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Wow, could I have jinxed the Capital Region in last month’s letter by saying good weather was on the way? I apologize if I disrupted the cosmic relief center of the universe that grants us spring weather and I will never say it again. Truly, the l i t
incredible power, and I will note that in years to come
Our April issue celebrates and informs this year It rejoices in two of the best and brightest in our area and hope you will join us in recognizing and enjoying the successes of Jordan Hoose and Nicole Zelka
Home and Garden is the theme and let’s just say that we are preparing for the spring celebration with tips on living outdoors and how to be safe in your ”soon to be opened” swimming pools I am floored with the number of ways that we can now maximize our outdoor living full gourmet kitchens, backyard entertainment systems and so much more. It makes us realize how much we will enjoy the summer life to come over the next several months.
On the medical front, we are tackling a subject that is gaining in focus. Dental care and how it relates to our overall health with a special emphasis on your heart This is definitely a must-read! We have asked experts to offer us facts to support how very important it is to have excellent oral hygiene
Here’s to long spring days heading into even longer summer days Here’s to beautiful sunsets with a glass of wine in your hand and b
Here’s to sprucing up our nests and long d
Here’s to April and, yes, even April showers
Gratefully yours,
Hometown celebs Jordan and Nicole:
Millenials that made it
By Rebecca Whalen
It’s
not every day that your dreams knock on your door before you even finish college. But for two Capital Region natives, Jordan Hoose and Nicole Zelka, this was their reality. Through hard work, dedication to their passions, support from the coaches, teachers, families and producers in the Capital Region, these two twenty-somethings have beat the odds and are leading lives as touring entertainers.
Jordan Hoose
There’s a video you can find on YouTube dated July 29, 2015 It’s a two-minute, 51-second remix of the best dunk sessions of Philmont native Jordan Hoose The 6’4” local dunks over and over as the video slows periodically to let Jordan hang in the air for what seems like an eternity
While it may seem that this was just a video of a few sophomores goofing around in the gym at Columbia Greene Community College, this was actually the video that changed the course of Jordan’s life after college. His journey with the Harlem Wizards, an entertainment basketball team, was about to begin
“The owner [of the Wizards] saw the video and was interested,” Jordan recalls “But I had two years of college basketball left to play ”
After transferring to Morrisville State where Jordan would finish his remaining two years, he admits he forgot all about the phone call “I didn’t think I was going to continue playing basketball, honestly,” he says “In my last year around October, I dislocated my left shoulder and thought I needed surgery It turns out I didn’t, and I rehabbed well and finished my senior year ” He was stunned when a second call from the Wizards came in the spring of his senior year asking Jordan to play three pre-tryout games with the entertainment team
“The transition from normal basketball to this was hard,” he says. “I didn’t know what to do, I was hesitant and just wasn’t interactive with the crowd.”
But while Jordan appears modest about the impression he left, the results say it all. Jordan’s official offer to tryout for the Harlem Wizards came in June and two-and-a-half weeks later, he received the
call that he had made the team, a brand new Wizards team, in fact He was nervous, but ready
“The unique thing about the Wizards is that the games are our practices,” Jordan says “In August when we have our training camp, we go over all the skits and plays, and honestly then it’s all just trial and error ”
As a member of one of the Wizards’ three fulltime teams, Jordan, or “Hangtime” as he is now k n o w n , p l a y s r o u g h l y 1 5 0 g a m e s a y e a r f r o m September through May, playing primarily at schools as fundraisers for the communities. With mostly kids attending, Jordan learned very quickly that being interactive with the audience is everything
“As we started playing games, especially with my group of guys [on the Showtime Unit], they helped me see how to interact with the crowd and be more outgoing,” he says “During the game, some players will go into the crowd and mess with a couple of the kids ” And unlike some of the other entertainment basketball teams out there, Jordan says they give the kids any opportunity they can to interact with the team between autographs, pictures, warmups and more “You can meet us before, during and after in the gym,” he says “We don’t leave until the last kid leaves ”
With every game, Jordan loves his work more and more And even though it’s busy with not a whole lot of breathing room (around March, the Wizards played 30 games in 33 days), with a fun and supportive team next to him, he’s thankful for the hand he was dealt.
“Never give up on your dream. Even with all the setbacks, I had to keep pushing through it and it got me to where I am today ”
Jordan Hoose
“Never give up on your dream. Even with all the setbacks, I had to keep pushing through it and it got me to where I am today.”
Photocourtesy ofHarlem Wizards
Photo by Keira Lemonis Photography
Nicole Zelka
Nicole Zelka
About a year after Jordan’s life changed, so too did Nicole Zelka’s It was May 17, 2016 when this Capital Region native auditioned at the American Music and Drama Academy (AMDA) in the hope that she would be able to pursue her passion of becoming part of musical theater Not one week after her audition, she was accepted to the school
“Everything happens for a reason,” she says Auditioning for schools throughout the spring semester of her senior year in Colonie Central High School was taxing, Nicole recalls There just didn’t seem to be a place that was the right fit, and it led her to wonder whether musical theater was her calling. “I thought, is this really something I want to do? Will I be able to handle all the rejection?” But she pushed through her fears, which landed her at AMDA later that year
“It was 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday and it was super hard work,” she says, adding that there are no general education class requirements at the school; it is all singing, dancing, and acting “But it ended up being the perfect place for me ”
And it set her up well for the next phase of her life AMDA provides its second semester seniors with ample time to plan for what’s next while they finish their schooling Classes in her final semester were pushed between 5:30pm and 11:30pm, an effort to encourage Nicole and her peers to get out there and audition
“I went to a couple of open calls and was doing pretty well,” she says. “I was pretty comfortable in the audition room.” This rare comfort in such a stressful situation seemed to make an impression at one specific audition. “I saw the posting for open calls for Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella tour, and I thought it was going to be just another fun experience ”
However, three call backs and one final call back later she was cast in the musical It was May 4, 2017 and at just 19 she had landed her first job in a Broadway musical
“I always knew this is what I needed and wanted to do, and I knew it was going to be hard sometimes, but in the back of my mind, I was, like, I will be fine,” she says “I couldn’t think of myself doing anything else ”
Her hard work and good fortune paid off once again later that week when she was cast in the show Mama Mia! at Capital Repertory Theater in Albany, a role she says she is unbelievably grateful for as it prepared her for what would lie ahead in her role in Cinderella. “I did way more physically demanding things in Mama Mia! than I do in Cinderella; there was more movement. But having the schedule really helped me,” she admits. “I went in to Cinderella not knowing what to expect, but I did know the schedule ”
The Cinderella tour, where Nicole plays
one of the step sisters and is an understudy for the fairy godmother, began in the fall in New
rehearsals Then Nicole and her crew shipped off to Anchorage, Alaska in early October to open the show. They spent a week and a half there before officially beginning the moving portion of the country-wide tour.
“It’s so cliché, but hearing those first couple of notes of the overture in our show is just so magical,” she says “It gives me chills thinking about it, and you know, sometimes it gets really hard and we’re traveling on a bus from city to city every day but at the end of the day, we’re doing our favorite thing in the world
for two hours and fifteen minutes every night ”
When she looks back at how she got here, Nicole remembers vividly the image of her seventh-grade self sitting at her computer, looking at broadway.com, reading the playbills, watching the videos, being awestruck at the people who led such a life. But now, she’s living that dream, one she never takes for granted.
“People move to the city and waitress while they wait for that first big job,” she says. “I was ok with that That’s what I was expecting, but to get this right out of school at 19 years old, to be doing this so young, I’m just so, so thankful It’s crazy ”
Photo by Carol Rosegg Photography
Photo by Carol Rosegg Photography
Your mouth and heart disease
By American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
They seem miles apart –relatively speaking, anyway –but there is a connection between your oral health and your heart.
Treating gum disease lowers blood pressure
Astudy presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions this past November showed a connection between treatment of gum disease and lowered blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, and new g u i d e l i n e s r e l e a s e d b y t h e A H A a n d t h e American College of Cardiology in the fall mean that anyone with blood pressure higher than 120/70 (either number) needs to take steps to lower it
A study in China followed 107 Chinese women and men age 18 years and over with prehypertension and moderate to severe gum disease.
• One month after treatment, systolic blood pressure was nearly 3 points lower
in participants receiving intensive treatment, but no significant difference was observed in diastolic blood pressure
• Three months after treatment, systolic blood pressure was nearly 8 points lower and diastolic pressure was nearly 4 points lower in patients receiving intensive treatment.
• Six months after treatment, systolic blood pressure was nearly 13 points and diastolic blood pressure was almost 10 points lower in patients receiving intensive treatment
“The present study demonstrates for the first time that intensive periodontal intervention alone can reduce blood pressure levels, inhibit inflammation and improve endothelial (relating to the inner lining of blood vessels) function,” said study lead author Jun Tao, MD, PhD, chief of the department of Hypertension and Vascular Disease and director of the Institute of Geriatrics Research at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China.
Infective endocarditis, congenital heart defects and dental procedures
Two groups of people should take extra precautions when visiting the dentist: those born with certain types of congenital heart defects, and those with artificial heart valves.
One in 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect, the most common birth defect. Those who need to take an antibiotic one hour before a dental procedure have:
• Cyanotic congenital heart disease (birth defects with oxygen levels lower than n o r m a l ) , t h a t h a s n o t b e e n f u l l y repaired, including children who have had a surgical shunts and conduits
• A congenital heart defect that's been completely repaired with prosthetic material or a device for the first six months after the repair procedure
• Repaired congenital heart disease with residual defects, such as persisting leaks or abnormal flow at or adjacent to a prosthetic patch or prosthetic device
People at risk of infective endocarditis should also take antibiotics before a dental procedure Infective endocarditis, or bacterial endocarditis, is an infection caused by bacteria that enters the bloodstream and settle in the heart lining, a heart valve or a blood vessel
Those at highest risk of infective endocarditis have:
• A prosthetic heart valve or have had a heart valve repaired with prosthetic material;
• A history of endocarditis;
• A heart transplant with abnormal heart valve function.
Make the connection
Oral health and overall health
By Lucy Greene
Did you know that there can be significant connections between your oral health and overall health and that the mouth can signal health problems elsewhere? That relationship to total health emphasizes the need for patients to be educated about the importance of preventive oral health care.
Research suggests periodontal (gum) disease as a risk factor for heart and lung disease, diabetes, premature, low birth weight babies and a number of other conditions. The Surgeon General's report, Oral Health in America, called attention to this connection and stated that, if left untreated, poor oral health is a "silent X-factor promoting the onset of life-threatening diseases which are responsible for the deaths of millions of Americans each year "
Periodontal disease and general health
The signs and symptoms of many potentially life-threatening diseases appear in the mouth first Dentists and dental hygienists routinely look for these signs and symptoms during regular oral health examinations and explain their observations to patients, urging them to follow up with a medical visit for a definitive diagnosis When necessary, dental professionals also provide therapy for the oral manifestations of systemic diseases
Heart disease
A major disease with an oral health connection is heart disease the number one killer of men and women claiming more victims than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined About 92 1 million people are living with some form of cardiovascular disease or the aftereffects of stroke, and cardiovascular disease is the underlying cause of death in about one in three deaths or 2,300 deaths each day Some studies have suggested a connection between heart disease and key bacteria in periodontal disease and that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for the association Research has indicated that periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease While research continues to explore this link, dentists and dental hygienists are instrumental in identifying the presence and extent of the periodontal infection and work with patients, both to treat existing periodontal problems and to prevent future complications
Diabetes
Another disease that has an important relationship to periodontal disease is diabetes a serious, costly, and increasingly common chronic disease that, as of 2015, affected 30 3 million children and adults, or 9 4% of the population in the United States Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death with diabetes listed in almost 80,000 deaths as the underlying cause and as an underlying or contributing cause of death in almost 253,000 deaths
Research shows that people with diabetes are more susceptible to serious gum disease and also that serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes
Approximately 95 percent of Americans who have diabetes also have periodontal disease and research shows that people with periodontal disease have more difficulty controlling their blood sugar level Severe periodontal disease also can increase the risk of developing diabetes. Almost one-third of people with diabetes have severe periodontal disease with loss of attachment of the gums to the teeth measuring 5 mm or more. After a physician has made a conclusive diagnosis of diabetes, it is critical that patient receive professional oral health care regularly and follow a customized home-care routine to help keep blood sugar levels in check
Other connections
Oral infection also has been implicated in respiratory ailments
Bacteria in periodontal disease can travel from the mouth to the lungs and lower respiratory system, where it can aggravate respiratory conditions, particularly in patients who already have other diseases
A routine oral health exam also can uncover signs and symptoms of osteoporosis and low bone mass, conditions that affect about 54 million Americans; eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, which can be detected by thin tooth enamel and a red mouth; and HIV, which often shows signs in the mouth first. Periodontal disease also has been linked to premature, low birth weight babies. Studies have indicated that expectant mothers with periodontal disease are up to seven times more likely to deliver premature, low birth weight babies.
Oral cancer
One of the most serious diseases found in the mouth is oral cancer Often curable in its early stages, oral cancers are a major cause of death and disfigurement in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute Oral cancer is more common than leukemia, skin melanoma, Hodgkin's disease and cancers of the brain, liver, thyroid gland, stomach, ovaries, and cervix If caught early, it can be treated successfully; however, if not, it can spread into other parts of the body and become difficult, if not impossible, to treat The oral cancer screening is one of the most important components of a routine dental exam
The Centers for Disease Control report that about one of two U S adults age 30 and older have periodontitis, the more advanced form of periodontal disease. In adults 65 and older, this prevalence rate increases to 70 percent. In view of the critical relationship of periodontal disease to overall health, and the staggering number of Americans who develop it, it is essential that the disease be prevented or detected early and treated aggressively.
Resources:
American Dental Hygienists’ Association - adha org
American Dental Association - mouthhealthy org
American Academy of Periodontology – perio org
American Diabetes Association - diabetes org
American Heart Association - heart org
Centers for Disease Control – cdc org
Find your ideal career & job fit
By Dan Moran
Ever dance with shoes that do not fit?
You may look good, but you hurt on the inside The same is true in your career If your job "fits," you are connected, comfortable and confident
Finding the right fit in a job, a career – or even a company – is critical to success Sadly, many don't find this They continue in the same old job or career, unhappy, unfulfilled and unproductive They know it You can see it. Perhaps this is you.
So just what is "fit" to your career or job that you may be lacking or in search of?
Psychologists have studied this question for years. It was thought that experience and education were top drivers of fit and product i v i t y B u t t h i s h a s b e e n p r o v e n w r o n g Analysts evaluated education as a driver – not They studied experience in the job – not They studied gender, ethnicity and age – not – no drivers there
They did find that those who are successful and productive in their job or career clearly "fit" the job – defined as a job or career that matches the personality, interests and situation of the individual Conventional measures – experience and education – play a secondary role
The conclusion: To be successful in a given job or career, it must fit who you are (personality), what drives you (interests) and your needs (situation).
• Personality - A critical match or fit for success. We all have a primary and secondary personality type. Some people are introverted, s o m e e x t r o v e r t e d , s o m e p r a c t i c a l , s o m e resilient. It is critical to understand your type(s) through validated assessments, and then map the careers or jobs that your personality matches For example, resilient people do well in managing, leading and sales Practical people are best in administrative, procedural or planning roles
• Interests: Being in a job or career that matches your interests truly will fuel your passion for the job and your success If not of interested in what you do, you won't connect and be productive Again, through assessment, the answers are available
• Situation: The harsh realities of life are critical to understand in this process of finding fit You could be great as a doctor but reality precludes you from chucking it all and going to medical school. Issues of income requirements, geography, elder or child care and much more need to be considered.
It isn't just one piece
To find fit, one must look at the complete picture – not just pieces It has been said that if you find a job or career that you are passionate about, you will never “work” another day in your life It can be done It takes your commitment, an open mind, the science of
assessments, and professional assistance to get the answers if unable to do it on your own, which is very hard It is never too late to be what you might have been Start today Dan Moran, Next-Act Career Transition Specialist dmoran@next-act com; 518 641 8968
What every family needs to do before moving to a home with a pool
By Eric Lupton
Nearly 300-children under the age of five drown in pools and spas every year The number one way to prevent drownings is through proactive parent supervision, but most drownings occur when a child was thought to be in the house but slipped outside without anyone knowing This year alone, at least two children drowned days after their family moved into a new home
In 77 percent of accidental drownings, the child had been seen 5-minutes or less before being missed That’s why pool safety advocates at Life Saver Pool Fence urge parents to install layers of protection in a home before they move in. These are designed to block kids from getting to the pool or at least slow them down so parents have more time to get to them before the child gets to a pool.
1. High locks on all doors and windows
Before you move in, install locks on doors and windows that are high and out of the reach of young children Put them on every door and window that leads to the pool area Some drownings happen because a parent didn't know their toddler had figured out the door knob or lock and the simply walked out on their own Don’t forget about sliding glass doors that small children can slide open
2. Door and window alarms
Home buyers who have never owned a pool may not realize children are drawn to water, even when it is cold outside Families can self-install simple contact alarms for doors and windows that lead to the pool or contract with a security company In every case, it’s important to keep the alarms activated If an older child disables the alarm, a younger sibling could easily slip outside without anyone knowing
Also consider installing an alarm on any gates that lead to the pool Adults can use a bypass switch that will keep kids out when there is no one around to supervise
3. No doggy doors
If you have toddlers in the home, any pet doors that grant access to a pool or spa should also be permanently sealed off. Toddlers are known to mimic their pets and may follow them right out the doggy door and into the
pool area That puts both the child and the pet at risk of falling in the water Instead, move the doggy door to an area that is secure with no access to the pool or spa
4. Pool safety fence
Perhaps one of the most reassuring steps is installing a pool fence Fences should be at least 4 feet tall and have a self-closing, selflatching gate Mesh pool safety fences, like Life Saver Pool Fence, have proven to be an effective layer of protection with a transparent and aesthetically pleasing look that is easy to remove and reinstall by the homeowner Make sure the fence surrounds the pool, so there are no doors or windows leading directly from the home into the pool area
5. Pool alarms
There are several types of alarms that will provide another layer of protection against drowning. Surface pool alarms will trigger an alarm inside the home when the water’s surface is broken. However, a small child could
quietly walk down the pool steps and slip under water without making a big splash or setting off the alarm, so pool surface alarms cannot be used alone
Subsurface pool alarms detect disturbances beneath the surface. They cost more but are less prone to false triggers than floating alarms and more reliable than surface alarms.
6. Child immersion alarms
When you first move into a home, consider using a wearable immersion alarm, like the Safety Turtle, which triggers an alarm inside the house if the sensor gets wet This is especially important in a new home when you are unfamiliar with the area It resembles a watch and can protect against all water hazards, including a neighbor’s pool, ponds, and rivers
7. Assign water watchers
When children are in the pool, assign one person as a designated Water Watcher and change shifts every 15 minutes. Active supervi-
sion means sitting close to the pool with your f u l l a t t e n t i o n o n t h e c h i l d / c h i l d r e n n o phones or reading materials Do a regular headcount and step in when there is too much horsing around If you have to walk away for any reason, another adult must be designated as the water watcher
Do not leave a toddler or young child in the pool area without adult supervision Older children are not always as sensitive to the dangers of drowning, and may not recognize the warning signs
8. Clear out pool
area after swimming
Get in the habit of always removing floats from the pool when finished, especially toys t h a t c o u l d a t t r a c t a c h i l d t o t h e w a t e r Children who are in pursuit of a toy won’t think twice about breaking the rules to get it
Also, make sure to move any tables or chairs away from the pool fence so they cannot be used to climb over Make a rule from day one that the pool area is for swimming only, so children don’t get used to being near the water when parents are not around
9. Swimming lessons
As soon as a parent and pediatricians feel comfortable, all children should receive swimming lessons. Some organizations even offer training for infants to roll over and float, and to swim to the edge of the pool in case they fall in.
No matter how much instruction your c h i l d h a s , i t ’ s i m p o r t a n t t o g i v e t h e m a refresher if they have not been swimming in a while, like the winter months That’s true even in warm weather states, like Florida, Arizona, and California where drowning is the number one cause of death for children under five
10. CPR
Every parent, babysitter, and teenager should be trained in CPR Check out local community centers for classes as soon as you move to your new home. This training is essential to get oxygen to the brain and can make the difference between life, permanent disability, and death.
You cannot drown-proof a child, but every layer of protection that you add significantly reduces the chance of a child drowning incident the more, the better Of those steps, pool safety fencing is arguably the most effective at preventing fatal drowning incidents because it physically prevents access to the pool, making your pool safer for your children and your neighbors
For more information on making a pool safe, check out the Parents Guide to Pool Safety at poolfence com
Eric Lupton is President of Life Saver Pool Fence
Why drowning is not like the movies
Drowning is not what we are used to seeing in the movies – with someone splashing around and calling for help It is usually silent, especially with young children who do not realize they won’t be able to breathe underwater
That’s why it is important to assign one person as a designated water watcher and change shifts every 15 minutes when children are in the pool Active supervision means:
• No phones or reading materials
• Sitting close to the pool with your full attention on the child/children
• Do a regular headcount
• Step in when there is too much horsing around
• If you have to step away, another adult must be designated as the water watcher
Do not leave a toddler or young child in the pool area without adult supervision. Older children are not always as sensitive to the dangers of drowning, and my not recognize the warning signs.
Warning signs someone is in trouble
The Instinctive Drowning Response – so named by Francesco A Pia, PhD – explains why there is very little splashing, no waving, and no yelling or calls for help A person who is drowning is simply in survival mode
Except in rare circumstances, people who are drowning cannot physiologically call out for help When someone is gasping for air, they cannot speak While they may be able to pull themselves up momentarily above the surface of the water, they are not above the water long enough to exhale, inhale and yell for help
Someone who is drowning also cannot wave for help They cannot voluntarily control their arm movements, as they instinctively extend their arms laterally to press down on the water’s surface to try to leverage their bodies and lift their face out of the water
Look for these signs of drowning:
• Head low in the water, mouth at water level
• Head tilted back with mouth open
• Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus
• Eyes closed
• Hair over forehead or eyes
• Body is upright and vertical, but there is no leg kick
• Hyperventilating or gasping
• Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway
• Trying to roll over on the back
• Appear to be climbing an invisible ladder
Sometimes the most common indication that someone is drowning is that they don’t look like they’re drowning They may just look like they are treading water
One way to be sure is to simply ask them, “Are you alright?” If they can answer, they are probably okay If they return a blank stare, you may have less than 30 seconds to rescue them
That’s also why every parent, babysitter, and teenager should be trained in CPR This training is essential to get oxygen to the brain and can make the difference between life, permanent disability, and death
For more pool safety tips, download the Pool Safety Guide from Life Saver Pool Fence poolfence com/pool-safety-guide
Get ready for Rhubarb Season
TIP:
For a brighter color sauce, add one or two drops red food color, if desired. Recipes and
French Toast with Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce
Ingredients
SAUCE
1 cup finely chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
FRENCH TOAST
3/4 cup Land O’ Lakes® Half & Half
3 large Land O’ Lakes® Eggs, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
20 (1/2-inch) slices French bread
1/2 cup orange mar malade
3 tablespoons Land O’ Lakes® Butter, softened
Directions
• Combine rhubarb, 1/2 cup sugar and water in 2-quart saucepan Cook over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until rhubarb is tender Cool slightly Stir strawberries into war m rhubarb mixture; set aside
• Combine half & half, eggs, 1 tablespoon sugar, vanilla and salt in bowl; mix well Set aside
• Spread 10 slices bread with mar malade; top with remaining bread slices Dip each sandwich into egg mixture, allowing mixture to soak into bread
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat Place 5 dipped sandwiches into skillet Cook, tur ning once, 6-8 minutes or until golden brown Remove to platter; keep war m Melt remaining butter in skillet; cook remaining dipped sandwiches. Serve with sauce.
RECIPES
Rhubarb Sauce
Ingredients
2 cups sliced 1/2-inch fresh rhubarb
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
Butter, softened
Directions
• Combine all ingredients in medium saucepan Cook over high heat until mixture comes to a boil Reduce heat to low Cover; cook 3-5 minutes or until rhubarb is tender Cool slightly Cover; refrigerate until serving time
Ingredients
CRUST
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup cold Land O’ Lakes® Butter, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons milk
FILLING
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon cor nstarch
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled, chopped
2 stalks (1 cup) fresh rhubarb, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
CHEESECAKE
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
3 large Land O’ Lakes® Eggs
Directions
• Heat oven to 400°F Wrap outside of 9- or 10-inch springfor m pan with aluminum foil Lightly grease inside of pan
• Combine flour and 1/4 cup sugar in bowl Cut in butter with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; stir in milk until moistened
• Press crust mixture onto bottom and 1 inch up sides of prepared pan Bake 15 minutes; remove from oven Cool to room temperature
• Reduce oven temperature to 325°F
• Combine 1/3 cup sugar, water and cornstarch in 2-quart saucepan Stir in strawberries and rhubarb Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 5-7 minutes or until mixture comes to a full boil. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, 2-3 minutes or until thickened; remove from heat. Cool to room temperature.
• Place cream cheese, 1 cup sugar and lemon zest in bowl; beat at medium speed until well mixed. Continue beating, adding 1 egg at a time and scraping bowl often, until just mixed.
• Spoon half of cheesecake mixture over cooled crust Spoon half of filling over cheesecake mixture; swirl with knife Top with remaining cheesecake mixture Spoon remaining filling over cheesecake; swirl with knife
• Place cheesecake onto center rack of oven Place pan of war m water on rack below cheesecake to prevent cracking Bake 60-70 minutes or until center is just set (If browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil )
• Tur n off oven; open oven door 4 inches Let cheesecake stand in oven 30 minutes; remove from oven
• Loosen sides of cheesecake from pan by running knife around inside of pan Cool in pan 2 hours Cover; refrigerate 8 hours or overnight Remove sides of pan Store refrigerated
• Heat oven to 350ºF Grease and flour 8x4-inch loaf pan; set aside
Rhubarb Sour Cream Crumb Cake
Ingredients
CAKE
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup Land O’ Lakes® Butter, softened
3 large Land O’ Lakes® Eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
CRUMB TOPPING
1/2 cup fir mly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup cold Land O’ Lakes®
Butter
TOPPING
Land O’ Lakes® Heavy Whipping Cream, whipped, sweetened
Directions
• Heat oven to 350°F Grease 13x9-inch baking pan; set aside
• Combine 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup butter in bowl Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy Add orange juice and eggs; beat at low speed just until mixed (Mixture will look slightly curdled ) Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt just until moistened Gently stir in rhubarb (Batter will be thick )
• Reserve 1 1/2 cups batter Spread remaining batter into prepared pan.
• Combine all streusel ingredients in bowl; stir until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle half of streusel over batter in pan; gently press into batter Carefully spread reserved batter into pan; top with remaining streusel Press streusel into batter
• Bake 65-70 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan
• Combine sugar and 3/4 cup butter in bowl Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed Add eggs and vanilla; continue beating until creamy
• Place rhubarb and 1/4 cup flour in bowl; toss lightly to coat
• Combine remaining flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in another bowl Add to butter mixture alternately with sour cream, mixing well after each addition Stir rhubarb gently into batter
Spread evenly into prepared pan
• Combine brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour and cinnamon in bowl; cut in 1/4 cup butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over batter. Bake 45-55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean
• Dollop each serving with whipped cream Sprinkle with additional ground cinnamon, if desired
Take it up a notch out back:
Adding appeal to your patio or deck
Photo courtesy of Gardener’s Supply Company
Summer means time spent gardening and relaxing with friends And just like the kitchen in winter, the patio or deck tends to be the gathering spot when the weather turns warm
Get the most from this space with a bit of pre-season planning and decorating Select functional and beautiful furnishings to create a special spot for you, family and friends to enjoy whenever the weather allows
First, sketch out the space and measure the dimensions of all furnishings you are considering, making sure they will fit Allow extra space for people to pull chairs in and out from the table and navigate around furnishings, preferably three to four feet.
Next, select a table that fits the space and provides ample serving space. An extension table allows you to expand your surface if a few more folks drop by A round folding table provides space for guests, and it can be stashed against the wall when workspace is needed
Small – and large–space gardeners will enjoy the benefits of elevated gardens with b u i
- i n t r e l
s e s T h e s e m a x i m i z e g r o w i n g space even on a small deck or patio and bring the garden to the party Look for self-watering planters, especially those with wheels so you can easily move them out of the way of a family gathering or closer to the kitchen for easy harvesting
Include a multifunctional piece like a potting bench Look for a versatile and well-built furniture quality piece like the CedarLast potting bench (gardeners.com) that complements other furnishings and can be used as a serving surface when entertaining. Consider features like a faucet for washing and watering that drains into a bucket or the ground, as well as hooks for hanging tools and baskets and space for storage
Bring nature to your door and mask unwanted background noise with the soothing sound of water Wall-mounted and container fountains add the sound and motion of water to even the smallest patios and decks Watch for colorful winged visitors stopping by for a sip
Extend your enjoyment into the evening with pleasing outdoor lighting Make sure the light is deflected and not shining directly into vis it o rs ’ eyes D o w n w a rd f a c in g o verh ea d lights brighten large areas. Use them to illuminate key spaces such as those used for cooking. Strands of lights on structures, ribs of an umbrella or the underside of a bar provide a festive touch.
Use tabletop lighting to create a more intimate mood Outdoor flameless candles add warmth to your space while a Columbine Solar Lantern adds charm Look for a style that complements your outdoor décor
Add pathway lighting to direct guests to the patio or on a stroll through the garden Solar lighting allows flexibility and eliminates
the need for trenching wires to a power source Think beyond traditional pathway and railing lighting Strategically placed upward lighting of structures and plants or downward lighting hung from above can also provide needed illumination
Whatever the size of your patio or deck, you can create an inviting outdoor space for gardening and entertaining Just invest a bit of time planning and shopping for attractive and functional furnishings. Then sit back and relax in your newly decorated space.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments. She is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Gardener’s Supply for her expertise to write this article. Her web site is melindamyers com
Raised beds and multipurpose potting benches can add both beauty and functionality to your patio or deck
A new denizen may be lurking in your soil
By Christine Saplin, Albany County Master Gardener
As memories of the storms and temperature rollercoaster that was the Winter of 2017-18 begin to fade, gardeners in the Capital District turn their focus from the seed and garden supply catalogues to their garden beds as they plan their strategy for producing the most dramatic flowers and the most prolific vegetables However, this year, there may be a denizen lurking in their soil The jumping worm
What’s the problem? Asian earthworms, Amynthas agrestis aka crazy worms, snake worms, Alabama jumpers have been discovered in New York, New England, the Mid-West, mid-Atlantic and southeastern states As their common name infers, these worms differ from European worms in behavior and appearance. They thrash wildly and jump when handled They are also able to shed their tails as a defensive move. Smooth and glossy gray or brown, these invasive worms can grow up to 8 inches in length Another distinguishing feature is the smooth, sometimes milky white band near the head of the worm (clitellum) that completely encircles the body European worms have a raised, segmented saddle-like clitellum.
Why all the fuss? Like the European worm, these Asian jumping worms alter the soil structure. They rob plants of vital nutrients by consuming organic matter leaf litter as well as organic mulches The Asian earthworm devours the organic materials far faster than the European earthworm. These invasives grow twice as fast and reproduce quickly, making it possible to infest soils at high densities Jumping worms can severely damage the roots of plants in nurseries, forests, turf and in the home garden They also contribute to the spread of invasive plants by disturbing the soil.
H o w d o t h e y s p r e a d ? T h e s e p r o l i f i c worms reproduce asexually While the adult worm dies in late fall, their young survive the winter in tiny, resilient dirt-colored cocoons that are impossible to see with the naked eye So, if you are looking for these unwanted residents in your garden beds, they will not be easily visible until June
How can I tell if I have them? Look for them on the soil surface, not deep in the soil.
After consuming the nutrients in organic materials, the Asian jumping worms leave the soil w i t h a g r a
grounds If you do discover these “intruders” in your garden beds, the best way to reduce the population is to catch them and place them in a plastic bag Seal the bag and place it in the sun for at least 10 minutes and then throw the bag away.
What can a home gardener do? There is no natural predator for these worms and pesticides have not proven to be effective Since these denizens can find their way to your compost pile, vegetable garden or perennial border via a plant dug from a friend’s garden, a tree from an arborist or any plant material not grown in a sterile medium, the home gardener must be very careful about the source of new plant material. It is also important to make sure that any compost that you purchase or use has been effectively heated to the appropriate levels to reduce pathogens The gardener should also remove any soil from tools, equipment and boots before moving to another location
What are the Albany County Master Gardeners doing? In the face of the jumping worm dilemma, the Master Gardeners of
Albany County have had to make a change in their annual Garden Education Day Plant Sale This annual event raises the monies that the Master Gardener Volunteer Program uses for a variety of garden projects at public/historical sites such as Schuyler Mansion and Ten Broeck Mansion, Pine Hills Library and numerous schools as well as garden-based learning programming for young and old
The focus of Garden Education Day 2018 on Saturday, May 19 from 9am to 1pm will be educating the public about the dangers of the Asian Jumping worm and methods that can be used to curb the spread of these garden denizens As we cannot guarantee that perennials we dig up to sell will not contain the cocoons of these worms, there will be no dug plants offered for sale There will be a large supply of annuals and vegetables that have been started from seed as well as educational demonstrations about a variety of gardening practices including what to do about Asian jumping worms
Still have questions? Visit ccealbany com or call your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office to speak to a Master Gardener.
This mature jumping worm can be identified by its characteristic smooth, often milky white clitellum (band near the head of the worm) PC Susan Day/ UW- Madison Arboretum
Ideas to help you reap big rewards from your garden
Get active outdoors with a hobby more satisfying than binge-watching another television series As a pastime, gardening can help you eat delicious, more flavorful food while transforming your patio or yard into a colorful hangout for butterflies and bees
Many people don't realize how easy it is to have a fresh supply of crisp veggies, fragrant herbs or fresh-grown flowers Whether you have a balcony, rooftop or patio, gardening is a hobby that quite literally allows you to harvest big rewards
One of the most exciting parts of gardening is deciding what to grow With thousands of plants to choose from – flowers, vegetables and herbs – a small pot of soil can be a canvas for creativity
To find the most popular flowers and plants this year, we checked in with Ball Horticultural Company, a global leader on all things gardening, to see what the top trends are in 2018.
Strong and colorful
When spring arrives, we all crave color and warmth to celebrate the end of winter To get that wow factor – and get it fast – try planting flowers that grow and fill in quickly and thrive in extremes The Megawatt Begonia brings magnetic color even in shaded spaces It's also a low-maintenance option if you're
new to gardening Likewise, the Echinacea Sombrero Sangrita is a perennial flower that returns each year with stunning red blossoms
For
foodies who want to show off
Every chef knows the secret to tasty cooking is great ingredients For many gardeners, the truly magical combination is finding that edible veggie that looks as good as it tastes
Take 2 Combos combine two sweet pepper plants with a touch of heat and beautiful orange and yellow fruit. There's also a combo of a slicer and cherry tomato perfect for small spaces and for snacking and cooking. Speaking of peppers, a new, attractive variety is Candy Cane Red Pepper. It has green fruit striping that ripens to red and offers up crisp, sweet flavors, much like a candy cane!
A refuge for bees, butterflies and beyond
There are dozens of reasons people
choose to garden: fresh food, interior and exterior decoration, relaxation, stress reduction and more One emerging trend is that people want to make their garden a destination for pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds A few captivating flowers that attract these beautiful and helpful creatures are:
• Lucky Star Pentas - Provides butterflies summer-long flower clusters in eye-catching colors
• Copper Prince Ornamental Millet - This thriller makes a dramatic statement with foxtail plumes that birds feast upon
• SuperBlue Lavender - A deeply colorful and fragrant bee magnet
Gardening helps you relax and decompress. What's more, there is a huge amount of satisfaction involved in seeing your vegetables and flowers grow. Follow these trends and watch your plants blossom and beautify your home and yard After all, we could all use a little more color in our lives
R a n d a l l I m p l e m e n t s i s a P re m i e r Kubota Dealer, and was the 2016 recipient of the Fulton-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce Agricultural Business of the Year award. Randall Implements Co., Inc. is located on State Highway 5S in the village of Fultonville, approximately 35 miles west of Albany. Founded in 1966 by Robert Freeman, Randall Implements has grown from a small single-line dealer to one of the area ’ s largest and most trusted full service multi-line provider including Ferris, Husqvarna, Case IH, Claas, and Landpride dealerships. Technicians are certified and trained in the newest technologies available in the industry Randall provides quality factory parts at competitive prices, with next-day availability on over 100,000 parts
LANDSCAPE, INC…
1 Runway Ave. Latham 518.489.2341; landscapeincorporated.com Landscape, Inc... specializes in the design and installation of concrete paver patios, walkways and retaining walls. Having served the Capital Region since 1988, we have the knowledge and experience to make your outdoor living areas a s u s e f u l a n d e n j o y a b l e a s p o s s i b l e Landscape Inc is dedicated to providing the guarantee of your satisfaction in our design, work and products Stop by to see our new retail space today or call the Landscape, Inc professionals for your free estimate and enjoy a lasting creation in your yard for years to come
SEFCU INSURANCE AGENCY
518.786.9905; sefcuinsuranceagency.com/quotes At SEFCU Insurance Agency, we represent some of the leading regional and national insurance companies such as Allstate, Travelers, and Progressive As an agency, we strive to make insurance easy, convenient, and affordable to help protect what matters most to you We’ll do the comparison shopping for you to ensure you are getting the right insurance coverage at a rate that fits your budget. Contact our team today at 518.786.9905 or visit sefcuinsuranceagency.com/quotes for a free, no-obligation quote or insurance review!
A t L u i z z i B ro s S e a l c o a t i n g a n d Paving, it is our mission is to be the most trusted name in providing quality products and dependable service for homes and businesses across the Capital Region. Luizzi Bros. Sealcoating and Paving LLC is a third generation company who has provided services to thousands of customers over the years with great satisfaction. The Luizzi name has been in the Capital Region for over 50 years, and we have built a reputation we are proud of! Call Luizzi Bros Sealcoating & Paving for skilled solutions to all of your asphalt maintenance and repair needs
REDBUD DEVELOPMENT
2 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton 518.691.0428; redbuddevelopment.com
Redbud Development, Inc., is a landscape construction company specializing in the custom design and quality installat i o n o f re s i d e n t i a l i m p ro v e m e n
development projects. With a creative a
clients imagine and build exterior environments that connect seamlessly with the interior and reflect their personality and lifestyle Custom-designed pools, outdoor kitchens, stone patios and wooden structures are just samplings of features we can use to help you create a functional retreat to better enjoy your favorite pastime, whether that is entertaining friends, exercising, or just getting closer to nature Call Redbud today at 518 691 0428 to talk over some ideas or schedule your no-cost initial consultation.
PATTERSONVILLE FURNITURE
1664 Main Street, Pattersonville 518.887.2741; pattersonvillefurniture.net
Pattersonville Furniture Store has been delivering the finest furniture and quality customer service to the Capital Region for over 80 years This familyowned and operated business, located just west of Schenectady, has been helping customers with their furniture needs since 1936. Pattersonville carries over 30 lines of American-made solid wood furniture. Stop by our showroom at 1664 Main Street in Pattersonville and see our quality products. We offer free delivery, free
set-up, free removal, and free financing Open daily from 10am-5pm; Thursday and Friday until 9pm; closed Sunday
EAST GREENBUSH WINDOW COVERINGS
601 New Loudon Road, Suite 4, Latham 518.477.9025; EastGreenbushWindowCoverings.com
Have you visited the East Greenbush Window Coverings showroom in Latham to see what are the latest and greatest in window treatments? Our contemporary showroom displays the newest shades, blinds, decorative hardware and drapery treatments This includes motorization that can be done from your smartphone and tablet to control your window shades from anywhere, whether you are home or vacationing. We have energy-efficient gorgeous shades that make a subtle
enters your home. Our designers are ready to work with you to bring new excitement to your homes.
HUDSON RIVER TRACTOR COMPANY
Various locations
hudsonrivertractorcompany.com
Hudson River Tractor is a full-line John Deere agricultural, commercial and consumer turf dealer with four locations in and around the Capital Region in Schaghticoke, Clifton Park, Chatham and Fultonville. Hudson River Tractor carries agricultural equipment from John Deere, H&S, Krone, Oxbow and Hardi, as well as Stihl hand-held pieces and Honda power equipment, including the industry-leading walk-behind mowers and generators We also provide after-market support with genuine John Deere and OEM parts, factory-trained technicians, and mobile service Hudson River Tractor one company with people strong in their backgrounds and expertise provides complete solutions for your needs
ASHLEY HOMESTORE
4908 NY-30, Amsterdam
518.627.9610; ashleyfurniturehomestore.com
Ashley HomeStore is committed to being your trusted partner and style leader for the home When you visit the Ashley HomeStore in Amsterdam, you'll find stylish, quality furniture that's just right for any room in the house Your home is more than a house, it’s the daily moments and experiences you share that m a k e i t u n i q u e l y y o u A t A s h l e y HomeStore, we celebrate being home
with you. We are passionate about being the best and most affordable furniture store for your home.
HERZOG'S HOME & PAINT CENTERS
898 New Loudon Road, Latham; 782.1590 1343 Central Avenue, Albany; 465.1526 herzogs.com
Herzog’s, your local Benjamin Moore retailer, has two central locations in the Capital District 898 New Loudon Road in Latham and 1343 Central Avenue in Albany. At Herzog’s, you’ll find Benjamin Moore paint, stain and design expertise like no other, and you’ll receive personal, u n r u s h e d a t t e n t i o n a n d s e r v i c e t h a t includes design expertise, color selection and guidance on product selection The Latham location has a complete paint and design showroom that provides the perfect venue for planning your single room or whole house décor Ask for Jessica her design expertise will help you choose the right colors, as well as coordinating fabrics and window treatments
HEWITT'S GARDEN CENTERS, INC.
Various locations hewitts.com
Hewitt's Garden Centers, Inc is a local company specializing in lawn and g a rd e n - re l a t e d p ro d u c t s , s e r v i c e a n d information With 50 years in the business and eight stores located in the 518 area code, we are the fifth largest independent retail garden center in the country and here’s why:
• Largest selection of hardy shrubs and trees
• Hewitt’s Country Estate lawn food and grass seed
• Largest selection of perennial and annual flowers and vegetable plants
• Extensive selection of fruit trees, blueberries, raspberries and more
• Plant food, mulch, soil and garden accessories
• Experienced staff ready to assist you with your project
AMSTERDAM OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY
403 West Main Street, Amsterdam 518.842.7370; amsterdamohd.com
A m s t e rd a m O v e r h e a d D o o r Company is proud to offer superior quality garage door systems that are professionally installed for residential, commercial, agricultural or industrial applications. We have proven expertise in every phase of garage door selection, installation, maintenance, service and repair. Garaga
Inc., the largest manufacturer of garage doors in Canada, has certified us as a Garaga Expert This means that we can guide you in finding exactly the right garage door to meet your needs Getting the proper advice when buying a door is essential; after all, we buy one or, at most, two garage doors throughout our lifetime The Amsterdam Overhead Door Company is a family-owned business that was founded in 1924
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
141 Wade Road, Latham 518.785.9417; davey.com
The Davey Tree Expert Company provides tree and lawn care services throughout the United States and Canada Davey Tree’s Capital District office has been in operation since the early 1920s and covers a 50-mile radius of Albany Services include: tree and shrub pruning and removal, planting, fertilization, and insect and disease management, lawn fertilization, weed and insect control, and seeding. Backed by a dedicated team of scientists at The Davey Institute in Kent, Ohio, our ISA-certified arborists and plant health care technicians have access to the latest findings in tree, shrub care and lawn care. Davey’s first priority is to make each customer happy and since 1880, has been achieving this goal time after time on property after property.
WOLFE BUILDERS
2792 County Route 51, Hannacroix 518.731.7574; wolfebuildersny.com
For over 25 years, Pieter Wolfe has maintained a reputation for quality construction and customer satisfaction. His e x t re m e k
s t r y comes from his experience in building numerous stuctures in Greene County and southern Albany County. He specializes in general contracting, custom and stick-built homes and modulars. He is a builder of custom panelized homes, log homes, garages and barns, additions and commercial buildings Pieter takes pride in each and every job and understands the concerns of his customers He takes the extra time and care in answering questions and presenting alternatives that the customer most times has never thought of Pieter likes building out of the ordinary homes and thrives on the challenge of more complex architecture In 2015, Wolfe Builders appeared on an episode of HGTV’s Timber Kings.
L. BROWE ASPHALT SERVICES
518.479.1400; broweasphalt.com
L Browe Asphalt Services has served thousands of residential and commercial customers in the greater Hudson Valley Our installations are built to last, with correct elevations and subtle detailing to ease the job into the land Transitions are smooth with good, level flow and slight changes in elevation to provide proper water drainage We mill the end of the drive so that it retains its thickness and is not subject to being lifted up by plow equipment. The end product is a true, level, aesthetically pleasing job with artistic curves and superior function that completes and enhances the entire property setting. For more information and to request a free estimate, call 479.1400 or visit broweasphalt.com.
Faddegon's Nursery, founded 98 years ago, is still owned and operated by the Faddegon family. The business has grown significantly with each decade and continues to define nursery excellence in the Capital Region. Excellence means sharing the passion for all things horticultural. With ever“growing" expertise, we can guide our customers through a complete home landscaping project or help prepare a vegetable garden! Faddegon’s sales staff and foremen have 373 years of collective service We are proud to say that those 373 years of experience allows
South End Powdercoating is a locally owned and operated custom powder coater conveniently located in downtown Albany, offering a durable, long-lasting and beautiful finishing alternative to paint on metal surfaces. Typical projects we encounter are lawn furniture, iron railings, decorative garden items, home radiators, and even car, truck and motorcycle parts. With over 7,500 colors available, our personalized finishing service allows us to offer a finish to meet even the most demanding customer’s needs. Let your imagination run wild. Please give us a call
to discuss your residential or commercial finishing projects. Why paint it? Powder coat it!
GHENT WOOD PRODUCTS
1262 Route 66, Ghent
518.828.5684; ghentwoodproducts.com
Can you believe that spring has finally arrived, after this long and snowy winter? Now that the snow and cold weather are behind us, it is time to take a look at your home and garden and assess the needed repairs and spring cleanup When it comes to your garden area(s), we have many types and colors of mulch to choose from to help make things look nice. Another thing to consider is stone for a stonewall, fire pit, or other such enjoyable additions. When it comes to your home, perhaps you ’ re in need of new siding or decking after this harsh winter. Lucky for you, we have a number of options to choose from in that department, too! Give us a call today and let one of our qualified sales professionals help you get your home and yard looking spiffy this spring!
BOB'S TREES
1227 West Galway Road, Hagaman 518.627.4260, bobstrees.com
O u r f a m i l y o w n e d a n d o p e r a t e d nursery and garden center has been serving the greater Capital Region area since 1942. We specialize in providing you with the perfect Christmas tree for the holiday season, but we offer so much more, including more than 275 acres of trees and shrubs to help you complete the look you want for your yard We are dedicated to serving the local community with quality trees and shrubs that are well acclimated to our local climate Stop by and see us soon!
All Seasons Equipment Inc. is a family-owned and operated business located in Scotia We can provide you with the latest and best in outdoor power products to make your outdoor living more enjoyable In all of Scotia, there isn't a friendlier or more knowledgeable staff than ours We're happy to help you find either the perfect outdoor power equipment, service or the parts you ' ve been looking for We carry many brands, including Ariens, Honda Power Equipment, Scag, STIHL and Toro. Call or stop in we ' re always ready to help!
CAPITAL DISTRICT CONTRACTORS & DECKS, INC.
28 Whitney Drive, Mechanicville
518.371.9950; capitaldistrictcontractors.com
Capital District Contractors & Decks, Inc , is one of the toprated home remodeling companies, providing expert service in the Albany, Saratoga and Schenectady region We bring the value of 25+ years of home remodeling expertise in first-- and second-story additions, three- and four-season sunrooms, family rooms, master bedroom suites, in-law apartments, finished basements, custom decks and more Customer collaboration ensures your ideas are captured in the design phase of the home improvement project Our reliable, experienced professionals will work with you so that your needs are met Call today for your free estimate.
KUGLER’S RED BARN
425 Consaul Road, Schenectady
518.370.2468; find us on Facebook
At Kugler's Red Barn, you can find an assortment of styles including: Country, Shaker, Primitive, Transitional and Traditional All of our furniture is still made in the USA by small family-owned factories like ourselves We take pride in the quality of handmade furniture and will not sell imported furniture We also carry a large selection of gifts and accessories, framed art and paints We carry a full selection of furniture for the bedroom, dining room, kitchen, living room and family room, occasional and entertainment centers. To fill your needs, we carry woods such as ash, oak, cherry, birch and pine in a variety of stains and painted colors.
Trade deficits. Tariffs.
Reflections on February market tur moil
The fact that the United States has been running a trade deficit for several decades is partially an indication of our wealth relative to other countries and our propensity to consume more than we save rather than an indication of an inherent problem For example, personal consumption represents more than 70 percent of the U S economy with the remainder being comprised of business investment and government spending; the inverse is true of the Chinese economy Poorer countries tend to consume less while saving and exporting more What they usually export are raw materials (steel, oil, agricultural products)
It is interesting to note that Iran, Qatar and Malaysia all run trade surpluses, providing some credence to the statement that trade deficits are not inherently good or evil. If they were good, then the economies of those countries would be performing at a much more productive level. They are not. Furthermore, Japan has also historically run a trade deficit despite the fact that its economy has been mired in an economic slump for more than two decades
That said, we do believe that over the past 20 to 30 years, the United States has negotiated trade pacts with other countries that have hollowed out our middle class, leaving a void that President Trump is attempting to fill Although we do not believe that raising tariffs is a positive step toward leveling the playing field, we do believe that it is time to renegotiate some of the aging pacts For example, consider the response by the CEO of General Motors, Mary Barra, when asked on CNBC whether or not she believes that “NAFTA will be altered or even ripped up?”
“Well, I think that if you look at how technology is affecting cars and how components have changed, when you think about NAFTA 25 years ago, think about the technology that’s in a car today,” she said, “I think there are rules and things we can modernize with tracing, et cetera, that will make less of an administrative burden but still accomplish what the administration and the three countries [United States, Canada, Mexico] need.”
We believe that renegotiating trade pacts is a productive first step rather than imposing tariffs which will increase the cost of doing business, a cost that will be transferred to the consumer, thereby negatively impacting the economy of the United States due to retaliatory steps taken by adversely affected countries Let’s use our abundance of energy reserves as a carrot to induce others to renegotiate these trade relationships
What happened in February?
During the month of February, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 4 28 percent, marking the first month in 10 that this index has declined, thereby ending its longest monthly win streak since 1959 In addition, according to data from Trim Tabs, domestic equity investors withdrew $41 1 billion during February, the third most since Trim Tabs has been calculating this figure
The significance of the above paragraph lies in the fact that declines in the stock market and the ending of winning streaks more often than not increase the future potential returns for investors as does the withdrawal of funds from equities Most investors underperform the indices, selling low after a correction It is therefore somewhat reasonable to assume that this is what occurred during February as stocks were in the midst of a correction We do believe that after the market churns around for a bit, à la a washing machine, stocks will move higher
Please note that all data is for general information purposes only and not meant as specific recommendations. The opinions of the authors are not a recommendation to buy or sell the stock, bond market or any security contained therein. Securities contain risks, and fluctuations in principal will occur. Research any investment thoroughly prior to committing money or consult with your financial advisor. Note that Fagan Associates, Inc., or related persons buy or sell for itself securities that it also recommends to clients Consult with your financial advisor prior to making any changes to your portfolio To contact Fagan Associates, please call 518 279 1044
Will you be disappointed with months or years of therapy?
Is it possible to spend a year in therapy and not have any change in your life? Of course, it is! And I find this happens far too often, both with adults and more often with children There is a tendency to stick with therapy, even when it’s not a good fit In this discussion, I hope to empower you to make better decisions about your initial choice of a therapist, and if you have made a choice that doesn’t fit, it may be time to get out now
Guidelines to Effectively
Getting In (and OUT) of Therapy
1. Experience matters: If you can, seek out experience. Study after study supports this as a practical metric that helps predict positive outcomes. The more complex the situation, the more important this becomes as a variable in predicting successful treatments.
Let’s imagine you needed heart surgery Most of us would opt out of the brilliant young hands of the new surgeon and place our trust in the woman who has done these 10,000 times Think the same way with your therapist
2. Do you feel comfortable? It is also essential that you feel comfortable with the person who hears your life story and struggles The session will be easeful, with good social and interpersonal skills If they seem awkward, anxious or struggling themselves, pay attention it’s not usually a good sign If it feels off, or you do not feel comfortable, make a change This applies to treatment that is adult- or child-focused
3 Trust your gut: At the end of your first session, what does your gut tell you about this person? Can you trust this person to give you their best, to maintain integrity and to only tackle your situation if they can truly be of help? Forget what others have told you look inside and listen and rely on that inner decision
Continuing to attend therapy when you hold a lack of faith in your therapist will inevitably impede any progress. Why? Because without trust in their direction, you will likely inject doubt and then hesitate to embrace their guidance fully. Likely this is a formula for poor results.
And guess what’s worse? Perhaps your gut was on track, and this isn’t a good fit for you, but you try to ignore this? Again, your time is about to be wasted The bottom line: Trust your gut If it feels right, it likely is If it feels wrong, honor that as well
4. Expect transparency and a clear game plan: Seek a therapist who offers a concrete set of skills and can articulate a game plan using those skills That game plan should make common sense to you, not clouded in some psycho-babble you can’t understand
The real concern here is stumbling upon a therapist with a shortage of professional tools, so you get little more than an understanding listener, but no solid strategies that change your life A skillful therapist will be able to outline what will happen and when and give you a clear sense
of predictable progress Does it go perfectly that way? No, but the same therapist will work with you to explain incremental progress, stumbling blocks, and what adjustments are required to get back on track
5 Kindness, clarity and honesty matter: Your therapist should be kind, but also clear and painfully honest You should understand what they are saying They do not take your struggles personally; otherwise, you would get emotional reactions to your challenges or questions If you do, leave
However, honesty is required from your therapist for you to grow and learn, even it is painful and it often is. If you are fooling yourself, you need to hear about it and understand how it is happening. If you are hiding or running from a person or emotion yet can’t acknowledge that, your therapist will bring that to your awareness. Their job is to confront you with what you are missing, not just be a source of comfort.
6. Expect growing pains or don’t sign up: Good therapy should stretch you, challenge you and get you to look at your limitations and your fears This is painful If you don’t want to talk about what hurts, that’s not a problem but just don’t expect to get stronger or better Not every discussion will provoke pain But if you just want to be supported, I suggest you find a better friend Use therapy for growth and learning It’s a better investment of your time
7. Results matter most: In the end, results matter Don’t accept stagnation, excuses, and lack of progress If you are showing up, doing your part and following direction, you should experience real results, see change, feel and behave better and have better relationships based on the focus of treatment If investing in your child’s growth and improvement, the same rules apply
Here’s a guideline: If you spend 90 days in treatment, and you have little more than a dent in your pocketbook, please leave Not all your issues will be resolved in a dozen sessions, but some significant improvement will be evident if you and your therapist are a good fit. Don’t keep waiting around for months, even if everything else here fits. You deserve more from therapy.
Ultimately, you must do the heavy lifting
None of this will allow you to avoid one important fact: It’s your life and you will have to do the follow through Your therapist can’t do that for you So don’t blame them if you are not resolved to take action Don’t complain, whine and blame others You automatically victimize yourself with such complaints Instead: Ask what you can do, how you can do it better, and what tools will make it work If they can’t offer it, say thank you and goodbye Then keep seeking someone who can give you that better plan and fill it in with better tools They are out there! Don’t give up Dr Randy Cale offers practical guidance for a host of parenting concerns For more information visit TerrificParenting com
FASHION
10 tips to add spring fashion trends to your style
Spring has sprung and hopefully everyone is ready to transition their wardrobe to warmer temps You may begin by incorporating some new trends and some ongoing wearable trends that may brighten your day Here are 10 looks that are in now:
1. Checks and gingham: Checks or gingham prints are classic for spring fashion but are considered trendy this year If you have a checked button-up shirt in your closet, pull it out to wear this spring In addition, you will also see checks dominating blazers and pants but the detail has graduated from suit sets to asymmetrical tops and breezy skirts A checked cotton top and white ankle-length jeans with some neutral open-toed booties will give you a fashionable and fresh look
2 Floral: Floral prints continue to be in and floral embroidery also is still on-trend If you don’t like wearing floral clothing, you can incorporate the trend into your outfit by wearing floral jewelry or a scarf Floral embroidery jeans are an easy way to include this look into your wardrobe
3. Fringe: Fringe is a trend but you may want to use this look in moderation. The preferable way to work fringe into your wardrobe is through accessories such as jewelry, necklaces, earrings, scarves, and handbags. Fringe and tassels have been popular now for a few seasons, so hopefully you will be able to get more use out of pieces you already own.
4. Pastels: Pastels are still in think yellow, pink, mint green but the biggest shade all over the runways is lavender This color looks great on most skin tones so you can either wear a lavender blouse with black, gray, navy, or white pants or, conversely, lavender pants put together with the aforementioned blouse colors
5. Sheer: The sheer trend is a great way to add some sexiness to your look, without actually showing skin It’s an awesome trend for mature women who prefer to stay more covered Look for sheer panels in tops, skirts, even bags
6. Fanny pack: The fanny pack or belt bag is more chic than in the past You can buy the version that you can also carry with a shoulder strap Wear these with jeans or pants or over a tunic or knit sweater I’ve seen belt bags paired with gowns How amazing to be hands-free at a special event!
7. Romantic: The romantic trend encompasses quite a few design details, from ruffles to floral prints to puffy sleeves Look for Victorian or vintage-inspired pieces
8 Sequins: Sequins are always in, but this season you will find sequins for daytime Try a black sequined skirt paired with a tunic sweater and dark denim jeans Or try sequined sneakers to add sparkle in a sporty way
9. Updated trench: The trench coat is getting feminine updates like an a-line or flared silhouette, ruffles, tie sleeves, etc. These are classic, but with a modern twist. Tan is always in but, olive, white and a creamy brown will give you added style.
10. High-waist pants: This look is guaranteed to make your legs look a mile long, while having a way of concealing a muffin top. Not to mention, it looks very feminine by highlighting the waist
Hopefully some of these looks can make you feel comfortable and confident Many can be made age-appropriate with adding touches to the above looks Clothes can be a part of your personality and inform who you are
Sun Sign Forecast
Best days in April 2018: 9th, 12th, 13th and 16th
Begin a diet on April 29th.
Aries: (March 21 to April 20)
Your potential, personal matters and approach to life are the focus for this month Following the 15th, you are able to easily express yourself to others After the 17th, it is a time when you will make decisions regarding your career area or the equivalent. Toward the end of the month, you may decide to change your aims in life or your career
Taurus: (April 21 to May 20)
Un ivers al laws , wo rkin g f o r th e n eed y an d s p iritu al resources are examined for this month. After the 15th, you a r e a b l e t o a c k n o w l e d g e y o u r f a u l t s a n
Following the 17th, you examine your beliefs and want to define your philosophy on life Later in the month, you rethink your philosophy on life as you form new beliefs
Gemini: (May 21 to June 20)
Working with others, making friends and achieving goals are favored for this month Following the 15th, you set new long-term directions and goals After the 17th, you will need to take more responsibility with commitments or payments that you owe. Near the end of the month, there can be changes in your financial situation or shared resources
Cancer: (June 21 to July 22)
Public image, the career world and recognized achievement are important for this month After the 15th, you examine your goals and long-term directions Following the 17th, you have less time for social events as you concentrate on your relationships. Toward the end of the month, you gain a better understanding of yourself through knowing others
Leo: (July 23 to August 22)
Exploring the mystic, philosophy on life and mental pursuits are highlights for this month. Following the 15th, you may reconsider a workshop or formal class After the 17th, poor habits and stress may make it necessary to take better care of your health Later in the month, you will concentrate more on beginning a better diet and exercise program.
Virgo: (August 23 to September 22)
A partner’s assets, overcoming limitations and accepting changes are the focus for this month. After the 15th, you are able to negotiate a financial matter. Following the 17th, you will be more self-conscious of the way you present yourself to others Near the end of the month, you feel that you want to express yourself through a creative hobby.
Libra: (September 23 to October 22)
Learning to compromise, legal contracts and forming relationships are important for this month. Following the 15th, you decide to clarify an important issue. After the 17th, you become involved with your family and domestic duties Toward the end of the month, you look back on your life, put it in perspective and begin to move forward Scorpio: (October 23 to November 21)
Learning to be efficient, improving yourself and attention to health are favored for this month After the 15th, you seek both mental and physical efficiency Following the 17th, you might reconsider a workshop or formal course of study. Later on in the month, you begin to question things that you may have taken for granted in the past
Sagittarius: (November 22 to December 21)
Creative talents, sharing love and joys of life are favored for this month. Following the 15th, carefully express your thoughts to others without insensitivity After the 17th, you may be more careful and begin budgeting your money instead of wasteful spending Near the end of the month, your attitude on finances and assets will go through a change.
Capricorn: (December 22 to January 19)
Home-front activity, influence of parents and feeling secure are important for this month After the 15th, you will examine your personal and domestic life. Following the 17th, you are less carefree, but also avoid being overly critical of yourself Toward the end of the month, you examine your outward appearance and deepest inner feelings.
Aquarius: (January 20 to February 18)
Ability to communicate, routine activities and attitude toward family are examined for this month Following the 15th, you meet new people and groups After the 17th, you may feel unfulfilled until you realize the importance of your spiritual life Later in the month, feelings that you have hidden now emerge and allow you to eliminate them
Pisces: (February 19 to March 20)
Expanding resources, material rewards and earning abilities are the focus for this month After the 15th, your attention turns to whatever you value in life Following the 17th, you change your social groups and seek friends who are more meaningful Toward the end of the month, you join support groups promoting personal change and spirituality
ARTS AND entertainment
Albany Institute of History and Art 125 Washington Avenue, Albany Albanyinstitute org
April 6 • 12:30-2pm
Picturing Words: Illustration Workshop with artist and illustrator Dahl Taylor Discussion and attendees making a picture that helps tell a story Ages 8 and up Registration required (online) and space limited $10 members; $12 non-members
April 6 • 6pm
History on Tap: Lear n about surprises in the museum collection; tour includes activities; enjoy drink for those 21+ in local bar following tour Registration required (online) $10 members; $12 non-members (drink not included)
April 8 • 2pm
Lecture: Pleasing the Powerful Goddess Lear n about Amenhotep III’s Statues of Sekhmet Dr Lawrence Ber man, Senior Curator of Ancient Egytian, Nubian and Near Easter n Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Included with admission.
April 15 • 2pm
Lecture:: Racing for Freedom Real stories of the Underground Railroad, with Kate Clifford Larson, historian and author. Included with admission
April 22 • 2pm
Lecture: Inside the Dress Gar ments from the collection will be tur ned inside out and examined, including 19th century taping and other techniques W ith Diane Shewchuk, curator Included with admission
April 29 • 2pm
Lecture: American Landscape Painting and “The Newly Invented Stigma ” Rethinking the
“Hudson River School ” W ith Tim Barringer, Yale University Chair, History of Art Included with admission
April 14 • 11am
e s I s l a n d B u s i n e s s e s a n d o r g a n i z a -
t i o n s i n v i t e d t o m a r c h a s a g r o u p . T h e V i s i t o r
C e n t e r a t 1 D e l a w a r e N o r t h , C o h o e s , w i l l b e o p e n f r o m 1 0 a m - 1 p m w i t h a r t a c t i v i t i e s , i n c l u d i n g b u i l d i n g a t a k e - h o m e b l u e b i r d h o u s e , a n d e d u c a t i o n a l h a n d o u t s f o r c h i ld r e n Q u e s t i o n s e m a i l u s a t f r i e n d s o f p e eb l e s @ g m a i l c o m ; f i n d u s o n F a c e b o o k o r s i t e s g o o g l e c o m / v i e w / f r i e n d s o f p e e b l e s i sl a n d / h o m e
A&E
April 26-28
Library Book Sale: Friends of the W illiam K Sanford Town Library will hold a book sale at the Colonie Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville. Hours are 5:30-7pm on Thursday, April 26; 10am-5:30pm on Friday, April 27; 10am-4:30pm on Saturday, April 28 Cash or check only Paperbacks and children’s books, 50 cents; hard covers, single CDs and DVDs, $1 On Sunday from 1-3pm a bagful of books will cost $2 colonielibrary org or call 518 810 0314
F u l t o n C o u n t y
April 14 • 3pm
Chamber Music at the Chamber – French 75: Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce, 2 North Main Street, Gloversville French 75 was started with a tuba player anxious to play more than oompahs, an overly enthusiastic clarinetist and a trumpet player ready to sprinkle his jazz wisdom on two primarily classical musicians $10 pre-sale and $15 at the door gloversvillebid com; 518 725 0641
April 14-15 • 10am-5pm
Fulton-Montgomery County Home Show/Craft Fair: B-P High School, 100 Bridge Street 518 883 8265 All proceeds to benefit Broadalbin Town Park Free Child IDs from the Fulton County Sheriff ’ s Department Lowes is also providing children with the opportunity to take part in their woodworking class $3 admission donation; under age 10 free
April 21 • 7:30pm Funk Evolution at the Glove: Glove Perfor ming Arts Center, The Glove, 40 North Main Street, Gloversville. Club setting with beer and wine and other concessions available for purchase Presale online $10; $13 at the door Doors open at 6:30pm 518 773 8255
April 22 • 3pm
Spring Showcase: Glove Perfor ming Arts Center, The Glove, 40 North Main Street, Gloversville An extravaganza of classical music and Broadway show tunes Professional musicians from all over Fulton County Presale online at $8 and at the door at $10 Fundraiser for the Glove Theater 518 773 8255
April 26 • 5:30-7:30pm
Reading & Discussion Program for Adults “Votes for Women”: Johnstown Public Library, 38 South Market Street, Johnstown Elizabeth Cady Stanton: An American Life by Lori Ginzberg Stanton grew up in Johnstown 518 774-7838
April 28 • 3-11pm 1st Annual Karaoke Contest: Glove Perfor ming Arts Center, Glove T h e a t re , 4 0 N o
Entertainment & Karaoke Register through April 27 at any Moore 2 Music event Partial proceeds benefit The Glove Theater Find us on Facebook, 518 773 8255
April 28 • 4-7pm
Chicken BBQ: Meco Volunteer Fire Company, 1600 State Highway 29A
$11, adult; $5, child Eat in or takeout Until 7pm or while supplies last 518 725 1173
April 28 • 11am-2pm
Garden Party Can You Dig It? To benefit Cranesville Refor med Church, 105 Cranes Hollow Road On-site soil testing available Vendors, demonstrations, raffles, prizes Food and beverage available for purchase Free admission For more infor mation, 518 842 7874
This ad made possible by Fagan Associates, Inc and
April 5 • 6pm
10th Annivesary Woodland Gala – Old Daley on Crooked Lake, Averill Park Celebrating 10 Years of Community Conservation: Looking back - and forward - with vision Silent auction during the cocktail reception $65 per person; Honorary Committee tickets begin at $125 and can be purchased online rensselaerplateau org/gala Find us on Facebook
Music at Noon – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy Bring your lunch and enjoy the sounds L
troymusichall org
April 12 • 7pm
2
Plateau, Sand Lake Town Hall. Lectures with local experts explore the history and ecology of the Rensselaer Plateau Plateau Far ming, Now
Metzger
April 14 • 10am-2pm
Open House: Lansingburgh Historical Society will host an open house and tag sale at the Melville House located at 2 114th Street, Troy $5 donation is appreciated Watch for news of the 4th Annual Lansingburgh Historical Home and Buildings tour on May 19
April 14 • 9am-2pm
Melville House Open House & Tag Sale,
Historical Society, Melville House, 2 114th St , Troy $5 donation appreciated Find us on Facebook.
April 14 • 2-4pm
200 Years of Quilts in NYS: Louis Miller Museum, Hoosick Falls Discussion of the quilts made in New York State over the last 200 years, a
Greenwold's collection of old and new New York state quilts Participants are encouraged to bring in their quilts that were made in New York State facebook com/HoosickHistory
April 15 • 10am and 12pm
Annual Daffodil Brunch - E a
, Oakwood Cemetery Free ride by our blooming daffodils in one of Jack Byrne’s antique autos Two seatings are available at 10am and 12pm, by reservation only Tickets are $20 Children under 5 are free but must be counted for seats Reservations: 518.328.0090. Leave: seating, name, phone, number of people including children, and payment method To secure your reservation, advance payment must be received by the Oakwood office within 10 days of the date you call Drop off or mail your check,
payable to Oakwood Cemetery, to Brunch, Oakwood Cemetery 50 –101st Street Troy oakwoodcemetery org
April 17 • 12-12:45pm
Tuesday at Noon Concert Series – St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Troy Bring your lunch and enjoy a free program in the beautiful St Paul's Church featuring the music of Skip Parsons and Clarinet Mar malade Find us on Facebook.
April 17 • 5:30pm
8th Taste of Troy - Franklin Terrace Ballroom, Troy To benefit Hope 7 Community Center’s Youth Programs and Food Pantry Live music, DJ, auctions, raffles, silent auction. Find us on Fcebook.
April 21 • 9am-1pm
Spring Clean-Up: The Lansingburgh Historical Society will have their annual Spring Clean-up at the Old Lansingburgh Cemetery located on 3rd Avenue and 107th Street, Troy. Graves date back to Revolutionary War, Civil War, War of 1812 and early settlers of Lansingburgh
April 24 • 7pm
Lansingburgh Lansingburgh Historical Society, will host a talk by Jennifer Lemak and Ashley Hopkins Benton, curators from the New York State Museum They designed the women ' s suffrage exhibit at the state museum and co-authored a companion book They will be speaking on celebrating NY State's suffrage centennial A $5 donation is appreciated Find us on Fcebook
April 27 & 28
6th Annual Collar City Craft Fest – The Arts Center of the Capital Region Juried showcase of the area ’ s top artists exhibitors $5 per person artscenteronline org
April 29 • 2pm-3pm
Troy’s Tiffany Treasures – East Greenbush Library, East Greenbush Troy is said to have more Tiffany stained glass per square mile than any other city in the nation. This illustrated lecture will give you a look at some of the stained glass grandeur that the 19th century industrial fortunes made
p o s s i b l e L i m i t e
518 477 7476x4 or online at eastgreenbushlibrary org/events
Rensselaer Public Library
676 East Street Rensselaer 518.462.1193; rensselaerlibrary.org
April 3, 10, 17, 24 • 11am
Pre-K Storytime: Ages 2-6 No sign-up needed
April 3, 10, 17, 24 • 1-3pm
Computer Help: Drop in and get help with a computer, phone or other device, and get your questions answered
April 4 • 5:30-8pm
Resume Coach: One-on-one resume help session with Marsha Lazarus, Call 518 462 1193 to make appointment; space is limited
April 5, 12, 19, 26 • 5-7pm Anime Club: Thursdays For ages 13-19
April 5, 12, 19, 26 • 5:30-7pm
Computer Help: Drop in and get help with a computer, phone or other device, and get your questions answered
April 7 • 1pm
Cent$ and $ensibility Teens: Learn how to manage money and protect your identity For ages 12-16 Sponsored by the 1st Bank of Scotia and MSci
ED #1 CHICKEN WINGS APRIL ENTERTAINMENT
A&E
April 21 • 1pm
Bones: Scientist George Steele will present a hands-on class about bones, “What can bones tell us about how animals live?” Ages 8-16 Sign-up requested
April 26-28
Book Sale: Accepting donations of gently-used books up to April 20th
S c h e n e c t a d y C o u n t y
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • 10am-2pm Greenmarket: Inside Proctors Check calendar for special features schenectadygreenmarket org
April 3-6 • 10am-4pm
Aeroscience Spring Break: The Empire State Aerosciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Drive, Glenville, will be open for spring break programs, including guided tours and rides in the Simulated Reality Vehicle and hop aboard some of the Museum’s historic civilian and military aircraft Each day from 11am-2pm, flight simulators will be available for use On April 4, a retired Naval Pilot will demonstrate flight gear and discuss aircraft carrier flight operations For more information, 518 377 2191 ext 10
April 7 • 2pm
Hudson-Mohawk Region: Silicon Valley of 19th
C e n t u r y : A t t h e M a b e e F a r m , R o t t e rd a m Junction Michael P Barrett, Executive Director of the Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway, discusses how the Capital Region is considered to be one of the birthplaces of the American indust r i a l re v o l u t i o n . $ 5 ; f re e f o r m e m b e r s . Schenectadyhistorical org
April 11 • 7pm
C o n c e r t : “ S o n g s f o r S u ff r a g e Vo i c e f o r
Votes”: Presented by the Thursday Musical Club (TMC) in honor of the passage of Women’s Suffrage in New York State in 1917 Carl B
Ta y l o r A u d i t o r i u m a t S c h e n e c t a d y C o u n t y Community College Guest artists will include Totally Pitchin', the student a cappella chorus at SCCC $15 for adults and $12 for seniors/students, available from TMC members and at the door; SCCC students free with student ID
May 11 • 8 pm
Astronomy Lesson and Sky Viewing: Knox Octagon Bar n, 588 Middle Road, Delanson
One-hour lecture on “Albert Einstein: 100 Years of Special and General Relativity” by Prof. Matt Szydagis, University of Albany Free; donations
Observatory dudleyobservatory org
April 7 • 6:30pm
Benedicts' next dinner-dance, will be held at the C
Benedicts is an elegant dinner-dance group for couples that provides the opportunity for socializing, food and ballroom dancing to a live band
This Diamond Jubilee will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the club’s founding during WW II by a group of GE managers and their spouses, and will feature the music of the Georgie Wo
attending the April event as a guest, email thebenedictsclub@gmail com, including name and phone number thebenedicts info
Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library
475 Moe Road, Clifton Park 518 371 8622; cphlibrary org
April 4 • 1-4pm
Recommended for children ages 5 and up with a grown-up and teens too Snacks and prizes No registration needed
April 5 • 11am
Registration required
April 5 • 6pm
Teen Open Mic Night: For teens in grades 612 Limited openings Register to perfor m Audience members do not need to register Bring your family and friends
April 9 • 6:30pm
Seasonal Chef: Breads: Bring your favorite bread recipe and a home-baked sample to share Registration required
April 10 • 7pm
Tuesday Evening Book Discussion Group: Discussion of The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
April 11 • 1pm
Connecting Threads: Infor mal quilting group. Open to all
April 11, 18, 25, May 2 • 3:34pm
Writing Workshop: S h i m m e r ’
author Janine De Tillio Cammarata hosts this four-week creative writing workshop for students in grades 4-5 Registration required
April 11 • 6:30pm
Journaling Workshop: For adults Registration required
April 11 • 6:30pm
Real Talk: Mental Health Issues Teens Face: A community conversation on mental health pres e n
CAPteens and Shenendehowa CSD For teens and adults
April 12 • 6:30pm
Foreign Film Series: Screening of “Testament of Youth” (2014) In English; rated PG-13
April 13 • 10:30am
Estate Planning and Elder Law Basics
April 14 • 2pm
Everyday Consent: Wellspring will present tips for talking to your teens about the importance of consent Registration required
April 15 • 2pm Dyer Switch Band – All ages welcome Register online
April 17 • 6:30pm
Not Your Mother’s Monopoly: Board Games f o r A d u
o Apples, 7 Wonders, and One Night Ultimate We re w o l f N
Registration required
April 18 • 7pm
The Expulsion of the Acadians: Lear n about the forced removal of the Acadian people from the present-day Canadian Maritime provinces
April 19 • 6:30pm Scrabble and Chess Night: Ages 17+
April 19 • 7pm
What Will Your Legacy Be? Charitable Giving for the Every Man: Ways to realize your philanthropic goals while simultaneously helping to reduce taxes and protect your beneficiaries. P re s e n t e d b y S i m m o n s C
Earth Day Story Time: Stories and crafts to celebrate Earth Day Ages 3 and up with an adult
April 26 • 2pm
Daytime Book Discussion Group: Discussion of T
Tzemach Lemmon
April 26 • 6:30pm
Book Spine and Blackout Poetry for Teens: For teens in grades 6-12. Registration required.
April 26 • 7pm
The Maywood Way of Wooing and Writing Poetry: Poetry writing workshop for adults Poets and non-poets welcome. Registration required
describe the look of a place For ages 6-12 Full workshop: $60 for members and $80 for nonmembers; single-day option: $20 for members and $25 for non-members. RSVP by contacting Kayla at 518 792 1761 ext 31, or adminassist@hydecollection org
April 7 • 2pm
Exhibit Opening: Reception for the opening of The Prints of Rockwell Kent: Selections from the Ralf C Nemec Collection and A Life and Art of His Own: The Paintings of Rockwell Kent from North Country Collections Free for museum members; the general public can “be a member for a day” by paying museum admission, plus a $5 fee, which can be applied to membership
April Break Children’s Workshop: Children will discover how artists use color in their artworks
Second Sunday Art Lab: Hyde educators host Art Lab, a free gallery and art-making activity that explores the “A” in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) For families with children ages 6 and older, but anyone can participate, even adults without children Free
April 11, 18, 25 • 2:30-4:30pm
Artful Afternoons: An after noon drop-in art program for guardians and children ages 6-12. Suggested donation
April 12, 19, 26 • 10:30-11:30am
To u r s f
guardians and children ages 3-5 Different topics are explored each week by use of art materials, books, and play Suggested donation
April 13 • 10:30-11am Friday
Art Crawl: On the first Friday of each month, babies and their caregivers are invited to play and lear n in the museum Suggested donation
April 21 • 10:30am-1pm
Open Studio: Join Artist-in-Residence Kori
Albrecht to create an artwork using a favorite picture from home as reference and inspiration Supplies included $10 for members; $12 for non-members RSVP by contacting Kayla at 518 792 1761 ext 310 or adminassist@hydecollection org
Pepper, watch and the coin
It was the oldest and ugliest house on Maple Street with a beautiful view of a meadow that came alive with sunflowers each summer
The old woman who lived there had gone to a nursing home three years prior so the dilapidated structure fell into even more disrepair
When the woman died, her estate with a portly lawyer named Theodore Grimsby took ownership of the property and it was placed on auction A young couple, just two years married, got it dirt cheap with the intention of tearing down the house and building new The very day they closed on the property, a big yellow construction vehicle arrived with one of those shovels on the end to knock the building over and dig up the land They weren't 20 minutes into the project when the man in the hard hat stopped what he was doing and called the couple, telling them they'd better get over there
When Sam and Audrey Lopez arrived, the construction worker said, "I was digging up part of the front yard when I found the damndest thing." He pointed to three distinct places in the yard and three piles of what, at first, looked like junk. The first pile was of old watches. There had to be 30 or 40 of them in all shapes and sizes. One or two were even still ticking. The second pile appeared to be old glass and plastic spice containers. When Audrey inspected a few more closely, she saw they were all filled with pepper. And the third pile was the only one of real value silver dollars, some dating back to the early 1900s "What the hell?" Sam asked no one in particular
The couple collected the items off what would eventually be their front lawn and immediately called the only person who might have a clue what this was about the lawyer Mr Grimsby He picked up on the third ring and when the couple told him what the construction worker had unearthed he laughed and said, "I've been waiting for this call "
They drove over to the lawyer’s office where he placed them in comfortable leather chairs and unlocked a drawer behind his big mahogany desk In his hand was a single envelope with handwriting on the front that said “Do Not Open Unless the New Owners of my Home Find Something Strange ” It was fair to say this qualified Grimsby handed the letter over and leaned back in his own comfortable seat, anxious to hear what the letter said "Dear Friends," it began, "if you are reading this I am gone from this world but perhaps I can still be of some use to you. I can only guess that the reason you are sitting here in my lawyer's office is because you've done some digging in my yard, what is now your yard, and found some curious things. You are not losing your mind and I certainly wasn't losing mine when I buried those items over the past 40 years. Let me now explain their purpose and, in doing so, perhaps share some wisdom with you "
The letter continued, "My name is Mildred Winthrop I fell in love a long time ago but my husband died in the war so there would be no children Still I lived a full and mostly happy life in the home you just purchased In the early years after losing my sweetheart, I was a bitter person and withdrew from the world Then one night, my late husband came to me in a dream and he was very angry with me He said, 'This is not the life I intended for you and if you keep living this way I will blame myself for leaving you ' That next morning I thought about the dream and what he said and I went to the front yard, buried three items and restarted my life "
"I buried a watch to remind myself that time is precious and not to waste it on the ‘what ifs’ of this world You get one life live it to its fullest every day I buried a small jar of pepper to rid myself of bitter thoughts and feelings and try my best to always be kind, especially to those going through a tough time And lastly, I buried a silver dollar for two reasons first to remind myself to be charitable and give to the less fortunate and also to demonstrate that money should never be the most important thing in my life; people should be "'
The letter closed, "I repeated this ritual every April as a way of cleansing my soul and setting myself right with the world I wish you nothing but peace and love in my home."
Audrey and Sam drove home in silence, not sure what to think of the old woman's letter or yearly offering to the earth. Six months later when their new home was built, Sam woke early one April morning to find his wife out in the front yard sipping coffee and holding a small gardening tool in her hand "What's up sweetie?" he asked Audrey smiled and said, "Give me your watch "
John Gray is weekly columnist for the Troy Record and the Saratogian newspapers and news anchor at ABC 10 and FOX 23 He can be reached at johngray@fox23news.com.
