Lo c a l
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Volume 9 • Issue 6 • February 21 – February 27, 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
New Mission For Neumann
Senior Apartments Proposed For Lake Avenue by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY
Under proposal: senior apartments at the St. John Neumann Residence. Graphic provided by The LA Group.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – For weeks, residents had seen the signs. First, the signs said that The St. John Neumann Residence on the St. Clement’s campus at 233 Lake Avenue was “for sale.” Then later, “sale pending.” And though there was some buzz that the Bonacio Corporation was the pending buyer, the actual development details were a closely guarded secret. The big reveal took place at the Saratoga Springs City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 18 as a contingent led by Attorney Michael Toohey, The LA Group’s Principalin-Charge C. Michael Ingersoll, Bradley Birge of the Saratoga Springs See Neumann pg. 7
Uganda Diary by Egan Mills For Saratoga TODAY
Spa City Conference Generates National Response by Colette Linton Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – Behind a large gray, unmarked door on Phila Street is a nearly two-year-old software and web design company MadGlory.
Out of view of passerby, it is a fastgrowing company that was a small offshoot of yet another tech startup. Today the company employs 20 individuals and is able to accept projects at discretion – typically ones that serve between See MadGlory pg. 5
BUGEMBE, UGANDA— (Editors Note): Egan Mills is a freshman at Saratoga Springs High School. In mid-February she, her mother Meg Kelly and thirty other volunteers went on a voyage to the Town of Bugembe in Uganda to work with the Aids Orphan Education Trust. She will be there until the end of this month. Egan and the other volunteers See Uganda pg. 10
Featured Stories
Blue Streaks Advance
See Basketball pg. 31
Summer Camps Local children’s Summer Camps from around the area See Summer Camp Guide pg. 16,17
Inside TODAY Blotter
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Business 8,9 Education
14,15
Obituaries 20,21 Pulse 22-25 Sports 28-32
Weekend Forecast FRIDAY
45|27 SATURDAY
43|27 SUNDAY
37|14
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Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
‘Sno Small Shelter
GREENFIELD – Snow was in abundance at the Ndakinna Education Center in Greenfield this week. A good thing for young naturalists ages six to twelve participating in the Winter Wilderness Adventure Camp during winter break. With some diligent shoveling, one of the largest snow shelters in the nature centers’ history began to take shape. At six feet high, the snow hut was able to accommodate the group that constructed it. Way to go in the snow! Visit NdakinnaCenter.org to learn more about programs for all ages offered by the center.
Photos By MarkBolles.com
BLOTTER 3
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014 Beth A. Duval, 42, of Sewell Street in Lake George, was arrested February 10 and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance outside the original container and failure to signal a turn. James A. Bare, 50, of Heitman Road in Thomasville, North Carolina, was arrested February 11 and charged with unlicensed operation of a vehicle. Bare was arrested at 4:49 p.m. Officers had responded to a report that a tractor trailer had taken down some power lines on West Harrison Street. Bare was allegedly the operator involved. Kimberly I. Palso, 30, of Wagon Wheel Trail in Saratoga Springs, was arrested February 11 and charged with improper headlight equipment and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. Brittany M. Giello, 28, of Antioch Road in Middle Grove, was arrested February 12 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle without a proper inspection certificate. Richard A. Karwan, 23, of Route 9P in Saratoga Springs, was arrested February 12 and charged with failure to keep right, DWI and BAC more than .08 percent. Riley J. Older, 16, of Greenfield Center, was arrested February 14 and charged with making a terroristic threat. Older was arrested on a warrant at 9:18 a.m. The offense stems from an alleged incident at 15 Henning Road on February 12. Marguerite Gail, 47, of Allen Drive in Saratoga Springs, was arrested February 14 and charged with fourth degree grand larceny. Esopi was arrested on a warrant at 5:59 p.m. Eileen F. Snyder, 64, of Gridley Street in Saratoga Springs, was arrested February 14
and charged with theft of services.
February 16 and charged with disorderly conduct.
Steven A. Prevendoski, 22, of Quevic Drive in Saratoga Springs, was arrested February 15 and charged with speeding and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle.
Tony A. Deloatch, 22, of Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs, was arrested February 16 and charged with obstructing governmental administration.
Michael A. Phillips, 25, of Evergreen Drive in Clifton Park, was arrested February 15 and charged with failure to stop at a stop sign and DWI. Luke A. McGee, 23, of Concord Drive in Saratoga Springs, was arrested February 15 and charged with criminal trespassing and unlawful possession of marijuana. Brian Francis, 19, of Madison Street in Saratoga Springs, was arrested February 16 and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and improper vehicle equipment.
Hunter R. Hinds, 21, of Winding Brook Drive in Saratoga Springs, was arrested February 16 and charged with resisting arrest. Higgins, Deloatch and Hinds were arrested at 4:01 a.m. following an alleged dispute on Caroline Street. Damien J. Thomas, 36, of Belmont Avenue in Schenectady, was arrested February 16 and charged with failure to stop at a stop sign, DWI and BAC more than .08 percent.
Andrew R. Seidel, 26, of 63rd Street in New York, New York, was arrested February 16 and charged with strangulation and assault. Seidel was arrested at 4:20 a.m. following a domestic complaint.
Gilberto Alanzo Umanamasis, 27, of Hutchins Road in Ballston Spa, was arrested February 16 and charged with operating a vehicle without properly using a court-ordered interlock device, aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and speeding.
Dillon M. Higgins, 22, of Smith Level Road in Carrboro, North Carolina, was arrested
Barry A. Olmezer, 67, of New Canann Road in Wilton, was arrested February 16 and
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charged with an unsafe lane change and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. Michael P. Abraham, 33, of South Greenfield Road in
Greenfield, was arrested February 18 and charged with failure to keep right, DWI, BAC more than .08 percent and unlawful possession of marijuana.
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week in Review
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
An Honor Worthy Of A Legend
Locally Owned and Operated 5 Case Street, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 Phone: (518) 581-2480 Fax: (518) 581-2487 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com Hours of Operation 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Publisher/Editor Chad Beatty 581-2480 x 212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com General Manager Robin Mitchell 581-2480 x 208 rmitchell@saratogapublishing.com Advertising Chris Bushee 581-2480 x 201 cbushee@saratogapublishing.com Jim Daley 581-2480 x 209 jdaley@saratogapublishing.com Cindy Durfey 581-2480 x 204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com Art Department Frank Garguilo 581-2480 x 202 Production Director, Website fgarguilo@saratogapublishing.com Colleen Sweeney 581-2480 x 207 Advertising, Graphic Design csweeney@saratogapublishing.com csweeney@saratogapublishing.com Jessica Kane 581-2480 x 215 Jessica Kane 581-2480 x 215 Creative Director Creative Director jkane@saratogapublishing.com jkane@saratogapublishing.com Editorial Editorial Arthur Gonick 581-2480 x 214 Arthur Gonick 581-2480 x 214 Saratoga Springs, Malta and SaratogaNews; Springs, Malta and County 'Pulse' Editor County News; 'Pulse' Editor art@saratogapublishing.com art@saratogapublishing.com Brian Cremo 581-2480 x 206 Brian Cremo x 206 Sports Editor, 581-2480 Obituaries, Sports Editor, Obituaries, Briefs, Briefs, Education brian@saratogapublishing.com brian@saratogapublishing.com Colette Linton 581-2480 x 203 Colette Linton 581-2480 x 203 Business, Education, Business, Education, colette@saratogapublishing.com colette@saratogapublishing.com Trina Lucas 538-1190 Trina Lucas RSVP, Events538-1190 and Benefits RSVP, Events and Benefits trina@saratogapublishing,com trina@saratogapublishing,com Calendar Calendar Cindy Durfey 581-2480 x 204 Cindy Durfey 581-2480 x 204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com Photographer Photographer Mark Bolles 490-1757 Mark Bolles 490-1757 mbolles@photoandgraphic.com mbolles@photoandgraphic.com Distribution Kim Beatty 581-2480 x 205 kbeatty@saratogapublishing.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS – On Tuesday, February 18 the website thrillist.com saluted Legends Cafe (102 Congress Street) as one of the “Top 33 Best College Sandwich Shops America.” “We had no idea this was coming,” said owner Christine Lloyd. “One of our loyal customers spotted it and sent it over to our Facebook page. Needless to say, we are thrilled. It’s a tribute to our staff and the hard work they do!”
The site’s posting cited two “gotta get” sandwiches from Legends: ‘The Bradshaw’, which contains turkey, Brie cheese, lettuce and homemade honey mustard; and “The Hammerin’ Hank,” which is a sandwich with a crispy chicken cutlet with melted mozzarella and mushroom Marsala sauce. They also made special note that Legends bread is fresh baked and delivers to Skidmore College.
New Group’s Plan: Divide The State Teen Arrested For Terroristic Threats ALBANY— An independent group has proposed a plan to divide New York State into two new states. Those in support say that the differences in culture between upstate and downstate are so vast that they are already like two different areas and it would be in the best interest of everyone if they were to separate them. Any counties south of Westchester would remain as New York while the rest of the state would be renamed New Amsterdam. They intend to put in action a plan that will divide New York State into two separate and autonomous regions
without having to obtain congressional approval, as they state it is unlikely for Congress to allow the Northeast to gain additional Senate seats. They are hopeful that they will be able to set their plans into motion after the public votes to hold the New York State Constitution Convention, which is planned for November 2017. It is there that they plan to submit their amendment to the New York state constitution where voters will be able to directly decide for themselves. To learn more, visit newamsterdamny.org.
WILTON— A major three-car accident occurred between the intersection of Route 9 and Ballard Road on Saturday, February 15 that resulted in the hospitalization of five people. The accident was caused when a man ran through a stoplight heading west on Ballard Road. Two other vehicles going in opposing directions along Route 9 then hit his vehicle. The five people were sent to surrounding area hospitals with injuries
ranging in severity. One of the drivers was sent for treatment of an internal head injury as well as a serious eye injury. One woman suffered lacerations; another with a neck injury while a young girl left with a head injury. Only one person escaped without harm. The police say that the accident was not alcohol related but the man will still be ticketed for his offenses.
Three - Car Accident Injures Five
SARATOGA SPRINGS— A local teen was arrested on Friday, February 14 after the police received notification of her objective to detonate the BOCES F. Donald Education Center located on Henning Road. Riley J. Older, 16, of Greenfield Center was charged with the felony of making a terroristic threat after teachers and students were informed by Older of her intentions on Wednesday and in response notified the Saratoga Springs police. A threat is characterized as terroristic when one has just the intention of inducing fear into the population by threatening to commit a specific
offense and can be charged even if they had no actual intention or capability to carry out the specified threat, according to the New York State penal code. The police discussed the incident with Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III before Older’s arrest. (Murphy) said, “Based on her alleged threats, the terroristic threat is an appropriate charge given her age and the possibility that she has mental health issues. We will proceed cautiously and have a psychiatrist evaluate her.” Older was released after her indictment on Friday.
Letter To The Editor
To the Editor: Attention all honorably discharged Veterans and Gold Star Parents, presently residing in the greater Saratoga Springs School District. On December 18th of 2013, State Senate Bill #1199 was voted on, approved and singed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The bill allows all school districts within the state to grant a partial exemption from school tax, to Veterans and Gold Star parents. However, this law is not compulsory. The school district will have to want to offer this benefit to its veteran taxpayers, so it will be up to each individual school district to put it on their budget workshop agenda for action. The issue will have to be discussed during the school budget workshop sessions, exploring the impact it would have on the school budget, and finally be placed on the May school budget vote as a resolution and be voted on by the general public. If it is passed, a qualifying veteran would then go to the city accounts office and fill out an application to receive the benefit. I have called our school district business office in January and expressed my interest in getting it on the budget workshop agenda. I was told at that time that the district is aware of the new law, but have not discussed the issue. I urge all eligible veterans affected by this law to call the school district business office at (518) 5834700 and express your interest on this matter. I also urge you to get out and vote for it, if it becomes a resolution. Tom Patterson Saratoga Springs
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
NEWS
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MadGlory Brings Big Names, Creative Minds To Spa City To ‘Level Up’
continued from page 1
Left to Right: MadGlory President Brian Corrigan, Creative Director Seth Louey and Director of Operations Clarke Foley. Logo design (front page) by Seth Louey and Josh Cookfair at MadGlory
5 million – 20 million customers. Shipping projects with this extensive reach is a “sweet spot” for their company’s enthusiasm, teamwork and professionalism, said Brian Corrigan, MadGlory president. However, this year Corrigan; Clarke Foley, director of operations; and Seth Louey, creative director, created the “Level Up: Creative Tech Conference 2014” scheduled for October 8 and 9 and what is intended to be the spark that ignites the community of Saratoga Springs and its talent to set the ground work for attracting and retaining tech startups closer to home. After only having announced the conference a week ago, Corrigan said that word has already spread They are speaking with “big brains” such as Google, Facebook, Twitter and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to be guests at the event. With a planned 200 ticket capacity and about eight to 12 keynote local and national speakers, the responses that MadGlory has received have only confirmed interest in the creative technology field. The type of experience the event is expected to encompass is to be a personable one, allowing for plenty of opportunities for people to connect, as well as give the chance for local businesses to represent themselves alongside some of the “big” invitees. “What better way to inspire people than to show them a bunch of people who already did it (developed careers/ companies in web technology); people they can work with to bring outside companies in,” Corrigan said. “We want to show them this area. The amount of engineering talent that bleeds out of this area every year is astounding. We sent former employees to Microsoft, Brightcove, Blizzard, Activision, Disney and SoundCloud. We’ve got people everywhere that have just left, and it’s too bad because it’s a really nice place to live.” The break-neck speed by
which MadGlory has progressed since it was established July 11, 2012, and whose products have reached 55 million users in 145 countries for publishers such as Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Riot Games and Atari was attributed to the aspect of teamwork balanced with individual drive to do successful work. At MadGlory, everyone is outdoing you all the time, but in a good way, Foley said. “It’s a friendly competition and a collective goal.” As MadGlory continues to keep its door revolving; filling a niche in the professional fields of software design, programming languages and web design, from their location in Saratoga Springs but shipping projects out to customers nationally and internationally, they are looking to help establish the reputation of having infrastructure to support tech startups in the Spa city. Establishing that kind reputation is the first step to addressing the disconnect between talent resources and job opportunities, Chris Wink said, editor of Technical.ly, a publication that covers early stage tech companies in Baltimore, an area which attracted two tech startups from New York within the last several months. “One thing you see is that across the country in all markets and regions is the interest in technology, its development and finding a regional distinction.” Stephen Wilcox, head of interactive group at Fingerpaint and a Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau board member is helping MadGlory with the logistical aspect of the conference. He recalled an earlier discussion with Corrigan about the option of hosting “Level Up” in Troy, as opposed to Saratoga Springs, as a tech-centered community and event host. “There are other companies making those kinds of decisions, and it has a lot to do with the support of what is around as far as getting jobs,” Wilcox said. “There is a groundswell going
on, and this conference is a big part of bringing national attention to Saratoga Springs as a tech destination.” Robert Manasier, managing director of Diamond Point Advisory Group, a company that has previously raised millions for tech startups in Saratoga Springs, said: “There is a lot of talent here but not a lot of investment. Now, you have state government involved and it’s helping to create traction in the area. Most of our companies weren’t local in the beginning. It takes time to drive the conversation and the collaboration that’s needed.”
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Fun And Games
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
Puzzles
Across 1 To-do list item 5 Short-lived crazes 9 Destroy beyond repair 14 Yodeler’s feedback 15 Landed 16 “Laughing” critter 17 Teensy bit 18 A hop, skip and jump away 19 Savanna antelope 20 *Powerful stratum of society 23 In high spirits 24 Spread out, as one’s fingers 25 __ New Guinea 27 Large seaweed 30 Mixed in a glass 33 Travel book inserts 36 Bard’s nightfall 38 Take care of 39 Game with Wild Draw Four cards 40 Continue with the fun, and a hint to each part of the answers to starred clues 42 Keebler cookie character 43 Stone-faced 45 Side with green eggs 46 Part of MIT: Abbr. 47 Unit of explosive force 49 Anjou, e.g. 51 Memorable labor leader Jimmy 52 Rinsed the soap from, as a car 56 GI R&R provider 58 *When brandy may be served 62 __ and crossbones 64 Innovator’s spark 65 Additional 66 Studio stand 67 Line in blue cheese 68 Diva’s solo 69 Rose parts 70 Comes to a close 71 Require Down 1 Glum drops 2 Behave poorly 3 “I __ return”: MacArthur 4 Large Alaskan bears 5 Vampire tooth
See puzzle solutions on page 28
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
2/17/14
© 2014 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.
See puzzle solution on page 28 6 Baldwin in Capital One ads 7 Call on a retro phone 8 Bra parts 9 Many an Actors Studio member 10 Popeye’s Olive 11 *Picturesque spot for a warm drink 12 Actress Paquin of “True Blood” 13 British noblewoman 21 TV educator Bill in a lab coat 22 Didn’t go out 26 Vessel on a mantel 28 Bat first 29 Each 31 Angled pipes 32 Adept 33 Cologne scent 34 Not pro
35 *Place for changing out of a wet suit 37 To the __ degree 40 Traps for the unwary 41 Big mouth, informally 44 John of London? 46 Armored superhero 48 One who was born there 50 Yellowfin tuna 53 Noise from a sleeper 54 Otherworldly 55 Deep anxiety 56 Capitalizes on 57 Three-handed card game 59 Blissful place 60 Senator Harry of Nevada 61 Aykroyd and Quayle
63 Moon lander, for short
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. Abjure, Adjure Abjure means to recant, renounce, or repudiate something. To the council’s surprise, he abjures all rights to his citizenship.
Adjure means to appeal, entreat, or order something. The club adjures its members to show respect at all times.
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.
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
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UR-4
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Neumann’s New Mission: Senior Apartments continued from page 1
NCUD-1 Parcel to be converted to UR-1
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entering the city from the East. The major structural adaptations would not be visible from Lake Avenue. Two additional wings will be built onto the residence’s rear side, and parking will be increased. Mr. Toohey detailed to the council a tree survey that had been completed prior to developing the plan, with the intent of minimizing the loss of trees on the property. The sale of the property is contingent on the zoning change,UR-2 and there will be many meetings (before Design Review and Zoning committees as well as further planned neighborhood information meetings) before the zoning modification can actually be made official. Should the project proceed, there will also be a need to attend to several environmental issues at the St. John Neumann Residence. These include asbestos and mold abatement, the costs of which Mayor Joanne Yepsen noted, in expressing support for the project, had driven other developers away. Ave Granger
Planning Office and Sonny Bonacio detailed plans for an “adaptive reuse” of the residence – converting it into senior housing. A total of 85 senior apartments have been proposed for the residence. These would not be assisted living facilities but rather accommodations designed for ages 55 and older. The item before the council, which passed unanimously, was to “merit for review” a change in the comprehensive plan and zoning maps that would re-designate the parcel containing the residence to UR-1, which Mr. Toohey noted was the zoning designation for the surrounding neighborhood, and allow for the senior apartment project to be a permitted use. Currently the building is zoned for Institutional/ Educational use. The design proposed to the council involved minimal modifications to the building’s façade, which Mr. Toohey described as an important building to the city as well as a major “entrance statement” for those
UR-1
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City of Saratoga Springs Zoning INST-ED: Institutional Educational INST-PR: Institutional Parkland/Recreation
NCUD-1: Neighborhood Complimentary Us
T-5: Transect Zone 5 Neighborhood Center UR-1: Urban Residential-1 UR-2: Urban Residential-2 UR-4: Urban Residential-4
St. John Neumann Center
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BUSINESS
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
Queen Again: What Will It Take To Get The Crown For The Spa City?
One of the Healthiest Places in the Nation, World: A New Goal For Saratoga Chamber by Colette Linton Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Springs has picked up a number of mottos and monikers that
appeal to the variety of people that traverse through town, live and or study here: health, history and horses being the staying identity and promotion of the city through the years. History and horses aside, health
will get a renewed undertaking as Saratoga County Chamber is looking into measures to make the Spa City queen again in health and wellness. The rejuvenated focus on health on the part of the chamber and local businesses would be to ultimately attract talent to the community to bolster the area’s workforce, The Saratoga County Chamber president Todd Shimkus said. “It’s important to attract the talent companies are looking for. It (the task force) showed that there is real opportunity in terms of talent attraction and quality of life if we can legitimately say this is one of the healthiest places in the world to live.” Last year, the chamber developed a research and development task force to look at the programs of over 60 other chambers around the country. “In that research, the volunteers of the task force identified that there are some chambers out there doing some great work around health and wellness,” Shimkus said and added that given the city’s history with the baths, the springs; with the health, history and horses, that maybe it is an area for the chamber to explore. One of the next steps is to locate an organization or publication that has an awards program that names the healthiest communities and find out their criteria. “Then we will be able to figure out how do we get ourselves on that list, and that would be unbelievable branding for us,” Shimkus said. Many publications conduct ratings of the nation’s or world’s healthiest cities such as American business magazine Forbes, the Economist, the British National Daily The Guardian and the American basic cable and satellite television channel Travel Channel. The top cities that are included on such lists usually sport efficient mass transit, the availability of excellent healthcare and as well as proving a commitment to improving access to green spaces, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation’s online publication on the topic. Paul Arciero, professor of health and exercise sciences at Skidmore College and board member of the American Heart Association, said that enhancing and maintaining accessible, safe routes into and around the city would be the first place to start if the city of Saratoga Springs is to be noticed. “I think we need to do a little bit better job with the built environment
QuadMed, subsidiary of Quad/Graphics, holds programs for employees promoting health. Pictured left-right “Take 5”, “Biggest Loser” program participant, and “Bike to Work Week” group. Photos provided by QuadMed.
(human-made surroundings)”, Arciero said. “In order for Saratoga to be considered even in those categories of most healthy destinations, we need to greatly enhance the built environment communities with sidewalks and accessible bike paths in order for people to be able to get out and enjoy the safe built environment.” Saratoga does a good job of encouraging people to go out and provides the outdoor space, he said, however, access to those places is lacking. “Then I think another reason why these cities are awarded as healthy destinations is because much of the commerce in the area supports a healthy lifestyle by having wellness workplace environments and support,” Arciero said. “They have structure within the business to help support active lifestyles, so we have to continue to encourage that among our businesses.” The starting point for the chamber has been to gain insight from the Saratoga Springs community, drawing on local expertise. The chamber’s Health and Wellness Task Force earlier this month attracted upward of 40 people for a movie screening and brainstorm session regarding the creation of a healthier Saratoga and workplace. There were nearly as many ideas offered as there were attendees for helping make this goal a reality. There were examples of exercise and health programs in the workplace as well as improved access to fresh food markets. Other ideas came from practices
already in use at area businesses. Quad/Graphics Inc. has in-house personal training, programs, wellness and nutrition education, a fitness center and annual “Biggest Loser” competitions, during which last year 26 participants lost 327 pounds collectively. These services are included as part of the corporate program and is offered to employees and their families as part of the QuadMed health insurance package. “If you’re employees are happy and healthy, you’re going to be producing the best product,” Sarah Currier, Quad/Graphic’s fitness coordinator, said. Getting the queen of the spas back her crown as a health destination is a project that will be pieced together bit by bit. In the meantime, there is SPAC’s fifth annual “Rock and Run” on May 18, a wealth of practitioners to revive and give guidance through the trials of getting fit, and the Saratoga Farmers’ Market and Healthy Living are there for support as well as other local businesses. “What we are finding is that we have some resources here that are on the leading edge, and we’ve got a wealth of practitioners,” Shimkus said. “I think the biggest accomplishment is that we’ve tried to be inclusive in this process. We did not walk into this with a plan other than to listen, and after listening we will be able to sit back and determine what we are capable of getting done.”
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
BUSINESS 9
Stewart’s Plans To SE Kitchens & Baths Earns Esteemed 2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award Expand To Syracuse Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service SARATOGA SPRINGS – Stewart’s Shops submitted a site plan approval with the town of Clay last week for a 3,000-squarefoot Stewart’s Shop at the corner of Morgan and Buckley roads. The chain, which has 330 stores in New York and Vermont, has had its eyes on the area for a while Maria D’Amelia, Stewart’s Shops spokeswoman, said. The company has received positive feedback from the community and is hopeful that it will be able to move the process forward, she added. “It is a location that will suit our needs as well as it is an area that
we want to reach out to and serve,” D’ Amelia said.” We are just in the market to grow and our company is in a good place right now. We are looking to expand, we are building shops, and we are in a good place where we are able to do this.” The proposed Stewart’s store will include a fueling station. The company has a contract to purchase the land contingent upon approval. A tire store, which will remain on the lot, and a convinience store, which will be knocked down to make room for a Stewart’s store, currantly occupy the lot.
GANSEVORT – SE Kitchens & Baths, a full service kitchen and bath company, has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the consumer review service in 2013. “Only about 5 percent of the companies SE Kitchens & Baths competes with in Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties are able to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s a mark of consistently great customer service.” Angie’s List Super Service
Award 2013 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade and review period grade. The company must also be in good standing with Angie’s List, have a fully complete profile, pass
a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines. Members can find the 2013 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com. Angie’s List helps consumers with transactions with local service professionals in more than 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to healthcare. More than 2 million paid households use Angie’s List to gain access to local ratings, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List Magazine and the Angie’s List complaint resolution service.
Alfred Z. Solomon Grant Complexions Spa To Open Saratoga Springs Supports Community Gardens Location This Summer
ALBANY – Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness will open a second location in Saratoga Springs this summer. “We welcome Complexions Spa to Saratoga Springs as part of the long history of health and spas for which we are so well known,” said Saratoga Springs Mayor Joanne D. Yepsen. Complexions Spa at Saratoga Springs will offer an array of water treatments, and it will provide salon and retail services in the 6,500 squarefoot property located at Park Place on Broadway next to Congress Park.. “For centuries, people have soaked in mineral springs to reap the health benefits such as increased blood circulation, cell oxygenation, pain reduction and increased mobility,” said Denise Dubois, owner, Complexions Spa. “Complexions Spa at Saratoga Springs will truly be a destination of its own.” The spa will be built to the same green standards as its premier Gold LEED certified facility in Albany utilizing recyclable, renewable and sustainable materials. Dubois will seek LEED certification for interior design and construction. Once completed, Complexions Spa at Saratoga Springs will employ
nearly forty massage therapists, nail technicians, makeup artists, hair stylists, aestheticians and spa coordinators. The company is currently accepting employment applications.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Heritage Garden Club is pleased to announce the receipt of a $2,208 grant from the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust to fund the maintenance of three gardens, to support garden therapy projects and fund two scholarships to the NYSDEC Camp Colby for local middle school students. The grant will be used to further bolster the plantings at the Memorial Garden at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Visitor Center on South Broadway, Garden of
Hope at the Saratoga Hospital Radiology and Oncology Center and the historic marker and Meditation Garden at the Gideon Putnam Burying Ground on South Franklin Street. Four seasonal garden therapy projects will be conducted with senior residents at Woodlawn Commons, which present opportunities for socialization and a creative outlet with “green materials”. Two Maple Avenue Middle School students will be given a week-long experience at Camp
Colby, where they will explore the natural world of the Adirondacks and gain insights into environmental issues. “Our work in the community is energized by the support of the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust. We are eager to get into the gardens this spring and bring the green world closer to seniors and students,” said Lee Nelson, chair of Heritage Garden Club’s Memorial Garden Committee.
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Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
Egan Mills’ Uganda Diary continued from page 1
worked on various projects including fixing up the school buildings, providing medical care and working hands-on with the children on some basic educational skills. One of Egan’s projects was teaching the children a few songs and some dancing. We asked her to share her journal. This segment covers her first four days after arriving on the African continent. - Arthur Gonick Monday: 2/10/14 Day 1 Today was the first full day in the compound (that is what it is called) where we will be staying for the next 17 days. This complex is located in Bugembe, Uganda. Last night, our bus pulled in and all of the children who live outside the compound were joyously shouting and waving. This was the first moment that I realized the exceptional quality of life that I have in Saratoga Springs. Everyone in Bugembe is welcoming even though they are living in extreme poverty. They smile when you smile, they wave when you wave, and they welcome you with open arms like a close relative. In Saratoga Springs you don’t have to sit on the street and sell products to feed and support your family, we have options. We are able to turn the shower on have CLEAN, hot water at our disposal, there is no thought of having contaminated water coming out of the faucet. What a different world! We went to several private
schools that we in close proximity to us today. Hundreds of children were singing and rejoicing for what they have, which is very minimal. They are all so grateful that we are there to help them. One of the most precious moments I saw today were three small children playing with three baby goats. We watched them from the bus as we drove to the dormitories we were scheduled to paint. The painting project took approximately four hours because it was a large dorm, housing 150 boys. Once the paint dries, they will line the walls with bunk beds. My schedule for tomorrow is working in the mobile clinic, which means I will be traveling around to different towns and assisting people with various medical needs. Tuesday: 2/11/14 - Day 2 My adventure in the mobile clinic today was in a more remote and extremely rural part of Africa. It was only about 15 minutes from our compound. We worked all day doing various medical tasks. I documented medical information in the patient records while the patients were being tested for HIV. Over 180 people were tested and about 10 tested positive for HIV. Everyone was grateful that we were there to provide him or her with some medical attention. Our group brought over some green tennis balls for the children to play with. I enjoyed my time today
playing with all the children. The ground in and around the play area is dirt and dried mud, so by the time we were done with our games, the tennis balls were orange and brown. Through the entire time of playing, we were taking pictures and they all greatly enjoyed seeing themselves on the digital camera screen. Tomorrow’s agenda consists of teaching the children at the elementary school a song from a performance I was in. I am looking forward to it. Wednesday: 2/12/14 - Day 3 Today was a busy day. We went to Rehoboth Primary School and I taught a class of 40 children a song and dance all by myself. The children are all so talented here and very eager to learn. They have natural rhythm and beautiful voices. I worked with the third grade class and there was a mix of ages. They all enjoyed the song. When I taught the song and dance work, I read a book to them from Dr. Seuss titled “Oh, the Thinks You Can Think.” I enjoyed interacting with the children during the song and dance work and afterwards playing with them in the yard. We played a variety of different games. They seem to enjoy singing and moving games. The children really enjoy anything so just running around is fun for them. Tomorrow I am going back to the class to add in musical instruments such as shakers and clappers
Egan Mills leads Ugandan class in singing and music.
for the kids to use during the song. I’m so excited! Thursday: 2/13/14 - Day 4 Today was so much fun! We went back to the primary school. I went to the classroom where I taught the children yesterday. They all stood up and clapped and laughed. They were so excited. I added musical instruments to the song today and handed out shakers and clappers to all the children. They loved making music and they all loved doing the song again. At the end of the class we asked
the teacher how many children there were in the class today and she said 63 children. That is 23 more than yesterday! I am going back tomorrow to do the song again with them. We will be practicing for the show will be doing. They are going to have to show the older children the song and dance they learned. In the afternoon we worked on a shoe project – handing out shoes to children who did not have any or those who need new ones. We handed out hundreds of shoes to smiling children who were very happy and thankful.
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
From The Publisher’s Desk
Battle Of Saratoga
by Chad Beatty Saratoga TODAY In last week’s editorial (The Olympics, The Recession & Never Giving Up) I briefly mentioned a pivotal battle that took place in 1777, turning the tide of the American Revolutionary War. With the arrival of the “Saratoga Surrender Sculpture” at the Saratoga Springs City Center, I feel this the perfect time to dig a little deeper into this slice of New York history… Most people are aware that there is a historic battlefield located right down the road in the town of Saratoga. You may also know that a famous battle took place there. But when it comes to the details, that is when most people get a little hazy. So, following is my very brief and succinct recap of the events leading up to the battle, as well as the battle itself. On July 4, 1776 representatives from the thirteen American colonies signed the Declaration of Independence. This document formed a union that would become a new nation – the United States of America. The colonies, which were at war with Great Britain, regarded themselves as independent states and no longer part of the British Empire. Although General Washington and the colonists were experiencing small wins in a number of skirmishes, it was certainly not enough to dissuade the British army. Both camps were steadfast to secure victory for their country. In 1777 the British army was intent on ending the rebellion as quickly as possible. British General John Burgoyne planned to march from Canada down the Hudson to Albany, joining forces with General Howe, who Burgoyne thought would be marching from the west to join him. Their combined forces would have split the colonies and most likely assured victory for Britain. However Howe decided to march south to seize Philadelphia and destroy Washington’s continental army. Because communication was so slow, especially given the unknown terrain, this message did not reach Burgoyne in a timely manner. The rough and rugged American
terrain turned out to be much more than Burgoyne had bargained for, slowing down supply lines and overall troop movement. While the British were trudging south through the wilderness, the colonists were gathering their forces. An initial large battle took place in Bennington, Vermont. A group of Burgoyne’s soldiers was confronted by a larger group of colonists. The colonists won a decisive victory and killed many of Burgoyne’s men, proving that the Colonists were a force to be reckoned with. Enter Benedict Arnold. Despite his traitorous place in American history, Arnold was one of the most competent battlefield commanders that the Colonist Army had at the time. He was bold, decisive and a born leader. As the colonists were preparing for the arrival of Burgoyne’s forces, the colonial army set up position on a set of bluffs about 10 miles from Saratoga Springs. This is the location of the ‘Battle of Saratoga.’ On September 19, fearing his supplies would soon run out, Burgoyne launched a premature, yet major attack. The first day of fighting was ferocious, with both sides losing many men. Unfortunately for Burgoyne he didn’t have any access to additional men, his supplies were running low, and the colonial numbers continued to swell, especially after the news of the Bennington victory. Benedict Arnold proved extremely valuable during this skirmish. However Arnold’s commanding officer, General Gates, sat in his tent during the battle and failed to mention Arnold in his report to congress. Rather he took credit for the colonial success. In the next large battle, while disobeying his commanding officer, Arnold took charge of three army regiments and ultimately forced a British surrender. Arnold fought brilliantly and led his men into an outstanding defeat of Burgoyne’s army. On October 17, with few men, little rations and nowhere to retreat, Burgoyne surrendered himself and his groups to the American colonists. This battle (of Saratoga) ended whatever possibilities the British had to suppress the rebellion. The victory also meant immediate aid from France, further diminishing any hopes of British victory. There you go. Now the next time your uncle Morty from Wichita, Kansas visits and asks “What is the deal with the Battle of Saratoga?”, you can confidently look him in the eyes and explain how American history was made in your back yard. - God Bless, Chad
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City Center Welcomes ‘Saratoga Surrender’ Sculpture
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Springs City Center’s 30th Anniversary celebration continues as it welcomes the ‘Saratoga Surrender Sculpture,’ a bronze bas-relief, on loan from The Friends of Saratoga Battlefield. This massive 4 by 6 foot bronze depicts the “turning point of America’s Revolutionary War,” when British General Burgoyne surrendered his sword to American General Gates. The event was a pivotal moment in America¹s quest for independence. Chas Fagan, a nationally known painter and sculptor, created the striking new work of art. The subject is based on artist John Trumbull¹s famous oil painting called “The Surrender of John Burgoyne,” which
is prominently housed in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. The ‘Saratoga Surrender Sculpture’ is now on display in the City Center¹s main lobby Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Monday, May 19. The City Center is
located at 522 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. After a tour of various venues in Saratoga County, the artwork will be permanently placed in a new memorial park called the Saratoga Surrender Site, south of Schuylerville.
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Wilton Youth Baseball, Softball Registration Registration is now open for the spring season of Wilton Youth Baseball and Girls Softball. Baseball is open to Town of Wilton residents ages 5-12. Softball is open to girls from all locations ages 7-12. For more information and to register online visit www. wiltonyouthbaseball.org. Substance Abuse Prevention Council Seeks Volunteer Speakers The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Council of Saratoga Springs is looking for volunteer speakers for its monthly Victim Impact Panel. The purpose of the panel is to put those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs face to face with those who have experienced this tragedy first hand. Speakers include: crash victims or their family members, first responders and others. If you are interested in learning more about this volunteer opportunity please contact Robin Lyle at (518) 5811230, ext. 3610 or robinlyle@ preventioncouncil.org. Schuylerville Youth Program The Youth Center is seeking Volunteer Junior Mentors to work with the tween program. 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) 6956100 and leave your contact information and the best time to call you. Visit www.facebook.com/ greaterschuylervilleyouthprogram for more information. 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.
LOCAL BRIEFS 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. Saratoga Springs Retired Teachers Meeting The Saratoga Springs Retired Teachers Association will meet on Monday, March 3, at noon at Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Avenue (Route 9P), Saratoga Springs. Membership is open to retired educators who taught and/or live in Saratoga County. For membership information call (518) 587-5356. Friends of Kayaderosseras Annual Meeting Learn about different ways to keep watersheds like the Kayaderosseras Creek robust and healthy, both as a natural and a community resource by attending the Friends of the Kayaderosseras annual meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, March 3 at the Gideon Putnam Room in the State Administration Building in the Saratoga State Park. The Gideon Putnam Room is in the State Park Administration Building at 19 Roosevelt Drive. Irish Family Festival The Irish Family Festival at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks lodge (1 Elk Lane) will be Sunday, March 9 from 2-7 p.m. Tickets are $10. Children under 12 are free. Veteran Hiring Conference The Saratoga County’s Veterans Employment Task Force will hold its first Veteran Hiring Conference on March 12 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at 113 West Ave., Saratoga Springs. Each employer will be able to interview up to 10 candidates specifically matched for available opportunities. This is a free event. For more information contact lsaccia@ saratogacountyny.gov or (518) 884-4170. 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. A Night Remembering Sinatra Dinner Show The Clifton Park Elks Ladies Auxiliary presents “A Night Remembering the Music of ‘The Chairman of the Board,’” a dinner show featuring the music of Sinatra performed by Chris Jason. The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 11 at the Clifton Park Elks Lodge, 695 MacElroy Road in Ballston Lake. Dinner is a choice of Sirloin Steak or Crab Stuffed Haddock. Tickets are $35 per person. Seating is limited, only pre-paid reservations accepted. Reservations and payment must be received by April 4. To reserve tickets, send a check payable to Clifton Park Elks Ladies’ Auxiliary, P.O. Box 872, Clifton Park, NY 12065. For additional information, contact Johanna Mrochko at (518) 371-1451. Annual Polka Benefit The Annual Polka Benefit at the Saratoga Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road will be April 13 from Noon to 6 p.m. The 25th Anniversary Palm Sunday Polka Benefit will feature allstar polka musicians from the past 25 years, alternating with polka country musicians. For reservations contact Steve or Cathy Coblish by calling (518) 899-3061 or email at scoblish@ nycap.rr.com. Tickets are $15. Seating is limited. Third Annual Autism Awareness Information Fair In April The third annual Autism Information Fair will be April 27 at the Saratoga Springs City Center from noon to 3 p.m. Exhibitors include recreational programs, camps, technological apps for autism, school programs (pre-K through college) and therapeutic programs. Art exhibit, games, crafts and a bounce house will also be on site.
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014 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 with no convenience fees. Classes, new sports programs and special events are scheduled to begin in March. Call the Malta Community Center at (518) 8994411 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. 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. Saratoga County Chamber. 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. 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 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. 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.
Send your local briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com before Monday at 5 p.m. for Friday publication.
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014 10th Annual Hot Dog Roast
Family Friendly Event
Friday, February 21 Kundalini Yoga in the Park Spa State Park, The Lincoln Baths, Saratoga Springs, Every Friday 9:30–11 a.m. Taught by Yogi Bhajan with Kim Rossi, Spa Director at The Roosevelt Baths & Spa. This class is open to everyone with or without yoga experience. Class cost for local guests is by donation, $20 for all others guests. For more information call (518) 321-5660
All You Can Eat Monthly Dinner Principessa Elena Society, 11 – 13 Oak Street in Saratoga Springs, 5–7 p.m. The menu includes Pasta Fagioli, sausage, peppers, onions, pasta with sauce, meatballs, salad, bread, butter, dessert, coffee and tea. Seniors $8; Regular $9; Children 5-12, $5, under 5, free, take-out $10. All are Welcome. For more information call (518) 584-4163.
Fish Fry Friday Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, Route 32, Village of Victory, 5–7 p.m. Fried Fish-$8.50, Fried Clams-$8.50, Fried Chicken Tenders-$8.50, Clam Chowder at $5 a quart. Eat in at our club house or call ahead for take-out, (518) 695-3917.
Saturday, February 22 Free Cancer Screening Community Health Center, 24 Hamilton St., Saratoga Springs, 9 a.m.–noon Free colon cancer test Fit Kit’s for men and women age 50-64. Free mammogram (breast cancer screening) women age 40-64. Free pap/pelvic exam (cervical cancer screening) for women age 40-64. Call our office today at (518) 580-2132 to schedule your appointment.
19th Annual Winter Fun Festival Bath St. Hill, and Elks Club, 10 Hamilton St., 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Enjoy sledding and tobogganing on the famous Bath Street hill from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., wash tub ice fishing from 11 a.m.–noon on Front St., music, dancing, free food (while supplies last) and children’s crafts at the Elks Club from 6–8 p.m. For more information call (518) 885-5711.
Greenwich Elks, 10 Bulson Rd., Greenwich, 2 p.m. Admission only $17.50 includes hot dogs, chili, clam chowder, sausage and peppers, hamburgers and keg Beer. Music by “Open Bar Band” from 5–9 p.m. Free, local cab rides 8–10 p.m. Call (518) 692-2061 after 4 p.m. to reserve your tickets.
Pizza & Wing Night Victory Mills Fire Department., 23 Pine St., Victory, 4–8 p.m. Eat in or carry out. Place your order at (518) 695-6623 after 2p.m. Last call at 7 p.m. Cheese Pizza 12 cut, $11. Pizza with the works, 12 cut, $18. Toppings $2 each. Sausage, pepperoni, peppers, onions, mushrooms & extra cheese. Wings with celery, carrots and blue cheese, 1 dozen $8. Extra blue cheese $.75. Plain, mild, hot, extra hot. sweet baby BBQ and garlic parmesan.
Dinner and a Movie Saratoga Knights of Columbus Hall, 50 Pine Rd. Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m. A Roast Pork Dinner at 6 p.m. followed by a movie at 7 p.m. For reservations and more information call Bob Spratt (518) 587-1784.
SPAC’s Winter Ball – A Russian Whiteout Hall of Springs, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, 8 p.m.– Midnight. The Hall of Springs will be transformed to the Moscow Winter Wonderland - complete with a Russian Ice Queen and Moscow Mafia Man costume contest. See ice sculptures, martini ice luges, a vodka bar, Tsarworthy fare, a blizzard photo booth and awesome prizes. Tickets are $80. For more information call (518) 5849330, ext. 109.
DanceFlurry Saratoga Contradance 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 Fern Bradley with music by Aldo Lavaggi, Eric Buddington and Karen Axelrod. All group dances taught, newcomers welcome. No need to bring your own partner. Wear sneakers or other soft-soled shoes only. Adults are $10, students & seniors are $7, children under 15 are $6. For more information call (518) 899-0105 or visit, www. danceflurry.org.
Sunday, February 23 Breakfast Buffet Sons of ITAM, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs, 8–11 a.m. Now featuring made to order eggs and omelettes with bacon, ham, sausage, has, fruits, sausage gravy and biscuits, pancakes, French toast, juices, Danish
calendar and much more. Adults are $8, Seniors are $7, kids under five are free.
Four Hands One Piano Zankel Music Center | Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall, Skidmore College, 2 p.m. Pianists Patricia Keyes and Richard Hihn perform a repertoire of pieces by Leonard Bernstein, Alan Shawn, Astor Piazzolla, and George Gershwin.
Mindful Children: Teaching Children to Quiet their Minds One Big Roof, 433 Broadway, Suite 302, Saratoga Springs, 3–4:15 p.m. If you have a child age 6-16, join us for an introductory class on learning to find your happy place. All students should have a yoga mat or towel. To register contact Vicki at (518) 4419919. For more events, visit www. oneroofsaratoga.com.
Monday, February 24 Spiritual Living Circle 2 Imperial Lane, Charlton 7 p.m. Hosted by, New Thought New York Center for Spiritual featuring a discussion of the articles in the February issue of Science of Mind magazine. All are welcome on donation basis. For more information, visit www. newthoughtnewyork.org or call (518) 423-3569.
Tuesday, February 25 $1 Bag Sale Second Hand Rose Thrift Shop, 116 Broad St in Schuylerville, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. The sale is ongoing through the end of February. Shoes and clothing for men, women and children, housewares, a Christmas shop and miscellaneous gifts. Veterans discount on all of the Shop’s contents. The Thrift Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. For more information, call (518) 695-4640.
22 Caliber Rifle Competition Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, Route 32, Village of Victory, 7 p.m. Everyone welcome, bring your own 22 caliber rifle and ammunition. For more information contact Tim at (518) 728-7098.
Wednesday,February26 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. This is the last in the series for this year. Free and open to the public. Partners in creativity: Readings of original work by members of A.L.L. and SUNY Empire State College. Feel free to bring your lunch. Program canceled if
Saratoga Springs Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather. www.esc.edu/all, (518) 587-2100, ext. 2415.
Upcoming Town Meetings
Expressions of Determination
Town of Ballston:
Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m. Saratoga Springs Expressions of Determination Student Reading will feature students from elementary, middle, and high school sharing their writing and art on the theme of determination. Submissions ranged from personal examples of determination and portraits of determination from history, our community, and students’ families to poems and short stories illustrating the theme. For more information visit www.northshire.com.
Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road (518) 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org 2/26: Planning Board, 7:30 p.m.
White Birch: What You Don’t Know May Help You
2540 Route 9 (518) 899-2818 www.malta-town.org 3/3: Town Board, 7 p.m.
Crandall Library Community Room, Glen St., Glens Falls, 7 p.m. Southern Adirondack Audubon will host Tom Mowatt, assistant professor of biology at SUNY Adirondack, as he presents this digitally enhanced talk on the new discoveries in the biochemistry of the white birch tree, including compounds identified as an effective treatment for cancer. Discussion topics will also include uses of the bark of the white birch by woodland Native American cultures, as in the Adirondack region, as part of traditional cultural handcrafts, as well as increased science literacy, environmental and cultural awareness. For more information visit www. southernadirondackaudubon.org.
Thursday, February 27 Fifth Annual Saratoga Horsemans’ Social Longfellow’s Restaurant, 500 Union Ave. Saratoga Springs, 6:30–10 p.m. Hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County this is a great night for the horse community come together to cure the winter doldrums and talk horse. $30 per person includes light fare, dessert, soft drinks, and a cash bar is available. There will be raffles prizes donated by local equine businesses. Please call Wendy McConkey at (518) 885-8995 or wlm8@cornell.edu to register. Open to the public, all are welcome.
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Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street (518) 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org 2/24: Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m. Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road (518) 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com 2/25: Planning Board, 7 p.m. Town of Malta:
Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road (518) 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org 2/27: Zoning Board, 7 p.m. City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway (518) 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org 3/4: City Council, 7 p.m. 3/12: Planning Board, 7 p.m. Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville (518) 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com 2/26: Planning Board, 7:30 p.m. 3/10: Town Board, 7 p.m. Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street (518) 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org 3/12: Board of Trustees, 7 p.m. 3/17: Planning Board, 6:30 p.m. Town of Stillwater: 881 N. Hudson Avenue Stillwater, NY 12170 (518) 664-6148 www.stillwaterny.org 2/24: Zoning Board, 7:30 p.m. Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road (518) 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com 2/27: Zoning Board, 6:30 p.m. Saratoga County Board of Supervisors: 40 McMaster St, #1 Ballston Spa, NY 12020 (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov
Bye Bye Birdie St. Peter’s Parish Annex, 64 Hamilton St., Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m. Join us for Saratoga Central Catholic High School’s musical, Bye Bye Birdie. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for Students and Seniors. Additonal performances will be on Saturday, March 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 2 at 3 p.m.
Blood Drives February 25, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 345 Hermes Rd., Ballston Spa
Send your local briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com before Monday at 5 p.m. for Friday publication.
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Education
Saratoga Springs High School Drama Club Presents ‘Footloose’ SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Drama Club at Saratoga Springs High School presents its spring production, “Footloose”, at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 27; 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 28; and Saturday, March 29, in the Loewenberg Auditorium. In this lively musical, the main character, a big-city teenager named Ren, moves to an ultra-conservative Midwestern town where dance is forbidden. Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period of small town living, but not the rigorous local laws that include a ban on dancing. The entire show is set to the rocking rhythms of its Oscar and Tony nominated top 40 score and augmented with dynamic new songs written for the stage musical. “Footloose” celebrates the wisdom of listening to young
people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind. “Footloose” is directed by Bob Berenis, through special arrangement with Rogers & Hammerstein Organization. In addition to the director, other adults filling key roles are Jeff Halstead, Musical Director and Leigh Berenis, Choreographer. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for students and $7 for senior citizens, and are available at the door or at www. sshsdramaclub.com. Payment for advance sales tickets must be received by March 20. Checks may be made payable to “SSHS Drama Club” and mailed to: Drama Club, Saratoga Springs High School, 1 Blue Streak Blvd., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Local Scholarships
Saratoga Regional YMCA Announces Scholarship Award SARATOGA SPRINGS— The Saratoga Regional YMCA announces a $2,500 scholarship available to students within its service area. To be eligible for the tuition assistance scholarship, students must be enrolled at Springfield College for the Fall 2014
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semester and must participate in the YMCA Club, spearheaded by Harry Rock. The scholarship can be renewed annually with a qualifying grade point average. The winner of the scholarship may be eligible for matching funds from Springfield College.
Applications may be obtained from the website www.saratogaregionalymca.org or at any Association branch. Contact Cassandra Latour, Human Resource Director at 5839622 ext. 127 for more information. Deadline for submission is Friday, May 16, 2014.
Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild Offers Scholarships SARATOGA SPRINGS—The Saratoga Hospital and Nursing Home Volunteer Guild is offering five $1,500 scholarships to graduating Saratoga County seniors accepted into college to study in the medical field. Examples of applicable fields of study are pre-med, nursing, biomedical research, pharmacology, medical technology, X-ray technology, physical therapy, respiratory
therapy, physician’s assistant, mental health and health care management. Eligible students must be entering a college program in a medical field in September of 2014. They must have a cumulative high school average of at least 80 percent and a documented record of community service. Scholarship recipients will be honored at the Volunteer Guild’s Annual Recognition Dinner on May 29, 2014.
Requirements and applications are now available through Saratoga County High School guidance offices online at www.saratogahospital.org., and at Saratoga Hospital through Volunteer Services. For more information, contact Betsy St.Pierre, Associate Director Volunteer Services at Saratoga Hospital at estpierre@ saratogacare.org. Application deadline is April 5, 2014.
Engineering Program Information Meeting for High School Juniors HUDSON FALLS – The New Visions Engineering program will hold a parent-student information meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, in Room B4 at the Southern Adirondack Education Center in Hudson Falls for students who will be seniors next year. If the Southern Adirondack Education Center is closed due to inclement weather, the snow date for the meeting is Wednesday, March 5. The New Visions Engineering
Business Management
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
Program is an academically rigorous program for college-bound high school seniors interested in engineering, physics, math, architecture or other physical science fields. Students are introduced to engineering concepts through hands-on projects, industry visits and advanced college-level math and physics. Upon completion of the program, students have an intimate understanding of college level physics and calculus as well as the work environment for current professional engineers.
The program is for highachieving students in districts that may not offer advanced, college-prep courses in Advanced Placement (AP) Physics, AP Calculus and engineering. Applications are available at the student’s home school guidance department or online at w w w.wsw heb o ces.org<http:// www.wswheboces.org>. The deadline for applications to be submitted to the student’s school guidance counselor is April 4, 2014.
Saratoga Springs City School District Starts Kindergarten Registration SARATOGA SPRINGS – Kindergarten registration is being conducted in the registrar’s office at Saratoga Springs City School District now through April 17 for children entering school in September. Children must be five years of age on or before December 1, 2014, to be eligible for
kindergarten in September 2014. Please go to www.saratogaschools.org to view requirements and to begin the online registration process. An original or certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, a personal data form, and health/immunization records should be brought by parents to
registration. Children will not be forwarded on to the screening process until the registration process has been completed. Parents are urged to register their children in a timely manner so the district can plan for staffing, arrange for placement, and schedule transportation.
Screening will be conducted at the elementary schools as follows: Monday, March 24, and Tuesday, March 25: Wednesday, March 26, and Thursday, March 27: Thursday, March 28, and Friday, March 29: Tuesday, April 8, and Wednesday, April 9 : Wednesday, April 23, and Thursday, April 24: Monday, April 28, and Tuesday, April 29:
Geyser Road Elementary School Greenfield Elementary School Dorothy Nolan Elementary School Caroline Street Elementary School Division Street Elementary School Lake Avenue Elementary School
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
Education
Skidmore Professor to Give Moseley Lecture February 26 SARATOGA SPRINGS — “The Unpopularity of Popular History: A Scholar’s Pursuit of Non-Scholarly Things” is the title of the 2014 Edwin M. Moseley Faculty Research Lecture, to be delivered by Skidmore Professor Gregory Pfitzer at 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 26. The event will be hosted at no cost to the public in Gannett Auditorium, Palamountain Hall. Pfitzer, former chair of Skidmore’s Department of American Studies, is currently the Douglas Family Professor in American Culture, History and Literary and Interdisciplinary Studies. He will discuss his 30-year ongoing interest in “popular” history—typically offered by journalists, fiction writers, and artists, among others—and “professional” history, as written and practiced by credentialed scholars. He studies how various genres rise and fall, and how popular history
has changed over time. Said Pfitzer, “At some point we take all history on faith, although certain standards are used to determine what did or did not happen.” According to Pfitzer, pictorial histories influence people’s perception of history, even when the pictures are grossly inaccurate. As an example he cites the Revolutionary War episode when Gen. George Washington crossed the Delaware River in 1776 in a surprise attack on Hessian soldiers based in Trenton, New Jersey. Extremely risky and shrouded in secrecy, the event was immortalized in a painting created in 1851 by German American artist Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze. His image depicts a bold general standing in a boat loaded with troops laboring to cross an ice-clogged river. The painting contains numerous historical and physical inaccuracies—Pfitzer calls
Skidmore College Professor Gregory Pfitzer. Photo by Andy Camp.
it “over the top.” Yet it remains an iconic image for many Americans. He added, “Often, cinematic treatments of historical events resonate with people, even as professional historians object to such treatments.” Selection as the Moseley Lecturer is the highest honor the Skidmore faculty can confer upon a colleague.
HMT Announces Open Registration For Youth Production of ‘Fame Jr.’ SARATOGA SPRINGS – Home Made Theater (HMT) is pleased to announce open registration for children and teens ages ten-18 years old for the HMT Youth Theater Conservatory production of “Fame Jr.” Set during the last years of New York City’s celebrated High School for the Performing Arts on 46th Street in 1980-1984, before its merger with LaGuardia High School, “Fame Jr.” is the bittersweet but ultimately inspiring story of a diverse group of students who commit to four years of grueling artistic and academic work. With candor, humor and insight, the show explores the issues that confront many young people today. This program gives students a creative and supportive environment in which to experience the thrill and exhilaration of performing in a main stage production. All students who
register will be cast in our production of “Fame Jr.” to be performed at the Spa Little Theater. Performances will be open to friends, family and the general public. No experience is necessary; children of all levels and experience are welcome. Rehearsals will begin in March and performances are scheduled for May 16 and 17. Registration is limited. For further information, call HMT at 518-587-4427, or visit www. homemadetheater.org to view the registration flyer. The youth conservatory is directed by Laurie Larson, who has previously directed the Youth
Conservatory productions of “Throughly Modern Millie Jr.”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “Fiddler on the Roof Jr.”, “Seussical Jr.”, “Aladdin Jr.”, “Annie Jr.”, “Guys and Dolls Jr.”, “The Little Mermaid Jr.” and Home Made Theater’s main stage productions of “9 to 5”, “Charlotte’s Web”, “The Lion King” and “The Witch and the Wardrobe”. She has a vocal performance degree and a minor in theater and dance from Ithaca College, an education degree from SUNY Potsdam, and a master’s degree in theater from SUNY Albany. She is active in community theater and professional theaters as a performer and choreographer. Larson has worked for local theaters such as HMT, Schenectady Light Opera, Albany Civic and Park Playhouse. She is also the theater teacher and choral director at Ballston Spa High School.
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Last Week For ‘Yes, You CAN Make a Difference’ Food Drive SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Leadership Saratoga Alumni Association is pleased to announce a food drive to benefit Franklin Community Center. The “Yes, You CAN Make a Difference” food drive is in its last week of operation. Acceptable donations of nonperishable food items include: peanut butter and jelly, cereal, macaroni and cheese, tea and coffee, canned tuna and chicken, canned vegetables, Progresso and Chunky Soups (hearty ones), Spaghettios and Chef Boyardee products, pork n beans, noodle and rice side dishes, Hamburger Helper and boxed meals, Ramen Noodles and personal care items. There are four dropoff locations, all located in Saratoga Springs: Saratoga
County Chamber of Commerce, Olde Bryan Inn, Longfellows Restaurant and Franklin Community Center. It is advised that individuals making donations do so during hours of operation at the respective dropoff location. You may also make a donation by dropping off or sending a check or money order to Franklin Community Center, 10 Franklin Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or visiting their website: http:// www.franklincommunitycenter. org/how-you-can-help/donate/ Leadership Saratoga is a program of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce dedicated to the development of leaders who will serve their communities today and in the future.
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Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
This Week’s SPOLIGHT
Saratoga Children’s Theatre For kids who have a passion for performing arts, Saratoga Children’s Theatre summer camp is a dream come true. Saratoga Children’s Theatre offers performance camps for ages 4-18 years. At Saratoga Children’s Theatre we hire dedicated professionals that will enhance your child’s awareness for the arts while enjoying a great summer camp experience, while enhancing your child’s self esteem.
RISING STARS camps (4-6 years)
These stars-to-be will learn to explore their creativity through music, storytelling, movement, and arts. Both fun and educational, we have created our Rising Stars program to provide a warm and nurturing environment, giving campers the opportunity to gain a wonderful introduction to the theatrical arts.
RISING STARS will offer 6 sessions Barnyard Moosical , How does your Garden Groove , Baby Beluga (twice), and Snoozy Snowflake RISING STARS Camp will be one week 9am-3pm Directed by Kristyn Knapp FEE $250
SCT KIDS camps (7-10 years)
Campers will learn all aspects of performance, and will have the opportunity to perform in two shows at the end of open to the public. Campers will perform on stage at St. Clements Auditorium, Saratoga Springs. Camp hours are 9am-3pm, this is a one week program. KIDS Camps will offer 6 sessions Disney Camp- When You Wish Upon A Star, Willy Wonka KIDS , Cinderella KIDS , Magic Tree
House KIDS ,101 Dalmatians KIDS , and Disney Camp -Circle of Life KIDS Camps will be one week 9am-3pm Directors will be Karey Trimmings and Allie Lehane. FEE $250
SCT JUNIOR Camps (10-13years)
Campers will learn all aspects of performance, and will have the opportunity to perform in two shows at the end of open to the public. Campers will perform on stage at St. Clements Auditorium, Saratoga Springs. Camp hours are 9am-3pm. This is a two week program packed with fun and excitement! JUNIOR Camps will offer 4 sessions Fun on 42nd Street, Peter Pan Jr., Fiddler on the Roof Jr. all two week camps. Audition Prep camp one week. JUNIOR Camps will be two week camps 9am-3pm Directors will be Karey Trimmings and Erika Hebert Pangburn FEE $475. One week Audition Prep Camp Director Tony Rivera FEE $250
SCT TEEN TROUPE (13-18 years)
Will be performing at Bernhard Theater, Skidmore College. The TEEN TROUPE will perform 4 shows of RENT School Edition, directed by Tony Rivera, music director Alex DiCocco and 4 shows of Les Miserables School Edition, directed by Jim Charles, music director Alex DiCocco. The TEEN TROUPE camps are three weeks, 9am-3pm, Week three of camp is held at Skidmore College. FEE $745
SCT TEEN TROUPE Audition Preparation Workshop one week camp 9-4pm Director Tony Rivera
Be ahead of the game! Get a jump start on the competition by attending Saratoga Children’s Theatre Audition Workshop! This four day camp will help you choose the material that’s best for you, develop your cold reading skills, improve your vocal selections, beef up your monologues, survive a dance audition, and make your very best impression! FEE $250
Early Discount ends March 1st, 2014. For more information, visit www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org or call (518) 580-1782.
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
Summer Camp Guide 2014 To Advertise in the Summer Camp Guide
Call (518) 581-2480
REGISTER TODAY! SUMMER CAMP: READY, SET, FUN! At Y summer camp, your child will have fun while building confidence and greater self-esteem.
• SAVE TIME! Easy online registration. • SAVE MONEY! Sibling discounts.
CAPITAL DISTRICT YMCA www.CDYMCA.org • 869.3500
BASEBALL LACROSSE SWIMMING BASKETBALL ROWING SOfTBALL SOCCER VOLLEyBALL fIELd HOCKEy Sports Camps for all ages. Register online! skidmore.edu/summer • 518.580.8061
INCREDIBLE THEMED SESSIONS FOR KIDS AGED 3-8 AFTERNOON ENRICHMENT CLASSES CHILDCARE PROGRAM AVAILABLE FROM 12PM—5PM
Music and Dance
Arts and Crafts
Sports and Outdoor Recreation
Science and Exploration
For more information visit www.siskids.org or call (518)-583-0841
n li toec W R DAY
JULY 1 AUGUST 15
CAMP
9 am - 3 pm
GR ESCAPEEATT RIP TH IS
See RegistraYEAR tio for detailsn Form
• Seven weeks – Entering grades 1-9 • On-site activities/crafts • Daily trips available • Swimming/Sports/Games • Resident and Non-resident rates
• Morning care 8:00 - 9:00 am • Extended afternoon care 3-5:30 pm • Busing available for residents
Registration March 17
June 1 3 • 51 8 .5 8 4.9455
through
FULL CAMP DETAILS AT WWW.TOWNOFWILTON.COM/GAVIN-PARK
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food
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
Beer Week Kickoff February 18 Olde Saratoga Brewing Company Crews from Olde Saratoga and Adirondack Breweries celebrate the kickoff event.
Max Oswald (Olde Saratoga) and Laura Stevens (Adirondack) .
Jeremy Cowan and Shelby Schneider of Shmaltz Brewing Company.
Experience “A Taste Of Ballston Spa” Ballston Spa Education Foundation Holds Annual Event
BALLSTON SPA – The Ballston Spa Education Foundation (BSEF) will hold its annual fundraiser, “A Taste of Ballston Spa” on Monday, March 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the HVCC TEC Smart Campus, 345 Hermes Road in Malta. Guests will be able to sample a variety of delicious offerings from some of the area›s most popular restaurants and food vendors. Already confirmed for this year are: • Sunset Café • LaBellas • Bear’s Cafe • Augie’s Family Style Italian Restaurant • Crystal Rock Beverages Another 8 to 10 establishments are expected to participate in the event. A cash bar, with wine and beer will be available. There will also be a raffle for gift baskets and other prizes. The BSEF›s signature event raises money for educational enrichment for all students in the Ballston Spa School District. Since its inception in 1996, the foundation has
awarded over $313,000 in grants for programs, projects, technology and classroom equipment, which enhances the learning experiences of students in grades K-12. Several displays from past grants recipients will be on exhibit at the event, including the Ballston Spa district›s highly successful Robotics team. The TEC Smart campus venue is the location for the district›s Clean Technologies & Sustainable Industries Early College High School program, which prepares students for college and careers in the science and technology field. Tickets for the event are $30 per person or $55 per couple and are available for pre-sale on the BSEF website, www.ballstonsp ae ducat ionfoundat ion. com, or checks can be mailed to BSEF “Taste of Ballston Spa”, P.O. Box 276, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Please indicate the names of those attending. Tickets will also be available at the door. For more information email info@ballstonspaeducationfoundation.com.
food
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
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Granny Omi Bread Baked In A Brick Oven
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The inviting browned crusts of freshbaked round loaves of bread, with their distinctive crisscross pattern, form a pleasing mosaic on the tables of Murray Hollow Bakers each Saturday at the Lincoln Baths. Located on the market’s second floor in the back room (a spot known for several culinary treasures – don’t miss it!), Nancy Rountree sells the bread baked by her husband, Doug, a professional chef who draws on more than 35 years of kitchen experience. “Baking bread is a second career for Doug,” explains his wife. “After more than three
decades in hotel kitchens, he wanted to work for himself and bake out of a brick oven. Our oven in the woods is really special: Doug built most of it just by reading library books. The bakehouse looks like it is two hundred years old, with stucco finish and all the post and beam construction. Doug cuts all his own wood using hand tools.” Located in Shushan (Washington County), Murray Hollow Bakers occasionally hosts a field trip at the bake house. “We’re up in the woods, northeast of Cambridge, very close to the Vermont border,” notes Nancy. “We sell a variety of naturally leavened, artisan, woodfired brick oven breads. Every other week we switch between a corn bread and an organic whole wheat bread, which is a new product.” In addition to Saratoga Farmers’ Market, where Murray Hollow Bakers is in its third season, the business sells to local coops, independent grocery stores and catering businesses. “Doug’s love of cooking and baking has been inspired by his parents, Joe and Jenny Rountree, and his grandmother, Granny Omi
Williams, who is credited on the labels of our Granny Omi Bread,” comments Nancy Rountree. When not producing and selling bread for the market, the couple pursues other community interests. Doug Rountree is a member of the Bread Bakers Guild, a trade group that supports the craft. Nancy Rountree is an independent artist, producing oil canvas still life paintings. She involves the artisan bread with her craft during the busy artistic happenings
Pork Chops With Rye Bread Stuffing *Ingredients are available at the market
Ingredients
6 pork loin chops*, one inch thick 2 Tbsp. butter 1 medium onion*, chopped 1 large clove garlic*, minced 1 ½ cups rye bread* crumbs ¾ tsp. salt ½ tsp. caraway seeds ¼ cup chopped parsley* 1 egg*, slightly beaten 3 Tbsp. water 1 cup stock or water 2 Tbsp. flour
Directions
• Make breadcrumbs by placing chunks of bread in food processor, by chopping with knife, or tearing by hand until fine. • Cut pockets in the pork chops. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. • In a skillet, heat the butter and sauté the onion and garlic for five minutes. Remove from heat. Combine with the breadcrumbs, salt, caraway, parsley, egg and three tablespoons water. Mix well. • Stuff the chops with the breadcrumb mixture, closing the openings with toothpicks. • Place the chops in a baking pan and season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Cover and bake 30 minutes. •Uncover and continue baking until brown and tender, about 30 minutes longer. Remove chops to a heated platter. •To make gravy, pour off fat from pan. Add stock to pan, place over heat and bring to a boil. Thicken with flour, mixed with a little water and stir over medium heat until gravy reaches desired thickness.
in Washington County during the summer months. Stop by the table of Murray Hollow Bakers for a sample of
Granny Omi’s bread this weekend. Save the last of your loaf for this recipe, provided by Nancy and Doug Rountree.
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Obituaries
Marilyn Yvonne Harris ALBANY — Marilyn Yvonne Harris, 55, passed unto God on February 6 at 12:30 p.m. at Albany Medical Center. Harris was born on August 27, 1958 in Saratoga Springs. After growing up, she moved to Florida in 1970. Marilyn continued her schooling in West Palm Beach. Marilyn’s now deceased mother, Eleanor Harris Colton, made a home for her family in West Palm Beach. Marilyn’s father, Joseph Francis, also deceased, would have been proud of his baby girl. She mothered four children:
John, Felicia, Michelle and Quentin Pinkley. Their father is currently a resident of Delray Beach, Florida After a period of time, Marilyn brought her family back to Saratoga where she raised them. Marilyn’s siblings loved her very much. They are Ronald Barksdale of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil), Veeto Harris of Albany, Joseph Carlton of West Palm Beach and Gary Barksdale, Diane Powell and Kim Harris ( all deceased). She finally found love in a gentleman named Robert Canady of Brooklyn.
Rene J. Potvin QUEENSBURY — Rene J. Potvin, 61, went into the loving arms of the Lord, Thursday, February 13 at the Albany Stratton V.A. Medical Center, after a long-term battle with M.S. Born October 17, 1952, in Glens Falls, he was the son of Lucien Potvin and the late Sharlotte (Morehouse) Potvin. Rene was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served his country during Vietnam. He was discharged with honors in 1977. He was very active for years in his Roman Catholic faith. His love for music and the rock n roll group The Beatles was simply
captivating. A very humorous, kind, generous and incredibly strong person, he could make the best out of the worst situation. Rene is survived by his father, Lucien Potvin of South Glens Falls; his daughter, Karrian Green, and her husband Josh of South Glens Falls; his son, Rene J. Potvin II, of Ormond Beach, Florida; his sister, Susan Rock of Ballston Spa; four grandchildren and a niece.
David Blatt
SARATOGA SPRINGS — David Blatt, 100, a resident of the Home of the Good Shepherd in Saratoga Springs, passed away Sunday morning February, 16. He was a veteran of World War II, having spent four years in the U.S. Army 47th Bomber Squadron, serving in the South Pacific. David spent his entire working career at Espey Mfg. & Electronics Corp., retiring as Manager of the Shipping Department 25 years ago.
A diehard New York Yankees fan, David saw the likes of Ruth and Gehrig in person. He really loved going to the races, both for Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds. David was born in Brooklyn on June 22, 1913 and was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Fanny Blatt; his brothers, Jack Blatt and Joseph Blatt; his sisters, Claire Braunstein, Pearl Weinberg, Freida Pinsley, Anne Potoker and Rose Falkenstein. Survivors include his sister, Goldie Brian of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, his nephew Howard Pinsley of Saratoga Springs, his great nephew Barry Potoker of Saratoga Springs and numerous other nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces.
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
William W. “Bill” Rosse SARATOGA SPRINGS — William W. “Bill” Rosse, 76, of Maplewood Manor in Ballston Spa, formerly of Stonequist Apartments, passed away February 3 at Saratoga Hospital. Born on November 13, 1937 in Saratoga Springs, he is a son of the late Frank Rosse and Helen L. Diehl. Bill attended Saratoga Springs schools and Pine Crest prep school in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where he was selected into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame, having participated in baseball, basketball, football and track. Bill proudly served in the U.S. Navy. He worked as a self-employed roofing and painting contractor in the Saratoga Springs area for over 40 years. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Ann (Shambo) Rosse, who died December 26, 2011, and one brother, Frank E. Rosse.
Survivors include his sister, Gloria Cosens of Slydell, Florida; his children, Robert (Razz), Brian (Grace), Maryann Fernandez, Kelly DeLecce and Suzanne (Robert) Bradley II; 13 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, a niece and several nephews and dear friends Michelle Deyette, and Gary Roddy. Graveside services with military honors will be held in the spring at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road.
Paul Francis Tommell
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Paul Francis Tommell, 67, of Saratoga Springs, passed away unexpectedly early Wednesday, February 5 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 17, 1946 in Albany, he was the son of the late Helen and John Tommell. He graduated from Colonie Central High School
where he met and later married his best friend and beloved wife of 44 years, Terri Carolyn (Berben) Tommell. Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, where he served in the Vietnam War, he established a respected land surveying company in Saratoga Springs. Paul was a strong supporter of the Saratoga community, his church and youth athletics. In addition to his wife, survivors include his daughter, Kristi (Byron) Kempf and their children Sean, Connor, Meghan and Kyra; and his son, Jason (Krista Allen) Tommell and their children Kyrek and Kiegan; and two sisters, Sandy Jackson and Jeanne Tommell, both of Oneonta.
Edward Francis Flinton GALWAY — Edward Francis Flinton, 86, passed away at Maplewood Manor in Ballston Spa. Son of Edward Joseph and Elizabeth (Hardter) Flinton of Saratoga Springs, Ed was born at Saratoga Hospital May 7, 1927. Raised in Ballston Spa and West Milton, he moved to Galway in 1965. One of the youngest Saratoga County residents to serve in World War II, Flinton enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944 at the age of 17. After completing boot camp at the U.S. Navy Training Center at Sampson, he served in combat aboard the USS Duluth in the Pacific Theater, where he earned the American Theater Medal, Victory Medal and Asiatic Pacific Medal with two Battle Stars. He was a member of VFW Post 358 in Ballston Spa. Following discharge from the Navy, in 1948 Flinton married the former Elise M. Bush of Ballston Spa, who passed away in April 2009. They were married
61 years and leave behind four sons and three daughter-in-laws, all residing in Saratoga County. Eldest to youngest, they include Michael (Pamela) and Patrick (Jeanine) of Galway, Daniel (Laurie) of Greenfield Center, and Timothy of Middle Grove. In addition to his four sons, he is survived by eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Flinton was predeceased by his elder sister Mary (McCarthy) of Ballston Spa and leaves seven surviving siblings. In order of age, they include Robert Flinton of Florida, Shirley (Cooper) of Saratoga Springs, Dorothy (Cramer) of Georgia, Rosemarie Flinton, Veronica (Ivers) and Ralph Flinton each of Saratoga Springs and John Flinton of Maryland.
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
Obituaries
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
Robert D. Brennan SARATOGA SPRINGS — Robert D. Brennan, 83, passed away on February 12, in the gentle care of Wesley Nursing Home. Survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan, and his daughter, DawnMarie (Jimmy) Helin, he has eight loving grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Bob was predeceased by his sons, Bob and Bill. A 10 year Navy reservist, Sinclair service station owner and stock car racer, Bob retired from Operating Engineers Local 106. Bob was an avid outdoorsman and sports fan but mostly a family man. His passion was racing No. 34 at
area speedways. Burial will be in the spring at the family’s convenience.
Richard A. Stover SARATOGA SPRINGS — Richard A. Stover, 78, passed away on Sunday, February 9 at Saratoga Hospital. Born on January 2, 1936, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Arthur and Dorothy Monroe Stover. Dick grew up in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania and graduated from Clarks Summit Abington High School, during which time he was active in both the Boy Scouts of America and in the Explorers, attaining the highest awards in each organization as both an Eagle Scout and a recipient of the Explorer Silver Award. He went on to Keystone Junior College for
two years and then graduated two years on from Penn State. Dick married Eileen Casey on June 25, 1960 in New York City and thus began a great and multichaptered love that came to a close in its corporal, but certainly not true sense, after 53 years. Summers found him in Saratoga with a lateblooming affection for the town’s horse racing as well as the concerts and culture that the area afforded. Survivors include his beloved wife of 53 years, Eileen of Saratoga Springs, and his son, Marshall, of Woodbury, Vermont. A memorial service is planned for the spring.
Mary Lawrence Phillips Murray
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mary Lawrence Phillips Murray, 93, formerly of Lawrence Street, died Wednesday, February 12 at Wesley Health Care Center. Mary was born on Christmas Day, 1920, the youngest of eight children to the late William A. and Rose M. Lawrence Phillips. She was the widow of John Reed Murray, whom she
married October 6, 1945. A graduate of Saratoga Springs High School’s class of 1937 and Skidmore College School of Nursing class of 1941 (Magna Cum Laude), she followed graduation as a Nursing Instructor during World War II at the Adelphi College School of Nursing. After marriage, she worked as a floor nurse at Saratoga Hospital and as a Public Health Nurse for Saratoga County. For 20 years, Mary was a school nurse/teacher at South Colonie Central High School, where she retired as a New York State Teacher of the Year in 1975. Survivors include her children, John Michael (Susanne), Dennis Neil (Margaret), Stephen James (Nicola) and Anne Louise Morse (Jeffrey); nine grandchildren, Sean Michael Murray, Meaghan Anne Murray, Michael Reed Morse, Sarah Susanne Murray, Jessica Alton Morse, Emily Rose Morse, Esther Reed Ramirez, Reed Arthur Murray and Anna Marielle Murray. To her many loving nieces and nephews, she is their beloved and great Aunt Mary. In addition to her parents and husband, she is predeceased by her seven siblings, John F. (Jack) Phillips, Walter J. Phillips, Paul J. Phillips, Helen “Honey” Phillips, Dorothy Phillips Carroll, William A. Phillips and Eugene E. Phillips.
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Cecily Charlotte Hendrickson GANSEVOORT — Cecily Charlotte Hendrickson, 84, passed away peacefully on February 11 at Saratoga Hospital. Cecily was born on August 11, 1929 in Brooklyn to the late Leo Weinberger and Bertha Konecky. She was predeceased in 2010 by her husband of 48 years, Keith Hendrickson; sister, Elsie; and first husband, Warren. Cecily was a graduate of Far Rockaway High School. She was the office manager for the Hendrickson Fuel Oil Co. of Oceanside and, upon moving to Saratoga, was the
receptionist for Myrtle St. OB/GYN until the age of 82. Cecily was a loving mother and is survived by her children: Lynn Cole and her husband, Osborn of Schuylerville; Dale and his wife, Theresa of East Hanover, New Jersey; Sandra Orzechowski of Saratoga; Cheryl Herb of Cohoes; Paul and his wife, MaryEllen of Clifton Park; Barry of Saratoga; and her best friend, Irene Lodise of Fort Pierce, Florida. She was also a proud and loving grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother.
Catherine Birdsall SARATOGA SPRINGS — Catherine Birdsall, 94, passed away Tuesday, February 11 at Wesley Health Care Center. Born on November 15, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Anton and Barbara Humsted. In addition to her parents, Catherine was predeceased
by her husband Howard D. Birdsall. Catherine is survived by her children, William and James of Ballston Spa, John of Saratoga Springs, Barbara of Matthews, North Carolina and Elizabeth of Watervliet; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Janet L. Gallup
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Janet L. Gallup, 73, passed away Sunday, February 16 at Saratoga Hospital after a short illness. Born on May 13, 1940 in Washington, D.C., she was
the daughter of the late Charles W. and Laura E. (Lee) Morgan. In addition to her parents, Janet was predeceased by her husband Raymond E. Gallup who passed away in 2001 and her sister, Charlotte Morgan. Survivors include her children, Tammy (Renald) Gagnon and Bonnie Gallup, both of Saratoga Springs, Bradley (Cindy) Gallup of Bolivia, North Carolina and Robert (Donna) Gallup, also of Saratoga Springs; eight grandchildren Bradley Goode, Ryan Goode, Renee Mendez, Chris Gallup, Madison Gallup, Ava Gallup, Molly Gagnon, Nicholas Gagnon; six great-grandchildren and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
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Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
week of 2/21-2/27 Darren Lyons Trio, 9 pm
Children At Play, 8:30 pm @ Irish Times - 583.0003
@ 9 Maple Avenue - 583.2582
Street Talk, 10:30 pm
@ Bailey’s - 583.6060
Andy Iorio, 6:30 pm Audio Stars, 9 pm
Steve Candlen, 9 pm Betsy + The Byegons, 9 pm @ Ravenswood - 371.8771
Just Nate, 9 pm @ Bentley’s - 899.4300
Beaucoup Blue, 8 pm
@ JP Bruno’s - 745.1180
@ Primelive Ultra Lounge - 583.4563
Banooba, 8 pm
@ Putnam Den - 584.8066
@ Caffè Lena - 583.0022
Mitch Frasier, 8 pm
@ Maestros - 580.0312
On Your Mark, 9 pm
Jeff Brisbin, 7 pm
@ Ravenswoood - 371.8771
Rick Bolton/Jeff Walton, 5 pm Garland Nelson, 9 pm
@ The Mill - 899.5253
@ Gaffney’s - 587.7359
Radio Junkies, 8:30 pm
Hair Of The Dog, 11 am @ The Parting Glass - 583.1916
@ Irish Times - 583.0003
Karaoke, 9 pm
@ JP Bruno’s - 745.1180
DJ Dread, 8 pm
Flak Jacket (5:30)/Funk Evolution, 10:30 pm
@ The Rusty Nail - 371.9875
Crossfire, 9 pm
@ Vapor - 792.8282
@ The Mill - 899.5253
George Giroux, 6:30 pm @ Primelive Ultra Lounge - 583.4563
Mixed Genre Friday Party, 9 pm @ Putnam Den - 584.8066
Dan Sherwin, 8:30 pm
sunday, 2/23: Freedy Johnston, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena - 583.0022
Live Jazz Brunch, 10 pm
@ The Rusty Nail - 371.9875
@ Primelive Ultra Lounge - 583.4563
@ Vapor - 792.8282
monday, 2/24:
New York Players, 8 pm
saturday, 2/22:
SPOTLIGHT
friday, 2/21:
Concert For Don + Victoria Armstrong, 7 pm
wednesday, 2/26: Jeff Walton, 7 pm @ Maestros - 580.0312
Acoustic Blues Jam, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena - 583.0022
Masters Of Nostalgia, 9 pm @ One Caroline - 587.2026
Celtic Session, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass - 583.1916
@ Caffè Lena - 583.0022
thursday, 2/27:
Todd Nelson’s TN3, 9 pm
Mark Davenport, 6:30 pm
Al Bruno, 8 pm
Big Boss Sausage, 9 pm
Chris Carey/Tim Wechgelaer, 7 pm
Open Mic, 8 pm
@ 9 Maple Avenue - 583.2582
@ Brook Tavern - 871.1473
@ Seven Horse Pub - 581.0777
@ One Caroline - 587.2026
@ Caffè Lena - 583.0022
@ Bentley’s - 899.4300
tuesday, 2/25:
@ Circus Cafe’ - Karaoke
Dirt Cheap, 10 pm
Rich Ortiz, 10 pm
@ Gaffney’s - 587.7359
@ Caroline St. Pub - 583.9400
@ Caroline St. Pub - 583.9400
Karen Savoca + Pete Heitzman, 11 pm
Open Mic w/Rick Bolton, 9 pm
@ Caffè Lena - 583.0022
@ Gaffney’s - 587.7359
Karaoke, 10 pm
Jeff Brisbin, 7 pm
@ Circus Cafe’ - 583.1106
@ Maestros - 580.0312
Acoustic Circus, 9 pm
Zach Deputy wsg Gubbildus, 9 pm
@ Bailey’s - 583.6060
The Band Awesome, 9 pm
@ Gaffney’s - 587.7359
@ Putnam Den - 584.8066
Open Mic, 8 pm Sirsy, 9 pm
Jeff Brisbin, 7 pm @ Crown Grill - 583.1105
Steve Candlen, 7 pm @ Maestros - 580.0312
Rich Ortiz, 6:30 pm
@ Primelive Ultra Lounge - 583.4563
Conspirator w/Digital Dharma, 9 pm @ Putnam Den - 584.8066
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
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After Beer; Dig Banooba Banooba Putnam Den Saturday, February 22 9:30 p.m.
by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS— Taking cues from all of their influences – including funk, jazz, reggae and rock – Banooba is the latest hybrid to successfully incorporate all of these elements into their own
signature sound. Having been compared to a range of bands, including Sublime, The Allman Brothers, Blind Melon, Incubus, Steely Dan and Average White Band, people’s description of their music varies depending on whom you ask. Guitarist Kevin Torres notes Banooba’s crossover appeal, stating:
“We just write the tunes and let them go whatever direction they want to go in. They’re all rock tunes with hints of these genres in them.” They return to Putnam Den this Saturday, February 22 for a free show which has been designated the official after-party for the Saratoga Beer Summit. Over the years, Banooba has become known for their high-energy live performance that is guaranteed to keep you moving all night long. No matter what type of music you are into, you are going to have a good time at a Banooba show. Banooba’s debut album, Banooba’s Travels, represents both the apex and beginning of a greater adventure than they could have ever predicted. At the time of its release, it was the culmination of a long road led by their founding member Kevin Kershko, Banooba’s original lead guitarist. In 2005, the band came to a screeching halt due to the untimely passing of Kershko. His death was
63a Putnam Street Saratoga Springs (518) 584 - 8066
Free Show / $5 if under 21 Groove / Rock banooba.net putnamden.com a shock to his band mates and many figured that it was also the end of Banooba. “I was personally about to hang up my guitar, quit music, and move to Hawaii,” says Torres. But the band agreed to play a Kershko memorial performance with long-time friend Dave Mackie sitting in on guitar. They immediately recognized that even without their musical brother and founder, Banooba’s heart lived on. Banooba came back strong and quickly began to gain popularity. They continued to tour clubs and colleges around the Northeast as well as the US Virgin Islands and Costa Rica. Next, Banooba
embarked on their first Midwest tour, after which they headed across the pond to the UK for a 20-date tour of England, Scotland and Wales. Upon their return, Banooba immediately reentered the studio. In their sophomore effort, the members of Banooba have pushed themselves to explore the many forms their music can take. Nomads and Bellowing Rooms depicts a more mature band that has strengthened its signature sound and expanded its musical range. Now armed with a new singer, this never-say-die band’s travels haven’t always been smooth, but Banooba’s spirit is stronger than ever and on the rise again.
Wait... Don’t Tell Me... Trivia Train Departs This Saturday SARATOGA SPRINGS – It’s time to test your knowledge of local trivia and history aboard The Saratoga & North Creek Railway, win great prizes and support the local economy! A specialty coach car event called “First Wilderness Heritage Corridor Trivia Train” will run on Saturday, February 22. The coach car will be on the 12:40 p.m. train departure from Saratoga Springs and wind its way along the Hudson River through Warren County. A fun “game show style” trivia program will be used to showcase the unique and noteworthy aspects and histories of the towns, villages and hamlets that comprise the region of the Upper Hudson River Valley. Several local farm producers will be showcased
including a variety of local Maple products. They will be offering free samples of their foods and products to passengers who have purchased the special ticket package. Assisting with the trivia game will be representatives from the First Wilderness Heritage Corridor. Prizes will be awarded for correct answers. Some prizes will be “SNC Corridor Bucks” which can be redeemed for purchases at participating North Creek businesses specifically on that day during the train layover in North Creek. There will be time for shopping in gift shops, antiquing, art exhibits, getting a bite to eat at one of several local restaurants or purchasing a ticket
to ride the Gore Mountain Gondola. Light refreshments and door prizes will round out the event. A cash bar and snack bar is also available on the train. It’s a way to spend the day “over the (Hudson) river and through the woods” of the Adirondack Park’s North Country while being comfortable and snug in a heated coach car. Passengers purchasing tickets will board the train at the Saratoga Springs Station at 12:40 p.m. and return at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $40 per adult, $25 per child/youth ages 3-18. An adult traveling with a child under 3 years old in arms is also $40. For tickets and more information visit SNCSnowtrain.com or call (877) 726-7245.
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Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
Hail Caesar! by Dr. Joel Goodman For Saratoga TODAY
Sid Caesar’s recent passing encouraged me to walk down Memory Lane— it was 20 years ago that we brought Sid to Saratoga Springs to honor him with the National Humor Treasure Award at The HUMOR Project’s international conference on “The Positive Power of Humor and Creativity.” Before the conference, I had the good fortune to interview Sid at his home in Beverly Hills for our LAUGHING MATTERS magazine. His connection with Saratoga Springs preceded his appearance at our 1992 conference — he remembered fondly his mother coming to our city for the healing waters… and he was pleased to visit the city renowned for
Health-History-Horses-Humor. Sid was one of television’s most important pioneers whose comedy is both universal and timeless — because he found his comedy in the human condition. Inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame, he won seven Emmy Awards for Your Show of Shows (1950-54) and Caesar’s Hour (1954-58). His repertoire of zany characters enthralled American audiences and inspired a new generation of comedians. Considered to be “the greatest comedy genius in America” at the time, Sid had an extraordinary gift for seeing the humor in the ordinary. We were delighted to have him share this gift at our 1992 conference. Here are some of Sid’s words of wit and wisdom from my interview with him:
“Laughter is an important part of life. It’s a law… like gravity. If you forget about laughter, a tremendous part of your life is gone. Why do people get well when they laugh… or laugh when they get well? Laughter turns the attitude around. Pain flows mainly from the veins of the brain. Everybody goes through the pains of life. There’s no shortcut. Life does not come with a menu— “I’ll take a splinter and an earache. And that’s it.” Laughter doesn’t cost anything— it’s free. You should look for it every day… even a little thing to make you chuckle or laugh at yourself. “Einstein has been my hero all my life. I discover the universe about three or four times a week. I was really touched that Einstein did know about me. Einstein’s colleague Oppenheimer told me, “Albert wanted to see you. He figured out the physical equation. He wanted to talk to you about the human equation.” Just the fact that he knew I was alive was enough for me. “My other heroes were Chaplin, W.C. Fields, Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy. I learned from them… the timing of Laurel and Hardy was incredible. In one film, Laurel was in a Veteran’s Hospital and Hardy came to see him. Laurel was sitting on a bench with his foot folded under him and wearing an overcoat. Hardy comes up and sees that he only has one leg. So he sits down next to Laurel, talks, and then asks him if he’d like some coffee. Then Hardy picks him up and carries him all the way to the cafeteria. They sit down and eat and then he carries him back. They sit down and then
Laurel stands up and walks away. It still makes me laugh today. “What a collection of talent in our Your Show of Shows! Show business has not seen the like of it before or since. Sitting in that room with me, tossing ideas around like paper airplanes were such geniuses as Neil Simon, Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Woody Allen and Larry Gelbart. Enormous creativity and fresh
humor constantly bubbled in that room. Working with a roomful of geniuses day after day was the most exhilarating time of my life. “Those writers’ meetings were wild affairs. The writers battled and screamed over nearly every sentence that went into every script. Chunks of plaster were knocked out of the walls; the draperies were ripped to shreds. Mel Brooks exasperated them all because he would sit around, coolly reading The Wall Street Journal, and then come in with the one punch line we all were searching for. Mel’s childhood nickname was Mibbie, so we had a Mibbie doll, which frequently was hanged in effigy. “Life is not a dress rehearsal— this is it… enjoy it… appreciate it. Life is very very precious.” Dr. Joel Goodman is the Founder and Director of The HUMOR Project, Inc. Visit The HUMOR Project’s Web site at www.HumorProject.com.
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
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Be Sure To Watch This Birdie! Bye Bye Birdie
by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Now, I may not have been the first to say this, but it bears repeating: “Nothing’s the matter with (these) kids today!” On a snowy afternoon I had the privilege of meeting some young adults from Saratoga Central Catholic’s Drama Troupe as they were working out the singing, blocking and dancing required to put on a trio of special performances next week of the beloved musical “Bye Bye Birdie,” which has been a smash since it’s Broadway debut in 1960. Joining in the roundtable were Anlyn Billington, who plays Mae Peterson – the overbearing mom to Michael Niles’ Albert Peterson; Morgan Ose, who as “Rosie” Alvarez is Albert’s long-suffering secretary/ girlfriend; Harry Reid, the Mayor of Sweet Apple, Ohio, an idyll town in 1958; Gabrielle Vuillaume, who as Kim McAfee will be the recipient of “One Last Kiss” bestowed upon her by the soon-to-be-army-inducted Elvis-derivative Conrad Birdie, played by Quillan Brady. Most of this group had acquired experience in several earlier theater presentations and the Troupe’s director, Ms. Pat Douglass, has schooled several of the cast
Quillan Brady and Gabrielle Vuillaume
Michael Niles and Morgan Ose
St. Peters Parish Center
64 Hamilton St., Saratoga Springs
Tickets: $10 Adults / $5 Children & Seniors Harry Reid and Anlyn Billington
members in previous productions. The cast took great effort to laud “Miss Pat’s” skillset. Harry’s comments are illustrative in that regard: “Because of her, I’m performing better,” he said. “She takes a different, relaxed approach.” Quillan and Michael each noted that Ms. Douglass’ vision of the play led to them studying the blocking (stage positions) of the cast as a whole, rather than just their own individual roles. This becomes important, not just to assume an understudy role in and emergency, but in a musical where 23 people fill 45 roles it helps to see and absorb
the big picture. Anlyn observed that the pride her director takes in making each of them the best they can be comes through to the entire cast, pointing out that “Miss Pat” took on the extra role of choreographer for “Bye Bye” when a mishap put the original on the shelf. Gabrielle, who is a notable singer and has already had several auditions for national commercials, also observed how “she picked the right show for this cast.” This is echoed by Morgan, who will be in her sixth production with Ms. Douglass and ninth theater role overall. When Morgan says, “the
Join The Film Forum For Oscar Night
Merry Monk’s The Place For Red Carpet Fun
SARATOGA SPRINGS— It’s not too early to make plans for Oscar Night on Sunday, March 2. For movielovers, the place to be is the Oscar Cocktail Party hosted by the Saratoga Film Forum at the Merry Monk Restaurant, which focuses on the most fun aspects of Oscar Night. Set from 6 to 8 p.m., this event will be packed with fun and yet still gets you home in time to see the top awards in the comfort of your own couch. The Merry Monk is at 84 Henry Street in downtown Saratoga Springs. Fair warning: don’t expect an average cocktail party. The Film Forum is encouraging guests to come dressed for the red carpet. Or perhaps as your favorite movie character. Or inspired by a favorite film. Either way, you are sure to be greeted by
SCC Drama Troupe Thursday, February 27 -7 p.m. Saturday, March 1 - 7 p.m. Sunday, March 2 - 2p.m.
paparazzi. Since American Hustle is a top Oscar contender this year, Tango Fusion Dance Company will be on hand to perform a “Hustle” demonstration and then provide a short lesson for interested guests. To further break the ice, event emcee Johnny Martinez will preside over contests about movie and Hollywood trivia, and guessing this year’s award winners, with fun prizes in all categories. For instance, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center has donated a package of ballet and orchestra premium seat tickets. Event sponsor The Clothes Horse (on Broadway) is donating 10 percent of their sales made between Sunday, February 23 and Sunday, March 2 with plenty of choices to “stride down that red rug.”
Tickets to the event are $50 per person, and include a free drink, appetizers, a dance demo and lesson and contests. An upgrade to VIP (for an additional $25) gets you a free premium drink, a swag bag and a dance with Johnny or Diane of Tango Fusion. You can purchase tickets at the Film Forum on movie nights (Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.), or buy tickets anytime at saratogafilmforum.org. Proceeds from the event will fund programs that the Film Forum puts on all year round, as well as the purchase of a digital projector. The Film Forum is the recipient of a 2014 NY State matching grant ($23,000) for the project, an important upgrade as the industry increasingly moves to digital.
show doesn’t take itself seriously” she makes sure to note that while the cast is having a blast, they are quite serious about making this the
best production possible. I believe. Which is why this one’s on my calendar, and should be on yours as well.
26
Ballston Spa Middle School Team Qualifies For Robotics Competition
Take a look at this week’s newest club members!
Vivien
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
Luke
Tooth Fairy Club is sponsored by:
Nicole M. Byrne, D.M.D Pediatric Dentistry 659 Saratoga Road Gansevoort, New York 12831 (518) 226-6010
Ben and Gail Picillo-Watrous October 13, 2013
BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa High School’s FIRST Robotics Team 3044 recently hosted a regional First LEGO League (FLL) 2013 Qualifying Tournament at the Ballston Spa High School. The district’s seven FLL teams competed with over 20 teams from schools throughout the region. This year’s challenge, Nature’s Fury, required the students to design a LEGO robot that can be programmed to operate independently on the competition table and accomplish several
weather related tasks. The teams were judged based on the robot’s performance, design, core values and a weather related project which they presented to judges. There were a total of five schools and organizations competing at the Junior FLL level and five at the Senior FLL level. The FTC team, System Overload, served as volunteers at the tournament. The Scottie Warriors team from Ballston Spa Middle School earned first place in Robot Performance, first place in Robot
Design, and finished in second place overall. They will now compete at the Hudson Valley FLL Championship Tournament at Dutchess Community College on Saturday, February 22. The team from Wood Road Elementary School, Motors in Action, received first place in Core Values. Additional results included the Project award going to S.M.A.R.T from St. Mary’s and the Champion of the Day going to Shen Super Storm, Gowana Middle School.
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
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SPORTS
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
Community Sports Bulletin Spa Catholic Makes A Statement With Round 1 Win
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Shooting 7-for-7 from the field with three three-pointers in the first half, Saratoga Central Catholic’s Luke Spicer helped set the tone for the Saints in Wednesday night’s Section II Class C first round rout over Hadley-Luzerne, 93-59. The No. 3 Saints (16-3) put full court pressure on No. 14 HadleyLuzerne (10-9) from the opening tip and didn’t hold back. Spa Catholic constantly forced turnovers and kept an up-pace game in transition, as Spicer finished with 19 in the first quarter and 23 for the game. The Saints offensive onslaught continued in the second half, outscoring the Eagles 35-15 in the third quarter and heading into the fourth with an 85-44 lead. Sophomore Evan Pescetti was a main reason for the 35-point quarter, pouring in a majority of his game high 25 for the Saints in the third. Spa Catholic keyed in on Eagles season-leading scorer Jesse DeMarsh, who ended with 20, throughout the game. The Saints’ Keegan Murphy and Ryan Czarnecki, who also hit three shots from beyond the arc, both finished in double digits with 11 points apiece. The Saints will now play No. 6 Rensselaer, who defeated No. 11 Berne-Knox to advance to the quarterfinal round, Saturday at 11 a.m. at Hudson Valley Community College. The Rams (13-6) were 10-6 in the Patroon Conference and were paced by Tyler Oliver’s 13.9 points per game this season.
Send your sports stories or briefs to Brian Cremo, Sports Editor at brian@saratoga publishing.com
Scotties Knocked Out By CBA For Second Straight Year
Photo By MarkBolles.com Scotties senior Andre Edgerton works down low in a February 11 game against Saratoga Springs. The big man averaged 12 points per game this season for a Ballston Spa squad that has set the bar higher for future Scotties teams to come.
Saints senior Luke Spicer drives to the bucket in Wednesday night’s Section II Class C first round win over Hadley-Luzerne. Photo by SportsThroughTheLens.com
Two Patroon teams have pulled off upsets thus far in the 2014 postseason. Hudson, a No. 15 seed in the Class B tournament, knocked off No. 3 Cohoes (ranked No. 12 in the state at the time) in the first round and No. 10 Maple Hill defeated No.
7 Duanseburg in a convincing 72-46 victory, Wednesday in Class C action. The winner of Saturday’s game will play the winner of No. 2 Lake George and Maple Hill next Wednesday, February 26, at the Civic Center.
Puzzle solutions from pg. 6
BALLSTON SPA — For the second year in a row, Ballston Spa was knocked out of the Section II Class AA tournament by Christian Brothers Academy. The No. 6 Scotties (118) trailed 18-11 after the first quarter and were never able to close the gap on the No. 3 Brothers (13-6), who advanced to play Guilderland, Saturday at Hudson Valley Community College. UAlbany bound senior Greig Stire and teammate Daniel Owens led the way for the Brothers with 20 points apiece. The game marks an end to the high school careers of big
man Andre Edgerton, who finished with a team-high 16, and Jeremy Mendrick. Mendrick and Edgerton are two of seven seniors, including Clifford Stevens and Andrew Gentile, who will be leaving. The group and coach John Lea helped turn the program around from one that was consistently below .500 to one that totaled eight wins in 201213 and 11 this season. Mendrick averaged 15.8 points per game and poured in 36 three-point field goals this season. His 2014 highlight may have come when he dropped a season-high 30 points in a 63-60 win over Shaker on February 7.
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
SPORTS
29
Local Figure Skaters Shine In Empire Games by Brian Cremo Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Amanda Shelburne has coached figure skating for 40 years, but 2014 marks the most students she has had medal at the Empire State Winter Games. On the weekend of February 7-9, seven of her skaters claimed a total of 10 medals in a variety of disciplines. Among those skaters were Saratoga Springs seniors Francesca Mastrianni and Liz Bouyea. While Bouyea claimed silver in Pre-Silver Dance, Mastrianni took home two golds (International Dance and Gold Dance) and a bronze (Senior Ladies). “It’s fun to watch them grow,” said Shelburne, who has coached Mastrianni since she was 4 years old. “Skating teaches you a lot of different things. It teaches you to goal set, it teaches you to time manage and it’s hard work. Life isn’t handed to you. You have to work hard for it.” Mastrianni will continue skating for the collegiate team at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. “[Francesca] probably has a story within a story because she may be the only female quadruple gold medalist in the capital region,” said Shelburne of the skater who has snagged gold in four out of five possible disciplines throughout her career. “There’s probably several triple, but the fact that she’s got the other one is kind of unique. Most can get three, but that fourth is tough.” Skating at the senior level, Mastrianni is up against Olympic competition. Proud of all her skaters, Shelburne was particularly impressed with the hard-working Bouyea. “Liz is very quiet and shy,” said Shelburne. “I think she came out of her shell a lot. Her goal at Empire’s this year was really to express herself because dance is all about the girl selling the dance and whatever they’re doing and she’s learned to do that.” Eighth grader Claire Aibel was the other competitor to take home gold. She medaled in Pre-Juvenile Ladies. In addition to Mastrianni, Aibel and Bouyea, Carly Brox earned silver in Preliminary Ladies, junior Karissa Becker won bronze for Intermediate
Ladies, Seventh grader Emma Nicholson skated to two bronze medals (Pre-Silver Dance, PreJuvenile Ladies) and sophomore Jennifer Knotek took bronze for Pre-Juvenile Ladies. “They’ve been together skating in the rink for a while and they really enjoy each other when they’re away at competitions,” Shelburne said. After taking two years off, Knotek, made a statement in her bronze performance. “Coming back to Empire’s as my first competition was pretty intense,” said Knotek. “I didn’t even think I’d place. I just went out there and skated my heart out. It was amazing.” “Every year Empire’s is always a lot of fun,” added Becker, who has been skating since she was 5 years old. “This year I was really nervous because I had bigger jumps than last year. I just went out there and forgot about them. Just kind of let everything go and smiled and had fun. It was very rewarding to get third place.” One of the younger girls, Schuylerville seventh grader Jennifer Steele, competed in her second Empire Games. “I was really nervous because I had a lot of new jumps in my program, but when you go to a competition like the Empire’s, it’s easy to get nervous.” All of the skaters take lessons under Shelburne and are in local area high schools or middle schools, except Brox, who is from Toronto and resides in Lake Placid. Most represent either the Lake Placid Skating Club, Saratoga Springs FSC or Uncle Sam Figure Skating. A majority of the skaters, who practice with Shelburne throughout each week at the Weibel Ave Rink and the Clifton Park Ice Arena, will be competing at the end of March at the RPI Houston Field House in Troy for the 31st Annual Garren Invitational Figure Skating Competition, which is put on by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club. “[Empire Games] was a very good competition,” Shelburne said. “All of them did really well and I’m proud of them. If they do their job and skate well, that’s what their job is. It’s the judges’ job to judge them and it’s my job to make sure they’re ready. Hopefully, if you do your job, they’ll come away satisfied. It’s a short amount of time and you’re hoping they’re ready mentally. They had a great time and they were positive until the end.”
(l-r) Carly Brox, Karissa Becker, Liz Bouyea, Jennifer Knotek, Emma Nicholson, Allie Murray and Claire Aibel stand in Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, during the Empire State Winter Games. Kneeling in the front row is Francesca Mastrianni. Not pictured is Jennifer Steele, who also competed in the event.
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SPORTS
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
Shaun White Is Not A Rotten Tomato
by Damian Fantauzzi for Saratoga TODAY On February 11, the Washington Post had an article entitled “Shaun White, Olympic moments, and mettle without a color.” Staff writer Mike Wise wrote about the famed American Olympic gold medal winner in snowboarding, his two previous Olympics, and how he has failed in Sochi to continue his quest for a third medal in the men’s half-pipe. As most of you know, the 27-yearold White was fondly called the Flying Tomato because of his long, thick, fiery red hair which he has now cut, giving him a boyish and preppy look. In his early years, White always seemed to have an upbeat demeanor about who he was and what he did, but now he shows the maturity expected from most men his age. Shaun has had some negative press lately, pointing at him as if he has become snobbish. It’s a “thing” that can happen to athletes and celebrities when suddenly they are catapulted
into the limelight. Mike Wise originally was on the attack mode, as he had planned to bring into the open what he felt about the Olympic star because he thought that maybe the Flying Tomato might think of himself as being bigger than life. He thought he would make Shaun White look like a bad boy to the fans. Wise said, “I had heard Shaun White had become too big for his snowboard bindings. He wasn’t the cool kid we once called the Flying Tomato anymore, a thatch of reddish-orange hair rising 2 feet off a wall of ice.” He went on to say, “No, he was now the Descending Diva— S.W.E., Shaun White Enterprises, the $15-mil-per-year action sports icon— the world’s richest, most famous and now isolated extreme star. He needed to be put back in place, I thought. He needed to remember the, well, dudeliness that got him here. Then the story forked.” Wise’s original intent was to deceive, but instead he refuted the tale with a story of reversal, from contempt to one of admiration. Mr. Wise mentions some of Shaun White’s medical history as a young child survivor of two openheart surgeries, which puts him in what is known as the “Zipper Club,” a hypothetical club of children whose chests have been surgically cut open. In addition to his family’s history, Shaun’s sister underwent 19 brain surgeries as a child. Also, White gives 8 percent of his $15 million a year to the St. Jude’s children’s fund.
While waiting for Shaun’s snowboarding event to kick off, Mike Wise met two young fans of White’s. One, 10-year old Ben Hughes from St. Louis whose cancer, lymphoblastic leukemia, is in remission. The other, an older teenaged girl, Kaitlyn Lyles from Florida with a rare form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma, which also in remission. Turns out Ben and Kaitlyn were there because of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Both were inspired by Shaun White’s performances from the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and his love and drive to compete in the sport. Kaitlyn playfully vowed not to leave Sochi before she was Mrs. Shawn White! In Wise’s article, he mentions that the original plan of the International Olympic Committee was that no one could come in contact with the athletes, except the media, and he was going to change that by picking up Ben and putting him over the fence separating the fans from the competitors. In the end, he didn’t have to. Wise points out that after Shaun spoke with the television media and was on his way to talk to the sports journalists, he came over to Ben and Kaitlyn to give high fives with a little hugging. Wise was overwhelmed and impressed with White’s recognition of his two fans. He watched the people around the area, who were very aware of what was going on, including the young fans’ parents. Wise said that there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. Later, after his less-than successful run and loss of podium bid, White
said, “For me to be remembered in this sport, I don’t know if tonight makes or breaks my place in the sport. I would like to be remembered as more than a snowboarder. This is one big part of who I am, but it’s not all who I am.” There may just be a moral moment to this tale. “Never be too sure of where you’re going because you might just end up someplace else, crying on mountaintop with a mother whose child’s cancer is thankfully in remission, with a rich and famous action sports star who delivered the Olympic moment of his life on the day he failed
to win a medal,” Wise said. I have always given people the benefit of the doubt. In general, my feeling has been that there is more to people than what we see on the outside. And, generally speaking, most first impressions can be wrong and misunderstood. White may not have won a coveted gold medal home, as he had envisioned himself doing, but he showed a lot of mettle as he walked away from a disappointing run and stopped to chat and recognize two young fans that had their Olympic dream come true at Sochi.
Saratoga TODAY's Star Athletes Noah Arciero
Photo by SportsThroughTheLens.com
Saratoga Springs • Senior • Guard Noah Arciero provided another stellar game with a 30-point 10-rebound performance against Schenectady. The senior’s double-double helped propel No. 5 Saratoga Springs to an upset over the No. 4 Patriots in the Section II Class AA tournament, Tuesday. The dynamic scorer shot 13-of-16 from the charity stripe and knocked down one three-pointer en route to his fourth 30-point performance of the season, as the Blue Streaks posted their highest point total of the season (76) when it mattered most. The sectional-win performance was the second straight game Arciero has posted 30 and 10 numbers (34 points, 10 rebounds against Ballston Spa on February 11). Arciero will have to do more of the same for the Blue Streaks to upset No. 1 Shenendehowa on Saturday.
Angela Botiba
Skidmore • Junior • Forward Angela Botiba’s 12 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks helped Skidmore end a two-game losing streak, last Saturday against Bard College in a 62-50 win. Heading into the final two games of the regular season this weekend, the 6-foot Cameroon native is averaging a doubledouble (13 PPG, 10.7 RPG). Although she has averaged 4.7 turnovers in her last three games, Botiba has been a beast on the boards, averaging 14.7 a game during that stretch to go along with 17 points per contest. The Thoroughbreds look to wrap up a four-game road span with a win at Union College tonight before the regular season finishes at home, Saturday at 2 p.m. against RIT. Photo by SportsThroughTheLens.com
Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
SPORTS
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Blue Streaks, Cadets Battle For Finals Appearance by Brian Cremo Saratoga TODAY
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Blue Streaks are one win away from yet another berth in the Section II Division I Finals. To do that, No. 2 Saratoga Springs (13-5-3) will have to get through No. 3 La Salle (14-7) and a forward who scored five goals against them in two games—Chris Hunt. Hunt, a junior, is tied for third in Section II goal scoring behind Bethlehem’s Chris Caswell (20) and Shaker/Colonie’s Kevin Egan (19). “That’s the key to stopping that team is stopping him,” said Blue Streaks head coach Dave Torres about Hunt. “He’s a major part of their offense and if we stop him we should be OK.” After Saratoga Springs suffered back-to-back losses against Suffern and Pelham, Hunt found the back of the net three times at the Weibel Ave Rink on January 22. The Streaks gave up six goals that game—tied for the most they have
given up all season. “Danny Hobbs wasn’t really into the game,” said Torres of his starting goaltender. “He had a mental lapse and I had to pull him.” Saratoga Springs went on to use three goalies that night. But the regular-season matchup was a tale of two games, as Saratoga Springs went to La Salle two weeks later and won 5-3. “I’m looking for a good battle Friday night against these guys,” said Torres, who plans to utilize his team’s speed, put constant pressure on La Salle’s defense and sustain the Blue Streaks forecheck as they try to contain Hunt. As for Wednesday’s 1-0 quarterfinal victory over No. 7 CBA, Torres said the game could have easily been 5-0 or 4-0 if not for the play of Brothers’ goalie Kyle Stockman, who had 27 saves in the game. “We knew we were going to run into a hot goaltender, which we did,” Torres said. “Kyle Stockman certainly kept his team in the game. We put a lot of shots on him, put pressure on him early but couldn’t get passed him.”
Saratoga Springs junior forward Jack Rittenhouse’s shot is saved by CBA goalie Kyle Stockman, during the Blue Streaks 1-0 win on Wednesday to advance to today’s semifinals against La Salle. Photo by MarkBolles.com
In the second period, Saratoga Springs’ Jake Fauler helped set up the game’s lone goal when he was able to maneuver down the right side, beat his man and feed JT Rafferty to the left for a score. “It was all defense from there,” Torres said. “Dan Hobbs came up big for us.” There were no mental lapses for
Hobbs against CBA, as he ended the shutout with 18 saves. Although the quarterfinal against CBA was close, Torres said he does not care about the score as long as it is in the Blue Streaks’ favor at the end. “At this point, it doesn’t matter if it’s 1-0 or 10-0,” Torres said. “We’re moving on to the semifinals, which is big and we’re happy with the team effort.
We grinded it out. It could have went either way and it went our way. The hockey gods were with us.” The Streaks and the Cadets face off at 6:45 p.m. tonight at the Weibel Ave Rink. The winner will play either No. 1 Shenendehowa or No. 4 Niskayuna/ Schenectady in the championship game at Union College on Tuesday, February 25. The finals are set to start at 7:15 p.m.
Council—Shenendehowa. The Plainsmen have given Saratoga Springs more trouble than any other squad this season, losing both regular season meetings by 32. They have also been the only team to hold Arciero to single digits, and they did it twice (seven points on December 13, nine points on February 4). Having four players who have scored over 200 points this season, led by sophomore Kevin Huerter’s 14.5 points per game, doesn’t hurt either. “We need to look to get stops and get out in transition,” Usher said. “We
need other guys to be aggressive and hit shots. If they can focus their entire defense on Noah, it’s going to make it tough to get him going.” The Blue Streaks will play their second straight playoff game against a 3-2 defense, although Usher noted Schenectady’s 3-2 is much different than that of Shen’s. The length, athleticism and balanced scoring of No. 1 Shenendehowa (17-2) attributed to the team’s 13-game winning streak and 18 victories in the last 19 contests. Hoping to break the 40-point
barrier for the first time this season against Shen, Usher is optimistic. “Right now jour guys are confident and happy with the way they’re playing,” Usher said. “Obviously it’s nice to get on a roll this time of year. We know Shenendehowa’s a great team. We’ve seen them twice. They have guys who can make shots and they do a nice job in that zone.” The third meeting between the two teams is set for 7:45 p.m. on Saturday at Hudson Valley Community College.
No. 1 Seeded Plainsmen Stand In Streaks Way Of Semifinals continued from pg. 32.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Blue Streaks picked a good time to drop their highest point total of the season. Tuesdays Section II Class AA tournament 76-65 win over Schenectady ended Saratoga Springs’ drought of not winning a postseason game since 2007. “It’s great for the guys to get a playoff win and we feel good about the place they put themselves in after their season,” Blue Streaks first year head coach Matt Usher said. “It’s really exciting to get a ‘W’ at this time of year.” The Streaks (12-7) were once again led by senior scorer Noah Arciero, who had a game high 30 points to go along with 10 boards. But it was key contributions from junior point guard Christopher Byno (14 points, seven assists, five steals), senior center Jesse Alexander (12 points) and bench scoring from Zachary Kircher and Liam Stewart that helped open the inside up for the versatile Arciero, said Usher. “The guys shared the ball very well,” Usher said about his team’s 19 assists. “We did a nice job making the extra pass when the opportunity was there. We need to be balanced on the offensive end. Noah is our most talented scorer and he’s going to need to put up some points for us to do well, but or other players need to be able
to hit shots and have the confidence when they have a look to knock it down and make it count.” Arciero also shot 13-of-16 from the free throw line—a consistent presence the Blue Streaks want to stabilize in the near future. “Noah was huge,” Usher said. “He’s really doing a great job for us inside. He’s looking to go in and draw attention down there. When they start collapsing, he’s unselfish enough where he’s going to kick out to shooters.” As a team, the Blue Streaks shot 22-of-29 from the charity stripe. Saratoga Springs controlled the entire game against the Patriots (11-8), holding them to just nine points in the third quarter at the Pat Riley Sports Center. Schenectady, a young team led by eighth grader Tobias Holmes, handed CBA a loss and also gave Class A Scotia-Glenville its closest game of the season. However, the Blue Streaks were able to dictate the game’s tempo and limit the Patriots up-and-down game. “I thought our guys did a very nice job executing our game plan as far as limiting their layups in transition and taking care of the ball, trying to limit turnovers,” Usher said. “It’s one of our best games and we’re clicking at the right time.” The Blue Streaks now get a third chance to take down the most dominant team in the Suburban
Volume 9 • Issue 6
See Hockey pg. 31
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Week of February 21 – February 27, 2014
SPORTS
See Figure Skating pg. 29
Arciero, Streaks Earn Third Shot At Shen
Saratoga Springs upset Schenectady, 76-65, to advance to Saturday night’s Section II Class AA quarterfinal game against Shenendehowa at Hudson Valley Community College. Photo by SportsThroughTheLens.com See Basketball pg. 31