COMPLIMENTARY NOVEMBER 2014
NOVEMBER SALE
40% OFF*
up to Living Room & Family Room Furnishings
*MSRP
2 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Above all earthly Blessings, above all earthly Joys, we give Thanks
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 3
Charlton Village In The Fall
Enjoy the company of our community in an authentic Irish Pub!
Circa 1787
Autumn in Charlton-
Comfortable jeans and bulky warm clothes, hearty soups and warm buttered rolls. Sunsets replaced with the glow of our hearth, it echo’s the laughter of family with warmth. Fall brings nostalgia to Charlton our home, and welcomes you back from wherever you roam.
Create Holiday Warmth wth Sophisticated Décor
Handcrafted Wreaths & Tasteful Mantle Trimmings American Made Sofas & Chairs, Wood Furniture and more...
ALL AT AMAZING PRICES !
Open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-5pm 745 Charlton Road •
Across the street from the Charlton Tavern
399-9951
745 Charlton Road, Charlton www.charltontavern.com
Relax with Bobby Van Detta Sundays 5-8pm
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
4 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 5
Vitamins • Supplements • Cosmetics
Nuts • Spices • Vitamins • Cosmetics
• Nuts • Seeds • Spices • Grains • Protein Powders • Books •
•
Dried Fruit • Gluten Free Foods • Vitamins • Supplements •
6 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
We do the laundry for you... Wash‘N Fold Service!
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 7
8 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
A message from THANKSGIVING RECIPE Desire to be a better person. Servings yielded are exponential. -Love yourself as you are. -Speak with compassion, even when you are scared, hurt, angry or fearful. -Refrain from judgment, and accepts others for who they are. - Inspire others to succeed at attaining their goals. - Apologize when you are wrong and graciously accept apologies from others. - Be mindful of other people. - Keep your expectations of others realistic. - Give back. Pay it forward. Practice acts of random kindness. - Speaks words of encouragement. - Practice forgiveness. - Turn off your electronics at the dinner table. - Love your pets. - Listen to a senior citizen tell you stories. The wealth of knowledge they impart is priceless. Remember, every thought you think, action you take, words you speak, affect the people around you. The more we use the recipe above in all our interactions with others, the more we can pass along kindness, hope and love to others, who can then pass it back or on to someone else. The holidays can be a very difficult time for people; loved ones that have passed, separation from loved ones because of they are in the military, divorce, job loss can make the holidays painful for many people. One of our biggest emotional hurdles for people to jump over is to understand that not every action towards us from others is about us. If someone is quiet and distant we tend to take it personally but chances are it is not about us at all. Sometimes just a touch on the shoulder and a kind word is what is needed. Conversation can be for another day. Paul and I wish you a wonderful holiday season and hope that you will share this recipe with those around you. Please keep an eye on the folks around you who may be frail either physically or mentally as the winter approaches. Be a good neighbor and friend. It is easy and incredibly rewarding. Sincerely, Cheryll and Paul 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
About the Cover Photographer and avid hiker Dave Crudele provides us with a great picture of a rock Cairn that adorns the summit of Wright Peak. One of the 46 major peaks in the Adirondacks, it sits at #16 on the list for height at an elevation of 4580’ and #1 for the wind factor. A hike to the summit and back is a 7 hour trip and not recommended for out of shape hikers as the final approach is up bare rock with wind gusts to 40mph- if you make it the reward is a gorgeous 360o panorama. Wright Peak claimed a B-47 bomber in January 1962 while on a training mission. The plane crashed into Wright Peak, killing all four crewmen. The aircraft made its impact just feet below the summit of Wright Peak. Pieces of the wreckage can still be found on the summit, along with a plaque near the impact site. Visit www.davecrudele.com to purchase or view Dave’s work, visit him on Facebook too at Fred David Photography.
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
BALLSTON SPA
HOLIDAY PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING
Friday Dec 5th, 2014 6:30PM Milton Avenue & Wiswall Park Front Street The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association's Annual Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting takes place December 5th. Parade step off time is 6:30pm proceeding on Milton Avenue & ending in Wiswall Park on Front Street with Santa lighting the Christmas tree. The parade has become a hometown-style holiday tradition, with fire trucks, floats, animals, kids and Santa parading down the main street of the village. This is a true community event so parade participants are welcome! If your organization would like to march that night, please contact Ellen at the BSBPA office 885-2772 or info@ballston.org. Before and after the parade, there will be carolers and musicians on the street corners and many village shops and restaurants will be open with music, demonstrations and displays as part of First Friday, which also falls on this festive evening. Cost: FREE ADMISSION
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 9
1 0 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
10 ESSENTIAL FACTS ABOUT YOUR EYES 1. The eye works like a camera. Light enters the eye through a clear outer dome known as the cornea. The iris, the colored portion that surrounds the pupil, expands and contracts to let light in. Just behind the pupil is the lens, which focuses light rays on the retina. Like film inside a camera, the retina captures images, sending them via the optic nerve to the brain. 2. Everyone will experience some level of vision loss. Presbyopia, or reading vision loss, occurs in one's 40s or 50s. If close-up objects begin to appear blurry and you have to hold them farther away to focus, call your optometrist to make an appointment. 3. Looking at a screen for extended periods of time doesn't damage your eyes. You're more likely to experience dry eyes if you spend a lot of time on your computer, but this is a matter of fatigue, not permanent damage. You're not blinking as often, so your eyes get more tired more quickly and things get blurry. 4. The average person blinks 10,800 times per day. 5. While a fingerprint has 40 unique characteristics, an iris has 256. This is why retina scans are increasingly being used for security purposes. 6. Out of all the muscles in your body, the muscles that control your eyes are the most active. 7. 80% of vision problems worldwide are avoidable or even curable. 8. Doctors have yet to find a way to transplant an eyeball. The optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain is too sensitive to reconstruct successfully. 9. The length of your eyeball has a lot to do with whether you're nearsighted or farsighted. People who are nearsighted have a longer-thannormal eyeball, while people who are farsighted have a shorter-thannormal eyeball. Just a millimeter change in the length of the eye will change the prescription for that eye. 10. The older we get, the less tears we produce. EYESIGHT DOS AND DON'TS: DO: Wear sunglasses year-round. Exposure to ultraviolet rays can lead to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Look for glasses that offer 100-percent UVA and UVB protection, and opt for polarized lenses to reduce glare from snow and water. DON'T: Use anti-redness drops. The more often you use them, the less effective they become, due to a process called rebound vasodilation. Stick with artificial tears instead of medicated drops. For more information contact Kristen Cameron, Burnt Hills Optical, 793 Rt. 50 Burnt Hills, 399-6130 or visit www.burnthillsoptical.com
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 1 1
DECORATING TIPS FROM THE SPECKLED HEN For those of you who follow my monthly article, or have met me at The Speckled Hen, you know that family means everything to me! With the holiday's right around the corner, I wanted to share a fun 'primitive project' to do with the family. Instead of rushing out on Thanksgiving to shop, gather these materials, settle in with the ones you love, and make a fresh arrangement.
You will need a container for the arrangement; a waterproof container to go inside; wet/fresh floral foam; pruning shears; assorted fresh pines (cedar, white pine, silver fir, boxwood, spruce); a candle and a glass jar. First, determine what type of container you would like to use for your arrangement. For example, you can use an old wooden box, a crate, a tin or a primitive piece of pottery. You will need to find another waterproof container to fit inside (foil pans work great). Place the floral foam in your waterproof container and soak thoroughly by running it under the faucet until it is saturated. Starting with the cedar, cut small sprigs and tuck them into the wet foam. Go all around your container, filling it with the cedar. Try to push them in sideways (horizontal), not straight up. Next, randomly place the sliver fir on top of the cedar. For the next layer, use the white pine. Take apart some pine roping and cut a few sprigs and place randomly throughout your arrangement. Then add the variegated boxwood and any other fresh pine you have around the house. Use a mason jar to hold your candle, and place it in the center of the foam. If you don't have a mason jar, find another glass container - never have an open flame around pine greens. Keep layering until you reach the desired effect and have filled in all around the candle. Go back and fill in the nooks and crannies wherever needed. Embellish your arrangement by tucking in sprigs of berries, glass ornaments, pinecones or other festive dÊcor. Keep the foam wet and you'll be able to enjoy this beautiful arrangement for weeks! Let's remember that the holidays are a special time to spend with those you love. Yes, let's enjoy some of the material fun of the holidays, but let's keep first in our minds what matters most. We can always buy another scarf, another shirt or gadget, but what we can't buy is more quality time with the people we cherish. I'll be having an Open House on Black Friday weekend - I hope to see you there! Maureen Culver • 369.8771 38 Saratoga Road, Scotia thespeckledhen38@gmail.com
1 2 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
SAM SPEAKS... BY SAM CAPUANO
THE END OF INNOCENCE As my graduating class entered its senior year at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School in the fall of 1980, we really had not experienced the tragic news events that the few generations before had. While we were around during the 1960's, we were far too young to remember the assassinations that took place in Dallas, Memphis and Los Angeles. Ditto for the Viet Nam War protests. And, even if we could vaguely remember the Kent State shootings, at age seven, there was no way we could fully understand what had happened. The big news stories as we came of age in the 1970's were the resignation of Richard Nixon in 1974 and the Fall of Saigon the year after. Noteworthy, yes, but not tragic. That all changed in our senior year. It began on December 8, 1980. It was a Monday night, and like many of my Burnt Hills buddies, I was watching Monday Night Football, when all of a sudden Howard Cosell was telling us about an “unspeakable tragedy” which had occurred in New York City, namely the shocking news John Lennon had been shot, was rushed to Roosevelt Hospital, and as Cosell said ever so slowly, “Dead. On. Arrival.” The next morning, in Home Room, we were all shell shocked. It wasn't just because Lennon had been a Beatle. It was also the fact only a few weeks earlier he had just released his first album in years, Double Fantasy, and its lead single, “Starting Over” was playing constantly in our Senior Lounge. Assassinations were something we had read in history classes, not on the front page of the Schenectady Gazette. The tragedy stayed with us the entire year, and Lennon's “Imagine” was a theme for our prom at the end of our that year. As the song was played at the dance, held at the Canfield Casino, there were more than a few dancing with tears in their eyes. But before that, there were more shootings. In March, President Reagan was shot. I sat with a few classmates after leaving the High School, watching Dan Rather anchor CBS' new coverage. Again, there was a numbness around the school the next day. This was a popular president, who was just getting started (Reagan had only been in office a few months at the time.) And, at least for that first day, none of us were sure if he was going to make it. Fortunately, Reagan made a remarkable recovery. Then, just when things had calmed down a bit, a few months later, Art Nokes, my Accounting teacher came into class and told us Pope John Paul II had been shot in St. Peter's Square. Now, as any BH'er who ever had Mr. Nokes for Accounting can attest, his class was always full of smiles and laughter. Not this day, however. The Pope's popularity level, at least in this country, was even higher than Reagan's. I can remember the discussion amongst a few of us in the Senior Lounge the next day. Basically, it was a feeling of “What the Hell's going on?!” These were not the type of current events we teens were used to. The three shootings, all of which took place in about a five month period, weighed heavily on our minds as we went through our finals, and during our Commencement in June. While we knew that Commencement meant we would start the journey into adulthood, we would now do so, with a cold slap of reality. In many ways, it was an end of innocence. See you next month, in the mean time you can catch up with my blogs at http://samspeaks21.blogspot.com
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 1 3
CHECK OUT THIS YEAR-END FINANCIAL CHECKLIST As 2014 draws to a close, you may want to look back on the progress you’ve made this past year in various areas of your life - and that certainly includes progress toward your financial goals. At the same time, you may want to make some endof-year moves that can close out 2014 on a positive note while paving the way for a productive 2015.Here are a few such moves to consider: • BOOST YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN CONTRIBUTIONS. This actually isn’t an “end-of-year” move because you have until April 15, 2015, to contribute to your Roth or Traditional IRA for the 2014 tax year. Nonetheless, the sooner you get extra dollars working for you in your IRA, the better. You can put in up to $5,500 to your IRA (or $6,500 if you’re 50 or older) for 2014. If you are self-employed, or run a small business, you also have until April 15 to contribute to a retirement account, such as a SEP IRA or a SIMPLE plan. In addition to helping you build resources for retirement, these types of plans can offer you some tax advantages — so if you haven’t established a retirement plan yet, consult with your financial and tax professionals • SELL YOUR “LOSERS.” If you own investments that have lost value since you purchased them, you can sell them before 2014 ends and use the tax loss to offset some capital gains you may have earned in other investments. If you don’t have any capital gains, you can use up to $3,000 of your tax losses to offset other ordinary income. And for a loss greater than $3,000, you can “carry over” the excess and deduct it from your taxes in future years. If you still liked the investment that you sold at a loss, and you want to keep it in your portfolio, you could repurchase it, but you’ll have to wait 31 days to avoid violating the IRS’ “wash sale” rules. Keep in mind that these suggestions only apply to investments held outside your employer-sponsored retirement account; you can’t take a tax deduction on capital losses in a 401(k) or similar plan. • EVALUATE YOUR 401(K) INVESTMENT MIX. You may be able to adjust the investment mix in your 401(k) as often as you like. So when evaluating your 401(k), make sure your holdings aren’t concentrated in just a few investments, and try to determine if your portfolio is still appropriate for your risk tolerance - not too aggressive or too conservative. Also, if your plan offers a “Roth” option, consider taking advantage of it - with a Roth, you won’t be able to deduct your 401(k) contributions from your taxes, but once you retire, you won’t be taxed on your withdrawals. • REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE. If you’ve experienced any changes in your life in 2014 - new spouse, new child, divorce, new job, etc. - you may need to review your life insurance coverage to make sure that it’s still sufficient for your needs and that you have the correct beneficiaries in place. By making these and other moves, you can say a fond farewell to 2014, knowing that you’ve done what you could to help bolster your financial position - for 2015 and beyond. 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.
1 4 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 1 5
WELCOME NOVEMBER AND THE IMPENDING HOLIDAY SEASON! It's very easy to get caught up in the hustle, bustle and stress of this time of year, which is a bit ironic considering the holidays are more popularly known for cozy fires, wonderful food, and time well spent with family. When we find ourselves caught up in a whirlwind of exhaustion and stress (which zaps our energy) what can we do? One practice that almost always works is a gratitude practice. Stressing about preparing a large meal for many people? Try taking a moment to close your eyes, take a deep breath, and feel gratitude for having the means to have such a meal and that there are people whom you care about to share in that abundance with. This practice can work for just about any circumstance. When you notice feelings of stress or frustration just take a few moments, take a deep breath or two, or ten, and find the thing to be grateful for in that moment. Other ways to have a gratitude practice include a 'gratitude jar' (this is great for families) or to write/think about at least 3 things you are grateful for each day. The daily practice can literally transform your perspective. To give it a test, try doing this for 21 days and notice if more positive things are coming to you or maybe you'll even find that you have more energy as a result. Please join us at our studio for one of our many offerings, including gentle yoga, beginner's yoga, yoga for stress relief, and Pilates. Our current schedule can be found on our website. Jennifer L. Venditti, CYT www.lilanandayoga.com 470.5240 • 585 Saratoga Road • Glenville
CHOOSING A REVOCABLE TRUSTS A Revocable Trust is a legal document that is made by a person to provide management of assets while alive and after the grantor passes away. A Revocable Trust must be funded by a person and can be changed or terminated by the same person. Trusts are legal documents that can be helpful in maintaining control of real property. What are some of the advantages of a revocable trust? They will reduce the chances to go to court, reduce court costs and help manage properties in other states. You also may wish to have a trust if you want to control how the property is used in the future by your family. It is important to fund a trust if you are going use the Revocable Trust. For real property in New York or another State, you must execute a deed and record it with the appropriate government. You should seek legal help in the state where the real property is located. It also is important to make sure that other assets are properly titled also. You can title bank and investment accounts to the Trustee of a Trust. You may be restricted from funding a trust if the account receives your social security or pension funds. You, however, may place ITF (in trust for) designation on those accounts to the Revocable Trust. U.S. Treasury bonds may place an ITF (in trust for) designation to fund a trust. Personal Property also may be funded to a Revocable Trust through an assignment. A Revocable Trust is a good and practical solution to problems if the circumstances are right. Please contact me to consult on planning for your legal needs. It will be my pleasure to help you.
Burnt Hills and Schenectady (518) 370-4645 • jfantauzzi@ecmlaw.com
1 6 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
TRENDY I UPSCALE I AFFORDABLE
We had a great October at the studio and now we are getting ready for the holidays as we plan events for this exciting time of year. We hope that as the weather gets cooler you will come on in and enjoy a warm cup of coffee or cocoa (or BYOB) and make some art! Please keep spreading the word about our studio for all ages and abilities! Remember, each Saturday we offer a variety of activities for families to enjoy, so check out our calendar online to find out what is happening. Also, don't forget to check with us for all your birthday or private party needs!
GET $5 OFF EVERY $25 YOU SPEND! Must present this ad. Expires 12/23/14.
Some features for November include: • 11/11 Veterans Day Pizza & Paint 3D Recycled Sculpture Class for Kids & Teens • 11/18 Half Day School Pizza & Paint Mixed Media Collage for Kids & Teens • 11/19 Animal Rescue Fundraiser Sip & paint for Mountain Rottie Rescue (50% of all proceeds will go to the charity) • 11/9, 11/23 Family Sunday Painting Classes Wine Glass Painting, Jewelry Classes, Sip & Paint, Watercolor Classes, Card Making & more! • BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL: On 11/28 we will offer an exclusive voucher for 1/2 OFF any future class!! You may purchase an unlimited amount and they are good for a year! Great holiday gift!! Watch for details on the calendar page of our website & on Facebook… coming soon. Also, be sure to save the date (Saturday, December 6th) for our 'Tis the Season party at the studio! We will be having a day filled with holiday celebration that will kick off with a morning family painting class, followed by an all day family gift making and ornament workshop. We will also have door prizes, a hot cocoa bar, a late afternoon wreath class, a sip & paint class at night, plus much more! Stay tuned to Facebook for more information on this - you will not want to miss it! Thanks again for welcoming us to your neighborhood! Kathy & Karin • 272 Saratoga Road • Glenville 518-477-3798 • artinmindstudio@gmail.com www.artinmindstudio.com
Re-imagine your wardrobe. Re-love your clothes. Re-ward your wallet. Double M
A Unique Consignment Boutique
Mailed to 13,500 Residents and Businesses from Scotia to Ballston Spa. It's alright here!
WOMEN’S CLOTHING l HANDBAGS JEWELRY l ACCESSORIES
518.885.9543 ROUTE 67, BALLSTON SPA Open Tuesday-Friday 10-5 CONVENIENTLY LOCATED RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO THE DOUBLE M TACK STORE.
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 1 7
1 8 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
• Guest Speakers throughout the evening • Venders showcasing their newest products for woman • Self Defense Demo • Silent Auction and raffles • Enter to win the Grand Prize of 1 FREE MONTH OF PERSONAL TRAINING!
REDUCE YOUR THIGHS Women everywhere complain about the size of their thighs. Fat and cellulite have a way of ending up there - especially in the upper, inner thigh area. First I need to remind you that it's not possible to spot reduce fat from one single part of your body, so my 3 steps to reduce your thighs will work by reducing your body fat percentage as a whole. It sure would be great if we could point a magic wand and make fat shrink from one particular spot, but that's just not how the human body it built. The great news is that your entire body will become leaner and sexier in addition to your thighs shrinking! Here are my 3 steps to Reduce Your Thighs... #1: BAN LIQUID CALORIES Liquid calories are a major problem for many, resulting in countless unwanted pounds and inches around their thighs. These calories are easy to overlook, since you're just drinking and not actually eating anything, but don't doubt for a second that they are adding up quickly.
The best strategy to take, when your goal is to reduce your thighs, is to cut out liquid calories completely. This is an easy way to instantly cut hundreds of calories per day without feeling deprived. Simply replace those high calorie beverages with water or unsweetened coffee or tea. I'm sure you are aware of which beverages in your diet contain calories, but I'll remind you with this list anyways: sweetened coffee drinks, blended coffee drinks, smoothies, sodas, energy drinks, alcoholic drinks... #2: FOCUS ON PROTEIN AND FIBER Want to know what lean, fit people all have in common? They focus all of their meals and snacks around protein and fiber and avoid sugar and simple carbs. It's really that simple. Now when you look at your current diet, which is likely filled with high carb and high sugar items, then making the switch to a diet focused around protein and fiber may seem hard to do. The truth is that any change is difficult, but once you make it you'll quickly adjust and will begin a whole new, leaner lifestyle. Cut out the packaged items from your diet. Plan each meal around vegetables and lean proteins. This simple nutritional shift will make all of the difference in quickly dropping your body fat.
#3: EXERCISE SMART There's exercise, and then there's smart exercise. Exercise is good, and will get you to burn some calories and even build some muscle. It will raise your metabolism and improve your cardiovascular health. It will even reduce your thighs. All very good things. Smart exercise will get you more of these benefits in less time. So what makes exercise smart? By doing a progression of movements with increasing intensity and changing it often. To keep your body guessing, vary your speed and range of motion, incorporate complex, full body movements and stimulate different muscle groups in each session. Creating smart workouts is what I do for my clients. Since my clients are not a trained fitness professional with the knowledge and skills to create smart workouts each day, I do all of the work for them. They simply show up and reap all of the benefits possible from each workout session. If you haven't yet become one of my clients, today is the day! Let's get you in here for a fatblasting workout that will shrink your body in all the right places. Call or email today and learn to exercise smart.
Call 424-7878 or email gina@precisefitnessandtraining.com Get started today with a free consultation. yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 1 9
SCHENECTADY’S UPPER UNION STREET TREE LIGHTING, CAROLING & VISIT WITH SANTA
DECEMBER 2, 2014
For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, For love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends. Thanksgiving - Ralph Waldo Emerson From my family to yours, Pattie & David Rakvica
Old Saint Nick will press the button to light an over forty foot evergreen tree at Trustco, 1620 Union Street (corner of Upper Union Street and Woodland Ave.) Schenectady on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 6pm. The event includes light refreshments and carols by the Calvary Tabernacle Choir. It is free and open to the public. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras as Santa will meet individually with children following the tree lighting.
For further information visit www.upperunionstreet.com or (518) 370-0662.
2 0 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
TRASH TALK Have a Safe Fall! I was looking up other contradictory statements like this on The Google, and found a Wiki How article about how to actually fall safely. The first key point was “Keep your head up”. Great idea! But as we often travel into some very low ceiling basements, this article has proven, shall we say, to be way, way less than helpful. Regardless, November is the perfect time to get your home organized before winter approaches. It is also a time of Thanks, as in “Thanks for reminding me, Scrapster, about calling you over to take this stuff out of here”! Inside: Air conditioners, large and small household and kitchen appliances, pots and pans, computers, any electronic or stereo equipment, file cabinets, extension cords, vacuum cleaners. Basement: Dehumidifiers, water heaters, furnaces, boilers, tanks, water softeners, cast iron, steel or copper pipes and pipe fittings, wire, power cords, 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: Hand and power tools, aluminum storm doors and windows, steel doors, car batteries, bicycles, lawn mowers, lawn tractors, snow blowers, all outdoor tools such as rakes or shovels, wheelbarrows, car or truck parts, gas powered and electric motors, ladders, shelving, cabinets. 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 and junk since 2010! We are fully insured, convenient, and reliable and always provide top Quality work to get the job done safely. Everything is properly recycled, disposed of, or donated. LOW COST junk removal and clean outs are another major service we offer. Scrapster is an official New York State DEC approved location for business or personal computer & electronics recycling. We are also EPA608 certified for all types of Freon (refrigerant) recovery and removal from refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers and coolers. Please call us today 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. Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Vincent Coppola, Owner of Scrapster Scrap Metal Removal/Recycling Service
ADVERTISE WITH US. Get your ad copy in by the 15th of each month 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
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 2 1
WE DON'T DO THAT! For months now I have struggled with wanting to approach this subject in my column but wondering how to do it tactfully… wondering if I really should… and why I really wanted to. Here goes… Unfortunately, everyone has (or has a close friend or family member who has) that 'horror story' of an encounter or experience with a misleading, misinformed or unethical professional that gave them bad advice that led to a world of aggravation and heartache. I like to believe that these experiences are few and far between, and the result of overworked professionals making unintentional mistakes… but honestly, I am starting to lose some faith in that. It seems that all too often I hear about people and businesses taking advantage of their clients or customers. Trusted professionals who behave unethically or perhaps do not provide all the relevant information, facts, or advice in the best interest of their client or customer (I suppose I could also add patients to that but that's a whole other can of worms that I am simply not qualified to open). On more than one occasion, I have encountered other Realtors whose unethical behavior has made it more difficult to fulfill my obligation to a customer or potential client in the Olde Orchard way. It truly both saddens and angers me when I hear these stories and more often than not I do not hear of them until it is too late and the unknowing and trusting client or customer has been duped into something and has realized that they've suffered a loss of some sort. Complaints of dishonest behavior are not limited to real estate professionals. Ask around, someone has a 'horror story' about: attorneys, accountants, bookkeepers, advertising representatives, financial planners, insurance professionals, contractors, etc... What all of us, as “service professionals” have in common is that we often enter into the average person's life at a time when they are vulnerable and are seeking advice from someone they believe to know more than they do about a specific situation. It places the service professional in a position of power, a power that too often gets abused because they are more concerned with the bottom line than a job well done and the customer or client's needs. THE GOOD NEWS IS THERE ARE TRUE PROFESSIONS OUT THERE WHO DESERVE YOUR BUSINESS!
What all of these examples have in common is that they are LOCALLY OWNED and OPERATED. You see, it is a lot harder to mislead someone that you might run into at the grocery store a week later. It's harder to not return phone calls to a client when they sit behind you at church. It's very uncomfortable to do substandard work for someone and then have your children be in the same classroom at school. Keep it LOCAL my friends! Not only does it help keep our own communities thriving economically, it promotes healthy neighborhoods, schools, families, etc… and most likely you're going to have a better experience with the people who live, work, play, worship, etc… in the same places that you do. So what is the Olde Orchard way? When I launched Olde Orchard Real Estate over six years ago, a lot of time was spent thinking about what would make our company different. The words of our Company Philosophy were carefully chosen: “We offer our clients: professional service, knowledgeable advice, and support during the emotional process of buying or selling a home. We promise to: act with integrity while representing your best interest, be honest and courteous and promptly return all calls.” It all sounds so simple, right? I believe that's the way it's supposed to be! As a professional Realtor and member of the National Association of Realtors, New York State Association of Realtors, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie Association of Realtors, and Capital Region Multiple Listing Service, I agree to adhere to a specific code of ethics and I take that very seriously. If you're in the market to buy or sell your home or simply looking for sound advice, CALL ME for a no obligation conversation; I look forward to it. Margaret Phillips, CBR, Broker/Owner 518.701.1657 • margaret@oldeorchardrealestate.com www.oldeorchardrealestate.com
• I have a friend who is a LOCAL “builder”, if you refer to him as a “contractor” he WILL correct you and ask that you not refer to him as such, stating that there are “cons” who put the “con” in contractor and he isn't one of them. I am NEVER afraid to refer his company and after being taken advantage of by many, I assure you that I use them exclusively for my own home. • The LOCAL guy who has been my insurance agent for a number of years advised me that after a few years of steady increases to my home owner's policy with his company, it would be beneficial for me to shop other companies to save myself some money. After obtaining insurance through another company, he reviewed by new policy to reassure me that it was a good policy with adequate coverage. Yep, he was more concerned about me, than his bottom line. I continue my other insurance policies with him and I confidently refer him whenever I have the opportunity. • You're currently reading “Your Hometowne” it is (as you know) a LOCAL paper. Cheryll and Paul do a great job and are committed to it. They are also committed to providing sound advice to their customers (advertisers) so that the advertisements we place in the paper WORK. • Olde Orchard Real Estate is a LOCAL real estate broker. ALL of our agents are LOCAL. We live, work, play, worship, shop, dine, participate, etc… in the same places that you do; each and every day we run into a client or customer or YOU and we are happy to look people in the eye, talk about who we are and what we do. Never do we have to run and hide because we acted in an unprofessional manner or knowingly gave someone bad advice (sometimes however, I personally should run and hide because I NEVER have a good hair day and some are worse than others but…).
2 2 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 2 3
PAT R I O T
Alyssa Gladding VFW “Voice of Democracy� Essay
B
oots on the ground; Imprints in the solid earth as evidence of not only where one has been, but where one is going. These prints have traversed the globe - weaving between country, conflict, and era. No matter in times of prospering or bitter decline, their steps never falter; they never stumble from fatigue nor halt out of fear. These are the marks of a veteran of the United States of America. Their legacies guide our noble history and their prospects ensure a safe future. And through the changing times their mission has remained constant: To protect our liberties and our freedom, no matter the cost. Their fight began in 1765 with the Revolutionary War against the British. This first act-a fight for liberty and the future rights of the American peopleshowed a refusal to be oppressed and taken advantage of. It is a trait that has been instilled within the culture of America ever since and has been our influential drive for the preservation of freedom that began with those very first shots-just as the sun was rising above Lexington-of the war for our independence. Motivated by such potential, from our founding fathers was born the Constitution. Made merely of parchment, its promise to guard our liberty has endured the centuries as if it were sheathed in steel. Neither bullets nor bellows, armies grand nor small, have torn its pages woven with the delicate yet weighty prose of our forefathers; its mighty guardians the very veterans whose pounding of boots on the ground have resonated throughout the centuries.
2 4 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
By their valiant lead, our country followed towards progress and prosperity. But the journey was not always easy. At times, winds would growl, fierce and biting, which grew from abroad and near. They would spawn a cyclone that scattered conflicts abound, letting multitudes of combinations clash: American v. foreigner and American v. American; Man v. woman; Black v. white. Such tumult threatened to topple us as a nation. But our troops bolstered our country, though they too had to fight the urge to fall. Greed, jealousy, and bias were weights abandoned to fight for our freedom. So too, at the time, were their lives and their loves. But it was a noble fight and a fight worth fighting. And when the winds finally subsided and the tolls were counted, we mourned our losses before once again setting off on the path paved by the Constitution. We strode toward a bright future, yet used the darkness in our past to be our guide when a fork severed our path. Our nation flourished, both as one and as a combination of individuals. We, a colorful mixture of cultures, found ourselves burgeoning with the possibilities allowed by freedom. So, we set our goals among the moon and reached for the stars. We spoke our minds without a tentative hand to cover our mouths, and we dipped our own voices into the voice of democracy. We strode proud and tall, assured that our troops would keep us and our rights safe from harm. As we continue to stride forward, we find the path laid by the Constitution to be marked, yet not forged. It is now our turn, the budding generation of Americans, to blaze the trail. The times may have changed, bringing with them a swirl of new conflicts, of new strife and joy, yet we shall thrive by the one aspect that remains unchanged: Our leaders, our protectors; our guides, our veterans. For no matter their era, the United States of America and its people shall prevail by the ceaseless beat of boots on the ground, fighting for our freedom.
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Sausage Stuffing 1lb ground sweet Italian sausage from Garofalo's 3/4 cup chopped onion 1 1/2 cup finely diced celery 3/4 cups butter (Amish Roll Butter from Garofalo's is superb) 8 cups day Old Italian bread cubes 3 teaspoons poultry seasoning 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 fresh Oregano leaves chopped 1/2 tsp ground Sage 1 cup low sodium vegetable broth 1 small can evaporated milk 1 egg Cook the sausage thoroughly and reserve the drippings. Melt the butter and combine with sausage drippings to make about 1 cup. Sauté onions and celery in the butter and sausage drippings until clear and tender not browned. Stir in about 1/3 of the bread cubes and transfer to large bowl adding the whipped egg and listed seasonings and liquids. Fold in the remaining bread cubes and mix well Stuff the turkey and bake off the rest in a casserole dish for side helpings. Serves 6.
Garofalo's, the taste people travel for! Stop in and visit the 4th generation, serving QUALITY ITALIAN PRODUCTS Since 1904.
www.garofalosausage.com
Apple Stuffed Pork Loin Roast 1 fresh Pork Loin Roast from Garofalo's - Butterflied - ask for butchers twine 3 medium-large apples, peeled and diced I can evaporated milk • 2 medium yellow onions • 4 tbsp Butter 1 tsp cinnamon • 1 tsp fresh ground sage • 5 sprigs fresh Thyme chopped • Pinch of nutmeg 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth • 3 celery stalks, sliced thin 1 lb. (small loaf) Day old unsliced Italian or French bread Heat the oven to 325° Cube the bread into 3/4-inch cubes and place in a large bowl; set aside. Melt the measured butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until foaming. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they're just starting to brown. Add the apples, celery, thyme, and sage and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender, about 6 minutes. Add 1 cup stock or broth and bring to a simmer. Turn off the heat, add the vegetable apple mixture to the reserved bread cubes. Season with two or three large pinches of salt and pepper, nutmeg and evaporated milk, stir. If the mixture seems too dry, add more stock or broth 1/4 cup at a time. Spread the roast out flat on a plastic cutting board. Sprinkle the inside with salt and spread a thick layer of the stuffing on the "inside" of the pork roast. Gently roll up the pork roast and tie off with butcher's twine. Place the roast in on a rack in a roasting pan fat side, uncovered. It will crisp up to a golden brown when cooked. Check with thermometer until it reaches 140°. Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes. Carefully cut away the twine. Slice into 1/2” thick slices and serve with a side of apple sauce and a vegetable of your choice. 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
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
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
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 2 5
2 6 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
UNDERSTANDING BUSINESS INSURANCE FROM LIGHTHOUSE INSURANCE AGENCY LLC The success of any business depends on hard work and ingenuity. Business insurance ensures that all the effort and money you have invested in your business is covered in case a disaster strikes. In general, businesses need to purchase at least the following four types of insurance: • Property insurance compensates you if the property you use in your business is lost or damaged by common perils such as fire or theft. Property insurance covers not just a building or structure but also what insurers call business personal property. • Liability insurance protects you in the event that someone claims that your business caused him or her harm. Your liability insurance pays damages to third parties resulting from bodily injury or property damage for which your business is legally liable, up to the policy limits, as well as legal fees. It also covers the medical bills of any people injured by your business. • Business vehicle insurance provides coverage for autos owned by a business. The insurance pays any costs to third parties resulting from bodily injury or property damage for which your business is legally liable, up to the policy limits. Depending on what kind of coverage you buy, the insurance may pay to repair or replace your vehicle because of damage resulting from accidents, theft, flooding and other events. • Workers compensation insurance or workers comp, as this coverage is generally called, pays for medical care and replaces a portion of lost wages for an employee who is injured in the course of employment, regardless of who was at fault for the injury. PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS You've worked hard to cultivate and maintain your business. With all the details that you tend to, don't let safety slip. More than ever, employees are looking to you or their managers for assurance that the appropriate steps are being implemented to offer a safe and secure workplace. Likewise, you may be concerned about whether you are doing enough to protect those who work for you. To defend against a disaster or the daily risks that are associated with running your business, implement a preparedness plan for your company and review your insurance coverage options. Workplace safety is smart business not only from an insurance perspective, but it also leads to happier employees, higher quality work and ultimately more satisfied customers. You want to keep your business, employees and other investments safe but there are risks you face every day that threaten what you've built. With a business policy from Lighthouse Insurance Agency LLC, you can take comfort knowing you have the right insurance coverage that can be tailored to fit your business. Our Business Insurance coverage options are designed to meet the specific needs of your business. And to help protect many aspects of your business, Lighthouse Insurance Agency LLC offers property and liability insurance, business catastrophe liability, workers' compensation, employment practices liability, bonds and life insurance. See more at: WWW.LIGHTHOUSEINSAGENCY.COM
Remo is thrilled to announce the addition of two new associates to his salon! Teri Petrocci and Nikki Jaycox, both local stylists with several years of experience. Teri and Nikki have “moved in” to create a new experience at Remo’s. Teri and Nikki welcome their customers, both old and new to stop by and say hi at their new location at 165 Freemans Bridge Rd in Glenville. It’s a perfect time to set an appointment to get your new Fall look before the holidays. Remo’s features Rusk products, including Rusk Deep Shine color which utilizes the most advanced hair color technology from Italy. Micro Pure Pigment Technology ensures hair color molecules penetrate deeply, producing longer-lasting results. Be the head turner this fall with rich luscious hair, styled and colored to perfection at Remo’s. A full line of services will be offered by the ladies including Facial Waxing, Make-up, Bridal Parties, and Formal Styling along with traditional services such as cut, color, highlights and lowlights. Remo will still be offering hairstyling, hot shaves, beard trimming and hair replacement and of course, his sense of humor! They are going to make a great team and Paul and I wish them the best on this new venture! If you would like to set an appointment their phone numbers are:
Teri – 878.6710 l Nikki – 469.2449 l Remo – 374.7035
Burnt HillsBallston Lake
Friday December 5th Noon - 5pm Saturday December 6th 10:00am - 4pm Sunday December 7th Noon - 4pm Ballston Town Hall, 323 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa Bloodmobile Saturday 10am - 2pm Musical entertainment all three days! Businesses and organizations are invited to enter a decorated tree.
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Festival of Trees
Call 399-1362 or 399-5990
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 2 7
DANCE CLASS AT HOME Lots of youngsters don't get a chance to take formal dance lessons. They may be too young. Parents may not be ready to commit to a regularly scheduled activity. Finances may prohibit it. Families may live at a distance from dance opportunities. For a long time I wished that I could reach more children with my creative, dance curriculum for four through six year olds. Two years ago I did something about that. I produced a truly magical DVD of some of my wonderful dance activities for young children. It's called Dance Class at Home. Eleven of my dancers, who were six years old at the time, joined me in creating this video. Jeanne Hedden helped me produce it. Overit Media brought it to life. They also created a professional website, www.danceclassathome.com where I offer it for sale. There are excellent video clips on the website that demonstrate how creative and engaging this video is.
Girl talk is an international non-profit peer-to-peer mentoring program where high school girls mentor middle school girls to help them deal with the issues they face during their formative early teenage years. The group is to help young teenaged girls build self-esteem and develop leadership skills. This program is open to any girls in grades 6-12 in any school district. Please join us every Wednesday at 6:15 at the Burnt Hills United Methodist Church. Please contact Erin @ girltalkbhbl@gmail.com for more information.
53 MAPLE AVE • SCOTIA www.animalprotective.org
2 8 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
The introduction is filmed locally in a beautiful fairy garden. Through video magic we then find ourselves on the Hart Theater stage at The Egg in Albany where we dance my fanciful Fairy Dance movement poem. A clever, rhyming, instructional segment offers each viewer their own invisible string. Lawrence Basso from Overit Media created an adorable, animated bunny to join us as we dance my Ten Bunnies movement poem. My very popular Toy Shop and Butterfly dances are also included on the video along with a special feature that shows moms how to make moveable, butterfly wings in less than five minutes for their young dancers. Dance magic is my best description for this DVD. As we approach the gift giving time of the year, this video would make the perfect gift for any young person who loves to dance around the house. Whether it be a special gift from Grandma, a stocking stuffer or a Hanukkah treat, your special little one will be delighted! Get on the website and take a look! Ginny Martin • Modern Dance with Ginny Martin 518-399-5802 • www.ginnymartindance.com www.danceclassathome.com
If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere. -Frank A. Clark
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 2 9
NOVEMBER CROSSWORD PUZZLE
17. A solitary person 18. Computer symbol 19. Test 20. Fascinating 22. Make reference to 23. Animal friends
DOWN 1. 5280 feet 2. Auth. unknown 3. An imperial dynasty of China
3 0 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
4. Level 5. Sharpen 6. Cummerbund 7. A type of tooth 8. Midday 9. Droop 10. Eyeglasses 11. Sprite 12. Winged 13. Spermal fluid 21. Parisian river 25. At the peak of 26. Labels 27. Body of a ship 28. Murres 29. Culinary art 34. A cleansing agent 36. Nobleman 37. Pimples 38. Require 40. Furniture wood 42. An award, usually for bravery 45. Mid-section 48. System 51. Slouch 52. Diatonic 53. Audio transmission 55. Choral work 58. Wander 59. Dreadful 60. Tall story 61. Gait faster than a walk 62. Cobs of corn Answers can be found on page 32
ACROSS 1. Sail supports 6. Air current 10. Resorts 14. A northern people 15. Dwarf buffalo 16. Heap
24. A triangular fore-and-aft sail 26. Hoodlum 30. Nigerian tribesman 31. Estimated time of arrival 32. Distinctive atmosphere 33. An aromatic ointment 35. Sea 39. Gleam 41. Put in position 43. Formerly, a writing tablet 44. Romantic encounter 46. Sea eagle 47. Male sheep 49. What we sleep on 50. Sleigh 51. Caress 54. Apothecary's weight 56. Money lent 57. Hermit 63. Cancel 64. Domicile 65. Crown 66. Hurt badly 67. Roasting appliance 68. Mistake 69. Ruse 70. Depression 71. Canvas dwellings
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
518-399-8174 • kdeangelo@sals.edu
HALF DAY PROGRAMS! REPTILE ADVENTURES Wednesday, November 12th at 1:30 PM Reptile Adventures is an overview of reptiles and amphibians; we explain what makes a reptile a reptile, and how different reptiles live in their native ecosystems. We have a variety of animals from all over the globe and from many habitats. Topics include what the animals eat, how they find their food, how they avoid predators, and what related animals can be found in New York (We do have a few native NY animals). Every Reptile Adventure presentation involves allowing audience members to touch and feel the animals. We are also more than happy to allow students to line up for photos. At least one animal, usually a turtle or lizard, will be fed either insect prey or fruit. For grades K-5. *Registration Required. READ TO LEELA Thursday, November 13th from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Leela is a certified therapy dog who is happy to sit quietly and listen appreciatively to any story you wish to read. This is a drop in program for all ages. Thursday, November 13 from 3:00 PM 4:00 PM CITY BY DESIGN Thursday, November 13th from 1:30 PM-3:15 PM The Saratoga Children's Museum is coming to the Library! During this popular program, participants individually design and create a building using recyclables and then come together to make a city! Using a large floor map participants become city planners, as they place their buildings with thought and learn about the four main building zones: residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial. For Grades K-5. *Registration Required. DANCING TO STORIES Monday, November 17th at 1:30 PM Children will use their imaginations to dance to stories. We will also make a group story and dance it out. For Grades K-2. *Registration Required. THE THANKFUL OWL WITH DRAGONFLY DESIGN Tuesday, November 18th at 1:30 PM Create an owl with Dragonfly Design and share what you're thankful for. For Grades K-5. *Registration Required.
TONS OF GREAT ADDITIONAL CLASSES AVAILABLE! BE SURE TO CHECK THEM OUT - VISIT US ONLINE! DON'T FORGET! THE LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED; THURSDAY, 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
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 3 1
3 2 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
CLIFTON PARK ELKS ANNOUNCE FREE THROW SHOOTING CONTEST The Clifton Park Elks Annual “Hoop Shoot”, the national free throw shooting contest, will be held at the Southern Saratoga YMCA, 1 Wall Street, Clifton Park on Saturday, November 22nd, from 9AM-1PM. Each contestant has 25 shots and will receive a free gift for participating. All boys and girls from Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, Niskayuna and Shenendehowa school districts in age categories 8-9; 10-11; and 12-13 may compete. The best scores in each age group will advance to the next level of competition. Each national winner's name will be inscribed on the Elks National “Hoop Shoot” plaque, on display at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield.
For questions, contact Audrey Osterlitz at 399-7659
The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter it's the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning. - Mark Twain
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 3 3
SHOPPING LOCAL, IT'S NOT JUST A FAD. More customers are turning to local small businesses for their holiday shopping than you might realize. Why? It's not just because these companies are nearby; it's because consumers want to support local businesses. In fact, 65% of consumers plan to complete up to 75% of their holiday shopping in-store at a local small business, according to new research from digital marketing solutions firm G/O Digital. Only 1 percent of respondents said they would be not be completing any of their holiday shopping at local small businesses. And consumers' reasons for shopping local are great news for small business owners. These were the top three reasons consumers gave for why they would buy holiday gifts in-store from a local small business instead of a national brand: 1) Thirty-seven percent said they want to support local businesses and contribute to those companies' economic growth. 2) Nearly one-quarter (23%) said they can find unique products and services at local businesses that cannot be found elsewhere. 3) Twenty-two percent said the prices are more affordable at local businesses. Some respondents also said that the quality and selection of merchandise is better, and the customer service is friendlier and more helpful at local stores.
Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were contemporaries - perhaps rivals, perhaps friends, maybe both. That was in the late eighteenth century. Despite the myth that they were bitter enemies, today's audiences find their music highly complementary. The Burnt Hills Oratorio Society (BHOS) will offer the public a chance to explore their musical relationship with a performance of a major work of each composer on Sunday, November 23rd. The program, “Salieri and Mozart: Of Myths and Men,” includes Salieri's Requiem (1804) and Mozart's Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, composed in 1780 when Mozart was just 24. Both were composed in forms traditional to the Christian Church of the time, and both feature orchestra and soloists as well as chorus. Salieri's Requiem is a grand Mass for the dead, wishing the deceased “rest.” Mozart's Vesperae is a setting of five psalms and a closing hymn. It is the second of two Vespers - or evening prayers - that he composed, this one for an unknown saint or saints (“confessore”). In addition to the Latin texts and translations, BHOS will provide glimpses into some of the intrigue and the “myths” that continue to surround these two musical giants, a German and an Italian who worked in the royal courts of Austria.
3 4 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
And if you think it's already too late to start marketing for the holidays, don't worry. According to the findings, 50 percent of consumers plan to do the majority of their holiday shopping in the three weeks leading up to Christmas, so there's still time. These late shoppers are savvy so make sure you are front and center with effective advertising, and a current well maintained Facebook. While websites are important in today's world of instant information more and more people are turning to Facebook to see what local businesses are offering for sales and promotions. Don't know much about Facebook? It is time to learn or hire someone to maintain it for you. Your Hometowne offers Facebook makeovers and maintenance and we work with other local Social Media providers to help you look your best on Facebook and stay within your budget. Give me a call at 265.1105 and let me help you get “Liked”!
Answers from Crossword Puzzle on page 30
Enjoy the sounds of The Burnt Hills Oratorio Society Sunday November 23rd at 3pm Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church Corner of Henning Road and 5th Ave.
The good news is, while many shoppers search for certain products nearby, 36% said they actually look up businesses on-line or in local publications such Your Hometowne to find the local stores that sell what they're looking for.
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 3 5
3 6 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 3 7
Book Your Holiday Party Now!
Carney’s now offers an exciting second local location to host your special event! Visit our website for details and developing menu updates!
3 8 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 3 9
4 0 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
• Fully Insured • Free Estimates
GET CLEANED UP FOR FALL AND THE HOLIDAYS!
SAVE $80
$20 off your first 2 cleanings $40 off your 3rd cleaning
Expires 11/30/14. For Residential or Commercial Services
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 4 1
The reason I talk to myself is because I'm the only one whose answers I accept.� - George Carlin
4 2 l Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
yourhometowne@gmail.com l 518.265.1105
Yo u r H o m e t o w n e l N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 l 4 3
ECRWSS Postal Customer