurant, Lake Rd. 2nd Floor Fri. Saratoga Chapel - 7:30 p.m., corner of Eastline & Lake Rd. Sun. 10 a.m. - Comfort Suites, Clifton Park Northway Exit 11 next to Chili's Greater Grace Community Church Pastor David Moore 43 Round Lake Rd. Ballston Lake (Malta Mall) Contact: 899-7777; .ggccmalta.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m.
Eastern Orthodox Christ the Savior 349 Eastline Road, Ballston Spa Highway Tabernacle Contact: 786-3100; xcsavChurch ior@yahoo.com. 90 River Road, Services: Sunday: 9:15 a.m. Mechanicville Contact: 664- 4442. First Baptist Church of Services: Sunday 10:30 Saratoga Springs a.m. 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs Hope Church Contact: 584-6301. 206 Greenfield Avenue, Services: Sunday: 11:00 Ballston Spa a.m. Contact: 885-7442. Services: Sunday 10 a.m. First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Ave. (Rt. 50), Ballston Spa Contact: 885-8361; fbcballstonspa.org Services: 10:15 a.m. First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa 22 West High Street, Ballston Spa Contact: 885-5583 Services: Sunday at 10 a.m. Full Gospel Tabernacle 207 Redmond Road, Gansevoort 518-793-2739 Service: Sunday 10:00 a.m. Bible Study: Thursday 6:30 p.m.
Jonesville United Methodist 963 Main St., Clifton Park Contact: 877-7332. Services: Sunday 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Living Springs Community Church 59 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs Contact: 584- 9112. Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Living Waters Church of God 4330 State Rt. 50, Saratoga Springs Contact: 587-0484; living-
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waterscog.us Services: Sundays 10 a.m. Malta Presbyterian Church Dunning Street, Malta Contact: 899-5992. Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Malta Ridge United Methodist Church 729 Malta Avenue Ext., Malta Contact: 581-0210. Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Middle Grove United Methodist Church Pastor Bonnie Bates 429 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove Contact: 581-2973 Services: Sunday 9:00 a.m. Handicapped accessible New Horizon Church 150 Perry Road, Saratoga Springs Contact: 587-0711. Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. New Life Fellowship 51 Old Gick Road, Saratoga Springs Contact: 580-1810; newlifeinsaratoga.org. Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Childcare is available at all services. NorthStar Church Shenendehowa High School, West Auditorium, Clifton Park Contact: 371-2811; northstarchurch.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Old Saratoga Reformed Church 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville Contact:oldsaratogareforme church.org Services: Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Handicapped accessable. Old Stone Church Affiliated with the American Baptist Churches 159 Stone Church Rd., Ballston Spa Contact: 5831002
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RELIGION
Friday, December 23, 2011
Sunday: 9 a.m. Adult Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Service 11:45 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship in Living Stone Hall Wednesday: Noon Potluck Luncheon 1 p.m. Choir rehearsal, 2 p.m. Bible Study Group PresbyterianNE Congregational Church 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-6091; pnecc.org Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m. Quaker Springs United Methodist Church Pastor Jim Knapp 466 Route 32 South, Quaker Springs Contact: 695-3101; qsumc.com Services: Sundays 9 a.m. Handicapped accessible. River of Hope Fellowship 100 Saratoga Village Blvd. Malta Commons, Suite 3, Malta Contact: 881-1505; riverofhopefellowship.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-2375. Services: Eucharistic Celebrations: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m. St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-6122. Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8, 9:30, 11:15 a.m. & 5 p.m. St. George's Episcopal Church 912 Route 146, Clifton Park Contact: 371-6351; stgeorge@csdsl.net Services: Saturday at 4:30 p.m.,
Sunday at 8 & 9:30 a.m.
Saratoga Chabad 130 Circular St., Saratoga St. Joseph's Roman Springs Catholic Church Contact: 526-0773; sarato3159 Route 9N, Greenfield ra@aol.com Center saratogachabad.com Contact: 893-7680; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com Saratoga Friends rcda.org/churches/St.Joseph Meeting (Quaker) sChurch Corner of Routes 32 and Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; 71, Sunday 10:30 a.m. Quaker Springs Handicapped Contact: 587-7477; 399accessible 5013. Services: Sunday 10 a.m. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church 167 Milton Ave., Ballson Spa Contact: 885-7411; stmarysbsta.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m. Handicapped accessible St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church 771 Route 29, Rock City Falls Contact: 893-7680; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com; rcda.org/churches/ St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 149 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-0904 Services: Saturday evening at 5 p.m. with Holy Communion. Sundays at 8:30 & 11 a.m. with Holy Communion. St. Peter Lutheran Church 2776 Route 9, Malta Contact: 583-4153 Services: Sunday mornings 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. St. Thomas of Canterbury 242 Grooms Road, Halfmoon Contact: st-thomas-of-canterbury.org Service: Sunday at 10 a.m. Saratoga Abundant Life Church 2325 Route 50 South, Saratoga Springs Contact: 885-5456; saratogaabundantlife.org Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.
Saratoga United Methodist Church Henning Road at Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-3720; saratogaumc.com. Services: Sunday 9 & 10:45 a.m. Handicapped accessible. Saratoga Seventh-Day Adventist Church 399 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs Contact: 882-9384;saratogasda.org Sabbath School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 11:30 a.m. Shenendehowa United Methodist 971 Route 146, Clifton Park Contact: 371-7964. Services: Sunday 7:45, 9 & 10:45 a.m.; Acts II Contempory 10:45 a.m. Simpson United Methodist Church Rock City Road, Rock City Falls Contact: 885-4794. Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m. Soul Saving Station for Every Nation Christ Crusaders of America 62 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-3122 Services: Sunday 10 a.m & 6:30 p.m. Temple Sinai 509 Broadway, Saratoga
Springs Contact: 584-8730. Services: Friday 8 p.m. Handicapped accessible The Salvation Army Worship, Service & Community Center 27 Woodlawn Avenue, Saratoga Springs Mail - PO Box 652 (518) 584-1640 Sunday School - 10:00 a.m. Praise & Worship - 11:00 a.m. Captain Aaron A. Boone, Sr. Captain Amber S. Boone Commanding Officers/Ministers Trinity United Methodist Church Rev. Gail Falsetti-Pastor 155 Ballard Rd., Gansevoort Contact: 584-9107; tumcwilton.com Service: Sunday 10:00 a.m. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs
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624 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs Contact: 584-1555; saratoga-uu.org Services: 10 a.m. Religious education and nursery care at the 10 a.m. service each Sunday Unity Church in Albany 21 King Avenue, Albany Contact: 453-3603: Services: Sunday, 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. West Charlton United Presbyterian Church Rev. Thomas Gregg, Pastor 1331 Sacandaga Rd., West Charlton Contact: 882-9874; westcharltonupc.org Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Wilton Baptist Church 755 Saratoga Rd, Wilton Contact: 583-2736; wiltonbaptist@gmail.com; wiltonbaptistchurch.com Services: Sunday Service 11 a.m.
SARATOGA
26 upcoming town meetings Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org 12/27: Town Board-special, 7:30 p.m. 1/3: Town Board, 7:30 p.m. 1/4: Zoning Board, 7 p.m. Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org 12/26: Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m. 12/28: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:30 p.m. Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com 12/27: Planning Board, 7 p.m. 12/29: Town Board, 7:30 p.m. 1/3: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:30 p.m. Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 899-2818 www.malta-town.org 12/27: Town Board-agenda, 6:30 p.m. 1/3: Town Board-regular, 7 p.m. Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org 1/1: City Council, 1 p.m. 1/3: City Council, 7 p.m. 1/4: Design Review Commission, 7 p.m. Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com 12/28: Planning Board, 7:30 p.m. 12/28: Town Board-special, 7 p.m. 1/5: Town Board-agenda, 7 p.m. Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org 1/4: Board of Water Management, 7 p.m. Town of Stillwater: 66 East St., Riverside Mechanicville, NY 12118 www.stillwaterny.org 12/26: Zoning Board, 7:30 p.m. 1/2: Planning Board, 7 p.m. 1/5: Town Board, 7 p.m. Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com 1/2: Parks & Rec., 7 p.m. 1/5: Town Board, 7 p.m. Saratoga County Board of Supervisors: 40 McMaster St., # 1 Ballston Spa, NY 12020-1985 (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov
Friday, December 23, 2011
L A LOCbriefs
Schuylerville Home Repair Grant Program to Include Rental Units
Income eligible homeowners residing in the Village of Schuylerville can receive grant assistance to address health, safety and energy efficiency issues. In addition, owner-occupied 1 – 4 unit rental properties are now eligible for grant funds. All village homeowners are encouraged to apply. Grant funds are typically used to repair or replace items to make homes more energy efficient. Applications are available at 35 Spring St., Schuylerville, or online at www.marvinandcompany.com. For more information, contact Marvin & Company at (518) 695-3344.
Hannaford Selects After The Fire for Donation Kiosk Each month Hannaford selects a nonprofit organization to be the recipient of their Donation Kiosk and After The Fire has been chosen as the January 2012 recipient at the Ballston Spa Hannaford, 11 Treible Ave. The Donation Kiosk is located near the main entrance, and customers’ donations will be greatly appreciated.
Hyde Museum New Admission Policy and Hours 161 Warren St., Glens Falls Effective January 1, 2012, The Hyde Collection Art Museum will change its general admission policy from a suggested donation to paid admission. Admission for adults will be $8; seniors (60+) $6, students $4; museum members and children 12 and under will be free. The museum will be free every Wednesday.
The new visitor hours are as follows: January 1- May 31, 2012: Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; closed Monday, Tuesday, and most national holidays. June 1 - December 31, 2012: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m.;
closed Monday and most national holidays.
New York Horse Awarded $10,000
Park
The New York Community Trust awarded a $10,000 grant to The New York Horse Park, Inc. The grant was made at the suggestion of Hal and Sandra Epstein for general support of the nonprofit park, which will provide world class competitive, recreational and learning opportunities for youth and adults.
Ballston Spa Offers Community Swims The Ballston Spa Aquatics Program is offering public use of the pool during adult lap swimming sessions, from 6-7 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and Monday – Thursday evenings from 8-9 p.m. A family/open swim is also offered Saturday afternoons from 2-4 p.m. Additional opportunities are offered throughout the year, including adult Aqua Cardio classes and a Learn-To-Swim Program. District residents with ID, $1; nonresidents $2. For more information, contact the pool office at (518) 884-7150, ext. 2324.
A.L.L. Spring 2012 Registration Sponsored by SUNY Empire State College, the Academy for Life Long Learning (A.L.L.) offers noncredit, academic study groups to mature learners. The spring term starts April 9, 2012, with groups meeting Mondays through Thursdays. The spring 2012 brochure and registration form are available at area libraries, through the A.L.L. office, and on the website: www.esc.edu/ALL. Registrations must be received by January 10 to be included in the first draw for study group placement.
Annual Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe Camp Saratoga, Scout Rd., Wilton The popular Annual Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe is scheduled for Saturday, January 7 from 79:30 p.m. Luminaries will glow along 2.5 miles of groomed trails. Along the way you will pass fields and forests, two warming bonfires and plenty of hot chocolate. The
terrain is suitable for all levels and ages and includes a smaller 1-mile loop. Participants can arrive anytime. Snowshoes will be available on a first-come first-serve basis in the warming hut off Lot 1. The rental fee is $3/person for nonmembers. There is no charge for WWPP members. Call (518) 4500321 for more information. This event is free and open to the public.
SCT Renames Scholarship At a recent board meeting, the Schuylerville Community Theater (SCT) unanimously passed a motion to rename the SCT Scholarship to the SCT Vicki Wolfe Memorial Scholarship in honor of the talented performer and SCT founding member. Donations are now being accepted for the scholarship fund which will be awarded June 2012. Please make checks payable to SCT and put VW on the memo line. Please send donations to MPeters, SCT Scholarship Program, PO Box 143, Schuylerville, NY 12831.
WWPP Volunteers Needed As a small, nonprofit organization, Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park (WWPP) relies heavily on dedicated volunteers. During the upcoming months they need volunteers to operate the snowshoe rental hut, present programs to school groups, lead public snowshoe walks, assist during school vacation weeks presenting programs, be advocates at community events, run simple activities and work at the annual Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe event. If you would like to help volunteer please email mbolson@wiltonpreserve.org.
Augustine Classical Academy Kindergarten Open House 52 William St., Mechanicville An Open House for incoming kindergarteners and their parents will be held Friday, January 13, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Potential families are warmly invited to visit with the current Kindergarten class and teacher Ann Baker and headmaster Matt Hopkins will describe an Augustine education. Parents of current Kindergarteners will also share their perspectives and answer questions. Lunch and childcare will be provided. For more information or to register, please contact the school at
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(518) 541-2089 or abaker@augustineca.org.
Saratoga County Office for the Aging Meal The Saratoga County Office for the Aging Nutrition Program is offering a special meal, Friday, December 30. The meal is served at noon at the following locations: ·Town of Ballston – Town Office Building ·Ballston Spa – Double Day Woods ·Greenfield – Community Center ·Malta – Community Center ·Saratoga – Senior Center ·Schuylerville – Town Office Building Reservation is required – please sign up at least 24 hours in advance. Suggested donation is $2 for age 60 and over. For those under 60 there is a $3 fee. For more information call the Office for the Aging at (518) 884-4100.
Golf Vendors Needed Golf vendors are needed for the third annual Malta Spring Golf Show to be held Saturday, March 3, 2012, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Interested golf vendors should take advantage of this unique marketing and promotional opportunity. Contact the Malta Community Center at (518) 899-4411 ext 301, for more information. Applications are due by January 1 for publication in the Spring Brochure.
Holiday Shoppe Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa Brookside Museum’s annual Holiday Shoppe is open MondaySaturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday noon-4 p.m. For more information, visit www.brooksidemuseum.org or call (518) 885-4000.
Olde Flax Mill Annual Marketplace 88 Broad St., Schuylerville The annual marketplace is the ideal place to find unique, affordable, one-of-a-kind gifts and fresh local evergreen wreaths. Come shop and watch the skilled artisans create their fine crafts throughout December. The marketplace is open Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 pm. and Sundays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, call (518) 695-5534.
Send your local briefs to Christina James at cjames@saratogapublishing.com before Monday at 5 p.m. for Friday publication
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Friday, December 23, 2011
PUZZLES PUZZLES PUZZLES
Sudoku
Crossword
See puzzle solution on page 36
Scrabblegram
Movie Review
See puzzle solution on page 36
In Time
ACROSS 1 Tic, for one 6 Arcade trademark word 10 Its website has a “Rodents 101” section 14 “__ Go Again”: Whitesnake #1 song 15 Brand at Petco 16 Pats on a buffet 17 ’30s-’40s Kildare portrayer 18 Answered on “Name That Fabric”? 20 Just the binding? 22 Pocatello sch. 23 Texter’s “Oh, before I forget ...” 24 Pah lead-in 25 Car radio selection 28 Hedger’s OK 30 Land measurement 32 “Discreet Music” composer 33 Surrealist Jean 34 On the __ vive: alert 35 City south of Fort Worth 36 Scale model of an ancient rival of Rome 40 Oomph 41 DOD arm 42 Aus. currency 43 Seasonal helper 44 Olds 442 rivals 45 Honolulu’s __ Palace 49 Mouth formations 51 H.S. dropout’s exam 52 Author Yutang 53 High dudgeon 54 Burger queen? 57 Non-contraband cheese? 60 Rock’s Burdon et al. 61 He lowered the New York Times’ price from 3¢ to 1¢ 62 Doofuses 63 Reds, maybe 64 Clothes alterer of a kind 65 Disappearing sound, and a hint to this puzzle’s theme 66 Tex’s “What if ...” DOWN 1 Ramshackle 2 Native American hallucinogen
Everyone is on a clock. What keeps the general population from devolving into id-driven mobs is the fact that no one knows how much time they have left on theirs. If you had a constant reminder on your forearm, however, you might simply go about your life in a desperate attempt to prolong it. Or not. Will Salas (played by Justin Timberlake) is a 28-year-old factory worker whose one-year clock started and aging stopped, like everyone else in the film, when he turned 25. He and his 50-year-old mother Rachel (played by Olivia Wilde) live in the ghettos of Dayton hoping to earn and save enough to at least see the next day. All while wages in the ghetto are constantly going down and the cost of living is constantly going up. Then, while out drinking with his friend Borel (played by Johnny Galecki), he learns of a man with more than a century left on his clock who has unadvisedly advertised his good fortune while in the same bar as Will and Borel. A local time-thief enters the picture and, rather than retreat like his friend did and advised him to do, Will comes to the aid of the fortunate stranger. While saving his life was all for naught, the stranger gives Will all the time left on his clock before allowing the time on his own clock to run out while he’s sitting on a bridge overlooking a dry river basin. “Time is money” was a phrase first coined by Benjamin Franklin. While the idea of reversing that concept to “money is time” is interesting, I don’t believe the cast was up to the challenge of exploring it. Whatever success Justin Timberlake might’ve had in supporting roles, he doesn’t have what it takes to be the leading man. Amanda Seyfried, whose role has her playing off Timberlake for a lot of the film, is another professional whose appeal tends to overshadow her abilities for some reason. Perhaps an independent production could provide actors with genuine talent, who are young enough to look the part, but this is closer to some sort of CW melodrama. (6.3/10) For questions or comments, email me at trey@roohanrealty.com.
At The Movies With Trey Roohan
Gasoline Alley
27 If you knew that your children would grow up to be just like you, what would you change about yourself? Unknown
Words to know: disparage: v. to speak or treat slightly, to belittle See puzzle solutions on page 36
3 Pointers 4 Tuner option 5 Where Clark met Lewis in 1804 6 “Attack!” 7 Jazz great Malone 8 Oscar winner Jannings 9 Toledo-to-Akron dir. 10 Not spare the rod? 11 Sellers role 12 Antipoverty agcy. 13 Exiled Cambodian Lon __ 19 Like some consequences 21 Revealing ’60s-’70s fad 25 Literally, “pray God” 26 SASE, e.g. 27 Overly 29 Slam 30 Blue hues 31 Heel 35 Medieval fortification
Broom Hilda
Animal Crackers
36 Sports Authority Field altitude 37 Like some movies 38 Chicken general? 39 It may be a relief 40 Last of 26, in Chelsea 44 Erse speaker, perhaps 46 White rat, e.g. 47 Reunion attendees 48 Actually existing 50 Contentious talk 51 “Whither thou __ ...”: Ruth 54 Five-time U.S. Open champ 55 Jazz phrase 56 Coffee choice 57 Herbert who played 11-Down’s nemesis Inspector Dreyfus 58 Green prefix 59 Gillespie’s genre
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Friday, December 23, 2011
Saratoga Springs Presents: “Xanadu” SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Springs High School Drama Club is inviting one and all to come to their performance of “Xanadu,” a musical comedy based on the 1980 cult classic film of the same name. The play will be held in the Meade Auditorium January 5 at 7 p.m., and January 6-7 at 7:30 p.m. Directed by Bob Berenis, the cast of 15 students will sing and dance
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Local Gigs
their way through the story following Kira, a beautiful Greek muse who descends from Mt. Olympus during the 1980s to Venice Beach, California, to help a struggling artist named Sonny achieve the greatest creation of his life – a roller disco. Seating is limited. To purchase tickets, email hs_drama@saratogaschools.org, or call (518) 583-2964.
Don’t miss Sirsy
Send listings to entertainment@saratogapublishing.com at Putnam Den on Saturday, December 31!
The Audiostars Night Before New Year’s Eve Bash at Vapor Night Club Friday, December 30 at 8 p.m. Free admission 21 +
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Friday, December 23, 2011
First Night Schedule 2012 First Night Saratoga is themed “Art Unleashed,” featuring over 80 performers from a full-range of artistic disciplines to be presented at 35 venues spread throughout Saratoga Springs. The evening revelry begins with an opening ceremony at the city center at 5:45 p.m. Performance venues open at 6 p.m. A midnight fireworks display will officially ring in the New Year and conclude the family-friendly festivities. Admission buttons are $15 per person, children 5 and under are free. The buttons are on sale now at Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, as well as the Saratoga Springs branches of the YMCA, Price Chopper Supermarkets in the greater Capital Region, Stewart’s Shops in Saratoga County, Adirondack Trust banks and at Crafters Gallery, 427 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Buttons that are purchased online may be picked up at Saratoga Arts prior to or on the evening of First Night. In previous years, buttons have sold out, so early purchase is recommended. CDTA buses are available to provide free transportation to attendees. A complete schedule with performance descriptions is available online at www.saratogaarts.org/firstnight. The website also has information about related and popular events such as the First Night 5K run, as well as maps and shuttle information. Listed below are the performances and activities organized featured in the 16th annual First Night Saratoga celebration. Events are listed by location and start time: Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway Main Hall 6: The Tartan Terrors 7: Funk Evolution 8 The Tartan Terrors 9: Funk Evolution 10: The Tartan Terrors 11: Funk Evolution Meeting Room 1 6-midnight: Hands Off Arcade Saratoga Hilton, 534 Broadway Broadway Room 6-10: Mop and Bucket Company Gallery 6:30-10: Low N’ Lonesome Saratoga Springs Post Office,
475 Broadway 6-9: Doug Kwartler 9- midnight: Stone Soup Adirondack Trust Bank,
473 Broadway 6: Sonny and Perley 7: Betsy and the ByeGons 8: Sonny and Perley 9: Betsy and the ByeGons 10: Sonny and Perley 11: Betsy and the ByeGons Saratoga City Music Hall, 474
Broadway (above City Hall) 6: Saratoga City Ballet presents Act II of the Nutcracker 7: Saratoga City Ballet presents Act II of the Nutcracker 9- midnight: Bluz House Rockers
Hampton Inn, 25 Lake Avenue 6-9: Flipsydz Doowop NYS Military Museum,
61 Lake Avenue 6: Maggie Doherty & Zac Rossi 7: Maryleigh Roohan 8: Al & Kathy Bain 9: Jeff Brisbin Lake Avenue Elementary, 126 Lake Avenue Auditorium 6-8: Melvin the Magnificent 8-11: The Spirit of Johnny Cash Gym #1 6-9: The Zucchini Brothers 9-11: Living Ecology Reptile Show Gym # 2 6-9: Let’s Get Cookin 9-11: Noisy Science Cafeteria 6-9: Ren-e the Clown St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 149 Lake Ave 7-9: Professor Louie and the Crowmatrix 9-11: Triskele St. Peter’s Church, 241 Broadway 6-6:30: Saratoga Springs High School Chamber Orchestra 8-10: Racing City Chorus 10-midnight: Saratoga Soundtrack Chorus St. Peter’s Parish Center, 241 Broadway 6-9: Ramblin’ Jug Stompers 9-midnight: Fighting 86s Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street 6-9: Gathering Time 9-midnight: Fairview Avenue One Big Roof, 454 Broadway 7-7:30: Gong Bath 8-8:30: Gong Bath 9-9:30: Gong Bath Saratoga Springs Yoga, 8 Phila Street 7-10: L.B. Walker The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 69 Caroline Street 6: Karen Pillsworth, storyteller 6:30: Dan Busha, origami 7: Karen Pillsworth, storyteller 7:30: Dan Busha, origami 8: Karen Pillsworth, storyteller 8:30: Dan Busha, origami Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry Street 6: Carol Carroll’s Piano Students 7: Rick Bolton & the Dwyer Sisters 8: Matt McCabe 9: Michael Jerling 10: Matt McCabe 11: Maggie Doherty & Zac Rossi First Baptist Church, 45 Washington Street 6-9: Hair of the Dog 9-midnight: Ernie Williams Band Saratoga Springs Senior Center, 5 Williams Street 6-8: Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys 8-11: Nancy Walker Trio Saratoga Marketplace 6-9: Red Haired Strangers 9-midnight: Annie & the Hedonists NBT Bank, 295 Broadway 6-9: Dyer Switch 9-midnight: Nisky Dixie Cats
10: Nisky Dixie Cats 11: Nisky Dixie Cats Saratoga Visitors Center, 297 Broadway 6-9: Mikki Bakken 9-midnight: Reminisants Saratoga Arts, Gallery 320, Broadway 6: Holly and Evam 7: Mamalama 8: Holly and Evan 9: Mamalama 10: Holly and Evan 11: Mamalama Saratoga Arts, Dee Sarno Theater, 320 Broadway 6-8: Ballston Spa Film Festival 8-10: Lee Shaw Trio 10-midnight: Black Mountain Symphony Empire State College, Foyer, 1 Union Avenue 6: Saratoga Chabad Klezmer Music 8: Saratoga Chabad Klezmer Music Empire State College, Mtg. Room 1, 1 Union Avenue
7: Mike Campese 9: Mike Campese 11: Mike Campese Empire State College, Mtg. Room 2, 1 Union Avenue 6-11: Adirondack Baroque Consort Empire State College, Rotunda, 1 Union Avenue 6-10: Imagining Lennon and McCarthy 9-midnight: Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers Empire State College, Dining Area, 1 Union Avenue 7-10: Faces By Ferdinand Hilton Garden Inn, 125 South Broadway 6-9: Edward T. Clifford- the Human 9-midnight: Street Corner Holler National Museum of Dance, Studio 3, 99 South Broadway 6:30-8:30: Asian CultureChinese Dance Troupe 8:30-10:30: Tango Fusion Dance Company
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PULSE SAVE THE DATE!
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Friday, December 23, 2011
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-SPAC Announces Exciting Summer Concerts
Photos Provided
Left: Montego Glover; Right: Tony DeSare As part of its “Building of a Season” series, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has recently announced three exciting performances to look forward to in the summer of 2012: - Montego Glover, Tony DeSare and Steven Reineke Together for Sinatra Tribute August 17 - Grammy-winning Yellowjackets to perform during 2012 Jazz Festival - Opera Saratoga’s Rigoletto Featured in July FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012 “The Best is Yet to Come: Sinatra and Beyond” The Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC, Aug 1 - 18 Montego Glover, star of hit Broadway show “Memphis,” and critically acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter Tony DeSare will join New York Pops Conductor Steven Reineke for an
August 17 pops program with The Philadelphia Orchestra titled, "The Best is Yet to Come: Sinatra and Beyond." The performance will feature Golden Era hits made famous by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr. and Nat King Cole, among other iconic singers. “Our audiences will hear these classics as they never have before, as Montego Glover, one of Broadway’s biggest stars, and critically acclaimed singer Tony DeSare – a Glens Falls native – bring them to life on our stage, under the superb direction of celebrated New York Pops Conductor Steven Reineke,” said Marcia J. White, SPAC’s President and Executive Director. Visit www.spac.org to view videos, photos, articles and reviews of Glover, DeSare and Reineke. SUNDAY, JULY 1, 2012 The Yellowjackets 35th Freihofer’s Saratoga
Jazz Festival, June 30 - July 1 Also announced was the news that the Yellowjackets, one of the jazz world’s most influential bands, will be part of the 35th Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival. The group has earned two Grammy Awards and received 19 Grammy nominations, including two for its critically acclaimed recent album, “Timeline,” which was released in 2011. Known for their unique musical signatures, the Yellowjackets' sound is a blend of funk, fusion and straight-ahead jazz. Comprised of keyboardist Russell Ferrante, bassist Jimmy Haslip, saxophonist-composer Bob Mintzer and drummer William Kennedy, the band prides itself on being both accessible and innovative. “Musically adventurous and artistically passionate, their performance will be the ‘can’tmiss’ act of this year’s festival,” White said. The Yellowjackets will perform on Sunday, July 1 on the main Amphitheatre stage. Their last appearance at the festival was in 1989. JULY 6, 9, 13, 15, 2012 Rigoletto Opera Saratoga “Rigoletto” a masterpiece of Italian opera, will be a featured program of the 2012 Season of Opera Saratoga. Written by composer Giuseppe Verdi, the story for the work was derived from the play “Le Roi s’amuse” by Victor Hugo. First performed in 1851, the tragic story of the hunchbacked jester of the Duke of Mantua features an egocentric politician, an innocent young girl, and a father’s fateful curse. “Rigoletto” offers some of opera’s most beautiful and passionate music. For more information about the 2012 SPAC season, or for details about the upcoming performances previously announced, visit www.spac.org.
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Acting Workshops Winter 2012 Children & Teen Acting Classes Start at HMT! Home Made Theater (HMT) will host two new sessions of acting classes (I and II) for children and teens ages 6-17 starting in January and running until March. All classes run four consecutive Saturdays and are held at the Spa Little Theater in the Saratoga Spa State Park. Kathryn Starczewski is the instructor. Play Acting (children ages 6-7): In this class, students are introduced to theater and will focus on their actor “tools” and using “play” in acting. Session I: beings Saturday, January 28 and meets from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Session II: begins Saturday, March 3 and meets from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Cost: $60. Creative Acting (children ages 8-11): In this class, students will learn how to use their own unique qualities to act. Session I: begins Saturday, January 28 and meets from 10:45 a.m.-noon. Session II: begins Saturday, March 3 and meets from 10:45 a.m.-noon. Cost: $65. Scene Study (ages 12-17): Students in this class will work on character development through scripted scene work. Session I: begins Saturday, January 28 and meets from 12:15-1:45 p.m. Cost: $75. Audition Prep (ages 12-17): This class is designed to help students understand all aspects of the audition process. Session II begins Saturday, March 3 and meets from 12:15-1:45 p.m. Cost: $75. Call (518) 587-4427 or email info@homemadetheater.org for further information or to receive a flyer by mail.
Saratoga Children's Theatre Announces January 2012 Workshops Improv Workshop (ages 10-14): Saturday January 7, 1-4 p.m. Participants will learn the secrets of improv through hands-on games and exercises. Instructor: Michael Burns, artistic director of the Mop & Bucket Co. Cost: $35 Audition Techniques Workshop (ages 10-18): Friday, January 13, 6-8 p.m. and Sunday, January 15 noon-5 p.m. Whether you are preparing for your next audition or just want to develop and practice good audition habits, our two-day Audition Techniques Workshop will get you ready to put your best face forward! Instructors: Sarah Sutliff, Michael Lotano & Matt Duclose. Cost: $75 Stage Combat: Monday, Jan 16 (Martin Luther King Day), 1-3 p.m. Stage combat instruction teaches skills of collaboration, control, rehearsal technique, partnering, goal setting, presentation and evaluation. Instructor: David Bunce, teacher and artist-in-residence with the Theatre Institute at Sage. Cost: $25 NBC Professionals visit SCT Dottie Pepper and Benita Zahn: Sunday January 22, 1-4 p.m. This workshop will include lessons on how to get a job in television, how to prepare, how to behave in front of the camera, and on the importance of diction, eye contact, tape review and more. Cost: $50 For more information about these workshops or for instructor bios, visit www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org.
Buy Local Gifts
Amish Quality Solid Pine Hunter Cabinet $399.95 unfin. • $259.95 as shown Available at The Wood Carte Rt 9 Qsby 793-7655 woodcarte.com
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Ice Racing Championship Hits the Glens Falls Civic Center Saturday, January 28 -Tickets on sale NOW!
Photos Provided
New Year’s Dining Guide
The Glens Falls Civic Center will host the 36th annual World Championship Ice Racing Series on Saturday, January 28 at 7 p.m., unleashing lightning-fast motorcycle ice racing at its best! Tickets are $20 and $25 for adults and start at $7 for kids under 12. Tickets are offered through New Era Tickets online at GlensFallsCC.com, and can also be purchased over the phone at 1-855GFCC-TIX or in person at the venue box office (1 Civic Center Plaza, Glens Falls). This “anything goes” motorsports competition features professional manufacturer’s world cup motorcycles and ICE’s wild Unlimited Outlaw squads. The bikes are state-of-the-art, lightweight, high horsepower racing motorcycles (ATK, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KGM, Suzuki and Yamaha). It takes a brave soul to throw their leg over one of these exotic race bikes, especially for competition on ice in the extremely tight confines of a hockey arena. The Unlimited Outlaw quads are
highly modified 4-wheel ATVs. There are no rules governing engines in this wide open class. Subsequently, race competitions could match-up a 1200cc HarleyDavidson V-Twin with a four cylinder 1000cc Kawasaki, 350cc Yamahas, or full race Hondas and who knows what else. The Glens Falls Championship Round will feature more than 20 races. For more information, visit www.glensfallscc.com.
at Proctors January 24-29!
-Tickets available online at www.Proctors.org. Shrek The Musical, based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film that started it all, brings the hilarious story of everyone's favorite ogre to life on stage at Proctors Theater January 24-29, 2012. In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre - not a handsome prince - shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a chatty donkey, a villain with a
SHORT temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's Shrek. Featuring a terrific score of 19 allnew songs, big laughs, great dancing and breathtaking scenery, Shrek The Musical is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun for everyone! Running Time: 150 minutes including one intermission
Ticket Prices: $20, $35, $45, $50, $60 and $70 (subject to change) Show times: Tuesday, January 24: 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 25: 8 p.m. Thursday, January 26: 2 p.m. Friday, January 27: 8 p.m. Saturday, January 28: 2 p.m. Saturday, January 28: 8 p.m. Sunday, January 29: 2 p.m. Proctors Theater is located at 432 State Street in Schenectady. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.proctors.org.
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Community Corner
Friday, December 23, 2011
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On the Air with Santa
Teddy Bears! Terry Delong, Director of Nursing on A-3, and Ann Marie Cross, Director of the Emergency Department at Saratoga Hospital, join the nursing staff in accepting Teddy bears from Aéropostale employees. The program is part of “Aero Holiday Bear” and the bears will be given to children being seen in the pediatric and emergency departments.
Local radio station Star 101.3 FM’s annual “Talk Live with Santa” event was a rousing success again this year. Over 150 Capital Region children got a chance to talk with Santa live on the radio. They not only spoke about their Christmas wishes, but had a lot of questions about life at the North Pole, elves and Santa's likes and dislikes.
David Cornell, senior VP of investments from Merrill Lynch's Saratoga Springs office, presents a check to Franklin Community Center's Coordinator of Development Bo Goliber for $2,500. The Bank of America Charitable Foundation made the contribution to help stock the center’s food pantry.
Wesley Resident Council Donation
The Wesley Community’s Resident Council donated $300 to the Wesley employee Give a Child a Christmas Fund. Pictured at the check presentation is (back row) CEO Brian Nealon and (front from left) Resident Council members David Reid, Pam Martinsen and Helen Blaine.
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Community Corner
Friday, December 23, 2011
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FingerPaint Marketing Adopts a Family for the Holidays To help spread the cheer this holiday season, FingerPaint Marketing joined Franklin Community Center’s Adopt a Family Program and purchased gifts for a local child in need.
FingerPaint Marketing employees, Kim Irish, Cathy Cotton, David Wilson and Jo Ann Lant drop off gifts for their adopted family.
Happy Holidays from the Saratoga TODAY staff!
OAAS’ Second Annual Christmas Party
the
More than seventy people attended the Operation Adopt A Soldier’s (OAAS) Christmas party December 10. This free party, held for military families and the general public, included a visit from Santa, refreshments and the raffling of a Christmas tree decorated with over $1,000 of scratch-off lottery tickets. The winner of the tree, Shelly Farrington of Hudson Falls, scratched off the tickets and won over $1,300.
Tooth fairy club Take a look at this week’s new club members
Aidan
Aramis
Catharine
Lola
Rebuilding Together Thanks Sponsors and Volunteers On behalf of the Rebuilding Together Saratoga County (RTSC) Board of Directors I would like to thank our generous sponsors and volunteers for their time and money that makes it possible to help their neighbors in need. This is our eighth year of helping to keep our neighbors warm, safe and dry and we are humbled daily by the generosity of our donors and volunteers who are investing in their community. Thank you!
The tooth fairy club is sponsored by:
-Michelle Larkin, Executive Director RTSC One incredible volunteer, Owen Yonkin, is especially giving. For the last two years Owen has requested monetary and supply donations in lieu of birthday presents. For his generosity RTSC has awarded him with the golden hammer award. Excellent work Owen!
659 Saratoga Rd. Gansevoort, NY 12831 (518) 226-6010
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SPORTS Community Sports Bulletin Friday, December 23, 2011
Saratoga and St. Mary’s Basketball Wraps and Donates over 60 Gifts for Local Family’s Holiday Celebrations
Girls’ Basketball Schedule
Boys’ Basketball Schedule
Ballston Spa
Ballston Spa
12/16: vs. Columbia, 43-46 L 12/20: at Bethlehem, 29-68 L 12/27: vs. Troy, 5:30 p.m.
12/16: at Columbia, 59-65 L 12/20: vs. Bethlehem, 55-74 L 12/29: at Berne-Knox, 10 a.m.
photos provided
Burnt Hills
SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Saratoga Springs Freshman Boys’ Basketball team gave their own assist to the 'Give a Child a Christmas' program by purchasing and wrapping over 60 presents in conjunction with two other St. Mary's teams (Biddy Boys B & Junior Girls B) to bring a very Merry Christmas to a local family in need. All three teams also gave food to two local food pantries for Thanksgiving.
Send your sports stories and briefs to Daniel Schechtman, Sports Editor at sports@saratoga publishing.com
puzzle solutions from pg. 27
TODAY
Burnt Hills
12/13: vs. Niskayuna, 39-17 W 12/16: vs. Bethlehem, 29-44 L 1/03: vs. Averill Park, 7 p.m.
12/16: at Bethlehem, 33-64 L 12/20: vs. Columbia, 51-65 L 1/03: at Averill Park, 7 p.m.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs
12/16: vs. Mohonasen, 43-47 L 12/20: at Averill Park, 27-65 L 1/03: vs. Colonie, 7 p.m.
12/16: at Mohonasen, 41-40 W 12/20: vs. Averill Park, 45-50 L 1/03: at Colonie, 7 p.m.
Schuylerville
Schuylerville
12/14: vs. Hoosic Valley, 33-41 L 12/16: at Greenwich, 37-64 L 12/30: at Hudson Falls, 7 p.m.
12/16: at Greenwich, 48-39 W 12/20: at Granville, 46-50 L 1/06: at Cambridge, 6 p.m.
South Glens Falls
South Glens Falls
12/16: at Scotia, 22-55 L 12/29: vs. Indian River, 7:30 p.m. 1/06: vs. Broadalbin-Perth, 7 p.m.
12/19: vs. Queensbury, 44-57 L 12/21: at Green Tech, 1/05: at Broadalbin-Perth, 7 p.m.
Ballston Spa Offers Community Swim Opportunities BALLSTON SPA - The Ballston Spa Aquatics Program is currently offering opportunities for public use of the pool during adult lap swimming sessions, from 6 - 7 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and on Monday – Thursday evenings from 8 - 9 p.m. A family/open swim is also offered on Saturday afternoons from 2 4 p.m. Additional opportunities are offered throughout the year, including adult Aqua Cardio classes and a Learn-To-Swim program. The Community Swim Program is open to district students, families and community members. District residents need to show identification and pay a $1 entrance fee to utilize the pool. Non-residents are admitted, as space allows, for a $2 fee. The pool is closed during school vacations, emergency cancellations (e.g. snow days or early dismissals) and when school activities necessitate closure. Information is available online at www.bscsd.org, by clicking on the aquatics/pool button on the left side of the homepage. For more information, please contact the pool office directly at (518) 884-7150 ext., 2324.
SARATOGA
TODAY
SPORTS
Friday, December 23, 2011
"The Pistol" Damian Fantauzzi Number 44 at Louisiana State University (LSU) from 1966 1970 was Pete Maravich, who is still the all-time leading NCAA Division I scorer. Maravich racked up 3,667 points scored during his collegiate basketball career, and averaged 44.2 points per game. It's been over 40 years now, but for those of us who remember "Pistol Pete Maravich," we recall what a phenomenal player he was, and we were awed by his magical ability with a basketball! All of his accomplishments were achieved
before the three point shot was introduced to the NCAA, and college freshmen were not permitted to play at the varsity level. This alone makes him a shade on the side of supernatural! There have been many books written about "The Pistol," the life he led, and his death at the age of 40 in 1988. His college coach was his father, Press Maravich, who coached at various colleges during his career, finishing as the coach of North Carolina State University (The Wolfpack) before moving on to LSU to coach his son. The story is that Press told his son that if he didn't take the scholarship to LSU, he should not come home ever again. There was an obvious coaching deal made with the older Maravich to get his son to LSU! Pete was a skinny kid with floppy socks. During the 60s there weren't too many guards of his stature, 6'5", playing that position. Most basketball players who were 6'5" tall were forwards. When I was in college, I was a
couple years older than Pistol Pete, and practically every boy I knew who played basketball in high school and (a few) in college had the floppy socks, the "Beatles" style haircut and dribbled behind their backs like Pistol Pete. But no matter how hard kids tried to emulate the college great, there was only one person like him. He became an icon for the basketball enthusiast. He played in the NBA with three different teams, ending his career with the Boston Celtics in 1980, after spending time with the Atlanta Hawks and the New Orleans / Utah Jazz. Before he left this planet he appeared in a series of instructional video tapes. One tape that sticks out in my mind is a creative video on ball-handling. He developed over 200 different drills and skills to practice, all relating to dribbling and controlling a basketball. Many of these skills were used by him to develop his ability and to fulfill his dream of becoming a superstar. These drills are now used in practice sessions throughout the country. Watching these tapes made me realize what a fanatical person Pistol Pete was. He was driven to seek per-
Capital District Youth Basketball League Results SARATOGA SPRINGS Saratoga Springs teams with the Capital District Youth Basketball League (CDYBL) took to the courts Saturday, December 17. Below are a few of the results:
Seventh Grade Saratoga's seventh grade travel team lost to a strong team from North Colonie on Saturday by a score of 59-56. Saratoga used aggressive defense to take a big lead early before North Colonie rallied in the second half. Statistically, Saratoga was led by Connor Sullivan in scor-
ing, and Alex Hite and Nick Ingles in rebounding.
Sixth Grade Saratoga's sixth graders put forth a solid team effort to dispatch North Colonie 48-36 and run their record to 5-1. From the outset, Saratoga played aggressive defense and forced several North Colonie turnovers which led to excellent transition opportunities on offense. Wes Eglintine played solid interior defense, while A.J. Lawton, August Mahoney, Matthew Larkin and Brian Hart did most of the offensive damage for Saratoga.
Fifth Grade The Saratoga fifth graders suffered their second loss of the season to undefeated North Colonie by a score of 44-38. The game was close throughout, but in the end, accurate foul shooting by North Colonie proved to be the difference. Saratoga's scoring was led by Graham Patton and Nate Chudy, who had 12 and eight points respectively. Key rebounds and assists by Corey Wurl also helped keep Saratoga in the hunt.
Fourth Grade Saratoga's fourth grade team lost to North Colonie, 33-31. Aidan Holmes scored 13 points and had nine rebounds for Saratoga; Alex Munson added six points. After a break for the holidays, the Saratoga teams return to the court on January 7, at Mohonasen.
fection in all aspects of the game! In addition to his ball-handling drills, Pistol Pete was also known to take a 1,000 shots a day from various spots on the basketball court, charting the percentage of shots made as he went along. Pete Maravich walked the fine line between sanity and genius. If anyone ever gets a chance to see any of these tapes, you'll understand what made him the exception and not the rule. As a basketball coach, I like to use an anonymous quote which illustrates what it takes to be as good of a basketball player as one might want to become: "Basketball players aren't born, they're made!" Pistol Pete Maravich is the proof of that statement. A message for kids who want to be good at anything in life: It requires the drive to be the best, fanaticism about what you do, and most of all, you must always strive for perfection. Perfection is impossible to achieve, but if you don't have perfection as your goal, you'll never have the chance to accomplish your dream. This is what the great Pistol Pete Maravich did to be as good as he was. He became a rare and unique talent
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in basketball history. The use of excessive enthusiasm for a goal and intense devotion to a cause defines the fanatical, as it defined Maravich. The Pistol had a message to all (and he probably didn't realize it), but during his quest to become a great player his story lived on as an example of what dedication and will power can accomplish. I can relate to his love for basketball, a fanatical love which became his life. He had a short life, but while he was here he graced us with his purpose, belief and dreams. Pistol Pete Maravich lived and died with a basketball in his hands. He died while playing in a pick-up game, falling to a previously undetected congenital heart defect. He was one of the youngest players ever inducted into the basketball hall of fame. At his induction it was said that he was "perhaps the greatest creative offensive talent in the history of basketball, and possibly the best ball-handler of all time." I believe that there will never be another "Pistol" Pete and I will always keep the memory of his accomplishments and what he did for the game alive!
Act With Respect Always Earns Jimmer Fredette Endorsement SARATOGA COUNTY - Act With Respect Always, an organization dedicated to teaching students about respect in athletics, academics, and daily life, has received the endorsement of local superstar and NBA basketball player Jimmer Fredette. "I learned respect for one another in my home at a very young age. That trait has helped me in the personal aspect of my sports career more than anything,” said Fredette on www.actwithrespectalways.com. “If you give respect, most likely you will get it in return. This site, created by Rich Johns, is a great reinforcement of the qualities that you should possess to be successful as a person and in whatever you choose
photo provided
Jimmer Fredette to do with your life.” Rich Johns, former coach at the Saratoga Springs City School District and founder of Act With Respect Always, said he was thrilled to have Jimmer’s endorsement. “He is the ultimate [personification] of respect,” said Johns.
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SARATOGA
SPORTS
Friday, December 23, 2011
TODAY
Blue Devils Beguile Ares VII Fight Night a Thriller Burnt Hills Spartans by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY
by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY BURNT HILLS - The Columbia Blue Devils boys’ varsity basketball team came out of the gate hungry for another win, building momentum off of victories against Averill Park and Ballston Spa to score their third straight win in as many games, defeating Burnt Hills 65-51. Columbia out-shot Burnt Hills and turned up the pressure on defense, coming out on top 16-12 in the first quarter before widening their lead to 33-25 at the half. Though the Spartans tried valliantly to swing the game in their favor after the break, Burnt Hills had trouble finding their footing against the 4-1 Blue Devils. Burnt Hills dropped to 2-3 for the year, having fallen to Bethlehem during their previous outing 33-64. Conrad Zampier led the scoring for Columbia, netting a game-high 25 points, includ-
ing three baskets from beyond the 3-point arc and two free throws. Teammate Tyler Hart pitched in with 17. David Wellington was Burnt Hills’ high scorer, netting 11 points for his efforts. Teammate Jayson Sullivan was just one point behind Wellington, grabbing 10 for the night. Spartans return to action January 3, 7 p.m. at Averill Park.
photos by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga TODAY
The Spartans stumbled against the Columbia defense as they struggled to find their footing.
ALBANY - Absolutely incredible. You just can't describe what took place at the Ares VII fight night any other way. Ares Promotions put on a stellar show Friday, December 16 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, giving plenty for local boxing fans to be more than happy with. Whether it was having Shawn Miller pick up the unanimous decision to avenge an earlier draw against Mark Anderson; Shannon Miller returning to the ring after donating half of his liver and picking up the win; or the unbelievable bout between two undefeated and highly skilled local prospects - Ray Velez and Javier Martinez (a fight that, had it been the only one on the card, would have sent home ecstatic fans with much more than their money's worth), fans in attendance were treated to one of the best nights of pro-boxing the region has seen in years. Velez and Martinez are so similar inside the ring (and with surprisingly similar back stories outside the ring), it's hard to imagine a better matched bout. Both men came to boxing as a way to escape a troubled family life, dedicating themselves fully to a sport they love, working countless hours to pursue a dream in spite of numerous obstacles that would turn most men back in a heartbeat. But not these fighters. Martinez, from Colonie, and Velez, of Troy, entered the ring Friday night both with 2-0 professional records and 1 KO a piece, both with long and challenging amateur careers in their wake. Both are extremely skilled at what they do, exceptionally fast, powerful and smart. And with their perfect records on the line in front of a hometown crowd, the anticipation for this fight was through the roof. And boy did they deliver. Velez and Martinez, who have gotten to know each other well over the years, met at center ring, where it did-
photo provided
Ray Velez (left) and Javier Martinez (right) fight it out in the neutral corner during the fourth and final round of their highly anticipated bout. n't take long for fists to start flying. The pace was blindingly fast. At times it was difficult to even discern who was throwing what. As one fighter seemed to pick up the speed and take the advantage, the other would step up his game and answer right back, getting faster and stronger themselves. In the first two rounds, Martinez was more of the aggressor, most often beginning the exchanges. But Velez had some crafty moves of his own, and was able to duck and dodge when it mattered most, creating beautiful angles to answer back with solid shots. By the fourth and final round the fight was still up for grabs. Velez backed Martinez into a neutral corner, forcing both fighters to dig deep and put forth an amazing display of heart, determination and skill. The crowd was deafening as both fighters progressively landed with greater speed and power with each blow. After a brief clinch, the two met once more at center ring, where Martinez caught Velez with a stunning right overhand that dropped Velez to his knee. Velez was up almost instantly, but the knockdown was enough to secure the win for Martinez. "First and foremost, I want to thank Ray Velez," said Martinez during the post-fight interview. After the final
bell rang, both men stopped to embrace one another, and you could tell there was great respect between the two. It was an incredible fight, and in and of itself more than enough to cover the cost of admission. But it wasn't, after all, the only fight of the night. How about the return of Albany legend and one-half of ESPN's Fight of the Year for 2005's Shannon Miller, who returned to the ring for the first time since donating half of his liver to his cancer-stricken uncle? Donating his entire purse to the Knock Out Liver Disease Foundation started by Miller, he faced off against Taffo Asongwed, a fighter with a deceiving 2-9-6 record, known for going the distance. Asongwed gave Miller, who likes to end things early with his huge right hand, a lot of trouble. He was able to block many of Miller's advances, answering back with great flurries of his own. But in the end, the judges liked what they saw from Miller best, giving him the unanimous decision: 59-55, 59-55, 58-56. For those interested in helping the newly formed Knock Out Liver Disease Foundation, Miller asked that you contact him by email at shannonfight@yahoo.com.
Ares VII Fight Night page 38
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sports
Jimmer Fredette Endorsement page 37 Friday, December 23, 2011
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