Saratoga TODAY 12.01.17 by Saratoga TODAY

LOCAL • INDEPENDENT • FREE Volume 11

•

Issue 47 • December 1 – December 7, 2017 •

SPLIT CITY

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C H A R T E R CHALLENGE UNDERWAY

PHOTO BY: PhotoandGraphic.com

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — An Election Day vote that split city voters nearly down the middle may be revisited in the next few weeks, following the filing of a petition seeking a recanvas in the referendum on charter reform. On Nov. 24, an action was commenced in New York State Supreme Court in the hope of seeking a full review and recount

– called a recanvass - of all ballots cast in the Election Day referendum for a new city charter. The action was initiated by Gordon Boyd - who filed the request as an independent voter, and on behalf of “other private individuals” who supported the campaign for charter change. See Story pg. 13

T I P O F F B L U E S T R E A K S inside TODAY BASKETBALL PREVIEW

See Story pgs. 36, 37

Obituaries 6 Affordable Housing 12 Skidmore Radio 16 Property Transactions 19 Holiday Gift Guide 20, 21 Arts & Entertainment 28-31

Neighbors: WHO: Joel Reed WHAT: Executive Director WHERE: Saratoga Arts

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

Snippets of Life from Your Community

Q. Where are you originally from? A. Savannah, Georgia. I’ve been in Saratoga since 2003. Q. What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in Saratoga in your 14 years here? A. Real estate development growth. All the new multi-use development projects with retail, offices and condos. Q. How are you preparing for the First Night Festival, which is presented by Saratoga Arts on New Year’s Eve? A. We’re picking up 30,000 program books from the printer and distributing those with the buttons to all the sales outlets to start to get those out to the public. Also, all our other programs are going on, too: selected panels will be reviewing our grant program applications and we’re looking forward to our holiday party here on the first Saturday in December. Q. What is your background? A. I was an academic, an English professor at Syracuse. There’s a wall in the building where I taught that has headshots of famous alumnae. The Lou Reed headshot was always being replaced because someone was always taking it. Q. What did you want to be when you were a kid? A. Happy. Q. Of all the arts, what is your favorite? A. I spend more time seeking out live music, more than anything. Q. What was your favorite concert? A. Seeing Miles Davis at a dinner club in southern California in the late ‘80s was very special.

PHOTO BY: Thomas Dimopoulos

Q. What would you say to people in the local community about Saratoga Arts? A. You can experience the visual artwork of your neighbors and fellow community people here. You might walk in with no idea, and say: Oh, I know that person. Right now, there are 250 pieces of art up, by different artists. And that’s what we’re all about. There are so many artists at all levels in our community and we want to be a space where people can experience that or can show their work, or can strengthen their work through our classes. Our doors are always open for that.

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

NEWS

A CITY WOMAN’S Enduring Gifts by Larry Goodwin Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — If Melanie Merola O’Donnell is watching from somewhere up above, chances are she is very impressed by the throngs of people who conquer racecourses on city streets and through the state park every September in her memory. A special type of gratitude should be reserved for the “incredible group of young women” who organize the annual event, says her mother, Vicki Merola. On Wednesday, Nov. 22, a $15,000 check was presented to the Saratoga Senior Center from proceeds generated by the Sept. 17 Half Marathon and 5K Run and

Walk, which for 12 years has been promoted by Merola O’Donnell’s family and friends. The Saratoga Palio: Melanie Merola O’Donnell Memorial Race happens on the third Sunday every September, starting at the City Center and finishing in Congress Park. The half-marathon participants run through most of the Saratoga Spa State Park. The event was first organized in 2006 several months after a drug-impaired driver reportedly caused a motor vehicle crash that took the life of Merola O’Donnell, a city native and mother to 21-month-old Kennan at the time. At 33 years old, Merola O’Donnell was a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at a New Hampshire graduate school;

she also was actively involved in local, national and international efforts to provide rape and domestic violence services and disaster relief, according to her January 2006 obituary published in the Times Union. Her husband, George O’Donnell, promptly established the Melanie Foundation after his family’s tragic loss. The nonprofit raises money for the Palio event in September and for college students who specialize in mental health, as well as for community donations. The Melanie Foundation board chose the Saratoga Senior Center as the recipient of this year’s main award because it serves seniors who have been “marginalized,” Vicki Merola explained, when contacted this week for comment.

Melanie Foundation Founder and President George O’Donnell (center, in glasses) was joined by his son Kennan, Steve and Vicki Merola, Saratoga Senior Center Executive Director Lois Celeste, volunteers and patrons at the check presentation on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017. PHOTO BY: PhotoAndGraphic.com

The Saratoga Senior Center, located at 5 Williams Street, “is trying to do a lot of positive things in the community” on matters often perceived as not “popular,” she added. Merola called her daughter Melanie “a classy lady” who left behind numerous close friends in the community. Several of those friends now serve on the foundation board with Merola or on the Palio race committee. A family friend named Mimi,

who is close to her other daughter Michelle, initially devised the idea to organize an athletic race every year, according to Merola. A number of dedicated women “are doing a good job of making this a classy event,” Merola said, considering the logistical challenges involved in such planning. The next memorial race for Merola O’Donnell is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018. For more information, visit the website www.themelaniefoundation.com.

NEWS BRIEFS

ROLLER DISCO TO BENEFIT

‘TOYS FOR TOGA’

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The staff of Saratoga Brewing Company at 131 Excelsior Avenue are ready for the Warehouse Roller Disco event scheduled for this weekend, which will benefit a popular local charity. Max Oswald, owner of Saratoga Brewing, has been a primary sponsor of the “Toys for Toga” charity drive, which is now in its fifth year. It collects unpackaged toys and funds through a monthlong promotion at local bars, restaurants and stores. A special event was added this year. From 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, there will be

an all-ages open skate in the Saratoga Brewing warehouse; from 4 to 7 p.m. an adult skate and Warehouse Party takes place for people over the age of 21, with musical entertainment provided by The North and South Dakotas. Ticket prices for those under 21 are $5 and $10 for adults. All proceeds and toys will be donated to three Saratoga County agencies: Franklin Community Center, CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services and Mechanicville Area Community Center. For more information, contact Oswald at 518-763-8033.

LOCAL GRANTS to Benefit Saratoga County WOMEN AND GIRLS SARATOGA SPRINGS — Soroptimist International of Saratoga County (SISC) announces the availability of $17,000 in grant funding for organizations that serve the needs of women and girls in Saratoga County. The awards are given by the club each year to improve the quality of life for women and girls in the community. In 2017, SISC awarded grants to more than 20 organizations, including the Ballston Area Community Center, Bridging People and Places, Dance Alliance, Wilton Wildlife Preserve,

FINAL SITE CLEANUP NEEDED in WILTON

WILTON — Construction of a new Cumberland Farms store at the intersection of Daniels Road and Maple Avenue is being held up by an environmental cleanup at the site. Wilton resident Ross Galloway, the site acquisition and development manager for First Hartford Corp. in Connecticut, confirmed last week that a

real-estate transaction has not been finalized for the property. The state Department of Labor is conducting “oversight” of a cleanup project whose completion is required by the current property owner, he explained. Soil and water tested clean at the site but certain amounts of asbestos and lead paint were found in the debris of a home that

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

was destroyed by fire, according to Galloway. Previously, Galloway had expected construction of the new Cumberland Farms to start in September, following the issuance of final approvals from Wilton town officials. “We just want to make sure it’s all clean,” he said.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS – This weekend, Simplicity A Salon and Moxie will host the final event of a fundraising effort to benefit Wellspring, a nonprofit dedicated to ending relationship and sexual abuse in the community. Tina Briscoe, owner of Simplicity A Salon, and Brandon Dewyea, the “Image Maven” at Moxie, have teamed up to gift a free makeover to a Saratoga Springs

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BALLSTON SPA — The American Legion Auxiliary Post 234 in Ballston Spa will hold their monthly meeting on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. at 23 Pleasant Street in the village.

Beauty Specialists to Reveal Contest Winner

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YMCA and Wellspring. In order to qualify, candidate organizations must be located in Saratoga County. Consideration will be given to the number of people served. Grants are typically awarded for programmatic, start-up, or capital projects. Individual endeavors such as pageants and competitions are not funded. The application deadline is January 31, 2018. For more information, visit the website www.soroptimistsaratoga. org or contact Dee Sarno at deesarno@earthlink.net.

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AMERICAN LEGION

woman complete with personal style, hair and makeup services. On Sunday, Dec. 3 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Briscoe and Dewyea will reveal the contest winner at Simplicity A Salon, which is located in the Embassy Suites Hotel at 86 Congress Street. The event is free, but a $10 donation to Wellspring is suggested for all who attend.

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Festival of Trees Tree Lighting Victorian streetwalk First Night Holiday Songbook

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Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

COURT Aaron J. Quarters, 59, of Gansevoort, pleaded Nov. 27 to felony DWI in connection with an incident that occurred in Moreau. Sentencing scheduled Jan. 22. Vasco Degama Hale, Jr., 41, of Queensbury, was sentenced Nov. 27 to four years in state prison, after pleading to attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance, a felony, in Moreau. Jamel D. Gray, 23, of Ballston Spa, pleaded Nov. 27 to felony burglary in connection with an incident that occurred in Malta. Sentencing scheduled Jan. 22. Michael P. Zorn, 27, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Nov. 22 to attempted possession of a forged instrument, a felony, and was placed on interim probation to include treatment court. Sentencing scheduled Jan. 31. Kathleen S. Anthony, 55, of Milton, pleaded Nov. 22 to felony burglary, and was placed on interim probation to include treatment court. Donald J. Koenig III, 46, of Corinth, pleaded Nov. 22 to felony burglary in connection with an incident in Milton. Sentencing scheduled Jan. 17. Susan L. Fox, 36, of Gansevoort, pleaded Nov. 22 to felony DWI in connection with an incident that occurred in Wilton. Sentencing scheduled Jan. 3.

POLICE William C. Cooper, age 46, Schenectady, was charged on Nov. 26 with harassment. Bryana J. Goetsch, age 22, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Nov. 26 with resisting arrest- a misdemeanor. Cory M. Benedict, age 33, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Nov. 26 with harassment, obstructing governmental administration, and resisting arrest. Laura Carleton, age 33, Amsterdam, was charged on Nov. 25 with falsifying business records, and petit larceny.

Brianna L. Baldwin, age 25, Wynantskill, was charged on Nov. 25 with criminal possession of a controlled substance – a misdemeanor. Kevin D. Germain, age 58, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Nov. 26 with misdemeanor criminal trespass. Joy S. Bell, age 32, Schenectady, was charged on Nov. 24 with misdemeanor DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle/ under influence - a felony. Melanie O. Munoz, age 22, Saratoga Springs was charged on Nov. 24 with petit larceny. Arshall J. Mendez-Renta, age 22, Saratoga Springs was charged on Nov. 24 with felony robbery. Andrew T. Ashby, age 19, Ballston Spa, was charged on Nov. 24 with criminal possession of marijuana misdemeanor. Randy L. Jones, age 50, Schenectady, was charged on Nov. 21 with criminal trespass – a misdemeanor. Joshua M. McNab, age 28, Rexford, was charged on Nov. 21 with aggravated unlicensed operation, refused chemical test, no/expired inspection certificate and speeding. Christopher W. Dingmon, age 35, Glens Falls, was charged on Nov. 20 with five misdemeanor counts petit larceny. Shawn M. Mangini, age 44, Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 19 with criminal trespass, a misdemeanor. George M. Warner, age 49, Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 19 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. William H. Clark, age 27, Schenectady, was charged Nov. 19 with disorderly conduct, and criminal possession of a controlled substance – a misdemeanor. Joseph G. Gutto, age 35, Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 17 with aggravated family offense, a felony.

BLOTTER / NEWS 5

Police Continue to Seek Leads

in DISAPPEARANCE OF SARATOGA MAN

SARATOGA — The Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Office continues to seek leads regarding the disappearance of Frederick “Fritz” Drumm. Drumm was last seen at his residence on Burgoyne Road in the Town of Saratoga on Nov. 24, 2015. Authorities ask that area hunters and hikers pay particular attention as they take to the woods during this hunting season and to contact the Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Office if any items are located that could be connected to Drumm, including clothing, identification/ paperwork or remains. Drumm was 68 years old at the time of disappearance and his family continues to offer a $5,000 cash reward for any information that directly leads to the man’s present whereabouts.

Fred Drumm.

6 Matilda Jean Dohen Nolte

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Matilda Jean Dohen Nolte, 99, a longtime resident of Schuylerville, passed away Friday, November 24, 2017 at Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs, NY.

OBITUARIES Born June 5, 1918 in New York City, Mrs. Nolte grew up in Woodlawn and was the daughter of the late William J. and Elizabeth Gutscher Dohen. Mrs. Nolte graduated in 1936 from St. Barnabus High School in Woodlawn, NY. She attended Hunter College and went on to work for Catholic Charities. During WWII she met her husband Norbert at a NY Catholic Charities Social. They were married August 12, 1942. Mrs. Nolte was a devoted wife and mother and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was an avid reader and for many years was the bookkeeper at the Schuylerville Public Library. Since Mrs. Nolte’s faith was an important part of her life, she taught religious

education for many years. Survivors include her children, Michael (Glenina) Nolte, Andrew (Kathleen) Nolte, Maureen (Neil) Muscatiello, Jean (Peter) Hosford, Susan Nolte (Lee Grunes), Christopher Nolte (Carla Suna) and daughterin-law Kathy Lind. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30am Thursday, November 30, 2017 at Notre Dame-Visitation Church in Schuylerville with Rev. Martin Fisher, officiating. A committal service will follow at 12 noon at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Memorials can be made in her memory to General Schuyler Emergency Squad, PO Box 111, Schuylerville, NY 12871 or Schuylerville Public Library, 52 Ferry St., Schuylerville, NY 12871. The family would like to thank the staff and friends at Wesley Health Care Center, particularly the devoted caretakers on Springs 2, and the General Schuyler Emergency Squad. Arrangements are under the direction of Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville, NY 12871. Online remembrances can be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com

WEEK OF December 1 – December 7, 2017

Donald G. Clute SARATOGA SPRINGS — Donald G. Clute passed away on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 at Saratoga Hospital. He was 84. A graveside service with military honors will be conducted at 11am Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 at Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Ave., Saratoga Springs. Please visit at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

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Virginia Kross

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Virginia Kross died peacefully in her home at Woodlawn Commons on November 23, 2017. She will be remembered for the abundant love she had for her family and friends. Mrs. Kross is survived locally by Marian Roth and Joe Potrzuski. They wish to thank doctors Angela Condy and David Burke & Bussing Kandath for their compassionate Homes careFuneral and are forever grateful to the staff at Woodlawn Commons and to Hospice of Saratoga County.”

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NEWS

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

LOCAL FARMERS Send Christmas Trees to TROOPS by Larry Goodwin Saratoga TODAY CHARLTON — It is an annual holiday ritual that Chip Ellms has grown accustomed to: dozens of people descending

and businesses—were tied up and stacked for delivery to Fort Bragg in North Carolina. “It brings people a little bit of home,” Ellms said. For 27 years, Ellms has been selling Christmas trees grown on his family’s roughly 220 acres of

“IT BRINGS PEOPLE A LITTLE BIT OF HOME.” on his family’s property to fill a FedEx trailer full of Christmas trees, which are then shipped to those serving in the military. “We really have a lot of help,” Ellms said this week, more or less recovered from the flurry of activity on Monday at his Charlton Road farm. As part of a national Trees for Troops program organized by the FedEx Corp. and the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, more than 150 trees—donated by the Ellms family as well as other local farmers

property. It was in the early 2000s, he remembered, that a group of New York farmers decided they would start lifting the spirits of U.S. troops with tree donations. Then FedEx signed on to provide key logistical support. The Christmas SPIRIT Foundation serves as a liaison between tree suppliers and the U.S. Defense Department to determine where the shipments go each year, Ellms said. One farm in Ohio supplies most of the trees that are sent overseas, he added.

Ellms indicated that he and his wife, Sally, were joined in the Nov. 27 loading by their children Garth and Ashley Ellms DiPaola; active-duty personnel from the 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Glenville; students in the Burnt HillsBallston Lake School District; Girl Scouts; and for the first time, he said, Patriot Guard Riders. “It’s really my favorite part of Christmas,” offered Sally Ellms. The young ladies present donated star-themed Christmas ornaments cut from “retired flags” that were previously flown at various municipal offices, according to Chip Ellms. In a prepared statement, the FedEx Corp. and Christmas SPIRIT Foundation reported that the Trees for Troops program has been organized for 13 years. This year, a delivery “milestone” of 200,000 trees will be surpassed. The shipments reach every branch of the military, directly

impacting service members scattered across domestic and international bases. “The Trees For Troops program is about more than just delivering trees—we are delivering a piece of the Christmas spirit to our U.S. military and their families,” said

Mike Ducker, president and CEO of FedEx Freight. “To be able to say we’ve helped bring more than 200,000 trees to so many of our heroes is an honor, and it shows our appreciation for the sacrifice these men and women and their families have made for our country.”

Christmas trees being loaded at Ellms Family Farm. Photo by Chip Ellms.

Sally Ellms (in red apron) enjoys taking part in the process. Photo by Chip Ellms.

Week of December 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; December 7, 2017

NEWS

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

Saratoga Casino Hotel Donates for Holidays SARATOGA SPRINGS — Just in time for the holidays, Saratoga Casino Hotel donated a variety of food items and consumer goods to local charity groups in November. On Wednesday, Nov. 15 the casino offered up over 400 pounds of food and personal hygiene products to The Food Pantries for the Capital District. The items were collected from casino guests, and then matched by the casino. The Food Pantries estimate the donation will go a long way in a time when it is needed most. Also, on Friday, Nov. 17, Saratoga Casino Hotel made a sizeable donation to the Saratoga Springs Code Blue Shelter. Located at the Soul Saving Station on Henry

Ready for the road in Wilton (left to right): MaryAnne Tagliento, Susie Barber, Thomas R. Drew Sr. and Robin Corrigan. Photo by Larry Goodwin.

Saratoga Casino Hotel Vice President of External Affairs Skip Carlson presents Angie Pender-Fox of The Food Pantries for the Capital District with a donation on Nov. 15, 2017. Photo provided.

Street, Code Blue offers a safe haven to the homeless population of Saratoga Springs during dangerously cold temperatures.

In total, over $500 worth of food and supplies were delivered to Code Blue by the casino’s “Hands For Hope” community outreach team.

NEW VAN is READY for WILTON SENIORS by Larry Goodwin Saratoga TODAY

Members of Saratoga Casino Hotel’s “Hands For Hope” community outreach team with Cheryl Murphy-Parant of Code Blue. Photo provided.

WILTON — Earlier this week, Robin Corrigan admitted her relief in knowing that her 2004 Cadillac will no longer be used to transport seniors to and from the Lillian W. Worth Senior Center on Traver Road. “It costs me, big time,” Corrigan said. For the last two years, the senior center director was using her gas-guzzling personal vehicle to transport Wilton residents each week to the cozy space in the town complex. Of the seniors who gather there regularly for coffee, cookies and games, among other activities, most drive themselves in their own vehicles. Still, a handful do rely on rides. In September, the Wilton Town Board authorized the purchase of a new van for $37,000 to be used exclusively for that purpose, ensuring that Corrigan is able to remain at the senior center on the days it is open. On Tuesday, Corrigan and several others took a break from the action inside the senior center to demonstrate the functionality and comfort of the handicap-accessible

van that was purchased. Next week, the white Dodge BraunAbility officially goes on the road. Secretary to the Supervisor Nancy Riely has reviewed the experience and credentials of several driver candidates. She said Federal Bureau of Investigation background checks are part of that process. Soon, Riely added, Wilton town logos will be added to the vehicle. Corrigan’s husband, John, has been selected as the main driver of the van. Yet several other individuals are being considered as well, including Ann and Charles Collins and Lynn Green, according to Corrigan. A maximum of four people are allowed in the van for any given trip. At present, only three Wilton seniors require transport each week to and from the Lillian W. Worth center, but that number usually increases in bad weather, Corrigan said. She added that the main driver should expect to make three separate trips with seniors in the new van, especially on Tuesdays.

Week of December 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; December 7, 2017

VILLAGE ELKS Raise Money for WREATHS BALLSTON SPA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; From November of 2016 until recently, Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619 raised funds for Wreaths Across America for the Saratoga National Cemetery. The lodge held several events, including paint and sips and two vendor and craft fairs with basket raffles; a collection jar was placed at every monthly breakfast as well as lodge functions.

Pictured are (left to right) Ballston Spa Elks Lodge Treasurer Daniel Murray; Inner Guard Vicki Brown; Leading Knight Michael Barabasz; ER Carol Turney; Patriot Guard Member Cyndi Owens; Patriot Guard Captain Mike Hogan; Committee Chairperson Shelly Bessey; Loyal Knight June VanValkenburgh; Trustee Roy Bessey; and Trustee Christine Curley.

On Nov. 16, Patriot Guard Riders Captain Michael Hogan, and Patriot Guard member Cyndi Owens, were presented with a $4,100 check that will be used to purchase 250 wreaths for the Saratoga National Cemetery. Several lodge members will be attending a Dec. 16 service at the Saratoga National Cemetery to help place the wreaths.

NEWS

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

Intrada Saratoga Springs Proposal Features 156 New Units of “AFFORDABLE” HOUSING by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Vecino Group, one of four applicants seeking to develop vacant land adjacent to the Saratoga Springs train station on the city’s west side, meets with the Planning Board this week for a site plan review regarding their Intrada Saratoga Springs project. The plan calls for the creation of 156 new units of affordable housing - 124 of the units will be for families and individuals at 60 percent of Area Median Income, or AMI (roughly about $50,000), 23 units to serve those earning up to 90 percent of AMI (about $75,000), eight units for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care - with assistance provided by the Empire State

Supportive Housing Initiative, and one unit for use by an on-site superintendent. The Vecino Group’s Intrada Saratoga Springs proposal seeks to develop approximately one-third of their 19.14-acre property at the intersections of Washington Street, West Avenue and Station Lane. The plan includes 5,000 square feet of commercial lease space that will front Washington Street, and 5,000 square feet of common/amenity space – to include a health clinic staffed by SUNY Empire State students and staff for tenant use, workout facility, community room, meeting rooms, study areas and office space.

Local Republican Announces

2018 CANDIDACY

FOR SARATOGA COUNTY

DI STRI C T AT T O RN EY

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Republican Gerard Amedio on Nov. 16 announced his candidacy for Saratoga County District Attorney in the fall 2018 election. “I’m a public servant who has dedicated my life to improving the safety of those in our community and helping to protect those who are most vulnerable,” Amedio said, in a statement. “We need a change in this office, and I stand ready to deliver. I’m ready to bring my unique combination of experience – as a police officer and as an attorney – to serve the people of Saratoga County as your new District Attorney.” Amedio served as a police officer with the Rensselaer Police Department for 17 years and currently owns and operates his law firm in Saratoga Springs, where he focuses on defense work on felonies, misdemeanors and

Gerard Amedio. Photo provided.

violations across 12 counties, according to the statement. Karen Heggen, also a Republican, was elected to her first four-year term as Saratoga County district attorney in November 2014. The Primary Election will be held next September.

Four for One: A multi-project composite that includes proposed development areas on the city’s west side by the Vecino Group (Intrada), Station Lane, Akew, and Faden.

City Mayor-Elect MEG KELLY ANNOUNCES DEPUTY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mayor-Elect Meg Kelly has announced that she will appoint Lisa Shields to be Deputy Mayor, effective Jan. 1, 2018. Shields has been Executive Assistant to Mayor Joanne Yepsen since August 2016. “Lisa’s leadership is already at work in the Mayor’s Office,” Kelly said, in a statement. “Her organization and communications skills have improved our responsiveness and readiness to move our priorities forward. These contributions will leverage a smooth transition for us, and as deputy, Lisa will continue to lead process improvements within our department, help to build consensus for our agenda throughout City Hall, and ensure that the highest level of service represents all the work we will do in my administration.” Shields is a graduate of South Glens Falls High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in

computer science from SUNY Potsdam. She began her career as an IT professional for HewlettPackard in California, working as a system engineer, network design consultant, and account executive in the financial, entertainment and aerospace industries. She also served on the board of Ascension Lutheran School in CA and in several IT roles. Since moving back to New York in 2006, Shields has worked in various administrative and IT support roles for the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, Mannix Marketing in Glens Falls and Saratoga Children’s Theatre, which was founded by Meg Kelly, where Shields also served on its board. For the Saratoga Springs

Lisa Shields. Photo provided.

School District, she worked for three years as producer of the high school drama club. She and her husband Dan have three children and live in Saratoga Springs.

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

SPLIT CITY

NEWS 13

C H A R T E R CHALLENGE UNDERWAY

Story continued from front page... Bob Turner, former chairman of the commission. According to Turner, an assistant professor of Skidmore College’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Program, 20 states and the District of Columbia provide for automatic recounts if the margin between the top two candidates is within certain parameters - typically 0.5 percent or less of votes cast for office or issue. The margin in the charter referendum is 10 votes or one-tenth of 1 percent

Bob Turner, during the opening of absentee ballots at the Saratoga County Board of Elections, on Nov. 14, 2017. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.

The Election Night tally depicted a 48-vote lead in favor of charter change of the nearly 8,500 ballots cast; Following the opening of absentee ballots a week later the lead shifted, with votes in favor of maintaining the status quo ahead by a 10-vote difference: 4,458 to 4,448. Approximately half the city’s eligible 18,000 voters took part in the vote. “The current margin of 10 votes out of nearly 9,000 cast means that a review of all ballots and scanner machine records is

imperative to assure that the voters can have confidence in the final count,” said Boyd. Boyd is a former member of the Saratoga Springs Charter Review Commission, which disbanded on Election Day, as well as a contributor It’s Time Saratoga! – a group that advocated for charter change. “A complete hand recount would take only a few days, would eliminate any doubt that the machines may have miscounted, and would serve the voters above all else,” said

of the near-9,000 votes cast. “Our goal is to determine with utmost certainty that the final vote tally is valid. Voting machines are not 100 percent accurate, which is why we are asking for a full recount of all ballots. It was so close that machine errors, if any, could have affected the vote,” Boyd said. Election law attorney Joshua Ehrlich has been hired by Boyd and it is expected a hearing could potentially be held on or around

Dec. 20 in front of a judge who will subsequently decide whether an election recount will be conducted. Boyd would not comment about how much money was raised to hire the attorney, and a phone message to Ehrlich seeking comment for this story was not returned. Electronic data used during the election – paper ballots and flash memory cards – have been secured by the Board of Elections in a vault, as is common practice.

BUSINESS

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

V I L L A G E H I T by RISING

EMPLOYEE INSURANCE RATES by Larry Goodwin Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA — In a small village, a $50,000 increase in the annual cost of health insurance for employees may seem excessive. Yet local industry analysts say that is among the lowest amounts possible in the long-term trend of escalating health insurance costs. On Monday, the Ballston Spa Village Board unanimously approved a measure that enables Mayor John Romano to prepare the 2018 contract renewal with MVP Health Care for the village’s employee health-insurance policy.

In its “schedule of salaries and wages” in the current village budget, Ballston Spa lists more than 90 employees, including many different part-timers such as crossing guards and library staff. The village Police Department alone has six fulltime employees and about 18 officers who work part time. Romano reported that the MVP policy cost would rise from $486,341 in the current contract to $536,382 next year, or an increase of more than 10 percent. The renewal contract has to be finalized before Dec. 31, he said. The village has long opted for the most “reasonable” insurance

rates for its employees, Romano added, citing the goal of keeping out-of-pocket costs low for them. “It will be a topic of conversation come budget time,” offered Trustee

“This is the best plan out there in terms of benefits and costs,” he explained. Schultz said “any health-care encounter” by employees—filling a

“THIS IS THE BEST PLAN OUT THERE IN TERMS OF BENEFITS AND COSTS.” Noah Shaw, during the discussion prior to the board’s vote. Shaw indicated that there is no $50,000 “cushion” in the $4.1 million village budget to accommodate the insurance increase. “Your renewal is the lowest,” offered Richard Schultz, the village’s health insurance broker, who attended the Nov. 27 board meeting. Schultz said the village’s MVP plan is “by far” the most affordable in comparison to similar plans offered by the region’s three other major insurance companies: BlueShield of Northeastern New York; CDPHP; and Empire BlueCross BlueShield.

prescription, a routine doctor visit, a sudden trip to the emergency room, etc.—drives up costs in the annual policy of any municipality. The rate increase in Ballston Spa is simply part of a trend that has lasted for about 12 years, according to Schultz. “All the plans across the board, across the entire spectrum, have seen double-digit increases,” he said. “There’s no way to softsell or sugar coat it.” Schultz pointed to more than 60 New York State mandates that complicate healthcare decisions at the local level. Those mandates contain provisions that must be included “in every single health

insurance policy,” he said. Kelly Smith, vice president of sales at MVP Health Care, said efforts are being made at the federal level to allow out-of-state companies access to New York’s health insurance marketplace, which currently excludes them. That type of change may drive down overall costs, she said, but New Yorkers would most likely find that cheaper policies equal less comprehensive insurance coverage. “Our regulators simply won’t allow those types of policies to exist in New York,” Smith said. She called the New York healthcare market “robust” and “below where the national average is” in terms of increased costs for consumers. For every $1 spent by the village, according to Smith, 85 to 90 cents “cover pure health care costs,” including upwards of 30 cents just for prescription drug coverage. She said the recent popularity of expensive “specialty drugs” has further complicated the matter. “We have a very large problem in this country with pharmaceutical spending and how to control costs,” Smith explained. For its prescription coverage, Smith said MVP partners with “the largest purchaser of pharmaceutical drugs in the country,” CVS Caremark, and “constantly” seeks ways to lower costs for consumers. In addition, Smith said, MVP staffers work directly with hospitals to ensure that patients are not “being re-admitted to the hospital for the same condition.” It is more than likely that 20 percent of the employees in Ballston Spa “are driving 80 percent of the costs,” Smith continued. Ultimately, she added, people “need to take some accountability” for reducing insurance costs by living healthier lifestyles. “We want people to go to the doctor for preventative health,” she said. But patients also should fully consider where they obtain medical care and the specific services they choose to utilize.

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

Adirondack Trust Makes TOP RANK for SBA Loans SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Adirondack Trust Company announced this week that 2017 has been a successful year for lending through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). For the year ending Sept. 30, Adirondack Trust approved 42 SBA 7(a) loans, amounting to more than $3.45 million. This makes it the top lender in Saratoga and Warren Counties as a locally headquartered, community bank. In addition to helping business owners achieve their financial goals, the Adirondack Trust Company’s SBA lending program assisted in creating 101 new jobs across 20 businesses in the region, putting more dollars into more local pockets. In 2014, another milestone year, Adirondack Trust transitioned from an SBA Small Community Bank Lender to a Large Community Bank Lender, which includes banks in the Capital Region with $1 billion to $10 billion in assets. The SBA Capital Region division covers Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Essex, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington counties. For more information, visit the bank’s website at www.AdirondackTrust.com.

BUSINESS BRIEFS 15

Two NEW Hires at PEP SARATOGA SPRINGS The Patient Experience — Project (PEP), a full-service, patient-centric marketing and communications agency, has announced the hiring of Kiera Lacy as an account supervisor and Danielle Thompson as insight specialist. Before joining PEP, Lacy was a senior account executive at Media Logic in Albany, where she managed marketing campaigns for various clients, including health insurance plans. Previously, she worked in account executive roles at Palio and Ignite, a pharmaceutical marketing agency; and Saatchi and Saatchi, a global communications company. Lacy earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Manhattan College in New York City. Thompson has joined the agency as a specialist responsible for gathering insights from patients, caregivers and healthcare providers about living with certain diseases and conditions. These insights inform the development of various educational and support programs and resources. Thompson assists the strategy team at PEP as well as the staff at PEPpartners, the

employee-benefits management company in Albany. Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in management, with honors, from Siena College in Loudonville. For more information, visit the website www.the-pep.com.

member of the Greater Capital Region Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. He can be reached at gsquires@roohanrealty.com or 518-879-0935.

NEW SALESMAN at Roohan Realty Kiera Lacy. Photo provided.

Danielle Thompson. Photo provided.

agency’s patient-relationship management offering. Before joining PEP, Thompson worked as an associate at the THREE Group, a market research firm in Saratoga Springs. Previously, she was a group marketing representative at Brown and Brown of New York, Inc (formerly Rowlands and Barranca Agency, Inc), an

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Roohan Realty announced this week that Gary Squires has joined the company as a licensed real-estate salesperson. Squires is a graduate of the University at Albany with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. He is a life-long resident of the Saratoga community, and a

Gary Squires. Photo provided.

EDUCATION

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

Skidmore

Radio Archive Project

PHOTO BY: Lori Mahan

Erin Baright, Nell Mittelstead, Elianne Paley, Henry Cooley, Andrew Knispel, Monica Hamilton, Jillian Seigel work together on the archive exhibition.

by Lori Mahan Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – If you are looking for commercialfree local radio, the Skidmore College radio station, WSPN 91.1 FM, is the place on the dial to go.

In 1972, WSPN became its own operation in the Case Center on campus, and then moved to the Jonsson Tower basement six years later. On Wednesday, Dec. 6, the station’s original charter and floor plans will be part of a multimedia

exhibition held in the Case Center. Nell Mittelstead is a senior English major at Skidmore and the current general manager for WSPN. She will leave behind the archive project as a legacy of her time at the college. Mittelstead first began at the station as a freshman with her own HotBox radio show. Record promoters send new material to the station’s music directors, who then listen to it and decide

what music would appeal most to Skidmore students. Those tracks are then featured on the show. Mittelstead decided to create an archive exhibition of the station. Monica Hamilton, the current WPSN librarian, is also involved with helping the project come to fruition, among many other helpful students and school librarians. “It really started off as me wanting to create a physical archive, but my original idea was a scrapbook. Just a small book of WSPN history,” said Mittelstead. “One of the librarians reached out to me because she had been a Skidmore student and had been a part of WSPN. So, we talked and had coffee and then she suggested I reach out to Wendy Anthony, who is in charge of special collections at Skidmore. Wendy had all of these original documents of WSPN when it was being started.” “The station has become a place for people to share stories and talk about their passions and interests,” offered Hamilton. “I care about the station and am intrigued by all the stories that take place there. It’s a 24-hour station, so we may never know all of the stories.” Some of the original documents Anthony had were program guides, the charter, floppy disks, old posters, newspaper articles about the station, audio clips from past shows, and floor plans. Other items featured in the exhibition came from within the studio itself, either found in desk drawers or hanging on the walls. Since the idea came to be, Mittelstead was able to turn this passion project into a class where students could meet and do the archive project for credit in a pass or fail capacity. The archive exhibition is “really multimedia,” she said. The class consists of five

students on the radio board, one DJ, and one student not affiliated with the station at all. “It’s been cool to work with someone who doesn’t really know what’s going on in the station and get an outsider’s perspective,” Mittelstead explained. “A successful exhibition in general needs collaboration and opportunity to have feedback from other people,” said Hamilton. “I’m interested in archive work on my own,” Mittelstead added, “and I felt myself wishing that I had some of that material and those documents. Just to know how WSPN got started. We didn’t really have that in the station, so I figured it would be nice and then just to have a sort of physical document about how a year went on. That’s what I wanted it to be; accumulating stuff throughout the year and making that into an object.” On Tuesdays from 5 to 6 p.m., there is a WSPN show called “Archive Hour” where some students from the class, including Mittelstead, discuss the project and talk about some of the documents that they are including in the exhibition. The radio show is “much more relaxed than the exhibition and class,” she explained. The exhibition itself is described by Mittelstead as, “a retrospective of WSPN.” On Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. in the Case Center the archive exhibition will be unveiled. To listen to WSPN, which broadcasts dozens of shows to peak various interests, tune in to 91.1 FM or visit the website www.academics.skidmore.edu/ blogs/wspn.

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

EDUCATION BRIEFS

Left to right: Nancy Wade-Leary, selection committee member; front Bob Harrison; Kelly Collins; Mr. and Mrs. Collins. Photo provided.

Ballston Spa Graduate Awarded Sister Carolyn Krebs Memorial Scholarship BALLSTON SPA — Kelly Collins, a 2016 Ballston Spa high honors graduate, has been awarded the 2017 Sister Carolyn Krebs Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to a college student and member of a local Catholic Church in Saratoga County. This scholarship is based on the student’s plans for a career in music, academic achievement, and extracurricular activities. Collins is attending University of Tampa to become a music teacher.

Saratoga Independent School to Host Pre-K and Kindergarten Open Houses SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Friday, Dec. 1 at 10:30 a.m. Saratoga Independent School (SIS) will hold an open house session for current SIS parents and at 1:30 p.m. for current SIS parents and prospective parents. The open house is designed to give current and prospective parents information about the pre-k and kindergarten programs. In addition, plans will be shared about the development of full-day pre-k/ junior k program starting in the fall of 2018.

Academy of Lifelong Learning Book Fair at Barnes & Noble SARATOGA SPRINGS — Barnes & Noble is hosting a book fair to benefit the Academy of Lifelong Learning at their

50 Wilton Square location on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A portion of proceeds from that day will benefit the Academy. Stop by the Academy’s table and receive a voucher that gives you a chance to win a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card. A gift wrapping station staffed by Academy volunteers will also be available to wrap your purchases for free. For online shoppers, from Dec. 9 to 14, use the book fair ID# 12074506 at www.bn.com/bookfairs.

Schuylerville Names New High School Assistant Principal SCHUYLERVILLE — Sarah Johnson has been named as the new Schuylerville High School assistant principal. She was appointed by the Board of Education at their November meeting. Previously, Johnson was a special education academic administrator at Shenendehowa Central School District, where she also taught ninth grade special education before taking on administrative roles. Johnson has a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Cornell University, a Master of Education/ Special Education degree from Sonoma State University and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from the College of Saint Rose. Johnson is set to begin at Schuylerville on April 9, 2018.

SUNY Empire Establishes Scholarship for Nursing and Allied Health Students SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stat Staff Professionals, Inc.,

a nurse-owned and operated healthcare staffing organization, and SUNY Empire alumnus David Theobald, have provided a second scholarship to SUNY Empire State College to support students enrolled in the college’s School of Nursing and Allied Health. Stat Staff Professionals Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship will award up to $5,000 annually, with two awards of up to $2,500 each, for one student enrolled in nursing and another enrolled in allied health.

TCT Federal Credit Union Scholarship BALLSTON SPA — TCT Federal Credit Union (TCT) is offering local high school seniors a chance to win scholarships for college. TCT is participating in the New York Credit Union Association’s statewide credit union scholarship program, which provides credit union members with scholarships. In 2017, scholarships awarded ranged from $500 to $1,500. To be eligible, students must be high school seniors attending two or four-year accredited educational institutions for the first time in fall 2018, and members of TCT Federal Credit Union. For more information about the scholarship program, and TCT membership eligibility requirements, contact one of TCT’s four branches. Visit www.TCTFCU.org.

Upcoming Saratoga CSD Parent Programs SARATOGA SPRINGS — TUESDAY, DEC. 5: “Hidden Mischief ” presented by the Prevention Council. This interactive program shows the

clever ways teens are hiding drug and alcohol use as well as how to spot signs of use and talk to a child about the risks. This program will be held in the Saratoga Springs High School Library at 6:30 p.m. Parents of high school students are invited to attend the PTSO meeting at 5:45 p.m. prior to this program. TUESDAY, JAN. 23: Sports Related Concussions for K-12 Families presented by Eric Deim. This program will be held at Caroline Street Elementary School at 6:30 p.m.

Possible Case of the Mumps at Maple Ave Middle School SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Monday, Nov. 27 an email was sent to parents and guardians of students attending Maple Avenue Middle School informing them that the local health department is investigating a possible case of the mumps. The school district asks that you monitor

17 your children for any signs or symptoms through Sunday, Dec. 10. Signs and symptoms include: puffy cheeks, swollen jaw, low-grade fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, and lack of appetite. Mumps is spread via saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat. Contact your healthcare provider and Saratoga County Public Health Department if your child develops any of these symptoms.

PBA Scholarship Presented to Taylor Bonacci SARATOGA SPRINGS — Each year the Saratoga Springs Lieutenants’ PBA Scholarship is presented to an area senior who plans to major in Criminal Justice in college. Taylor Bonacci, a 2017 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, was the recipient this year. Bonacci is currently at University of Hamden, CT pursuing Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology.

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

FUTURE PROOF YOUR VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM. by Matt La Farr for Saratoga TODAY Everyone knows that technology becomes obsolete more rapidly than ever before. When it comes to video surveillance, many of you consider it an accomplishment just to get to the point of “current” with your system, and one could hardly blame you. For those of you in the process of considering an upgrade, you have to decide whether you want to upgrade for the sake of upgrading (which, of course, has its benefits), or whether you want to upgrade with “future-proofing” in mind. In either case, you need to make sure that the vendor can accommodate your needs. Why is it important to future proof?

Video surveillance had a capstone about two years ago. The technology is such now that if you select the right system, you should be able to keep it around for the better part of ten years (or more). For surveillance vendors that aren’t rooted in IT, the latest technology can be quite a challenge. A seasoned technology company like Tech II has to be ahead of the curve, for obvious reasons. Engineering is critical to future proofing. One of the most import aspects of the engineering process is choosing the proper resolution for your cameras. Our passive video systems are often used in conjunction with traditional security and fire solutions (threat intrusion and monitoring systems). As a complement to the aforementioned monitoring system, they are invaluable when

assembling information with regard to what exactly took place and by whom, able to show the event that took place, as well as the time of the occurrence. More and more, we implement systems for productivity, training and other uses unrelated to crime or protection. Because we often work with our clients (and appropriate agencies) to build cases when an incident does occur, we’re quite familiar with what law enforcement requires with regard to pixels and usable footage for the purpose of investigation. Unfortunately, all too often we see systems touted as “HD” (high definition), when, in fact, it’s actually a lower resolution, often not up to the task of facial recognition, license plate reading, or even getting a decent video capture at a short distance. More than likely, if your quote details cameras in TVL

resolution or 1.3 MP or lower, you’re at risk of investing in older technology. Of course, we’ve seen plenty of systems engineered where the associated quote doesn’t even disclose the actual camera resolution, and simply says, “HD.” That’s certainly a red flag. We know that there’s nothing worse than getting a new system online only to have unusable footage when an incident occurs because the system wasn’t engineered properly. To ensure longevity in your system you need a team that knows cameras, networking, and can provide ongoing support as needed. Many companies will sell you a system, give you a heartfelt “Thank you!” and then you’re on your own. A true technology partner can offer many levels of support after the sale. “We just had an event and discovered our cameras are offline. Can you come out here to service them?” Sadly, that’s when most small businesses with stand-alone passive systems discover their video surveillance is out- after an incident, when they need to review footage, and it’s nowhere to be found. IP cameras have their own processor chip and memory which essentially make them a small stand-alone computer. Like with any computer, the software that runs them needs updating and scheduled attention just like your computer needs patches. If you didn’t know that, or that the cameras themselves receive updates, don’t be too hard on yourself. Most people don’t realize that. At Tech II, that’s what we do across the

board- ensure that software updates and security patches are installed and functioning properly on all your network gear. It’s been a natural progressionIT companies moving into the video surveillance arena. As an MSP (managed service provider) we help you manage the health of a camera system, and provide proactive maintenance, minimizing downtime and helping protect your investment long after the sale. Do you have a camera system now? Were you offered these long-term insurance policies from the vendor when you made the purchase? Or was it more like the aforementioned sale above, where they say, “Thank you,” never to be heard from again? To finish up, let’s touch base on how critical it is to have the right platform and software to run your system. The platform we use is fully scalable and can all be linked and viewed on any device from any location. Full mobility! So, if you plan on adding more locations, or you have several locations right now, they can all be linked, even using customized views (for instance, all entrances on one screen, all cash registers on another screen, etc.). The old days of “just cover the main doors and elevator” are a thing of the past. Thoughtful and comprehensive engineering is the key to future-proofing. Our goal at Tech II is to fully partner with you during every step of the project. If you would like more information don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 518-587-1565, or visit us online at www.tech-ii.com.

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

TOWN OF BALLSTON 49 Fruitwood Dr., $255,000. Vincent and Carolyn Speenburgh sold property to Lynelle Dufel and Gregory Gaugler.

CHARLTON 1189 Peaceable St., $415,000. Teri Gay sold property to Patrick Center.

CLIFTON PARK 49 Westchester Dr., $133,500. Deborah Maille sold property to Dennis O’Connor. 6 Lexington Dr., $133,500. Dennis O’Connor sold property to Deborah Maille.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

Colonial Heritage Mobile Home Park LLC sold property to Duane and Betty Cornell.

MALTA 23 Little Dr., $496,888. Patricia Gallagher sold property to Bun Tan. 130 Thimbleberry Rd., $185,000. Anthony Bevilacqua sold property to Ron Nipay.

7 Lincoln Ave., $319,900. Kevin Volk and Cynthia Hoetzer sold property to Amy and Stephen Hegener.

60 Admirals Way, $437,209. Malta Land Company LLC sold property to Kenneth Kearins and Patricia Kennedy.

CORINTH 13 King Ave., $110,000. Wayne Hoch sold property to Everett and Lori O’Neill.

TOWN OF GREENFIELD 9 Grange Rd., $240,000. Adam and Stephanie Pike sold property to Kristen Nelligan and Joseph Wood. 40 Mill St., $119,000. William and Tim Harrington sold property to David Vermeulen, Jr. and Alesha Burnham. 210 N. Greenfield Rd., $34,500.

TOWN OF SARATOGA

5 St. Charles Place, $240,000. Robert and Anita Young sold property to Brandon Martindale.

126 Arrowwood Place, $138,000. Robert, Danielle and Christine Davis sold property to Levboe Associates LLC.

7 Hillside Dr., $250,000. Vincent Partisano (by Atty) and Nancy Partisano (Ind and as Atty) sold property to Mark and Jill Frament.

123 South Line Rd., $219,000. Ballston Spa National Bank sold property to Brett Gifford and Ashley Snyder.

124 Thimbleberry Rd., $190,000. Nicole Carey sold property to Katherine Smith.

35 Balsam Way, $757,589. Heritage Builders Group LLC sold property to Deepa and Ram Lalukota.

998 Hatlee Rd., $410,000. Brian and Cara Liberty sold property to Mark and Kevin Johnson.

PROVIDENCE

139 Hathaway Rd., $350,000. David Cummings sold property to Shane Drumm.

6 Ryan Court, $395,000. Erich Duerr sold property to Lindsay Tedesco.

35 Stoney Creek Dr., $174,000. Ruth Tietz sold property to Cheryl and Samuel Saleem.

9 East Rd., $145,000. Marjorie and Richard Gallup sold property to Jenna Sanders.

32 Weston Way, $293,342. Barbera Homes Malta Springs LLC sold property to Thomas and Patricia Harrison.

41 Yachtsmans Way, $501,895. Malta Land Company sold property to Karen and Paula Gilmore.

18 Gingham Ave., $243,000. Meghan and Donald Flanders, Jr. sold property to Mary Camenzuli.

MOREAU

MILTON 70 Frederick St., $216,300. Michelle Fisher sold property to James Rice and Amilynn Sodemann. 973 Route 29, $320,000. Lynn Davis and Mark Pennock sold property to Jonathan and Betsy Becker.

SARATOGA SPRINGS

2 Glenmore Ave., $489,900. James and Dawn Helin sold property to 2 Glenmore Avenue LLC. 55 Phila St., Unit 301, $749,900. 55 Phila LLC sold property to George Stafford. 11 Oakland Dr., $343,000. Rosemary Chiddo (by Agent) sold property to John and Elaine Thompson. 55 Phila St., Unit 203, $635,800. 55 Phila LLC sold property to Karl Sleight. 164 Elm St., $346,000. Dennis Gosier and Tiffany Britt sold property to Natasa Dugandzic and Brian Martell. 146 Adams St., $999,000. Marsh Farms LLC sold property to MD Barns LLC. 25 Lefferts St., $330,000. Mary Thompson sold property to Johanna Martin.

245 Woodlawn Ave., $530,000. Denise Donlon sold property to Eric and Heather Lacoppola. 51 Dyer Switch Rd., 255,000. Robert Flower sold property to Christopher and Jane Huyck. 55 Phila St., Unit 202, $685,000. 55 Phila LLC sold property to William and Barbara Delaney. 5 Sicada St., $320,000. Kie and Suk Lee sold property to Tricia Fowley.

STILLWATER 26 Morgan Court, $75,000. Camelot Associates Development LLC sold property to Camelot Associates Corporation. 26 Morgan Court, $304,650. Camelot Associates Corporation sold property to Claudy Serrao and Zeena Pinto.

19 WATERFORD 31 Murray Ave., $155,208. Richard Hajeck sold property to Jeffrey and Mary Willetts. 4 Steamboat Landing, $450,000. Stephen and Marsha Ras sold property to Maureen Sullivan and Lisa Braun.

WILTON 1 Foxhound Rd., $300,000. David and Robin Litfin sold property to Daniel and Holly Rogers. 48 Fieldstone Dr., $285,000. Betsy Tick (by Admin) sold property to Bryan and Regina Fagan. 36 Whirlaway Blvd., $300,000. Jonathan and Tracie Chieco sold property to Christopher and Amanda Anderson.

Week of December 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; December 7, 2017

oliday Gift Guide

Week of December 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; December 7, 2017

Food

Headline Headline

AFTER Visiting SARATOGA FARMERS’ MARKET, Curl up with COOKBOOKS

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017 and great-grandmother for using the maple products made at her family’s farm. She often turns to chef Martin Picard’s Au Pied de Cochoon Sugar Shack for inspiration. And when in doubt the Internet offers quick answers. Mark Bocain of Freddy’s Rockin’ Hummus appreciates Rachael Ray’s cooking site for meal ideas “that fall somewhere between

simple and elaborate.” Volunteer Jim Gupta-Carlson types his ingredients on hand into a search box. Scrolling through the results often determines what he makes for dinner on a given night. The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturdays at the Lincoln Baths Building in the Saratoga Spa State Park. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Saturdays, 9 to 1 Lincoln Baths Building at the Spa State Park

by Himanee Gupta-Carlson for Saratoga TODAY Photos by Pattie Garrett. Colder nights create excuses to make meals that warm the soul. If you’re looking for ideas, check out some of the cookbooks that farmers and volunteers with the Saratoga Farmers’ Market use. These books offer instructions and ideas for bringing out the finest flavors of

our local foods and insights into the lives of those who grow and create these foods year-round: For basics, start with The Joy of Cooking, which has been on volunteer Alexandra Morgan’s bookshelf since she received it as a graduation gift in 1993. Darina Allen’s Forgotten Skills of Cooking, which Leah Hennessy of Moxie Ridge Farm & Creamery describes as “what I’m all about,” similarly is more about the simplicity of such processes as dressing game, curing pork, making butter. For meat, Christophe Robert of Longlesson Farm swears by two books. Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall’s The River Cottage Meat Book has recipes for the beef and pork cuts he sells at the market “that are spot on.” Fergus Henderson’s The Whole Beast: Nose to Tail Eating is Robert’s “book that lets me dream.” Its recipes are more challenging, but Robert says, they speak to an ethics of raising animals

and eating meat in a way that uses the whole animal with love and care. Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking remains market volunteer Chris Toole’s favorite cookbook in her collection of 100-plus for such recipes as daube de boeuf (a beef stew marinated in red wine), because the ingredients “almost all are available right here, at the market.” Making the most of maple is Slate Valley Farm’s Gina Willis’s passion. She is writing her own cookbook, based on recipes from her grandmother

Boeuf Julia Child’s Daube(BEEFde STEW) INGREDIENTS * Find these Ingredients at the Farmers’ Market!

• 1, 3” stick of cinnamon • Orange zest: 2 stripes, 1.5” wide and 2.5” long) • 2 sprigs fresh thyme* • 2 dried bay leaves • 1 tsp. black peppercorns • 4 sprigs fresh parsley* • 3 cloves, whole • 2 medium stalks of celery, cut into ½” slices. (Reserve the top leaves.)

• 3 onions*, thinly sliced • 3 garlic* cloves, crushed and chopped • 3 medium-sized carrots*, peeled and cut into ½” slices crosswise • 3 lbs. beef*, cut 1 ½” cubes • 8 oz. lean bacon*, cut 1” slices • 1 bottle full-bodied red wine*

• ¼ cup Cognac • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour • ¾ cup beef stock • ¾ cup Nicoise olives • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste • 1 tsp. salt • ¼ cup fresh parsley*, chopped • 1 ½ cup Basmati rice

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Put the orange zest, cinnamon stick, thyme, bay leaves, peppercorns, cloves, celery leaves and parsley onto a layer of cheesecloth and tie it up to make a bouquet garni. Put it aside. 2. Get a big, non-reactive dish and add celery, garlic, beef, onions, carrots, bouquet garni, and bacon, all at once. Pour the cognac and wine over the mixture. Put the mixture in refrigerator to marinate for 24 hours. 3. Preheat oven to 325° F. Remove beef from vegetable-wine mixture, and put on a kitchen towel for draining. 4. Heat oil in a skillet on medium heat. Put the beef into the pan along with some

flour. Cook until it turns brown. 5. Remove the beef and deglaze the skillet with tomato paste and beef stock. Scrape all the browned bits of beef from the pan’s bottom. 6. Mix the pan sauce, salt, olives, beef, and vegetable-wine mixture together in an ovenproof dish. Cover it. Next, braise the beef for 2 to 3 hours, until it is tender. If you want your stew to be thicker, check after 2 hours of cooking and remove the lid for the rest of the time. 7. Prepare the rice according to the direction given on package. Garnish your stew with cooked rice and parsley.

Adapted from Julia Child’s recipe for Daube de Boeuf featured on www.juliasrecipes.com

Food

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

“Boont? BUNDT … B o o n t ?” by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY

Hello

my Foodie Friends. With our new location of 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs, next door to the Bow Tie Criterion Cinemas, I find myself reflecting on my favorite movies. Among my choice films is “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” that also has one my favorite movie scenes. The classic scene from the movie is when Maria Portokales receives a bundt cake from the mother of her future son-in-law. Being cordial yet trying to understand what she is receiving, Maria glances at her daughter Toula, that elicits a back and forth dialog; “Boont? Bundt…Boont? Bundt. BOONT? BUNDT.....OH, IT’S A CAKE! There’s a hole in this cake!” Bundt cakes are a very

delicious gift to give when going to see family or a friend. The bundt cake became popular in the 50’s and 60’s. The bundt pan has become America’s best selling cake pan (according to Nordic Ware) to create a no-fuss cake. It is a perfect cake to serve a crowd and easy to slice. Bundt cake pans are cake pans that are usually 10” – 12” in diameter and are 5” deep with a hole in the center. This ensures that deep cakes can bake evenly. They usually have fluted or ridged designs to make your cake look impressive. Bundt pans were derived from ceramic German Kugelhopf pans, which bake tall, round and (usually) yeasted sweet breads or cakes. The cast aluminum version was trademarked in 1950 by the founder of NordicWare, the largest and certainly most well known maker of bundt-shaped pans. The pans were not popular with bakers at first, but after the Tunnel of Fudge cake – which was baked in a bundt pan -won 2nd in the 1966 Pillsbury BakeOff, sales of the pan took off and it is now one of the best selling pans in North America, with over 60 million sold. It is easy to

Office for the Aging Lunch Program

h c n Lu FRIDAY

1 • Chicken à la King over Rice • Broccoli • Warm Apple Cobbler

Served at the Saratoga Senior Center

MONDAY

see why, because the cakes are very stylish and, unlike layered cakes, look impressive without needing a drop of frosting. Plus, the NordicWare Bundt pans are made in the U.S.A. There are tens of thousands of recipes out there calling for bundt pans, and you won’t find another pan that can do the job as well. There are many other uses for bundt pans. You can bake any cake, meatloaf (fill center with mashed potatoes), various breads including Monkey bread or garlic bread, and jello! At Compliments to the Chef, we have a large assortment of NordicWare cast aluminum bundt pans in all sizes and shapes. No matter how many things you have on your plate, don’t let your to-do list keep you from enjoying the company of friends and family this holiday season. Next time you go to visit a friend or a “future family member” bring a bundt cake. Be patient if they do not totally understand what it is. Have fun with it and enjoy!! Remember; “Life Happens in the Kitchen”. Stop by Compliments to the Chef for your holiday culinary needs.

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

• Baked Fish • Roasted Pork • Italian Stew • Chicken with Tarragon with Apple over Rice Parmesan Sauce Glaze and Pasta • Tuscan-blend • Baked Potato • Stuffing • Green Beans Vegetables • Mixed • Peas & Onions • Warm • Fruit Cocktail Vegetables Spiced • Mandarin • Chocolate Applesauce Oranges Pudding with Whipped Topping

Menu Subject to Change. Coffee, tea and butter are served daily. The suggested contribution is $2/meal. There is a $6 fee for guests under the age of 60. Please make checks payable to: Northeast Dining and Lodging, c/o Saratoga County Office for the Aging, 152 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

Here is a delicious recipe from Nordic Ware to create a fabulous bundt cake

CHOCOLATE BEET CAKE • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Bake Time: 45 minutes

• Serves: 12-14

INGREDIENTS • 2/3 cup chocolate morsels • 1 cup butter • 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed • 3 eggs

• 2 cups pureed beets • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 2 cups flour • 2 teaspoons baking soda • ½ teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375° degrees. Spray or grease pan. 2. Melt together chocolate and ¼ cup of butter. 3. Cream together remaining butter and brown sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time. 4. In another bowl combine flour, baking soda and salt. 5. Slowly add dry ingredients to butter, sugar and egg mixture. Mix in chocolate, beets and vanilla. Blend thoroughly. 6. Pour into prepared pan. Tap gently on countertop to remove air bubbles. 7. Bake for 45-55 minutes. Remove from oven when toothpick inserted into densest part of cake comes out clean. Let cool on rack for 10 minutes before turning out cake. As part of our Grand Opening events; we are hosting our first Annual Wusthof Day on Friday, December 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a special representative from WushofTrident of American, Inc. From 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon will be knife sharpening. Stop by with

one knife for free sharpening. Then from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. will be a knife skills clinic and product demonstration and trial. Come and test drive Wusthof products with fun giveaways.

Take Care, John and Paula

24 Adirondack Christian Fellowship 8 Mountain Ledge, Wilton 587-0623 | acfsaratoga.com Services: Sunday 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Adirondack Friends Meeting 27 Saratoga Avenue, South Glens Falls 793-3755 | adirondackfriendsmeeting.org Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Assembly of God Faith Chapel 6 Burgoyne Street, Schuylerville 695-6069 | Rev. Jason Proctor Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m. Assembly of God Saratoga 118 Woodlawn Avenue, Saratoga Springs 584-6081 | Services: Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Bacon Hill Reformed Church* 560 Route 32N, Bacon Hill 695-3074 | Rev. Janet Vincent Services: 10 a.m.; Sunday School 10 a.m. Baha’i Community of Saratoga Springs 885-0876; 692-7694 | usbnc.org Ballston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 58 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa 885-7312 | ballstoncenterarpchurch.org Services: Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. Ballston Spa United Methodist Church 101 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa 885-6886 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Bethesda Episcopal Church* 41 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs 584-5980 | Bethesdachurch.org The Very Rev’d Marshall J. Vang Services: Sunday 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Calvary Capital District 17 Low Street, Ballston Spa | Pastor Andrew Holt Services: Sunday 10 a.m. | calvarycd.com Church of Christ at Clifton Park 7 Old Route 146, Clifton Park 371-6611 | cliftonparkchurchofchrist.com Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Christ Community Reformed Church 1010 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-7654 | ccrc-cpny.org | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Christ Episcopal Church Routes 50 and 67, Ballston Spa | 885-1031 Services: Sunday 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Christian Restoration Ministries Saratoga Senior Center 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs 796-4323 | Pastor Pat Roach Services: Sunday 10 a.m.; 6:30 p.m. Christian Science Church 107 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs 584-0221 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Community Alliance Church 257 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa 885-6524 | Services: Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Congregation Shaara Tfille* 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs 584-2370 | saratogasynagogue.org Services: Saturday 10 a.m. Corinth Free Methodist Church 20 Hamilton Avenue, Corinth 654-9255 | 792-0271 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Corinth United Methodist Church 243 Main Street, Corinth 654-2521 | cfumc@cnyconnect.net Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Cornerstone Community Church 516 Park Avenue, Mechanicville 664-5204 | mycornerstonechurch.org Pastor Frank Galerie | Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Community 2001 Route 9, Round Lake 877-8506 | office@corpuschristichurch.net Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.

PLACES OF WORSHIP Eastern Orthodox — Christ the Savior 349 Eastline Road, Ballston Lake 212-7845 | www.xcsavior.org Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. First Baptist Church of Saratoga Springs 45 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs 584-6301 | www.fbcsaratoga.org Services: Sunday 12 noon First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa 885-8361 | bspabaptist.org Services: 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School 9 a.m. (all ages) First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa 22 West High Street, Ballston Spa 885-5583 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Full Gospel Tabernacle 207 Redmond Road, Gansevoort 793-2739 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Galway United Methodist Church 2056 East Street, Galway 882-6520 | galway-united-methodist-church.com Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. (9 a.m. in July and August) Grace Fellowship Saratoga 165 High Rock Avenue, Saratoga 691-0301 | saratoga.gracefellowship.com Pastor Mike Adams Services: Sundays 9 and 11 a.m. Grace Brethren Church* 137 W. Milton Road, Ballston Spa 587-0649 | Rev. Dan Pierce Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Greater Grace Community Church 899-7777 | thechurch@ggccmalta.org Pastor David Moore | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Greenfield Center Baptist Church 30 Wilton Road, Greenfield Center | 893-7429 Services: 11 a.m.; Sunday School 9:45 a.m. (all ages) Highway Tabernacle Church 90 River Road, Mechanicville 664-4442 | Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Hope Church 206 Greenfield Avenue, Ballston Spa 885-7442 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Jonesville United Methodist 963 Main Street, Clifton Park 877-7332 | Services: Sunday 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Living Springs Community Church 59 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs 584-9112 | Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Living Waters Church of God 4330 State Route 50, Saratoga Springs 587-0484 | livingwaterscog.us Services: Sundays 10 a.m. Malta Presbyterian Church Dunning Street, Malta 899-5992 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Malta Ridge United Methodist Church 729 Malta Ave. Extension, Malta 581-0210 | Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Middle Grove United Methodist Church* 581-2973 | Pastor Bonnie Bates Services: Sunday 9 a.m. Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Corner of Jefferson and Crescent Street, Saratoga Springs 584-9441 | Rev. Dr. Victor L. Collier, Pastor New Horizon Church 150 Perry Road, Saratoga Springs 587-0711 | Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. New Life Fellowship 51 Old Gick Road, Saratoga Springs 580-1810 | newlifeinsaratoga.org. Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

NorthStar Church Gowana Middle School, Clifton Park 371-2811 | northstarchurch.com Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Old Saratoga Reformed Church* 48 Pearl Street, Schuylerville oldsaratogareformedchurch.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Old Stone Church (American Baptist) 159 Stone Church Road, Ballston Spa 583-1002 | Services: Sunday 9 a.m.; Adult Sunday School 9 a.m.; Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Olde Liberty Baptist 600 Route 67, Malta Oldelibertybaptist.com | Sunday 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m.; Wednesday 7 p.m. Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church* 73 Midline Road, Ballston Lake 399-5713 | Services: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. Presbyterian-NE Congregational Church 24 Circular St, Saratoga Springs 584-6091 | pnecchurch.org Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m. Quaker Springs United Methodist Church* 466 Route 32 South, Quaker Springs 695-3101 | qsumc.com Pastor Al Johnson Services: Sunday 9 a.m. River of Hope Fellowship 100 Saratoga Village Blvd, Malta Commons, Ste. 3 881-1505 | riverofhopefellowship.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-2375 | Services: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m. St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs 584-6122 | Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8, 9:30, 11:15 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Spanish Service 1 p.m. St. George’s Episcopal Church 912 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-6351 | stgeorge@csdsl.net Services: Saturday 4:30 p.m.; Sunday 8 and 9:30 a.m. St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church* 3159 Route 9N, Greenfield Center 893-7680 | stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church* 167 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa 885-7411 | stmarysbsta.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and Noon. St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church* 771 Route 29, Rock City Falls 893-7680 | sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com Services: Sunday 8:30 a.m.

Saratoga Chabad 130 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs 526-0773 | saratogachabad.com Saratoga Friends Meeting (Quaker) Routes 32 and 71, Quaker Springs 587-7477 | 399-5013 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Saratoga United Methodist Church* Henning Road, Saratoga Springs 584-3720 | saratogaumc.com Services: Sunday 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Saratoga Seventh-Day Adventist Church 399 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs 882-9384 | saratogasda.org Services: Sabbath School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 11:30 a.m. Schuylerville United Methodist Church* 51 Church Street, Schuylerville 695-3101 | sumethodist.org Services: Worship at 11a.m. Shenendehowa United Methodist 971 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-7964 | Services: Sunday 9 and 10:30 a.m. Simpson United Methodist Church Rock City Road, Rock City Falls 885-4794 | Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m. Soul Saving Station for Every Nation Christ Crusaders of America 62 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs Services: Sunday 10 a.m. www.soulsavingstationchurch.com Stillwater Christian Fellowship Meeting at Liberty Ridge Farm 29 Bevis Road Schaghticoke Stillwater United Church (Presbyterian U.S.A.) 747 Hudson Avenue, Stillwater 664-7984 | stillwaterunitedchurch.org Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Temple Sinai* 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-8730 | saratogasinai.org Shabbat Services: Friday 6 p.m. or 8 p.m. (rotating schedule) Saturdays: 10:30 a.m. Terra Nova Church* 45 Washington St, Saratoga Springs 833-0504 | terranovachurch.org Services: Sunday 5:30 p.m. The Salvation Army/ Worship, Service & Community Center 27 Woodlawn Ave, Saratoga Springs 584-1640 | Services: Sunday School 10 a.m.; Praise and Worship 11 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church 155 Ballard Road, Gansevoort 584-9107 | tumcwilton.com Rev Keith Mann Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs

149 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs 584-0904 | Services: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sundays 8:30 and 11 a.m.

624 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-1555 | uusaratoga.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

St. Peter Lutheran Church 2776 Route 9, Malta 583-4153 | Services: Sunday 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 1 Grove Street, Schuylerville 695-3918 | Rev. Donna J. Arnold Services: Sunday 8 and 9 a.m. St. Thomas of Canterbury 242 Grooms Road, Halfmoon st-thomas-of-canterbury.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Unity Church in Albany 21 King Avenue, Albany 453-3603 | Services: Sunday 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. West Charlton United Presbyterian Church 1331 Sacandaga Road, West Charlton 882-9874 | westcharltonupc.org Rev. Thomas Gregg, Pastor Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Wilton Baptist Church 755 Saratoga Road, Wilton 583-2736 | wiltonbaptistchurch.com Services: Sunday 11 a.m.

Saratoga Abundant Life Church 2325 Route 50 South, Saratoga Springs 885-5456 | SALChurch.org Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

* Handicap Accessible

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

Poisonous Poinsettia

The Urban Legend of the

by Peter Bowden for Saratoga TODAY Photos by Peter Bowden. Every year I encounter someone visiting the garden center who will not consider purchasing a poinsettia because they believe that their cat or dog is going to eat it and die. This belief is so ingrained that there is no convincing them otherwise. It is amazing and amusing what people choose to believe. A survey a couple of years ago revealed that about 70 percent of the population still believes that poinsettias are poisonous. I’m sure it doesn’t help that the word poinsettia resembles the word poison. How did the poor poinsettia become the focus of all this angst?

THE HAWAIIAN CONNECTION It all started in Hawaii in 1919 when the 2-year-old toddler son of an army officer was found dead. Some reports indicate that the child was found near a poinsettia bush which is a common garden plant in Hawaii. It was supposed that the child had eaten some of the poinsettia

and died. There was no proof of this...no autopsy or toxicology test...it was simply assumed that the poinsettia was to blame. The rumor spread throughout the islands and it became common knowledge that “poinsettias are poisonous” and will kill if eaten. Twenty-five years later the rumor was so well-entrenched that it was published as fact in a book called ‘Poisonous Plants of Hawaii’. At that point there was no stopping the rumor and it went viral. Soon poinsettias were being incorrectly listed as poisonous plants by even such illustrious institutions as the USDA. All this without one shred of evidence of any person or animal ever being harmed let alone killed by eating poinsettias. Eventually tests were conducted, and it was found that poinsettias aren’t toxic at all. Even with this evidence the toxic legend of the poinsettia didn’t die and 100 years after the rumor began most people still believe that poinsettias are killers.

GROWING YOUR OWN

With proper care, poinsettias can be grown year after year and reach heights up to 3 feet even as a potted specimen. The colorful bracts are a special set of leaves that change color, simulating giant flowers to attract insects to the small yellow flowers at their center. During the blooming stage, poinsettias should be kept in a warm, sunny spot with the soil just lightly moist. The small yellow flowers at the center of the bract should be pinched off. Don’t feed the plant. Maintain the poinsettia this way until midsummer. At

that time, cut it back by about 1/3, removing whatever colorful bracts that remain. Increase watering and feed every other week. If you move the plant outside for the summer, be sure to bring it back in when nighttime temperatures approach 50° F. The trickiest part is getting the poinsettia’s bracts to turn color at the right time. It needs to follow the natural cycle

of shortening daylight as it occurs outdoors. This means that when the sun goes down, the poinsettia MUST be in a TOTALLY DARK AREA. This critical period starts about the first of October. Light from even one 40-watt bulb after dark is enough to prevent the poinsettia from changing color… Many people think it needs to go into a closet for the entire month of October. Not so. It still needs light in the daytime. The best thing to

do is keep it in a room where there are no lights on in the evening or at night. Once you notice that the bracts have begun to change color, you can move the plant wherever you wish. Once the color starts to change nothing will stop it and the cycle begins again. THANKS FOR THE READ!

LOCAL BRIEFS

17th Annual Santa’s Playland Open House Santa will be joining Quick Response on December 8 and 9 from 5:30 – 9 p.m. for their Annual Santa’s Playland Open House. The event continues to be free to the public with visits from Santa and friends, horse and wagon rides along with rides on the Quick Express trains and free refreshments. Due to the growing popularity, the event offers offsite parking at the Sysco foods parking lot and Corpus Christi parking lots. There will be signs for offsite parking. You can also visit their website or Facebook for additional details.

Saratoga Springs History Museum Holiday Gala The Holiday Gala features great music, great food and great shopping. Joining the event this year is the Accents, one of Saratoga Springs most celebrated bands that will play hot tunes as you dance the night away. Longfellow’s Restaurant provides sumptuous dinner stations and the Silent Auction makes holiday gift giving a breeze. The Gala will be held at the Canfield Casino, located at 1 E Congress St., Saratoga Springs from 6:30 - 11 p.m. All proceeds will support the museum’s ongoing educational projects, materials and events. Tickets are $65 in advance, $55 for museum members, $55 for those 40 and under, and $70 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by calling 518-584-6920 or saratogahistory.org.

“A Christmas Carol” at HMT Join us and Tiny Tim this holiday season for timeless family entertainment. Charles Dickens’ story comes to life in this classic tale of the penny-

pinching Ebenezer Scrooge and the loving family of his hapless employee, Bob Cratchet. One cold Christmas Eve, three ghosts take Scrooge on the journey of his lifetime to show him the error of his ways by visiting his past, present and future. Grumpy, old Scrooge comes to know the meaning of kindness, charity, and goodwill. Performances will be held at Home Made Theater at the Spa Little Theater, located at 19 Roosevelt Dr., Saratoga Springs on December 8 and 15 – 7:30 p.m., December 9, 10, 17 – 1:00 p.m. and December 16 at 1 and 4:30 p.m. General Admission tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under. For more information, visit www.homemadetheater.org.

Holiday Folk Show at Caffe Lena It’s that magical time of year again! The time when festive folks across the region come to Caffe Lena to enjoy a sweet, sentimental and silly celebration of the season complete with swanky décor, audience participation, and loads of lovely songs. Our cast members are John Kirk, Trish Miller, David Kiphuth, Addie and Olin and Sara Milonovich. Sing-alongs, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, flute, concertina, horns and percussion played by talented folks who click like only old friends can. Selections are performed with harmony, peace and goodwill towards all. Caffe Lena is located at 47 Phila St., in Saratoga Springs. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20, $18 and $10.

Breakfast with Santa Come have breakfast with Santa on December 9 from 8 - 10:30 a.m. at the American Legion, located at 23 Pleasant St., Ballston Spa. Make some crafts and sit on Santa’s Lap to tell him what your wish is for Christmas. All Village children are invited to join us at this event.

Wilton Fire Department’s Breakfast with Santa Please join the firefighters of the Wilton Fire Department

for breakfast on December 9. Located at 270 Ballard Rd., in Wilton from 8 – 11 a.m. Menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, beverages and more. Bring a camera for pictures with Santa. A $7 donation is appreciated for adults. Children 12 and under free.

Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Workshop Join The Children’s Museum at Saratoga on December 9 at 10 – 11:30 a.m., along with Sue DuBois from Garden Goddess. Participants in this program will have the opportunity to listen to ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ music, color Charlie Brown coloring sheets, and hear a special reading of the book ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’. Then everyone will select their own 3 inch trees, make an ornament and wrap the tree like Linus to take home! Children must be at least 3 years old to participate. Pre-registration is required. Please call the museum at 518584-5540 if you would like to register you and your child.

Dinner Theater: The Call of Christmas Experience the Christmas Story like never before. Performances are on Saturday, December 9 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the South Glens Falls United Methodist Church, located at 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls. Advance sale tickets $10 or at the door $12. Seating is limited so make your reservation early, 518-793-1152.

Local Magicians Meeting The local group of The Society of American Magicians, Assembly #24, will meet on December 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the S. W. Pitts Hose Co. of Latham on Old Loudon Road in Latham. We welcome all persons, age 16 and older, with any interest in the art of magic whether it be: performance, history, collecting or purely entertainment to join us for a fun evening. For more information,

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017 visit our website, www.sam24.org.

Joint Holiday Mixer The Malta Business & Professional Association announces it has joined forces this holiday season with the Southern Saratoga Chamber of Commerce for a Joint Holiday Mixer. This year’s event will be held Wednesday, December 13, 2017, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Vista Restaurant located at the Van Patten Golf Club located at 524 Main Street in Clifton Park. Festivities include Mixing and Mingling with over 200 attendees, appetizers, giveaways, door prizes and the opportunity to win 1 of 13 fabulous raffle prizes. Everyone is invited to join us for good cheer and a toast to the holidays and the coming new year while looking back on 2017 accomplishments and forward to the holidays and 2018 goals. This event also celebrates the Chamber’s 50th Anniversary. Cost for members is $25, general admission $40. Registration prepayment is required at www. southernsaratoga.org.

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Saratoga Mineral Baths: Not Just for Saturday Nights, presented by Charlie Kuenzel. Free and open to the public, no registration required. The program takes place on December 14 from 12 – 1 p.m. in the H. Dutcher Community Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs. For more information, call 518-587-3241 or visit, www. SaratogaSpringsVisitorCenter.com or www.DiscoverSaratoga.org.

Havurah Vatik December Event Join us for a Hannukah Celebration at Congregation Shaara Tfille, located at 84 Weible Ave., Saratoga Springs on Tuesday, December 19 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Join local musicians of the Adirondack Klezmer Band for their third fabulous appearance to celebrate the Hannukah festival. We will welcome Al Wadler on clarinet; Bob Orban on trumpet;

James Fuchs on saxophone; George Painter, piano; Neal Herr on bass guitar; Ray Rabl, percussion; Barbara Rosoff and Judith Korot, violin, along with vocalist Anna Rose Johnson. This energetic ensemble will treat us to traditional Hannukah songs as well as the Klezmer melodies and dances of Eastern Europe: the “voice of the Jewish heart.” And once again, they’ll have us dancing in the aisles. A festive catered lunch featuring Latkes follows the program. We need your RSVP by December 13 by calling 518-584-8730, ext. 4.

20th Annual First Night Saratoga 5K Run Begin the First Night celebration right by joining the run before the huge New Year’s event. Start and finish on the beautiful Skidmore campus. The first 3/4 mile is a gradual uphill on the perimeter road. The course exits the campus at Clinton Avenue and continues to Greenfield Avenue, continuing up North Broadway and back to campus. This is a moderately challenging course, including both hills and downgrades. Limited to 1,500 Runners: Due to the overwhelming success of this run, and having to close-out registration several years in a row, there will be no day of race registration. Awards: To the top three overall male and female finishers, and top three male and female finishers in each 5-year age division. No duplicate awards. Shirts: All registered runners will receive a limited edition First Night Saratoga moisture-wicking shirt. All race finishers will receive a commemorative First Night Saratoga medal. Registration is $30. Entry fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Run your race for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with Team in Training. The run begins at 5:30 p.m. To register, visit www.zippyreg. com/online_reg/reg2017. php?e=980.

Send your local briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com two weeks prior to the event.

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017 2017 Saratoga Fair Trade Market Expo

Family Friendly Event!

Friday, December 1

Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Downtown Ballston Spa, 6:30 p.m. The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association’s annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting beginning on Milton Ave. and ends in Wiswall Park 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.

Winter Dance Concert Dance Theater, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs Works by faculty choreographers and by guest artist Chanon Judson from Urban Bush Women. Performances are 8 p.m. December 1 and 2, and at 2 p.m. December 2. $12 adults, $9 senior citizens, and $5 for students. For more information call 518-580-5392.

Saturday, December 2 Breakfast with Santa St. Mary’s School Gymnasium, 40 Thompson St., Ballston Spa, 8 – 11 a.m. A delicious pancake breakfast courtesy of the Eagle Matt Lee and Union Fire Companies. Children and their families will enjoy activities, live performances and a chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Cost is $5 per person. All proceeds will go to support community events and village beautification. A portion of the proceeds from the breakfast will go to support the youth programs at St. Mary’s Parish. We will also be collecting unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots, so please bring a toy to donate if you would like.

Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Fight against worldwide poverty while getting all your holiday shopping done in one location. A beautiful array of handcrafted gifts fairly traded from around the world. Live music by local music teacher/musician Jon Tario and a free scavenger hunt all day with prizes for kids. Come shop with purpose and joy. Free Admission. Hosted by New Life Fellowship Church and The Bosnian Handcraft Project. For more information call 518-580-1810.

Buck-A-Bag Used Book Sale Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Don’t miss out on a great assortment of books, movies, music and more. Are you a Friends of the Ballston Spa Public Library member? Don’t forget to stop down for your free item. For more information, call 518-885-5022 or visit ballston.sals.edu.

Elvis Blue Christmas Concert and Dinner Saratoga Music Hall, 474 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 6:30 p.m. The Saratoga Children’s Theatre announces their Blue Christmas Fundraiser. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a light dinner (included), and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Raffle baskets and 50/50 raffle. Help support Saratoga Children’s Theatre during this night of music and fun. Come see this two-act reproduction of Elvis on tour, featuring multi-award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist, Mathew Boyce, and his 28-piece Suspicious Mind Orchestra. Tickets: $40 for adults, $35 for seniors, and $15 for students. For more information and tickets, please visit www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org or call 518-430-7423.

Sunday, December 3 Annual Great Train Extravaganza ™ Empire State Convention Center (underneath Egg), 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Operating layouts most scales including Legos for the kids.

CALENDAR 300+ tables of model trains, train sets, parts accessories, scenery items, books, videos, DVDs, prints, railroad memorabilia. Educational displays. Seminars including free make-n-take. www.gtealbany.com, 518-6689892, trains@gtealbany.com.

Traditional English Choral Service Bethesda Church, Washington St. Saratoga Springs, 3 p.m. A traditional English choral service of Advent Lessons and Carols. The choir is directed by Dr. Kathleen Slezak and accompanied by Organist, Farrell Goehring with a reception following immediately. A free will offering will be taken. For more information call 518-584-5980.

Wednesday, December 6 Friends in Adoption Get Acquainted Workshop Inn at Saratoga, 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 5 p.m. Families interested in adopting infants in need of forever families. The workshop continues on Thursday all day, December 7, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Onsite consults at the end of the workshop on December 7. For more information email brandi@ friendsinadoption.org or visit www.friendsinadoption.org/gaw

U.S. Submarine Veterans Christmas Party

4th Annual Snow-A-Palooza Bryant & Stratton College, 2452 Route 9, Suite 201, Malta, 4 p.m. This event is free and includes a craft room, cookie decorating room, game room, refreshments and a visit from Santa on his Red Fire Engine courtesy of Round Lake Fire Department. Silent auction with various items donated by local businesses and not-for-profits to help raise funds to support the Toys for Toga, the Ballston Area Community Center, and the Mother Teresa Academy Cancer Awareness Fund. For more information on volunteering and/or donating please contact Melyssa Wall at 518-437-1802 ext. 280

Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room, 6 – 9 p.m. Come be “board” in the library on the first Monday of the month (except holidays) with Saratoga’s newest group of adult board game enthusiasts. We’ll play games from some of the most respected publishers in the industry, occasionally unbox new games, and share some favorite games from our collections with the group. For more information contact Trevor Oakley at 518-584-7860 ext. 268

American Legion Post 234, 23 Pleasant St., Ballston Spa, 7 p.m. A “pot luck” dinner for members and guests. Please remember our base campaign for Toys for Tots. All submarine veterans who Monday, December 4 served at any time are eligible to Saratoga Retired Teachers will join. For more information conmeet at Longfellows Restaurant, tact Jim Irwin, Base Commander, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, at 518-383-2481 or email: at Noon. Prospective members, subvetjim@gmail.com. please call 518-587-5356 for membership information and Poetry Readings luncheon reservations. Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, Sign ups 7 p.m. Wilton Democratic Meeting will be Poetry readings by Marilyn Zembo held at 2 Amanda Court in Saratoga Day and Leslie Neustadt. An open Springs, 6:45 p.m. For more reading will follow. The host for information, call 917-282-5297. the event will be Carol Graser and The American Legion Auxiliary, the cost is $5, free for students. For Post 234, Ballston Spa will hold more information, call 518-583their monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at 0022, or visit www.caffelena.org. 23 Pleasant Street, Ballston Spa.

Tuesday, December 5

Thursday, December 7

Korean War Veterans Association Christmas Party

A Green Gathering

Monday, December 4 Grown Up Gaming: “Board” in the Library

Log Jam Restaurant, 1484 U.S. 9, Lake George, Noon We will be ordering off the menu. Hosts are Patti and Gene Slavin. Please call the Slavin’s at 518-793-2358 with your reservations by December 3. The December raffle will be awarded, and enter-tainment will be provided. All veterans who served anywhere during the Korean War or in Korea at any time, spouses, widows, family and friends are all eligible to attend. For further information or an application to join the organization, please contact Comm. Roger Calkins at 518-584-3037.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Harvey’s Restaurant and Bar, 14 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, 5 – 7 p.m. Green Drinks: A “green gathering” for those who work, volunteer, or have a passion for promoting the environment, conservation, and sustainability. Cash bar available (nonalcoholic drinks and food may also be purchased). Visit www. greendrinks.org/NY/Saratoga%20 Springs for more in-formation.

Tuesday, December 5 Upstate Conservative Coalition of Saratoga will meet at the Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa from 7 – 9 p.m. We are a group of likeminded individuals determined to promote traditional conservative values in our community and beyond. Join us at our monthly meeting to discuss how we can help promote our conservative policies in local, state and national politics. Check us out at: www. upstateconservatives.org. We meet the first Tuesday of every month.

Send your calendar events to calendar@saratogapublishing.com two weeks prior to the event.

28 ARTS &

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

Entertainment

Saratoga County “A Christmas Carol” Opens at Home Made Theater Dec. 8 WINTER RESTAURANT

SARATOGA SPRINGS Home Made Theater begins their holiday season with Charles Dickens’ classic tale “A Christmas Carol.” The show runs weekends Dec. 8 - 17 at the Spa Little Theater in the Saratoga Spa State Park. This holiday favorite is the story of the penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge and the loving family of his hapless employee Bob Cratchit. One cold Christmas Eve three ghosts take Scrooge on a journey to show him the error of his ways by visiting his past, present and future. Ebenezer comes to know the meaning of kindness, charity, and goodwill. The show director is Dianne O’Neill Filer and the cast includes HMT veterans Marilyn Detmer as the Narrator, Charles FitzGerald as Marley, Mark Todaro as Bob Cratchit, Rick Wissler as Mr. Fezziwig, Susan Dantz as Mrs. Fezziwig, and Byron Turner as

Week Kicks Off Friday

Scene from “A Christmas Carol,” which opens at the Spa Little Theater Dec. 8. Samantha Levy as Mrs. Cratchit, Emma Jordan as Tiny Tim, Amelie Roginski as Belinda, Zeke Fiber as Peter, Mark Todaro as Bob Cratchit, Heather Ritchie as The Ghost of Christmas Present, and Warren Schultz as Scrooge. Photo provided.

Fred. Newcomers to HMT include Warren Schultz as Scrooge, Samantha Levy as Mrs. Crachit, and Emma Jordan as Tiny Tim. The design team for “A Christmas Carol” includes HMT’s Technical Director Kevin Miller as Scenic Designer, Matthew Teichner as Lighting Designer, Properties Designer Mary Fran Hughes, Sound Designer Tom Moeller, and Costume Designers Dianne O’Neill

Filer and Sherry Recinella. Adapted for the stage by Terry Rabine. Show times: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15; 1 p.m. Dec. 9, 10 and 17; 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 16. Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under and are available by calling 518-587-4427, or by going to: www.homemadetheater. org. This production is partially underwritten by Saratoga TODAY.

SARATOGA SPRINGS The 13th annual Saratoga — County Winter Restaurant Week runs Dec. 1 – 7, for week-long celebration of Saratoga culinary delights. The event offers a glimpse into the unique dining options within Saratoga County. More than 50 participating restaurants will serve up a variety of prix fixe menu options ranging from $10, $20 and $30 three-course dinners and $5 and $10 lunch specials (plus tax & tip). Special room rates during Restaurant Week will take place at participating hotels. For more information about menus, participating restaurants, and special hotel rates go to: www.discoversaratoga.org or call 518-584-1531. Hotel reservations are encouraged.

Don’t forget to bring a new, unwrapped toy with you for Toys for Toga. Help make a local child’s holiday brighter by bringing a new toy to participating Saratoga locations. Unwrapped gifts and cash donations will be distributed to three local charities: Franklin Community Center, CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services and Mechanicville Area Community Services Center. Look for the cardboard box.

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

29 & ARTS

Entertainment

DEATH of a Teen IDOL by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY “I’ll feel really good when it’s over. I have an image of myself... I’m living on an island. The sky is blue, the sun is shining. And I’m smiling...” -- David Cassidy, Rolling Stone, May 11, 1972. There were 20,000 of them, more or less, each seemingly armed with cheap, pocket-sized cameras crowned by four-sided cubes whose white flash burned your retinas with every image attempted to capture the teen idol on stage. They had watched him, this crowd of mostly young girls, the past 18 months on TV - singing songs, driving the Partridge Family’s Mondrian-inspired bus and bought millions of his albums, collected his trading cards, and carried to school lunchboxes bedizened with his image. And now here he was: live, in person, and on stage at the world’s most famous arena. It was a Madison Square Garden that had belonged to Ali and Frazier, Giacomin and Gilbert, Willis and Clyde. On this night, however, it was all about David Cassidy. In 1972, a gallon of gas cost fifty-five cents, the average monthly rent was $165, and the annual household income about $12,000. It was a year that saw Crazy Joe Gallo gunned down at Umberto’s Clam House, five men arrested for breaking in to the Democratic National Committee offices at the Watergate Hotel and the gold medal achievements of Mark Spitz and Olga Korbut overshadowed when 11 Israelis, five guerillas and one police officer were killed in a 20-hour siege at the Munich Games. Cassidy sang 15 or so songs, his 21-year-old torso coiling and squirming inside a white crepe jumpsuit and sending its fringe adornments reeling. “I’ll meet you halfway/ that’s better than no way,” he crooned. There were others: “I Can Feel Your Heartbeat,” and “Cherish.” “I Woke Up In Love This Morning,” and “Doesn’t Somebody Want To Be Wanted.” At Madison Square Garden, his TV/ real-life mom Shirley Partridge Jones sat in the first row. My dad - then a youthful man in his thirties whose land of origins had given birth to

300 Spartans who did battle Thermopylae and who as a child he had escaped the Nazi plunder of his village – shook his head in disbelief at the commotion and plugged fingers into his ears to attempt to mute the shrill shrieks of teen-girl idolatry caterwauling down from the blue seats that called David’s name. It was a cacophonous chorus that my sister, six or seven years of age at the time, willingly joined. The sound of the screams rang around in your head for several days after. Cassidy was a frequent summer visitor to Saratoga Springs. You’d run into him at the racecourse, or coming out of the Wilton Mall cinema, or at Fasig-Tipton - where he bought his first yearling in 1974. In 2001, he purchased a house in Saratoga Springs. It was a Monday night in August seven years later when he stood up in front of 250 people at a fundraising gala for The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Council at the Hall of Springs and publicly announced, for the first time, that he was an alcoholic. The revelation, which was unexpected, left some in the audience stunned. “I was in denial about it, and the problem was getting worse,” said Cassidy, his wife Sue and his son Beau at his side. Cassidy talked about his

genetical link to his own father, the actor Jack Cassidy. “Bipolar, manic-depressive, alcoholic and a genius,” he told the audience. Wife Sue said she was proud of her husband for having the courage to publicly share such a personal experience. “Seeing him up here and telling you all this is one of the greatest things that I could ever hope to be able to be a part of,” said 17-year-old Beau. Cassidy acknowledged that the location of the Hall of Springs, sitting as it does adjacent to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, created an interesting juxtaposition that merged the past and the present; a time for new beginnings to lead into the future. “This is my favorite place in the world. ... I played here in ‘72, ‘73, ‘74,” Cassidy remembered. “What was ironic when I drove up, was that I realized this journey has been going on for so many years. And the journey is now. Every day, 24 hours, to stay sober.” You got the feeling on that August night in 2008 that what stood before you was a person at a the flashpoint of their own existence, burning white-hot as the flash residue of 20,000 cameras all those years ago. You got the feeling, that night in 2008, that things could go either way. It did not go well. What followed

was a series of drunken driving charges, a divorce from wife Sue Shifrin after more than 20 years of marriage, and Cassidy’s revelation earlier this year that he’d been diagnosed with dementia and was struggling with memory loss. Shortly before Thanksgiving, he was admitted to a Florida hospital, reportedly with multiple organ failure. Time was running out. For millions of people who

were born, say, between 1960 and 1965, the sadness of confronting their own mortality comingled with the childhood innocence of youthful dreams. “Prayers please,” Sue Shifrin Cassidy wrote Nov. 18 on Twitter. Nov. 19: David is still with us. Keep praying. Nov. 20: Critical but stable. Nov. 22: God was in that room tonight. Point him in the direction of... heaven. RIP.

30 ARTS &

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

Entertainment

From BAM to Saratoga : HOWARD FISHMAN Production to Stage at Skidmore Dec. 7-9 SARATOGA SPRINGS — A limited engagement run of “A Star Has Burnt My Eye,” written and performed by Howard Fishman, will be presented by Skidmore College Dec. 7 – 9. The production, which had its world premiere at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) in November 2016, and was a New York Times Critics’ Pick, is directed by awardwinning director Paul Lazar of Big Dance Theater. Synopsis: A Star Has Burnt My Eye is a multimedia theatrical meditation on the life and music

of polymath Elizabeth “Connie” Converse, who some have taken to calling “the first singer-songwriter.” A prototype of the DIY artist, Converse wrote and self-recorded an extraordinary collection of songs in the early 1950’s before deliberately vanishing years later in despair of ever finding her audience. The show features a group of New York musicians, led by playwright and composer Howard Fishman, who will perform her songs, read from her letters, and make the case for Converse’s particular genius, and her belated status as a great lost

American artist. Howard Fishman has toured the world as a headlining performer, fronting ensembles versed in pop, New Orleans jazz, country, bluegrass, classical, punk, gospel and experimental music.The New York Times has written that his work “transcends time and idiom.” Tickets are $18 general admission and $12 for the Skidmore community and senior citizens, and are available at theater.skidmore.edu, or by contacting the Box Office at boxoffice@skidmore.edu.

Howard Fishman's “A Star Has Burnt My Eye,” pictured here at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, will be performed in Saratoga Springs next week. Photo provided.

Sydney Worthley, T A N G T O S C R E E N who will share the main City Center stage with festival headliner Sawyer Fredericks on New Year’s Eve, performed at Saratoga Arts Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, during the organization’s First Night 2018 announcement. Popular returning favorites Sirsy, Harold Ford’s “Spirit of Johnny Cash,” Holly & Evan, and the Ramblin’ Jug Stompers will join dozens of other entertainers at a variety of downtown venues on New Year’s Eve. First Night Buttons are $15. For more information about the event, go to: www.saratoga-arts.org.

AVA N T

‘60s

FILMS

PHOTO BY: Thomas Dimopoulos

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Whimsical and outrageous art movies by 1960s avant-garde filmmaking brothers Mike and George Kuchar will be screened at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 in the Somers Room of the Tang Museum on the campus of Skidmore College. Fraternal twins George and Mike Kuchar were each prominent

avant-garde filmmakers by the late 1960s and began making films as teens in New York City, creating intentionally amateurish films with campy acting, colorful sets, fanciful characters, and eccentric subject matter. The program features two films by George, who died in 2011, and one by Mike, who recently won the Guggenheim fellowship

in Film-Video. The event is part of “Whole Grain,” a new experimental film and video series. Films: “Dwarf Star,” 1974, 20 minutes; “Hold Me While I’m Naked,” 1966, 17 minutes; “Ascension of the Demonoids,” 1986, 45 minutes. For more information, call 518-580-8080.

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

31 & ARTS

Entertainment CRITERION

(518) 306-4205 (518) 306-4205 12/01/17-12/07/17 12/01/17-12/07/17

CRITERION 19 RAILROAD PLACE, SARATOGA SPRINGS 19 RAILROAD PLACE, SARATOGA SPRINGS

new york CiTy BAlleT: GeorGe BAlAnChine’S n ewnyuTCrACker ork CiTy B() AlleT eorGe B AlAnChine’S The 2D:RGeseRved seating The nuTCrACker () 2D ReseRved seating CoCo (PG) 2D CoCo (PG) 2D

week of 12/1-12/7 friday, 12/1:

monday, 12/4:

Rich Ortiz, 9 pm @ Bailey’s — 583.6060

Open Mic Night, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022

Ballroom Thieves/ The Novel Ideas, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583-0022

Super Dark Collective presents Matt Valentines/Oneirica, 10 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026

Mike O’Donnell, 7 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583-1890 Tom Olsen Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583-2582 Fenimore Blues, 9 pm @ One Caroline — 587-2026 Ghostface Killah, 8 pm @ Putnam Den — 584-8066

tuesday, 12/5: JAZZ at Caffe Lena with Chuck Lamb Trio & Vic Juris, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583-0022 Drank the Gold, 7 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583-1890

saturday, 12/2:

Spoon, 7 pm @ Upstate Concert Hall - 371-0012

Jeff & the Blackouts, 9 pm @ Bailey’s — 583-6060

wednesday, 12/6:

The Suitcase Junket, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583-0022 Dirt Cheap, 10 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583-9400

Poetry Night feat. Leslie Neustadt & Marilyn Zembo Day, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583-0022

Becky Walton & Mike Steiner, 7 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583-1890

Tim Wechgelaer & Chris Carey, 7:30 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583-1890

Keith Pray Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583-2582

Masters of Nostalgia, 8 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026

Flying Rob And Friends, 9 pm @ One Caroline — 587-2026

Wage War, 6 pm @ Upstate Concert Hall - 371-0012

Big Fez Christmas, 8 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583-1916 Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, 8 pm @ Putnam Den — 584-8066

sunday, 12/3: Soul Rebel Performance Troupe presents “Voices From Inside,” 1:30 pm; The Wynotte Sisters, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Just Two Brothers, 8 pm @ One Caroline — 587-2026 Hot Club of Saratoga, EVERY SUNDAY, Noon @ Salt & Char — 450-7500 Professor Louie and the Crowmatix, 3 pm @ The Strand - 832-3484

thursday, 12/7: Jeff Walton, 6 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583-1890 Rodeo Barons, 8 pm @ One Caroline — 587-2026 Irish Celtic Session, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583-1916

SAT & Sun: 10:00 AM SAT & Sun Tue: 10:00 : 7:00 AM PM Tue: 7:00 PM Fri: 10:20 AM, 11:20 AM, 1:00, 4:10 Fri: 10:20 AM, 11:20 1:00, 4:10 4:10 Mon - TAM, hu: 1:00, Mon - Thu: 1:00, 4:10 Fri: 7:20, 9:20 Fri: 7:20, CoCo (PG) 2D ReseRved seating SAT & Sun: 10:20 AM, 1:00, 4:10, 7:20, 9:20 9:20 CoCo (PG) 2D ReseRved seating SAT & Sun: 10:20 AM, 1:00, 7:20, 9:20 9:20 Mon 4:10, - Thu: 7:20, Mon - Thu: 7:20, 9:20 Fri: 10:00 AM, 1:10, 3:40 The MAn who invenTeD ChriSTMAS (PG) 2D Fri: 10:00 1:10, 3:40 3:40 Mon - TAM, hu: 1:10, The MAn who invenTeD ChriSTMAS (PG) 2D Mon - Thu: 1:10, 3:40 Fri: 6:10, 9:00 The MAn who invenTeD ChriSTMAS Fri: 6:10, SAT & Sun: 10:00 AM, 1:10, 3:40, 6:10, 9:00 9:00 T(PG) he M2D An w ho i nvenTeD C hriSTMAS ReseRved seating SAT & Sun: 10:00 AM, 1:10, 3:40, 6:10, 9:00 9:00 M on T hu : 6:10, (PG) 2D ReseRved seating Mon - Thu: 6:10, 9:00 Fri: 12:15, 3:15 JuSTiCe leAGue (PG-13) 2D ri:: 12:15, Mon - TFhu 12:30, 3:15 3:15 JuSTiCe leAGue (PG-13) 2D Mon - Thu: 12:30, 3:15 Fri: 6:30, 9:50 JuSTiCe leAGue (PG-13) 2D Fri: 6:30, SAT & Sun: 12:15, 3:15, 6:30, 9:50 9:50 JRuSTiCe eseRvedlseAGue eating(PG-13) 2D SAT & Sun: 12:15, 3:15, 6:30, 9:50 9:50 M on T hu : 6:30, ReseRved seating Mon - Thu: 6:30, 9:50 Fri - Sun: 10:50 AM, 1:50, 4:50, 7:50, 10:50 JuSTiCe leAGue (PG-13) BTX Fri - Sun: 10:50 1:50, 4:50, 4:50, 7:50, 7:50, 10:50 10:50 Mon - TAM, hu: 1:50, JuSTiCe leAGue (PG-13) BTX Mon - Thu: 1:50, 4:50, 7:50, 10:50 Fri: 10:10 AM, 12:30, 2:20, 3:30 wonDer (PG) 2D Fri: 10:10 12:30, 2:30, 2:20, 3:30 3:30 Mon - TAM, hu: 12:40, wonDer (PG) 2D Mon - Thu: 12:40, 2:30, 3:30 Fri: 5:20, 6:40, 9:30 Fri:AM, 5:20,12:30, 6:40,2:20, 9:30 SAT & Sun: 10:10 wonDer (PG) 2D ReseRved seating SAT & Sun: 10:10 AM, 12:30, 2:20, 3:30, 5:20, 6:40, 9:30 wonDer (PG) 2D ReseRved seating 5:20, 6:40, 6:40, 9:30 9:30 Mon 3:30, - Thu: 5:20, Mon - Thu: 5:20, 6:40, 9:30 Fri: 11:45 AM, 2:30 FriM : 11:45 AM, 2:40 2:30 on: 12:00, Mon : 12:00, DADDy’S hoMe 2 (PG-13) 2D Tue: 11:50 AM, 2:15, 2:40 4:30 DADDy’S hoMe 2 (PG-13) 2D wTue eD:: 11:50 11:50 AM, AM, 2:15, 1:20, 4:30 4:40 weD: 11:50Thu AM, 1:20, 2:40 4:40 : 12:00, Thu: 12:00, 2:40 Fri: 5:10, 8:00, 10:30 Fri: 5:10, SAT & Sun: 11:45 AM, 2:30, 5:10, 8:00, 8:00, 10:30 10:30 DADDy’S hoMe 2 (PG-13) 2D SAT & Sun: 11:45 AM, 2:30, 5:10, 8:00, 8:00, 10:30 10:30 M on : 5:10, DReseRved ADDy’S sheating oMe 2 (PG-13) 2D Mon : 5:10, 8:00, 10:30 T ue & w eD : 10:30 PM ReseRved seating Tue: 5:10, & weD8:00, : 10:30 PM Thu 10:30 Thu: 5:10, 8:00, 10:30 Fri: 9:50 AM, 12:00, 3:00 MurDer on The orienT eXPreSS (PG-13) 2D Fri:M9:50 AM, 12:00, 3:00 3:00 on - T hu: 12:20, MurDer on The orienT eXPreSS (PG-13) 2D Mon - Thu: 12:20, 3:00 Fri: 6:00, 8:50 MurDer on The orienT eXPreSS Fri: 6:00, SAT & Sun: 9:50 AM, 12:00, 3:00, 6:00, 8:50 8:50 M urDer on The o rienT e XPreSS (PG-13) 2D ReseRved seating SAT & Sun: 9:50 AM, 12:00, 3:00, 6:00, 8:50 8:50 Mon - Thu: 6:00, (PG-13) 2D ReseRved seating Mon - Thu: 6:00, 8:50 Fri: 10:30 AM, 1:30, 4:40 Three BillBoArDS ouTSiDe eBBinG, Fri: 10:30 1:30, 4:40 4:40 Three BillBoArDS Mon - TAM, hu: 1:30, M iSSouri (r) 2D ouTSiDe eBBinG, Mon - Thu: 1:30, 4:40 MiSSouri (r) 2D Fri: 7:40, 10:15 Three BillBoArDS ouTSiDe eBBinG, Fri: 7:40, SAT & Sun: 10:30 AM, 1:30, 4:40, 7:40, 10:15 10:15 TMhree B illBoArDS o uTSiDe e BBinG , iSSouri (r) 2D ReseRved seating SAT & Sun: 10:30 AM, 1:30, 4:40, 7:40, 10:15 10:15 M on T hu : 7:40, MiSSouri (r) 2D ReseRved seating Mon - Thu: 7:40, 10:15 Fri: 11:30 AM, 2:00, 4:30 FriM : 11:30 AM, 2:00, 2:00, 4:30 4:30 on: 12:10, M on : 12:10, 2:00, 4:30 Tue: 12:10, 2:00, 4:40 lADy BirD (r) 2D lADy BirD (r) 2D wTue eD:: 12:10, 12:10, 2:00, 2:15, 4:40 4:00 wThu eD:: 12:10, 12:10, 2:15, 2:00, 4:00 4:30 Thu: 12:10, 2:00, 4:30 Fri: 7:10, 9:40 Fri: 7:10, SAT & Sun: 11:30 AM, 2:00, 4:30, 7:10, 9:40 9:40 lADy BirD (r) 2D ReseRved seating SAT & Sun: 11:30 AM, 2:00, 7:10, 9:40 9:40 lADy BirD (r) 2D ReseRved seating Mon 4:30, - Thu: 7:10, Mon - Thu: 7:10, 9:40 Fri: 12:40, 3:50 Thor: rAGnArok (PG-13) 2D ri:: 12:40, Mon - TFhu 12:50, 3:50 3:50 Thor: rAGnArok (PG-13) 2D Mon - Thu: 12:50, 3:50 Fri: 7:00, 10:20 Thor: rAGnArok (PG-13) 2D Fri: 7:00, SAT & Sun: 12:40, 3:50, 7:00, 10:20 10:20 TRhor : r AGnArok (PG-13) 2D eseRved seating SAT & Sun: 12:40, 7:00, 10:20 10:20 Mon 3:50, - Thu: 7:00, ReseRved seating Mon - Thu: 7:00, 10:20

Wilton, NY 12866 Wilton, NY 12866 3065 Route 50, Wilton 3065 Route 50, Wilton

CoCo (PG) 2D CoCo (PG) 2D roMAn J. iSrAel, eSq. (PG-13) 2D roMAn J. iSrAel, eSq. (PG-13) 2D JuSTiCe leAGue (PG-13) 2D JuSTiCe leAGue (PG-13) 2D JuSTiCe leAGue (PG-13) 2D BTX JuSTiCe leAGue (PG-13) 2D BTX The STAr (PG) 2D The STAr (PG) 2D DADDy’S hoMe 2 (PG-13) 2D DADDy’S hoMe 2 (PG-13) 2D MurDer on The orienT eXPreSS M urDer on (PG-13) 2DThe orienT eXPreSS (PG-13) 2D Thor: rAGnArok (PG-13) 2D Thor: rAGnArok (PG-13) 2D

(518) 306-4707 (518) 306-4707 12/01/17-12/07/17 12/01/17-12/07/17 Fri - Sun: 10:10 AM, 1:10, 4:20, 6:40, 9:00 Fri - Sun: 10:10 1:10, 4:20, 4:20, 6:40, 6:40, 9:00 9:00 Mon - TAM, hu: 1:10, Mon - Thu: 1:10, 4:20, 6:40, 9:00 Fri - Sun: 9:50 AM, 12:50, 3:50, 6:50, 9:50 Fri - Sun:M9:50 AM, 12:50, 3:50, 3:50, 6:50, 6:50, 9:50 9:50 on - T hu: 12:50, Mon - Thu: 12:50, 3:50, 6:50, 9:50 Fri - Sun: 10:40 AM, 1:40, 4:30, 7:30, 10:30 Fri - Sun: 10:40 1:40, 4:30, 4:30, 7:30, 7:30, 10:30 10:30 Mon - TAM, hu: 1:40, Mon - Thu: 1:40, 4:30, 7:30, 10:30 Fri - Sun: 9:40 AM, 12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 9:30 Fri - Sun:M9:40 AM, 12:30, 3:30, 3:30, 6:30, 6:30, 9:30 9:30 on - T hu: 12:30, Mon - Thu: 12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 9:30 Fri - Sun: 11:00 AM, 1:30, 3:40, 6:20, 9:40 Fri - Sun: 11:00 1:30, 3:40, 3:40, 6:20, 6:20, 9:40 9:40 Mon - TAM, hu: 1:30, Mon - Thu: 1:30, 3:40, 6:20, 9:40 Fri - Sun: 10:20 AM, 1:20, 4:00, 7:40, 10:20 Fri - Sun: 10:20 1:20, 4:00, 4:00, 7:40, 7:40, 10:20 10:20 Mon - TAM, hu: 1:20, Mon - Thu: 1:20, 4:00, 7:40, 10:20 Fri - Sun: 11:20 AM, 2:00, 4:40, 7:20, 10:00 Fri - Sun: 11:20 2:00, 4:40, 4:40, 7:20, 7:20, 10:00 10:00 Mon - TAM, hu: 2:00, Mon - Thu: 2:00, 4:40, 7:20, 10:00 Fri - Sun: 10:00 AM, 1:00, 4:10, 7:10, 10:10 Fri - Sun: 10:00 1:00, 4:10, 4:10, 7:10, 7:10, 10:10 10:10 Mon - TAM, hu: 1:00, Mon - Thu: 1:00, 4:10, 7:10, 10:10

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

Puzzles Across 1 Think tank nuggets 6 Party freebies 10 Hurricane response org. 14 Confusion 15 Shakespearean villain 16 Ink color, to Shakespeare 17 Flower symbolizing freshness 18 Turkish money 19 Barnes & Noble reader 20 Sandwich initials 21 “Let’s say we’re even” 24 Some corporate jets 26 Internet hookups? 27 “Oh my goodness!” 29 Like much barley soup 31 Marriott competitor 32 Tuneful 34 Line on a restaurant receipt 37 Slice of pie 39 Car starter: Abbr. 40 Bitcoin, e.g. 42 UFO crew, supposedly 43 “Golly!” 46 Like some garage floors 47 Raise aloft 48 “How do you like them __?!” 50 Baltimore athlete 53 What undercover cops may wear 54 It’s all in your mind 57 Fido’s foot 60 Proactiv+ target 61 Eins, zwei, __ 62 Suspected perp’s story 64 Downpour that can hurt 65 Has a snack 66 Rolled to hold fries, as paper 67 Does impressions of 68 Bug repellent ingredient 69 Rapidity Down 1 Website with movie trivia 2 Use a rotary phone 3 Off-ramps 4 Vienna’s land: Abbr. 5 Surveillance device 6 Window shelves 7 Cry miserably 8 Prefix with culture

See puzzle solutions on page 39

See puzzle solution on page 39 9 Chin growths 10 Green Monster ballpark 11 WWII German torpedo craft 12 Bullwinkle, for one 13 Egyptian crosses 22 __ rug: small carpet 23 Magazine revenue source 25 Actor Dane of “Grey’s Anatomy” 27 Lowdown 28 Exude 29 Intolerant sort 30 Years on end 33 Tractor trailers 34 Sudden downturns, and a literal hint to this puzzle’s circles 35 Dot on the blue part of a map 36 Sci. class 38 Deadly African virus

41 Handle it as well as one can 44 Produced, as crops 45 Reagan’s first secretary of state 47 Monopoly buys 49 Lead the flock 50 City name famously used by Peyton Manning when calling signals 51 Summarize 52 Navel type 53 Slacks measure 55 “Dies __”: hymn 56 Ration (out) 58 Provide a fake 62-Across for, e.g. 59 Like EEE shoes 63 Mauna __

Writing the Right Word by Dave Dowling

Accuracy in word choice is a key to effective communication. In your daily writing and speaking, try to make sure you use the right word in the right place with the right spelling. By doing so, its effect will affect your communication in a positive way. This quick weekly tip will help you filter the confusion in some of our daily word choices. This Week: Emigrant, Immigrant, Migrant Emigrant is one who leaves one’s country to settle in another. The emigrants spent a few weeks aboard ship before landing. Immigrant is one who enters and settles in a new country. Many immigrants are looking for jobs in the metropolitan area. Migrant is one who travels about, especially in search of work. The migrants are working in the apple orchards of New York. Dave Dowling is the author of The Wrong Word Dictionary and The Dictionary of Worthless Words. Both books are available from many book retailers, and signed copies can be obtained by contacting Dave at dave.dowling65@gmail.com

34 It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

Publication Day: Friday

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Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

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Call (518) 581-2480 x204 REAL ESTATE Dorset Vermont Home Foreclosure Auction December 8 @ 12PM 4BR, 3BA, 4,598±SF, 2 Fireplaces, Formal Dining Room, 5.59± Acres, Detached Garage, Pool THCAuction.com 800-634-7653

AUTO DONATIONS Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 518-650-1110 Today!

DIVORCE DIVORCE $349 - Uncontested divorce papers prepared. Only one signature required. Poor person Application included if applicable. Separation agreements. Custody and support petitions. - 518-274-0380

FOR RENT

MISCELLANEOUS SAWMILLS from only $4397.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N

HELP WANTED AIRLINE CAREERS Start Here -Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866-296-7094

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

Publication Day:

MARKETPLACE

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Wednesday, noon

Monday, 5 p.m.

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DONATE YOUR CAR

Wheels For Wishes

Make-A-Wish® Northeast New York WheelsForWishes.org Call: (518) 650-1110 * Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. To learn more about our programs or financial information, visit www.wheelsforwishes.org.

Urgent Need of Volunteers Got an hour? Why not give it back by spending time volunteering in your community? The Saratoga County office of the Aging is in immediate urgent need of volunteers to help deliver meals to homebound seniors in the following areas: Greenfield, Galway, Mechanicville, Saratoga, Schuylerville, South Glens Falls and Wilton. We are also currently seeking substitute drivers for many communities throughout Saratoga County. This program helps many seniors remain independent in their own homes. Nutritious meals are prepared, packed and ready for transport. Delivery takes about an hour. A training/ orientation is provided. Being a volunteer for this program is a gratifying experience, seniors look forward to seeing a friendly face with their meal delivery. Please call Billie Jo or Stacey at The Office of the Aging, 518-363-4020 or 518363-4033 for details.

Seeking Tax Assistance Volunteers. TaxAide, the free income tax assistance program sponsored by the AARP Foundation and the IRS, is seeking volunteers for the coming tax season. TaxAide volunteers answer questions, prepare and file returns for low to moderate income taxpayers and seniors from February 1 to April 15 at various sites in the Capital District. Volunteers typically participate one day per week, with flexible schedules to accommodate volunteer availability. No experience is required, but computer experience is helpful for tax counseling. Volunteers who do not wish to prepare returns are also needed to greet taxpayers, review documents, confirm appointments by phone, or assist with computer hardware/software matters. Training is provided for all positions. Volunteers may be reimbursed for a moderate level of necessary travel expenses. For more information on how you can join our team in Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties contact Communication Coordinator Gail Carroll, 518-541-3173 at gcarrollaarp@gmail.com Over age 55 and like to Drive? We have the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. Saratoga County Office for the Aging is in immediate need of volunteer drivers to take seniors to and from medical appointments. We provide the vehicle, gas, schedule, and directions. Please call us for more information at 518-8844100. RSVP: Retired Senior Volunteer Program, helps recruit volunteers age 55 and older for many opportunities throughout Saratoga County.

SPORTS

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

Blue Streaks by Lori Mahan Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Springs Girls Basketball

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Basketball season has begun scrimmaging and Coach Robin Chudy, now starting her fifth season as varsity coach at Saratoga Springs, is ready for a successful season! With 13 girls on the team, five of which are seniors, Chudy is grateful for the scrimmage opportunities the team has before officially starting the season. “It’s always good to compete. We’ve been practicing a lot so to get out and compete against other teams is a good thing. It gets the girls kind of excited for the season to start,” Chudy said. The team has already seen a few sprained ankles and one ACL repair this pre-season, so it is safe to say that scrimmaging was a nice way to pull the team together in a competitive atmosphere. Chudy spoke of her four key players warmly. Dolly Cairns, a sophomore, is described by Chudy as the teams’

“go-to person when there is five seconds left on the clock.” “Cairns handles the ball, handles the pressure, she handles the leadership out on the court. She has a great outside shot, she can drive to the basket, and she plays solid defense,” Chudy said. It is clear to see why Cairns would be Chudy’s point-guard, she was brought up to varsity halfway through her seventhgrade season. Kerry Flaherty, a junior who has been on the team since her eighth-grade season, is another player to watch. “She’s a solid overall shooter, she’s fast, she’s quick to the basket, and she runs the break really well. She’ll be another person who will lead us in scoring, tempo, and pace. She and Dolly are both able to see the court well so the two of them will be huge for us,” Chudy explained. Briann Barringer, a senior and captain for the team, has

PHOTOS BY: PhotoandGraphic.com

been described by Chudy as a “work horse.” With three other captains to help Barringer lead the team, she is able to put in work as a small forward. Barringer will “get to the ball, she’ll grab rebounds, she’ll have put-backs. She will add a lot to our team as well as her defense and her ability to get to the basket,” Chudy said. Barringer is a captain along with senior guard Kara Vamvalis and senior small forward Amanda McGinn. Kara Vamvalis is being counted on to take the pressure off the other two guards. “Kara is going to be pretty big for us this season. She is a very good outside shooter, she’s so fast. We’re going to look to her to take some of the pressure off the two guards. She’s a very good shooter, I think she’s really going to help us a lot,” Chudy explained. Chudy said their biggest challenge this season will be, “putting together our defense the way we want to. Our offense has a lot of shooters and very good, very talented, shooting guards. It’s going to be our solid overall defense,

being aggressive, playing hard, rebounding, and getting boards. Defense will be our focus because we are pretty skilled offensively.” Chudy considers the games against Shenendehowa as the teams’ biggest of the season. “They have a great team and we always seem to compete with them. We haven’t been quite able to get the win, but we always have

a great game with them. The girls are always pumped to play with them so I think it’s going to be another great couple of games when we play them,” Chudy said. Friday, Dec. 8 marks the first official league game of the season and will be played against Schenectady High School at Saratoga Springs at 7 p.m.

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

SPORTS

Saratoga Springs boys Basketball PHOTOS BY PHOTOANDGRAPHIC.COM

by Lori Mahan Saratoga TODAY

by Lori Mahan Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Central Catholic Saints began their bowling season on Tuesday, Nov. 28 in an Adirondack/Wasaren League Tri-Match versus the Granville Golden Hordes and the Stillwater

Warriors. The Saints proved to be no match for either teams, winning all three games against the Golden Hordes and all three games versus the Warriors. Tim Barrett led the Saints with an average of 232, the highest of the team; followed by Micaela Barbolt, the first female bowler on the Saints team, with an average of 197. The

Warriors were led by Brandon Dyer with an average of 205. The Saints next match takes place on Monday, Dec. 4 at 4:15 p.m. versus Hoosick Falls High School at the Saratoga Strike Zone Bowling Alley. The varsity bowling team is coached by Alphonse Lambert, athletic director at Saratoga Central Catholic.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Coach Matt Usher has been coaching varsity basketball at Saratoga Springs High School for the last five years and he and his team of five seniors, seven juniors, and one sophomore, are ready for the new season to begin. “We’ve been pretty balanced. We’ve got some depth and some athleticism and hopefully we can use and have a different guy ready to contribute on any given night, so that’s nice to have. You never know who’s going to step up from game to game,” Usher explained. The three captains this year are Brian Hart, senior and straight-forward; Matt Larkin, senior and point-guard; and AJ Lawton, senior and shooting-guard. Coach Usher spoke highly of the three captains and called Brian Hart and AJ Lawton two of his key-players. Hart was the second leading scorer last season as a junior and was brought up to varsity as a sophomore. “We’re going to be looking to him for a lot of leadership and rebounding on both ends of the floor. He’ll be our guy that we can look to in a tight game,” Usher said. Hart has accepted a baseball scholarship to Marist College for next year. Lawton has been on varsity since his sophomore year as well and has started for the team for the past two seasons. “He’s a very good shooter, we’re going to be looking to him to continue to do well from outside of the perimeter shooting and also scoring in a variety of ways,” Usher explained. Usher gave praise to junior Andrew Patnode. Patnode “had a really good off-season, he’s come in and done

a nice job in the pre-season so far,” Usher said. It certainly helps that Patnode is 6’7”. You may recognize some of the guys shooting hoops on the court this season from the football field in the fall. Wes Eglintine, quarterback and Carter Steingraber are both on the basketball team. Eglintine recently returned to basketball after being out last year for an ACL injury. So far, this season, there have only been a few minor injuries. “Hopefully we can, knock on wood, stay healthy,” Usher said. While the dual athletes may not have as rich of an off-season as the other basketball players, “in the same hand, they come in and they’re strong and they’re tough and they’re used to the physical contact and we need some of that as well. We have some other players that are very skilled, but maybe not as strong as some of these other guys coming in off the football field,” Usher explained. Although Usher feels good about the teams’ offense, he knows they need to work on their defense. “We’ve shown flashes of being solid on the defensive end, but we haven’t been consistent enough throughout our first three scrimmages on the defensive side of the ball. I think if we play defense that will help us score the ball and transition, that will help us put up some easy points,” Usher said confidently. “There is no night off when you play in the Suburban League. It’s very deep and wide open this year,” Usher said. On Tuesday, Dec. 5, the Blue Streaks will take on the Christian Brothers Academy at Saratoga Springs high School, the game starts at 7 p.m.

SPORTS

Giving Thanks for Winter

Photo provided.

by Tim Blodgett All Outdoors for Saratoga TODAY

I like Winter. There, I said it. I like the bite of cold air when I breath it in and the cloud I create when I return it. I like the way the air seems clearer to my eyes and feels cleaner on my skin. I like the way the sunlight glints off the frost clinging to bare tree branches and the grass, lying dormant at my feet. I like the intricate patterns that frost creates as it grows, like a living thing, on my windows. I like the way snow drifts slowly from unknown heights to the waiting ground. I like the way it puts winter caps on my birdfeeders and the branches of trees growing in my yard. The hush of the snowy woods, the soft thump as bent boughs shed their burden. If

you listen closely, you can hear it whisper as it alights on the brim of your hat. I like that too. Believe it or not, I like to shovel it. Then, there’s the ice. Fleeing from the warmth of your roof, snow runs to the eves, refreezes, drop by drop, growing, slender and delicate at first, fanglike and glittering in its terrible maturity, a tiny jewel trembling at its tip. The forest, encased in crystal at sunrise. Skip a stone across the surface of a newly frozen pond and hear it sing. Return at mid-winter to stand on the ice while it thunders and groans in its growing pains. These sights, sounds and sensations are what I like about Winter. I encourage you to experience them

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017 yourselves and discover something new in the coming months.

Cold Fish There’s still plenty of opportunity to wet a line before we’re snowed in. Steelhead are running in the rivers out Oswego way and closer to home, you can still find active Walleye, Bass and panfish but if you’re like most anglers, you’ve long since stowed your gear and forgotten about it already. If that sounds like you, let me make the following suggestion to make next Spring’s first outing less stressful. Go back to the corner where you heaped your tackle and un-heap it. First, remove that hook, bobber or lure you used last summer, then remove the line from your reel. In a matter of minutes, you will solve the problem of hopelessly tangled line and hours of frustration next year. Wait until next spring to put new line on your reels so you won’t return home with a tale of the one that got away because your line was old. Now open your tackle box. Hopefully, your nose won’t tell you that this is where you put last container of worms you purchased. Throw away all the junk that accumulated last summer. Rusty hooks, tangled, kinked leaders and snells, old fish scents, used worms, grubs and any other used-up or spent tackle needs to go. You’ll be better off without them and they won’t cost much to replace with new. Take an inventory of what you have left, note what you lost. Make a list of what you want, send it off to Santa or just leave it in a conspicuous spot and hope for the best. As you engage in that Herculean labor, you can relive your past glories and dream of those ahead. The same general advice goes for all you ice fishermen out there. No matter your good intentions as ice season ended last March, I’m sure that they weren’t all realized. I dread tackling the mess that’s lurking in my shed, but it will go better for me if I face the music sooner than later. You may be thinking,”Me too”. If so, grab the pack basket by the straps and get your gear in order. Change the blades on your auger, even if the old ones were “fine” last year. Nothing will end an ice fishing trip quicker than not being able to bore a hole through the ice. Keep last year’s blades in reserve along with the appropriate tool to change them if necessary. Tip-ups have an uncanny way of shedding line and creating knots of Gordian

intricacy during the off season, so make the time to untangle before first ice. Replace last year’s hooks and leaders then change the line on your jigging rods, just do it, trust me. Every lure you used last year will work this year but I’m sure that won’t stop you from stocking up on old favorites and the next greatest thing. That’s just the way we roll.

Deer Season’s Not Over Yet There are still a couple of weeks left to fill your freezer with venison if you haven’t done so already. Most deer hunters fill their buck tags during the first few days of the regular firearms season but there are still a couple of weeks left if you weren’t one of the lucky ones. Bucks are still chasing does and with fewer receptive does to be chased, you can greatly increase your chances with the use of doein-estrus scents. Play the wind and scent game correctly and you will draw a buck to his final blind date. Deer management permits should be filled if the opportunity presents itself. These permits are issued by DEC to control the deer population by giving hunters the opportunity to help in the effort and to take some extra venison home. A little snow on the ground will also help with tracking your quarry so think cold thoughts and help bring winter a little sooner. When you are in the woods, wear hunter’s orange and when in your tree stand, wear your safety harness to reduce the risk of tragedy. Also, if you take a deer or bear, remember to report your success to DEC. Thanksgiving’s feast is a warm memory and winter will make its grand entrance soon, so be ready to enjoy what’s ahead. We are fortunate to live in an area that affords us so many recreational opportunities. Whichever way you chose to spend your time outdoors, skiing, snowshoeing, boarding, biking, snowmobiling, hunting or fishing, be safe and take a friend or family member along to enjoy it too. Stay alert for new ways to appreciate what nature has to offer and give thanks for winter. Tim and Rose Blodgett are the owners of Saratoga Tackle and Archery located on Rt. 29 in Schuylerville. Fishing tackle and Archery equipment and service are available in a friendly environment. We are there to help you to enjoy your experience and feel the outdoor spirit. Call 518-584-3952 or visit us on facebook and saratogatackle.com

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

COMMUNITY SPORTS BULLETIN Elks Hoop Shoot on Dec. 2 SARATOGA SPRINGS — From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 2 the SaratogaWilton Elks Lodge No. 161 will be holding its annual Hoop Shoot basketball free throw shooting competition at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Ave. This event is free and open to boys and girls ages 8-13. There will be three separate age divisions, 8-9 year old’s, 10-11 year old’s, and 12-13 year old’s. Participants’ eligibility will be determined as of their age on April 1, 2018. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place winners in all age groups. Local winners will advance to the District Championship and can advance further. For more information, contact Saratoga-Wilton Elks Hoop Shoot Director Steve Dorsey at 518-369-1985.

Second Annual Winter Saratoga Wilton Soccer Club Academy WILTON — Beginning Sunday, Jan. 14 - March 18, 2018 the Saratoga Wilton Soccer Club’s second annual academy for boys and girls ages pre-k through second grade. Pre-k and kindergarten will be from 11:15 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. and first and second grade will be from 12:15 p.m.

to 1:15 p.m. at the Gavin Park Gymnasium at 10 Lewis Dr., Wilton. It is $145 per player for 10 sessions. To register visit www.saratogayouthsoccerclub. siplay.com/site or contact Juan Garzon at jdgarzon@hotmail. com or 731-293-8305 for more information.

Saratoga Springs Ice Rink SARATOGA SPRINGS — The ice rinks on 30 Weibel Avenue are now open with public skating times available. Visit www.SaratogaRec.com for open skate times.

Ballston Spa’s Tim Dwyer Commits to Xavier University BALLSTON SPA — Cross country and track standout Tim Dwyer has accepted an athletic scholarship and signed a National Letter of Intent to run for the Division I program at Xavier University in Cincinnati.

Saratoga Springs Rec Intro to Ice Skating SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sign up at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., or Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Email recreser vations@saratogasprings.org for pricing.

SPORTS

AT A GLANCE WINTER SPORTS SEASON HAS BEGUN!

SPORTS

League games and matches begin this week and are as follows:

Basketball

Monday, 12/4/17 ■ Schuylerville (Girls) vs. Hudson Falls High School at 7 p.m. at Hudson Falls High School Tuesday, 12/5/17 ■ Saratoga Central Catholic (Boys) vs. Argyle Central School at 7 p.m. at Argyle Central School ■ Saratoga Central Catholic (Girls) vs. Granville High School at 7 p.m. at Saratoga Central Catholic ■ Ballston Spa (Girls) vs. Columbia High School at 6 p.m. at Ballston Spa High School ■ Ballston Spa (Boys) vs. Columbia High School at 7 p.m. at Columbia High School ■ Schuylerville (Boys) vs. Hudson Falls High School at 7:30 p.m. at Schuylerville Central School ■ Saratoga Springs (Boys) vs. Christian Brothers Academy at 7 p.m. at Saratoga Springs High School ■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake (Boys) vs. Colonie Central High School at 7 p.m. at Colonie High School ■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake (Girls) vs. Colonie Central High School at 6 p.m. at BH-BL High School Friday, 12/8/17 ■ Saratoga Springs (Girls) vs. Schenectady High School at 7 p.m. at Saratoga Springs High School ■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake (Boys) vs. Columbia High School at 5:30 p.m. at BH-BL High School ■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake (Girls) vs. Columbia High School at 7 p.m. at Columbia High School

Bowling

Monday, 12/4/17 ■ Saratoga Central Catholic vs. Hoosick Falls High School at 4:15 p.m. at Saratoga Strike Zone ■ Schuylerville vs. Broadalbin-Perth at 4:15 p.m. at Old Saratoga Bowl ■ Saratoga Springs (Girls) vs. Columbia High School at 4:15 p.m. at Saratoga Strike Zone Tuesday, 12/5/17 ■ Saratoga Springs (Boys) vs. Troy High School at 4 p.m. at Saratoga Strike Zone ■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake vs. Colonie Central High School at 4:30 p.m. at BH-BL High School Wednesday, 12/6/17 ■ Saratoga Central Catholic vs. Hoosick Valley High School at 4:15 p.m. at Saratoga Strike Zone ■ Schuylerville vs. Glens Falls at 4:15 p.m. at Old Saratoga Bowl ■ Saratoga Springs (Boys) vs. Schenectady High School at 4 p.m. at Schenectady Boulevard Bowl ■ Saratoga Springs (Girls) vs. Schenectady High School at 4 p.m. at Schenectady Boulevard Bowl Thursday, 12/7/17 ■ Saratoga Central Catholic vs. Hadley-Luzerne/Lake George at 4:30 p.m. at Lake George Lanes and Games ■ Ballston Spa vs. Colonie Central High School at 4:00 p.m. at Saratoga Strike Zone Friday, 12/8/17 ■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake vs. Columbia High School at 7 p.m. at Columbia High School

Wrestling

Saturday, 12/2/17 ■ Ballston Spa vs. Multiple Schools (Tournament) at 8 a.m. at Ballston Spa High School Wednesday, 12/6/17 ■ Saratoga Springs vs. Ballston Spa at 6 p.m. at Saratoga Springs High School ■ Schuylerville vs. Hudson Falls at 6:30 p.m. at Hudson Falls High School Thursday, 12/7/17 ■ Schuylerville vs. Hadley-Luzerne/Lake George at 4:30 p.m. at Schuylerville Central School Friday, 12/8/17 ■ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake vs. Colonie Central High School at 12 p.m. at Colonie Central High School

Puzzle solutions from pg. 32 Send your sports stories or briefs to Sports@Saratoga Publishing.com

All information subject to change due to inclement weather.

Volume 11 • Issue 47

See Death of a Teen Idol pg. 29

Week of December 1 – December 7, 2017

ARTS

Entertainment

SARATOGA CONTRIBUTES more than

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Toys for Tots

See “A Christmas Carol” pg. 28

PHOTOS BY: PhotoAndGraphic.com

The 4th Annual Convoy for Tots, benefiting Capital Region Toys for Tots, rolled through Saratoga County on Sunday, Nov. 26. The convoy began on the campus of Ballston Spa Central Schools and traveled six miles to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, where toys were off-loaded and turned over to Capital Region Toys for Tots. Convoy for Tots 2017 yielded 22,196 toys – with an estimated value of over $300,000 - doubling the records set by the event in 2016. The local event was coordinated by the Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Office and supported by area first responders and has grown from 2,000 toys donated in 2014. This year’s goal is to help more than 200,000 children in the 12 regional counties Capital Region Toys for Tots serves.