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Volume 9 • Issue 3 • January 24 – January 30, 2014

I n d e p e n d e n t

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

Round - About Rooftop Dining Lake Road Residents React To ‘Maltafication’

Pavilion Grand Hotel Plans Spring Opening

by Colette Linton Saratoga TODAY

of Their Neighborhood

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY ROUND LAKE — To the east of the Northway’s Exit 11 sits a beloved historic village in the Town of Malta. Founded in 1867, lovingly maintained and treasured to this day by just over 600 residents and countless thousands of annual visitors alike.

Just west of this village is a modern vehicular / biker / pedestrian phenomenon: the roundabout. Only one exists here today,

just east of the Northway and by all accounts it is serving its proper purpose, which is primarily to allow vehicles exiting the Northway to bypass the village and efficiently travel to routes 9 and 67 and the Luther Forest Tech Park.

But sometimes, too much of a “good thing” can work against the problems they were intended to solve, perhaps with dangerous consequences.

A good portion of village residents, as well as those living and

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The doors of the Pavilion Grand Hotel located at 30 Lake Avenue Saratoga Springs are scheduled to open in May, offering a downtown location and modern accommodations with space under the sun for guests to branch out.

The feature amenity of Pavilion Grand Hotel is Mingle

on the Avenue, a 2,800-squarefoot dining area on the rooftop, but the five-story boutique hotel is also fitted with 48 oneand two- bedroom studio suites designed for extended stays including eight rooftop penthouse suites featuring private gardens.

“From the location, it’s one of the best and we have a specific product,” said Dean DeVito,

Featured Stories

S.S. City Council The ‘White Wave’ raises no white flag See Story pg. 12

Spa Catholic Boys Basketball Wins WAC Title

See Pavilion pg. 13

See Story pg. 28

Inside TODAY Blotter 3 Obituaries 4

See ‘Maltafication’ pg. 10

Business

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Education 14,15

Winterfest 2014

Mardi Gras

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Local Gigs, Movies

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Community Corner

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Weekend Forecast FRIDAY

10|7 SATURDAY

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Complete Schedule Of Events

Pg. 7

Pg. 31

SUNDAY

28|5

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Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

JCS at St. Clement’s {Photos by Deborah Neary}

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Last weekend a cast of 28 performing parishioners, plus a full band, comprised of all ages from middle school through adults performed Jesus Christ Superstar at St. Clement’s Church.

Father Paul had these wellwishes in the program notes: “From the Director to the Musicians; from the unbelievably talented cast to the

stage crew - THANK YOU for living out your faith and proclaiming it in this musical. To those who are here to see this production: let yourself witness the faith being shared by this cast tonight.”

If you missed the production, you may still see it at Corpus Christi Church in Round Lake this weekend. For more information, call (518) 584-6122.

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014 Gemini Mae Vazquez, 21, of Pine Park Terrace in Waterford, was arrested January 15 and charged with operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and expired insurance.

Gregory S. Beard, 46, of South Federal Street in Saratoga Springs, was arrested January 15 and charged with second degree harassment. Beard was arrested on a warrant at 9:39 a.m.

Ashlee F. Sano, 24, of Route 9N in Greenfield, was arrested January 16 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, a revoked license registration and expired insurance.

Michael Hildenbrandt, 36, of Military Road in Edinburgh, was arrested January 16 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and following a motor vehicle too closely. Hildenbrandt was arrested at 4:51 p.m. after being involved in a property damage accident.

Stephanie Gail Devins, 40, of Hampstead Place in Saratoga Springs, was arrested January 16 and charged with falsely reporting an incident. Devins was arrested on a warrant at 9:35 a.m.

Robert J. Stampfli, 22, of Elms Street in Saratoga Springs, was arrested January 17 and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Christopher T. Stewart, 17, of Elms Street in Saratoga Springs, was arrested January 17 and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Nicole R. Oleary, 26, of Hillcrest

Village East in Niskayuna, was arrested January 17 and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance outside the original container, failure to keep right, DWI, BAC more than .08 percent and an unsafe lane change.

Christopher E. Fain, 23, of Chestatee Road in Gainsville, Georgia, was arrested January 17 and charged with improper headlight equipment, BAC more than .08 percent and DWI. Allan R. Teller, 27, of Woodcliffe Drive in Clifton Park, was arrested January 17 and charged with DWI, BAC more than .08 percent, speeding, failure to signal a turn and failure to stop at a stop sign.

Robin M. Becerra-Eastman, 23, of Beattie Hollow in Salem, was arrested January 18 and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Michael T. Powers, 51, of Vosburgh MHP in Mechanicville, was arrested January 18 and charged with DWI, BAC more than .08 percent, first degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle while under the influence, leaving the scene of an auto accident and right of way violation. Powers was arrested at 4:47 p.m. after being involved in a minor personal injury accident. The injury was to a passenger in the vehicle Powers was driving.

Michael L. Rivera, 28, of Union Street in Amsterdam, was arrested January 18 and charged with false personation and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Robert A. Sommer, 24, of Myers Lane in Schuylerville, was

BLOTTER arrested January 18 and charged with failure to signal, DWI and BAC more than .08 percent.

Tyler A. Getty, 23, of Kingsbury Road in Hudson Falls, was arrested January 18 and charged with disorderly conduct.

Tyler A. Getty, 23, of Kingsbury Road in Hudson Falls, was arrested January 18 and charged with disorderly conduct.

Christopher C. Shambo, 31, of Charlton Road in Ballston Spa, was arrested January 19 and charged with failure to signal a turn, DWI, BAC more than .08 percent and aggravated DWI. Lindsey B. Wiken, 25, of Deer Run Drive in Hudson Falls, was arrested January 19 and charged with DWI, BAC more than .08 percent and aggravated DWI. Wiken was arrested at 4:22 a.m. after being involved in a property damage accident.

Robert P. Ernst, 52, of Regatta View Drive in Saratoga Springs, was arrested January 20 and charged with improper headlights, DWI, operating a motor vehicle with a restriction, first degree unlicensed operation of a vehicle under the influence and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Matthew P. Riggins, 33, of Northway Court in Saratoga Springs, was arrested January 20 and charged with failure to signal a turn, DWI, BAC more than .08 percent and aggravated DWI. Dominic Martin, 27, of West Circular Street in Saratoga Springs was arrested January 16 and charged with seventh degree possession of a controlled substance. At around 1:30 p.m., officers responded to Stratton Street on a call about a suspicious male who had been standing on the porch of a neighbor’s house. The caller, not recognizing the male, contacted the police in regards to

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this. He considered this activity suspicious in nature. Officers interviewed the caller and were able to locate the male in question. The male was identified as being Dominic Martin. During the investigation, Martin was allegedly found to be in possession of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD). Martin was subsequently charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. During the call, one of the patrol officers came in contact with the drug, which can be inherently dangerous in and of itself. At this point the officer has had no ill effects to the exposure and remains on full duty status.

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obituaries Gary Carter

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gary Carter, 51, of Saratoga Springs, quietly passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 13 at St Peter’s Hospital in Albany He was born on April 1, 1962 in Saratoga Springs, the son of the late Gerald and Madeline Rethman Carter.

Gary worked for Saratoga County DPW as an attendant at the Clifton Park Recycling Center.

Gary lived and worked in the community his whole life, always willing to help his family

or friends at moments noticed. He loved riding his motorcycle.

He is survived by his longtime girlfriend Lynda DeFoe; son, Brian Carter (Ashley); daughter, Shelbie Carter (Brandon); brothers, William “Bill” (Debby), James “Jim” (Sherri) and Gerald (Pam) Carter; sister, Eileen Dingmon (Mike); grandsons, James Dobson and Avery Dashner; granddaughter, Madison Watts; Lynda’s children, Kenny, Zack and Brandon; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

John Joseph Whelan SARATOGA SPRINGS — John Joseph Whelan entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, December 24 at Saratoga Hospital.

Born to John and Catherine (Hallissey) Whelan, he was raised and married in Yonkers and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He graduated with honors in 1959 from Iona College with his Bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting.

Following his marriage to the former Lois Sneider in 1960, they chose to raise their family in Pleasantville, while he worked as business manager for Rye City School District in Westchester County. He devoted his spare time to his community through the Pleasantville Volunteer Fire Department on Patrol 7 and was a lifelong fan of Notre Dame football. While retired in upstate New York, he was a dedicated member of Saratoga Council 246 Knights of Columbus and the SaratogaWilton B.P.O. Elks Lodge 161. A communicant and faithful weekly Mass usher at St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church, he also served as a member of St. Clement’s

Regional Catholic School Board of Directors.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Lois; his daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Paul Roberts of Martha’s Vinyard, Massachusetts’ his youngest daughter, Barbara Ann Whelan of Saratoga Springs; two grandchildren, Emily Roberts and John Mihalek; and an older sister, Mrs. Margaret Burke of Yonkers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. today, January 24, at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs. Burial with military honors will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville.

There are no calling hours and in lieu of flowers, his family has requested any financial memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Clement’s Regional Catholic School, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, (518) 584-7350.

Victor L. Szumachowski BALLSTON SPA — Victor L. Szumachowski, 95, formerly of Ballston Spa, passed away on January 1, 2014 at Wesley Health Care Center.

Victor was a 20-year retired World War II veteran from 1940 to 1960 and moved back to the area after his duty with the U.S. Army.

EllaMay Marie LaFountain-Almy BALLSTON SPA — EllaMay Marie LaFountain-Almy, 92, passed away January 16.

Born May 7, 1921 in Tupper Lake, she was the daughter of the late Charles StLouis and Adelaide (Lazon) StLouis. EllaMay enlisted in the U.S. Navy (WAVES) in 1942 where she rose to the rank of Communication Specialist, 3rd class. She worked at the Navel Communications Annex in Washington D.C. and was honorably discharged in 1945. After graduating from Mildred Elly Business College, she worked as a legal secretary and bookkeeper until her retirement in 1993.

In addition to her parents, EllaMay was predeceased by her husbands, Kenneth H. LaFountain (married in 1947, died 1972) and Arthur C. Almy (married in 1994, died 2005); six brothers, George, Roy, Henry, Harry, Joe and Peter StLouis and one sister, Veronica Maynard.

Survivors include her children, Patricia Turner (David) of Hudson Falls, Kenneth G. LaFountain (Tina) of Alabama, Henry C. LaFountain (Ann) of Hudson Falls and David L. LaFountain (Terry) of West Charlton; sister, Gertrude Dugan of Tupper Lake; grandchildren, Susan Turner, Marie McCarthy, Nancy Turner, Kenneth LaFountain, Christine LaFountain, AmyJo Vozza, Dawn LaFountain, Zackary LaFountain, Sara Korona and Samantha Blowers; 12 greatgrandchildren; several nieces and nephews and extended Almy family.

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

Please send your obituaries to obits@saratogapublishing.com

He is survived by a brother, Edwin Szmachowski of Pennsylvania, two nephews and seven nieces.

Dennis M. Brunelle

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dennis M. Brunelle, 71, of Holly Drive, passed away Monday, January 13 at Saratoga Hospital.

Born on December 1, 1942 in Albany, he graduated with a BA from Siena College in 1967 and his Masters in social work from Syracuse University in 1969. He was a probation officer for Onondaga County from 1969 to 1971. From 1971 to 1993, he was Director of Medical Social Work and Discharge Planning for St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany and served from 1993 to 2008 as Executive Director of Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council.

Dennis served on many committees and boards, including the following: President and founder of the Hudson Mohawk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Foundation where he established the first SIDS chapter in the region covering 17 counties, President and founder of the Society of Hospital Social Workers, Saratoga Springs Community Development Block Grant Committee, chair of the Saratoga Springs

Homeless Coalition, founder of Shelters of Saratoga (SOS), chairman of the Saratoga Springs Recreation Commission, chairman of Albany Visiting Nurses, chair and Disaster Planning Coordinator for the American Red Cross, a board member of the Saratoga Springs YMCA, board member of Saratoga Senior Services, chairman of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority and founder of the Saratoga Affordable Housing Group. He also was a consultant in social work for various colleges and many local hospitals. Various awards received included the SpaHa Community Leader Award (1997), Saratoga Springs Rotary Community Service Award (2001) and the Spirit of Saratoga Award in 2004. He was a member of the Church of St. Peter and was a founding member of the parish’s former folk group known as The Joyful Word. He found time to coach many Little League baseball teams and had a love for music, fishing, camping, photography and archery. His greatest love was spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Jean (Wells) Brunelle; a daughter, Lisa (Randy) Hunter of Galway and son, Michael Brunelle of Broadalbin; two granddaughters, Cara and McKayla Brunelle; two step-grandsons, Charlie Hunter and Luke Brunelle; an identical twin brother, Donald (Judy) Brunelle of St. Simons Island, Georgia; a sister Kathleen Timber of Wynantskill; step-great-grandson CJ Hunter; his mother-in-law, Josephine Wells; many cherished nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and cousins.

In addition to his mother, Virginia Brunelle, he is predeceased by a brother, Daniel Brunelle.

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

OPinion

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Reader’s View

Madigan: On Expanded Gaming

The potential placement of a full-scale casino will be a defining issue for our city. A sizeable segment of our community is opposed to the idea; a sizeable segment of our community is in favor of the idea. As Finance Commissioner I am concerned about the fiscal impact to Saratoga Springs. I serve as the City’s Chief Fiscal Officer, tax collector, and budget administrator. I am elected to protect the City and taxpayers’ financial interests. This is one lens through which I must view this important issue.

The majority of voters in NYS voted for expanded casino gambling. NYS law - the Gaming Economic Development Act of 2013 - has designated the Capital District-Saratoga area as a site for a casino and the State is moving ahead quickly with its casino development plans.

Much of the conversation to date has focused on what happens to the City if the casino is located here. But there is another question of equal concern: what happens to the City if the casino is instead located nearby? A new casino located in close proximity to Saratoga Springs, which may include a resort hotel, an entertainment complex, and convention facility, could draw business away from the Casino and Raceway, SPAC, City Center, Race Course and our downtown. Reduced attendance at those venues would hurt the local economy.

Further, a new casino located nearby could place our current VLT revenue at risk. We estimate that in 2014 we will collect $16.0M in property taxes and $1.83M in VLT revenue toward the City’s 40.5M operating budget. A reduction in

VLT funding would force the City to either reduce services or raise property taxes.

According to the State’s latest estimates, siting the casino here would provide the City with an additional $5.7 million in revenue sharing. The State’s estimates could prove to be high, but these funds would be critical to increases in City services and potential decreases in the City property tax.

Expanding our existing casino will bring challenges, but it could also provide the opportunity, through the revenue sharing, to maintain and enhance city services and make cuts in property tax rates that benefit everyone. Moreover, a Saratoga Springs siting allows us to draw new visitors to the City¹s many other fine venues.

There are numerous unknowns preying on the decision making

A Lighter View On Gambling “Gambling is good for you!”

I’ve seen the TV ads. I’ve read the newspaper endorsements and the political mailings.

I’m convinced; gambling will be good for me. In fact, it’s hard to find any down side. We will keep millions of dollars in New York State, have more money for education, create jobs, and even lower taxes!

My God, gambling is the medicine that will cure all our economic ills! Why didn’t we do this sooner?

Without a doubt, the greatest beneficiary of more gambling will be our colleges and universities. They might open a school of casino management or extend its art majors to include Vegas style choreography and dance. New courses will sprout in bartending, dealing, security, floor walking and valet parking.

Or a tech school could add a college of gambling software to work in conjunction with its animation and digital programming departments.

Local schools with nursing programs will increase enrollments as new specialties arise in the treatment of chronic carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory diseases and depression.

New hospitals will be needed

to treat the cancer and asthma that employees will acquire working in dense, smoke filled rooms. That also means more doctors and perhaps, if we’re lucky, a new world class cancer treatment center.

Also, government employment will expand as well as more public housing for the elderly who have squandered their retirement savings will be needed.

Pundits have long bemoaned the brain drain of local college grads moving where there are more jobs. With increased gambling, this trend should be reversed. There will be jobs galore in the arts, in technology, in the sciences, in health care, in the ‘service class,’ and especially in mental health services treating addiction.

Perhaps new slot machine manufacturers will locate in the Luther Forest Tech Park.

It will be just like the old days!

Prosperity for all!

Gambling is a godsend. It will put people to work, improve our schools, lower taxes, build new businesses and fix the local economy. Why did we wait so long?

It’s just too bad we can’t do the same thing with heroin and

crack! Then none of us would have to work anymore.

Pete Tonery Hamlin, NY

process, many of which should be addressed in the State’s Request for Applications. I believe that it is premature to reach a definitive conclusion before the State releases this document. It should add clarity to critical issues such as the level of local oversight and community involvement, minimum hotel-room requirements, and event facility size. Until we know exactly what we are being asked to support, we cannot make an informed judgment. A hasty decision made on partial information is a disservice to the all ­our citizens, our local businesses, and the applicants alike.

Without some control and oversight over what could eventually be built in our city, it will be difficult to support expanded casino gambling within our boundaries. I am hopeful that the State and the Casino and Raceway will heed the

concerns of their local elected officials and constituents. We must consider all the implications based on all the facts available. We must be prepared to see our decision through and keep the City of Saratoga strong, healthy, successful, and safe.

Michele Madigan is Commissioner of Finance for the City of Saratoga Springs

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week in Review

Board Of Supervisors Witholds Support For SAFE Act

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BALLSTON SPA – At the monthly Saratoga County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, January 21, the board unanimously approved 15 of the 16 resolutions before them with minimal discussion.

The exception to this was resolution number 31, which proposed to ‘deny the State of New York permission to use the seal of the County of Saratoga, the Saratoga County Sheriff and the Saratoga County Clerk for any purpose associated with the New York State SAFE act.’

The controversial SAFE act requires licensed gun owners to recertify all firearms within a period of five years. The resolution passed. Voting against the resolution were Supervisors Peter Martin of Saratoga Springs and supervisor Preston Jenkins of Moreau.

Prior to the vote, Supervisor

Martin noted that he believed that there was no live issue at this time that warranted this action and that the provisions of the resolution might prevent the county agencies’ logos from being attached to some certain correspondence that is part of the SAVE act, for instance the antiviolence ‘Katrina’s Law’ that the county would want to be associated with.

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

Fatal Vehicle Accident Details Emerge

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Friday, January 10, 2014, at 6:56 a.m., officers responded to a motor vehicle accident on State Route 50 south, just north of East/ West Road.

A 2000 Ford pick-up truck, operated by Gary Carter, 51, of Saratoga Springs, had been traveling southbound on Route 50 in the left lane. The Ford went off the left shoulder, struck the guard rail, and then struck a second vehicle from behind. This second vehicle was a 2007 Toyota being operated by a one Karen Daigle of Schuylerville.

After this collision, the Ford crossed over into the northbound lane, spun around and then

crossed back over all lanes of traffic. The Ford came to a stop after striking a snowbank on the west side of Route 50.

Saratoga Springs Fire responded to the scene. Mr. Carter was then transported to Saratoga Hospital by them for an unknown medical condition. The other operator did not report any injury.

Police recently learned that Mr. Carter had passed away on January 13. Based upon the investigation, police believe that Mr. Carter suffered some type of medical emergency prior to the accident taking place and his death was not caused by injuries sustained in the actual collision.

Cuomo: Common Core Management ‘Flawed’ ALBANY — New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in his 2014 Budget Address this week that the way Common Core has been managed by the board of regents is flawed.

Sponsored by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers, the Common State Standards Initiative is to establish a consistent education standard in grades kindergarten through 12 in English language arts and mathematics.

“I have heard a lot of feedback from parents,” Cuomo said. “I think it is fair to say about Common Core, that we all agree we need to set real standards for our students.”

“There is too much uncertainty, confusion and anxiety,” he said.

“Parents, students and teachers need the best education reforms which include Common Core teacher evaluations, but they also need a rational system that is well administered.”

Governor Cuomo’s plan is to assemble a panel that includes education experts as well as members of the legislature to get recommendations for corrective action. His goal is to have a package of corrective actions passed by the end of this session.

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

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2014 Saratoga Winterfest Week Events service projects and grants to the community.

•Friday, January 24–Sunday, January 26: Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic Pond Hockey Tournament. Visit the website to register and book a room, www. saratogafrozenspringsclassic.com • Friday, January 24: Labatt Blue Pub Crawl. Peabody’s (7–8 p.m.), Trotter’s (8–9 p.m.), City Tavern (9–10 p.m.), Caroline Street Pub (10–11 p.m.). Bars will have specials on Labatt Blue and will be giving away Labatt jerseys, hoodies, etc. Free Shuttle from the Gideon to Saratoga Downtown.

• Friday, January 24: Stadium Café Warming Tent. Hang out with the Stadium Cafés inside the Warming Tent all weekend and pick up Burger & Blue Special coupons. Locations: 389 Broadway and 112 Congress. Plus, hang out at the West Side location on Friday at 7 p.m. for Hockey Trivia Night and at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Broadway locations.

Chances to win hockey tickets and memorabilia • Friday, January 24: Funk Evolution at Vapor Night Club at Saratoga Casino and Raceway, No Cover, 9 p.m.

• Saturday, January 25: 2014 Cabin Fever Luncheon at Saratoga National Golf Club, Cost: $65, 11 a.m. The annual Cabin Fever Luncheon put on by the Soroptimist International of Saratoga County (SISC) is the winter event not to miss. The money raised from these events helps fund awards programs,

• Saturday, January 25– Sunday, January 26: Winter Antique Show at National Museum of Dance, 11a.m. to 4 p.m. The National Museum of Dance is happy to announce their Fifth Annual Winter Antique Show.

Last year, the show welcomed over 1,400 guests. Over 50 vendors will be displaying their vast variety of wares.

• Wednesday, January 29: Paint STARRY STARRY NIGHT at Saratoga Paint and Sip Studio, 7–9 p.m. at 80 Henry St. in Saratoga Springs. Cost: $38.

Register on our website to reserve your seats and with the help of artist instructors (and wine), you will take home your version of this classic masterpiece.

• Thursday, January 30: Cross Country Ski Lessons 2014, 6:30–8 p.m. The Town of Clifton Park, in cooperation with the Shenendehowa Nordic Club, announces its Beginner Cross Country Ski Lessons program. Classes are offered as snow conditions allow from 6:30–8 p.m. on the above dates at the Shenendehowa Adult Community Center. All ages and families are welcome.

• Friday, January 31: AudioStars at Vapor Night Club at Saratoga Casino and Raceway, No Cover, 9 p.m.

• Friday, January 31: Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe from 6–8:30 p.m. at Saratoga Spa State Park. Families are invited to enjoy an evening at Saratoga Spa State Park’s free candlelight ski and snowshoe event. In addition to a one-mile candlelit loop, the park will be offering ice skating and hot food and drinks. Snowshoes will be available to rent. This event will take place at the Warming

Hut. This is a weather dependent event. Call Alli Schweizer at (518) 584-2000, ext. 116 for more information.

• Friday, January 31: Winterfest Wine Tasting from 6–9 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs/Ballroom.

Sample a selection of delicious affordable wines, paired with savory Hors D’ Oeuvers. Live music and raffles. Admission is

$20 a person at the door and $30 per couple.

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BUSINESS

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

“How We Got Here”: B. Dake, Community To Share With Counterparts At Chamber Conference In April

Elements Of Downtown Come Together; Not As A City To Rival The Rest, But The Beau Ideal Of Civic Investment

by Colette Linton Saratoga TODAY Saratoga Springs did not get where it is today without learning a thing or two. The Saratoga County Chamber’s new spring conference, “Experience Saratoga – How To Create A Vibrant Downtown”, scheduled for April 3-4, intends to share these lessons by immersing guests with the players that shaped downtown.

Bill Dake, chairman of the board of Stewart’s Shops, said. “We have funded various projects along the way.”

Dake will join 30 other civic and business leaders at the conference as speakers and as homegrown experts that have helped raise the downtown area.

Like Dake, before downtown Saratoga Springs became the city as it is known today, the panel of speakers had experienced much of the work

“It is not a corporate story as much as it is a personal story.”

City developers, city planners, downtown business association leaders and chamber executives nationwide are invited to see Saratoga Springs as the result of local individuals who rebuilt a downtown.

“My presence on this is what I have done as part of a civic activity,”

that was required to recover from a low point in its history. Dake said that the conference is about explaining, more importantly, “how we got here” and that civic activity is a part of professional success.

“Business success can come from something that worked out in a civic

project,” he said. “So it is a financial and educational process; if it’s good for Saratoga, it’s good for us.”

The conference can host up to 100 visitors who have the opportunity to meet with the civic and business leaders including Saratoga Mayor Joanne Yepsen. They will participate in an immersive experience where they will hear speakers talk, and also walk the scenes to see where and how they work by venturing around the city.

The Chamber outlined three packages or ‘experiences’ that were created to address the typical questions that the president of Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, Todd Shimkus, said he receives from his counterparts across the nation. They are “Spa Set Experience” – attracting upscale residents, tourists and development; “Adventure Experience” – attracting young professionals downtown; and the “Community Experience” – emphasizing the ways local people can rebuild their downtown. The packages vary in price $950, $850 and $750 per person, respectfully.

“I think the three packages do represent the image and brand of

Saratoga as a place that attracts people from around the world for arts or night life and the sense of community we have,” Shimkus said. “I think for the people who like it and come here that this community has all three.”

However, in the Saratoga brand are many individuals that have helped to shape downtown. Some of these actors have changed from the time the downtown required action in the mid1900s, but their legacies are found with their businesses, firms and families that are still playing a role in shaping downtown today.

Amy Smith, general Manager of Saratoga Arms, and her parents, Noel and Kathleen Smith, are one such example. The little boutique hotel in the mid-1900s fell into disrepair later opening up the opportunity

for Smith’s parents to “pioneer the bed-and-breakfast industry” adding its personal touch to the downtown brand, she said. Saratoga Arms will host visitors of the Spa Set Experience.

“It (Saratoga Arms) is one of the few hotels that was built in 1870 as a hotel and still is,” Smith said. “So, the Saratoga brand is for our guests that want something other than a chain hotel experience, something that was around back in Saratoga’s heyday.”

The conference, led and managed by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, is being coordinated with the help of the city, the Convention Bureau, the City Center and dozens of downtown businesses and other organizations.

The conference will be funded by the Chamber, and the city is expected to benefit from the resulting exposure as a vibrant downtown via the event’s website and marketing in addition to the ideas generated from the visiting participants, Shimkus said.

“If it’s good for Saratoga, it’s good for us.” – Bill Dake

Saratoga Co. Fairground Events Generate Nearly $14 million For Saratoga County

BALLSTON SPA - The weekend events and festivals hosted by the Saratoga County Fairgrounds & Expo Center have been found to inject millions of dollars into the Saratoga County economy each year, according to an economic impact study compiled by Camoin Associates.

The Saratoga County Fair Board of Directors commissioned Camoin Associates of Malta to research the economic impact that the events hosted by the Fairgrounds in Ballston Spa have on the Saratoga County economy.

The “net new” - visitors from

outside Saratoga County - generated almost 14 million dollars and nearly $670,000 in additional taxes, over $309,000 of which stayed in Saratoga County.

While the attendees to the annual Fair were split roughly 55 percent local, 45 percent net new, the real eye-opener was the schedule of other events yielding almost 67 percent net new visitors to Saratoga County.

Further research showed that visitors to the non-Fair events treated the visit as a “destination event”, spending money on hotels, meals in restaurants before and

after the event, gas and other necessities during their stay.

It is important to note that nearly 99 percent of the annual million dollar operating budget of the Saratoga County Agricultural Society is self-generated, with less than $15,000 being recouped by State and County programs that are involved with marketing and premium reimbursement for competitors at the Fair.

The Fairgrounds are owned and operated by the Saratoga County Agricultural Society, a recognized 501c3 that was first incorporated in 1841.

Annual Economic Impact of Fairgrounds on Saratoga County

Sales Jobs Earnings Source: Camoin Associates, EMS!

Direct $10,041,805 178 $3,359,722

Indirect $2,874,006 29 $1,142,305

Total $12,915,811 207 $4,502,027

Total Annual Fiscal Impact on Saratoga County (Sales, Property and Hotel Tax Revenue) equaled $387,453, according to Camoin Associates.

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

BUSINESS 9

Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust Gives Grant To Restore Spirit of Life & Spencer Trask Memorial SARATOGA SPRINGS Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust recently awarded Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation with its largest grant of 2013, $50,000 toward the restoration of the Spirit of Life & Spencer Trask Memorial located in Congress Park.

The grant from Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust will provide funding for the masonry restoration phase, including restoration to the Spirit of Life sculpture, the masonry architectural surround A partnership between the City of Saratoga Springs and the Saratoga Springs Preservation Fund received its largest grant to carry out restoration works to the Spirit of Life & Spencer Trask Memorial set to undergo restoration.

Accounting, Tax Firm Gains New Partner; Changes Name

SARATOGA SPRINGS The tax and accounting firm of Melinda Bucknam, certified public accountant (CPA) serving the Saratoga Springs area for over 20 years, has announced Dawn Rodecker, CPA, as a partner, changing the name to include both professionals Bucknam & Rodecker CPAs. Rodecker earned a bachelor’s degree in economics with

a minor in business, followed by a master’s degree in public administration/public finance.

Rodecker also has 20 years of diversified and extensive experience in accounting and administration including maintaining client financial accounts; processing payroll, benefits and journal entries; producing monthly and year-end financial statements; analyzing financial

Arrow Reports Increased Quarterly Earnings GLENS FALLS – Arrow Financial Corporation (NasdaqGS –AROW) announced operating results for the three- and twelvemonth periods, which ended December 31, 2013.

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2013 was $5.8 million, an

increase of $235 thousand, or 4.2 percent, from a net income of $5.5 million on the year.

Arrow President and CEO, Thomas J. Murphy, said: “We are pleased with these results during this extended and challenging period of historically low interest rates.”

Premiere Transportation Grows Online And On The Ground ALBANY – Premiere Transportation Group of Albany, New York recently upgraded their website with a new design as well re-branded their name and logo.

The new name of the company is Premiere Transportation. They believe this new shortened version will provide more flexibility as well as convenience.

In addition to their digital

revamp, Premiere Transportation Group is now using the property space purchased in 2013 for the indoor vehicle storage of their growing fleet.

Premiere Transportation provides luxury car services to the Albany and Saratoga areas.

data and preparing individual and business tax returns.

She has strong business sense and uses this ability to assist her clients in achieving their goals, Bucknam said. She enjoys getting to know her clients, understanding their businesses, and helping them thrive.

To read more, visit their website: www.saratogacpa.com

and the landscape setting.

To-date, major grants for

the project have been provided by the Saratoga Foundation, the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club, and the Greater Capital Region Community Foundation in addition to several individuals who have made generous gifts. The City of Saratoga Springs has thus far

allocated $75,000 toward the project. Additional funding is anticipated in the 2015 Capital Projects Budget.

To learn more about the project, visit www.spiritofliferestoration.org or contact the Saratoga Preservation Foundation at 518-587-5030.

10

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

The ‘Maltafication’ Of A Neighborhood continued from page 1

running businesses around Round Lake Road believe this is what is about to happen to them, and they hope that they are not too late to stop it.

“I’m disgusted with the process,” said resident Elwood “Woody” Sloat, a long-time resident and a 25-year veteran of the New York State Police. In that capacity, Mr. Sloat has investigated traffic flow patterns and countless numbers of vehicle accidents. “The primary concern should be public safety in making decisions, and that is not what is happening here.”

At their last meeting of 2013, the Malta Town Board voted to go ahead with the construction of two more roundabouts along Round Lake Road –two points only about 1,500 feet apart on the west side of the Northway. Town Councilperson John Hartzell cast the lone vote against the measure and cited resident’s concerns for safety as the primary reason for his vote.

Mr. Sloat and I walked the two intersections / future roundabouts.

He knew intimate details, the nooks and crannies of each. Later, area residents Kathleen Eitzman and Valerie Manley joined us. All three were vocally active against the roundabouts as the proper solution for these intersections.

They did all the right things.

They made their feelings known at every possible meeting. They gathered over 250 signatures of area

residents. Today, they felt that it apparently did no good.

“I feel we are being stepped on.”

Sloat said, and the other two were quick to nod in agreement. “Only John Hartzell came down, met with us and looked at this area,” he continued. “I spent more than half my life investigating traffic and I am convinced it is the completely wrong solution (for these two intersections.) It is very likely to make a bad situation worse. A roundabout is not a turnkey solution to every problem.”

“The Town Board accepts an engineer’s report, and the people who live here have to live with the consequences.

It’s as if the people directly affected had no weight.” Sloat concluded.

The two intersections each have their own properties, but there is little doubt that as they stand today they have multiple danger points that could use corrective action. Whether a roundabout is the best solution is certainly a matter of dispute.

The first, at the corner of Ruhle / Raylinksy Roads and Round Lake Road, is about 1,000 feet west of the Northway. At this point, it is a very busy two-lane intersection with no turn lanes and a traffic light with no turn arrows. At the northeast corner, there is a busy Stewarts Shop with two entry/exit points – one on Round Lake, one on Ruhle.

Further down on Ruhle, a pediatric medical practice has had to resort to homemade ‘slow’ and

‘stop’ signs (which are legal on private property) to handle the number of cars that pivot into the lot and turn around because they have no means of getting out of Stewarts and heading west on Round Lake Road. Across from this building is a marked crosswalk to a popular mini-golf course which many children and families use, but there is no stop sign.

Some brave drivers make a left turn out of the Stewarts lot at the Round Lake exit point to head east to the Northway, but this is a difficult maneuver at all times and nearly impossible during peak traffic periods. Making a left turn from Ruhle to head west is no bargain either. With no turn lanes or arrows, maybe one or two cars can get through this way per light change.

A roundabout would appear to address some of these problems, but the primary beneficiary would be to establish the primacy of eastwest traffic flow along Round Lake Road. Yet a roundabout placed here would bring additional concerns, according to Sloat.

For one thing, the roundabout turnoff onto Ruhle will, by necessity, be perilously closer to the Stewarts entry/exit. Because the roundabout will also eliminate the Round Lake Road eastbound access point, more cars will likely be queued up to leave at the remaining one. Moving this entry/exit point further away from the turnoff is

(l-r) Kathy Eitzmann, “Woody” Sloat and Valerie Manley.

not feasible due to utility box placement and other factors according to the engineer’s report obtained by Saratoga TODAY. Further, the consulting engineer’s (Creighton Manning) report said that a 36-foot ‘splitter island’ (a raised or painted traffic island that separates traffic) length would still be safe, though the report indicates that a minimum length of 50 feet is acceptable and 100 feet is desirable.

So imagine this: a vehicle heading west on Round Lake Road signals for a turnoff onto Ruhle. A driver who is looking to exit Stewarts, perhaps having already waited awhile to get clear sailing, sees the vehicle with it’s turn signal still on from the turnoff and wrongly assumes it is heading into the Stewarts lot, when it is planning to continue.

I must admit that I’m no engineer, but Mr. Sloat certainly appears to have a compelling argument that a roundabout is a more expensive and less effective solution as opposed to strategically placed turn lanes, traffic light arrows and stop signs around this intersection.

But about 1,500 feet to the west is another intersection where you don’t need an engineering degree to see that a roundabout is overkill, in the manner of shooting a hummingbird with a bazooka and claiming you deserve a marksman’s medal.

The intersection of Chango Drive and Round Lake Road is a three-way intersection without a traffic light or stop sign. It does have a painted crosswalk across Round Lake Road, which an able-bodied person would have to be brave to cross.

On the south side of Round Lake Road is a major shopping plaza with the area’s primary supermarket (Hannaford) and Ms. Manley’s salon. On the other side,

a semi-assisted living facility for seniors. Behind the plaza is Chango Elementary School, where many children could be walking to school.

As currently constituted: a recipe for disaster. But is a roundabout likely to improve anything? Sloat makes a case that it could be even worse.

“Pedestrians crossing roundabouts are never desirable. These structures are designed to establish the primacy of vehicle traffic flow, in this case east-west along Round Lake Road.” He notes.

“Would you want a loved one, a senior, a child crossing a roundabout?” Sloat concludes, “they have no right of way and in many cases drivers have less reaction time.”

Kathy Eitzman has a doublewhammy against her at this intersection. In addition to safety and quality of life concerns for the area her family has in lived for years, her home sits adjacent to this intersection.

She’s also an associate real estate broker, so when she asks: “When was the last time you heard of a home on a roundabout being desirable? When has it ever increased a residential property’s value?”

You get the feeling she already knows the answer.

But the answer to “what’s next?” for these three citizens who have spent their whole lives working through the system is unclear at this point. It’s hard to imagine them lying down in front of the bulldozers in protest, yet it’s hard to imaging them take the Malta Town Board’s decision lying down.

The two roundabouts are projected to be completed sometime in the fall of this year. This is the epitome of a developing story and we’ll report on those developments as events unfold.

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014 Adirondack Christian Fellowship 8 Mountain Ledge, Wilton 587-0623; acfsaratoga.com Services: Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.

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

Assembly of God Faith Chapel 6 Burgoyne St., Schuylerville 695-6069 Rev. Jason Proctor Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

Assembly of God Saratoga 118 Woodlawn Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-6081 Services: Sunday Worship 10 a.m., coffee served at 9:45 a.m.

Bacon Hill Reformed Church 560 Route 32N, Bacon Hill 695-3074 Rev. Janet Vincent Services: Worship service 10 a.m.

Sunday School 10 a.m.

All are welcome.

Handicapped accessible.

Baha’i Community of Saratoga Springs 584-9679; 692-7694; usbnc.org.

Ballston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 58 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa 885-7312; ballstoncenterarpchurch.org Services: Sunday Worship Service, 10:30 a.m.

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

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

Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Community

Routes 50 & 67, Ballston Spa 885-1031 Services: Sunday 8 & 10 a.m.

Christian Restoration Ministries Saratoga Senior Center 5 Williams St., Saratoga Springs 796-4323 Pastor Pat Roach Services: Sunday 10 a.m.; 6:30 p.m.

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

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

Services: Sunday: 9:30 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Saratoga Springs 45 Washington St. 584-6301 Services: Sunday: 11 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa 885-8361; bspabaptist.org Services: 10:30 a.m. worship 9 a.m. Sunday School (all ages) First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa 22 West High St., Ballston Spa 885-5583 Services: Sunday at 10 a.m.

Full Gospel Tabernacle 207 Redmond Road, Gansevoort 793-2739 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.; Bible Study: Thursday 6:30 p.m.

Galway United Methodist Church 2056 East Street (at intersection of Route 147), Galway 882-6520 www.galway-united-methodistchurch.com Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

(9 a.m. in July and August) Grace Brethren Church 137 W. Milton Rd., Ballston Spa 587-0649 Rev. Dan Pierce Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

Greater Grace Community Church Pastor David Moore 100 Saratoga Village Blvd. #17 899-7777; thechurch@ggccmalta.org www.ggccmalta.org Services: Wednesday 7:30 p.m. Good Times Restaurant, Lake Rd. 2nd floor; Friday 7:30 p.m. Saratoga Chapel, Eastline & Lake Rds; Sunday 10 a.m. - Glenville Senior Center, 32 Worden Rd. Greenfield Center Baptist Church 30 Wilton Rd., Greenfield Center 893-7429 Services: Sunday School for all ages - 9:45 a.m.

Church Service - 11 a.m.

Prayer Meeting - Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

Congregation Shaara Tfille

Highway Tabernacle Church

Ballston Spa United Methodist Church 101 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa 885-6886 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Bethesda Episcopal Church 41 Washington St., Saratoga Springs 584-5980 Services: Sunday 6:30, 8 & 10 a.m.

Church of Christ at Clifton Park 7 Old Route 146 371-6611; cliftonparkchurchofchrist.com Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Christ Community Reformed Church 1010 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-7654; ccrc-cpny.org.

Services: Sundays 10 a.m.

Christ Episcopal Church

84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs 584-2370; saratogasynagogue.org Services: Saturday 9:30 a.m., Monday & Thursday 7:30 a.m., third Friday each month 7:30 p.m.

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

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

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

Jonesville United Methodist 963 Main St., Clifton Park

RELIGION 11 877-7332 Services: Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

Middle Grove United Methodist Church 581-2973 Pastor Bonnie Bates Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

Handicapped accessible New Horizon Church 150 Perry Road, Saratoga Springs 587-0711 Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

New Life Fellowship 51 Old Gick Rd., ­­ Saratoga Springs 580-1810; newlifeinsaratoga.org.

Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Childcare is available at all services.

NorthStar Church Shenendehowa High School West Auditorium, Clifton Park 371-2811; northstarchurch.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Old Saratoga Reformed Church 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville oldsaratogareformedchurch.org Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

Old Stone Church (American Baptist) 159 Stone Church Rd., Ballston Spa 583-1002 Services: Sunday 9 a.m.; Adult Sunday School 9 a.m.; Service 10:30 a.m. Coffee and Fellowship in Living Stone Hall; Wednesday: noon potluck luncheon; 1 p.m. choir rehearsal; 2 p.m. Bible Study Group Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church 73 Midline Road, Ballston Lake 399-5713 Services: Saturday 5 p.m.

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

Handicapped accessible.

Presbyterian-NE Congregational Church 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs 584-6091; pnecc.org Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

Quaker Springs United Methodist Church 466 Route 32 South, Quaker Springs 695-3101; qsumc.com Pastor Al Johnson Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

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

Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-2375 Services: Eucharistic Celebrations: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m.

St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-6122 Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8, 9:30, 11:15 a.m. & 5 p.m., 1 p.m. Spanish Service St. George’s Episcopal Church 912 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-6351; stgeorge@csdsl.net Services: Saturday 4:30 p.m.; Sunday 8 & 9:30 a.m.

St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church 3159 Route 9N, Greenfield Center 893-7680; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com; www.stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m. Handicapped accessible St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church 167 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa 885-7411; stmarysbsta.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon.

Handicapped accessible St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church 771 Route 29, Rock City Falls 893-7680; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com; www.stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter.org Services: Sunday 8:30 am.

Handicapped accessible.

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 149 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-0904 Services: Saturday 5 p.m. with Holy Communion. Sundays 8:30 & 11 a.m. with Holy Communion.

St. Peter Lutheran Church 2776 Route 9, Malta 583-4153 Services: Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.

St. Thomas of Canterbury 242 Grooms Rd., Halfmoon st-thomas-of-canterbury.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Saratoga Abundant Life Church 2325 Route 50 South, Saratoga Springs 885-5456; saratogaabundantlife.org Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

Saratoga Chabad 130 Circular St., Saratoga Springs 526-0773; saratora@aol.com; saratogachabad.com

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

Saratoga United Methodist Church Henning Road, Saratoga Springs 584-3720; saratogaumc.com.

Services: Sunday 9 & 10:45 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

Saratoga Seventh-Day Adventist Church 399 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs 882-9384; saratogasda.org Services: Sabbath School: 10 a.m.

Worship Service: 11:30 a.m.

Shenendehowa United Methodist 971 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-7964 Services: Sunday 9 & 10:30 a.m.

Simpson United Methodist Church Rock City Road, Rock City Falls 885-4794 Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

Soul Saving Station for Every Nation Christ Crusaders of America 62 Henry St., Saratoga Springs 584-3122 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.

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

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

Preceded by 5:30 p.m. Oneg.

Handicapped Accessible.

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

Childcare: six months–four years and expanding.

Handicapped accessible.

The Salvation Army Worship, Service & Community Center 27 Woodlawn Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-1640; Mail-P.O. Box 652 Captain Aaron A. Boone, Sr.; Captain Amber S. Boone Commanding Officers/Ministers Services: Sunday School 10 a.m.; Praise & Worship 11 a.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church 155 Ballard Rd., Gansevoort 584-9107; tumcwilton.com Rev. Patti Molik-Pastor Services: Sunday 9 and 11 a.m.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs 624 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-1555; uusaratoga.org Services, Nursery Care, and Religious Education: Sundays 10 a.m. Youth Group: Sundays 11:30 a.m.

Unity Church in Albany 21 King Ave., Albany 453-3603 Services: Sunday 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

West Charlton United Presbyterian Church 1331 Sacandaga Rd., West Charlton 882-9874 westcharltonupc.org Rev. Thomas Gregg, Pastor Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Wilton Baptist Church 755 Saratoga Rd, Wilton 583-2736; wiltonbaptist@gmail.com; wiltonbaptistchurch.com Services: Sunday Service 11 a.m.

12

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

Saratoga Springs City Council

The ‘White Wave’ Waves No White Flag

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS— The public comment period at the beginning of the Saratoga Springs City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 21, was, as expected, longer than usual and dominated by members of the public expressing their opinion on the issue of expanded gaming.

But, as opposed to the council’s previous meeting (January 7) the composition of the commenters might best be described as a “horse of a different color.”

Another overflow city council chamber was, this time, dominated by white-shirted

advocates for expanded gaming at Saratoga Casino and Raceway (SCR). (This later led Commissioner of Public Works Chris Mathiesen to lead a discussion regarding moving future meetings to a larger room, perhaps the Music Hall on the third floor). These advocates were largely drawn from the ranks of people who were employees or had some connection to SCR, or were members of the advocacy group “Destination Saratoga”.

The SCR employees that spoke came from all levels of the facility, from management to part-timers. It was apparent to this reporter that many were not used to public speaking and

some read from comments that were on paper.

But it is important to note that there was nothing that was apparent that indicated that they were handed a script to read, or that they were being compelled to read said script.

It appeared that everyone spoke from the heart, and there was no reason from this vantage point to doubt anyone’s sincerity in their feelings of gratitude for their position and their employer.

One standout commenter who of course needed no script was former Commissioner of Public Works Tom McTygue, who spoke in his trademark “plain folks” language and garnered the most thunderous applause of the evening.

Of course, there were some commenters and members of the gallery who were against expanded gaming at SCR, among them were members of SAVE (Saratogians Against Vegasstyle Expansion.) However, that group had sent out a memo to the press and their membership saying that the jobs at SCR as currently constituted “…are protected under the legislation that passed in November,” and therefore they were sitting this meeting out. Some decided to come a la carte’ anyway to observe, leaflet and in one case, hand out pastries donated by Mama Mia’s restaurant.

The sugar was certainly welcomed by this member of the media, as well as Mayor Yepsen, who had a full agenda which was underway with an executive

session nearly 80 minutes after we had all saluted the flag.

In Other Council News: • After emerging from executive session, Mayor Yepsen detailed and the council unanimously approved the ratification of the collective bargaining agreement with the police administrative officer unit, which covered the Chief, Assistant Chief and Captain.

• This contract had expired in 2008 and will run though the end of this year. As such, there were pay increases that were retroactive that totaled approximately $57,000 (which would be paid out of a contingency fund which had been set up previously in Finance Commissioner Madigan’s budget) as well as a $17,000 increase in the current budget. The mayor saluted her team for their diligence in getting this expired contract up to date.

• The mayor made three appointments: James Helicki to the zoning board, Mark Torpey to the planning board and Carol Maxwell to the heritage area program advisory committee. Later, Commissioner of Accounts John Franck appointed Alexandra Besso to the board of assessment review.

• The mayor discussed Governor Cuomo’s State of the State address and it’s impact on city residents and reminded everyone that her annual State of the City address will take place next Tuesday evening, January 28 at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

• By a 4-0 vote, the council approved a Public Works addendum to an agreement related to the Ballston Avenue Improvement Project with Greenman Pedersen, Inc., with Commissioner Franck recusing himself, as he owned property in the affected area. Also, the council approved 5-0 a change order with Bunkhoff General Contracts for an ongoing project related to moisture removal and structural strengthening in the historic Canfield Casino’s basement.

• Commissioner Mathiesen received unanimous approval for his motions to begin alternative side of the street parking on Greenfield Avenue between North Broadway and Clement Avenue. He also received unanimous approval for increasing base parking violation fees from 30 to 35 dollars and adding a scofflaw fee of $10.

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

13

Pavilion Grand Hotel Plans Spring Opening continued from page 1

vice president at Prime Cos, Pavilion Grand Hotel’s owner and developer. “There is a fair amount of competition; so, we try to have something different, something unique apart from the competition.”

Other amenities include a boutique spa named All Good Things and a rooftop terrace.

“We are very excited about the opening of Pavilion Grand Hotel,” co-owner Ken Raymond said. “Our location in Downtown Saratoga is ideal and we are looking forward to offering a great experience for our guests that visit this wonderful area.”

Prime Cos. is also the developer of Fresh Market located on Route 50 and Marion Avenue.

The specialty-grocery chain is planned to open this spring with approximately ten additional retail shops.

Online booking can be done through their Pavilion Grand Hotel’s website with rooms available starting June 1.

The Adirondack Trust Company Announces A Dividend Increase Based On Year-End Financial Performance

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Adirondack Trust Company today announced an increase in its dividend of 50 cents per share, from $25.00 per share to $25.50, due to overall business performance, including record levels of deposits (excluding assets held in trust), commercial loans, consumer loans and residential mortgages in 2013.

As of December 31, 2013, The Adirondack Trust Company’s total loan balances increased 12.7% to a record $568 million due to record levels of new mortgages, consumer loans and commercial loans. Credit quality improved as measured by both net charge-offs and delinquent loans. Deposits, excluding assets held in trust, grew 1.34% to a

record of $785 million. Net income for the year was $7.4 million.

The Adirondack Trust Company is an independent, employee and locally owned and operated community bank offering a wide variety of business and personal services.

The bank has $1 billion in assets and twelve branches. The Adirondack Trust Company is rated by Bauer Financial as a 5-Star bank for the period ending December 31, 2013.

The bank offers trust, insurance and investment services and originates real estate mortgages, both residential and commercial, and commercial business loans throughout its market area. The bank’s website is www. adirondacktrust.com.

14

Education

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

Military Times Names SUNY Empire State More Therapy Dogs Needed College Among “Best For Vets: Colleges 2014” For “Reader’s Celebration”

Gannett Publication Cites Online and Nontraditional Strengths SARATOGA SPRINGS Military Times, a publication of Gannett Government Media, has added SUNY Empire State College to its “Best for Vets: Colleges 2014”

rankings. The college is highlighted in the online and nontraditional category.

This honor noted several specific features of the college

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Call: (518) 650-1110

including low in-state undergraduate and graduate tuition; waiving of most fees for veterans and activeduty military; the award-winning Office of Veteran and Military Education; low student-faculty ratio and strong support staff; the college’s acceptance of academic credit for military training recommended by the American Council on Education.

“Empire State College’s strengths with nontraditional students and two decades of experience in online education, which characterizes many veterans, active-duty members of the military, and how they learn, are just two examples of why the college was chosen for Best for Vets and to play a leading role in the access, completion and success agenda of Open SUNY,” Merodie A. Hancock, president of the college, said.

Spa Christian School Names New Admin BALLSTON SPA - Spa Christian School has named Jesse Holt as the new school administrator. Holt, previously the head of Mt. Moriah Christian Academy in Glenmont for six years, teaching for 12, will be in charge of curriculum development and promotions.

Holt graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and minors in religion and philosophy. He joins Spa Christian School at a time of change and growth. Spa’s tradition of solid, individualized education in a small class setting will be enhanced with the addition of a new technology and media center designed to grow students’ skills for the 21st century.

Under the guidance of Holt, the faculty at Spa Christian has created a developmental literacy program called Readers For Life and is continuing the development of a technology integrated curriculum.

With Second-Graders

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The second-grade class at Lake Avenue School celebrates at the Reader’s Celebration with therapy dogs in June, and two more dogs are needed.

The therapy dogs are part of a program called Dog Therapy

International, in which the dogs come into school weekly and listen to children read. Incoming second grade students look forward to this program in the upcoming school year. For more information contact Lynn O’Rourke at (518) 584-3678.

The fifth annual Reader’s Celebration at Lake Avenue for second-graders.

The Fresh Air Fund Readying For 138th Summer Supporting Children Patty LeRoy, fundraising representative, chairman, program host and grandmother, has participated in The Fresh Air Fund’s Volunteer Host Family Program for 49 years, and counting, as she looks forward to yet another summer.

“It’s getting to look through a child’s eyes,” LeRoy said. “It’s a very incredible experience.”

Each summer the nonprofit hosts over 4,000 inner-city children that visit suburban, rural and small town communities.

Patty LeRoy, fundraising representative, sits with a Fresh Air Fund child at Sky Farms.

Contact Patty LeRoy for more information about hosting a child this summer at 518-885-9505 or visit The Fresh Air Fund online at www.freshair.org.

Art Exhibit Showcases Reaction, Recovery To Hurricane Sandy

SARATOGA SPRINGS “Sandy Stories, Organized Labor Rebuilds New York” will be on display Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., at SUNY Empire State College located at 113 West Ave., Saratoga Springs, until the end of January.

New York State AFL-CIO and the Workforce Development Institute are presenting the exhibit, which displays the photographs

taken by unions documenting the destruction in the storm’s aftermath, and the clean-up effort that later ensued.

The Workforce Development Institute’s mission is to improve the lives of working men and women across New York state by developing regional solutions to workforce, economic and community development challenges.

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

Education

15

Louder, Stronger, Connected Voice; ‘Powerful Tool’ For People At Saratoga Bridges

by Colette Linton Saratoga TODAY

Peering over a paper, Keith Wheeler and Kurt Freeman prepare for their interview. A recorder is placed on the table while several others gather around waiting for the show to get underway. The door is shut to keep out the extra noise, and the host invites his guests into the conversation. They are sharing stories through a project that is still young, but quickly developing, at Saratoga Bridges.

It is a radio show that took shape late last year and culminated three segments including a holiday show. The team involves 20-25 individuals producing podcasts for their online station WSBR, a program set to expand as the enthusiasm of its participants and encouragement from outside grants is making it possible for WSBR to purchase new equipment for a more robust and professional product.

The project established the opportunity for individuals with special needs to share their interests with the rest of the community, Freeman said, information systems implementation and information specialist, who wears a second hat – the volunteer producer of WSBR. “I’m hoping that we can bring into our programming principles for things that are important, like healthy living, exercise,” Freeman

WSBR Radio Personalities - Keith Wheeler, Kurt Freeman, Evan Dixon, Debbie Piper

said. “And this mode of communication is a powerful tool.”

“It’s about letting people know what we like,” radio personality, Amanda Webb, said. “And getting to listen to it (the show) afterward. It’s for everyone to come in and just do.”

Debbie Piper, also a radio talent, added, “we talked about memories (on a previous segment), and it was hard for me.” After her father passed away, Piper said that it was a difficult topic to talk about, but that it helped her recall the good

memories she had of him. “Some certain things I do remember; some certain things I don’t remember. We talk about that.”

“My favorite part of the radio is to get to play music and to also interview Special Olympics people,” Wheeler, a radio talent, said.

“We are WSBR doing

home-made radio”, the day’s participants almost said in unison, including Piper, Wheeler, Webb and radio talent John Straiht.

Facilitators, located across Saratoga Bridges’ administration, Alpha and Ballston Spa Day Programs, and the Community Opportunities program will soon be able to launch their own segments to further contribute to the content of WSBR. The grant received from GlobalFoundries-Malta Foundation in the amount of $6, 423.25 will go toward purchasing new equipment to bolster the number of activities, segments, planning and editing techniques available to these individuals for the production of WSBR. In addition, as part of the program’s long-term goal, the grant will help connect facilitators to each other through the use of up-to-date technology. Freeman will be purchasing ten additional handheld recorders, a computer for mixing episodes, a mixing board, additional microphones for in-studio interviews and a road case.

Future plans also entail an expansion in content in addition to a new podcast service that will allow personalities to play copyrighted music.

Themes Of Future Programs Special Olympics, “Cutting to the Chase with Billy Mitchell”

NASCAR Racing Community Interviews, “In My Shoes” A Disability Awareness Program “Spotlight the Artist”, “One Voice” Saratoga Bridges’ Choral Group “They’re not the quote unquote typical radio personality that people might be used to hearing,” Pamela Polacsek said, communications specialist at Saratoga Bridges. “And that they have a lot of fresh perspective on things that many of us overlook, and they get joy in just being able to communicate for the sake of communicating as opposed to just having a specific agenda…They’re just eager to make a difference.”

WSBR’s next broadcast will air January 29 at wsbr.saratogabridges.org.

16

food

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

Pucker Up! Award-Winning Pickles From Puckers Gourmet SARATOGA SPRINGS – Want to make your taste buds stand up and shout during your next trip to the market? Head upstairs to the second floor and sample several types of pickles and other fermented foods by Puckers Gourmet of Greenwich.

Puckers provides pickles like ‘Garlic Half Sours’ and ‘Habanero Fire’, as well as international cabbage favorites such as Kim Chi and Pak Dong. Their foods are raw and vegan, free of all preservatives, wheat, soy and gluten.

All of Puckers products are fermented in 64-gallon Kentucky oak whiskey and bourbon

barrels, which adds a subtle oaky flavor to the products. They are packaged in clear glass jars, putting the beautiful arrangements of vegetables on display.

Recent new additions to the Puckers product line are Dilly Beans and a lightly fermented, tangy Italian vegetable medley called Giardiniera. Puckers purchases many of the vegetables used in its products from local farms, including Sheldon Farms, another vendor at Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

The fermentation process delivers health benefits, and preserves foods for a period of time (though not forever). The growth of bacteria and cultures adds back healthful elements that may have been purged in our bacteriaaverse society, helping our bodies’ natural systems—including

digestive and immune functions—to work more effectively.

“Some fermenters add live cultures to their brine, but we do not. We let lacto fermentation happen from start to finish on its own every time. We do not inoculate,” explains Kelley Hillis of Puckers Gourmet.

The fermentation process produces Lactobacillus live

cultures, with similar associated health benefits of probiotics that the yogurt industry has promoted so heavily in its marketing during the past few years.

Hillis further explains, “People ask all the time how fermenting is different from canning. Canning involves cooking the brine, which essentially kills the product. Fermentation never uses heat, creating a live healthful product.”

At the 2012 Rosendale (NY) International Pickle Fest and Competition, Puckers Gourmet won awards in three categories: first place for its cabbage and carrot Pak Dong; second place for its brilliantly colored Kim Chi; and third place against a broad field of competitors in the Full Sour Pickle category.

You can sample all these products each week at Puckers Gourmet’s table at the Farmers’ Market. If you need a few ideas of what to do with them once you get home, try adding fermented vegetables like Kim Chi as an accompaniment to something plainer in flavor, such as rice, or tuck some Pak Dong inside a fish taco, sandwich or on a salad.

The pickles pair well with a variety of foods, and also make a nice snack, straight from the jar. Sauerkraut is often added to deli sandwiches, in the same way a pickle might provide crunch and zest, but it also goes well with potatoes and winter stews, providing a tangy bite to contrast with mellow, slow-cooked flavors.

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

Fish Tacos With Pak Dong Pak Dong from Puckers Gourmet is a mildly seasoned, fermented cabbage salad.

It makes a great accompaniment to fish in these tacos.

food 17

Au Revoir Wisdom Teeth

Ingredients

* Available at Saratoga Farmers’ Market 1 pound firm white fish* 2 limes, juiced 1 clove garlic, pressed* 1/2 tsp. cumin 1/4 tsp. chili powder 1 Tbsp. olive oil Salt and pepper Pak Dong* from Puckers Gourmet 8 corn or flour tortillas Optional accompaniments: avocado slices, sour cream, and hot sauce

Directions

•Place fish in glass dish. Blend lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and olive oil into a marinade, and pour over fish.

Season with salt and pepper. Let sit 30 minutes.

•Bake or pan fry fish until cooked.

(Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fish.)

•Warm tortillas one by one in a skillet. To each warm tortilla, add fish (break up a bit with a fork), and top with Pak Dong and any optional ingredients.

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY Hello my Foodie Friends, This past week my daughter Aubrey had all four of her wisdom teeth removed. Many people need to have their wisdom teeth removed and it can be a very painful experience.

Part of the experience involves not eating real food for several days. All food must be in a smooth form and

not chewable. This leaves you with very limited options to get a nice meal as well as satisfying your nutritional needs. Using an immersion blender solved this problem for my daughter.

My daughter’s favorite side dish, mashed potatoes, was made very easy with the use of the immersion blender and the potatoes were whipped up enough for her to easily eat. Vegetable soup was pureed enough so that she did not have to worry about chewing anything and milkshakes were made to a suitable thickness.

You can use an immersion blender to quickly and easily blend, whip, and puree a wide variety of foods. Puree a big batch of soup, blend pancake batter, mix up a milk shake or whip mashed potatoes. The powerful motor blends large quantities with ease and the variable speed dial and turbo setting gives you precise, adjustable control. The durable, extra long

stainless steel shaft reaches into deep stockpots and detaches with a twist for easy cleaning and storage.

Aubrey survived just fine with help from Mom who kept an all-night vigil on the couch in the family room, which is right next to a big supply of ice packs in the kitchen! The immersion blender may be small but packs a lot of power and doesn’t take up the counter space those big-stand mixers and blenders require.

So remember my Foodie Friends even if you’re not hungry “Life Happens in the Kitchen”.

Take Care, John, Paula, Johnny and Aubrey

18

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

Masked and Beaded

by Trina Lucas Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — More than 450 ‘Saints’ came marchin’ in to the Canfield Casino last Saturday, January 18, as Hattie’s hosted the 13 th annual Mardi Gras, this year benefitting the Saratoga Hospital Community Center. Honorary chairs Michele and Ron Riggi welcomed guests to the Bourbon Street created by Michael Panza and Fine Affairs. Nearby, event co-chairs Beth Alexander and Julie Bonacio thanked arriving friends for their generous support, including lead sponsor Steven Bouchey.

From Heather BohmTallman’s ‘Crazy Photo Booth’ to the spirited dancers of Northeast Ballet, the evening was filled with fun and revelry.

A silent auction enhanced the festivities, but it was Garland Nelson and Soul Session that ultimately brought the night to life. They kept the crowd dancing until well past close!

“Jasper and I are thrilled to see Mardi Gras grow year after year,” remarked Beth. “Thanks to tremendous community support, each event seems to surpass the one before. We are humbled – and beyond grateful.”

“I know our 2015 benefit will top them all as we advance a cause near and dear to us, Jake’s Help from Heaven. Please keep in touch and follow us on Facebook for all of the details.”

Founded by Jasper and Beth in 2001 as a way to give back and support local charities, Hattie’s Mardi Gras has raised close to $300,000 for non-profits like Shelters of Saratoga, Saratoga YMCA, Saratoga Bridges and Saratoga Sponsor-a-Scholar.

Michele and Ron Riggi, Honorary Chairs

Julie Bonacio and Beth Alexander, Event Chairs

Kate Calbone and Mary Solomons

Heather Bohm-Tallman in her Crazy Photo Booth

Melissa Zieker, Dr. Chris Zieker, Melanie and Keth Manuel

Melissa Brumley, Kristen Symms and Carol Castle

Brian and Heather Straughter

Rick Partyka and Natalie Sillery

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

fun and games 19

Puzzles

Across 1 Bailiff’s repeated cry 5 Captain’s order to stop 10 Amo, __, amat 14 Prefix with scope or meter 15 Like many pretzels 16 Money owed 17 Gradually and steadily 19 Nebraska tribe 20 Fellow members 22 “Ben-__” 23 2000s White House nickname 26 Like a private tutoring session 28 CIO partner 29 Not used 32 Senior-to-junior address 33 Betty of cartoons 35 Lantern fuel 39 Back up talk with action 42 Make like new 43 Ventilates, with “out” 46 “Ivanhoe” author Sir Walter 49 The Tar Heels of the NCAA 51 Forget-me-__ 52 Considering everything 56 Stows away 58 Naughty 59 Condition of being forgotten 62 Hosp. area for urgent care 64 In person 68 Got to one’s feet 69 Not quite right 70 Word after something or anything 71 Mex. miss 72 Eccentric 73 Mass transit option Down 1 Chances to get pics 2 Up to now 3 Before, in odes 4 Go past fast 5 “__ sow, so shall ...”

6 Expansive 7 Even if, briefly 8 Violinist Isaac 9 Melville work subtitled “A Peep at Polynesian Life” 10 “Much __ About Nothing” 11 Way of doing things

See puzzle solutions on page 37

Level: 1

2

3

4

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

1/20/14

© 2014 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

See puzzle solution on page 37 12 Teem (with) 13 Audio system 18 Dietary fiber 21 Finnish mobile phone giant 23 Blot gently 24 ET transporter 25 Squander, as a wad of cash 27 Nabisco wafer brand 30 Antlered grazers 31 “W” on a light bulb 34 First installment of a miniseries 36 Old reciprocal electrical unit 37 Lima’s land 38 Wilson of “Marley & Me” 40 “... __ man put asunder” 41 Compassionate 44 __ v. Wade

45 Ave. crossers 46 Cavalry blades 47 Loud uproar 48 Most senior 50 When doubled, tot’s train 53 BBC sitcom, to fans 54 Andes pack animal 55 Permitted by law 57 Get by reasoning 60 Sleeveless garment 61 “The __-bitsy spider ...”

63 “The Crying Game” actor Stephen 65 Pie __ mode 66 CBS series with Miami and NY spin-offs 67 Wriggly swimmer

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

Center Around An impossibility. Use center about, center in, or center on.

Today’s Open House centers on the theme of Quality at Work.

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

20

Seeking Grant Applicants The Karen & Gary Dake Foundation for Children has announced their pledge to issue over $30,000 in grants for local children with disabilities in 2014.

Members of the community who know or provide care for a child or children with disabilities are encouraged to apply for funding on their behalf.

Applicants/providers should reside within a 50 mile radius of Saratoga Springs. Applications and additional instructions for funding are available on the Foundation’s website at www. dakefoundation.org or by calling the Foundation at (518) 226-0252.

Looking For Volunteers CAPTAIN’s Homework Help Program, at Cheryl’s Lodge in Halfmoon, is in need of volunteers who enjoy working with youth. Volunteers help students with their homework, reading or simple craft projects.

Orientation is provided.

Volunteers are needed on Mondays–Thursdays from 2:40– 3:45 p.m. to work with children from kindergarten through grade 5, from 4-5:30 p.m. with middle school students and from 5:30–6:30 p.m. for grades 9–12.

Call Mary at CAPTAIN, (518) 371-1185, for more information.

Volunteer applications can be downloaded from the CAPTAIN website at captaincares.org.

Gavin Park Pickleball Indoor Pickleball at Gavin Park runs from now until April.

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

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

Taylor’s Heroes Accepting Applications The non-profit Taylor’s Heroes is currently accepting applications for children ages 8-18 who are looking to get fit, lose weight, meet new friends and learn about nutrition. The next class begins March 6 and all applications need to be completed by February 5.

LOCAL BReifs Taylor’s Heroes is a free 14-week fitness and nutrition program for children age 8-18. The program is run like the Biggest Loser but in a non-competitive environment that makes children feel eager and excited to continue. For more information and to apply, go to taylorsheroes.org or call Suzanne at (518) 894-1658.

Youth Center Seeking Junior Mentors The Youth Center is seeking Volunteer Junior Mentors (grades nine through 12) to work with the tween program. Some of these volunteer positions may grow into summer jobs. All volunteers will be required to complete a training course that is currently under development. Training is tentatively planned to begin in March. Contact the Youth Center at (518) 695-6100 and leave your contact information and the best time to call you.

Round Lake/Malta Youth Baseball The Round Lake/Malta Youth Baseball League is accepting registrations for boys and girls interested in T-Ball (ages 4-5) and all divisions for ages 6-12 for Recreation Spring Baseball. If interested, email roundlakebaseball@gmail. com, visit www.Leaguelineup. com/roundlakebaseball for a registration form or call (518) 899-7819 for more information.

Applications can also be found at the Malta Community Center.

There are a limited number of spots so sign up early.

Seeking Tax Assistance Volunteers TaxAide is seeking volunteers for the coming tax season. TaxAide volunteers answer questions and prepare and file returns for low to moderate income taxpayers and seniors from February 1 to April 15 at various sites in Saratoga County. No experience is required. For further information, visit www.aarp.org/ taxaide or call (518) 373-1076.

Malta Spring Activities Brochure Available The Town of Malta’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Human Services Spring Activities Brochure is now available on at www.maltaparksrec.com. Create your new household account today so you can register for your favorite activities starting February 3 with no convenience fees. Classes, new sports programs and special events are scheduled to begin in March. Call the Malta Community Center at (518) 899-4411 for more information.

Saratoga County Office For the Aging The Saratoga County Office for the Aging is in urgent need of volunteers to help deliver meals to homebound seniors in the City of Saratoga Springs. This program helps many seniors remain independent in their own homes. Nutritious meals are prepared, packed and ready for transport. Delivery takes between 30 minutes and one hour. Call Billie Jo or Denise at The Office for the Aging at (518) 363-4020 or (518) 884-4100 for more information.

Super Bowl Sunday Chicken BBQ The Victory Mills Fire Department will host a Superbowl Sunday Chick barbeque on February 2 from 3–5 p.m. Chicken, baked potatoes, cole slaw, rolls and butter and dessert includes a super bowl score square. Pre-purchased encouraged. Cost is $15. For more information or to purchase tickets call (518) 879-9669.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 234 Meeting The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 234 in Ballston Spa will be meeting February 3 at 7 p.m. at 23 Pleasant St. Unit 234 will also be at BonTon for their Community Day Fundraiser on January 18, February 1, February 15, February 28 and March 1 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Anyone interested in joining or learning more about the Auxiliary can stop in and pick up an application at BonTon on the above dates in Shoe Dept. area.

Trout Unlimited Trout Unlimited will be at 7 p.m. on February 3 in the Saratoga Springs Public Library.

Master Fly-tyer and noted author Mike Valla will provide snippets and inside info from his latest book, “The Founding Flies; 48 American Masters, Their Patterns and Influence.”

Contact Mark at (518) 893-2220 for further information.

Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club Breakfast The Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, located on route 32 south of the village of Victory, will host their monthly breakfast on February 9 from 8–11 a.m. The breakfasts will continue on the second Sunday of each month all year. Eggs cooked to order, bacon, sausage, toast (white or wheat), pancakes (regular, blueberry, buckwheat, apple cinnamon), French toast, home fries, orange juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate.

Cost: Adult $6; Child $3.

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014 Saratoga Relay For Life The “Give Cancer the Boot” social and informative open invitation will be February 12, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Maple Avenue Fire House on Route 9.

There will be a BBQ dinner and dessert served. The program will include information on participating in the Saratoga Relay for Life to be held June 7-8 at the East Side Recreation Field.

There will also be information on fundraisers the Relay Committee offers for participants to participate in and raise donations to give to the American Cancer Society. Join and help the American Cancer Society finish the fight. RSVP to Nicole at (518) 857-0161 or Sheila at (518) 365-2164. More information is available at www.relayforlife.org/ saratogaspringsny.

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

Reservations can be made directly through the Chamber at www.saratoga.org.

SUNY Financial Aid Day at SUNY Adirondack SUNY Adirondack will host a SUNY Financial Aid Day on Saturday, February 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Scoville Learning Center on the Bay Road campus. Students can register for the Financial Aid Day online at www.suny.edu/studentevents or by phone at 1-800-342-3811.

Representatives from SUNY Adirondack’s Admissions Office will also be available from 9–11 a.m. to answer any questions on the admissions process. For more information on this event call the SUNY Adirondack Financial Aid Office at (518) 743-2223.

Win Your Wedding Contest If you have a romantic, quirky, funny, or unique wedding proposal story, the National Museum of Dance wants to hear from you. Submit your proposal story in 250 words or less along

with a photo, or a two-minute video (using a YouTube or Vimeo link) for a chance to win your wedding. All submissions must be received by February 28. The story with the most likes on the Dance Museum’s Wedding Facebook page on March 20 will win a wedding package valued at over $15,000 from some of the capital region’s best wedding vendors. The winning couple will be announced March 21. Contact info@dancemuseum.org or (518) 584-2225, ext. 3001 for more information or to submit your story.

Annual Spring Craft Sale Sponsored by BPOE No. 223— Elk’s Auxiliary of Route 40 in Greenwich the annual Spring Craft Sale will be Saturday, March 8 from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Crafters wanted, $30 per space, call for application. For more information call Donna at (518) 692-2347 or email cccdb@ verizon.net. You can also call Amber at (518)587-8224. Only 40 spaces available.

Acoustic Performers Sought Looking for talented soloists, duos or small acoustic bands to perform in this year’s Café Malta on Saturday, March 22.

Only three to four acts will be selected and each group will perform a 15-20 minute set. Also seeking specialty acts including comedians and/or dancers to perform on an intimate stage at the Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Drive, Malta. Auditions are by appointment only. Contact Elyse Young, Artistic Director at (518) 899-4411, ext. 305 or email theater@malta-town.org for more details or an audition appointment.

‘I Love You... & Chocolate Too!’ On Friday, February 14, from 6–8 p.m., the Greater Schuylerville Youth Program will present “I Love You … & Chocolate Too!” The event will feature a chocolate dessert sampler bar. While admission is free, there is a $10 donation suggested per family.

There will be door prizes, a heartful backdrop for family photos, some love inspired games, and surprises.

Join the event on Valentine’s Day as area families celebrate the holiday of love with chocolate at the Youth Center in Fort Hardy Park. RSVP

by February 7 by calling (518) 6956100 and leaving a message that includes your family name, phone number and how many people will be in your party, as space is limited.

For up-to-the-minute information check out the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/. greaterschuylervilleyouthprogram.

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014 local celebrity Chefs will compete.

Along with the center, five charities of the “Chef ’s Choice” will benefit from the proceeds. For more information call (518) 581-2529 or visit www.SaratogaClayArts.org.

Tang Museum Exhibition: Art Works

Family Friendly Event

Friday, January 24 High School Reunion 2014: Burying The Past Saratoga Spa State Park, 24 Gideon Putnam Rd, Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m.

Join Home Made Theater for a deliciously mysterious, evening of interactive theater. Enjoy dinner at the Gideon Putnam while watching as the suspects begin to emerge and attempt to prove their innocence.

Can you ask the right questions to crack their act and guess whodunit?

The evening includes dinner and a cash bar, a raffle of some fun items, and prizes. Reservations recommended. (518) 587-4427 www. homemadetheater.org.

Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m. The Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic on January 24-26 will feature 45 ice hockey teams of four competing in round-robin style games all weekend long. Visit Putnam’s food truck in the parking lot to refuel.

Tang Museum, Skidmore College, Noon–5 p.m. Showcasing a range of approaches to subject matter and media, the exhibition includes painting, photography, sculpture, and installation. Ongoing through June 4.

For more information call (518) 5808080 or visit www.tang.skidmore.edu.

Being Present and Compassionate with the Dying One Roof Saratoga, 433 Broadway (above Putnam Market) 3–5:30 p.m.

This workshop will provide tools for presence, compassion and healing for the dying person and their loved ones. $25 suggested donation. Call (518) 450-1624 to register. www.oneroofsaratoga.com.

Pizza and Wing Night Victory Mills Fire Department, 23 Pine St., 4–8 p.m. Eat in or carry out. Place your order at (518) 695-6623 after 2 p.m. We are open until 8 p.m. but last call is 7 p.m. A 12-cut cheese pizza is $11, the works, $18, toppings $2 extra.

Wings: mild, hot, extra hot, sweet baby BBQ and garlic parmesan, $8 a dozen.

DanceFlurry Saratoga Contradance

Corpus Christi Church, 2001 Route 9, Round Lake, 7:30 p.m.

St. Clement’s Church and Corpus Christi Church present the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, January 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.

Call (518) 584-6122.

First Baptist Church, 45 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs, 8–11 p.m.

Contras, squares, and couples dances (lesson for beginners at 7:30). Calling

by Peter Stix with music by Celador.

All group dances taught, newcomers welcome. No need to bring your own partner. Wear sneakers or other softsoled shoes. Adults $10, students & seniors $7, children under 15, $6. For more information call (518) 899-0105. www.danceflurry.org .

Saturday, January 25

Sunday, January 26

Preschool Fair

Fantastic Breakfast Buffet

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 10 a.m.–noon. The Preschool Fair will include more than a dozen area preschools. Information about the schools and programs will be available, as will school representatives to answer questions.

Sponsored by, The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs and Saratoga Springs Public Library. For more information visit www.sspl.org.

Sons of ITAM Post 35, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs, 8–11 a.m. Now featuring made to order eggs and omelets, bacon, ham, sausage, hash, fruits, pancakes, French toast, juices, Danish and more. Adults $8, Seniors $7, kids under 5 free.

Jesus Christ Superstar

Third Annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser Saratoga Clay Arts Center, 167 Hayes Rd, Schuylerville, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Area clay artists are busy making 1,000-plus bowls for the event. Five

Spa City Farmers Market Chili Cook-Off Lincoln Baths, Saratoga Spa State Park, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

The Saratoga Springs Fire Department and The Spa State Park Police are warming up their chili. Many of our vendors will be participating in the event as well, with their own special chili recipes.

calendar 21 Indoor Craft/Flea Market Saratoga – Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs, 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Over 40 vendors, parking great, bargains galore, bakery goods, lunch, books, household items, clothing, jewelry, handwork, party vendors. All proceeds go to our local charities. All markets are held the fourth Sunday of each Month. Admission is free.

Empowered Relationships One Roof Saratoga, 433 Broadway (above Putnam Market) 2–5 p.m.

This workshop will look at how we relate to each other by exploring the neuroscience that supports top down and bottom up information between different parts of the brain in regulating our emotions and how we can build resiliency. Open to public. $15 per person, proceeds given to Domestic Violence/Rape Crisis. www. oneroofsaratoga.com.

Potluck and Movie Night 2 Imperial Lane, Charlton, 5:15 p.m.

New Thought New York Center for Spiritual Living is hosting a potluck and movie night featuring the film, “What is New Thought?” followed by discussion. For more information, visit www.newthoughtnewyork.org or call (518) 423-3569.

Monday, January 27 Northshire Buddhist Study Reading Group Spring Street Gallery, 110 Spring St., Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m. A new book study group devoted to exploring modern work by Buddhist authors and masters. For more information contact Dave Lindberg at DaveLindbe@gmail. com or call (802) 282-3368.

Tuesday, January 28 One-on-One Assistance for Job Hunters Saratoga Springs Public Library, Computer Lab, 1:30–3:30 p.m.

This informal session allows students to work on their personal resumes and ask questions relating to their personal online job search. Ages 16 and older may register. (518) 584-7860, ext. 257.

Visit www.sspl.org for more events.

Grief and Loss Group for Parents Saratoga Center for the Family, 359 Ballston Ave., Saratoga Springs 5–6 p.m. Our Child Grief and Loss Group is a 5-week program for teens ages 13-17 years old who have experienced the death of a someone significant in their life. Registration is funded by the Hawley Foundation.

To register, please call (518) 5878008, ext. 304.

Thursday, January 30 Cancer Support Group One Roof Saratoga, 433 Broadway (above Putnam Market) Noon–1 p.m.The cancer support group is a safe container to discuss, explore and discern common physical, financial, emotional, cognitive, developmental, familial and spiritual issues and concerns.

Pierre Zimmerman, a survivor of Stage 4 cancer, will lead the group. Donations welcome.

RSVP to Pierre at (518) 4501624. www.oneroofsaratoga.com.

Concert: Brazilian Guitar Quartet Arthur Zankel Music Center, Ladd Concert Hall, 8 p.m. $8 adults, $5 senior citizens; Free for students and children. For ticket information call (518) 580-5321 or go to www. skidmore.edu/Zankel.

Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce 96th Annual Dinner Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, 6–9:30 p.m.The Chamber will recognize 25 and 50 year anniversary members, volunteers, our Board of Directors and staff. In addition, the Chamber will be honoring the Saratoga 150 committee and recapping the 150th year of racing this past summer. Tickets $100 per person or $1000 for a table of 10. If interested, please contact Keith VanVeghten, kvanveghten@saratoga.org or Denise Romeo, dromeo@ saratoga.org.

Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road (518) 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org 1/29: Planning Board, 7:30 p.m.

Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street (518) 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org 1/27: Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road (518) 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com 1/28: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 (518) 899-2818 www.malta-town.org 2/03: Town Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road (518) 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org 2/05: Town Board, 7 p.m.

City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway (518) 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org 2/04: City Council, 7 p.m.

2/12: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville (518) 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com 2/10: Town Board, 7 p.m.

Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street (518) 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org 2/12: Board of Trustees, 7 p.m.

Town of Stillwater: 881 N. Hudson Avenue Stillwater, NY 12170 (518) 664-6148 www.stillwaterny.org 2/03: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Wilton:

Wednesday, January 29

22 Traver Road (518) 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com 2/06: Zoning Board, 6:30 p.m.

Academy for Lifelong Learning (A.L.L.) Storytellers SUNY Empire State College, Room 126 (the Rotunda), 2 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs. Noon–1 p.m. Free and open to the public— presenter Joe Peck: More Farm Stories. Program canceled if Saratoga Springs Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather. Visit www.esc.edu/all or call (518) 587-2100, ext. 2415.

Upcoming Town Meetings

Blood Drives January 27, noon - 6 p.m.

342 Jefferson St, Saratoga Springs

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

January 30, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.

50 Pine Rd, Saratoga Springs

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

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Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

week of 1/24-1/30 friday, 1/24:

saturday, 1/25:

Mark Kleinhaut Quartet, 9 pm

Street Talk, 10:30 pm

Millie, 9 pm

Crossfire, 9 pm

The Band Awesome, 9 pm

Hair Of The Dog, 8 pm

Bill Staines, 8 pm

Larry Hooker, 6:30 pm

Jeff Brisbin, 7 pm

The Phreaks, 8 pm

Toga Boys, 9 pm

Scott Garling, 8 pm

@ 9 Maple Avenue - 583.2582 @ Bailey’s - 583.6060 @ Bentley’s - 899.4300

@ Caffè Lena - 583.0022 @ Maestros - 580.0312

@ Gaffney’s - 587.7359

Mike From Hair Of The Dog, 8:30 pm

@ JP Bruno’s - 745.1180 @ The Mill - 899.5253

@ The Parting Glass - 583.1916

@ Primelive Ultra Lounge - 583.4563 @ Putnam Den - 584.8066 @ Ravenswood - 371.8771

@ Irish Times - 583.0003

sunday, 1/26:

T Lucan Band/Twisted, 5:30 pm

Tall Heights, 7 pm

@ JP Bruno’s - 745.1180

Megan + The Brats, 9 pm @ The Mill - 899.5253

Hair Of The Dog, 8 pm @ The Parting Glass - 583.1916

Chris Dollard, 6:30 pm @ Primelive Ultra Lounge - 583.4563

Ghosts Of Jupiter w. Peter Prince, 9 pm @ Putnam Den - 584.8066

Just Nate, 8 pm @ Ravenswood - 371.8771

Dan Sherwin, 9 pm @ The Rusty Nail - 371.9875

Skylar’s Dream Team, 6 pm @ The Saratoga Winery - 584.9463

Funk Evolution, 8 pm @ Vapor - 792.8282

saturday, 1/25:

@ Caffè Lena - 583.0022

Live Jazz Brunch, 6:30 pm @ Primelive Ultra Lounge - 583.4563

monday, 1/27: Chris Carey/Tim Wechgelaer, 7 pm @ One Caroline - 587.2026

tuesday, 1/28: Rich Ortiz, 10 pm

@ Caroline St. Pub - 583.9400

Open Mic with Rick Bolton, 9 pm @Gaffney’s - 587.7359

Jeff Brisbin, 7 pm @ Maestros - 580.0312

wednesday, 1/29: The Freeloaders, 7 pm

Arch Stanton Quartet, 9 pm

@ Caffè Lena - 583.0022

Summit, 9 pm

@ Maestros - 580.0312

Spoiler, 9 pm

@ One Caroline - 587.2026

Karaoke, 9 pm

@ The Parting Glass - 583.1916

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

@ Bentley’s - 899.4300

@ The Rusty Nail - 371.9875

Vance Gilbert, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena - 583.0022

Dirt Cheap, 10 pm @ Caroline St. Pub - 583.9400

High Peaks, 9 pm @ Gaffney’s - 587.7359

Funkalicious, 8:30 pm @ Irish Times - 583.0003

Jazz Night, 10 pm @Circus Cafe’ - 583.1106

Jeff Walton, 7 pm Masters Of Nostalgia, 9 pm Celtic Session, 7 pm

thursday, 1/30: Open Mic, 8 pm @ Circus - 583.1106

Jeff Brisbin, 7 pm @ Crown Grill - 583.1105

Marcus Ruggiero, 9 pm @ Gaffney’s - 587.7359

Jeff Walton, 6 pm @ Horseshoe Inn - 587.4909

Steve Candlen, 7 pm @ Maestros - 580.0312

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

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Get Frosty!

Saratoga Battlefield’s 19th Annual Frost Faire

STILLWATER — The Town of Stillwater and Saratoga National Historical Park invite the public to join them in celebrating the past while enjoying the present at Saratoga Battlefield’s 19th Annual Frost Faire.

This free event will be held Saturday, January 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Battlefield (located on Routes 4 and 32 in Stillwater).

Inspired by Frost Faires in 1700s England, this event offers wonderful opportunities to beat cabin fever with fun activities including: horse-drawn carriage rides, snow tubing the “Big Hill” (weather permitting), a noon winter nature trek and scavenger hunt, on-going contra-dancing, children’s crafts and games, a warming tent

with light refreshments, historic handwriting demonstrations and both musket and cannon firings.

For more information on this or other events at Saratoga National Historical Park, call the Visitor Center at (518) 670-2985, visit www.nps.gov/sara or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/saratoganhp

23

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24

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

Happy Tenth To VLT’s!

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY

Soroptimist International of Saratoga County

Cabin Fever Luncheon

Special guest speaker Dr. Gene Griessman, Ph.D Lincoln Live: The Wit And Wisdom Of Abraham Lincoln

January 25, 2014 Saratoga National Golf Club For more information and to order tickets online go to www.soroptimistsaratoga.org or call 518.581.1201 x 4184

SARATOGA SPRINGS – It’s time to take a step back from all the expanded gaming pro’s and con’s for a bit and celebrate what has happened since the “little harness track that could” on Nelson Avenue acquired the rights to Video Lottery Terminal’s (VLT’s) a decade ago.

Yes, it’s true. It’s been 10 years.

Time flies when your having fun (and games!) And the Saratoga Casino and Raceway (SCR) is inviting everyone to the party, which begins this weekend and has events galore – the culmination of which occurs on February 1 with a brand new Cadillac SRX giveaway courtesy of Otto Cadillac.

And there’s plenty of other fun stuff—including candy bars that could be worth as much as $500, birthday ‘hot seats’ where you can grab a share of $10,000 each day, commemorative giveaways and even Facebook ‘likers’ have their own promotion during the birthday celebration.

For the rules, details and more, visit saratogacasino.com/Gaming/ PromotionsEvents/10YearAnnivers ary.aspx In the meantime, let me say as a music fan I’m grateful for the development of SCR’s Vapor Nite Club, one of the best places

to hear music anywhere (seeing the Neville Brothers perform at Vapor has a permanent spot in my “Top 5 all-time live shows”) and as a sports fan for the consistent upgrade in the quality of racing that we get to enjoy a few hundred nights throughout the year. It used to be a rare thing to

see an under two-minute mile; now it usually takes a monsoon to slow the pacers and trotters down to that level.

So happy 10th anniversary Saratoga Casino and Raceway and thanks for sharing your presents with many lucky people this week.

Maple Avenue Musical Club Present “Shrek The Musical” SARATOGA SPRINGS Members of the Maple Avenue Middle School Musical Club take the stage in January and February to perform Shrek The Musical, which brings the wellloved movie characters to life in a spectacular production based on the story and characters from the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film.

Director Candace Calvin says she expects Shrek The Musical to be a popular show. Among the highlights, in addition to the loveable ogre are a life-sized dragon that will be controlled by 4 puppeteers.

Students are busy preparing for opening night at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 31. The show will also be performed at 1 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 1; at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 7, and 1 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 8. Tickets are $7 each and can be purchased at the door or preordered through this website: https://sites.go ogle.com/site/

mapleavenuemusicalclub Of note is that there are nearly 100 students in the production’s cast and crew. In addition to the director, other

adults filling key roles are Kathy Fogarty, producer; Karen Munski, musical director; Amanda Banner, choreographer and Maureen Hodges, sound.

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

It’s A Steel!

Robert HArling’s

Steel Magnolias

Presented by The Local Actors Guild Of Saratoga

Saturday, February 1 and 8 2 and 8 p.m.

Sunday, February 2 and 9 at 7 p.m.

The Saratoga Arts Center 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

Tickets: $15

Reservations: (518) 393-3496

SARATOGA SPRINGS— Oh, boy! This one’s going to be fun.

Under the direction of JJ Buechner, the Local Actors Guild presents Steel Magnolias beginning this weekend.

The action centers on Truvy’s beauty parlor and the women who regularly gather there. The story begins on the morning of Shelby’s wedding to Jackson and covers events over the next three years, including Shelby’s decision to have a child despite having Type 1 diabetes and the complications that result from the decision. There is also a glimpse of the unlikely friendship between Clairee and Ouiser; Annelle’s transformation from a shy, anxious newcomer in town to a good-time girl and then to a revival-tent Christian

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these works combine words and pictures into what Will Eisner, one of the masters of the form called “sequential art.”

On display will be original art and finished graphic novels from four noted artists.

Ben Katchor, a cartoonist and contributor to the New Yorker and Metropolis, James Sturm, co-founder of the Center for Cartoon Studies in Vermont offers The Golem’s Mighty Swing, which follows the “Stars of David” traveling Jewish baseball team in their effort to draw

25

L to R: Mary Darcy (M’Lynn ), Cindy Boyka (Clairee) , Jennifer Van Iderstyne (Annelle), Melinda Richter (Shelby) and Lindsay Rae-D’Attavio (Truvy). Photo by Bloom and Bee Portraits

and Truvy’s relationships with the men in her family.

Although the main storyline

Tang Exhibition Shows Jewish Identity Through Graphic “Sequential Art” SARATOGA SPRINGS— Contemporary graphic novels exploring Jewish identity are the focus of both an exhibition at Skidmore College’s Tang Museum. The exhibition, Graphic Jews: Negotiating Identity in Sequential Art, opens at the Tang on Saturday, January 25 and will run through April 13.

The Graphic Jews exhibition presents a selection of graphic novels written and drawn by contemporary Jewish artists as a means of depicting Jewish life. Drawing on the long history of Jews and comics,

larger audiences to their games.

The show also includes the work of cartoonist, illustrator and dancer Leela Corman, and Vanessa Davis, whose autobiographical strips have appeared in Tablet and the New York Times.

The Tang Museum located at the Skidmore College campus is open noon – 5 p.m. Tuesday– Sunday, with extended hours through 9 p.m. on Thursdays, and is closed on Mondays and major holidays. For more information call (518) 580-8080 or visit www.skidmore.edu/tang.

James Sturm The Golem’s Mighty Swing

group-friendship among all six women is prominent throughout the drama .

involves Shelby, her mother M’Lynn, and Shelby’s medical battles, the underlying

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Rebuilding Together Saratoga County Looking For Homeowners In Need Of Home Repairs

SARATOGA — Rebuilding Together Saratoga County is accepting applications from homeowners in need of free home repair services in Saratoga County.

Applicants must own their own homes and meet certain income requirements. The organization focuses its efforts on helping homeowners who are older adults, individuals living with a disability, families with children or veterans.

Rebuilding Together Saratoga County is a nonprofit housing organization committed to helping homeowners in need in Saratoga County live

independently in homes that are safe, healthy, warm and dry.

Since 2003, this group has completed repairs for more than 500 homes in Saratoga County.

Repairs may include weatherizing the home, installing windows and doors, repairing plumbing and electrical, installing a wheelchair ramp, patching and painting walls, installing flooring, exterior painting, yard work, and more.

Applications are available by phone by calling (518) 587-3315 or emailing info@rtsaratog.org.

Applications can also be downloaded from the organization’s website www.rtsaratoga.org.

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

NYSERDA Awards Grant To Ballston Spa School District

TEC-SMART seniors developed a spray utilizing Hydrofusion that keeps shoes clean by repealing liquid and dirt, as demonstrated by pouring chocolate syrup over their sneakers. (l-r) Student Luke Bush, teacher Luke Snow and student Austin Clark. Photo

by Stuart Williams.

BALLSOTN SPA — The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has awarded $200,000 to the Ballston Spa Central School District to support the expansion of the district’s Clean Technologies & Sustainable Industries Early College High School (ECHS), a NYS Pathways in Technology Early College High School (NYS P-TECH).

The ECHS has grown regionally from originally serving 25 students and two school districts in 2011 to now serving 110 students from across 20 school districts and seven counties.

“We truly appreciate NYSERDA’s support as we continue to expand our Clean Technologies & Sustainable Industries Early College High School,” Superintendent of the Ballston Spa Central School District Joseph P. Dragone, Ph.D. said. “Further, students from across the region will now have greater opportunities to engage in one of four career pathways leading to an Associate’s Degree while they

simultaneously complete their high school diploma.”

NYSERDA’s “Clean Energy Training for High School Students” grant supports the development and implementation of educational training programs in renewable energy and advanced technology for area high school students. It further increases educational opportunities for students from around the region at Hudson Valley Community College’s TECSMART in Malta and the expansion of the Clean Technologies & Sustainable Industries ECHS to include participation of students in grades nine and 10.

27

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

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Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.

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SPORTS

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

Saints Clinch Division On Senior Night

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Central Catholic Saints officially clinched the Western Athletic Conference Northern Division with a 57-53 Senior Night win over visiting Fort Plain, Wednesday. And it was two seniors who really helped get the job done.

The Saints’ Luke Spicer was a defensive dynamo, especially in the second half, who ended up with seven steals and four assists on the night. Michael Naughton came out of the gates by scoring eight of his team-high 17 points in the first quarter. He also finished with eight rebounds.

“Our senior leadership has been great,” said Saints head coach Ken Mantia. “Games we would have lost last year we now have the poise to win.”

The Saints (9-0, 12-2) clinch their 26th league championship in school history thanks in part to a clutch fourth quarter that included a three point play by Spa Catholic’s season leading scorer Evan Pescetti, which was assisted

by Ryan Czarnecki. Pescetti, a sophomore, and Czarnecki, a junior, have provided depth for a senior laden team all season.

Pescetti ended up with 13 points and the three-point play

Spa Catholic leading scorer, sophomore Evan Pescetti, works in the paint on January 10 against Northville. Pescetti and the Saints remain undefeated in the Western Athletic Conference with just two games remaining against St. Johnsville and Mayfield.

put the Saints up 50-45.

Aiden Van Loan scored 13 points for the Hilltoppers (6-4, 8-6) in the loss and was a big reason why Fort Plain held the game to within three points for the first three quarters before Pescetti’s and-one. Van Loan was able to find holes in the Saints’ defense in the first half, but Spa Catholic made the effort to specifically contain him in the second.

If Saratoga Central Catholic can end the season with two road wins against St. Johnsville and Mayfield, they will be the first Class C team to

go undefeated in their perspective league since Fort Plain (2000).

“Our guard play of Spicer, [Brian] Hall and Czarnecki has allowed us to sustain our defensive pressure and wear teams down,” Mantia said. “Pescetti and Naughton give us great inside presence and [Keegan] Murphy has really come on strong down the stretch. His passing is very underrated. JR [Hmura] and Jake [VanPatten] give us a defensive boost off the bench. It has been a very unselfish team and they earned this league title.”

Saratoga TODAY’s Star Athlete Carly Boland

Shenendehowa • Sophomore • Guard The No. 4 scorer in Section II kept it rolling in Tuesday’s 65-44 win over Guilderland with a 25-point effort, as the Plainsmen girls had 26 points in the fourth quarter of the Suburban Council matchup at home.

Boland made 11 field goals and went 3-for-4 from the charity stripe in the win. Despite hitting a snag with back-to-back losses against Shaker and Averill Park last week, which stopped the Plainsmen’s eightgame winning streak, Boland has remained a force all season.

She is in fourth place in the section with 20.6 points per game, leading Shenendehowa to a current 8-2 Suburban record (9-2 overall).

The 6-foot super sophomore has yet to score less than 12 points in a game, while hitting her career high of 28 points against both Saratoga Springs and Mohonasen Photo courtesy of Allan Barger/Extreme Team Sports Photos/ earlier this season. www.extremeteam.ifp3.com

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

SPORTS 29

Community Sports Bulletin Saratoga TODAY Sports Photographer Gets Skidmore Softball Clinics Opportunity With USA TODAY Sports Images To Start In February

Saratoga TODAY sports photographer Greg Fisher has agreed to shoot photographs for USA TODAY Sports Images.

You may have seen the 20-year Galway resident taking photos at many high school and college sports events around the Saratoga County area. Greg is also the team photographer for the Tri City Valley Cats minor league baseball team in Troy.

Greg is an avid lifelong sports fan and has combined his love of sports with his photography skills.

As an IT employee of Time, Inc., the parent company of Sports Illustrated, Greg has worked closely with SI photography and technical staff, architecting various SI mobile applications. It was through that work and relationships formed that led Greg to start shooting sporting events seriously, as he learned from some of the best sports photographers in the world.

USA Today Sports Images provides images for print and digital newspapers and magazines and websites.

SARATOGA SPRINGS—Skidmore College is hosting two girls softball clinics on the following dates in February.

Sunday, February 16 All Skills Clinic for Grades 3-8 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Cost: $60 per player (includes a T-shirt) Sunday, February 23 Hitting and Defense Clinic for Grades 9-12 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cost: $100 per player (includes a T-shirt) Both clinics will take place at Skidmore College in the Williamson Sports Center. Contact head softball coach Hannah Shalett for more information by emailing hshalett@skidmore.edu or calling (518) 580-5394.

Scotties ‘Mixing A Potion’ For Shenendehowa Inzana Claims School Wins Record

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs High School junior Dominic Inzana pinned Mohonasen’s Dom Pelletier in a 126-pound match at the Lansingburgh Duals, January 17, to become the Blue Streaks’ alltime winningest wrestler.

The record-breaking 159th win officially notched Inzana ahead of 2006 Saratoga Springs graduate Chris Bolduc and moved his career record to 159-36, at the time, to go along with 116 pins.

With the rest of this season and next to go in his high school career, the 200-win mark is in the three-time state qualifier’s sights.

The Blue Streaks beat Mohonasen 58-13 in the match.

Send your sports stories or briefs to Brian Cremo, Sports Editor at brian@saratoga publishing.com

Greg Fisher. Photo by SportsThroughTheLens.com

Photo by MarkBolles.com

Puzzle solutions from pg. 19

BALLSTON SPA — Exactly two weeks ago today, Ballston Spa basketball was three points away from a statement win at Shaker.

Tonight, they get another chance to do so against a hot Shenendehowa team, who sits atop the Suburban Council North Division.

The Scotties (6-5, 8-5) lost in their Suburban Council opener to the Plainsmen (9-1, 9-2), 66-41.

Last season, the Scotties split two completely different games against the Plainsmen, beating them for the first time in eight seasons before losing, 70-23, February 5, 2013.

Ballston Spa will have to stop sophomore Kevin Huerter (14.3 ppg) and a Plainsmen squad that has won its last five games and nine

of its last 10, including this week’s 53-40 win over Suburban Council South Division leader Guilderland (10-1, 11-1).

“We’re in the lab tonight mixing up a potion, so we can get out there Friday night and give Shen a good game,” said Scotties head coach John Lea, Wednesday. “I truly believe my guys are ready to go.”

After starting the league season with the home loss to Shen, the Scotties rattled off six straight victories, including the South Glens Falls Christmas tournament win. But in January, they have struggled, dropping four of five.

“Shen is playing at their greatest, so we can’t show up for a quarter and play at our best,” Lea said. “We have to show up for four quarters.”

30

SPORTS

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

Athletes Are Made, Not Born

by Damian Fantauzzi for Saratoga TODAY Last week, in the article about the future for the WNBA, I mentioned my philosophical approach to coaching and teaching skills. There have always been pros and cons related to this thought, along with the methodology of coaching, no matter what the sport.

So now I feel I must explain how I managed to come to this realization, and what I have discovered throughout my career that backs up this philosophy, a reinforcement, if you will, of a strategy to teaching and coaching.

First of all, in so many words, I just stated that teaching and coaching are identical. I have grown to believe that a coach and teacher have the capability of becoming a conduit of knowledge or skill that transfers to the students and athletes.

Briefly, let me explain a myth: one of the clichés that relates to the visual arts is a common statement, “I can’t draw a straight line with a ruler.”

I have seen former students of

mine learn to draw through the process of a step-by-step approach that helped them develop their skill, and without a ruler. I have read different books and articles that relate to the theory that we all have unlimited potential.

First of all, as a coach/teacher you have to have patience with a method or plan of instruction to enable your students to grasp what it is you’re trying to pass on to them. Second, you must remember that each athlete and student has a different way of learning and understanding. The trick is to get into their learning processes through repetitive practice and cognition, and hardwire their brains so it comes naturally for them.

Some coaches and even teachers have different philosophical beliefs.

That’s why we’re all unique in our own way. Groups of people with a common purpose can have their own personality, like a team. Throughout my career as a coach, never have I had the notion that my teams will run the same plays, offenses, and defenses. I don’t support the belief that it’s, “My way or the highway.”

Generally, I do not have a single strategy that I live or die by, therefore, I do not use as a carbon copy of a system for every season, or team. Whatever my strategy is for a particular group relates to the team’s personality and skill level.

In other words, if I had a team that had one outstanding player, I would use an offense that would revolve around that player, but also present opportunities for the rest of the team — like the triangle offense used by the Chicago Bulls during the

Michael Jordan era.

On the other hand, with a team that has a multitude of talented players, I would focus on using offensive sets that had many players touching the ball, like Duke’s motion offense.

I am a huge believer of individual skill development, both in the classroom and the gym. I have many stories to share, but I will mention a few to use for examples.

In the early 1970s when I was coaching the boys JV basketball team at Saratoga Springs, a 6-foot-5-inch varsity player saw me working with my players on their shooting technique. After practice he asked me if I would help him work at his game, especially his shooting.

Of course, I said I would.

I was told by an adult, who observed what we were doing, that it is possible that I might be wasting my time because he felt that it was too late for the kid, a high school junior, to break his old habits and learn new skills.

In my subconscious mind, I totally disagreed.

This player finished his junior year with a mere three points and five rebounds per game that season.

We continued our work almost every day after practice, and at the season’s end I gave him some homework related to what he was learning, along with the changes that he needed to make to reinforce his new shooting skills.

The following season, his senior year, I was still coaching JVs. He averaged 24 points a game, with one game of 37 points against one of the top teams in the Albany area.

In a later time, when I was Saratoga’s varsity basketball coach, I had a player who was a junior and we were preparing to play in a big game on the coming Friday for the league title.

On the Thursday night before the title game, after practice, he and I worked on his jump shot. Practice ended around 6 p.m., but we left the gym between 8:30 and 8:45 p.m.

The next night he scored 34 points, a game we won by two points to clinch the championship and an undefeated season.

Before his outburst of points, he was averaging about 10 points per game. The next season, he averaged over 21 points a game. Later in his college career, he was selected as a First Team Division II All-American.

In my third year of a 10-year career as the girls’ coach at Saratoga, one of my four sophomore girls was shooting her jump shot with two hands. It was like the old set shots of yesterday, but with a jump.

We changed that with a lot of work and dedication on her part and in her senior year she had a great jump shot—the right way. She eventually was named player of the year by the local press, and went on to play at a well-known DI school. At the same time, we had a 6-foot-tall freshman— a great rebounder who had a flawed shot. With her hard work and will to change, she developed a great jump shot. She went on to play DIII basketball and was named the SUNY freshman of the year.

I have experienced many stories like these with former players and I know through their determination,

along with their willingness to make changes, they were able to improve their game to a higher skill level.

One teaching story I would like to share. There was a young lady I had as a student in the mid ’80s. She wanted so much to become an architect and to do that she had to have outstanding drawing skill. Over a two-year period of drawing classes and homework, someone close to her said to me that she wasn’t good enough to become an architect, partly because it was primarily a man’s world.

I insisted that she was very capable. Later on she was accepted to Cornell with a strong portfolio of her drawings. She is now the architect she dreamed of becoming.

We all have potential and there will always be some limitations and barriers that we all face, but that doesn’t mean these shortcomings can’t be turned into a victory. Nothing comes easy, or is easy. Life has many challenges, but with determination and the will to learn, barriers can and will fall.

These former players and students who I have used as examples never said to me, “I can’t.”

It was their drive and desire to be as good as they could possibly be that throttled their success. There is a book titled, “The Talent Code” by Daniel Coyle, where he provides many stories of success through hard work. He mentions in the book how “Greatness isn’t born, it’s grown.”

I highly recommend this book as an excellent source relating to the topic of developing skills, whether it be through athletics, art, music, writing or anything else.

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

SPORTS

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Wise Dan Claims Second Straight Horse Of Year Award CLIFTON PARK — The Saratoga Springs, New York City Center will be festooned with the colors of Thoroughbred Horse of the Year, Wise Dan on Thursday, July 24, as CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services invites fans of the great champion horse to celebrate and raise funds for the Saratoga County youth agency.

Wise Dan, the uber-horse, racked up his second consecutive Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year at the ceremony held on January 18 at Gulfstream Park.

Last season, Wise Dan swept Eclipse Awards for Horse of the Year, Older Male and Male Turf Horse.

On January 20, he repeated

this outstanding record, the first horse to do so since the legendary John Henry in 1981.

Wise Dan needs no introduction to horse fans: Morton Fink’s 7-year-old son of Wiseman’s Ferry, out of Lisa Danielle, is ranked on the 2013 World’s Best Racehorse Rankings as the third best racehorse in the world; the best miler and the best racehorse in North America.

The CAPTAIN gala and tribute to Wise Dan is chaired this year by Patricia Pendergast Novo, owner of Crush & Cask in Saratoga. Ms. Pendergast Novo is a committed and involved community member and businesswoman, and dedicated member

of the horse racing community. Her Honorary Chairs for the event are Gary and Jennifer Contessa, who have served generously as Co-Chairs in recent years.

The 2014 Unbridled Affair will feature cocktail hour and silent auction; an elegant dinner catered by Longfellows, a tribute to Wise Dan, a live auction and dancing to the beats of Paul Malo.

For more information, to purchase tickets or to get involved as a sponsor or member of the honorary committee, contact Robin Zimmerman at (518) 371-1185 or robinm@captaincares.org.

Photo courtesy of NYRA

Hockey Tourney Hopeful To Be First Of Many

by Brian Cremo for Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Spa State Park will hold the first ever Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic pond hockey tournament, as the kickoff event for the annual Winterfest Week.

The Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau and Townsquare Lifestyle Events have put together a 45-team tournament, including players from Massachusetts, that will extend over a three-day span, January 24-26, starting tonight at 6 p.m.

Behind the Gideon Putnam Hotel, on pond rinks adjacent to Catherine’s in the Park, there will be four 40-minute games (two 20-minute periods) going on at a time.

With Labatt Blue as the title sponsor, the four-on-four round-robin style games will be surrounded by the Labatt warming tent, local food trucks, available beverages and entertainment, including the presence of radio stations 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio and Q103 (103.1).

“Even if folks don’t play hockey or want to skate, they can come out and watch,” said President of the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau Todd Garofano. “It’s a great spectator event.

There will be lots to see and do.”

Spectators have an opportunity to watch local area stars, former professionals and college players, and anyone else who just wanted to sign up. There will also be opportunities between games for those with skates and kids to go on the ice.

Friday will include a downtown

Labatt Blue Pub Crawl, starting at 7 p.m. at Peabody’s. There will be numerous Labatt specials throughout the weekend at various downtown locations, including The Stadium Café and The West Side Stadium. A free shuttle service will also be available to go to and from downtown on Friday and Saturday, starting at the Gideon Putnam Resort, from 6-11 p.m.

On Saturday, the games will start at 10 a.m. and go through 9 p.m., as teams continue to play their guaranteed three games while fighting to be among the top six in their perspective divisions (Gold, Silver, and Bronze). Teams receive three points for a regulation win, two points for an overtime win, one point for an overtime loss and zero points for a regulation loss.

The top six teams from each division on the standings board will advance to a seeded playoff on Sunday.

Sunday games start at 10 a.m. with a break at noon before the playoffs start at 1 p.m. The top two seeds in each division will get a bye before getting the chance to compete in one of the championship games, which are set to begin at 5 p.m.

With Labatt being the main sponsor from the start, their preference is to

have these types of tournaments on a natural surface. But after realizing Saratoga Lake, Lake Lonely and the ponds around the Saratoga National Golf Club were not freezing to the appropriate thickness for a safe event, the state park was looked into for consideration last year.

With well-known pond hockey tournaments in Lake Placid and Buffalo, Garofano felt Saratoga Springs offered a unique place to contend with some of the best in New York and the Northeast. The idea spurred a couple years ago, but didn’t come to fruition because the weather did not cooperate.

“We really wanted to make it our own,” Garofano said. “Our downtown lends itself well to events like this…Our thought was Saratoga, with downtown as the anchor, would really be a destination for a large-scale pond hockey event.”

“The basis behind this is that Saratoga offers a unique combination of a strong community, a vibrant downtown, a historic history and we have this beautiful state park, so we work closely with the convention tourism bureau and the sports bureau on trying to bring unique events into Saratoga during the offseason,” said Townsquare

Lifestyle Events Managing Director AJ Bodden.

Townsquare Lifestyle Events also runs Beer Week and Brewfest and now includes Ashly Emerson, who helps run and coordinate hockey tournaments in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Both Bodden and Garofano are hopeful for the tournament to grow in the coming years.

“Our goal when we start an event is that it’s an annual tradition,” said Bodden, who would like to see the Frozen Classic compete with the likes of the 100-team tournament, held in Buffalo. “We’re really hoping this will be one of the landmark hockey tournaments in the Northeast.”

“For a first-year event to draw 45 teams as far away as Boston, I’m pretty proud,” said Garofano, who added his main goal is to fill the town and get the first tournament under their belt before bringing more people in by word of mouth for future years. “This is more than what I expected. We definitely expect this to grow throughout the years and the park gives us the opportunity to grow.”

Find full details, including the games schedule, rules and information about Friday’s bar crawl at www. saratogafrozenspringsclassic.com.

Volume 9 • Issue 3

See Saints Win Title pg. 28

FREE

Week of January 24 – January 30, 2014

SPORTS

See Wise Dan pg. 31

Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic Primed To Begin

Saratoga Springs’ inaugural pond hockey tournament will feature 45 teams playing four games at a time throughout the weekend at the Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa State Park. The championship games are set to start at 5 p.m., Sunday. Photo by MarkBolles.com. See Hockey, pg. 31.