Your Hometowne October 2014

COMPLIMENTARY OCTOBER 2014

PAGES 13-17 TOWN OF GLENVILLE FALL NEWSLETTER

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“Where there are no strangers...

Only friends you haven’t met yet”

Circa 1787

Enjoy the company of our community in an authentic Irish Pub! Autumn in Charlton-

Reflections of fall, The Charlton Tavern has enjoyed the warmth of family and the company of generations since 1971.

From weeknights with friends to weekend celebrations, these are the moments that memories are made of.

Relax with Bobby Van Detta on Sundays from 5-8pm The perfect fit Exclusive Monday availability for parties of 65 or more!

399-9951

745 Charlton Road, Charlton • www.charltontavern.com Intimate Couture Weddings • Bridal Showers • Retirement Gatherings SERVING HOURS: Tuesday-Thursday 11:30am-9pm • Friday & Saturday 11:30am-10pm • Sunday noon-8pm Closed Monday Social networking at the Tavern couldn’t be easier with WIFI

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884-9122 • www.mmhauntedhayrides.com • The ghoulish figures along the route of the Double M Haunted Hayrides will be at their very scariest this fall, as the Ballston Spa spine-chiller celebrates its 24th year of shocking and surprising its visitors.

An estimated 20,000 people are expected to visit this seasonal attraction from late September through October.

Though the newest features along the dark and dismal path travelled by the tractor-drawn hay wagons remain a well-guarded secret, so as not to spoil the fun, a heaping dose of fright is promised to all who pass by. The Hayride includes live actors, mechanical scares, and lots of special effects, to create a fun and bloodcurdling mix of entertainment.

The ride lasts between 30-40 minutes, and visitors then can experience five other attractions included in the admission package.

“We've worked hard this year to add many new features,” notes Leo Martin, founder of Haunted Hayrides. “After the Hayride, our guests enter the all new Stockyard, leading into the Darkwoods Academy.

From there, they'll scream and laugh their way through the newly constructed Last Inn Haunted House, which we've made bigger and scarier than ever. Our haunted maze called Clown Carnevil provides our guests with some final spooks and thrills.” Before patrons return to

the parking lot, they can enjoy The Schadenfreude Circus, a real live freak show!

Also on the grounds are a concession stand, a Halloween novelty and souvenir stand, and entertainment in the waiting area such as magicians, music, oversized monsters, and the host of the Haunted Hayrides, Scary Harry.

Located on Route 67, one mile west of Exit 12 off I-87, the Haunted Hayride attraction has grown over the past two decades.Owner Leo Martin grew up in his parents' Western store, and started the Haunted Hayrides with them during the fall of his freshman year in college in 1991.

At the time, it was part of a franchise operation based in Syracuse, operating similarly to 250 other Haunted Hayride locations throughout the country. The franchise brand had signed noted horror film actor Vincent Price as its spokesperson. During those early days, Leo Martin's Haunted Hayrides drew attendance of 6,000 people per season.

When the franchise business dissolved in 1995, Leo opted to continue to build the business on his own.

“It was an exciting time, taking this business that previously had been under the direction of a larger franchise set-up, and beginning to make decisions independently, based on how we thought we could

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best serve our customers,” notes Leo. “I created our current haunted cowboy host, Scary Harry, to tie into my parents' western-themed store. He's proven popular with our customers ever since.

“Also at about the same time, I met Jennifer, who is now my wife. After we were married in 2000, she took over the administrative side of the business, which allows me more time to focus on the operations and attractions.”

The business continues as a family affair. Leo and Jennifer welcomed their son, Max, in 2003 (the small zombie in the top right picture), and he now helps to scare patrons on the weekend evenings. “He loves it!” says his mother.

Keeping up with scary techniques and technology brings the Martins in touch with people from all over the country. “We attend haunted industry trade shows to stay current. We always bring something new to our Haunted Hayrides every Halloween season,” notes Jennifer.“Our favorite show is the Transworld Halloween Show in St. Louis, where we see the latest in props, animation, and costumes.With all the Hollywood special effects people who take part, the seminars on make-up, lighting, and other topics are a chance for us to learn from some of the best talent in the industry.”

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• • • Rte. 67 Malta The growth of the Halloween industry overall has helped Double M Haunted Hayrides to expand its operations, including seasonal jobs for local residents. “We are in the middle of hiring about 100 seasonal employees, with jobs ranging from phone operators, to parking lot attendants, to actors throughout the attractions. For enthusiastic, high-energy adults who are available to work Thursday through Sunday evenings, this is a fun part-time way to make money,” noted Jennifer. “When Leo started the business in 1991, we only employed 30 people, so we are proud of this growth in our employment levels.”

The business has expanded to include new features over the years, with six harrowing attractions now included in the admission price. “We have created a complete haunted destination by adding these additional attractions to our hayrides,” notes Leo. “People can make a full evening out of their time with us, and we have customers who return year after year to see what is new, and re-visit their longtime spooky favorites.”

The members of the Martin family have been successful business owners in the Malta community since 1966, when Leo's parents, Ronald and Kathleen Martin, opened the Double M Western Store. Looking back on the first 24 years of success, where do Leo and Jennifer Martin think their business is headed? “We'd like to continue to grow by providing a fun tradition for our customers. We'll be here as long as people continue to celebrate Halloween!” says Leo.

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Double M

A Unique Consignment Boutique

WOMEN’S CLOTHING l HANDBAGS JEWELRY l ACCESSORIES

518.885.9543 ROUTE 67, BALLSTON SPA Open Monday-Friday 10-5 Sunday 10-4 CONVENIENTLY LOCATED RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO THE DOUBLE M TACK STORE.

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Town of Glenville

FALL 2014 Newsletter

Incorporated 1821 • State of New York From the Desk of the Town Supervisor...

From the Highway Department...

Christopher Koetzle, Town Supervisor

Tom Coppola, Highway Superintendent

Greetings and Happy Fall! This is one of my favorite times of year but with the cooler weather comes budget time for the Town. This year, we're working on a $17 million spending plan that has a few challenges as is discussed in the budget column of this newsletter. Aside from a drop in revenues in our mortgage tax line and increasing health insurance costs, the Town is also facing a number of possible retirements in 2015 that requires us to budget the appropriate amount of “payout” as per the union contract. This required the Board to make some difficult, yet fiscally sound, decisions to help keep the levy below the mandated Tax Cap. We, as a Board are committed to stay under the cap so that you will receive the levy increase back in a form of a check from the state - effectively making the levy increase 0%. We are also committed to not introducing new fees as a way to evade the spirit of the cap.

Many of you may have noticed the economic development projects happening around town. Some of the projects are very noticeable, like the Glenwyck Manor project on Dutch Meadows and the Applebee's project in Town Center; others are more hidden like the CTDI and Old Dominion projects in the Glenville Business Technology Park that have added hundreds of jobs here in Glenville and have helped revitalize that important commercial park. We'll continue our work with Metroplex and the federal government to revitalize the GSA properties within the park and welcome even more development there in the months and years ahead.

Also, we are moving forward on the Town Beautification project this spring by working with the DOT to install sidewalks within the Town Center for better walk-ability and will also finalize our plans for new lighting that will help improve night-time visibility and aesthetically improve the Town Center.

Finally, some of you may have been following the operational changes that we started with late-last year with the Supervisor's Office and continued throughout this year with the 7 retirements that we experienced in 2014. Some of these changes led to positions being moved, part-time/full-time status changes, and the utilization of private contractors to perform some duties. All of these decisions were made with the knowledge that we needed to make government more efficient and less costly to the taxpayer. As a result, we have saved about $200,000 this year to offset increased benefit costs.

Some of these decisions have meant change - an change can be difficult - but all of these decisions have resulted in the protection of services while lowering cost.

As always, anytime that I can be of assistance, please call me at Town Hall at 688-1202 or email me at ckoetzle@townofglenville.org.

Enjoy the season!

Fixing Drainage The Highway Department has determined it is necessary to improve the drainage throughout the town prior to any blacktop work to ensure the town acquires the best life expectancy from blacktopping monies spent. To date, the left side of Route 50, starting on Brookwood Dr. through the Hadel Road area has been completed. The Alplaus area, including Bruce Dr. is on the schedule to be done soon. Next year we will begin working on the right side of Route 50 in the area of Via Maria Drive.

Leaf Season Leaf season will be upon us shortly. The warm weather could keep the leaves on the trees a little longer this year. Please refrain from placing leaf piles in the roadway as this could cause dangerous road conditions. We ask that leaf piles be no wider than 5 ft. We will be completing one pass through town; areas scheduled will be posted on our highway web site page. Bags will not be collected by the town. For disposal of your leaf bags and other yardwaste, please contact your waste hauler.

Ready for Winter After leaves, comes the snow. Please make sure your garbage cans are off the road pavement and in your driveway. We cannot complete our task of clearing the roadways with them in the way. Basketball hoops should not be in the roadway or the town's right-of-way as they hinder the process as well. Basketball hoops that are left in the town's right-of-way are code violations, which will be enforced.

Sump and foundation lines should not discharge to the roadway; this causes icing and dangerous situations. Property drainage must be 10 ft. off the edge of pavement to prevent icing issues.

When the colder temperatures come, make sure you drain all necessary pipes and drains so they do not freeze creating a greater issue for you.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our office at 382-1406.

Old Dominion

Glenville officials welcome Old Dominion to Glenville. The company officially cut the ribbon on their new facility in the Glenville Business and Technology Park on September 18, 2014.

The new building represents a $8 million investment in the community and has brought over 50 new jobs with the promise of more to come.

www.townofglenville.org

Applebee's… Coming to Town

Teresa's is razed to make room for Applebee's

On the morning of September 8th, a trackhoe made quick work of the vacant Teresa's Restaurant on Route 50, next door to Dunkin' Donuts and Midas. The demolition of the 64 year-old structure was complete by 11:00 a.m., signaling the beginning of a new era for the property; specifically, an Applebee's restaurant.

Applebee's new restaurant will consist of 208 seats and a full service bar, which is consistent with most of their properties. Applebee's should nicely complement the year-old Panera Bread Restaurant just 1,000 feet away. Applebee's is a casual sit-down restaurant that serves alcohol, and it has especially strong appeal to baby boomers and families. Panera falls in the “fast casual food” class of restaurants, along with other chains such as Chipotle and Boston Market.

The building that Teresa's Restaurant occupied was erected in 1950. For its first 30+ years of existence it was a gas/service station, having got its start as Patneaude's Mayfair Gulf Station, along a stretch of Route 50 in the Town Center that was dubbed “Gasoline Alley” by many local residents. In the 1st half of the 1980s the building was retrofitted and converted for deli/restaurant use. Lucias, a popular sit-down Italian eatery, opened its doors in the building in 1985. Home Style Pizza followed for a brief period in the 2000s, with Teresa's Restaurant most recently occupying the building from early 2011 until late 2012.

While the Town doesn't have an anticipated opening date for Applebee's as of this writing, a reasonable expectation is early summer 2015.

Supervisor Koetzle Delivers Annual Budget Forum

On September 10, 2014 at the Glenville Municipal Center, Supervisor Chris Koetzle and the Town Board hosted the first of their two annual budget forums for residents of the town. The Supervisor's presentation focused on budget issues currently facing the town such as the town's financial trends, fund balance analysis, and the mandated tax cap. The forum was then opened up for a question and answer period in order to engage residents in the process. The second budget forum is scheduled for the Senior Center on October 9th at 3pm.

Highlights of the presentation include: • The Town Board's overall budget objective is to live within our means while protecting current services.

• As has been the trend over the past five years, the Board continues to streamline operations while avoiding the need to institute new fees to cover continued cost increases.

• The Town Board wishes to continue the progress of reducing our reliance on the fund balance (the Town's “rainy day” fund) for operational expenses by reducing this year's allocation by another 5% or $30,000 to under $580,000 from about $1.4 million in 2010.

• The Town ended 2013 with surpluses in the Town General (01), Town Outside Village (02) and the Sewer funds, but due to a large drop in mortgage tax revenue in 2014, will not end '14 with a surplus in the Town General (01) fund.

• The Town has reduced its outstanding debt by $4 million since 2010.

• The Town has held the line on personnel costs since 2008 when wages totaled $5.2 million until 2014 when they were still at $5.2 million. This was achieved by gaining efficiency due to attrition over the years. The Town employed over 100 people in 2008. Today we have 83; 13 of them part time.

• Challenges for 2015 include: the need to settle all three labor contracts, healthcare costs rising faster than the tax cap (changes need to be negotiated with unions), NYS retirement contribution rates are still near 30-year highs, and the continued need to make capital investments in our roads, parks, buildings and equipment.

• Further challenges for this budget include: 25% of the Town's workforce will be eligible for retirement by the end of 2015 and large payouts for accumulated time accruals accompany that - we'll need to budget a minimum of $225,000 in cash payouts to cover retirements in 2015 alone.

• Revenue is stagnant: our county sales tax revenue does not grow with economic development in Glenville as the County Legislature has effectively locked us into a 0% growth for the next 7 years.

Furthermore, mortgage tax revenue has fallen by about $150,000 this year and is not expected to rise in 2015.

• The tax cap for this year maxes out at 2.87% due to carry over for staying under the cap in past years. This represents about $245,000 in allowable increased spending to offset the $150,000 in lost mortgage tax revenue, the increased cost of health insurance ($125,000) and the increase in the election expense that the County charges the town ($25,000). These three items alone amount to about $300,000 in new levy increase, which is $55,000 beyond the increase allowed by the cap.

www.townofglenville.org

(continued on next page)

(Budget continued)

• If the Board stays within the tax cap by adopting a 2.87% levy increase the average town real property tax increase would be about $17.96 per year to a town homeowner and about $11.96 per year to a village homeowner and taxpayers will receive rebate checks from the state to reimburse this town tax increase.

• The Board must adopt the final 2015 Town Budget by November 20, 2014. The $17 million spending plan will be the subject of a public hearing on November 5, 2014 at 7:00 PM at the Glenville Municipal Center.

Understanding Your Tax Bills

By the time this is published, you would have received and (most likely) paid your School Tax bill. In January you will receive your County and Town Property Tax bill.

Your school tax bill is a result of the School Board's Budget that they pass and place before the voters in May for approval. The respective School Districts have sole authority over their budgets. The town acts as the collection agent for the Scotia-Glenville School District and the town portion of the Niskayuna School District, but is not responsible for the tax rate set for the District. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake tax bills are paid to a different collecting agent.

The Town Board sets the town tax rate for your town portion of the tax bill while the County Legislature is responsible for the county portion of the tax bill. Your respective Fire Districts, through their Boards and resident vote set those budgets, which are “rolled” into the town-wide budget. The Village Board sets the tax rate for the Village property taxes.

The town acts as the collection agent for the various taxing entities.

This of course does not mean that the entire tax is the town's. In fact, on your entire annual tax liability, the town's portion, including the Highway Budget, is about 10¢ on every dollar you pay. (See graphic).

2014 Real Property Tax Dollar Distribution for Residents of the Town Outside the Village

* No special districts or village taxes included

School 66.8% (2014-15)

Schenectady Town County 8.1% 22.7% Highway 2.4%

Need a copy of your tax bill? Visit egov.basny.com/glenville. Taxes are collected twice a year by the Town of Glenville. The town and county tax bill is mailed out the first week in January and the school tax bill is mailed the first week in September. In addition, the Village of Scotia mails out property tax bills to village property owners in June and they mail special district water and sewer bills in February and October each year.

Police Department Report Michael Ranalli, Chief of Police Changes to the Police Department: The Glenville Police Department would like to remind residents that our dispatchers are now part of the Schenectady County Dispatch center in Rotterdam. As a result, the services that we can provide at our station have been affected. If you are a town resident and/or work in the town and wish to report a crime or see an officer on a police

related matter, please call (518)630-0911 from your home or business and an officer will respond to you. If you wish to come to our station to see an officer, there is a phone in our entrance vestibule you may use to contact the county communications center and they will advise an officer you are there.

Motor vehicle accident reports can be obtained one of two ways.

The first is a link to our police department website, which can be accessed through the town website at www.townofglenville.org and selecting Town Departments and then Police. There is a $10.00 fee for this service that can be paid on-line. The second way is to use the E-Desk computer Kiosk in the entrance vestibule. Select the “Accident Report” button on the touch screen, complete the requested information, and the report will be mailed or emailed to you within a few business days. This method of obtaining an accident report is free but must be completed at the Kiosk and can be done 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In addition to requesting accident reports, the Kiosk interface provides several other functions. People using the Kiosk will be able to send email messages to officers, file complaints or commendations, request a copy of a report under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), file an anonymous crime tip, and register your home in our house check program while away on vacation. We have also enhanced our website to allow many of these same functions to be done from your own home and computer.

If you have an emergency, however, please remember to call 911 from wherever you are. For non-emergency complaints, please dial (518) 630-0911 for the Schenectady County Communications Center. For administrative and records matters, (518) 384-0123 (Monday-Friday, 8am - 4pm only).

Assessor's Office It is time to think about filing or renewing your property tax exemptions. All exemption applications are due no later than March 1st, 2015. Each year our office receives and processes well over 6,000 exemption applications. Renewal notices for the Senior Citizen and the Enhanced STAR exemption, will be sent from our office within the next 30-60 days. It's a good idea to complete these applications and return them to the assessor's office before the end of the year, as a precaution. We will not be able to honor exemption applications received after March 1st, 2015. Exemption applications can be picked up from our office in Town Hall or can also be downloaded from the assessor's page on the town of Glenville's website at www.townofglenville.org.

Economic Developement Town Embarks on the Completion of a New Comprehensive Plan A Comprehensive Plan is a written document outlining goals, policies, and guidelines for the Town's development and land use. It serves as a guiding document that impacts residents' everyday interactions with public as well as private space. Covering a wide variety of topics, the Comprehensive Plan addresses transportation, environmental resources, agriculture, recreation, industry, housing, history, and the location and intensity of each of these uses. Where residents do their shopping, the availability of recreational opportunities, and the location and style of housing, are all impacted by the Comprehensive Plan.

The Town's current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1990. Since that time, the town has increased in population, the business community has changed, significant new roads have been built, and regional factors have shifted in nearby Schenectady, as well as the greater Capital District. In order to address these changes, the new Comprehensive Plan will incorporate demographic information, and input obtained from public meetings to reflect the Town's current

www.townofglenville.org

input obtained from public meetings to reflect the Town's current conditions and identify priority areas for future development and preservation.

Opportunities for residents to provide input will be available at public meetings occurring this fall. Several public meetings will be held in a variety of locations across Town. These public meetings will offer an opportunity for residents to address conditions in their neighborhoods, and shape future land use goals and development. Additional opportunities for resident involvement will be available through a community survey which will be posted to the Town's website (www.townofglenville.org) by the first week of October. Keep an eye on the Town's website for updates on the status of the new Plan.

Town Court The Glenville Town Court is in session every Tuesday and Thursday evenings commencing at 5:30pm. We currently have 2 Town Justices: the Honorable Richard H. Moran Sr. and the Honorable Paul E. Davenport. Court is open to the public and we encourage you to come to see how the judicial system works.

The Court has been using an online payment system called nCourt.

There is no cost to the Court/Town and defendants using this online payment system pay a convenience fee. This seems to be helpful for defendants who are not local and wish to pay without coming here to the office during our business hours.

The Court applies every year for a Justice Court Assistance Program (JCAP) Grant. In the past, this grant has helped us improve the Courtroom by giving it a new “facelift” and brought us well into the 21st century. It has also helped with security, i.e.: magnetometer and hand-held wands, so the Court staff as well as anyone in the Courtroom feels safe during court hours.

The court office hours are 9-5pm for any questions regarding traffic tickets, criminal matters and small claims.

Parks Maalwyck Park - Development has proceeded to the point of “mitigation” of the archaeological impacts of development. As the Maalwyck Park area is archaeologically significant, the town must mitigate the impacts of development of fields, roads, water, sewer and a pavilion versus the artifacts that may be present in the areas to be developed. This mitigation effort will come at some expense, but is a required step in Maalwyck's development.

Dog Park (Andersen Park) - The dog park slated for Van Buren and Swaggertown Road is progressing. The draft plan was reviewed in a public meeting and based on resident/dog owner input a revised plan had been developed. A new estimate for development of this dog park is $55,000 - $60,000. Plans are to continue to refine the plan through this winter and construct the park in Spring 2015. Development of the park will utilize “subdivision recreation fees,” such fees having been paid by developers to offset the loss of green space in residential development. The dog park is contemplated to have parking, two, large fenced areas (small dog/large dog), landscaping, traditional park amenities, and a permit system for use.

Indian Meadows - The girls softball fields now have dugouts! Thanks to the BH-BL Girls Softball League and the Glenville Rotary, four dugouts have been installed on two fields. Many thanks to all involved with this project that greatly improves the overall quality of the fields and the needed amenities for the girl's softball players.

Glenville Senior Center Plans continue to progress for a 1,000± sq. ft. addition to the center.

Synthesis has been retained to provide architectural services and planning and design will occur this fall. The addition will provide volunteer committee space, “flex space” and recreation space as it is currently envisioned. Spring 2015 construction is planned.

Greens Corners One Room Schoolhouse Rehabilitation In 1919 there were about 190,000 one-room school houses in the US. Today there are less than 400. We in the Town of Glenville have a oneroom schoolhouse at Greens Corners and Potter Roads. The school was built in 1823 and used until 1946. In the mid '70’s, Glenville citizens led by the Scotia Rotary, worked hard to restore it to a schoolhouse museum, used until 2012. Now needing major repairs, monies left over from the '70s restoration have been rededicated by the Scotia Rotary to address major structural (brick) deterioration. Scotia Rotary and Glenville Rotary, with Bellamy Construction and Glenville friends, are working on the restoration. We need more help working on the project, ideas for the museum, supplies, and funding. We are close to having a 501c3 Foundation in place. If you want to help in any way please contact Bruce McConnelee at Barrelbackbuilder@ gmail.com or Greg Bellamy at Greg@bellamys.com.

Copy of photo taken by C. Vanderveer 1910 - Greens Corners School

Planning Zoning and Land Use in the Town

With the 140-home Amedore subdivision proposal currently under review by the Town of Glenville Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC), many residents have inquired as to the Town's review process and the role and authority of the PZC. This is a timely opportunity to briefly touch on the purpose of subdivision review and what the Town can and cannot do in response to subdivision applications.

The regulation of the use of land in Glenville and in most communities in New York is done by adoption of zoning laws.

These laws place land in zones that permit only those uses that are deemed compatible with the character of the land and the surrounding uses. In Glenville, we have 12 different types of zoning districts. Currently, the Town has a proposed land use for a Single Family Development by the Glen Oaks neighborhood, which is zoned Suburban Residential. This is our most restrictive as it allows by right only single-family homes, home occupations and cemeteries. What is being proposed by Amedore Home Builders is a subdivision of single-family homes, so that use is permitted by right.

While the single-family home is permitted by right, the Town Code provides standards and means of review of compliance with those standards through its Subdivision law (Town Code chapter 242).

The subdivision review process is controlled by the Town's Planning and Zoning Commission who are town residents, appointed to their positions, who serve on a volunteer basis. The members are chosen for their interest in our Town and the knowledge of the issues they deal with. Members are required to take annual training to keep up with developments in the law and land use issues.

The Planning and Zoning Commission carefully considers all issues regarding all projects and with the assistance of Town staff, apply the law to the facts in making a determination.

www.townofglenville.org

From the Comptroller Return of Budget Season Fall means many things to many people. For some it's apple picking, for others leaf peeping. Maybe for you it's the World Series or sending the kids back to school. Or perhaps it's the return of municipal budget season. Ok, probably not that last one…but budget season is here nonetheless. My office has been working closely with the Supervisor and Town Board to create a responsible, prudent town budget for 2015 which keeps town taxes low while preserving the excellent services provided by our town workforce. The Supervisor's tentative 2015 budget stays within the New York State tax cap with an overall proposed tax levy increase of 2.87%. For the average Glenville homeowner outside the village this equates to a town tax increase of $17.96 in 2015, including highway, water, sewer and all other special district taxes. Town taxes for the average village homeowner will rise $11 for the year.

Every budget presents its own challenges and the 2015 budget was no exception. Along with all municipalities, our town mortgage revenues fell precipitously in 2014 due to the drying up of home refinancings. In fact, our 2014 mortgage revenues were the lowest in over 10 years. When coupled with 2015 increases in health insurance and county election charges of $125,000 and $25,000, respectively, plus likely employee retirements which will cost at least $225,000 in sick leave payouts, it was not the easiest year to stay within the tax cap. However, the Supervisor's budget does just that and does it without instituting any new fees or deferring any payments to the NYS retirement system, options which other local municipalities have relied upon in recent years.

Tax Cap & Tax Freeze The state tax cap has been in effect since 2012. The tax cap aims to keep the overall tax levy increase to the lesser of 2% or the rise in inflation. In Glenville, the overall tax levy is comprised of the property taxes which are part of the three main funds (town general, town outside the village, highway), the water fund, the sewer fund, fire district #4 (where Scotia Fire Department operates within the town), all the lighting, parks, and drainage districts, and the mandated county election charges. For the 2015 budget, the inflation rate was only 1.56% so this is the base number we must use, not the 2% figure commonly referred to as the tax cap. To this base, the state does allow some adjustments for items such as growth in the town tax base and carryover of allowable tax levy not used in prior years. For us, our town's tax base growth and levy carryover will increase our 2015 tax cap maximum from the widely quoted 1.56% figure up to 2.87%.

There's also a new state program called the Property Tax Freeze Credit which takes effect this year. If a taxing entity - such as the town, village, school district, county, fire district, etc - stays within the tax cap the tax freeze credit will “fully reimburse eligible homeowners for increases to their taxes imposed by all jurisdictions that comply with the eligibility requirements.” In other words, since Glenville stayed within the tax cap the state is promising to reimburse taxpayers for the amount of your town tax increase. So this means that while an average Glenville homeowner will be paying $17.96 more in 2015 that homeowner will also receive a rebate check from the state for that $17.96 in fall 2015.

More information is available at the NYS Tax & Finance website: http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/property_tax_freeze.htm

DEC To Fund Public Water Lines The DEC has determined that they will fund a public water line extension for our residents on Sunnyside Road and in Sunnyside Gardens. The extension will be funded by the State's Superfund and will cover the installation cost for all 112 homes impacted by the contamination that originated on Freemans Bridge Road. This will save our taxpayers over $1.2 million while bringing safe, clean, reliable municipal water to these homes.

5th Annual Glenville Oktoberfest Welcomes Record Crowd

Dave Hennel, Committee Co-Chair, and Supervisor Chris Koetzle open the Glenville Oktoberfest.

After months of planning and a venue change to Maalwyck Park, the town welcomed an estimated 15,000 people to its 5th Annual Oktoberfest on September 27th. The Town is excited that this has grown over the years to become Glenville’s and the County’s premier community event for our residents and visitors to come out and enjoy good food, great activities, and each other’s company.

So many volunteers who worked so hard for most of the year to be sure that we all enjoy this event. Of course there are too many names to list here, but well over 70 sponsors and/or vendors have joined together to make this possible. Many thanks to our community partners, the Glenville Business and Professional Association and event co-chairs, Heather Perterson, and Dave Hennel, and our Deputy Supervisor, Jamie MacFarland for all of their hard work. Over the past five months they led a core group of individuals that logged more than 850 hours of volunteer work. Additionally, more than 100 volunteers will donate about 250 hours of their time over the weekend. This is truly a community event from start to finish.

We also want to thank The Gazette, our media sponsor, as well as Adirondack Pest Control, Dairy Circus and Frank & Sons, for their sponsorship of the newly added fireworks show. Without their help and support this event would not be possible. Of course we thank our title sponsor, NYREER NY Renewable Energy, Engineering, and Recycling Group for their generous financial support which helps ensure that Oktoberfest remains a free event, with free parking and no cost to the town. Please be sure to support the sponsors who support this event!

In our new and beautiful setting, Maalwyck Park, this proved to be our best Oktoberfest yet. Our residents and many from around the region enjoyed the traditional German food which was served in the main tent as well as selections from our local "American" food vendors. They also enjoy authentic German music on the main stage throughout the day.

The children’s events added plenty of family fun, and of course the "Cruise-in" and aviation activities made our event unique. We also proud to offer Glenville’s locally brewed beer from Wolf Hollow Brewery in West Glenville – which sold out quickly – and of course, the newly added fireworks over the Mohawk River capped off a perfect day.

We hope you all enjoyed the event. Mark your calendars now: the 6th Annual Oktoberfest will return next year (as always) on the last Saturday of September.

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A message from As of this writing, we are still enjoying an “Indian summer” with very comfortable evenings and daytime temperatures that are usually reserved for June, making for a wonderful final hurrah to the summer! This past weekend was picture perfect! Warm and sunny with just a hint of autumn in the air. We gathered with our friends and fellow boaters at the Schenectady Yacht Club and had an end of the season party complete with a roaring bon-fire, too much food and of course, cocktails of choice. Today Paul pulled Dream Catcher from the water, hoisted her up out of the well that was once the Erie Canal and tucked her away on dry land till next year.

Sigh…

All this leads to the inevitable, the winter season that sneaks up behind the deceptively beautiful fall presentation of colors and smells that harken the season's changing of guard. We replace the late barbeque dinners with oven fresh comfort food and check our woodpile reserves for those who favor the ambiance of a fire. Our “new” neighbors have raised the bar for decorations and bon-fires. My husband now has competition, a new Griswold has moved to the neighborhood. Todd, our neighbor threw down the gauntlet. He threatened Paul with better decorations. Todd's wife Janet and I have decided that we will go to the Pig 'N Whistle and hang out with Kristyn while the guys try to outdo each other.

With Halloween decorations popping up on the lawns, Father Time will roll back the physical clock while our internal clock adjusts to the longer nights and shorter days. Now is a great time to make some intentional decisions to welcome the season. You can't bring your bon-fire inside but Countryside Stove and Chimney can help you do the next best thing. Nothing beats a warm and cozy fire in the winter.

With the new technology it is 100 times easier and safer to have a roaring fire. Whether you are looking to upgrade your existing fireplace with an insert or extend the use of your 3 season room with a pellet stove; an alternative heating source is a solid investment in the Northeast. Still want to be outside? Their Fire-pits are amazing! With a flick a remote your patio can become a place to gather with friends and enjoy a fire under the stars.

We all know that four letter word- S-N-O-W is on the way as well. All Seasons can help you work or play this winter. The new line of snow blowers are easy to use and have a size for every job. You can make short work out of cleaning your driveway and walks and then spend some quality time on a brand new (or used) snowmobile. Duane and his crew have been together for years and have a solid reputation for selling you the right equipment and servicing it when needed. Trail riding is a favorite pastime around here and the perfect destination is the Charlton Tavern. There are trails that go directly to the Charlton Tavern and the owners welcome snowmobilers to sit and warm up a bit while enjoying tavern specialties and catching a football game.

Riding with the family? Right next door is The Charlton General Store and Cafe, serving up hearty breakfasts and homemade soups.

Don't let the Winter season barricade you inside- there is so much to see and do during all 4 seasons in our community- Your Hometowneit's alright here!

Comments and Input – Paul and Cheryll 280.5260 Advertising – yourhometowne@gmail.com or 265.1105 hometownepaul@gmail.com or 265-1104 Design – kgarriso@nycap.rr.com or 883.3872

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IS LASIK RIGHT FOR YOU? Every day in our practice we hear the question “Can I just get laser surgery to correct my vision?� And, for many people, the answer is YES, you can.

LASIK is a type of vision-correction surgery aimed at reducing a person's need for glasses or contact lenses. With the use of a laser, LASIK permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering on the front of the eye. Why is it so popular? LASIK has advantages over other vision correction procedures, including a relative lack of pain afterward and the fact that good vision usually is achieved by the very next day.

Both nearsighted and farsighted people can benefit from the LASIK procedure. With nearsighted people, the goal is to flatten the too-steep cornea; with farsighted people, a steeper cornea is desired. Lasers also can correct astigmatism by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more normal shape. Good candidates are at least 18 years of age, in good general health, and with no eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma or keratoconus. Good candidates should also be free of certain health problems including uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune or collagen vascular disease, and any medication or condition which renders the patients' immune system compromised.

To decide whether you're a good candidate for LASIK, your eye doctor will perform an eye exam to determine eye health, what kind of vision correction you need and how much laser correction is required. Your doctor also will look for signs of dry eye disease, which must be treated and cleared up before LASIK can be performed.

LASIK is an ambulatory procedure - you walk into the surgery center, have the procedure and walk out again. In fact, the actual surgery usually takes less than five minutes, and you're awake the whole time.

Laser vision correction has become one of North America's most frequently performed procedures. If you are seriously thinking of having LASIK surgery to correct your vision, you most likely have a few questions about the procedure. Even though the thought of waking up each morning with clear vision is exciting, several important factors must be considered. To help address some of these questions, we are hosting a FREE Lasik Consult at Burnt Hills Optical on Monday October 13th. We have a limited number of appointments available, so call 399-6130 today to schedule an appointment for your FREE consultation.

For more information contact Kristen Cameron, Burnt Hills Optical, 793 Rt. 50 Burnt Hills, 399-6130 or visit www.burnthillsoptical.com

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DECORATING TIPS FROM THE SPECKLED HEN Things are looking mighty spooky at The Speckled Hen - with lots of primitive pumpkins, scarecrows and witches! To accompany your décor, consider carving a pumpkin. You can use it for a centerpiece (filled with flowers or branches), or a traditional jack-o-lantern for your porch. That's right people, it is pumpkin carving time!

In this month's article, I'm going to review tips from various pumpkin carving resources to help you preserve your pumpkin this fall. But first things first, when prepping the pumpkin for carving, remove as much of the pulp as possible - so that the inside flesh of the pumpkin is dry.

There are many theories for keeping your pumpkin healthy and preserved; I've chosen 5 to review. Some suggest soaking your pumpkin in a bleach solution (about 1 tsp per gallon of water) for 8 hours. Another tip is a product called “Pumpkin Fresh”; this is a commercial pumpkin preservative spray. Others propose using white glue. The dried glue is intended to seal the pumpkin, so by coating the inside and cut surfaces with white glue, you prevent dehydration. A new idea I came across is Vaseline - coat the inside and cut surfaces with petroleum jelly. And the final pumpkin tip is using acrylic finish spray.

All of the treatment methods attempt to prevent dehydration and inhibit mold growth. And while the goals of the treatments were similar, their effectiveness varied dramatically. In fact, some of the results were very surprising! To keep things fair, three different factors were considered when judging the different methods: preservation of appearance, lack of mold, and prevention of decay.

Well, results are in! It was a close draw between “Pumpkin Fresh” and (drum roll please) nothing! That's right; do nothing to your carved pumpkin this year. The pumpkin's natural “self-healing” ability makes a good case for skipping the extra effort in hopes of a longer preservation.

Just keep it in a dry and temperature stable location. Exposure to the elements, such as rain and freezing temperatures, will damage your pumpkin and encourage decay.

Happy carving - I'm looking forward to seeing you during your next visit to The Speckled Hen! Maureen Culver • 369.8771 38 Saratoga Road, Scotia thespeckledhen38@gmail.com

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SHOULD YOU BE A "HANDS-ON" INVESTOR? If you want to send your children or grandchildren to college, retire comfortably and achieve other important life goals, you will have to invest - it’s that simple. But the process of investing can sometimes seem anything but simple. What can you do to gain confidence that you are making the right investment moves?

The answer may depend on how involved you want to be with your investment decisions. Initially, you might think that you would like to be totally “hands on.” After all, how you save and invest your money is unquestionably a highly personal matter. And once you start exploring the investment world, you may find it fascinating, as it entails virtually every human endeavor imaginable: business, politics, science, the environment, and so on. But if you want to completely run your own show, you will need to put in a lot of work - such as studying the financial markets, staying up-to-date on changing investment environments and monitoring your portfolio to make sure it is still appropriate for your financial needs and goals. Most people find that they do not have the time or expertise to manage this investment process on their own, which is why they turn to professional financial advisors. The key advantage in working with an advisor is that he or she knows your risk tolerance, goals and family situation, and can help you create a personalized, long-term investment strategy.

A good financial advisor will communicate with you regularly and make recommendations. A financial advisor can offer you a variety of strategies and types of investments - such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds - to help you work toward your goals. Ultimately, though, you will be the one to make the “buy” or “sell” decisions. Some investors prefer to leave even the buy-and-sell decisions to professionals. Most financial advisors offer advisory programs that take care of this for you. With these programs, you choose a professionally managed portfolio of investments. The programs typically offer a wide range of portfolios, so you can choose one that's appropriate based on your needs, goals and risk tolerance. Each portfolio contains a broad range of investments that are selected by professional analysts and represent a variety of asset classes. Advisory programs also offer a sophisticated rebalancing process designed to keep your assets allocated appropriately, which can help keep you on track toward your specific financial goals.

Whether you choose to make your own decisions in consultation with a financial advisor or to invest in an advisory program - or both - you really should learn as much as possible about your investments.

Whichever method you decide is best for you, remember that investing involves risk, and investment performance is never guaranteed. So make sure you’re asking the right questions, such as: What are the risk characteristics? How has a particular investment vehicle performed relative to others in its category? What are the tax implications of owning and selling a specific investment vehicle?

What are the costs and fees associated with each choice? As you may have heard many times, knowledge is power - and that’s certainly true in the investment arena.

Christopher 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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END OF AN ERA

I

t is with sadness tempered with understanding that we announce the end of an era, On October 31st, 2014 Halloween Hall and Myers Fun Services will close its doors, allowing Lois and Fred Myers to enjoy a well-deserved retirement after a lengthy career providing events with party supplies and specialty items as well as outfitting our community with “All Things Halloween” and every holiday in between! Lois and Fred recall: “Myers Fun Services” began as a franchise in one small room of our home. On the day man first walked on the moon forty-five years ago, we were in Chicago learning how to become Fun Services directors. We began as a carnival supplier with great games in our red & white striped booths. Over the years we added the Secret Santa Shop Program, inflatables, Vegas equipment, tables, chairs and tents.

Our business began in our original home, then to small house in Ballston Lake and finally ending up where we are about to retire from, to a 10,000 sq. ft building in Ballston Spa. We have employed our children, their friends and hundreds of local teens over the years.

Halloween Hall began in 1981 at the urging of business acquaintances from NJ. We were hesitant, but plunged into the Halloween scene with a small shop where the Mom & Pop's diner next to Curtis Lumber is today. In 1983 we moved into our current location with the costume shop.

We supplied FUN to local schools, churches and corporations from here to Long Island. We have staged and entertained at thousands of events over the years and logged thousands of miles working with volunteers to help lighten their load to pull off great events for their organizations. We have sold beautiful wigs, a sea of make-up, and thousands of hats. Every one of our customer's is unique, which has made the journey so much more interesting. If you have to work to earn a living, supplying FUN is a pretty good way to do it.

We have had a good career and we would both like to thank everyone who has been a part of our FUN world over the several years. With eye of newt, and toe of frog, we wish you the best in our last blog.

On behalf of Your Hometowne, Cheryll and I wish Lois and Fred Myers a long and relaxing retirement and a heartfelt THANKS for the memories that graced our doorstep each Halloween, chances are pretty good HALLOWEEN HALL had something to do with it!

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518-399-8174 • kdeangelo@sals.edu

Friends of the Town of Ballston Community Library- If you are interested in being more involved in your community and the library now is your chance. Tuesday, October 7th, 9AM Recognition Ceremony for Senator Farley- The Town of Ballston Community Library Board of Trustees will recognize Senator Hugh Farley for his 34 years of ongoing support of public libraries with a presentation at 3PM on Tuesday, October 7th. The 2013 Bullet Aid made it possible for the library to purchase a new digital sign. You are invited to join us!Tuesday, October 7th, 3PM Book Sale October 22nd-25th- Volunteers needed!! Wednesday 38pm / Thursday 10am-8pm / Friday 10am-5pm / Saturday 10am-2pm Saturday is Bag Day! $2 a bag!

Knitting & Craft Group- VDo you love to knit and chat? Need help with a pattern? All fiber fanatics are welcome but only knitting help is promised. Mondays, October 27th, 7PM Board Meeting- Wednesday, October 29th, 7:00 PM - Open to the public.

Optimus Group- Free Social Security Seminar with Jack Nelson.

Thursday, October 30th, 2-4PM 25th Anniversary Gathering for Judy Kaplan- Join us to celebrate Judy's 25th year (and counting!) of service to the library and the community! Saturday, November 1st, 10AM-12PM COMPUTER CLASSES *Registration required for all computer classes Introduction to the iPad- Join Karen as she shows you how to surf the web and check email. Learn about the setting and variety of apps to use. iPad is optional! Tuesday, October 7th, 6PM File Management- Learn the basic principles of managing your files. In this introductory class you will be creating, deleting, moving and renaming files. *Bring a flash drive with files if possible. Wednesday, October 8th, 6PM Windows 8 Demo- Join Mary and learn what Windows 8 can do! See a demonstration of Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system to learn basic navigation tips and general use to unravel the mystery of Windows 8.

Thursday, October 16th, 11AM CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS 3rd Annual Star Wars Reads Day- Celebrate Star Wars Reads Day and master the art of reading! This event for the whole family includes games, trivia, giveaways, and a chance to win great Star Wars prizes. Star Wars Reads Day is on Saturday, October 11th and you're invited to celebrate with us anytime on Saturday, October 11th between 10AM-12PM. Happy Halloween- Come in costume on October 31st between 10AM - 5PM to Trick or Treat at the Library!

TONS OF GREAT ADDITIONAL CLASSES AVAILABLE! BE SURE TO CHECK THEM OUT - VISIT US ONLINE! DON'T FORGET! THE LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED; MONDAY, OCTOBER 13TH FOR COLUMBUS DAY!

HOURS: M-Th 10AM-8PM / Fri 10AM-5PM / Sat 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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ADIRONDACK CANDLE COMPANY™ “Discover the Adirondacks…one Candle at a time!”™ That's the motto at the Adirondack Candle Company™ that they hope will spread far and wide. The Adirondack Candle Company's respect for the beautiful Adirondack Region (where many of their candles are sold at some of the most unique stores around) is only matched by their satisfaction of creating a quality product for their loyal customers.

Locally owned and operated by Lane and Cathy Pelletier, (they like to refer to themselves as “your Adirondack Guides”), the couple started this candle company way back in 1994 in their home out of a love for candles and a desire to make them on their own instead of having to buy them from those big name candle companies. It took a little R&D and some trial and error, but soon they had a product they were proud of - and they never looked back from there. First, a pitch to 4 local stores -- who took a chance on them - and then on to family, friends, house parties, and even many more stores. Last year in 2013 they moved to their current location at 12 Main St. Ballston Lake, and took it out of their house after 19 years. 2014 is their 20th year in business.

Their product line speaks for itself - a large selection of deeply fragrant scented candles, many of which are named after and remind followers of the Great Adirondack region.

Did you know that the Adirondack Candle Company sells its products to over 50 plus stores, many in the Adirondack Region? You've probably stumbled upon them during a vacation or while you were just checking out a cool local store.

With over 50 scents (and growing) in various size jars, votives, Moose Chips™ (tarts), Bear Squares™ (wax melts) and Hearth Helpers™ (fire starters) …you can most assuredly find something that will fit your candle needs.

They are a local candle company that you should put on your shopping location list. www.AdirondackCandle.com www.Facebook.com/AdirondackCandle Twitter: @AdkCandle • Instagram: #AdkCandle

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TRASH TALK Fall has arrived! Okay, the kids are back in school, you have finally nailed down your daily routine, life is looking good and…not too far down the road you are looking at the Holidays! Hey-what happened to Summer???

October is the perfect time to get your home organized before winter approaches. Check around to see what might need to be cleared out of your way to make room for next year's new household purchases.

Some of these items might be non-working and others will be on their last legs.

INSIDE: Air conditioners, large or small household and kitchen appliances, old pots and pans, computers, any electronic or stereo equipment, file cabinets, extension cords, vacuum cleaners.

BASEMENT: Tools, dehumidifiers, water tanks and water heaters, water softeners, furnaces, boilers, cast iron, steel or copper pipes and pipe fittings, wire, power cords and extension cords, lights, fans.

OUTSIDE: Lawn and patio furniture, metal gazebo, beach chairs, gas grill, fire pit, outdoor cookers, metal swing set, basketball poles, metal fencing, gates and fence posts, gutters.

GARAGE: Aluminum storm doors and windows, steel doors, car batteries, bicycles, lawn mowers, lawn tractors, weed whackers, snow blowers, outdoor tool such as rakes or shovels, wheelbarrows, car or truck parts, gas powered and electric motors, ladders, shelving, cabinets, tires with rims.

The great news? We can help you clear this stuff out, just give us a call!

Our company is Scrapster, LLC, the Capital Region's premier NO COST scrap metal and appliance removal and recycling service.

We are a local family owned business and cover the entire Capital Region. We have processed 2 million pounds of scrap metal since 2010!

We are fully insured, convenient, and reliable and always provide top Quality work to get the job done safely and correctly. Everything is properly recycled, disposed of or donated.

We additionally offer LOW COST junk removal and clean outs.

Scrapster is an official New York State DEC approved location for business or personal computer and electronics recycling. We are also fully EPA608 certified for all types of Freon (refrigerant) recovery and removal from refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers.

Please call us anytime at (518) 505-5055. Scrapster will remove the items from exactly where they are located-you don't need to do a thing. “Don't Worry…We Can Take It!”™ Please visit our website at www.scrapster.com for more information or to schedule an appointment online. PS: Have a great month!

Vincent Coppola, Owner of Scrapster Scrap Metal Removal/Recycling Service

ADVERTISE WITH US. Get your ad copy in by the 15th of each mont and get a discount.

Call 265.1105 or email yourhometowne@gmail.com See past issues at your-hometowne.com yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105

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Stuffed Pork Chops Stuffed Pork chops from Garofalo's Apple sauce Vegetable of your choice This one is undoubtedly the easiest dinner solutions so far.

There are times in all of our lives that there is simply not enough time to prepare dinner.

When times like that come around, I find it easy to drive down to Garofalo's and pick ready-made stuffed pork chops.

The chops are large and juicy with a stuffing that is crafted from their own spices and breadcrumbs.

The prep time is minimal as all you need to do is simply brown each side in a sauté pan with a little olive oil, cover them in a shallow pan with foil and pop them into a preheated 325º oven for about an hour or the internal temp is 160º.

Serve with a side of apple sauce and a vegetable of your choice for a succulent healthy meal.

Garofalo's, the taste people travel for!

Stop in and visit the 4th generation, serving QUALITY ITALIAN PRODUCTS Since 1904.

www.garofalosausage.com

Grilling a Steak without a Grill!

2 • 1-pound Thick Cut (2-inch) New York Steaks from Garofalo's 2 tsp Sea Salt, 3/4 tsp Ground Pepper, 1 1/2 tsp Olive Oil (optional) Remove steaks from fridge and allow to come to room temperature, about 20 minutes before cooking.

Preheat oven to 350º. Place cast iron skillet (or other oven-safe skillet) on stove top and preheat over medium to medium-high heat. Add olive oil to pan if skillet is dry or not properly seasoned. Swirl to evenly coat bottom of pan.

Season steaks with salt and pepper evenly over all sides of the steak.

Place steaks into preheated skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until a golden crust begins to form and the steaks easily release from the pan. Turnover and repeat on other side of steak. Once steaks have been seared on both sides, carefully place skillet into the pre-heated oven.

Bake for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness and desired "doneness" of your steak. For a 2-inch Thick Cut New York Steak 10 minutes came to 145º for medium rare.

Remove carefully from oven using hot mitts. Tent lightly with foil and allow the steaks to rest for 8-10 minutes, allowing the juice to redistribute into the meat.

Serve immediately.

SAUSAGE Hot or Sweet; Rope Style or Patties...

Our product is 100% Gluten Free and contain no MSG CUSTOM CUT BEEF Filet Mignon Rib Eye Steaks Choice NY Strip Steaks Choice

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PORK Pork Chops Center Cut Bone in or Stuffed* • Pork Tenderloins Pulled Pork • Smoked Ribs

COLD CUTS Featuring Battistoni Salami, Capicola, Soppresata & Abruzzi

POULTRY Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts Chicken Cutlets or Stuffed Chicken Breasts*

Don't forget the Homemade Salads!

*Our own bread crumb & sausage stuffing

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LIGHTHOUSE INSURANCE AGENCY

DANCERS LIVE TWICE

Hi, I am Jennifer Longtin, Owner and President of Lighthouse Insurance Agency, LLC located locally here in the Village of Ballston Lake at 4 Main Street.

It is both my honor and privilege to share with you my knowledge of the ever changing insurance industry in our local paper. For those who do not know me I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of my history.

Modern dance encourages dancers to trust themselves, to let the natural movements we go through in our everyday lives translate into the movement of dance. Normal living causes us to chop, pulse, swing, slide, sway, rock, bounce, pause. Just saying those words in syncopated rhythm sounds like a dance.

The decision to create Lighthouse Insurance Agency, LLC came to be because I was experiencing limitations and dissatisfaction working for a national insurance company. While there, I was the #1 agent in the country for Auto, Homeowner and Life Insurance sales. However, I was only able to serve part of the needs of my clients, limited by the programs available. I consider my clients to be my family, my desire to help them by knowing all of their protection needs drove me to the conclusion that I needed to break free of the corporate restrictions that bound me and be able to build personalized protection programs for my clients. Putting my fears aside, I ventured out and started Lighthouse Insurance Agency, LLC in March of 2002. Through many years of hard work and dedication I am proud of what Lighthouse Insurance Agency is and what myself and staff do for my clients, my family.

My husband Al and I have been married for 21 years. We moved to Ballston Lake 14 years ago to begin setting down roots here. We are raising our three children in this wonderful community; with our twins, Josh and Briana in 5th grade and our third child Gianna in 3rd grade all attending Francis Stevens Elementary.

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake is a place where someone chooses to be and we love being a part of this community. For several years now I have been active in the school district as a volunteer, homeroom parent and now as a member of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Board of Education.

It is important to me that my agency be a part of this community too so in 2010, I moved Lighthouse Insurance Agency from Latham to Ballston Lake.

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake is our home and being able to interact with the community with this column is a great opportunity to help our community by sharing my 29 years of experience in the insurance industry. I am passionate about what I do – I don’t just sell insurance, I am a Protection Advisor. I work diligently to consistently earn the privilege to protect what is near and dear to my clients whether it is auto, home, business, health or life insurance.

I look forward to this opportunity to share with you my expertise and help you with your insurance needs and questions. Please give me a call at 688-0200 or visit my website at www.lighthouseinsagency.com. I am always out and about (driving the Lighthouse Insurance Agency van) and would love for you to say “hi”.

Have a wonderful and safe October, Jen Longtin

If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.

-Frank A. Clark

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Tap, swirl, jump, drop, tumble, freeze, kick, release.

The dance possibilities are endless. The fun part is that everyone who internalizes those same moves will come up with a different dance response.

I know that all forms of dance encourage self confidence to some degree, but the historic nature of modern dance being born from the rebellion to conform to the rigid structures of ballet, allows and nurtures self exploration as being very necessary in the true development of who we are as dancers and people. Getting lost in the awesome, endless possibilities of movement is what creative dance improvisation is all about. Freeing and trusting our bodies to translate natural movement in different ways results in exciting explorations of rhythm and style unique to each dancer.

Of course we devote a lot of time and energy to dance technique, to lift and proper body placement in the study of modern dance. Dana Yager and I choreograph unique, interesting dances that are appropriate for each of our dance class levels. Learning technique through choreography and floor combinations hones and trains the logical aspect of dancers.

We devote as much time and energy experiencing creative dance improvisation. At every class level we explore engaging improvisational exercises that appeal to the dancer’s sense of fun and intrigue, that challenge each child to free and trust themselves as they create their movement choices. It is often through improvisation that dancers get in touch with the heart and soul of who they are. It is often through improvisation that dancers' self confidence blossoms. Modern dance allows children to freely express themselves in a world that is constantly asking them to conform.

“Dancers and poets live twice” is an observation someone once made to me. It's true. Our every day lives express who we are programmed to be. Our dance lives express more truly who we are.

Ginny Martin • Modern Dance with Ginny Martin 518-399-5802 • www.ginnymartindance.com www.danceclassathome.com

Upper Union Street

Harvest Fest & Art Show Saturday, October 11th 10am - 3pm Upper Union Street, Schenectady's 9th Annual Harvest Fest & Art Show is scheduled for Saturday, October 11th from 10am-3pm.

A wide variety of food served inside and outside, Gourmet Market Place, Live music, Art, Children's activities, & more.

The event will be presented in cooperation with the Schenectady County Farm & Foliage Day. Upper Union Street spans Union St. from Garner Ave. to the Niskayuna Line at Van Antwerp Road.

For further information: Call Executive Director, Nell Burrows at 518 370-0662, nburrows@nycap.rr.com, or go to www.upperunionstreet.com. yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105

September was a busy month at the studio and we are quite excited for October. The community is beginning to figure out that we are here and our classes are beginning to grow, though there is plenty of room for more. We would like to formulate an art group for those with special needs. If you are interested in this, please let us know. We are also making Saturdays "Youth Studio" day so we can work with kids of all ages to grow artistically during non-school days.

In September we hit 400 likes on Facebook and we gave away a free class! Our paint & sip classes have been so much fun as attendance grows. We even hosted a couple of private painting parties! We began a preschool art exploratory group that is growing quickly, and our homeschool art education group is having a great time as they learn art fundamentals. We were also able to work with several individuals to encourage the therapeutic benefits of creating art during Open Studio time and we participated in the Oktoberfest at Maalwyck Park. Family Sunday's were a big hit and enjoyed by all who attended. September proved to be a great month for our new business! A big THANK YOU to all of you who gave us a try!

Check our October calendar online: On Columbus Day we are having a family/kids painting day - be sure to join us! Also, the Burnt Hills kids are off Tuesday the 14th so we will have a Pizza & Paint Recycled Sculpture class that day. Preschool Exploratory Art and Homeschool Art Education will continue, as well as the addition of a Women's Art Group on Friday mornings. Come de-stress and make art while your children are at school! Also, come join us in the fight against breast cancer by taking a fundraising jewelry or painting class! We are also doing a fundraiser for Cub Scout troop 59.

We are still working on figuring out the needs of the community, so please feel free to shoot us an email with suggestions. We would love to hear from you! Also, remember that we still have room in all of the classes that we offer, so do not hesitate to register. Be sure to “like” us on Facebook for updates. We look forward to meeting you!

Kathy & Karin • 272 Saratoga Road • Glenville 518-477-3798 • artinmindstudio@gmail.com www.artinmindstudio.com

THOMAS CORNERS FIRE DEPARTMENT

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, October 5, 2014 from 1-4PM Stop by and get to know some of the folks who are there when you need them!

About the Cover The Cohoes Falls and some hidden secrets captured by Ken Rohling's lens.

Here is a great quote from one of Ken's friends "Ken, you see things differently than everybody else...”

It is true, and we are thrilled to showcase what Ken sees.

To purchase some of Ken's work message him on Facebook (Ken Rohling) or call 518-495-2915

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The New York State Police will be there along with demonstrations, a car seat inspection, smoke house and a med-evac helicopter.

RAFFLES & FIRES SAFETY ITEMS Hot dogs, cider and donuts for the residents of Fire District 7.

VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED

IF YOU WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY CALL 630-6163 Leave a message if we cannot answer and we will call you back just as soon as we can.

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OCTOBER CROSSWORD PUZZLE

17. Thigh armor 18. Diva's solo 19. Seats oneself 20. Change 22. Glance 23. Observed 24. Cumulus and cirrus

DOWN 1. Bristle 2. Make well 3. At one time (archaic) 4. Sage

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5. Clairvoyants 6. A guest cabin 7. Sailor 8. Hodgepodge 9. Peek 10. Deprive 11. French farewell 12. Celebrated 13. Chores 21. Long times 25. Unit of bread 26. Incline 27. A Freudian stage 28. Couch 29. In a non-hurting manner 34. Change of life for a woman 36. Break 37. Border 38. Fastened 40. Ear-related 42. Relating to a fetus 45. Set up for use 48. Overpower 51. Previously 52. Fondled 53. Stagnated 55. Sofa 58. Largest continent 59. Roman robe 60. Computer symbol 61. Acquire deservedly 62. Kill Answers can be found on page 32

ACROSS 1. Corroborates (archaic) 6. Dirty air 10. Wacky 14. Creepy 15. Gangly 16. Bright thought

26. Coarse file 30. Mineral rock 31. Dawn goddess 32. Dwarf buffalo 33. Standard 35. Something of value 39. A member of the Cosa Nostra 41. Turkish term of respect 43. Flora 44. Not yours 46. Wise one 47. Cover 49. Excluding 50. Hurried 51. Each 54. WW1 plane 56. Crazes 57. Deaths 63. "Wise" birds 64. Brother of Jacob 65. Outspoken 66. Bobbin 67. Afflicts 68. Ancient Greek marketplace 69. Countercurrent 70. Story 71. Nursemaid

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772 Saratoga RD, Burnt Hills (Dollar General Plaza) yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105

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NOW IS THE TIME! It's officially autumn and I am sure that many of you believe that the real estate market here in our area is about to go to sleep and that is simply not true! There's plenty of time to buy a home now and be in before the hustle and bustle of the holidays hits. You may even find that there are good deals lurking about. Seller's who have been marketing their homes for the past few months but haven't gotten them sold are getting antsy; trust me; their Realtors are getting antsy too! Seller's are motivated this time of year - they had planned in their heads that this home would have all ready sold and they'd be snuggled happily in their new home by the time it got cold.

If you've be thinking about buying a home, whether it's your first home, second home, move up home, or retirement home, NOW IS THE TIME!!! Mortgage interest rates are low and many of stringent the lending guidelines have lightened up a bit in recent months. This can easily be translated into a big win for both buyers and sellers. Buyers CAN buy - this means sellers CAN sell! DO NOT WAIT!!! Here's why: In his latest Economic Forecast, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research at NAR (National Association of Realtors), Lawrence Yun predicts that home sales will notch up 5-10% in 2015.

He further predicts that mortgage rates will also rise. Those two predictions mean that not only will you pay more for your home, you will pay more for your mortgage; combine those two factors and you have less buying power.

If you've been considering (or even trying) to sell your current home, NOW IS THE TIME to get aggressive! Especially if you're planning to buy a new one (see above). Buyers CAN buy right now - mortgages are affordable and home prices are stable. Additionally, statistically speaking buyers who are looking for home later in the year are MOTIVATED TO BUY - they're not out 'kicking tires'. They want and need to buy a new home, they want to settle in before the holidays, and they are ABLE to buy your home. Don't slack, sit back, wait, assume the time to sell has passed, and hope for spring to come soon!

Get and keep your house ready to show inside and out, hire a professional REALTOR to work with you to sell your home, and get on with achieving your goals!

NOW IS THE TIME to get up, get moving and get on with your future!

All of the conditions are right for both buyers and sellers! Call me for your “no obligation conversation” or “free consultation” or whatever you want to call it, but CALL let's chat about the opportunities for YOU in the market right now; I look forward to it!

Answers from Crossword Puzzle on page 30

Margaret Phillips, CBR, Broker/Owner 518.701.1657 • margaret@oldeorchardrealestate.com www.oldeorchardrealestate.com

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JOHN A. FANTAUZZI is a partner in the law firm of Englert, Coffey, McHugh & Fantauzzi, LLP located in Schenectady, New York where he has practiced law since May of 1996.

John received his Juris Doctorate and Master of Public Policy from the College of William and Mary in 1995 and was a member of William & Mary's National Trial Court Team.

John also graduated Magna Cum Laude from Siena College with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

Englert, Coffey, McHugh & Fantauzzi, LLP is a full service law firm. John's areas of practice include Real Estate, Estate & Elder Law Planning, Estate Administration, Traffic Violations and Civil Litigation.

John is a member of the Real Estate Committee and chaired the Estate Planning and Elder Law Committee for 5 years of the Schenectady County Bar Association. He also is a member of the Saratoga County Bar Association, New York State Bar Association and the Federalist Society.

John has been a Hearing Officer for the Surrogate Decision Making Committee that reviews proposed medical treatment for disabled persons since 2003.

John has spoken before various groups on the subject of Estate Planning.

John is a member of the Burnt Hills Ballston Lake Business Professional Association, Glenville Knights of Columbus and the Rotary and was a volunteer with the Saratoga County Youth Board from 2006-2010.

John will be writing articles on estate planning and administration, real estate and other areas of law. You can reach John by phone at (518) 3704645, fax at (518) 374-5422 or e-mail at jfantauzzi @ecmlaw.com. John is available to meet clients in Burnt Hills and in Schenectady.

Burnt Hills and Schenectady (518) 370-4645 • jfantauzzi@ecmlaw.com

The public is invited to “A Gathering of Ballston Lake Elders”, on Friday, October 10 from 4-5pm in the Community Room of the Town of Ballston Community Library. The event is presented as a free program sponsored by the Ballston Lake Improvement Association (BLIA) and the Library as an oral history project.

“We have so many interesting stories and interesting people who ‘lived’ them,” said event chair Suzanne Bishop, a retired educator and BLIA board member. “Oral histories are a superb way to preserve local history.”

The program, which is free and open to the public, will be facilitated by noted author and scholar Mary Sanders Shartle. The program participants, five people who have spent much of their life in the immediate Ballston Lake community, will share folklore and their own memories as they reflect upon life “back in the day”. The presentation will be videotaped and archived at the library and Town of Ballston Historian’s Office.

A GATHERING OF BALLSTON LAKE ELDERS Friday, October 10th 4-5 pm Town of Ballston Community Library Community Room yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105

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DON'T FALL FOR THIS! This might come across as a soapbox rant, and for that I apologize, but trust me when I say that this is a message that needs to be spread.

We all want to be fit and lean, right? So why do we fool ourselves into thinking that we are eating healthy... when our diets consist of so many processed foods?

Don't fall for it: so-called healthy packaged foods are NOT guilt-free.

I can't tell you how many folks I've seen chow down on organic, all-natural, gluten-free, vegan or highfiber packaged foods... only to see their fat loss halt and reverse.

Packaged snacks and desserts are going to stop fitness results and encourage fat storage. Every.

Single. Time.

Even if it says healthy, or all-natural, or high-fiber, or organic, or gluten-free, or vegan.

If it's processed and packaged then it's getting in the way of your results.

If you are serious about shaping up your body then throw out the packaged foods and opt for wholesome, real foods instead.

Start with these: • lean protein • fruits • vegetables • nuts • seeds • avocados When it comes to fat loss, eating clean is half of the battle. The other half is all about effective, challenging and consistent exercise.

Begin right now by calling or emailing me to get started on an exercise program that will turn you into a fat burning machine!

Call 424-7878 or email gina@precisefitnessandtraining.com Get started today with a free consultation.

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THE WEEKEND It all started with a friend and my class at the YMCA one Thursday morning. I awoke to an achy body and quite an ornery attitude. Feeling naive to how people can act to someone that once loved. Finding it hard to accept. I put on my bathing suit under my workout clothes so I would have a few extra minutes to share with my friend at the local coffee place before we went off to work. As we solved the worlds problem and shared, my day was getting better by the minute. As I broke through the doors to the Y just in time for class the ladies greeted me in the locker room. We chatted and kidded back and forth. We really had that changing room laughing. I felt the weight of my pain and my disapproval of others dissipate as if I didn't wake up with it at all.

The next morning, the lunch was packed and my son's car zoomed from the driveway heading on its usual route to school. I watched until he was no longer in sight. I gather up my gym back and headed out. The girls were already in the room waiting to be Inspired and Toned! The music rang through the room keeping us moving. We talked of silly things as we worked out. Big smiles filled up the space. It was easy now for me to forget the dismay I once had just one day ago. I was Looking forward to the next class even before I stepped out of the gym. I rushed home to pack my fishing pole and my boys tackle box. I was heading out on Saratoga Lake to give it one more try to catch that big lunker! The day was warm and the bobbers sat quietly on the lake. Too quietly!! Until, out of the blue - there he was, yes, the big lunker! No fish stories here. It was a pickerel that spanned about 13 inches. The big guy decided to release himself from my lure and swim back to the depths of the lake.

Trust me though.... "He was HUGE"!

The morning came early and was filled with sunshine once again. The drive to Lake George was beautiful. Not a cloud in the sky and the leaves splashing out vibrant reds and bright yellows. Lunch on the patio of the most beautiful resort Lake George took our breath away. The lounge chairs were comfortable as we sat and watch the boats cruise on by. On our way back we headed right into town to our annual Octoberfest . The German Oompa Band made everyone believe they were German that day. We practiced our "polka" as it were. Moving in sync with the music and our 1,2,3, count. Let's be honest, it wasn't pretty, but it was a whole lot of fun!

The evening closed with fireworks, in the sky and in my heart. It had been a wonderful day spent with a very sweet gentleman (who can, by the way, polka like nobody's business - even at a German Festival).

As Sunday rolled around, the alarm rang and we were off to church. The sermon lingered with me for some time. The breakfast after was hearty and kept us full throughout out the day. With a full belly we enjoyed the last day of the weekend in Saratoga. A little winery that a very special young couple built. It started as one room with a dirt floor adjacent to it. As their family grew so did the establishment. The sprawling deck is made of twisted branches and hard woods shaded by soft white sheets of fabric. It was open to the air and yet homey at the same time. The acoustic band played music that everyone knew and could sing along. I think we even snuck a dance in when no one was looking. With the day drawing to a close, I pull into my driveway, my boy waiting for me at the door. "Hey mom" he says. We talked of the beautiful weekend and the college visit as we noshed on our dinner.

Now as I sit with my feet up, the house is quiet, a sigh of contentment comes over me. It was not the most extravagant weekend.. It was quite simple really. As I read through the details more deliberately I have noticed a few things. It was not the places that I shamelessly plugged that drew from me this contentment. It was the people. It is my girls that are my therapy over coffee. It is my son that still greets me at the door whenever I pull in. It is the ladies in my classes that brighten my day and help me appreciate my blessing to be there and do what I love. It is the young couple that had a dream to have a business. It is a man who puts the worms on my hook for the big lunkers to steal and has the patience to teach a German girl with two left feet how to polka. Simple really.

As always, I wish you peace, joy and many wonderful weekends (and by weekends I mean many wonderful experiences with family and friends)!

Pattie Rakvica • idriveaware@gmail.com

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H I S T O RY

B

uilt in 1730, the Abraham Glen house is located in Collins Park, Scotia. The home, now a library is steeped in history.

Abraham Glen was the Grandson of Alexander Lindsey Glen, the original owner of Glen Sander's Mansion. The property was divided to allow the family to this home on the rich soil near the Mohawk River.

The structure itself is notable. The main building is a two-and-a-half-story Dutch fashioned home with a steeply pitched gable-roofed. The basement is assembled from local fieldstones mortared together over 280 years ago. Much thought was put into the overall construction. Interlocking mortise and tenon joints were used in the framing. The roof rafters rest on the roof plate. Beautiful and functional brick chimneys adorn each end of the home. The dormer windows are placed on both the east and west to take advantage of the suns warmth. A large wraparound porch allowed for outside entertaining while their guests were covered from the elements and could move out of the wind. . There are two wings that extend from the north end, both had been built later on. The larger is one and a half stories high, with full basement and a large storage unit or - perhaps a carriage house?

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Inside, the first floor remains nearly the same as it was when built. There are two large rooms with the fireplaces in their original positions. The second story's bedrooms have been divided to create office space. The larger of the north wings has three rooms on the first floor and five on the second arranged around a narrow hallway. The smaller wing is a single room.

Built in 1730 it never occurred to the original owner that in 30 years there would be a military encampment surrounding the home that would forever change its future. The camp was occupied by colonial forces during the French and Indian war of 1759, by the Continental Army during the American Revolution in 1775, and by the Mohawk Valley militia during the War of 1812. Stories of slaves hidden away for their safety as part of the Underground Railroad still pique interest in people like us, people that wonder who walked here before us, what secrets does the building hide?

Upon Abraham's death, the house was purchased by the Charles and James Collins family, who occupied the house for 80 years. The Abraham Glen House and the park area behind it were deeded by the Collins estate to the village of Scotia in 1928. The house became the Scotia Public Library in 1929, and is now the Scotia Branch of the Schenectady County Public Library.

Special recognition to Michelle Norris, Scotia Historian. Much of the information above was on-line and available to read because of Michelle's diligent research. While I used my own words and photos along with Wikepedia, I would be remiss to not acknowledge Michelle for her research. ~ Cheryll Hill

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Expires 10/31/14

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• Fully Insured • Free Estimates

GET CLEANED UP FOR FALL AND THE HOLIDAYS! ADVERTISE WITH US. Get your ad copy in by the 15th of each month and get a discount.

SAVE $80

$20 off your first 2 cleanings $40 off your 3rd cleaning

Expires 10/31/14. For Residential or Commercial Services

Call 265.1105 or email yourhometowne@gmail.com See past issues at your-hometowne.com yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105

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CRYSTAL SNAKES RIDING CLUB MOOSE RIDERS - STEEL RIDERS Together Proudly Present:

A RUN TO BENEFIT SCHENECTADY'S SUPER SURVIVOR

~~ Sa'Fyre Terry ~~ Sa'Fyre suffered burns to 75% of her body on May 2, 2013, in a blaze at 438 Hulett Street.The run proceeds will help pay medical expenses, supplies and transportation to and from her many appointments as she continues her road to recovery.

~Saturday October 18, 2014~ (Rain Date October 19, 2014) Registration begins at 11AM at the Schenectady Moose Lodge 1332 Lower Broadway Departure from the Moose Lodge, kick stands up promptly at noon Canajoharie Moose Lodge 159 Erie Boulevard Canajoharie Johnston Moose Lodge 109 S.Comrie Avenue Johnstown Gloversville Moose Lodge 140 E.State Street Ext Gloversville Returning to the Schenectady Moose Lodge BAND or DJ TBA ~ 50/50 ~ Food ~ Draft Beer/Soda ~ Chinese Auction Door Prizes ~ All types of vehicles welcome ~ $20/per person or $ 30/couple ~ Kids (under 17) free No Bad Attitudes ~ We reserve the right to refuse anyone FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 393-6021

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ECRWSS Postal Customer