December 2015 by Cheryll Hill

COMPLIMENTARY December 2015

YOUR

300 SARATOGA ROAD (next to price chopper)

MON to SAT 9 – 9 • SUN 12 – 6

’Tis the Season to Celebrate!

Champagne, Specials, Eggnog Gift Sets... and more!

DECEMBER SALE To show our appreciation to our customers...

DECEMBER 8•15•22•29

TERRIFIC

TUESDAYS

we will deduct the amount equal to the sales tax from all purchases!

15% OFF

yht1215

ANY WINE PURCHASE WITH THIS COUPON

The staff at Personal Wine Cellar would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday!

OPEN TIL 6 pm on CHRISTMAS EVE and TIL 9 pm both NEW YEARS EVE & NEW YEARS DAY

personalwinecellarglenville.com 518-399-WINE (9463) st. . . e g ig B e est! B h e Not th t s t u

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Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 10am-5pm • Thurs 10am-8pm • Sun 12pm-5pm 425 Consaul Road, Schenectady • 370-2468 www.kuglersredbarn.com

yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

Gift Card Special! Purchase

Gift $ Card and Receive

Gift Card

FREE

Purchase

Gift Card and Receive

15 Gift Card

FREE

Purchase

100Gift Card and Receive $ 25Gift Card $

FREE

yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

foils

color special

(Up to 7 foils)

(retouch only • cut extra)

$ 00 HAIR STUDIO ONE With this coupon. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 01-05-16.

men’s cuts

(shampoo and blow dry extra)

3795

HAIR STUDIO ONE 214-8183

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 01-05-16.

tanning special 10 visits for

2995

HAIR STUDIO ONE

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 01-05-16.

214-8183

women’s cuts waxing special

1795

(shampoo and blow dry extra)

2off

HAIR STUDIO ONE

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 01-05-16.

214-8183

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Whether you’re buying or selling, this is the sign of your future with Olde Orchard Real Estate

Locally owned. Valuable local knowledge Margaret Phillips, CBR Broker/Owner Olde Orchard Real Estate Licensed Real Estate Broker

4 William St Ballston Lake, NY 12019

518-399-2100 office • 518-701-1657 cell

“With Olde Orchard, you have friends in the business” Locally Owned • Local Agents • Area Expertise • Global Innovation

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www.oldeorchardrealestate.com

yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

CUT & COLOR

INCLUDES WASH & STYLE

•Not Valid With Any Other Promotions • Full Service Only With This Coupon •One Coupon Per Person Glenville Salon Only • Expires 01/08/16

See Store for details!

$ 00 OFF

Certificates E-CLUB

WOMENS CUT

Prices vary with length of hair

G I F T

JOIN THE

MENS CUT

SENIOR CUT

INCLUDES WASH & STYLE

•Not Valid With Any Other Promotions • Full Service Only With This Coupon •One Coupon Per Person

•Not Valid With Any Other Promotions • Full Service Only With This Coupon •One Coupon Per Person Glenville Salon Only • Expires 01/08/16

Glenville Salon Only • Expires 01/08/16

GLENVILLE • 272 Saratoga Road • 518-399-1341

www.fantasticsams.com • Open 7 Days A Week Mon-Fri 9-8, Sun 10-3

Authentic THAI & SUSHI

We have Gift Certificates for the Holidays!

THAI & SUSHI 1103 Ellsworth Blvd. • Malta, NY 788-8898 • www.buathaisushi.com

$ OFF

OFF

any purchase

of $20 or more

of $50 or more

Bua Thai Sushi 1103 Ellsworth Blvd. • Malta, NY • 788-8898

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or other purchases. Offer expires 1/31/16

Enjoy this Holiday Season with us and dine in, order take-out or inquire about our catering.

LUNCH SPECIAL

order of Sautée/Rice $ OFF Any and Noodle or Thai Curry. Bua Thai Sushi 1103 Ellsworth Blvd. • Malta, NY • 788-8898

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or other purchases. Offer expires 1/31/16

yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

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yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

We have Many Tasting Events in December! !!!!!!!

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yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

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The Nicest People We Know,We Met by Accident

Call Jim Welcome (518) 399-9188

WE WORK ON ALL MAKES & MODELS FREE WRITTEN ESTIMATES • CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS ON SITE RENTALS • DAILY PHOTO UPDATES

$100 OFF

Any Repair Over $1500

872 Saratoga Rd (Rt 50) (518) 399-9188

Must present coupon at time of estimate 8

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Welcome to the future... In collision repair service of tomorrow... Here for you today. yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

Relax with Bobby Van Detta Sundays 5-8pm

399-9951

745 Charlton Road, Charlton

www.charltontavern.com

Tavern will be Closed Dec 25, Dec 28, Jan 1st, Reopen Jan 2 Social networking at the Tavern couldn’t be easier with WIFI

Handcrafted Berry Holiday Wreaths and Mantle Trimmings Cozy Rooms full of American Made Sofas, Chairs & Wood Furniture Country-Style Curtains & Rugs, Woven Table Linens Lamps, Lighting, Shades...

All at Amazing Prices!

745 Charlton Road, Charlton Holiday Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11-5pm • Sunday -12-4pm

yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

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A message from With the end of 2015 nearing I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my journey to this age, and I’m happy to say that, compared with the younger me, I’m much more at peace with myself, content with my life, confident of what I want and sure of how to get there. Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny. Mahatma Gandhi Thoughts and words- I have always been good at expressing gratitude but I have learned that sometimes gratitude can be misplaced. That’s OK. It’s part of life’s journey. Knowing this has given me the opportunity to focus on my recent successes, fashion new goals and appreciate the amazing people in my life. Values and actions – Let me tell you about my best friend. I have been told over and over how lucky I am to have Sue Aho; my best friend from childhood, still be my best friend 50 years later. I agree we are both lucky to still be on the planet; the friendship however, is a work in progress for both of us. We get crabby, we get sad, we laugh, we cry, and then we buy shoes. My life is an endless blur of stressful deadlines. Sue’s life is no less stressful in its own way. BUT actions speak louder than words. When she calls, I stop what I am doing and answer the phone. On her way to work each day she calls me, I know exactly how she orders her coffee at Dunkin Donuts drive thru. I have also been known to say- if someone’s not dying I can’t talk, but I always answer the phone. I value her friendship enough to do what it takes to keep it. We have a circle of friends in common from our younger years that we cherish deeply. I have earned new(er) friends too. I say earned because that is what it takes to be true friends. Janet, Margaret, Kris, Laurie. We share the same core values. A true friend can be completely aggravated with you and still do something for you that you need. Destiny – I can honestly say my destiny is completely in line with all of my beliefs, actions and values. My life has come full circle. Valuing my friendships has given me the best that life can offer. The circle of friends Sue and I share gave

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me the opportunity to rediscover a friendship with a man that has transcended time. I say friendship because that is what it always was. As teenagers we barely gave each other the time of day. As younger adults we shared our circle of friends and occasionally crossed paths at celebrations. Now, at the end of 2015 I hope that we give each other a lot of time in 2016. You want to know his name don’t you? Ken. My friend since 1975’ish. Ken has made me smile again. We share kind thoughts, caring words, thoughtful actions, core values and a circle of friends that has stayed together for decades. We are a work in progress. May you have a peaceful and joyful holiday season and a Merry Christmas, Cheryll

About the Cover This may very well be one of the last winter shots of the George H. Shorey Artist Studio on Lakehill Rd. The photo was captured last year by Richard Lannon during our record snow year. Always thinkin’ Rich went to the cottage to seize the moment of “beautiful perfection with a touch of sadness”. There is a complete story inside this edition about the cottage and it’s history. The cottage is one of our oldest landmarks in Your Hometowne. Preservation is likely out of reach but photos do preserve history. Rich has a myriad of images from our area, from Buttermilk Falls to the first flower of spring. I appreciate his devotion to preserving our moments in time. Rich displays his work at The Pig N’ Whistle, so if you would like to see more stop down and have dinner and take in the scenery.

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas. ~Peg Bracken

Comments and Input - Cheryll yourhometowne@gmail.com or 265.1105 yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

Your Holiday Survival Strategy There’s no denying that the holidays have arrived. Lights have been strung, gifts are being wrapped and holiday treats are everywhere. It’s no secret that most people gain 5 to 10 pounds over the next month. With all the parties, special meals and edible gifts, weight gain is pretty much inevitable...right? Not so fast. I’ve come up with a survival strategy to keep holiday pounds from making a permanent home on your hips. This strategy is very simple. I’m not expecting you to have the time to log all your calories or eat every meal at home. We are going to be realistic... Golden Tip to Avoid Holiday Pounds: Spend the next 4 weeks eating like a caveman, with 2 daily exceptions. Here’s why: Holiday pounds are caused by eating too many foods that are high in carbohydrates and simple sugars. You can avoid all that by sticking with an eating plan created by our pre-historic ancestors, while still keeping things fun by allowing for 2 small daily exceptions. This is what you would eat... As many fresh and fiber-filled vegetables as you want. • Load up on salads. • Enjoy vegetable side dishes. • Just no starchy vegetables like potato or corn.

Lots of lean, protein-filled meats and eggs. • Stick with meat that has been roasted, barbequed, or baked. • Avoid fried meats and eggs. Fruits, nuts and seeds in moderation • Fresh fruit for a delicious dessert. • A handful of nuts or seeds for a snack. • Don’t eat sugar-added fruits, nuts or seeds. Then enjoy 2 small exceptions... • Bread or grain product: No larger than the size of your hand. • Starchy vegetables: Half of a cup. • Baked goods: Should fit into the palm of your hand. • Candies or confections: The smaller the better. • Holiday drinks: 8 ounces. This plan works because it allows you to indulge in 2 exceptions each day. This encourages you to pick and choose the holiday cheat food that you really love, as opposed to feeling obligated to eat everything in sight. When you navigate the buffet line at your next holiday party, feel confident knowing that you have a game plan. Stick with salad, vegetables and meats first, then pick out your 2 small exceptions and savor those. Remember, I’m here to help you meet your fitness and weight loss goals. Call or email today to get started on a fitness program that will turn your holiday weight gain into a holiday slim down. Call 424-7878 or email gina@precisefitnessandtraining.com Get started today with a free consultation. yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

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Decorating Tips from The Speckled Hen

Join us!

Open House November 27, 28 & 29

Since September of 2012, each month I’ve shared ‘Decorating Tips from The Speckled Hen’. Over the last 4 years I’ve introduced you to numerous projects and products. I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know The Speckled Hen and my suggestions of fun ways to decorate your home. I am extremely grateful to have had this opportunity – a huge THANK YOU to Your Hometown! While this month’s article will be my last, The Speckled Hen continues to grow and is here to help with decorating tips and inspiration. As many of you know, I spent 2011 transforming my home into a storefront, and in March 2012 I opened the doors to “The Speckled Hen”! Since then, I’ve welcomed many of you into my store and have truly enjoyed getting to know you. I can’t believe March will be the start of my 5th year in business! It has been better than I could’ve ever imagined. Thank you all for your kind words and support! I hope you have a great holiday! There is no greater gift this season than spending time with family, so treasure the time with your loved ones. One final plug before I sign off: I am helping Ainsley’s Angels by raising money for a new jogging chariot. I will match all donations up to $1,000 made through the holiday season – please donate! I want to get them a chariot! Wishing you all a joyous holiday and peace for our county, -Maureen

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yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

Sight is a Precious Gift Think about all the things you’re doing today. How many of those things are dependent on your eyesight? As opticians, we have the unique privilege of helping others see clearer, sometimes for the first time. Every optician has a story of a child who was fit with their first pair of glasses and who for the first time can see clearly. And we don’t need to ask “can you see”? We KNOW they can because their face lights up with a huge smile. For the first time they are seeing the world with clarity, fine edges, not as a blur. As opticians we also have the difficult task of explaining to some that their vision isn’t as good as it used to be, and there is nothing we can do to make it better. Whether it is due to disease, age or injury there is no easy way to explain to a person that their vision is failing them. We live in a world where there is so much to see. It is easy to take our vision for granted, to take the everyday things we see for granted. But in the blink of an eye, your perception can change. Our lives tend to become a blur as we get busy with work and family and life in general. Look around you and what do you see? Your children growing, your parents aging, the beauty of natures changing seasons, an act of kindness, and sadly yes acts of terror. During this busy holiday season take time to appreciate the beauty around you and the people in your life who make life beautiful.

Roses are reddish Violets are bluish If it weren’t for Christmas We’d all be Jewish. ~Benny Hill

We appreciate that you allow us to be your lifelong partner in seeing this world with the best vision possible. We are grateful for the honor and opportunity to serve you, and your family, neighbors and friends. We would like to wish you all a peaceful holiday season and a happy and healthy new year! For more information contact Kristen Cameron, Burnt Hills Optical, 793 Rt. 50 Burnt Hills, 399-6130 or visit www.burnthillsoptical.com

yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

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Safty Tips for Your Kids If your child is surfing the Web, you need to be paddling right alongside him — or at least observing him carefully from the shore. While the Internet offers goodies galore (educational materials, fun games, and connections with people all over the world), it can also pose risks to your child’s physical safety and emotional well-being. Here’s what is appealing — and what’s dangerous — about several popular ways kids use the Internet, along with suggested rules to keeping kids safe online. The bottom line: Communicate with your child. Discuss what she’s doing online and why. Set rules, and talk about them. Then keep talking, since your child can earn more rights and responsibilities as she grows. If she feels comfortable with these conversations, she will be more likely to let you know when she runs into an online bully or stumbles upon inappropriate content. While keeping kids safe, be a role model with your own Internet habits, since your child is likely to emulate your behavior.

Safety Standards: These basic rules apply to keeping kids safe online; visit Commonsense. com for age-by-age tips. • Limit usage. Permit your child have free online time for, say, 30 minutes right after school to instant-message friends, play games, or

“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.” ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder 14

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visit social networking sites, but make it a rule that family time starts with dinner. After that the computer is used for homework and it’s an IM-free zone. • Keep kids in sight. Have the computer centrally located. Your child is less likely to browse questionable content if she knows Mom or Dad (or her brother or sister) might walk by at any second. This helps you monitor time spent online, chosen activities, and resultant behavior. • Do your homework. Check his browser history to know where your child goes online, and check the sites regularly. Use security tools and privacy features — whether offered by your browser or Internet service provider, or purchased separately — for extra protection. GetNetWise has more information about these safety features.

Kids’ Favorites: Use this overview to understand what kids love to do online — and what risks go along with the rewards. Communicating and social networking: Online communication consists primarily of email, instant messaging (IMs), chat rooms, and journals or Web logs (blogs). On networking sites such as Facebook, kids can create Web profiles, and then invite others to view and become online buddies. Your child may use these media to share gossip, exchange photos, make weekend plans, find out about missed assignments, connect over common interests, and express opinions. What to know: One out of every five kids gets sexual solicitations online. Strangers, predators, and cyber-bullies all target children, and their work is simplified when screen names reveal age, gender, or hometown. If posts aren’t marked as private, personal information can be displayed to an unrestricted audience of readers. What to do: • Know who your child talks to online. Review her buddy list: does she really know everyone, or are some buddies “friends of friends”? Have her remove anyone whom she hasn’t met in person. • Tell him not to exchange personal information like a phone number, address, best friend’s name, or picture. No party invitations, revealing details, or meeting in person — ever. Web surfing: Kids can explore new interests, check to see if a library book is available, or find a recipe for the class party in valuable resources, such as online encyclopedias, newspapers, and periodicals. What to know: Surfing the Web without restrictions can mean encountering pop-up ads, viruses, erroneous information, and inappropriate content. The ease of cutting and pasting means that plagiarism is a real concern. And time flies online! Kids can click from one site to another until bedtime (or beyond), if you let them. What to do: • Set a code of conduct and time limits. Keeping kids safe means setting guidelines about suitable language, content, and behavior. While it’s important to direct your child to suitable websites, it’s even more valuable to help her recognize the redeeming qualities of those sites, so she can surf safely on her own. • Critique content. Help your child think critically about the content he reads and sees. Encourage him to check facts with multiple sources before including them in a school report. Try to distinguish between usergenerated content and reputable institutions. DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE A PARENT. IT’S OK TO SNOOP A LITTLE. yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

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Not to be combined with any other sale offer or coupon. Excludes school merchandise. Expires 2-28-16

One coupon per purchase. Not valid with any other offers. with coupon • expires 2-28-16

Got Kids & Pets?

A healthy way to manage your medical expenses.

Amy Aldrich, Agent State Farm Agent 123 Saratoga Road Glenville, NY 12302 www.amyaldrichagency.com

If your health insurance coverage has a high deductible, ask me how a Health Savings Account can help you be ready for unexpected medical costs. Bank with a good neighbor . CALL ME TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION. ®

One coupon per purchase. Not valid with any other offers. with coupon • expires 2-28-16

Come in and see our carpets that can be cleaned with bleach & water

FREE ESTIMATES

50 off $500 or more

100 off $1000 or more

$2.25 per sq ft includes carpet, pad and installation. Installed by Christmas (in stock only)

TERRY S FLOORS 1101157.1

State Farm Bank, F.S.B. Bloomington, IL

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Where the Owner is the Installer!

399.0307•810 Saratoga Rd, Burnt Hills Plaza•Terrysfloors.com yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

147 Balls (

November Dinner Specials

BALLSTON SPA

Diner

Complete Dinner $10.99 Includes soup, salad, potato, vegetable

Choice of Entree •Roast Turkey & Stuffing •Lasagna •Virginia Ham Steak •Meatloaf •Stuffed Filet of Sole

WHERE

Good Food Good People

MEETS

BALLSTON SPA

Fresh Homemade Breakfast Everyday 7am – 9pm

Diner

10 ENTIRE

1475 Saratoga Rd. Ballston Spa, NY 12020 (518) 288-3642

OFF

BILL

(1 coupon per check) • Expires January 9th, 2016

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It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

Quality Service, Affordable Rates References Available Weekly, Bi-weekly, Monthly or one-time cleaning Contact me: pricebaker7@gmail.com

I arose to a clatter to see what was the matter. I straightened my cap and dressed up like an Eskimo and stepped outside. Do you see what I see? A star, a star dancing in the night. I looked up and saw a star shining and to the earth it gave great light. In the distance you could hear those sleigh bells jingling ring ting tingling too. By the light of that same star to my wondering eye did appear a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. Landing in a wonderland of snow. I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. What a beautiful sight. All was calm and all was bright; feeling so happy tonight. I thought to myself how fun it would be to go dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh. Over the fields and through the woods, laughing all the way. As quick as he appeared, I heard him shout, “on Dasher, on Dancer” and then he faded out. I turned to the chill of Jack Frost nipping at my nose and once again I look to the star that had arose. I heard another faint call from the wind on the snow... “good tidings to you”, the angles sang with their wings unfurled. Their wish this Christmas eve was as plain as could be knowing it was the most wonderful time of the year. As they were bending near the earth I could hear their voices rise, “Peace on earth and goodwill to men” they sang. As the sleigh bells rang one last time, in the distance you could hear the jolly old chap add, “may all your days be merry and bright - merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. As always, I wish you peace, joy and in case you didn’t hear, Oh, by golly, have a holly jolly Christmas this year. -Pattie Rakvica

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yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

Lights Price Chopper Capital Holiday Lights in the Park this season, from November 27, 2015 through January 2, 2016. The 18th annual lights spectacular is an awe-inspiring show with over 125 light displays and scenes in Albany. This year’s theme is “Christmas in Albany” and is commemorating the 27th Anniversary of the PAL Youth Programs! Drive through the park to marvel at never-before-seen displays along with some old time favorites. Meet Santa And His Reindeer - After you drive through this amazing display, enjoy all sorts of crafts, costumed characters, refreshments and even Santa (through Dec. 23) at the Lakehouse! Little ones will be able to whisper their Christmas wishes in Santa’s ear while enjoying all sorts of fun and activities.

What does it cost? To drive through the display, it costs: •$15 per car •$25 for a limo or 10-18-passenger van •$50 for vehicles with 19-28 passengers • $75 for 29 or more people, including school buses •$100 for commercial coaches

yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

All vehicles enter the display at the Madison and New Scotland Ave entrance to Washington Park. Call PAL at 518-435-0392 if you have questions about other vehicles not listed above

And When Can We Go? •Capital Holiday Lights display runs 6 - 9 PM Sundays through Thursdays and 6 - 10 PM Fridays and Saturdays through January 2, 2016. •The show will be closed for Thanksgiving on November 24, 25 and 26. •Santa’s live reindeer will visit the Lake House on November 27, December 2, 9, 16, and 23. •The Reverberators will be performing their song “Christmas in Albany” on November 22 and December 6. •The Lake House is closed December 24, 25, 31, and January 1-2, but the drive through show will run at its normally scheduled time. For more information call Albany PAL at (518) 435-0392. -Pattie Rakvica

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Acorns Into Oak Trees - How Chiropractic Helps You Be Your Best Inside of every acorn exists the potential and the ability to become a mighty oak tree. It just needs a few things to realize its potential. It needs some sun, air, water, good nutrition from the soil, and one more thing… It needs to be free from interference so that the innate processes that grow it from acorn to oak tree can progress. Chiropractic says that we are all just like acorns too. It says that each of us has a very special purpose and potential of our own. And, just like the acorn, in order for us to reach our potential, we require a few things as well. We need some sun, air, water, good nutrition, and one thing more. We also need to be free from interference in our nerve systems so that our Life Force can flow normally and we can adapt to all the physical, chemical and mental stresses we encounter in our lives, heal any injuries we may have and continue to grow and unfold into whatever we are meant to be. Because of the intimate connections between your spine and your nerve system, whenever you lose normal alignment or function in your spine, you also partially lose the CONNECTIONS between your brain and your body. As a result, you no longer have full expression of your “Innate intelligence” or “Life Force.” This causes a loss of normal function and the ability to adapt completely to the internal and external stresses you continually encounter. In turn, your body functions at less than optimal levels. This is loss of your natural state of health (ease) is referred to as a state of “dis-ease.” The specific chiropractic adjustment process helps restore normal alignment and function in your spine and re-establish the neurological CONNECTIONS between your brain and your body. This in turn allows for the free flow of your Life Force and therefore restores the ability to function more normally and adapt more completely to both internal and external physical, chemical and mental stresses, as well as to heal and grow. The result is an ever-increasing realization of your potential in life! The most important thing to realize here is that chiropractic is not a “treatment” for anything. It is, very simply, a way to help optimize the expression of your Life Force in your body. It is a way to help ensure the greatest possible chance of fully expressing your purpose and your potential in life. In this way, chiropractic helps “acorns” become the “oak trees” they were meant to be.

How many “acorns” do you have at home that need chiropractic care? 353 Saratoga Rd. Glenville, NY 12302 399-3810 www.thriveglenville.com

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yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

Trash Talk by Vince Coppola, owner of Scrapster, LLC

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL MY PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE CUSTOMERS! Originally I wasn’t going to bother with being all nostalgic and whatnot. I mean, the article is called “Trash Talk”, not “Let’s Be Nice by Mr. Special”. But last night a really strange thing happened… You guessed it: visited by 3 ghosts! Bah, throw out that old rug! At first I blamed the porridge that I found in a box after a clean out (will not be doing that again regardless!). I was scared, mainly from flying around the Capital Region without a net in my unmentionables, but then… The Ghost of Scrapster Past reminded me of how we started, filling my Ford Ranger skyward to the point the Beverly Hillbillies were like ”Dang, look at that, Grandma!” Travelling far and wide even for one item, meeting new people, building relationships as the business grew, finding the best plan that would accomplish the most good. The Ghost of Scrapster Present showed me how important it was to perform the best quality work possible every time. Our emphasis these days is more and more on junk removal and cleanouts. Some people are moving or downsizing, others are just cleaning up after their kids leave the nest or trying to get their car back in the garage, and sometimes our work involves the passing on of loved ones, where we try to help out however we can. The Ghost of Scrapster Future revealed how we stayed focused and built on what we’re doing now. We continued to provide great service, reasonable rates, and faster response times. We kept working with our customers and spreading the word that junk removal doesn’t have to include removing the contents of your wallet. I woke up and my mission was totally clear. To be thankful now and every day for the opportunity to assist customers on their projects and to get them done so everybody wins! Is there really any other way to do business? Hey Ghosts…Thank-you, thank-you, and thank-you! And Dear Reader, see you soon. But in real life, otherwise it gets a little weird.

Scrapster, LLC, is the Capital Region’s premier source for LOW COST JUNK REMOVAL and CLEAN OUTS. We are a local family owned business and cover the entire Capital Region. We are insured, convenient, and reliable and provide top Quality work to get the job done safely and correctly. Everything is properly recycled, disposed of or donated. Additional services include SCRAP METAL and APPLIANCE REMOVAL. We are EPA608 certified for Freon (refrigerant) recovery from refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers. We are an official New York State DEC approved location for computer and electronics recycling. Please call us at (518) 505-5055 to schedule a pick up or for a free estimate on your project. Scrapster will remove everything from where it is located-you don’t need to do a thing. “Don’t Worry…We Can Take It!”™ Please visit www.scrapster.com for more information or to set up an appointment online. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” ~Charles Dickens

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TOWN OF BALLSTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY 518-399-8174 • kdeangelo@sals.edu

2 Lawmar Lane, Burnt Hills, NY 12027 CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS Saturday, December 12th – 10:30am - 2nd Saturdays Join us for a fun family event! In December, Miss Terri will lead us in a Holiday Sing Along followed by a craft. For PreK (ages 3 & up) - Grade 2, siblings are always welcome. All participants must be accompanied by a caregiver. Drop- in program. Thursday, December 3rd – 4:00pm – Brown Bag book Club A book club for 1st and 2nd graders! In December we’re discussing Never Glue Your Friends to Chairs by Katherine Applegate. For grades 1 & 2. *Registration Required, please pick up a copy of the book at the Children’s Room. You can sign up by visiting the Library’s Calendar page of the website, or by calling the Library at 399-8174 ext 2. Thursday, December 10th – 4:00pm – Author Adventures Book Club Each month we’ll learn about a different author, and do a craft. In December we’re discussing The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. For kids in Kindergarten only. *Registration Required, please pick up a copy of the book we’re discussing at the Children’s Room desk. You can sign up by visiting the Library’s Calendar page of the website, or by calling the Library at 399-8174 ext 2. Thursday, December 17th – 4:00pm – Booking Through Fiction A fiction book club for kids in grades 3 & 4. In December we’re discussing Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins. For grades 3-4. *Registration Required, please pick up a copy of the book in the Children’s Room. You can sign up by visiting the Library’s Calendar page of the website, or by calling the Library at 399-8174 ext 2. Friday, December 18th – 4:00pm – Book Buzz Book In November we are discussing The Marvels by Brian Selznick. For grades 5-6. Please pick up a copy of the book in the Children’s Room. *Registration Required. You can sign up by visiting the Library’s Calendar page of the website, or by calling the Library at 399-8174 ext 2. Fridays, December 4th, 11th, & 18th Family Storytime - Join us while we read books, sing, do finger plays and movement activities to promote early literacy. This program is designed for two and threeyear-olds accompanied by a caregiver. This is a drop-in program and siblings are welcome. Tuesdays, December 1st, 8th, & 15th - Art & Movement Explore your world through movement and creative activities at this thirty-minute program. For children ages 2-5 accompanied by a caregiver. This is a drop-in program and siblings are welcome.

Remo Wishes you a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

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ADULT PROGRAMS Tuesday, December 15th – 12:30pm - Non-Fiction Addiction Book Club Our NEW Book Club – Non-Fiction Addiction! Come join us as we discuss Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan. Monday-Thursday 10AM-8PM Friday 10AM-5PM / Saturday 10AM-2PM ONLINE http://catalog.sals.edu or http://toblibrary.sals.edu YOUTH SERVICES http://toby.sals.edu EMAIL rdarling@sals.edu

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Revocable Trusts and Divorces Revocable trust is a legal document that is made by a person to provide management of assets while alive and after the grantor passes away. A revocable trust must be funded by a person and can be changed or terminated by the person who made the trust. How can a Revocable Trust help? Revocable Trusts may reduce the costs administering an Estate by reducing or eliminating the involvement of Courts. Revocable Trusts make it easier to transfer real property in different states. Revocable Trusts permit the person who makes the trust to maintain control of the income and assets while alive. The grantor can be the Trustee and may terminate the Trust while the Grantor is alive. The Trustee also can name new trustee if the Trust gives the power to change after the grantor passes away. Revocable Trusts establish for your family and friends a plan for the gifting of your assets after you pass away. Revocable Trusts are just like a Will in that respect. Because such a trust is revocable while the grantor is alive, the assets are available for creditors and predators. Health problems, lawsuits and divorces in the future will cause new creditors to arise. There are many divorces these days. Children from prior marriages will cause your current spouse to obtain the consent of all of the children of a person who passed away for a Will. Revocable Trusts permit you to avoid that if you wish. Revocable Trusts are good practical solutions. You should consult an attorney. Please contact me to consult on planning for yourself or someone in need. It will be my pleasure to help.

Christmas is the day that holds all time together. ~Alexander Smith

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Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values. ~Thomas S. Monson

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When I developed my professional DVD for young children entitled Dance Class at Home, I wanted it to have a creative, soft touch, magical approach that I so admired from Mr. Rogers as he welcomed children into the many adventures he explored, some real and some pretend. I believe I succeeded in doing just that! My DVD, Dance Class at Home is a gift of joy for all 3-6 year olds who love to dance. You may purchase the DVD for only $10, by using the promotion code GIFT on my website www.danceclassathome.com. That price includes shipping and handling. Delightful video clips are included on the website for you to preview the DVD. I have had so much fun, positive feedback from parents of children who absolutely love dancing with it. I have asked several children what’s their favorite part of the DVD and most often the response is, “All of it!” The introduction to the DVD takes place in a lovely, local fairy garden where the music and photography set the scene for the magic that will unfold as we dance my Fairy Dance on the Hart Theater stage at The Egg in Albany. Adrian Cohen, a talented New York City composer, wrote the beautiful music for the introduction and for my Butterfly and Toy Shop dances included on the DVD. I am joined by eleven, wonderful youngsters who helped me create the DVD and make it truly child friendly. I give the children at home a dancer’s invisible string through marvelous video magic and invite them to join us as we meet the ten animated bunnies who were created by a clever video artist to be part of my Ten Bunnies dance. Grandmas, moms and favorite aunts, this DVD is a gift of joy for 3-6 year old youngsters who love creative pretend and who love to dance. It’s a winner as a stocking stuffer or just a thoughtful, unique gift of love. Promo code GIFT at www.danceclassathome. com. Happy Holidays! Modern Dance with Ginny Martin • 518-399-5802 www.ginnymartindance.com • www.danceclassathome.com

The thing about Christmas is that it almost doesn’t matter what mood you’re in or what kind of a year you’ve had - it’s a fresh start. ~Kelly Clarkson

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what’s Recipes with wiggle room

Crockpot Mediterranean Quiche

Potato Nests with Sour Cream and Smoked Salmon

Prep time 10, Total time 3 hr 10 min, Serves 8

• 6 egg whites • 2 eggs • 1 cup skim milk • 1 cup Heart Healthy Bisquick • 2 cups chopped spinach • 1 cup feta with Italian herbs, plus additional for serving • 1 teaspoon minced garlic • 1/2 cup julienne cut sun-dried tomatoes, drained • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • Jones Dairy Farm Sausage Links, chopped • Salt and pepper to taste • Fresh basil, chopped, for serving

1. Spray 4- to 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil. 2. In large bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, Bisquick and milk. Pour into slow cooker. 3. Add spinach, feta, mozzarella, tomatoes, garlic and sausage; stir well. 4. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for approximately 5 1/2 hours. The quiche is done when sides are browned and middle is fluffy and cooked through. 5. Slice and serve garnished with basil and additional feta. Keep it simple with a 7 Ingredient Recipe!

Salt and Pepper Shrimp This salt-and-pepper shrimp recipe is a lighter (stir-fried) version of the deep-fried Asian dish that’s quick and keeps the intense flavor of the original. Serves 4-6

• 1 1/2 pounds large russet potatoes • 1/4 cup thinly sliced smoked salmon (2 oz.), plus a small amount for garnish • 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel • 3/4 cup sour cream • 1/2 teaspoon salt • Pinch black pepper • Small parsley leaves, optional

1. Bring unpeeled potatoes to a boil on high heat. Reduce heat, cover and simmer potatoes until just cooked (slightly hard) about 20 minutes. Drain potatoes, let cool and then refrigerate for at least until cold. 2. Meanwhile, pulse smoked salmon and lemon peel in a food processor, scraping down bowl. Add sour cream and process until combined. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve. 3. Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly grease 32 mini-muffin-tin cups. Peel and coarsely grate potatoes. Gently toss potatoes with salt and pepper in a bowl. Place about 1 heaping Tbsp. potato mixture into each muffin cup and press against bottom and up sides, allowing some mixture to extend above rim. (Do not spread mixture too thin or holes will form while baking.) 4. Bake potato nests until edges are dark golden, about 25 minutes. Cool nests in pans for 10 minutes. Carefully remove nests from pans and place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to set. (Nests may be made up to 4 hours ahead; leave at room temperature.) 5. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place potato nests on a clean, large baking sheet and bake until heated through and crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer potato nests to a platter. Using a small spoon, dollop about 1 tsp. sour cream mixture into each potato nest and top each with a tiny strip of smoked salmon and, if desired, a parsley leaf. Serve right away. Wiggle Room- substitute bacon or crabmeat for salmon. Use ricotta instead of sour cream.

• 1/2 teaspoon each black, green, red, and white peppercorns • 2 pounds shrimp, shells on • Large red or orange pepper chopped • 2 teaspoons salt, divided

• 2 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil • 4 cloves garlic, chopped • 1 cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped • Tender mild lettuce- mescaline blend, butter lettuce or similar

1. Put peppercorns in a mortar and crush roughly with a pestle. Or put peppercorns in a large resealable plastic bag, spread out on a hard, flat surface, and crush with the bottom of a heavy frying pan or rolling pin. 2. Put shrimp, half of the crushed peppercorns, and 1 tsp. salt in a large bowl and toss to coat shrimp evenly. Set aside. 3. Heat a wok or large (not nonstick) pot over high heat. Add oil, garlic, remaining crushed peppercorns, and remaining 1 tsp. salt and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add shrimp and chopped pepper, cook, stirring constantly, until shrimp are pink and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Add cilantro, turn off heat, and toss to combine. Serve over lettuce blend immediately. Wiggle room - serve over brown rice for a hot meal.

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Date______________________________________ Name________________________________________________

Winter Wonderland Across 1. Mistletoe, e.g. 6. "___ want for Christmas ..." 10. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" director Howard 13. ____, meenie, miney, mo 14. Word with box and car 15. Forever and a day 16. North Pole way for Vixen and Blixen 19. Prefix with cycle 20. "___ the land of the free ..." 21. Reviewer of tax returns: Abbr. 22. ___ hit (single) 25. By ____ and bounds 29. Drum sound from a poor boy of song 33. Like many flea market items 35. ____ Paulo, Brazil 36. Kwik-E-Mart guy on "The Simpsons" 37. What one might do before joining the chorus? 42. Lamb's lament 43. "____ to a Nightingale" 44. Like some craft show displays 45. Yule dessert request of song

50.Square footage measures 51. Not outside 55. "You betcha!" 57. New Deal dambuilding org. 58. Grade between bee and dee 59. Rudolph's unusual anatomical feature 64. "____ the season to be jolly" 65. Santa's vehicle 66. Country star LeAnn 67. Built like Santa 68. Center of a Christmas display 69. Wintry mix component Down 1. Basil-and-pinenuts sauce 2. Get the hang of 3. Musical with the song "Tomorrow" 4. Little thing to pick 5. ____ Party 6. Dead to the world 7. Shakespearean king 8. "The Art of Hitting .300" writer Charley 9. "____ Wonderful Life" 10. "___ and weep!" 11. Suffix with ball or bass

by Frank Virzi

57 61

58 62

12.Opposite of SSW 17. Ending with micro or macro 18. Humdinger 23. Uncle Remus's ___ Rabbit 24. BMW rival 26. Away from each other 27. Litter member 28. Laura Bush's alma mater: Abbr. 30. "¿Cómo está ___?" 31. ___-jongg 32. "The Raven" poet 33. Pan Am competitor

21 25

29 33

34. Put on, as a show 38. Keystone lawman 39. College Web site suffix 40. Full house, e.g. 41. Ben Allleck film of 2012 42. Yale School of Drama deg. 46. Most joyful 47. River to the North Sea 48. What ÷ signifies, in math 49. "Back ___ hour": store sign

52. Start of a Christmas carol 53. Examine again, as a patient 54. "Thou ___ how sloth wastes the sluggish body": Ovid 56. The "S" in CBS: Abbr. 57. "God shed His grace on ___" 59. Justice div. that conducts raids 60. By way of 61. Certain 35mm camera 62. 1812, 2001, etc.: Abbr. 63. Zilch

Answers on page 33

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Holidays by Sam Capuano As I write this, it is the Sunday after Thanksgiving, which means a couple of things. One is that I am (as always, sigh) right up against my deadline for this monthly column. Another is it’s holiday time. What better time to reflect on them, especially since my research on a few other future pieces is currently still in process. While it’ll be a bit late by the time you read it, I’ll start with some Thanksgiving memories. For many of us, getting together with old high school buddies was a highlight of Turkey Day week. Many Thanksgiving-eve nights were spent at Froelich’s Inn in East Glenville (at the current site of The Bayou.) It was a great way to see people, especially for those who no longer lived in the area. These nights often extended well past the curfews with which we had to deal growing up, making Thanksgiving Day more of chore than it needed it be. And, once we all woke from our turkey induced comas, it was time to look forward to Christmas. Because, in those days, that’s when the holiday season began. (Another fond memory from the 1970’s, WTRY, now starts playing non-stop holiday music in early November. I prefer not to hear “Dominick The Donkey” start braying until at least Black Friday.) And, speaking of Black Friday, where did we do our holiday shopping in the BH-BL? Well, I have always been a fan of down towns around the holidays, and this meant Schenectady, which during the 70’s was still hopping, although starting to show the decline which would take years (and Metroplex/taxpayer dollars) to overcome. W.T. Grant’s was a favorite for many of us. This five and dime went bye-bye in 1976, when the whole company went bankrupt (which at the time was the second biggest bankruptcy in the history of the US.) As for department stores, there was of course the beloved Carl Company on State Street, if only for the

elevator attendants. Other memories from this store was the always-pungent aroma of perfume and the Gold Bond Dividend stamps. For those who preferred to stay more local, there were the Mayfair/ Willowbrook shopping areas. This even included a branch of the Carl Company, minus the elevators. This was always a good place to buy a Christmas gift for one’s mom, when one had no idea as to what the heck to get her. I still run into this problem every year, but, alas, Carl’s has been closed for a few decades. And five and dimes? Well, there was the granddaddy of all them, namely F.W. Woolworth’s (dowtown Schenectady used to have one as well.) Woolworth’s was the spot to buy just about anything. Looking back, I would imagine this was where Santa stocked up on stocking stuffers. One of the reasons Grant’s met its demise was because it did not modernize in the 70’s like its one time competition, Kresge’s, a/k/a K-Mart did. The Mayfair K-Mart fit the bill for almost anyone’s shopping list. While there were blue light specials during the year, the Black Friday specials at Kmart were not to be missed. One didn’t even have to go there in the wee small hours to fight the masses to do so. However (and ironically), similar to Grant’s 20 years earlier, Kmart did not properly keep up with things (or with Wal-Mart), and started to die out. This included the Mayfair location. Fortunately, it was replaced with a Target store a few years ago. It’s become a modern tradition for me to head over there midday or so on Black Friday and get a few items on my kids’ Christmas wish lists. Christmas is more than just shopping of course. Every December, the Charlton Fire Department would kindly transport Santa into many local neighborhoods, including my home on the cul-de-sac off Imperial Lane. We would get our pictures taken with the big guy in red. It was much more exciting (and less time consuming than waiting in line at a department store) way to get our annual photo-op taken care of. Memories of made of such things. ‘Til next time, keep on smiling.

It’s the Holiday Season … Think SPRING!!! No, no, no I am not trying to rush thru the holiday season – but while it may not seem like it because winter hasn’t technically begun yet; spring is just around the corner! Admit it, you can’t even begin to think about preparing your home for the market at this point in the year but you sure do have a plan to start thinking about it in the spring! Well, I am NOT JOKING – spring WILL be here before you know it and then you are going to be behind the proverbial 8 ball and wishing you hadn’t procrastinated. It happens every year no matter how many times I call or email to remind people to get a head start on the items we discussed to ready their home for the spring market; there is always a few who didn’t make a step by step plan to complete the task list, and then…”Oh my goodness! Holy mackerel! The sky is falling!!!”. BAM, it’s spring and the for sale signs are popping up all over the place, the buyers are out in droves, and you still have red and green lights hanging from your gutters! Rest assured, getting your home ready to put on the market doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. Here are a few tips to help you get started: 1. Since we’ve been lucky enough to not have any snow yet – get those last few leaves cleaned up now. This will make spring yard clean up that much easier. 2. While you are putting up your Christmas lights – clean out your gutters. 3. Putting away all those decorations is the perfect time to get organized. yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

Toss out broken items, donate what you haven’t used in the past 2 years, put everything in totes that can be more easily stored than a variety of boxes in a variety of sizes. 4. While your picking all those pine needles out of your carpet, shampoo it. Hard surface floors? Be sure to get the pine sap off as soon as possible and give them a good coat of polish or wax. 5. Call Olde Orchard Real Estate! We are locally owned, with local agents who are considered to be experts in our local market area as well as home décor trends. Let us stop by for a ‘no obligation conversation’ and help you develop a plan based on years of experience to help you get ready for the spring market and get your home sold in a timely manner. If you’ve finished reading “Your Hometowne” and you’re still annoyed with me for yap, yap, yapping in your ear about selling your home while you are overwhelmed just thinking about baking, decorating, shopping, wrapping, and attending your office party, then shoot me an email, vent a little, and let me know how I can help you stay on track. Helping people sell their homes is what I love to do and I am happy to help! Meantime, whatever holiday you celebrate this season – do it with joy in your heart. From my home to yours I wish you a healthy and happy 2016! Yo u r H o m e t o w n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 5 |

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Christma Tree Care Hold the salt please! One reason a cut tree can lose needles quickly is that it was transported when the roads have been salted. If you have to transport your tree on your car’s roof when salt spray is a problem, make sure you hose the salt off when you get it home.. Nothing sucks the moisture out of a Christmas Tree quicker than a layer of salt on the needles and branches. To keep your tree fresh throughout the holidays, remember the 3 F’s of tree care...fresh tree, fresh cut and fresh hot water. I love the smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree when it’s brought inside. The trick to keeping it fresh and fragrant is to keep the tree hydrated. The first step is to get a fresh tree. When you’re out in the tree lot picking out your tree, bend the little branch tips to make sure they are supple, not brittle. Beware of spruce trees which are notorious for falling apart quickly once they’re cut and brought inside. Next, be sure to make a fresh cut on the base of the tree right before you bring it inside. This is so important because the tree has sucked air into the bottommost cells of the trunk and it is also clogged with dirt. Even if the tree is placed in water, it can’t absorb it because the first cells at the base are clogged with dirt and air. A fresh cut exposes fresh cells that can absorb water and send it along to the cells above and right out to the branches and needles. Most tree lots will offer to make this fresh cut for you. The fresh cut made at the tree lot is fine

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if you’re going to go right home and get the tree into water within an hour. If it will be longer than an hour, you should get it into a bucket of water in the garage or make your own fresh cut on the tree at home. Make sure that your tree stand is clean before you put your tree into it. If your tree stand is like mine, it spends most of its time in the shed gathering dust. If you don’t clean this dust, it will mix with the water the tree is absorbing and clog up those all important cells that you just exposed at the base of the trunk when you made your fresh cut. When you place the tree into the stand, fill the stand with very hot water. Hot water is absorbed more quickly than cold water so the tree will rehydrate as quickly as possible. You don’t need to use hot water every time you add water; just the first time. Make sure that the tree stand always has water in it. If you let it run dry, the tree will suck air into the bottom cells again and it won’t be able to absorb water unless another fresh cut is made. And that isn’t likely to happen once the tree is decorated. Remember: Fresh Tree, Fresh Cut and Fresh Hot Water. Thanks for the read.

Peter Bowden • pbowden2@nycap.rr.com

New York State Snowmobile law requires youth’s ages 14 through 17 years of age to earn a safety certificate in order to gain the privilege of operating a snowmobile as an adult. Youth ages 10 through 13 may operate a snowmobile, on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed, if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the State of New York and are accompanied by (within 500 feet of) a person who is at least 18 years of age. This course is designed to fulfill safety certificate requirements. It is offered to those ages 10 through 17, as well as adults that wish to receive a safety certificate. Adults who successfully complete this course may be eligible for an insurance reduction with their participating providers. Charlton Snowmobile Club sponsored courses will be held at the Town of Ballston Government Center, 323 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa N.Y. from 8:30am-4:30pm. This course is free.

Courses currently available: Saturday, December 12, 2015Pre-registration is required. Class size is limited. Contact Kristin Zalucki at 384-7756 to register 32

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Green Corner School This quaint red brick one-room school house, located at 2140 Potter Road near the intersection with Green Corners Road Extension, is the oldest known unaltered one-room schoolhouse in the Town of Glenville. A typical rural school, it still bears the original atmosphere of open farms and stone fences. A short nature trail runs behind the school and includes interpretive nature signs. The schoolhouse is open July and August, Sunday afternoons, 1 - 5 pm Group tours are available by appointment. Call Jim and Ruth Long at 882-1026.

Important Dates: How old is the School? The deed shows that the purchase of the land was made in1823. Donald Keefer, in an article “History of Old Glenville School Districts”, refers to this District #5 school as having been created in 1815, with 42 students enrolled in 1843. A report from this district has been located in the Schenectady County Historical Society for the year ending September 30, 1859. The trustees’ books were burned in a fire about 1862, and the town historian has the trustees’ records until the closing of the school in 1946.

Crossword puzzle on page 28

Background The desks came from Keeseville, NY, as the original double desks were missing. A few of the present desks were donated by individuals in the community. We are told that the floors used to be oiled every year, not painted. A photo of the school and teacher(displayed on the wall), was taken in 1910 by Clarence VanderVeer, a long-time trustee and shows the windows

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to consist of 12 over 12 lights, an indication of the age of the building. The entrance to the school appears to have had a Palladian window over it, with a window on each side, which have been bricked over. No records have been found to confirm this. Many initials and dates have been carved in the soft brick outside the school, some of which date back to 1866. The stone fence still surrounds the school grounds, and an old outhouse was installed in back of the school, although the original had individual sides for boys and girls with a wood fence fronting it. The oldest boy was the janitor, and was usually paid by the year to sweep up and start the fire in the stove on cold wintry mornings. The school had electricity installed in 1938, with one light bulb in the room. This was removed at the time of the restoration to make the school look as it formerly did. Drinking water was carried by pail from the nearest farmhouse by the best-behaved students. There used to be a flagpole to the right, outside of the school, where the telephone pole stands today. Faithfully, the teacher and pupils put the flag out and took it down at the end of each school day. Grades one through eight were taught here. One year there were 35 students attending this small 20’ X 24’ school. There used to be a combination coatroom and woodshed next to the door, but the partition was removed when the large number of students attended, and the woodshed built outside. The owners of the property kindly deeded the school and land to the Town of Glenville for use as a historic site. For directions: Google Maps, address: 2140 Potter Road, Amsterdam, NY

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Once Upon a Time: A George H. Shorey Artist Studio by Robin Tompkins It happened upon one day wandering on and around different roads while out and about in Burnt Hills, a Storybook Cottage stood back in the woods on a clear wooded winter day. I had to stop with fascination, to take phone photos and find out why this, obviously old, Tutor style structure is in existence. It stands

in time with a wreath on the door. Someone owns this and they care. Off to inquire, I started with one of my photos sent to the Town

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Historian via email. His prompt reply sent me in numerous directions for research. Gasp! An artist studio! And a known artist! Still, family owned through generations and standing! Well, as I stated, this information only scratched the surface of my curiosity. It had me in a knee deep flood of questions; anxious about discovering more. Who was George? What works came out of this inspirational building and where are they? Where did George go and what did he do? What is the future of this structure?

The Building: The property has been proudly and currently still owned by the Shorey family for more than seven generations. It so happens, the current subject structure is a second rebuild of Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original 1905 studio. The first studio was torn down and rebuilt to accommodate George Shoreyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art students in 1912. A fire destroyed the studio and it was once again rebuilt in 1914 by the artist and his son, James where it stands today. (1) The stucco walls were constructed by hand with cement and chicken wire. (3) During a Ballston Spa Journal interview with James Shorey, he said that the wood work adorning the interior at the time, was all hand yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

carved. The wrought iron hinges and other metal works were made by a local metal craftsman and blacksmith, Fred Gillingham. The second story window near the chimney was noted by Mrs. Shorey during that interview as “the Juliet” window. However, Mr. Shorey claimed that his father named it “the Romeo” window. The slight humorous conflict was left just as that as the interview continued. At such time, there were leaded windows, now vandalized and gone, that were gathered from a New York City mansion demolition. George purchased a Model T Ford truck to bring his re-purposing treasures home to the Burnt

Hills Studio that was in progress. (1) What a pleasant discovery for me to find that George participated in up-cycling in the early 1900’s. Don’t you love that? The studio, still erect, is in complete disuse. Vandalized, but not forgotten. During an interview with Wendy Presseisen in 2008, she was told by George’s grandson, that the building will be restored. (3) I can only hope so and envision it in it’s original state, adorned with an easel, art supplies and sculptures as a museum of the Shorey husband and wife team. The building is an icon of the community and if anything, drawing attention and respect for what it once was.

The Artist: George H. Shorey was born September 9, 1870 in Hoosick Falls, New York. Son of Thomas H. and Euphemia S. Shorey. He studied

under Walter Shirlaw and was best known for his etchings, oils and art instruction. He was also successful with other arts involving numerous published written materials, play writing, music and sculpting. He has been claimed to be an exceptional violinist. George married Mary R. Jones in 1896 (4) , descendant to own the 1792 homestead property erected in 1793. Mary was born March 12, 1865 in Chicago, Illinois. She, herself, was a teacher and sculptress. (1) (5) She studied sculpture in New York City and that is where she met George. As I searched for George H. Shorey, I found him to be famed primarily for his etching art but he was multi-talented while creating and writing in New York City where he held a studio. He also resided in Grantwood, New Jersey. George and his wife summered at the family home and studio in Burnt Hills where they later retired. Some of his paintings and etchings were inspired from Vermont and New Hampshire landscapes. Published works included numerous reviews. He wrote for Harpers, New York Times* and other newspapers and magazines. His art exhibitions reached as far as The Art Institute of Chicago and he has been referenced in, at least ten, Art based books. (6)

Continuing my search for George’s art, I was pleased to find his prints are tucked into numerous Auctions. George died after a brief illness at the Bell Nursing Home, Schenectady on June 20, 1944. (7) His wife, Mary, died shortly after his death, on September 26, 1944. (4) Both are buried at Burnt Hills Calvary Episcopal Church Cemetery. (8) From what I’ve gathered about a storybook cottage and a talented man, I can only imagine the passion for life and art that intertwined the lives of Mr. and Mrs. George H. Shorey. The love they had for the arts and for each other were creations they shared not only among them, but for the rest of the world to acknowledge. It would be fitting if this structure became a monument to embark their life long works to be respected and admired. Especially the replacement of the Romeo/Juliet window. Now that, my friends, would be a happily ever after.

Have a wonderful holiday season,

Robin

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