Your Hometowne November 2015 by Cheryll Hill

COMPLIMENTARY NOVEMBER 2015

YOUR

300 SARATOGA ROAD (next to price chopper)

MON to SAT 9 – 9 • SUN 12 – 6 These Popular S easo are In Stock Nonwal Items : P

umpkin Spice Liq uor Eggnog

NOVEMBER 10 • 17 • 24

TERRIFIC

TUESDAYS

15% OFF

yht1115

ANY WINE PURCHASE WITH THIS COUPON

’Tis the Season to Gi and Pay it Forward! Fo ve Thanks of WILLIAM HILL or FREIr each bottle BR wine purchased, a mea OTHERS donated to the Northea l will be st Food Bank to benefit a local family.

WE ARE OPEN

Thanksgiving TIL 4 pm FOR DayYOUR LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY NEEDS

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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yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

foils

color special

(Up to 7 foils)

(retouch only • cut extra)

$ 00 HAIR STUDIO ONE

3795

HAIR STUDIO ONE 214-8183

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 12-05-15.

men’s cuts

tanning special

(shampoo and blow dry extra)

10 visits for

2995

HAIR STUDIO ONE

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 12-05-15.

214-8183

women’s cuts waxing special

1795

(shampoo and blow dry extra)

HAIR STUDIO ONE

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 12-05-15.

214-8183

yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

2off

214-8183

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• Vitamins • Supplements • Cosmetics • Dried Fruit • Gluten Free •

Announcing the Annual Open House at Eileen’s Basic Foods on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 10am - 5pm. Come sample delicious treats, enter our hourly raffles and pick up a gift just for stopping in!

585 Saratoga Rd., Glenville, NY 518.399.2742

• Vitamins • Supplements • Cosmetics • Dried Fruit • Gluten Free •

Nuts • Seeds • Spices • Grains • Protein Powders Did you know Basic Foods is the oldest health food store in the Capital District? Under new management, same commitment to Healthy Living. We are celebrating another year!

Best Mexican, Southwestern & Cajun this side of the border!

The Original Craft Beer “Spot””on Rt 50... Serving Craft Beers for over 20 Years!

Game On!

Sunday & Monday Football Food & Drink Specials 10 Big Screen TV’s Taco Tuesday $2 Tacos & $3 Coronas Best Trivia Wednesday! 7-9pm Bring Your Brain Football Thursday Yuengs & Wings $2.50 pint Yuengling 50¢ Wings We have the best SIZZLING HAND CUT STEAKS, FAJITAS, PEEL N’ EAT SHRIMP and FRESH SALADS the way you like them! Relax with cocktails in our new lounge area.

Live Music!

Best Bet Band Fri. Nov. 13 • 8:30 PM Rat Tail Jimmy Sat. Nov. 14 • 8:30 PM Roadblock Sat. Nov. 21 • 8:30 PM Good Sir Sat. Nov. 28 • 8:30 PM Pat Decker Fri. Dec. 4 • 8:30 PM

Check our website for updates!

Nuts • Seeds • Spices • Grains •Protein Powders

403 West Main Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010

Winter is Coming!

Winterize Now or Update Your... • Residential & Commercial Garage Doors & Openers • Carriage House Doors

Fill Your Home With the Scents of Fall

Open Every Saturday 10am-3pm Or call for appt at 518-399-8831

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•Springs, Cables & Sections Replaced • High-speed Doors • Rolling Grilles & Fire Doors • Loading Dock Equipment

(518) 842-7370 • (800) 842-7370 Lou Mosher, Owner, Commercial Sales Bill Gutowski, Residential Sales

yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

CUT & COLOR

See Store for details!

WOMENS CUT

INCLUDES WASH & STYLE

•Not Valid With Any Other Promotions • Full Service Only With This Coupon •One Coupon Per Person Glenville Salon Only • Expires 12/05/15

E-CLUB

Prices vary with length of hair

$ 00 OFF

JOIN THE

SENIOR CUT •Not Valid With Any Other Promotions • Full Service Only With This Coupon •One Coupon Per Person Glenville Salon Only • Expires 12/05/15

MENS CUT

INCLUDES WASH & STYLE •Not Valid With Any Other Promotions • Full Service Only With This Coupon •One Coupon Per Person Glenville Salon Only • Expires 12/05/15

GLENVILLE • 272 Saratoga Road • 518-399-1341

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

yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

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LIGHTHOUSE MEALS “TO GO”

Tuesday Chicken Parmesan NOW TO Wednesday Chicken n Biscuits CALL BOOK YOUR Thursday Turkey Dinner HOLIDAY PARTY Includes Salad & Bread

22 for Two • $35 for Four •$48 for Six

Call ahead for our “Family Meal Deals” Call to order from 10 am • 370-5300 Pick-up between 3 pm & 6 pm 2 Freemans Bridge Rd.•Glenville, NY 12302

TheWatersEdgeLighthouse.com

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Our Fireplaces are lit for the season Circa 1787

Let’s enjoy company together in our warm tavern

Autumn in Charlton

Comfortable jeans and bulky warm clothes, hearty soups and warm buttered rolls. Sunsets replaced with the glow of our hearth. It echo’s the laughter of family with warmth. Fall brings nostalgia to Charlton our home and welcomes you back from wherever you roam.

Build a Burger Tuesdays

Happy Hour Tuesday thru Thursday Beer, Wine and Appetizer Specials 399-9951 • 745 Charlton Rd, Charlton 4pm - 6pm www.charltontavern.com Relax with Bobby Van Detta Sundays 5pm - 8pm

SERVING HOURS Tues-Thurs: 11:30am-9pm • Fri-Sat: 11:30am-10pm Sun: 12 noon- 8pm • CLOSED MONDAY

We have the experience and creativity to plan your perfect gathering with Sophisticated Style and Small Town Sensibility. Holiday Parties -Intimate Couture Weddings -Showers and Retirement Gatherings.

As Always, our Catering is at Your Service

Charlton Tavern where there are no strangers ...Only friends that have not yet met... 8

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yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

382-2037

98 Freemans Bridge Road, Scotia (ACROSS FROM LOWES) www.goldstockssportinggoods.com

Open

Thanksgiving 9 - Noon

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A message from Ahhh…the holidays. Picturesque days of families gathered around the table to enjoy the traditional feasts of either turkey, roast beef and/or ham, served up with an abundant array of side dishes and desserts; each one made to perfection with love by Host/Hostess. Perfect! Reality call. Our everyday lives are busy and ever changing. Jobs, parenting, grand-parenting, relationships, friendships, pets, household chores, and juggling obligations; the To-Do list is endless. Throw in a holiday and what in our minds we thought was picturesque becomes complete stress. Many of us suffer from the ‘perfect holiday syndrome,’ expecting the unrealistic and, honestly, unattainable perfection. The holidays are going to come whether we are ready or not. But what is “ready”? Ready, set, go! Now slow down. This isn’t a Norman Rockwell painting, it’s life. There are a lot of things that stress us out during the holidays. Whether it is grief, tight finances or difficult relationships the holidays make them more intense. The stretching of your budget can bring a great deal of stress to your life (not to mention robbing you of your peace this season). With a little planning you can take some of the load off yourself right from the beginning by asking guests to bring a covered dish when you are hosting a gathering. Make it fun, have your guest make their favorite dish then make a fancy banquet card to identify it as theirs. You don’t even need a computer, buy blank cards, turn them inside out so they will stand up and write on it “Best Stuffed Mushrooms by Aunt Jane!”. If they don’t cook, tell them to bring wine, you can make tie labels and tie them to the bottles so other guests know who to thank. Gift giving should be planned as a family. There are plenty of ways to make it fun for the adults (and adult children) without going overboard. One of my favorites is a basket for each couple/ family filled with spices from Basic Foods, unique gifts from The Speckled Hen, goodies or accessories from Lakeside Farms and Gift Shoppe. The recipient will think of you all year long when they make their chili with fresh spices, light their fragrant candles and look at that cute sign that says something special to them. Not a shopper? Offer to babysit, or help paint that room they have wanted to paint forever. Relationships…Yikes! The good news is that many of the people you will see over the holidays that stress you out you won’t see again till next year! Take it in stride, remember, everyone is dealing with something. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they’re feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too. Learn to say no. No, I can’t make it because I have to go to work early. No I really don’t want to eat/drink that now but thank you.

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Allow yourself time. Whatever it is you enjoy, make sure you have time to do it. Give yourself a time slot. You’re allowed. If you don’t you will be one of the “Yikes!” I mentioned earlier. Don’t forget your pets. Our best friends tend to take the brunt of the holidays. They can’t leave the house and go for a drive. Make sure you spend one on one time with them. When company comes over give your pet a place to be out of the hustle and bustle. There is nothing wrong with a toy and a quiet place. Tell your guests the rules, no feeding your 4 legged BFF please. Their bellies don’t need holiday goodies. Be at peace. It is the best gift you can give to yourself this season. Cheryll

About the Cover This month we had a little fun with creating a cover in a cover. Dave Crudele (Fred David Photography) has been shooting cover shots for YHT since the very beginning. To show my gratitude for his work I tasked him with the worst month of the year to shoot a cover shot, November. The light is dim, the trees are nearly bare and the sky is gray. No problem he said, I will do it. Dave has a special talent for staging a shot. It’s not easy, everything has to be just right. The lighting, the subject, the background. But hey, how could he lose? The cover shot in the photo is his own! I love the irony of the photo, Dave’s own work being showcased twice. If you are looking for a patient person who can make any moment special and last forever, you really should contact him. You can find him on Facebook under Fred David Photography or feel free to contact me and I will put you in touch.

Shorter days mean darker evenings; time for a lighting check! Circle the house to replace any burned-out light bulbs. Do dark hallways need a nightlight for safety? Prepare a cozy home for Winter.

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

Don’t miss out on these! Are chronic excuses keeping you from the rewards of a regular, challenging exercise routine? If so then you’re missing out on much more than you realize. Here are the 6 Great Reasons to Exercise…don’t miss out on these. Reason #1: To Melt Fat Away The most coveted side effect of exercise is, of course, fat burn. The combination of a challenging exercise routine and a balanced meal plan is the best known way to lose fat. Here’s what losing fat feels like: Your pants become loose. People around you begin to say that you look great. A glance at yourself in the mirror makes you smile. Your energy levels soar. You feel amazing. Reason #2: To Alleviate Pain Regular exercise is a great way to alleviate chronic muscle and joint pain. Persistent back pain can be lessened by strengthening your core, and help protect yourself against injury. It amazes people when the chronic pain that they’ve lived with for years begins to fade after starting a regular exercise program. Reason #3: To Increase Lean Tissue More muscle is good for many reasons. You see, muscle uses many more calories each day than fatty tissue. In fact, one pound of muscle burns 30-50 calories each day at rest—compared to a measly 9 calories per pound of fat. When you exercise your body composition will change to contain more lean tissue, thus resulting in extra calories burned while you sleep. What could be better than that? Reason #4: To Prevent or Control Type 2 Diabetes Regular exercise helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. This is something that people with type 2 diabetes, or at risk for type 2 diabetes, gain substantial benefits from. Exercise improves the body’s use of insulin, and the related weight loss improves insulin sensitivity. Of course patients with type 2 diabetes need to follow guidelines from their doctor before starting an exercise program. Reason #5: To Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels Exercise has shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels for these two reasons: Weak Heart Muscles pump little blood with lots of effort. By exercising you strengthen your heart muscles and train them to pump more blood with less effort. The stronger your heart is the less pressure will be exerted on your arteries. Exercise Increases HDL levels in some people—this means a decrease in your risk for heart disease. Other heart disease risk factors such as weight, diabetes and high blood pressure all show improvement with regular exercise. Reason #6: To Feel Great The first thing that clients tell me after starting an exercise program is how much better they feel. Most didn’t even realize how bad they felt. It is easy to get used to feeling sluggish, achy and unmotivated. Exercise boosts your energy levels and makes you feel amazing. The quickest, easiest way to guarantee that you’ll meet your fitness and weight loss goals is to work one-on-one with a qualified fitness professional. You’ll be held accountable with your workouts and you’ll be instructed properly and shown techniques and strategies that will expedite your results. Call or email today to get started on a program that will take the guesswork out of fitness and to set your results on fire. What are you waiting for? Lace up your shoes and get moving! 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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Start Your Own Investment “Traditions” Thanksgiving is just around the corner. And like all holidays, this one has plenty of traditions, such as Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (started in 1924) and football (the first broadcast Thanksgiving Day game was played between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears in 1934). Traditions are important, and you may want to establish some in one of the key activities of your own life: investing. So, what sort of investment traditions could you start? Here are a few ideas: Invest regularly. By definition, engaging in a tradition means performing the same acts over and over. This type of behavior can impose discipline and consistency to your investing. For example, consider contributing the same amount of money each month to the same investments. When the price of these investments is down, your contribution will pay for more shares – in other words, you’ll be “buying low,” one of the key principals of investing. And when the price of your investments is up, you’ll be a savvy enough investor to buy fewer shares. Over a long period, this technique can help lower the per-share price of your investments, but it does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss. To make it easier to follow through, you could set up monthly, automatic purchases of these investments from your checking or savings account. Increase 401(k) contributions when you get a raise. Why not make it a tradition to boost your contributions to your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored plan every time your salary increases? Your 401(k) is a great way to save for retirement, as your contributions are typically made with pretax dollars, resulting in lower taxable income, and your earnings can grow on a tax-deferred basis. Even if you don’t reach the contribution limit (which, in 2015, is $18,000, or $24,000 if you’re 50 or older), you can help yourself make progress toward your retirement goals if you give your 401(k) a “raise” every time you get one. Review your progress at least once a year. Pick one day a year – perhaps a “milestone” day, such as your birthday or wedding anniversary – to review your overall investment picture. Are your investments performing the way you had hoped? Is your portfolio properly diversified, or are there gaps you need to address? Are you investing too aggressively or too conservatively? A yearly review of your investments and long-term financial strategy, possibly with the help of a financial advisor, can help keep you on track toward your objectives. Of course, you don’t need to wait 12 months before looking over your situation; you may need to adjust your holdings during the course of any given year, in response to changes in the financial markets or your individual needs. But by committing yourself to at least one full-scale review a year, you can greatly reduce unpleasant “surprises” while staying abreast of exactly where you are and where you’re headed. On Thanksgiving, you can enjoy the holiday’s traditions, along with those that may be unique to your family. And someday, you may well be thankful that you followed some productive investment “traditions.” Chris Nyhan runs the Edward Jones office in Burnt Hills, NY. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Chris can be reached at 399-5087 or chris.nyhan@edwardjones.com

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yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

Environmentally Friendly Ways of Reusing and Recycling Paper, Books and Mags As consumers demand the need for more paper, whether it’s for Your Hometowne, newspaper, plain paper or books, we continue to cut down vast numbers of really old trees. It will take numerous years to see this turned over. Reusing and recycling paper is really important nowadays. All paper, including books and magazines, are virtually wholly biodegradable, meaning they don’t clog landfills for many years and will merely degrade into nothing. The fact that there is a need for more paper makes it appear daft not to recycle as much as we possibly can. That is why we should reuse and recycle. The traditional means of recycling paper is by making use of recycling facilities. You will observe that where you dwell, there are opportunities to recycle, including in numerous cases your local grocery store. You may notice that your local area has different bins so you can sort your paper for recycling. So that the paper can be usable once again, the recycling process should be put in place. This saves the trees and makes for a healthy environment. Paper recycling is not always straightforward and can be made challenging by the stapling of books and mags. Magnets may be utilized to handle the problems of metal and recycling companies are constantly try to find ways to better the process. Mags and books can be reused, it is only a matter of using our imagination. Those old books and magazines are a fantastic learning resource for your kids and they will have the chance to give them to other people in the future. An old book will be of use to somebody else and it is not hard for us give it this way. There are always places like libraries that are happy to take your old books from you. Some libraries will take donations of old books and even magazines, providing they are in good condition. The library and the public will be happy since they will have more reading choices. So instead of merely tossing a book or leaving it to collect dust, think about giving it to a library. Books can also be sold instead of given away either locally or online. EBay and Amazon are popular places online where you can try selling your old books. To sum it up, paper is being utilized more and more but fewer trees. Beasts use trees as a natural home ground and they are essential for the wellbeing of the environment. There are plenty of choices for us to recycle paper and to ensure that books and magazines are reused instead of thrown away. by: Reuben Frye

443 Saratoga Road • Point Plaza 399-1405 MON-SAT 9:30am-9pm SUN 12-5

Serving Glenville for over 40 years

Customer Appreciation Day! Wednesday Dec 9th

Get 10% off wine, 15% off 6 bottles of wine or more and 5% off spirits 750ml or larger!

Wine tasting 4-7 pm

We will be serving cheese platters and snacks to pair perfectly with your favorite wine. Don’t miss this tasty event!

Relax Riesling 1.5L special $17.99

ew! N Jameson Caskmates Irish Whiskey 750ml $31.59 1.0l $37.99

Pinnacle Pumpkin Vodka 1.0l $15.75

The Pinot project Pinot noir 750ml $13.99 Great for thanksgiving!

Only while supplies last!

Fetzer Gewürztraminer 750ml $9.99 Great with Turkey or Ham!

Evan Williams Egg Nog 750ml $8.69 They’re going fast!

Kris Pinot Grigio 750ml $13.99 Great with Turkey or Ham! Sobieski Karamel Vodka 1.0L special $10.49 Get them while supplies last! We have all you need to make November better for your parties!

If We Don’t Have It, We’ll Get It For You! We have more selections, better prices and more specials!

yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

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Gateway House of Peace – Sharing the Journey A community support home for end of life care Mission Statement: Dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable, caring residence for terminally ill patients in need of a home during their final days. Gateway House of Peace shall provide a peaceful, healing place to care for two terminally ill people and their families in the last three months of life. We are committed to providing compassionate, dignified, quality care that will support the natural processes that occur in the final days of life. Gateway House of Peace is not a medical facility and is run independently, collaborates with Community Hospice of Saratoga who provides the medical management for the patients as they do for anyone receiving hospice care in their own home environment. The volunteers and staff of Gateway House become extended family for our community residents who can no longer remain safe in their own home. • A widower who lives alone and has no primary caregiver • An elderly couple too frail to care for each other • A grandmother whose adult children are scattered across the country • A husband who simply isn’t able to leave his job to be his wife’s caregiver • A single mother with young children Our board is committed to nurturing hope and healing when lives are touched by the transition that family illness and care giving can bring. We believe in the hospice philosophy of care that all persons have the right to die with dignity, to have an enhanced quality of life for the remainder of their days, and to be as comfortable and as pain free as possible. All gifts are tax deductible. The Home is an IRS 501(c) (3) charitable organization. Visit our website for more information: gatewayhouseofpeace.org Gateway House of Peace, Inc. • 479 Rowland Street Ballston Spa, NY 12020 • (518) 450-1273 info@gatewayhouseofpeace.org

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Massage Therapy Welcome Home! To Fieldstone Cottage Therapies at the Wm. H. Buckley Farm. Greetings, folks! Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jane McKenney. I have been a NYS Licensed Massage Therapist since 1997. From that time, I have based my massage office in & around Burnt Hills, due to my appreciation of the area’s natural beauty and the gracious folks who reside here. Recently, I relocated my office to the Wm. H. Buckley Farm on Rte 50, just one mile North of Morris Ford. I deeply appreciate the Buckley Farm’s philosophy and effort to become a vibrant community asset. They have so much to offer here, and I thoroughly enjoy being smack-dab in the middle of it all! At Fieldstone Cottage Therapies, I offer Intuitive Therapeutic Massage, implementing many years of experience assisting folks along their wellness path. Those folks have included all ages, healthy & fit, as well as those seeking improved wellness. I also offer Corestone Massage, utilizing heated stones, as well as a couple of unique methods of sharing energy-based healing, namely Jin Shin Do and EFT. My heart is present with each session we share (remember the phrase “whole-hearted”?), as I’m certain yours will be, too. Please, come explore the Farm and experience the rustic nature that draws me in, and keep in mind: that serenity is part of the massage experience here at Fieldstone Cottage Therapies. Peace Be with You, --- Jane Fieldstone Cottage Therapies At the William H. Buckley Farm 946 Saratoga Rd (Rt 50) • Ballston Lake • 518.986.2824

yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

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“A man in love is cautious with the decisions he makes, words he says and actions he takes, so he never purposefully causes her pain. He believes in her when she struggles believing in herself. He is her foundation, where she feels safe to be her true self.”

147 Balls (

~Elizabeth Bourgeret

November Dinner Specials

BALLSTON SPA

Diner

Complete Dinner $14.99 Includes soup, salad, potato, vegetable and dessert

Choice of Entree •Roast Turkey & Stuffing •Lasagna •Half Roasted Chicken •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) 885-2016

OFF

BILL

(1 coupon per check) • Expires December 13th, 2015

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yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

The holidays are right around the corner Let Santa know just what you want this Holiday Season Stop in to Mayfair Jewelers and fill out your wish list Layaway is also available Custom Jewelry Designs • Repairs done on premises

Check out our Facebook page for Daily Specials

Live Music Thurs-Sat Play in our Game Room Level Pool Table - English Dartboard

Happy Hour 4-6 Everyday

518.280.7959 • 17 Main St. • Ballston Lake, NY 12019

% OFF

OFF

Entire Check

518.280.7959 17 Main St, Ballston Lake Dine In Only Expires Dec 31, 2015

B ig enough to

accommodate... small enough to care.

yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

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AND THE SARATOGA COUNTY RURAL PRESERVATION Need your help to make a homeless Veteran’s wish come true this holiday season. Dignified, warm and comfortable surroundings to help transition our Vet’s into permanent housing is the best way to honor their service. Transitional Shelter Wish List There are many needs of the men and women that come to our Transitional Housing every day. Below are some of the ways in which you can help us meet these needs. Household Items • Fitted & Flat Sheets for Twin Beds • Blanket for Twin Beds • Bed Pillows • 9 x 12 rugs • Quilts Kitchen Items • Canned Vegetables • Canned Soups • Canned Tuna • Peanut Butter • Instant Drinks-lemonade • 30 Gallon garbage bags • Dish Soap • Dishwasher Soap • Paper Towels

Miscellaneous Items • Bath Towels • Men’s clothing always welcomed • Laundry Soap • Dryer Sheets • Softener • Toilet Paper • CDTA Bus Passes • Gift cards (Walmart, gas cards, grocery stores) Call Marge our donation Coordinator at (518) 885-0091 x 101 to find out how to donate the items listed or ask about items not listed that you are considering donating. Checks can be made out to: VETHELP And mailed to: 1214 Saratoga Road

Are you an individual or a sole proprietor and confused about your choices? Open enrollment for 2016 will run from 11/1/15 to 1/31/16 Enrollments must be made by the 15th to have coverage effective the 1st of the next month

Richard Schultz 885-2910 18

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Financial Resources Company

yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

Safety Tips for Contact Lens Wearers Millions of people wear HYPERLINK “http:// www.everydayhealth.com/vision-center/ lenses-and-beyond/contact-lens-options. aspx” contact lenses as a convenient way to correct their vision. But all contact lens wearers must be vigilant about one thing — contact lens safety. When cared for properly, contact lenses can provide a comfortable and convenient way to work, play, and live for the 30 million plus people in the U.S. who wear them. While contact lenses are usually a safe and effective form of vision correction, they are not entirely risk-free—especially if they are not cared for properly. Contact lenses are medical devices, and failure to wear, clean, and store them as directed can increase the risk of eye infections. If you wear contact lenses, here’s what you should know: Get a yearly contact lens exam from an eye doctor. Have your lenses fitted by a qualified HYPERLINK “http://www.everydayhealth. com/vision-center/the-eye-exam/finding-an-eye-care-professional. aspx” eye care professional and be sure to get instruction on proper lens care. Don’t wear contact lenses overnight. It has long been documented that overnight use (extended wear) of contact lenses increases the risk of corneal infection, which can permanently affect vision. When you close your eyes with your lenses in place, the surface of the eye becomes more vulnerable to infection. Also, you have a lens being closed against the eye — any germs on the lens are being slammed against the cornea. Don’t wear your contact lenses in the shower or while swimming. Lakes, rivers, sea water, swimming pools, and even tap water can all harbor an organism called acanthamoeba, which can cause eye infection. Wearing contact lenses while swimming, showering, or doing other water-related activities can lead to serious acanthamoeba infections of the eye. Don’t reuse contact lens solution. You may think you’re saving money by doing so, but the disinfecting capability of the solution is gone. Use fresh solution every time you store your lenses in their case. Don’t use saline solution for contact lens cleaning or disinfection. Saline solution is simply sterile salt water. It will not clean or disinfect. Replace your contact lens case regularly. Lens cases get dirty, just like a toothbrush. Take out your contacts if they are bothering you. It seems like common sense, but it can be easy to ignore irritation when you’re busy or distracted. Never put up with irritation, as it could be sign of an infection or other problem. Never use saliva as a wetting agent. Your mouth is one of the dirtiest places in your body. To reap the benefits of wearing contact lenses, it is essential to practice healthy habits. Remember: Healthy Habits = Healthy Eyes.

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

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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TRASH TALK by Vince Coppola, owner of Scrapster, LLC It’s Fall and while it will probably hit 80 today while I’m writing this, Thanksgiving and all the year end holidays are coming down the pike. I want to start this article by saying THANK-YOU TO EVERYONE who has helped turn me from a guy with a dream, driving around in a Ford Ranger with a first shop that looked an awful lot like my driveway… into a successful and thriving business now in our 6th year, with 4 trucks, and 10,000 square feet of operations space. Awesome! I looked up some fun facts about Thanksgiving on The Googlehoo. Guess which utensil wasn’t at the first Thanksgiving? No kids, it wasn’t an iPhone, which isn’t even a utensil…never mind. It was the fork, which was introduced 10 years later by the Governor of Massachusetts. Say, what??? Boy, we have come a long way since eating mashed turnips with our fingers and scooping turkey into our mouths with a handful of leaves, am I right? Overheard at the first Thanksgiving: Pocahontas: “What a great feast, isn’t it just terrific?” John Smith: “Yes, Dear, please thank your people again for their kind hospitality.” Pocahontas: “I will. Hey, after everyone leaves, will you have

any time to help my clean out the garage, I mean, wigwam, like you promised?” John Smith: “I would, totally, you know that, but I just realized we aren’t actually here in Plymouth, we’re from the first settlement in Jamestown, Virginia 14 years ago, so this garage you speak of doesn’t actually exist! THANK YE GOODNESS, I can go back to watching lacrosse. Wow, I just dodged a bullet there, my Little Snookums!”. Pocahontas (mad): “LITTLE SNOOKUMS IS MY SISTERS NAME!!! You are in big trouble, John Smith-I’m texting Chief Runaway Nosebleed and the Tribal Elders right now!!!” Who knew? Wow, you never know what you are going to find in the online Wall Street Journal. Too bad, I was looking forward to seeing what they had in that garage. How about your garage? LET’S TALK TURKEY (the bird, not you Dear Reader!). 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 THANKSGIVING! Vincent Coppola, Owner of Scrapster Scrap Metal Removal/Recycling Service

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Methods For Earth-friendly Parents We all want to do our part to help conserve and save the planet. Being green has become a routine for many people. However what does it mean to be a green parent, and you can do several things to help your new baby stay free of harmful chemicals. Annually we understand and find out far more things as a human race. It was a great day when researchers confirmed that dark chocolate is in fact healthy for you. In the past few years we have found that there are many everyday items in our house that create toxins within our home. Adults usually are not troubled by these chemicals, yet they can be really dangerous for infants. Being a green parent today means safeguarding your child from harmful toxins in your house. By just making a good choices you can help to make your new baby’s world much healthier and safer for them. Here are several green tips for new parents. The four walls of the baby’s room is a place where you can make a significant difference. A typical paint can create smog when sunlight hits it, so try a low VOC paint. The low VOC paints are readily available on the market nowadays. There are several things you should think about when considering furniture for your baby’s room. Recycling is an excellent thing for the environment, and lots of parents want vintage furnishings for the baby’s room. First make certain you look into the safety of vintage pieces. Take a look at consumer web-sites for any recalls. Additionally, you will need to make certain that you remove all paint from the pieces. This is very important due to lead paint that had been banned in 1977. Even if the piece is more recent, you cannot be sure if some repainted it and with what sort of paint. You should be cautious of furniture produced from medium density fiberboard since it off-gasses formaldehyde that may cause asthma. Among the best ways you can be a green parent would be to buy an organic baby’s crib mattress. Organic items are made from toxinfree materials. A non-organic mattress comes from the manufacturing plant with a lot of chemicals. This is evident by the smell. Should you choose chose to go with a non-organic crib mattress, just be sure to give it time to air out somewhere it can get fresh air, however, not directly outdoors.

The great baby diaper discussion has been raging for many years. Disposable baby diapers fill the landfills, but fabric diapers need energy and water to wash. Well let us place the environment aside and take into consideration your baby’s bottom and skin. The cloth diaper is best for baby’s delicate skin. In addition disposable diapers do have off-gassing. One challenge with cloth diapers is that you have to empty the “mess” in to a commode before you launder them. This is where the hybrid diaper includes the best of all possible worlds. You can find cloth diapers with 100% biodegradable inserts that could be flushed or thrown away. It is very important for you to keep your house clean for baby, however you’ll want to stay away from cleaners with VOC. Use the smell test to see if you are using a cleaner containing VOC’s. If when you clean you can smell the chemicals, there is a good chance its content has VOC’s. You can buy environmentally friendly and healthier cleaners, or you may also use steam to clean.

Join us!

Open House November 27, 28 & 29

Sign-up for Medicare Advantage Plans ends for EVERYONE on 12-7-15 Enrollments must be made by the 15th to have coverage effective the 1st of the next month

Richard Schultz 885-2910 yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

Financial Resources Company FRCBenefits.com

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Thankful I could just leave that one simple word and this column would be complete. When I turn over in my head all the reasons why I am thankful I may be better off leaving it at that one.

“Happiness isn’t something you experience; it’s something you remember.” ~Oscar Levant

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THANKFUL - let me count the ways... T - thankful for my son so kind H - having a family I look forward to spending time A - a good guy who cares for me and goes out of his way to love N - nice job that I look forward to going to and I am proud of K - kindness in others I can spot F - friends who are always there for me even when I am not. U - understanding and forgiveness when hit with strife L - love for those who are in my life Thank you for your support and keep reading. As always, I wish you peace, joy and a thankful heart. -Pattie Rakvica

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

2 Lawmar Lane, Burnt Hills, NY 12027 Renovations We asked: What are the top three things you’d like to see happen at the Library. The survey said: 1. Make it quieter, 2. Technology matters, 3. Find grant money So, we made a plan, received a grant, and we’re ready to start! Renovations start in November. CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS Thursday, November 5th 4:00pm Brown Bag book Club: A book club for 1st and 2nd graders! In November we’re discussing Bink & Gollie, Two for One, by Kate DiCamillo. 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, November 12th 4:00pm Author Adventures Book Club: Each month we’ll learn about a different author, and do a craft. In November we’re discussing Sam and Dave Dig a Hole. 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, November 19th 4:00pm Booking Through Fiction: A fiction book club for kids in grades 3 & 4. In November we’re discussing Fake Mustache. 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, November 20th 4:00pm Book Buzz Book: In November we are discussing Smile by Raina Telgemeier. 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. Tuesdays, November 3rd, 10th, & 17th 10:30am Music Medley: Join us for a family style sing along led by our favorite musician Miss Terri! This 30 minute sing-along is for preschoolers of all ages. This is a drop in program and siblings, parents, grandparents and friends are welcome! Fridays, November 6th, 13th, & 20th 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. ADULT PROGRAMS Tuesday, November 17th 12:30pm Non-Fiction Addiction Book Club: Our NEW Book Club, Non-Fiction Addiction! Come join us as we discuss Outliers–The Story of Success by Malcom Gladwell. Tuesday, 11/17: Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell. Gladwell identifies the qualities of successful people, posing theories about the cultural, family, and idiosyncratic factors that shape high achievers, covering such topics as the secrets of software billionaires and why the Beatles earned their fame (NoveList). 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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100 years...and counting by Sam Capuano I’ve talked before in this space about my high school football coach, Murry O’Neil. Coach O’Neil, who started the Burnt Hills football program in 1955, was still going strong in 1980 when he told us, “When the good Lord invented high school football, he meant it to be played on a Saturday afternoon.” In these days of Friday night lights, that doesn’t happen too much anymore, but once a year in October, for Homecoming, the old football field displays all its foliage laden glory for a Saturday afternoon game. It’s always a nice day, but this year was different, not to mention a hundred years in the making. Or as it said on the game program, “Celebrating 100 years of excellence and Spartan pride.” For it was in 1915 some one-room schools combined, and New York’s first true school district was formed, under the moniker of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Union Free School District. Five years later, the high school (or, more accurately, the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake School of Agriculture & Homemaking) had its first commencement, as a whopping total of two students grabbed their diplomas; those numbers would increase as the years wore on. All the stops were pulled out for the October 10th remembrance. There was music by the Burnt Hills Oratorio Society and the BH-BL High School Choir. As an alum of that latter group, I was glad to see it still going strong. Elected officials are not ones to miss event such as these, and Assemblyman Jim Tedisco and Congressman Paul Tonka were on hand as well. So were a bunch of vendors, part of the Homecoming Class Club Fair. While the vendors provided every kind of food one would want for a football game, there was also a gem of a publication for sale: a wonderful, spiral-bound book called “100 Memories of BH-BL.” I love this book not only for the wonderful memories contained within, but also because it will provide me with source material for many columns to come (Cheryl Hill, please take note, because of this, I will be putting an expense voucher in for the cost of the book!) The book is a must for anyone who has been, is, or will be a part of the BH-BL community. There is a time line of the school over the past century, including some pretty cool athletic accomplishments. The photographs alone make this worth having. Ditto for the full page features of teachers and leaders of the past. There is also a look forward to a new wing of the high school, the STEAM Addition, STEAM being Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. The artist rendering shows it to be a snazzy new feature of the 60 year old building. Back to the celebration itself. The organizers were blessed with a beautiful Indian Summer day, and the stands were packed. One could easily see why the aforementioned quote from Coach O’Neal was uttered 30 years ago. Prior to the football game kickoff, there was also the announcement of a new tradition. A very loud tradition, in the form of a refurbished Leslie RS3L train whistle. As railroads have been a part of the community even longer than the school district, it was decided to have the whistle be blown after each Spartan score. Given the fact the home team tallied 50 points in their spanking of Gloversville, the blare of the whistle was quite prevalent that day. And will be for years to come. The football field, part of the Walter R. Reid Fields facility has always drawn the community together. The field itself now has a modern artificial turf. And, it looks great. Wish it had been around when I played, as I can still hear my mother grumbling at having to wash the mud and grass stains off my football uniform. The new field in the same location, now called Centennial Field, is another proud symbol, for a proud school district. And, the community gives back. In looking at the sponsors of the Centennial Event, there were more than a few businesses run by folks who graduated from BH-BL. That says a lot. Not that much else was needed, but the memorable day ended with fireworks. Can’t imagine a much better day to be a Spartan. ‘Til next time, keep on smiling

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Festival of Trees Hosted by Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake Women’s Club Friday, December 4, Noon - 5 pm Saturday, December 5, 10 am - 5 pm Sunday December 6, Noon - 4 pm Held at Ballston Town Hall, Charlton Road, Ballston Spa

Entertainment, Blood Drive on Saturday

Thanks for your help. Bee Rohrmeier

399-8204

G NOW ACCEPRTIN WINTE TS CONSIGNMEN t en tm in po By Ap

Not Just Dance! “You give your students so much more than just dance instruction. You build confidence in your dancers that translates to everything that they do in life.” This is an observation that parents frequently share with me and my colleague, Dana Yager. Through modern dance we work hard to help our students find their strengths and to be proud of their uniqueness. Creative dance exploration challenges students to believe in themselves, to trust themselves when they need to make dance decisions. We encourage dancers to take creative chances when choosing movement through improvisation. We positively nurture the result of their efforts in interesting ways that motivate them to trust themselves further. Some students are really good at grasping movement through learning choreography, but they are not good at trusting themselves when it comes to creating their own movement when exploring an improvisational exercise. Some students are not as quick to grasp movement that is introduced through choreography, but they are great at expressing themselves creatively and emotionally through improvisation. Both the improvisational and the technical aspects of a dancer are equally important. Many dance forms only focus on the technical dancer, totally ignoring the development of the creative, emotional qualities and strengths that underly the basic instincts a dancer needs to really shine. When both the technical and the improvisational aspects of a dancer strengthen in unison, then the whole dancer eventually emerges demonstrating confidence and joy. Watching that happen is the best part of what I do. Dana Yager and I are experts at nurturing the whole dancer to trust themselves to find the courage to express their creative, emotional energies that make their dance unique. Let me give you a good example of what I am trying to express here. I’ve had many dancers audition for placement in college dance programs. Every one of them has shared with me that their performance in the improvisational portion of their audition, “blew away” those judging them. They also shared with me that many of the dancers auditioning were completely unprepared to bring forth movement of their own through improvisation, completely intimidated by having to create dance spontaneously. Yes, Dana Yager and I do give our dancers more than just dance. We prepare them for life. Modern Dance with Ginny Martin • 518-399-5802 www.ginnymartindance.com • www.danceclassathome.com

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what’s Recipes with wiggle room

Dinner When You Get Home Crockpot Ravioli Prep time 15 mins • Cook time 4 mins • Total time 19 mins

Breakfast on the Go! Freezer Breakfast Quesadillas 4 Ways to Choose From (Wiggle Room Built In) Prep time 10 mins • Cook time 10 mins • Total time 20 mins 2 eggs 1 Tbsp butter/cooking spray 2 large (8 inch) tortillas ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese salt to taste Optional Fillers The Meat Lover: Add in 1-2 Tbsp of each bacon, cooked and diced sausage, cooked, drained and chopped ham, chopped

The Hawaiian: Add in 1-2 Tbsps of each pineapple chunks, well drained ham, chopped The Veggie Lover: bell peppers, diced onion, diced mushrooms, diced The Cheese Lover: (reduce base cheddar cheese to ¼ cup) ¼ cup Monterey jack cheese ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Print a Coupon for Fortify™ Probiotics 1. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and salt. 2. Coat a large skillet with cooking spray or 1 Tbsps of melted butter. Add eggs and cook, stirring over a medium heat until eggs are fluffy and set. Set eggs aside in a bowl. 3. Now place a tortilla in your skillet. Spoon eggs over tortilla and then top with your choice of fillings (about 2 Tbsps per filling and ½ cup of cheese) Top with other tortilla and cook over low heat for 1-2 minutes on each side or until cheese is melted. 4. Cut into fourths and serve (serves 2) 5. Want to save time for the week? Make a large batch of these egg-tastic breakfast quesadillas and freeze them. After following the above directions. Place individual quesadillas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and flash freeze them for 1-2 hours, until frozen. Remove them from the baking sheet and place them inside a freezer safe bag. 6. When ready to use, warm in toaster oven until warmed through or microwave (about 45 second - 60 second per serving

-Ispired by Family Fresh Meals

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1 lb ground round or Veggie Burger Crumble 1 cup chopped onions 2-4 garlic cloves, minced 1 (24oz) jar of pasta sauce 1 (25oz) package or frozen cheese-filled ravioli(do not thaw) 1 (8oz) package shredded Italian blend cheese

1. Cook ground round (or veg crumble), onion, and garlic in a large skillet over a medium/high heat, until beef crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain if needed and set aside. 2. Spoon ¾ cup pasta sauce into bottom o a lightly greased crockpot. Layer half of the ravioli. 3. Next layer with ½ the meat mixture. 4. Then top with 1 cup of cheese. 5. Reapeat layers, starting with ¾ cup of sauce, ravioli, meat and end with the remaining 1 cup of cheese. 6. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours until pasta is tender. Like I said above, the original recipe said 6 hours, but mine was ready to go after 4.5 hours. So test your crock out with this one! Wiggle Room: Use Gluten Free Raviolis (do not thaw) -Inspired by Family Fresh Meals

Hot Spiced Wine 2 bottles light-bodied red wine 1 1/4 cups sugar Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 lemon 3 black peppercorns, crushed 2 cardamom pods, crushed One 3-inch cinnamon stick, crushed 1 clove, crushed 1/2 cup kirsch

In a large saucepan, combine the red wine with the sugar and the orange and lemon zests. Put the spices in a tea ball and add to the saucepan. Bring the wine to a very slow simmer over moderate heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat, discard the tea ball and stir in the kirsch. Ladle the spiced wine into heatproof glasses and serve at once. Make Ahead The spiced wine can be kept overnight at room temperature. Reheat before serving. My Best Friends Excuse for Lazy Sundays!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

NOVEMBER CROSSWORD PUZZLE Name_________________________________

by Frank Virzi

Across 1. Turkey on the stage 5. Magic instrument Jack stole on his third trip up the beanstalk 9. Cranberry ____ (Thanksgiving staple) 14. Woe for Fido 15. "Waiting for the Robert ____" 16. ____ Centauri 17. "Are you ____ out?" 18. Heap praise on 19. Metric measure slightly larger than a quart 20. Thanksgiving desert option 23. Staple crop that Squanto taught 42-Across how to plant and cook 24. Opposite of NNW 25. San ___ Obispo, Calif. 26. "Go jump in the loch!" 28. Traditional Thanksgiving dish 29. Okla. neighbor 30. Univ. where "Good Will Hunting" is set 33. "Huckleberry Finn" author 36. Like most Thanksgiving dinners 38. A knitter might have a ball with it 39. Former Cub slugger Sosa 41. Disney World's Space Mountain, e.g. 42. Plymouth settlers who dined with their Wampanoag neighbors in 1621 at the first Thanksgiving 44. Turkey that spends too much time in the car

shop? 45. "Can't Get It Out of My Head" rock grp. 46. NFL rushing units 47. Attack on the fridge, say 49. "Catch my drift?" 50. Word repeated after "Que" in a Doris Day song 51. Turkey helping 54. Where most of Turkey is 57. Big name in turkeys 60. Rocker Kravitz or comedian Bruce 62. It might hold up a parade 63. VW or BMW 64. Tend to the turkey 65. Gillette's ___ Plus razor 66. Most are conceived in November 67. Site for an exchange of vows 68. Levi's alternative 69. Fish-eating birds Down 1. Tosses, as a coin 2. In "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" he recruits Snoopy and Woodstock to set up a pingpong table 3. "____ all ye faithful..." 4. Suspect, in cop lingo 5. Gas used to inflate the balloons for the Macy's Parade 6. "Guardian" singer Morissette 7. Extends one's enlistment 8. Prefix with cure 9. "I've got a mule, and her name is ____"

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28 33

10. Restaurateur in a folk song often played on Thanksgiving 11. ____ no good 12. Winner of an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and three Golden Globes 13. Make on the job 21. Group investigated in "Mississippi Burning" 22. The Penguin, to Batman 27. Tin Woodsman's prop 28. Hip-hop's ___ Yang Twins 29. Mr. Turkey 30. Seriously injure 31. "___ Anything": "Oliver!" song

30 37

49 54

32. Romeo or Juliet, e.g. 33. Enter with a keyboard 34. Cry like a banshee 35. 10-Down's Thanksgiving guest, in song 36. "____ Pinafore" 37. Subject of the lyric "A horse is a horse, of course, of course" 39. Reverse of a hit 45 record 40. Morning times, for short 43. Pumpernickel alternative 44. When doubled, cry before "pants on fire" 47. Hang up one's cleats 48. Sports venues

49. Thanksgiving parade participant 50. What a star represents on the US flag 51. Matt who cohosts Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 52. "Rocket Man" singer John 53. Woman's lip application 54. Jessica of "Fantastic Four" 55. Ball-balancing performer 56. The "I" in M.I.T.: Abbr. 58. Russia's ____ Mountains 59. Bundle in a barn 61. "____ out!" (umpire's cry) Answers on page 34

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Basic Estate Taxes

What do you need to know about estate taxes? Your taxable estate includes any bank accounts or other assets that you hold in your name only, your IRAs or insurance policies that have beneficiaries named on them, your houses and other assets held jointly and certain gifts. You also need to know your debts. The Federal Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s applicable exclusion, the amount of assets protected, is $5,430,000 in 2015. The Federal Government enacted portability as a means of doubling the protected estate. As of April 1, 2015, NYS permits a person to protect $3,125,000 from being subjected to New York estate taxes, and the amount protected will reach the federal limit on January 1, 2020. New York has no gift tax for gifts as of January 1, 2000. However, New York now permits gifts made within three years of date of death, to be included as part of the taxable estate. With regards to any gifting you wish to make, these gifts will avoid estate taxation from the Federal Government. A person may give $14,000 per year to each donee without any estate or gift tax consequences. Married couples may give $28,000 per year to each donee. Effective January 1, 1998, the federal government has indexed the above tax exempt amounts so they increase with inflation. Gift tax returns are required for gifts above $14,000 from a single person and $28,000 from a married couple. Tuition paid directly to a qualified educational organization, on behalf of an individual is excludable from gift and estate taxes. Medical bills paid directly to a qualified medical organization on behalf of an individual is excludable from gift and estate taxes. Please call if you have any questions. It will be a pleasure to help you.

Burnt Hills and Schenectady (518) 370-4645 â&#x20AC;˘ jfantauzzi@ecmlaw.com

Professional In-Home Pet Sitting Service

Serving the Area for over 16 years! Vacations Debbie Skoda 518.399.5758 yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

Weekends

Mid Day Walks Jackie Koreman 518.727.2465

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Expires 12-31-15

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WINTER

Warm Up! Nov 25th - Dec 7th 18 Months No Interest *(if paid in full within 18 months)

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Wednesday: 9-6 Thursday: 9-8, Friday: 9-6 Saturday: 10-4, Sunday: 10-2

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Kids Page

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A thank you note… I realize that you read my column month after month (of course you do; doesn’t EVERYONE???) for real estate tips, market conditions, etc… and for that I am thankful. Each time one of you call or email me, whether it is with a question or to comment on the month’s topic or to invite me into your home for advice on how to best prepare your home for the market, I am honored to know that you have taken the time to read and appreciate what I am saying. Today, as I am writing it gives me a moment to reflect and remember that I am lucky enough to have a career that I love and am passionate about. It’s a truly wonderful thing to be able to make a living for my family doing something that I love so much and best of all I get to do it right here in “Your Hometowne”, a community that I enjoy contributing to and being part of. Whether I am fueling up my car, grocery shopping, or stopping by the hardware store for a new lockbox, I inevitably bump into someone I know and can stop for a minute and chat with. (In full disclosure this happens a LOT immediately after my work out with Gina at Precise Fitness and Training…because there is NOTHING better than having someone recognize you when you are sweaty and winded with your hair tied in a sloppy knot on your head!) What a GREAT life and what a GREAT community to be part of!!! So…the truth is there will be no real estate mumbo jumbo, no

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predictions on mortgage rates, no staging tips; just me sending you a THANK YOU note. Thank you for being my friends and neighbors, customers and clients, supporters of local businesses like mine, and thank you for your contributions to our community! Along with a core group of professionals who feel like family to me, the Olde Orchard Real Estate dream became a reality in January of 2008. We weathered the recession, experienced growing pains, and scratched our heads wondering how to stay in business. It wasn’t always prosperous, but we kept our eyes on the ball, maintained fiscal responsibility, and stayed dedicated to our goals and what we are passionate about; staying in our community and becoming a valuable resource for YOU - our friends and neighbors! We are proud to be here and to have stayed in business and to certainly to be prosperous AND owe our success to YOU! So, THANK YOU! As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, I wanted to take a minute to remember how blessed I am and to show my gratitude to all of you. I encourage each of you to do the same, and be sure to start with those closest to you! I wish you continued blessings, success, and prosperity! Be Well, MP Margaret Phillips, CBR• Broker/Owner Olde Orchard Real Estate 4 Williams Street, Ballston Lake, NY 12019 518-701-1657 Cell • 518-399-2100 Office Margaret@oldeorchardrealestate.com “with Olde Orchard you have friends in the business”

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Teaching the Simple Truth About Chiropractic to Our Kids One of the most common questions we get in our center is how our practice members can help their kids and grandkids understand why it is important for them to be checked by their chiropractor on a regular basis. You may wonder how a parent could confuse their kids when talking about chiropractic care, but this is actually our biggest challenge in maintaining an understanding of the truth. The kids accept what we say because it is so simple and makes so much sense to them. The parents on the other hand have been programmed through their lives that whenever they go to any kind of doctor, they are there to have something “fixed” so that some illness or pain goes away or is prevented from coming in the first place. But, chiropractic is actually the complete opposite of this! The whole reason for getting adjusted and keeping your neurological connections clear is so that something WILL happen – a more complete expression of health and life! When your body and your brain have a clear neurological CONNECTION, you can more correctly comprehend and respond to everything in both your internal and external environments, and you are more likely to keep moving toward your full potential. It’s like the phrase, “The rising tide lifts ALL the boats.” When your whole spine works better, your whole nerve system works better. And when your whole nerve system works better, your whole body and your whole mind work better. And of course, when your whole body and mind work better, every single aspect of your LIFE is better! Having said all this let us now show you how we teach the simple truth about chiropractic to our kids using three simple ideas:

L I N U S

O C O M E

T Y P E

W A I L

A R L O

A L B A

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S A U C A L P H L I T E C O R A E X M I E M A D R I D L E M O I D A L E R B A L A U T L E O E R N

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E A R N T E E N G L O S S

Crossword Puzzle on page 28

F L I P S

1. Everything is always changing, even you! Here’s how… 2. Your body is always EITHER getting stronger or it is getting weaker. What’s really cool about this is that most of the time YOU get to decide if you will get stronger or weaker! 3. If you want to help your body keep getting stronger all the time, you need to do three things; a) Think about good things and be happy. b) Make healthy choices. c) Keep your Power on! Help your brain and your body talk to each other better by getting your spine checked and adjusted! When you get checked by your chiropractor you are making sure your Power is on full blast so that you can keep getting stronger all the time! It’s that simple! By teaching your kids about chiropractic, they will learn that everything is always changing –including them - and that THEY have the power to make good choices and direct their own health and lives. So the next time someone asks you why you and your kids go to the chiropractor every week or two you can just tell them, “Well there are three things you need to know…” 353 Saratoga Rd. Glenville, NY 12302 399-3810 www.thriveglenville.com yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

yourhometowne@gmail.com | 518.265.1105

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Forcing bulbs for winter flowers. The term “forcing” has always seemed a little harsh when referring to bringing flower bulbs (tulips, hyacinths, etc.) into their flowering cycle prematurely in pots. “Enticing” or “tricking” seem more appropriate. To trick or force flower bulbs, we want to fool them into reacting as if they have already undergone the cooling period that bulbs planted in the ground experience over winter. To do this we need to pot them up and place them in a cool location for a long enough time to undergo the enzyme change within the bulb that causes the bulb to start its growth and flowering cycle. It isn’t hard to do. Although any hardy bulb can be forced, some varieties are better suited to it than others. Very tall tulips, for instance, are not good candidates because they tend to get leggy and flop over when forced indoors due to lack of direct sun. Smaller and shorter varieties are the best candidates for forcing. There are still bulbs available at the garden center and they are usually on sale this late in the outdoor bulb planting season. A f t e r selecting your bulbs, get some pots to use. Pots for forcing are generally shallow. They are referred to as “bulb pans.” For hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils a bulb pan about 6” deep is perfect. Crocus, iris, and other smaller bulbs won’t need a pot more than 4” to 5” deep. Place a couple of inches of soil in the bottom of the pot, then

place the bulbs in the pot pointy side up. The bulbs should be placed very close together...even touching. Then fill the pot the rest of the way with more soil and water thoroughly. Now your potted bulbs are ready for their cooling period. They need to be chilled to 40 degrees or lower for at least three months. This can be done in an unheated basement, or in a spare refrigerator. It is also possible to chill them in the garden. To do this, dig a trench in your garden deep enough that the rim of the pot is at, or just below soil level. Then fill in the trench around the pots with more soil. Cover your trenched bulb pans with mulch. Be sure that they stay moist. It’s OK if they freeze....that’s just they need. An inch or so of mulch on top and a couple of stakes so you can find them in mid-winter and you’re all done except for the waiting. Starting in late January or early February you can start bringing them in. It will take another 4 to 6 weeks for them to grow and flower. All over the country, greenhouse growers are planting bulbs in pots right now. They’ll put them into coolers and must pull them out at just the right moment so they’ll flower right in time for Easter. Timing is everything There is one bulb you can force without the chilling period.

Paperwhite narcissus are not a hardy bulb and so can be forced without cooling them. For these, I like to use a glass containers filled with stones or glass chips or marbles so I get the added interest of watching the roots grow. Simply nestle the base of the paperwhite bulb into the gravel, again placing the bulbs so that they are almost touching. Fill the bowl with water to just BELOW the base of the bulb. Don’t let the bulbs sit in the water since they might rot. Then, just step back and enjoy the show. Have fun and thanks for the read Peter Bowden • pbowden2@nycap.rr.com

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