Your Hometowne July 2012

COMPLIMENTARY

JULY 2012

THIS MONTH’S BUSINESS IN FOCUS

CASUAL LIVING POOLS

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

For Advertising Info: 265.1105

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yourhometowne@gmail.com

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w w w. y o u r- h o m e t o w n e. c o m

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

PATIENT APPRECIATION COOK OUT Great Offers for All… Everyone Welcome!

Bring Your Friends and Family!

FRIDAY AUGUST 3RD 4-7PM Free Food & Bounce House Win PRIZES, PRIZES, PRIZES! Details in our office and online at OYANGENDMD.COM GRAND PRIZE ZOOM WHITENING!

ROY OYANGEN, DMD 399-4696 • www.oyangendmd.com Socha Plaza South • 113 Saratoga Road Glenville

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We’re Celebrating the Magic of the Sea Every Evening with Fresh and Savory Seafood Creations from Chef Paul Persico.

Marlin • Swordfish • Snapper • Clams • Ahi Tuna • Calamari (as available by market) Bridal Showers • Rehearsal Dinners • Intimate Couture Weddings

399-9951 • 745 Charlton Road, Charlton • www.charltontavern.com

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

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A message from If the strawberries and asparagus this year were an indication of the quality of our local produce then we are in for some good local eats! The farm stands are overflowing with the bounty of upstate New York's finest fruits and vegetables.

Our farmers will finally reap the benefit of the right mix of rain and sun, and they sure could use a break. Last year's early end to the season with Hurricane Irene washing out most of the fall crops was financially devastating. But we're Upstate New Yorker's and we will bounce back. You have to be tough to live here, we can be brutally hot and 3 months later be below zero. Upstate New York is not for the faint of heart. And our local farmers prove that.

Between Saratoga and Schenectady Counties there are over 1,000 farms producing fruit, grain, vegetables, beef, lamb, dairy, maple syrup, eggs, flowers and of course Christmas trees! Stop at any local produce stand like Buhrmasters or one of the many Farmer's Markets and you will be treated with an array of luscious produce that has not been sitting in a tractor trailer for 3 weeks making it's way from Mexico. If you haven't searched out locally grown meats then do yourself a flavor! There is an abundance of local farms that raise their stock humanely and feed them organic diets.

No hormones, ground up bones, just grain, grass or whatever they are supposed to eat according to Mother Nature.

This summer has been kind to another industry here in New York, tourism. The river is bustling with big boats coming up from the south looking for refuge in our local marinas and lining up at our local Riverfront Restaurants. Saratoga had a fantastic turn out for “Chowder Fest”, the Parrothead Festival was a huge success, concert's in the park whether in Ballston Spa's Wiswall Park or Scotia's Freedom Park have seen record attendance. Thank you Mother Nature for giving us such a beautiful season!

Soon the Saratoga's Race Course will be open and we will be flooded with people from across the country, coming to spend time and MONEY in Your Hometowne. Another reason many of the visitors are here is to drink the healing waters of Saratoga Springs. There are many different natural waters, some effervescent, which were credited with curing myriad ailments as far back as the 14th century when the Aboriginal Americans lived and visited here. Our lakes, mountains, rivers and easy access from all directions make our area a prime destination.

We are so fortunate to have the variety of water sports, horse racing, mountain climbing and all the beauty that brings people to our region.

Keep that in mind when you are sitting behind someone with out of state plates that is trying to figure out if they should go left or right. Be patient, they could be spending their money somewhere else but they chose to come to Upstate New York.

Enjoy the beautiful month of July! Smell the flowers, eat the food and remember to Buy Local. The thousands of tourist that come here each year know we have something special; make sure you get a piece of it too!

Remember to tell your family you love them.

-Cheryll and Paul

Comments and Input – Paul and Cheryll 280.5260 Advertising – yourhometowne@gmail.com or 265.1105 Photography – hometownephoto@gmail.com Design – kgarriso@nycap.rr.com or 883.3872

FREEDOM PARK 2012 SCHEDULE July 7th The Big Smoothies ~ party rock Sponsor: Marshall & Sterling Shows July 8th The Rymanowski Brothers Orchestra ~ polka start at Sponsor: Jumpin’ Jack's 7pm July 11th Scotia-Glenville Pipe Band ~ pipe & drum Sponsor: Stewarts Shops July 12th Scotia-Glenville Community Band Sponsor: 1st National Bank of Scotia July 14th Doc Spring's Rehabilitated Dixieland Band Sponsor: The Madden Family July 15th SIRSY ~ alternative rock Sponsor: Frank & Sons Body Works July 18th Audiostars ~ party rock Sponsor: CDTA July 21st Cryin' Out Loud Sponsor: Scotia BID July 22ndMaria Zemantauski & Friends ~ flamenco guitar/dance Sponsor: Gabriels's Market July 25th The Joey Thomas Big Band ~ 20th Anniv Celebration July 26th Scotia-Glenville Community Band Sponsor of both nights: 1st National Bank of Scotia July 28th Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra Sponsor: AAA Northway July 29th Route Fifty 5 ~ brass quintet Sponsor: Payette's Music Traders

WHAT OUR EXPERTS ARE SAYING...

Burnt Hills Optical - Color Vision Deficiency Cheap Geek - Scammers Turning to Phone Calls to Gain PC Access Chris Nyhan, Edward Jones - Should You Take a Pension Buyout?

Financial Resources Company - Affordable Care Act Locust Grove Designs - In With the Old Montessori School of Schenectady - The Education of Values Patti Rakvica - Independence Precise Fitness - 3 Ways Exercise Makes You Feel Better

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

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FOR YOUR BENEFIT… As I began to write this column, The Supreme Court of the United States has just upheld the Affordable Care Act otherwise known as 'Obamacare”. Therefore as I stated at the end of last month's column, I will begin a basic review of the highlights of the law. Many of you may not realize that to date about 60 of the 90 provisions of this law have already been enacted. The financial effect of the majority of theses enactments are already showing up in the cost of our health insurance premiums. I will address that point at the end of this column.

Below are some of the more important and impactful parts of the law which are already in place.

Small Employer Tax Credit Begin closing the Medicare Part D “donut hole” Dependent coverage to age 26 * No lifetime limit to benefits (including prescription drugs) * Restricted annual dollar limits on essential health benefits * No pre-existing condition exclusions for children 100% coverage for preventive services in-network * Medical loss ratio standards go into effect Federal Rate review (Soon to be enacted) Uniform summary of benefits and coverage must be given to every insured First year medical loss ratio rebates may be issued In 2014 the two major provisions of the law that will be enacted are: Pre-Existing conditions cannot be considered for anyone buying health insurance Each state will establish their own Health Insurance Exchange for the benefit of Individuals and Small business to purchase one of four predetermined government health plans.

I would like you to take a look at the 4 provisions of the law (above) which I highlighted with an asterisk. Having grown up in a blue collar family business, I learned at a very early age that no material thing of value is ever given to anyone “for free”. In other words, there is no such thing as a “free lunch”. When you hear our government officials tout publically all of the wonderful benefits of this law that everyone will be getting “for free” like all of the preventive services and testing included in the law and having your children to age 26 covered under your plan, does anyone really think that these services are really “free”? Do you think that when you go for a very expensive test to your Specialist, that after the procedure and testing is completed, that your doctor will not send a very large bill to your insurance company and that the insurance company will not have to pay the doctor and or facility for that service rendered because it is “free” to you under this law? If you believe that, then I have a bridge in Brooklyn that I would be interested in selling to you at a very reasonable price. All of us that have health insurance through our employer and all of us that work and pay taxes are all paying for these “free” benefits through our health insurance premiums and federal and state taxes. That is a big reason that our health insurance premiums are rising and will continue to rise as this law moves forward with all of the provisions going into effect. There is no such thing as a “free” lunch.

If anyone would like additional and more detailed information regarding the provisions of the “Affordable Care Act” please contact me. I will continue to explain more parts of this law in next month's column.

Till next month…

Rich Schultz, Financial Resources Company 58 Ford Street Ballston Spa 518-885-2910 www.FRCBenefits.com Securities offered through Cadaret Grant & Co., Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC Cadaret Grant & Co. Branch Office One Lincoln Center, Syracuse, NY 13202 315-471-2191

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

COLOR VISION DEFICIENCY Color vision deficiency is the inability to distinguish certain shades of color or in more severe cases, see colors at all. The term "color blindness" is also used to describe this visual condition, but very few people are completely color blind. A color blind person usually has problems distinguishing between the colors red and green, mistaking them for the same color.

Color blindness is caused by cells in the retina that incorrectly process colors. Specialized cone cells, which are responsible for color vision, lack the ability to send the correct signals to the brain. Color blindness is usually hereditary, and about eight percent of men and one percent of women are color vision deficient.

Occasionally, certain eye diseases cause color blindness, referred to as "acquired color blindness." Aging can also cause the disorder; as the lens darkens with age, older people may find it difficult to distinguish colors.

The main symptom of color blindness is difficulty distinguishing between red and green or blue and yellow. Parents will often suspect color blindness when their child has difficulty learning colors. Children having problems at school should be tested for color blindness, as many learning materials rely heavily on students being able to differentiate between colors.

Color deficiency can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing will include the use of a series of specially designed pictures composed of colored dots, called pseudisochromatic plates, which include hidden numbers or embedded figures that can only be correctly seen by persons with normal color vision. Another test used to diagnose color blindness is called an arrangement test, in which the patient is asked to arrange a group of colored chips in a particular order.

There is no cure for inherited color deficiency, but if the cause is an illness or eye injury, treating these conditions may improve color vision. Most color deficient persons compensate for their inability to distinguish certain colors with color cues and details that are not consciously evident to people with normal color vision. Though color vision deficiency can be a frustration and may limit participation in some occupations, in most cases it is not a serious threat to vision and can be adapted to your lifestyle with time, patience and practice.

For more information contact Kristen Cameron, Burnt Hills Optical 793 Rt. 50 Burnt Hills, 399-6130 or visit www.burnthillsoptical.com Summer Hours: May 25th-August 10th Monday 10-6 Tuesday 10-6 Wednesday 10-8 Thursday 10-6 Friday 10-3

THE DECK IS OPEN-

JOIN US FOR FROZEN DRINKS!

DAILY SPECIALS ON GREAT FOOD DRAFTS ARE 2 FOR 1 & $1 OFF ALL OTHER DRINKS FROM 4-6!

885-6861 15 Prospect Street Ballston Spa

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

SHOULD YOU TAKE A PENSION BUYOUT? Have you recently received a pension buyout offer? If so, you need to decide if you should take the buyout, which could provide you with a potentially large lump sum, or continue accepting your regular pension payments for the rest of your life. It's a big decision.

Clearly, there's no “one size fits all� answer - your choice needs to be based on your individual circumstances. So, as you weigh your options, you'll need to consider a variety of key issues, including the following: ESTATE CONSIDERATIONS - Your pension payments generally end when you and/or your spouse dies, which means your children will get none of the money. But if you were to roll the lump sum into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), and you don't exhaust it in your lifetime, you could still have something to leave to your family members.

TAXES - If you take the lump sum and roll the funds into your IRA, you control how much you'll be taxed and when, based on the amounts you choose to withdraw and the date you begin taking withdrawals. (Keep in mind, though, that you must start taking a designated minimum amount of withdrawals from a traditional IRA when you reach age 70_.

Withdrawals taken before age 59_ are subject to taxes and penalties.)

But if you take a pension, you may have less control over your income taxes, which will be based on your monthly payments.

INFLATION - You could easily spend two or three decades in retirement - and during that time, inflation can really add up. To cite just one example, the average cost of a new car was $7,983 in 1982; 30 years later, that figure is $30,748, according to TrueCar.com. If your pension checks aren't indexed for inflation, they will lose purchasing power over time. If you rolled over your lump sum into an IRA, however, you could put the money into investments offering growth potential, keeping in mind, of course, that there are no guarantees.

CASH FLOW - If you're already receiving a monthly pension, and you're spending every dollar you receive just to meet your living expenses, you may be better off by keeping your pension payments intact. If you took the lump sum and converted it into an IRA, you can withdraw whatever amount you want (as long as you meet the required minimum distributions), but you'll have to avoid withdrawing so much that you'll eventually run out of money.

CONFIDENCE IN FUTURE PENSION PAYMENTS - From time to time, companies are forced to reduce their pension obligations due to unforeseen circumstances. You may want to take this into account as you decide whether to continue taking your monthly pension payments, but it's an issue over which you have no control. On the other hand, once your lump sum is in an IRA, you have control over both the quality and diversification of your investment dollars. However, the trade-off is that investing is subject to various risks, including loss of principal.

Before selecting either the lump sum or the monthly pension payments, weigh all the factors carefully to make sure your decision fits into your overall financial strategy. With a choice of this importance, you will probably want to consult with your financial and tax advisors. Ultimately, you may find that this type of offer presents you with a great opportunity - so take the time to consider your options.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Christopher Nyhan runs the Edward Jones office in Burnt Hills, NY. He can be reached at 399-5087 or chris.nyhan@edwardjones.com.

For you weight watchers, You could always move South, everything weighs one percent less at the equator.

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IN WITH THE OLD Like most homes, my home is an eclectic mix of things I've collected at retail stores, antique shops, boutiques and my favorites - yard sales and thrift shops! My 100 piece collection of antique ironstone is almost exclusively from tag sales - my usual cutoff is around $2 - and my milk glass candy dish display is from local thrift shops. I love beautiful things but I also have to stick with a budget too.

So, what's the best way to display your beloved (cheap) finds? I wait until I have a collection of at least three objects before I try to display them together - which can take a long time; anything less than three just looks like clutter. Once I have my three pieces, preferably in varying heights and widths to add interest, I try to find a place that suits the shape and composition of the pieces. What does that mean? Well, you wouldn't put a trio of small bowls in the middle of a large table; it would just look like you forgot to put them away. However, on a smaller island, kitchen table or shelf, a threesome of a large, medium and small bowls would look fabulous. Throw in some fruit, napkins, or even flowers and you've got a display that would look right at home on the cover of Elle Décor.

There is a trick to decorating with your bargain objects. I can't give away all my tricks but I will give you this one - everything cannot be cheap. The ironstone collection I mentioned earlier sits in an amazing Ethan Allen hutch, and the bowls are actually pricier yellow ware bowls but they sit on my thrift store bargain oak kitchen table. One last trick - don't overdo it.

I know, I cannot pass up a piece of milk glass or ironstone, especially when it's $2 or less. If you must have it, get it, but by all means, do not display every piece of (fill in the blank) that you have. Rotate your collections if you need to but keep your pieces under control or someone's going to think you have a problem!

Need help controlling or displaying your collections? Give me a call to setup your in-home consultation. Or find me on Facebook and submit your photo for a free internet evaluation.

Locust Grove Designs Dawn DiLorenzo • 222-9551

3RD ANNUAL

WILLIAM T. MALONEY MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Monday July 9th • Eagle Crest Golf Club Route 146A • Clifton Park NY 4 Person Team Scramble Shot Gun Start 9am $110/person • $30 deposit with sign in to first 120 players Contact CharltonTavern 399-9951 To Benefit The Wounded Warrior Project

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

Customized Retaining Walls • Walkways and Patios Landscape Design and Installation Sprinkler Systems • Night Lighting Hydro-Seeding • Spring Cleanups Lawn Maintenance • Renovation

Pro-Cut Landscaping has been sprucing up lawns for 25 years!

Family owned - Kerby and Cindy Loukes

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

JUNE WAS A BUSY MONTH FOR MORTENSEN MOTORSPORTS The month of June was a very busy time for the Your Hometowne sponsored #1M of Scotia, NY driver Mark Mortensen as he not only had to prepare the race car to race but also had to prepare it to look it's best as on Friday, June 15 he had his 602 Sportsman race car at his primary sponsors location which is the Jumpin' Jack's Drive-In of Scotia.

At the sponsorship appearance autographed pictures of Mark were given to the children along with Mortensen Motorsports #1M pencils.

Children were able to sit in the race car is they choose to and many people just stopped by to talk racing with Mark and the rest of the crew.

As far as racing was concerned the highlight of the month of June for the Your Hometowne sponsored car was a win in the feature event back on June 9, That night Mark took the lead on lap 17 of the 20-lap feature event and went on to the win, his second of the 2012 season, and the sixth of his career in the 602 Sportsman division.

Photo courtesy of Bill McGaffin Photography

Then on Saturday, June 16 at Mark's home track the Fonda Speedway a special Meet 'N Greet was held during intermission on the front straightaway at Fonda where Mark and all of the other drivers were able to bring their cars out on to the track and the fans were able to come out on to the track as well in order to meet the drivers and see their race cars up close.

Mark handed out autographed pictures to the children and shook a lot of hands as there were a lot of people who wanted to meet the defending Fonda Speedway 602 Sportsman Track Champion. Benjamin Moore t-shirts were also given away which had Mark's car number 1M on them and he autographed a few of those as well. The shirts were compliments of Mark's sponsor Benjamin Moore Paints and car owner Bonnie Mortensen had the car number 1M put on them.

"The car handled good in traffic tonight and the good starting position helped too," Mark said in victory lane. "It was a whole different track running early like we did tonight, it was a lot of fun, and I have to thank my crew, all of my sponsors, my family, and all of the fans for their support."

After a rainout on Saturday, June 2 there were two other racing events held at Fonda during the month of June and in those events Mark had a fourth and a fifth place finish. Going into the June 30 racing program at Fonda Mark held the lead in the point standings as he defends his 2011 602 Sportsman Track Championship.

Our supply of new "Mark Wear" is here and the new design for 2012 is totally awesome! We have an assortment of t-shirts, crew neck sweatshirts, hoodies,and tank tops in various sizes for sale and you can get yours by seeing car owner Bonnie Mortensen in the pit area at the race track, by calling her at home at 518-882-7011, or by e-mailing her at rszczerb@nycap.rr.com

ACROSS 1. Lugged 6. Conspiracy 10. Short sleeps 14. Domicile 15. Anger 16. Modify

17. Fool 18. Portent 19. Sponge 20. Approval 22. Clairvoyant 23. Mongrel 24. Unclean

26. Nonsense (British) 30. Before, poetically 31. Behold 32. Leer at 33. Early 20th-century art movement 35. Tapestry 39. Eyelet 41. Ductile 43. Old photo color 44. God of love 46. Not closed 47. Total 49. Autonomic nervous system 50. Require 51. Mainstay 54. Encounter 56. Strip of wood 57. Reflexive pronoun 63. Competent 64. Go backpacking 65. Bloodsucker 66. Fly high 67. Norse god 68. Wood shaping machine 69. A flexible pipe 70. Fender blemish 71. Hair net

DOWN 1. Pack down 2. Double-reed woodwind 3. Unit of pressure

4. Biblical kingdom 5. Jeans material 6. Lying face downward 7. Not excessive 8. Margarine 9. Wimbledon sport 10. Reporter 11. French farewell 12. He plays the bagpipes 13. Cubic meter 21. Soft leather 25. Average 26. Clothing 27. Monster 28. Swill 29. Half of a sphere 34. Amends 36. Fully developed 37. Away from the wind 38. Transmit 40. Mangle 42. S S S S 45. A small fireproof dish 48. A way of doing something 51. Gash 52. Forbidden 53. Collection of maps 55. Informs 58. Conceal 59. Low-fat 60. Quash 61. Reflected sound 62. Outbuilding

Answers can be found on page 26

JULY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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THE EDUCATION OF VALUES By: Jaimie Peterson Practicing good manners and setting up a system of values is important in educating your child. A classroom education in a positive setting can reinforce this.

Surrounding your child with good peer models, patient instructors and involving them in community based volunteer activities all assist in the fostering of an independent, thoughtful child. At the Montessori School of Schenectady, our students thrive on positive reinforcement which promote emotional wellness, care and respect of peers and environment. As you are your child's first teacher, it is important to put the values in place in the home first, and find a school atmosphere that reflects and encourages personal growth and a love of learning.The kindness that is extended while your child is in our care, begins when your child leaves your car in the morning and is handed to one of our staff. As we realize that every child has different abilities and ranges of emotion, our teachers will redirect and calm your child in a loving and caring way. Our redirection curriculum consists of a series of books on manners and peer modeling which all stimulate the thought and decision making process. It is important to exhibit the traits you want your child to have within yourself as well. Practicing sharing, teaching household duties, speaking kindly towards others, volunteerism and saying "please and thank you" are all examples of setting up your home system of values.

The most important thing to remember is that we are not images of perfection, We are the first mirrors for our children, their reflection depends on us and the people we put in their care and nurturing.

The Montessori School of Schenectady 124 Lake Hill Road, Burnt Hills, NY, (518)384-0074.

Now accepting applications for Toddler, Pre-K, Kindergarten and Kindergarten Enrichment Programs.

The military salute is a motion that evolved from medieval times, when knights in armor raised their visors to reveal their identity.

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

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3 WAYS EXERCISE MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER When we talk about the benefits of exercise, looking better gets the most attention. Burning off unwanted pounds is a great thing, but let's not overlook a more immediate benefit of exercise. Exercise transforms how you feel-with a quickness. While weight loss takes time and extended effort, all it takes is one workout to begin reaping the reward of a more energetic and capable body.

Here are the top 3 ways that your body will feel better with exercise: 1) YOU'LL HAVE MORE ENERGY How are your energy levels these days? I'm talking about natural energy, not energy manufactured by caffeine. Do your eyes pop open at the sound of your alarm? Or do you hit snooze half a dozen times before getting up and dragging through your day? While you may not instantly feel like the Energizer Bunny, your energy levels will dramatically increase once you begin a consistent, challenging exercise routine. "(Exercise) literally creates energy in your body. Your body rises up to meet the challenge for more energy by becoming stronger," explains Samantha Heller MS, RD. 2) YOU'LL HAVE FEWER ACHES AND PAINS When your life becomes sedentary (this means you are inactive for most of the day) then you'll quickly find your body developing aches and pains.

You'll feel it when you stand up - a throb in your back, creaking in your knees and stiffness in your legs. This is pain due to underuse. Your body was meant to move! Movement improves flexibility and range of motion, and releases natural pain-reducing endorphins, which means that, with a regular exercise program, you'll be moving smoother and with less pain than ever before.

3) YOU'LL FEEL HAPPY AND CONFIDENT It's hard to understand how 30 to 60 minutes a day spent on exercise is able to completely transform how you feel about yourself. But it does. Think back to the last time that you accomplished something. Maybe you performed well at work and received kudos from your boss, or you finished a project at home that took weeks of your time and concentration. Do you remember how that made you feel? You stood a little bit straighter, you smiled easily, and deep down you felt alive with excitement. When challenging exercise becomes a regular part of your life, feelings of happiness and confidence also become a part of you.

From now on I want you to forget the idea that exercise is nothing more than a means to achieving a slimmer body. Instead, look at exercise as a complete life enhancer.

Reach out to me and I'll show you how to integrate a consistent, challenging exercise routine into your lifestyle so that you'll begin to reap the benefits of an energetic, more confident you.

Don't wait to begin enjoying the benefits of an active lifestyle - call or email now!

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

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

INDEPENDENCE 518-399-8174 • kdeangelo@sals.edu SUMMER READING AT THE LIBRARY! The NYS summer reading program, “Dream Big, Read”, is in full swing.

Highlights include: Seth and the Moody Melix on Monday, July 23 at 1 PM at the BH-BL High School. Enjoy an interactive musical family drop-in program for children ages 2 and up accompanied by an adult. Seth and the Moody Melix connect a child’s love of music and and learning through fun, upbeat songs, accompanied by guitar, percussion, and fiddle. Supported in part by Federal Library Services and Technology Act Funds, awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services and made possible, in part, by the Saratoga County Youth Bureau, the Southern Adirondack Library System, and the Office of Children’s and Family Services.

BABY LAPTIME - WEDNESDAYS 10AM Bring your littlest ones to the library! Share interactive nurseries rhymes, songs, bells, simple board books and more with the baby in your life. Babies must be accompanied by an adult at this 15 minute program.

END OF SUMMER READING PARTY - FRIDAY, AUGUST 3RD • 6PM Anyone who completes 3 weeks of the reading challenge is invited to attend with the whole family! Registration required.

6PM – Music with Miss Mona Concert 6:30 PM – Ice Cream Party 7PM Summer Reading Movie – a look back at some of our best moments this summer and an End of Summer Reading Concert performed by local students.

Visit us online at http://toblibrary.sals.edu to see our summer reading sponsors and a complete schedule.

NYS SUMMER READING PROGRAM “Own The Night”, for Teens entering grades 6-12 – Find the full program at http://toblibrary.sals.edu under the Teen Tab. Highlights include: Own the night at the library’s Zombie Apocalypse on Friday, July 20th from 7PM to 7AM. Grades 6-8. Cost $5.00. Sign up and permission slip required.

TEEN END OF SUMMER PARTY - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1 • 7PM Celebrate the end of Summer Reading with us! Decorate cookies and enjoy root beer floats while we play Wii and other games. Please sign up.

YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO READ! Our NYS Adult Summer Reading Program is “Between the Covers.” Pick up a Bingo Card and get a coupon for a free book from the book sale, copies, or $ off a fine for each Bingo you get.

NATURALIST TOM LAKE - THURSDAY, JULY 19TH • 2PM Join us for a presentation on The Genesis of the Hudson River from the Ice Age to Contact. Travel with us from a time 20,000 years ago in the throes of an ice age to the 17th Century arrival of Europeans. This program is aimed at adults but will be enjoyed by those over ten. Registration is requested by calling 3998174 ext. 2 as Tom will be bringing hand outs.

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 • E-mail: rdarling@sals.edu

14th ANNUAL GLENVILLE ROTARY GOLF CLASSIC Thursday, Aug. 2nd • Van Patten Golf Course A four-person scramble Fee is $100 by July 15th, $110 thereafter Includes cart, snack at turn, luncheon meal, awards and raffles Shotgun start at 8:30AM Field limited to 144

To register, go to www.glenvillerotary.org

INDEPENDENCE: The state or quality of being independent; freedom from dependence; exempt from reliance on, or control by, others; selfsubsistence or maintenance; direction of one's own affairs without interference... (Wow, how scary is that statement?!?!)

Just imagine, Its late June, the year is 1776. Thomas Jefferson is sitting in a dark, quiet room, forging a secret document vying for independence from Great Britain. The need for freedom, the need to direct his, our own affairs without interference has brought him the strength to write and to document the such. As his "declaration" officially find its way to us on July 4th, 1776, a nation stands on its' own. Can you imagine what they were all thinking after signing that document..."ok, so now what do we do"?!

All kidding aside, I can confidently say, "they had a plan". Thinking of that moment however, what was that poignant turning stone that made them make the decision to be 'free". Where they pushed too hard, were they not heard, was it the simple fact that they had better ideas and no one would listen. I know I am somewhat trivializing this great moment in history and yet it happens every day. It started as a thought with one person, than another and so it begins. A cycle of change - change for the better.

I have stepped out of my comfortable surrounds, slowly, one foot at a time to experience independence of my own. There are many layers as to how it came about, just like back in 1776. Sometimes I do sit and say to myself..."ok, so what do I do now'?

There is a time in life when you need to spread your wings. However it may come about, it is your journey. I find that I study more, I ask more questions and I definitely listen more than I speak. I gather information and make the best decisions I can. With each step forward, my independence grows. I have no intention of jumping right in, but I will keep my eye on the prize and do whatever I need to do to make things good and right. If I do stumble back, I will brush myself off, just as I have always done and place one foot in front of the other once again.

Independence is not only about moving forward, step by step. It is about having the confidence, the knowledge and the courage to lift your foot up and want to move forward. I have found that independence doesn't come from going it alone. It comes from support from my son, family and my wonderful friends. It is easier to step out and forward when someone is always there to catch you if you stumble back. And sometimes they are just there to give you a little push once in awhile.

It's your turn now. Take a deep breath, put one foot in front the other and hold a hand or two. You will get there just as I will. The road to independence may be long, but together we will take it slow, step by step, just as you have been here for me, I will be there for you.

As always, I wish you peace, joy and remember to put one foot in front of the other and stay on that bright road ahead!

Pattie Rakvica • idriveaware@gmail.com

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Try our BEST SELLING GRILL ITEMS for ONE LOW PRICE Feed 6 for only $25!

GAROFALO'S GRILL PACK Stuffed Hamburgers 1 small onion, chopped 4 slices thick bacon from Garofalo's chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon hot sauce (Frank's Red Hot recommended) 1/2 onion, chopped 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar Lettuce, tomato, pickles for garnish Fresh-ground black pepper 2 pounds fresh ground beef from Garofalo's 1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix Lettuce and tomato (optional) Prepare a grill for medium heat. When hot, lightly oil the grate. Fry the bacon and garlic in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add onions to the pan; cook and stir until bacon is browned, but not crisp and onion is soft. Remove from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate and season to taste with black pepper. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef and onion soup mix and hot sauce, divide the mixture into 8 balls, flattening them into patties. Place a quarter of the bacon mixture onto each of four patties and sprinkle with cheddar cheese before you top with the remaining patties and press the edges together to seal.

Grill the burgers for about 15 minutes, turning once, until well done. Top with lettuce and tomato.

INCLUDES: 6 Italian Sausage: Garofalo’s own Sweet or Hot; Links or Patties 6 Fresh Ground Beef Patties (6 oz. each) 6 Hot Dogs Garofalo’s very own - So Good!

OUR SIGNATURE ITALIAN SAUSAGE SINCE 1904 Hot or Sweet; Rope style or Patties CUSTOM CUT BEEF Filet Mignon Rib Eye Steaks Choice NY Strip Steaks Choice PORK Pork Chops Center Cut Bone in or Stuffed Pork Tenderloins • Pulled Pork Smoked Ribs POULTRY Skinless boneless Chicken breasts Chicken Cutlets or Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Grilled Fennel and Lamb Sausage 1 large bulb fennel, sliced into chunks Spinach 8-10 cherry tomatoes 4-6 Garofalo's lamb sausages Olive oil, about a tablespoon Garofolo's Mediterranean seasoning Italian bread or rolls Preheat grill to med-high. Grill the sausage, turning frequently On a grilling platter, coat the fennel and olive oil and a generous sprinkling of Mediterranean seasoning and start cooking when sausage has started to brown nicely on all sides. Fennel should not be overcooked and is perfect when still crunchy but slightly browned and sizzling in the oil then add Spinach to finish along with cherry tomatoes sautéing gently to warm. Plate with crusty Italian bread or roll A Perfect summer dish for the grill !

Garafalo's, the taste people travel for!

Since 1904 www.garofalosausage.com

From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

SCAMMERS TURNING TO PHONE CALLS TO GAIN PC ACCESS Forget e-mail. Criminals are making oldfashioned phone calls and offering free security scans in order to gain access to people's computers, according to Microsoft.

To run the con, criminals pretend to be PC security experts from legitimate companies. They call their intended victims, warning of a risky security threat and offering to run a free security checkup or to match a number that you have to give them. If the victims take the bait, the scammers gain access to their PCs and often capture passwords or financial information.

In many cases, the criminals were granted remote access to the victim's PC, where they were able to steal certain private information. In other cases, the victims provided credit card details, believing they were paying for legitimate software.

Most of the victims said they were hit by some type of financial loss.

Among those, 17 percent reported that they had money taken from their financial accounts, 19 percent said their passwords were stolen, and 17 percent found themselves the victims of identity fraud. More than half said they also ran into computer problems as a result of the scam.

To protect yourself from such scams, Microsoft recommends the usual pieces of advice that we've all heard before but are worth repeating.

• Be suspicious of unsolicited calls related to a security problem.

• Never provide credit card details or other information to an unsolicited caller.

• Don't go to a Web site, install software, or follow other instructions from someone who calls unsolicited.

• Take down the caller's information and pass it along to the authorities.

• Keep Windows and your other software up to date, especially antivirus software.

• Use strong passwords and change them regularly.

CHEAP GEEK OFFERS COMPLETE COMPUTER SALES AND SERVICE. Remember to check our prices first for new or used computer sales and repairs. We are a Dell Authorized Reseller. Prices starting at $399 for Dell desktops with a 1year warranty!

As always...Safe Computing!

Cheap Geek Computer Services Maggie Faltskog • 399-8886

Answers from Crossword Puzzle on page 20

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Fo r A d v e r t i s i n g I n f o : 2 6 5 . 1 1 0 5 • y o u r h o m e t o w n e @ g m a i l . c o m • w w w. y o u r- h o m e t o w n e. c o m

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

STAY TUNED with Paul Hill Every Father's day we attend “Cruisin' on the Avenue”, a local car show in Scotia to check out the impressive cars and motorcycles. We stroll down Mohawk Avenue in amazement, each car taking on the personality of it's owner. From a pickup truck with a built in billiard table to a DeLorean, the infamous stainless steel car with “Gull Wings”; doors that open upward.

As we hunted for our July cover shot Cheryll spotted a sweet 1930 Speedster, “that's the one” she said. Heading over to take a better look she was greeted by one of our advertisers, Dick, owner of from Freemans Bridge Sports who pointed out that the owner of this car was his Fatherin-Law and the fun conversation started. Being a bit of a “motor head” Cheryll is well versed in her cars and can spot a treasure in an instant- This one was a classic and the decision to place him on our cover was made on the spot.

The builder/ owner of this car is Erv Grant who was eager to share his story and I was more than willing to oblige him so I made plans for a visit to his home that turned into a lesson in history as well as the honor of seeing one of the cleanest / fanciest work garages I have ever seen.

years in that historic ride eventually selling it to an interested buyer who eventually sold it another enthusiast and yes, it's still in the area, look for it!

During our conversation, Erv pointed out that he was routinely pulled over in while driving one of his “builds” and ticketed for whatever they could find. One such “infraction” was the lack of a parking brake, well in the traditional sense anyway; even as Erv confidently quoted the law per paragraph that required vehicles to be able to hold the vehicle at a secure stop on a 30 degree angle and be applied from the driver's seat- the block of wood that he stuck under the front wheel from the driver's seat did little to satisfy the officers concerns.

Back in the day, he and his colleagues, including legendary artist and pinstripper Dave Davies traveled along with Erv. Because they ran in the same class, they would intentionally stay away from each other in order to provide the opportunity to beat the “local” favorite; but when they did cross paths they would engage in some banter and shouting matches as if to be bitter rivals, much to the delight of the crowds who came to see the fastest cars of the day, it was all in good fun, the respect between drivers is legendary.

To begin, I need to point out that Erv Grant is 74 years old, been married to his wife Joan for 53 years. His passion to build, repair or just create monster engines started in his teens; his life story reads like a movie script. After a 4 year hitch in the Navy from 1955-1959 serving aboard the USS Randolph, an Essex class aircraft carrier, Erv landed a job at Phieffer's, a speed shop for cars in Albany; the job that opened the door for his own shop aptly named GRANTS SPEED SHOP on Altamont Avenue. Erv eventually moved his shop to Guilderland Avenue and renamed it Northeast Speed where a guy named Jack Muldowney and Erv connected, building cars and engines while taking drag racing to new levels. Jack was married to Shirley Rogue aka “Cha-Cha” Muldowney- who is the first lady of drag racing and Erv went on to set records and making a living behind the wheel of “slingshots” or dragsters.

After selling half the business to “Wild Bill” Rueben in 1966, Erv sold the other half to him in 1968, staying on to manage the business when he wasn't on the road traveling the Northeast and Canada supporting his family from the driver's seat. Erv recalled that back then, an owner could expect 15-18 runs out of a dragster engine unlike today where an engine could very well get swapped out after a single run.

Erv has the dubious distinction of not only beating Canada's champion, he set the Canadian speed record in Napierville, Quebec, prompting the owner of the track, Andre Gagnon to relentlessly pursue the purchase of this car through a translator; he HAD to have it. After a while Erv acquiesced and struck a deal that involved some money as well as the ORIGINAL metallic blue “Little Deuce Coup” owned by the Beach Boys along with a trailer, the surf board and a bunch of albums!. Erv proudly tooled around the region for

On a serious note, back then, the tracks did not have the “Christmas Tree” starting lights, rather they spotted one another in a staggered start, an extremely dangerous method as one cross up or error could take out both drivers and their cars. This came to be an issue when he finally met up with Ron Abbot who ran AA fuel in a car named “Hellzapoppin” while Erv “Showtime” Grant was running “A” fuel. The track wanted them to run from a “spot start” to which both drivers refused due to the safety issue.

The track finally agreed to run them side by side in a 3 run match guaranteeing each a part of the purse. Erv and Ron were pioneers in this era in racing.

Spending time with Erv is easy; his low key humble demeanor can mask his need for speed while listening to his recollections. I quickly realized that he is a true trailblazer who set the bar for countless people in the sport.

His trophy room holds but a fraction of the ones he earned as it was an accepted practice to sell them back to certain tracks who would in turn award them to future winners.

These days you can find Erv in his spotless workplace, tinkering with any number of beefed up engines, his organizational habits are second to none, chrome wrenches neatly displayed in ascending sizes below a peg board filled with every tool imaginable- a man cave for mechanics. Continuing to work under his original DBA “Grants Speed Shop” along with his Son-InLaw Dick; together they fulfill a hobbyists dream, building projects like the 1930 Speedster on the cover, keeping the spirit of racing alive in YOUR HOMETOWNE! It's alright here ™

Led by Jim Schultz as Grand Marshal there were 105 parade participants including Pro-Wrestlers, Marching Bands, Floats, Vintage Cars and more; making it the largest parade to date. Jim just retired from his School Superintendent Position for the BH-BL school district and actually went out with a parade! The parade brings the community together each year to celebrate Flag Day; this year there were over 2,000 spectators enjoying the family fun, munching on hot dogs, cotton candy and supporting the parade participants with applause and cheers. As our Military participants passed people were saluting and thanking them for their service.

The support from the local business owners is how this all happens. Charlie Morris and the Town of Ballston paid for the fireworks. Mohawk Honda funded the Pro Wrestlers. The Burnt Hills Ballston Lake Professional Association not only contributed financially but organizes the parade each year which is a huge task; handling everything from scheduling to security.

Other major sponsors included Gil’s Garage, Ballston Spa National Bank, The Teacher’s Association. Media Sponsors included Your Hometowne and The Spotlight. There were nearly 80 more Small Business Owners that contributed financially to make it happen. This is what makes America great and we are proud to keep the tradition alive here in Burnt Hills!

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Dedicated to Fran Naccarato Opening the doors in 1981 Casual Living Pools was the concept of Tom Naccarato and Vic Santoro. Their dream was to start a business where area residents could transform their yard into a summer oasis at a reasonable cost and in return receive excellent customer service. With Tom's Mom, Frances “Fran” managing the books, the dream became a reality and 31 years later Casual Living Pools still provides area residents with quality customer service unmatched in the industry. Tom's partner Vic moved on in the fall of 1983, and the business continued to grow. Tom brought in 3rd generation family members to learn the industry and help him meet customer expectations. And so began a 3 generation family business here in Glenville. Fran, her son Tom, his children and nephew became the face of Casual Living Pools. Tom oversees the business on a day to day basis while nephew Chris manages the retail end along with his daughter Courtney and son Zack, allowing his other son Joe to run the “Inground” division.

Tom is an avid sportsman and has managed to make time for his hunting/fishing and be an active member of the Jonesville Fire Department; where he was the Chief Officer for 13 years. Pam, his wife is an aid for handicapped children in the Shenendehowa school system.

Personal relationships with customers are paramount in any family business.

The Casual Living Pools family does a great job of forging those relationships. They offer year round water analysis for both pools and spas, keeping records for every customer thereby assuring a detailed history of each account. They carry two lines of American made pools, featuring New York State manufactured Matrix inground and Del-Air above ground manufactured in New Jersey. Casual Living Pools backs their product with a 100% lifetime manufacturer's guarantee on materials. For Patio furniture, you can't beat the NYS made Telescope line displayed on the second floor of their showroom. Everything you need to create your own Oasis in your backyard is right here in Glenville!

Like many of the small businesses owners we talk to, their philanthropy always amazes us. During the interview Tom, after being pressed to tell us something about himself and his business that we didn't know, reluctantly shared with us a story. Making it clear that he was not looking for any special recognition, he shared his decision to assist his customers who endured Hurricane Irene in any way he could - at no charge. Just like he did when the huge power outage hit a few years ago and people had valid concerns about their spas. This is the caliber of customer service you can expect when you do business with Casual Living Pools. On a personal note our family - Paul and Ginny Hill have been doing business with them for decades, so we know firsthand the level of expertise and customer service that is standard procedure at Casual Living Pools. If you have been thinking about a hot tub or pool, do not make any decisions until you pay them a visit, in fact you can even make an appointment to come in after hours and “test drive” any of the showroom spas Dedication From the beginning Fran, Tom's Mom was by his side managing the finances and pinch hitting wherever she was needed. As Fran's health started to fail, her strength and determination to remain a vital part of the business prevailed and she remained faithful to her duties, working at the store until 3 weeks before she passed away in April of this year. Fran was the matriarch of the family. Her legacy lives on in the family business in the form of pride, respect and strength. She is missed dearly but her spirit will live on in the family business forever.

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

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Mother Nature Always Gets Even; Be Ready.