021216

Saratoga Kitchen and Baths 2.5x2.5 LOCAL • INDEPENDENT • FREE Volume 11 • Issue 6 • February 12 – February 18, 2016

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • (518) 581-2480

When Dolly Rocks . The . . Blue

Featured Stories

Streaks Roll! What to do for Winter

by Arthur Gonick Break Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Throughout the history of basketball, one of the distinctive things is that many of the stars get to be known by just their first name.

Today, you have LeBron and Steph. Before that – Michael and Shaq. Before that – Larry, Magic, Kareem and Wilt. You get the idea.

On the local basketball scene, those in the know, already know that there is a new first name to know. And that name is Dolly.

See pg. 18

True Love See pg. 10, 11

Inside TODAY Blotter 5 Obituaries 6

Eighth Grader Dolly Cairns Leads Saratoga High School’s Varsity Girls Basketball Squad. Photo By MarkBolles.com

Illegal Housing – Next Door City Starts to Move Against Airbnb Outbreak

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — No neighborhood is immune.

On any given day, hundreds of properties in the City of Saratoga Springs are listed on sites such as VRBO.com (which stands for Vacation Rental By Owner). VRBO had 198 Saratoga Springs area listings as of Monday, and the

popular Airbnb.com site had over 300. These properties are being offered to people - individual rooms or up to an entire household - for short stays (one night or more).

In a desirable tourist location such as Saratoga Springs, the popularity of having your family take over an entire house for a wedding, See Story pg. 8 and 9.

See Story pg. 44

Dads on Duty

Saratoga Hospital Gets Guys Ready

Business 14-15 Education 22-23 Pulse 37-39 Sports 43-48

Weekend Forecast FRIDAY

27|8 SATURDAY

6|-12 SUNDAY Nicole and Kyle Marrocco with their children, Nicholas, 2, and newborn Holly.

Kyle is the instructor for Dads on Duty. Photo provided. See Story pg. 17

11|-3

2

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Man on the Street “What is an example of true love that you have experienced or witnessed?”

“My example is taking in my little brother after he had his heart broken. It shows you don’t have to move away to find a better life.” – Bridget Harper, with her brother Ken Barbero, from Saratoga Springs

Judy Wyle, owner and instructor at Joy of Yoga Saratoga “I was talking to one of my yoga students who just lost her dog. There’s this unconditional love we have with our dogs. They awaken the animal soul within us.

It’s a place a dog awakens like no other being. The loss of a dog is profound. I understand because I lost my dog long ago and I’ll still dream about her. Missing her is almost unbearable.”

Claire Burke, from Saratoga Springs “My best friend Chan always answers my phone calls when I need him.”

David Hill, from Ballston Spa “We had my son 7 years ago, in my early 30s. I have had loves before. I love my wife. I love my mother. It’s crazy to feel such a different love that I have for my son. I would do whatever it takes to protect him. It’s a new feeling, that level of commitment. I love this person’s life more than I love my own.”

Judy Pierce, from Wilton “The birth of my children.”

Rich Norelli, from Clifton Park “My daughter and future sonin-law are raising a dog that was abandoned. His mother was pregnant and chained to a tree, and only a few of the puppies survived. I’m happy he’s now a member of my extended family.

His name is Wally.”

“Having grandchildren. You adore your grandchildren.

They’re so smart, cute and funny.” – Linda Cecconi (right), from Johnstown “If I had known having grandchildren would be so great, I would’ve skipped having kids and gone straight to grandchildren!”– Mary Jablonski (left), from Gloversville “I have five boys and a girl, six grandchildren all together.

They’re the joy of my life.” – Susan Ackerbauer (middle), from Johnstown.

Josh Nickels, from Saratoga Springs “I went to the Bruce Springsteen concert the other night. Bruce sees this sign a lady was holding that said, ‘I danced to this song at my wedding.’ So he brought them up on stage.”

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

3

Chowderfest Breaks Attendance Record SARATOGA SPRINGS — 130,000 bowls of chowder were served at the 18th annual Saratoga Chowderfest, which took place on Saturday, February 6. It was the perfect mild winter day for the event, with a record-breaking 50,000 attendees estimated to be on the streets of Saratoga Springs.

The public voted and decided on the 2016 Chowderfest winners, which were announced at 6:30 p.m. at the Heritage Area Visitor Center on Broadway.

For more information about Chowderfest, visit facebook. com/saratogachowderfest.

Photos by MarkBolles.com.

People’s Choice Winner: Gaffney’s Restaurant, who served up their southwest shrimp and grilled corn chowder with a crab popper wonton.

Best Chowder Less than 1,000 Bowls Served and Best Non-Downtown (double win): Doc Brown’s Lakeside Tavern, with their shrimp corn chowder.

Most Chowder Served: Druthers, featuring their southwest chowder. Best On Broadway: Thirsty Owl Outlet and Wine Garden.

Best Off Broadway: West Side Stadium, serving seafood chowder.

Best Newcomer: Carson’s Woodside Tavern, with their cheesy chicken quesadilla soup.

4

WEEK IN REVIEW

One Injured In Police Vehicle Crash

Man in Custody Assaults Deputy Officer

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Wednesday, February 10 at about 10:30 a.m., Officer John Sesselman was traveling eastbound on Lake Avenue in the area of East Side Rec. At the time Officer Sesselman was using his emergency lights and siren because he was trying to conduct a traffic stop on a black sedan he had witnessed committing traffic violations. The black sedan was a few spots ahead of the police car at that time.

As the police car came upon the intersection of Benton Drive, a 1992 Buick Century pulled out of Benton Drive and into the path of the police car. Both vehicles collided and sustained significant damage. The driver of the Buick was Ruth Callahan, age 97, of Saratoga Springs.

Callahan had to be extricated from the Buick by the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. She was then transported to Saratoga Hospital for evaluation due to a general complaint of pain.

Callahan was subsequently issued 2 citations- one for failing to yield the right of way/ stop signed controlled intersection and one for failing to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle. Officer Sesselman was not injured as a result of the accident.

Schenectady Man Charged with Possession of Contraband Cigarettes SCHENECTADY — A resident of Schenectady was caught with 21 cartons of contraband cigarettes on Thursday, February 4, according to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Michael A. Tarver, 55, attempted to sell these illegal cigarettes, and was consequently charged

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Chad Beatty 581-2480 x 212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com

GENERAL MANAGER Robin Mitchell 581-2480 x 208 rmitchell@saratogapublishing.com MARKETING DIRECTOR Chris Bushee 581-2480 x 201 cbushee@saratogapublishing.com PHOTOGRAPHER Mark Bolles 490-1757 mbolles@photoandgraphic.com

ADVERTISING Jim Daley 581-2480 x 209 jdaley@saratogapublishing.com Cindy Durfey 581-2480 x 204 Briefs, Calendar cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com Erin Boucher 581-2480 x 219 eboucher@saratogapublishing.com PROOFREADER Anne Proulx 581-2480 x 205 Obituaries, Business and Education Editor, Buzz

aproulx@saratogapublishing.com

with two misdemeanors: 5th degree criminal tax fraud, and the possession of contraband cigarettes with intent to sell.

As a result, Tarver could face up to $10,000 in fines, as well as up to 1 year in jail. Tarver could also be met with an extra penalty of $600 for each carton.

MOREAU — A female deputy was attacked after arresting a man for providing alcohol to two underage subjects. Deputies from the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office were called to a scene at a residence in the Town of Moreau on Saturday, February 6, where a party was taking place.

The officers found that the resident, Evan J. McLaughlin, 21, of Moreau, had provided alcohol to two underage people at the party. After being

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

taken into custody, McLaughlin lunged at an officer and headbutted her, leaving her face and head injured. McLaughlin was charged with Assault Second Degree (class D felony), Obstructing Governmental Administration, and 2 counts of Unlawfully Dealing with a Child. The officer who fell victim to the attack was treated for a concussion at Glens Falls Hospital.

Alyssa Jackson 581-2480 x 215 Graphic Designer alyssa@saratogapublishing.com Morgan Rook 581-2480 x 207 Advertising Design ads@saratogapublishing.com

EDITORIAL Norra Reyes 581-2480 x 203 Newsroom Manager norra@saratogapublishing.com Arthur Gonick 581-2480 x 206 Sports Editor, Saratoga City+County News arthur@saratogapublishing.com

ALBANY — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is urging those who plan to be on frozen bodies of water this winter to take extreme caution as of Friday, February 5. As a result of winter’s delayed start, ice is not as thick as it normally would be at this time of year.

The DEC advises that people avoid open areas in large bodies of water, and strongly recommends being prepared with self-rescue equipment. The use of motor vehicles on ice is also extremely discouraged.

The DEC sent out this warning due to multiple incidents of people falling through frozen lakes, two of which occurred in Ballston Lake, where a man fell through the ice while riding his dirt bike over the lake on Saturday, January 30, and where an 18 year old girl fell through the lake with her dog on Sunday, February 7. (By the way, all are OK at this time). Further information about this warning can be found on the DEC website – visit www.dec.ny.gov.

Saratoga Springs Driver Strikes Pedestrian in Crosswalk SARATOGA SPRINGS — A driver struck a woman crossing the street in Saratoga Springs on Thursday, February 4. Lindsey Hammer, 32, of Saratoga Springs, was turning her car when she hit a 66-year-old pedestrian from Queensbury. The pedestrian hit

her face on the windshield and subsequently suffered facial injuries. The victim was treated at Saratoga Springs Hospital and is expected to recover fully.

Hammer was ticketed for failure to yield to a pedestrian, as well as improper lane use.

Ballston Spa Man Charged with Grand Larceny BALLSTON SPA — A Ballston Spa resident was arrested as a result of collecting benefits that were not entitled to him. Lucas M. Macisaac, 31, of Ballston Spa, was arrested on Sunday, February 7. It was found in a joint investigation between the

Saratoga County Sherriff ’s Office and the New York State Department of Labor that in 2013, Macisaac collected benefits that he was not entitled to, with a total of $4199.00.

Macisaac was charged with Grand larceny in the third degree.

Garbage Truck Accident Shuts Down Route 67

BALLSTON — State Route 67 in the Town of Ballston was left temporarily closed as a result of a garbage truck accident. A County Waste vehicle collided with a railroad overpass on Route 67

on Monday, February 8. Railroad activity ceased immediately, and after an evaluation of the damage, both the Canadian Pacific Railway and the New York State Department of Transportation

determined that Route 67 would close for repairs as of 5:00 a.m., on Tuesday, February 9. Later that day, repairs were completed and the route was reopened to motorists.

A Saratoga TODAY Publication

DISTRIBUTION Kim Beatty 581-2480 x 205 kbeatty@saratogapublishing.com

GRAPHICS Andrew Ranalli 581-2480 x 202 Production Director, Website andrew@saratogapublishing.com

DEC Issues Warning about Thin Ice

SARATOGA

™

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

Complimentary

Winter 2016

Giving

Locally Owned & Operated

BACK...

People who do the right thing

Five Case Street Saratoga Springs New York 12866 Phone: (518) 581-2480 Fax: (518) 581-2487 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Hours of Operation 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Monday–Friday

Rebecca Davis 581-2480 x 214 Pulse, Food, News rebecca@saratogapublishing.com

Email ads@saratogapublishing.com to subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 | SIMPLY SARATOGA

S A R ATO G A

| 1

A Saratoga TODAY Publication Complimentary

BRIDE

Details, Ideas Advice

&

Track Weddings

Real Brides Real Stories

NEXT DEADLINE: SPRING SIMPLY SARATOGA 02/19/16

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

COURTS: Dillon J. Toliver, 29, of Broadalbin, pled on January 22 to the charges of felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, and reckless driving. Sentencing is scheduled for March 9.

Anthony M. Wheeler, 37, of Malta, pled on January 25 to the felony charge of failure to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled March 22.

William L. Weatherwax, 33, of Middle Grove, pled on January 25 to the felony charge of driving while intoxicated. Sentencing is s scheduled for March 21.

Kenneth A. Burt, III, 36, of Clifton Park, pled on January 25 to the felony charge of criminal contempt in the first degree.

Sentencing is scheduled March 21.

Scott H. Lortie, 26, of Moreau, was sentenced on January 25 to 3 years in prison and 1 ½ years post-release supervision, after pleading to the felony charge of attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree.

Michael C. Kissling, 30, of Troy, was sentenced on January 27 to time served and 5 years probation, after pleading to felony charge of attempted forgery in the second degree.

Jonathan W. Goldsmith, 21, of Moreau, pled on January 27 to the felony charge of criminal mischief in the second degree. Sentencing is scheduled March 8.

Joseph M. DeCheck, 52, of Chatham, was sentenced on January 27 to 6 months in jail and 5 years probation, after pleading to the felony charge of grand larceny in the fourth degree.

Stephen D. Gizzi, 31, of Halfmoon, pled on January 28 to the felony charge of criminal contempt in the first degree. Sentencing is scheduled for March 24.

Robin E. Kronk, 53, of Gloversville, was sentenced on January 28 to time served and 5 years probation, after pleading to the felony charge of attempted assault in the second degree.

Devin M. Chapman, 22, of Moreau, pled on January 28 to the felony charge of criminal mischief in the second degree. Sentencing is scheduled for March 24.

Antonio E. Barrone (AKA Mario J. Stachini), 47, of Albany was arraigned on January 28 on the charges of two felony counts of driving while intoxicated, felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the second degree, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, criminal impersonation in the second degree, unlawful fleeing a police officer in the third degree, and unlawful possession of marihuana.

George E. Melville, 59, of Corinth, was arraigned on January 28 on the charges of two counts of unlawful surveillance in the second degree, felony tampering with physical evidence, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Leslie A. Arone, 48, of Lake George, was arraigned on January 28 on the charges of felony driving while ability impaired by drugs, felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the second degree, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree.

William C. Kennedy, III, 43, of Clifton Park, was arraigned on January 28 on the charges of felony criminal contempt in the first degree, felony aggravated family offense, criminal contempt in the second degree, criminal mischief in the fourth degree, and harassment in the second degree.

ARRESTS: Timothy J. Fabin, 23, of Olmstedville, was arrested on January 17 and charged with driving while intoxicated, consumption of alcoholic beverages, unlawful possession of marihuana, driving

BLOTTER 5 with a BAC more than .08 of 1%, criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, and three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree.

Liston C. DeLifus, 34, of Schenectady, was arrested on January 17 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, and an equipment violation.

Jared R. Johnson, 29, of Middle Grove, was arrested on January 22 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and a registration violation.

Ariel E. Calvert, 34, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested on January 23 and charged with driving while intoxicated, driving with a BAC more than .08 of 1%, speeding in a posted zone, and an equipment violation.

Jareth M. Fleming, 24, of Ballston Lake, was arrested on

January 23 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, and failure to keep right.

David O. Hunt, 25, of Gansevoort, was arrested on January 23 and charged with unlawful possession of marihuana, and an equipment violation.

David J. Rehkugler, 26, of Ballston Spa, was arrested on January 24 and charged with driving while intoxicated, driving with a BAC more than .08 of 1%, reckless driving, failure to stop at a stop sign, aggravated driving while intoxicated, and driving the wrong way down a one way street.

Bryan J. Marotta, 25, of Clifton Park, was arrested on January 24 and charged with driving while intoxicated, and two counts of failure to keep right.

Wilguen Siprien, 34, of Watertown, was arrested on January 24 and charged with failure to keep right, improper lane use, driving

while intoxicated, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, and driving with ability to operate a motor vehicle impaired by drugs.

Paddy R. Kelley, 49, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested on January 24 and charged with driving while intoxicated, improper lane use, unlawfully driving on or across the sidewalk, and refusing a pre-screen test.

Nicholas G. Wilsey, 23 of Greenwich, was arrested on January 24 and charged with criminal possession of marihuana in the fifth degree, and unlawful possession of marihuana.

Robert C. Danison, 65, of Ballston Spa, was arrested on January 25 and charged with two counts of failure to signal a turn, operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs (1st offense), and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.

6 Barbara Bazakis GANSEVOORT — Barbara Bazakis died suddenly at home on Friday, February 5, 2016.

Barbara was born in Athens, Greece on March 25, 1930 to Spyro and Katina Bakoli. In 1949 Barbara married Harry Bazakis in Athens and emigrated to the United States where they settled in Troy, NY. While living there, Barbara was a devout communicant of St. Basil’s Greek Orthodox Church. She was employed for several years by Di Jimas Furs and M. Solomon Furs as an expert seamstress. Barbara and Harry eventually purchased a home in Colonie, NY where she continued working and raising her family.

Later on in life Barbara moved to Boca Raton, Fla., where she and Harry enjoyed many wonderful years together. Saratoga became her new home in 2005 after the loss of her husband.

She fell in love with Saratoga and enjoyed walking downtown, Shakespeare in the Park, the library and all events in town.

Barbara was an active volunteer at the Saratoga Senior Center.

She was affectionately known as Yia yia and Great Yia yia to her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Barbara was predeceased by her son Michael.

Survivors include her brother Demetrios Bakoli of Athens, Greece; daughter Katina (Robert) Austin; grandsons William (Shannon) and Michael (MJ); great-granddaughters Kora and Karley Austin along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends and relatives gathered to remember her on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Donations may be made in her name to the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

Dennis J. “Tuna” Grolley SCHUYLERVILLE — Dennis J. “Tuna” Grolley, 64, a resident of Ruckytucks Rd. in Stillwater passed away Saturday, February 6, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer at Saratoga Hospital in the loving company of his wife and daughters.

Born May 20, 1951 in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Anthony “Shiek” and Kathryn “Kaye” Grolley.

Denny was a graduate of Schuylerville High School. He

OBITUARIES retired from Pepsi Co. in Latham where he was a territorial sales manager for 30 years. After his retirement, he was employed by County Waste, Casella, MBI, the Battenkill Country Club and Schuylerville Central School where he was well appreciated by both coworkers and students.

Denny was the beloved husband of Mary Jordan, and father of two daughters, Katie Mae Nusca, wife of Billy Nusca and Roxanne Grolley, girlfriend of Jonathan Karkotsky. He is also survived by his brother Jerry Grolley, his twin sister Donna Porlier, sister Kathy Weils, and several nieces and nephews.

He loved spending time with his family. He was an avid golfer, a member of the Battenkill Country Club, and a Harley rider. Denny had an undeniable gift of bringing a smile to everyone he met. The outpouring of support during his illness from friends both new and old confirmed that he was truly a great man.

A funeral mass was celebrated on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at Notre Dame-Visitation Church in Schuylerville with Rev. Martin Fisher, officiating. A spring burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery.

Friends may call on Monday from 4-6pm at Flynn Bros.

Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville.

Memorials can be made in his memory to Saratoga Hospital, 211 Church St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis TN 38105.

Online remembrances can be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com

Dorothy Lorayne Urdaneta SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dorothy Lorayne Urdaneta passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at Saratoga Hospital surrounded by loving family and friends. She had just turned 93 on January 1. We would like to express our gratitude to the compassionate and caring hospital staff members who tended to her in the final days.

She was born in 1923 in Loving, TX, one of seven children of the late Leonard and Ada Purselley. Lorayne married Rafael Urdaneta in 1941 and moved to Maracaibo, Venezuela where she lived for 71 years. Saratoga became her new home four years ago in order to be close to her daughter, Vivian. For a year and a half Lorayne resided at

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016 The Home of The Good Shepherd where she made good friends.

Lorayne was a wonderful and loving person who always put the needs of others before her own. Above all, Lorayne was absolutely devoted to her husband and children.

She is survived by her son, Rafael A. Urdaneta, her two daughters Vivian Urdaneta and Mavalynne Urdaneta, their spouses, 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, her youngest brother Wayne Purselley and wife Barbara and her widowed sister-in-law Frances Purselley.

At Lorayne’s request, she is being cremated. There will be no funeral home visitation. A Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, February 9 at St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church, 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs with the Rev. Timothy Keating C.Ss.R. presiding. In lieu of flowers or any other gifts, if you feel so inclined, please do make a gift to your favorite cause.

Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

If you wish to express your online condolences or view the Obituary, please visit our website at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Ferne Ballou PORTER CORNERS — Ferne Ballou of Porter Corners passed away at her home on Sunday, February 7, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. She was 92.

She was born in Brownville, NY on May 11, 1923, the daughter of Percy E. King and Melrose E. King (nee Paul).

She grew up in Orono, Maine, and graduated from high school there. After relocating to Greenfield Center, she met and married Maurice Ballou of Porter Corners.

Ferne started her career with the United States Postal Service as a substitute letter carrier, a substitute clerk, a fulltime clerk and finally as Postmaster at the Porter Corners Post Office where she served her community for 25 years.

Ferne was a member of the Methodist Church in South Corinth and also was a charter member of the Porter Corners Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. She was a housewife and mother who enjoyed cooking, gardening, crafts, knitting and crocheting. She loved to fish and enjoyed going to her Aunt and Uncle’s camp on Lake Ontario in the summers and vacationing at the seashore.

Left to cherish Ferne’s memory is her daughter, Wanda Twining-Jones and her husband David R. Jones, her sister, Patricia Cornell, grandchildren, David M. Twining (Monica) and Nancy JonesBrugman (Patrick) and eight great-grandchildren: Colwyn, Madyson, Skylar, Tyler, Michael, Conor, Lucy and Jesse along with many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband of 43 years, she was predeceased by her brother, Robert King and sister, Persis Ann Manson.

Send obituaries to aproulx@saratogapublishing.com

or call

(518) 581-2480 x 205 See full obituaries at saratogatodaynewspaper.com

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016 The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Hospice of Saratoga for all their tender loving care and compassion At Ferne’s request, there will be no viewing hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

If you wish to express your online condolences or view the Obituary, please visit our website at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Gregory Brian Massiah SARATOGA SPRINGS – The family of Gregory Brian Massiah is saddened to inform the community of his sudden passing on February 4, 2016. Gregory was born in Brooklyn, NY, on October 11, 1964.

In 1973, Gregory moved to Saratoga County with his parents, the late Katherine and Alvin Massiah, and his surviving brother and sister, Michael and Kim. He attended St. Peter’s Elementary and Central Catholic High School (Class of 1982), received an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts from Schenectady Community College and a B.A. in Literature from Baruch College in NYC. He was an elementary school teacher for the Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn and also taught at a charter school in Schenectady. Most recently, he worked at CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services in Malta, where he served as a Senior Youth Counselor. Gregory was a gifted teacher, mentor and caregiver; a beloved uncle, brother, and friend. Always putting others’ needs before his own, our memories of him bring us comfort and inspire us to be more caring, generous and selfless human beings.

Relatives and friends may call from 1:30 - 2 p.m.

Saturday, February 13, 2016 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. A service will be conducted at 2 p.m. at the funeral home and burial will be private.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Laura A. Boiani SARATOGA LAKE — Laura A. Boiani, 46, of Route 9P, died unexpectedly Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam, after apparent cardiac failure. Born in Schenectady, July 30, 1969, daughter of Pamela Panza of Mechanicville and the late Eugene Boiani, Jr., Laura was a Licensed Practical Nurse for a number of years at Conifer Park for 17 years and lastly at the Home of Good Shepherd in Malta.

Laura was passionate about music and loved to sing, enjoyed cooking, the Kemp branch of Karate and loved all animals. She enjoyed her family and friends.

Survivors include her son Richard Karwan of Saratoga Lake, daughter Angelina Emmi and husband Frank Emmi both of Ballston Spa. Also siblings, twin sister Lisa Boiani of Corinth, Michelle Boiani of Saratoga Lake and Denise Boiani of Lake Luzerne, along with her beloved niece Molly Calhoun. Also Uncles Tony (Dr. Jill Braverman) Panza and Michael Panza of Saratoga Lake, Eddie Boiani of Colorado and Sam Boiani of Plattsburgh, along with

OBITUARIES 7 cousins and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, February 8, at All Saints on the Hudson Church, 895 Hudson Ave. in Stillwater. Remembrances may be made to Northeast Kidney Foundation, 501 New Karner Rd, Ste 6, Albany, 12205 or Saratoga County Animal Shelter in memory of Laura A. Boiani. To leave condolences, visit www.devito-salvadorefh.com Arrangements by DeVitoSalvadore Funeral Home, Mechanicville.

Marjorie Alice (Burke) Baldwin SARATOGA SPRINGS — Marjorie Alice (Burke) Baldwin passed away peacefully at Saratoga Center for Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Care in Ballston Spa on February 3, 2016. Marjorie was a very loving, kind and compassionate person who lived life to the fullest. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Marjorie was born on April 24, 1929 to George Burke, Sr. and Alice Hammond Dake in Saratoga Springs.

After graduating high school in 1946, she married William A. Baldwin Jr., also from Saratoga Springs, in 1947 and together they raised five children. She worked as a switchboard operator at New York Telephone for many years, then as a waitress at Holiday Inn. Margie’s spirit lives on in all those who were blessed to meet her.

She is pre-deceased by her parents, George Burke, Sr. and Alice Hammond Dake and her husband William A. Baldwin, Jr. Survivors include her three sons William, Michael and Patrick Baldwin and two daughters Linda Mitchell and Sharon Watson.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Monday, February 15, 2016 at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave. in Saratoga Springs; burial will follow at Greenridge Cemetery, 17 Greenridge Place, Saratoga Springs.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern NY Capital District Region, Pine West Plaza, Building 4 Suite 405, Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12205.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Son/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

Rita M. Rodriguez MALTA — Rita M. Rodriguez passed away Saturday, February 6, 2016 at Home of the Good Shepherd Highpoint. She was 86.

Born on January 29, 1930 in Stillwater, Rita was the daughter of the late George and Mable (Thompson) Welch. She worked as a secretary for Keniery & Keniery, Attorneys at Law in Mechanicville until moving to Saratoga Springs where she was employed by NYS Housing Authority at the Stonequist Apartments.

Rita retired early to care for her daughter (who suffered from LUPUS Disease) and her grandchildren.

Her family was the joy of her life and being in the comfort and tranquility of her home was where she was happiest. She was an avid reader.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her adoring husband of 63 years, Marion “Rod” Rodriguez; their daughter, Jean Lynn Garant and siblings, Ann DeCota Lawler, George Welch and Robert Welch.

Survivors include her grandchildren, Laura MacMillan of Gansevoort and Daniel Garant of Milton; her sister-in-law, Sally (Leisetta) Bochette; nieces and nephews, Bill DeCota, Judy Ferris, Janice DeCitise, Lois Wrist, David and Bruce Bochette. Additionally, she is survived by the very loving and compassionate staff at the Home of the Good shepherd and her special friends there.

Relatives and friends may call today, Friday, February 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway in Saratoga Springs. A service will be held at 1 p.m. at the funeral home and burial will follow in the family plot at Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Ave., also in Saratoga Springs.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LUPUS Foundation, 1533 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12205.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

Karl O. Glueck GANSEVOORT — Karl O. Glueck, 88, a resident of Duncan Rd., passed away peacefully Sunday, February 7, 2016 at his home surrounded by his wife and two children.

Born July 27, 1927 in Grosswallstadt, Germany he was the son of the late Alois and Magarethe Hess Gluck.

Mr. Glueck came to the United States on a boat in 1963 with his wife and son without speaking a word of English. He found a job as a tailor in New Jersey at Lord and Taylor where he worked for 8 years before moving to Amsterdam, NY where he worked at Gutenberg Men’s Department Store for 8 years. He and his family then moved to their home in Gansevoort and he worked for several years at Saratoga Men’s Shop in Saratoga Springs and then he retired from Cohoes Manufacturing in Cohoes, NY. He became a US Citizen on August 18, 2006. His enjoyments included Classical Music, singing as a Tenor, and in Germany, he played soccer and did gymnastics.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Erika Horn Glueck of Gansevoort; a son, Michael Gluck of Mechanicville; a daughter, Lisa Glueck of Mechanicville; a granddaughter, Erika Glueck Pinney of Mechanicville; his brother, Josef Gluck of Germany; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 13, 2016 at the Olde Liberty Baptist Church, 600 Route 67, Malta, NY. There are no calling hours.

Memorials can be made in his memory to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Arrangements are under the direction of Flynn Bros.

Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville, NY 12871.

Online remembrances can be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com

8

Continued from front page.

NEWS

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Illegal Housing – Next Door City Starts to Move Against Airbnb Outbreak

graduation, music festival, etc. is apparent. The only problem is that, according to the City Code – it is also illegal.

As such, Saratoga Springs is but one example of a growing statewide, nationwide, and even international new market

phenomenon rising out of the internet age: through these sites, property owners are finding it easy to list, and potential visitors have a larger universe of choices. Buyer meets seller, and everyone’s happy. So what’s the problem?

The problem is that housing used for these types of

rental units is being offered in many city neighborhoods where only single or perhaps two-family homes (zoned urban residential or UR-1, 2, or 3) are permitted. Further, the length of guest stays, being frequently short-term – a few days or more – goes against the City Code, which specifies

that in these neighborhoods a length of stay that is less than 30 days is considered “transient,” and can only be offered by licensed rooming houses, bed and breakfasts, and hotel/ motels. (Note: the city code is crafted so as to specifically exempt track rentals and stays that are longer than 30 days for people vacationing, college students or similar longerterm arrangements).

In Saratoga Springs, the City Code in this case exists not for the purpose of imposing an extra level of bureaucracy. Rather, it attempts to address legitimate concerns, which might be classified into three main areas – security, safety and economic.

The security component: one big reason people buy homes in one/two family neighborhoods is so they will know who their neighbors are. In this context, there is also a public safety component, in that resources must be dedicated to areas all over the city, instead of centralized in a lesser number of places where licensed multi-unit short-term rental properties exist.

The overall market condition regarding the outbreak of short-term rentals was brought to our attention by a reader, who we will call Cece. She owns a house in a quiet neighborhood in the Southeastern end of the city. Cece filed a formal complaint with the City’s Building Department last summer, and enlisted the aid of City Council members to help. In her complaint, she spoke about her neighbor engaging in short-term rentals and the impact on her neighborhood’s quality of life: “Have you ever tried to sleep with spotlights shining in your bedroom window? Have you ever gone to bed with the windows wide open… only to be inundated with cigarette or cigar smoke blowing into your sleeping quarters? How about drinking parties in the backyard after concerts? This wouldn’t happen if you knew your neighbors. But when the house next door is rented on VRBO at a two-night minimum, you never

know who is going to be your neighbor. I live in a UR 2 residential zone, so this shouldn’t happen, right? Wrong. People/ tourists do not always behave in the same manner as permanent residents.”

In this case, Cece received a response from Commissioner of Public Safety Chris Mathiesen, who was sympathetic. In an email, he wrote, “Private units in residential neighborhoods should not be able to be operated as de facto hotel rooms. If the ordinance as presently written does not address this problem, we need to revise it so that these instances do not occur. You are not the first person to complain about such imposition.”

Later, the City’s Building Department issued a ‘cease and desist’ letter to Cece’s neighbor. She is concerned that when next summer comes around she will have to cope with this again, though, as it is not clear what will be done to enforce the order should the neighbor violate it again.

In truth, there are enforcement provisions that exist in the city code that are quite severe, calling for fines of up to $1,000/day in some cases.

Yet, as Saratoga Springs officials struggle with several hundred potential violating properties, they said they were mindful that historically, judges have been reluctant to impose fines on property owners. Further complicating the problem is that the City’s Code Enforcement Department has just two people – with their other responsibilities, they have only been able to respond to complaints such as Cece’s, and are mindful about facing an accusation of selectively enforcing a code provision.

This situation has recently changed. A committee comprised of Head Building Inspector Steve Shaw, Code Enforcers Dan Cogan and John Donnelly, City Attorneys Vincent J. DeLeonardis and Tony Izzo, and Deputy Mayor Joseph Ogden, has been meeting for months in an attempt to formulate a strategy about this issue. As a result last

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

NEWS 9

Illegal Housing – Next Door City Starts to Move Against Airbnb Outbreak

week, Cogan indicated the City has sent out a letter to about a dozen property owners (a sample has been obtained

by Saratoga TODAY – see graphic) as a first step with an eye toward reaching out to all those who are in violation. Included with the letter that states the property owner is in violation, is a licensing package from the Accounts Department for them to become “legal” – conforming to the guidelines for a special use permit that would allow the owner to operate a shortterm rental dwelling.

“Private units in residential neighborhoods should not be able to be operated as de facto hotel rooms.”

- Chris Mathiesen, Commisoner of Public Safety There would be costs involved in doing this. The permits themselves are not expensive (Code Enforcer Dan Cogan said that it is $25/year for up to five rooms, $50 for up to 10), but in order to qualify for a permit there may be more substantial costs involved in bringing a given building up to the requirements that would be needed to pass a fire inspection for units of this type, as well as carrying extra insurance, and other items.

“For us, the primary concern is the safety of the travelling public,” Cogan said. “We have other concerns – such as the impact on the quality of life in the neighborhood and making sure sales and room (bed) taxes are collected. But safety is by far the main priority. We hope the property owners contact us to work it out. ” The issue of lost sales and room taxes are a substantial issue nonetheless. The New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association’s President Jan Chesterton noted that nationwide, the hotel and lodging industry provides nearly 2 million jobs nationwide and supports $141.5 billion in annual business travel tax revenue for state and local governments. Chesterton has been representing the lodging and hospitality industry

in a battle to get some State legislation to supplement and strengthen local governments’ efforts to grapple with this situation. “We want to level the playing field,” Chesterton said. A committee, of which Todd Garofano, president of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau is a member, has been educating members of the Legislature and has formulated several key points that they advocate should be part of a legal solution to the short-term online rental universe that they say are compromising consumer safety, endangering the character and security of residential neighborhoods, and avoiding their tax and regulatory obligations.

These provisions include: • hosts register and obtain a business license; • short-term online companies are not facilitating illegal activity; • all taxes are paid; • basic health, safety and cleanliness standards are met; • communities and residents of multi-unit buildings are not subject to a revolving door of strangers; • zoning laws and condominium, co-op, and apartment building rules are followed; • illegal hotels do not continue to operate; and • appropriate levels of insurance are in place to protect homeowners, guests and communities.

Chesterton made it clear that safety was also her association’s top priority. “The biggest thing is assuring standardized inspections for all lodging facilities,” she said.

“However, there is no doubt that the Capital Region is losing thousands of room/ nights per year to these shortterm rentals, with all the lost revenue associated with it.”

Chesterton expressed confidence that “we will get something done in this legislative session,” which ends in June.

So, the battle lines have become more clearly drawn.

This remains a story in process, which should prove to be interesting to see how it plays out locally.

Saratoga TODAY has obtained a copy of the letter sent to a dozen property owners last week, stating that they are in violation of City Code chapter 136-2.

10

FEATURE

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

The Many-Splendored Thing

by Norra Reyes Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — As we brainstormed this week’s paper in the newsroom, we wondered whether or not to include a spread on Valentine’s Day. Some here thought it was a little cheesy and it wouldn’t appeal to readers unless they are couples.

“True love is the best thing in the world, except for cough drops.” ~ William Goldman, The Princess Bride.

There’s a lot of truth to that, but in my family, I wanted my daughters to learn about true love, not just romantic love, so they could recognize love

however which way it may come.

So, we have a tradition that their first Valentine every February 14 comes from their mom.

“When you look into your mother’s eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth.” ~ Mitch Albom, For One More Day. If they can see that love is bigger, deeper, stronger than romance, that they are constantly surrounded by it, they’ll never feel lonely. Love is the binding that seals loyalty and friendship.

“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” ~ Walter Winchell.

And for many, their Valentine is furry and has four legs. There’s something so fulfilling in sensing that other heartbeat in a quiet room, that cheerful bark when you walk in the door or that sawbuzz purr in your ear that wakes you up in the morning.

“Show a dog an ounce of

True love is…exploring the world together. A.C. and John Riley have just celebrated their 20th anniversary together this year. The duo love to travel and they are currently planning a trip across the United States. Photo courtesy of Woodlawn Commons, the Wesley Community

love, and he will be your friend for life.” ~ Stuart and Linda Macfarlane.

Because pets will love us even when we are having a bad day, and are not our best selves. Thankfully, so does family. Some of the truest love is between siblings, those early playmates and rivals who know us so well that they can push our buttons better than anyone, but bristle if anyone else dares to do it to us.

“That’s what people do who love you. They put their arms around you and love you when you’re not so lovable.” ~ Deb Caletti True love is permanent.

Whether it’s your best friend, your dog, your lover, your dad, or your sister, when you really love each other, it’s there forever, which is why it is so painful when they leave us.

“True love is felonious…

You take someone’s breath away… You rob them of the ability to utter a single word… You

True love is…able to stand the test of time. Berta and Wally Sonntag, who moved to Saratoga in 1970, the same year they got married. Together nearly 50 years, they still love holding hands and going on walks together. Photo courtesy of Woodlawn Commons, the Wesley Community.

steal a heart.” ~ Jodi Picoult, My Sister’s Keeper And even more painful when they leave us permanently. There

is no deeper demonstration of true love than a grown child caring for a parent in the last days they will ever be together. Or a husband caring for a wife, or a teenage boy caring for his dog, or any soul who has been loved caring for the loved one as they say goodbye.

“If it’s possible to send a

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

FEATURE 11

True love is…best friends working on a cool project together. These best buds shared a Ballston Spa School District Elementary Science and Engineering Fair project in January. From left to right: Sean Gillson, Gavin McNulty, Henry Mathison, and Vinny Rossetti. Photo courtesy of the Ballston Spa Central School District.

True love is…Lisa and Dale Jackson, high school sweethearts who are celebrating 35 years of loving marriage in June. For Valentine’s Day, Dale is planning on making a nice dinner with wine and playing their song – “How Deep Is Your Love” by the Bee Gees. They have a lunch date at least once a week. Every day, for all these years, Lisa leaves notes for Dale before she leaves for work. Photo courtesy of their daughter and Saratoga TODAY’s creative director, Alyssa Jackson.

message from heaven, I’ll get one to you.” ~ Lurlene McDaniel, Don’t Die, My Love “True love stories never have endings.” ~ Richard Bach So, here in the images you see around these two pages are the faces of love in its many-splendored

forms. On Sunday, February 14, and every day of your life, remember those who love you, however that love comes.

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” ~ Lao Tzu

True love is…planning the rest of your lives together. Rebecca Davis, Entertainment Editor at Saratoga TODAY, and her boyfriend, Tyler Carpenter-Rivers, have been together for four years, but have been friends even longer. They’ve driven across the country together, and hope to have many more adventures traveling around the world someday. In this photo from last weekend, they’re having a blast at Bartenders’ Ball!

12

NEWS

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Moonbeam: In Memory of Apollo Astronaut Dr. Edgar Mitchell

by Dr. Joel Goodman for Saratoga TODAY He was out of this world… and also very down to earth. He was Dr. Edgar Mitchell, the sixth man to walk on the Moon… 45 years ago this week. Edgar was also here in Saratoga Springs 15 years ago on the 30th anniversary of Apollo 14.

I felt connected with Edgar for a long time — my father had worked for many years at NACA (The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics - a forerunner of NASA)… and my uncle had actually worked on the Lunar Module back in the 60’s and

70’s. I had the pleasure of meeting Edgar at the Creative Problem Solving Institute’s President’s Convocation years ago. Although he passed away this week at the age of 85, Edgar’s creative accomplishments and imprint will be with us for a long time.

Over the decades, The HUMOR Project has sponsored 55 international conferences on “The Positive Power of Humor and Creativity,” including 20 years in a row here in Saratoga Springs. This conference has honored laughter luminaries like Steve Allen, Sid Caesar, Victor Borge, Bob Newhart, Jay Leno, Gilda Radner, Art Buchwald, the Smothers Brothers, Lucie Arnaz, Al Roker, Soupy Sales, Teri Garr, Carol Channing, David Hyde Pierce, Meadowlark Lemon (see January 15 edition of Saratoga TODAY), and others.

These programs attracted people to our city from all 50 states, 6 continents, and the Moon (thanks to Edgar). As the title of our conference suggests, I really believe there is a link

between humor and creativity (I call it the HAHA-AHA alliance).

I was delighted to honor Edgar at our Saratoga Springs conference by presenting him with the “Creativity in Action: Making a Difference Award.”

Dr. Edgar Mitchell had a resume that must be unique in the entire history of the universe. He held a Doctor of Science degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT and four honorary doctorates. On February 4, 1971, he piloted the Lunar Module to a landing on the Moon with Alan Shepard. Two years later, he founded the Institute of Noetic Sciences, an organization dedicated to sponsoring research into the nature of consciousness. This career and life-changing transition was inspired by his trip back to Earth after his walk on the Moon: “Suddenly, from behind the rim of the Moon, in long, slowmotion moments of immense majesty, there emerges a sparkling blue and white jewel, a light, delicate sky-blue sphere laced with slowly swirling veils of white, rising gradually like a small pearl in a thick sea of black mystery. It takes more than a moment to fully realize this is Earth… home. My view of our planet was a glimpse of divinity. We went to the Moon as technicians; we returned as humanitarians.”

As a lecturer and prime mover in the field of consciousness research, he delivered

Dr. Edgar Mitchell walked on the Moon as part of the Apollo 14 mission

addresses throughout the world on cosmology, human potential, and the implications of recent discoveries in science as they affect our individual lives in the home, the workplace, and society at large. He was a frequent guest on radio and television talk shows.

Dr. Mitchell received many awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.

He was the author of Psychic Exploration: A Challenge for Science and The Way of the Explorer, which traces the progress of two remarkable journeys: his life-changing space flight and his exploration of the mystery of consciousness and being.

In fact, at our 2001 Saratoga Springs conference, he made two presentations that are described below: The Way of the Explorer: An Apollo Astronaut’s Journeys Through Outer Space and Inner Space: From January 31-February 9, 1971, Dr. Mitchell embarked on a journey through space of some 500,000 miles that resulted in his walking on the Moon with Alan Shepard. Of that journey, he has written, “On the return trip home, gazing through 240,000 miles of space toward the stars and the planet from which I had come, I suddenly experienced the universe as intelligent, loving, harmonious.” Scientist, test pilot, naval officer, Apollo 14 astronaut, entrepreneur, author, and lecturer, Dr. Mitchell’s varied career personifies humankind’s eternal thrust to widen its horizons as well as to explore its inner soul. In this session, you’ll have a chance to take your mind for a ride in this

intellectually stimulating, provocative lecture on his experiences in outer space and his exploration of the inner space of consciousness.

2001: (Inner) Space Odyssey: On the Frontiers of Creativity: Guided by Dr. Edgar Mitchell and Dr. Roger Firestien, this is a unique, brain-stretching opportunity to focus on such topics as: * Cutting-edge research on creativity and innovation: what works, what doesn’t in business, education, health care, human services, parenting, and life * Strategies for developing a climate for creativity and innovation in your own organization or classroom * The four critical behaviors needed to be consistently creative * Research of 30 years in consciousness studies * The connection between understanding the universe and understanding your Self * The lessons of Apollo 13: creativity under pressure, solving unsolvable problems Edgar’s pioneering planetary paradigm provides powerful perspective on the universe around us… and the universe within each of us. I feel honored that this very well traveled astronaut landed in Saratoga Springs and had another out-of-this-world experience while he was here.

Recipient of the International Lifetime of Laughter Award, Dr. Joel Goodman is founder and director of The HUMOR Project, Inc. in Saratoga Springs (www.

HumorProject.com). Although he has not yet been to the Moon, Joel is a globetrotter himself: One of only two professional speakers on the planet to present in all 50 states and on all 7 continents.

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

BALLSTON SPA 517 Randall Rd., $238,000.

William and Judith Korman (as Life Tenants) and Jacqueline Chamberlain (as Remainderman) sold property to Chad Curcio.

20 Pine Grove Ave., $205,760.

Dolores Admire (by Exec) sold property to Robert and Linda Shippey.

CHARLTON 19 Western Ave., $199,000.

Patsy and Virginia Mottolo sold property to Andrew Peltz and Bethany Hutchinson.

109 Rocky Ridge Rd., $278,000.

Joseph and Gail Muller sold property to Christopher and Kimberly Sawicki.

37 Crooked St., $150,000.

Jeffrey Hubert sold property to Kevin Lebaron.

1317 Division St., $246,500.

Richard and Louise Carros sold property to Jeffrey Scranton and Stephanie Ochrym.

CORINTH

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

MALTA

sold property to Sarah Thronton.

Lot 17 Maiden Circle, $285,359.

John Luke Development Co. LLC sold property to Daniel Fogarty and Nicole Lonczak.

189 Redmond Rd., $107,000.

James Flint sold property to James Darrow.

69 Wake Robin Rd., $135,000.

Steven Taddeo sold property to Christopher Battiste.

198-202 Fort Edward Rd., $40,000. Brenda Wood sold property to Raymond and Darlene Fischer.

15 Collamer Rd., $430,000.

Paul and Jennie Mango sold property to Jonathan and Nia Laparl.

206 Thimbleberry Rd., $150,000. Bernadette Armiento (by Atty), Mary Ellen Lisowski (by Atty) and Marcia Greenson (Ind. and as Atty) sold property to Cynthia Sferruzza.

35 Arrowwood Place, $185,500.

Karen Wojcik-Hess sold property to Richard Long.

MILTON 647 Grand Ave., $259,900.

Frank Delorenzo Jr. sold property to Vincent Contrino.

503 Acland Blvd., $325,000.

Carrie Kaufman sold property to Gregory and Erica Deuel.

17 Primrose Ave., $170,000.

David and Elizabeth Barcomb and Tara Oliver sold property to Dianne Petteys.

7 Jamaica Ave., $190,069.

Denise Hermanson sold property to Jeremy Barber and Erin Dunn.

42 Fedor Rd., $291,000. Joseph Sharpe sold property to Christopher and Christi O’Brien.

23 Myron Rd., $145,000.

Joseph and David Dewey and Dianne Roughead sold property to Whitney Friedrich.

SARATOGA 16 Myers Lane, $148,000. John and Laura Calsolaro sold property to Sallieanne Bott.

6 Lancaster Place, $164,000.

Emily Conway sold property to Vincent and Karen Matteo.

215 Casey Rd., $346,000. Anne and Ralph Crandall sold property to Mark and Sue Miller.

133 Lemont Ave., $184,000. US Bank National Association (as Trustee) sold property to Justin Daniels.

567 Plummer Rd., $130,000.

Howard Clark Sr. (by Admin) sold property to Michael Oleksak.

97 Gates Ave., $32,000. Bank of New York Mellon (as Trustee

By Atty) sold property to Thomas Macica.

6 Comstock Rd., $15,000.

Gordon MacDonald sold property to Susan Seelow and Eileen Bartow.

557 Rowland St., $55,000.

John and Judith Frolish sold property to Rowland Grand Development LLC.

21 Ashleigh Lane, $376,100.

Saratoga Builders LLC sold property to Judith and Glenn Smith.

202 Palmer Ave., $165,000.

Douglas and Donna O’Donnell sold property to Catherine Dillman.

195 Bath St., $30,000. Buell Ave. Properties LLC sold property to Muk Yuen.

19 Depot Rd., $68,900.

Rosemary Bronzene (by Atty) sold property to Adam Corlew.

33 Spotswood Dr., $30,000.

Heath Road Plus LLC sold property to Driftwood Contracting Inc.

GREENFIELD 22 South Greenfield Rd., $372,500. Erik and Sarah Whittle sold property to Cory and Josie Fitzpatrick.

7 Brookstone Dr., $517,000.

Kenneth and Kimberly Purdy sold property to timothy Stablein and Allison Appleton.

559 Rowland St., $55,000.

John and Judith Frolish sold property to Rowland Grand Development LLC. 305 Caribou Court, $105,000.

Lunsford and Dawn James sold property to Bruce Hoffman and William Chase.

SARATOGA SPRINGS 287 Jefferson St. Unit 2, $217,000. Robert Duncan sold property to Heather Carver.

18 Division St., Unit 312, $510,000. Michael Chille sold property to Colony Drive Real Estate Holding Company LLC.

61 Fedor Rd., $68,000. Colleen Nichols sold property to Kenneth and Erika Walker.

8 Quevic Dr., $212,000. Susan Hoellrich and Barbara Rollison (Ind and as Atty) and John F Nolan Life Estate (by Atty) sold property to Scott and Rebekah Bobeldyk.

11 Woodlawn Ave., $123,000.

Merle and Melody Thorton

8 Pamela Lane, $408,876.

Blitman Saratoga LLC sold

MOREAU

property to Mayumi Kato.

62 Wagon Wheel Trail, $152,000. Anthony Romandetti (by Atty) sold property to Albert and Pamela Bauer.

25 Freedom Way, $3,298,669.

Munter Land Holdings LLC sold property to MGrove Holdings LLC. 13 Tamarack Trail, $215,000.

Jason and Cara Musits sold property to Jesse and Haley Housekeeper.

38 High Rock Ave., Unit 4F, $1,095,000. High Rock Condominiums LLC sold property to Charles Stanek and Elizabeth Spinelli.

Railroad Place, Unit 102, $750,000. Jay Zand sold

13 property to ERM 83 Railroad LLC.

STILLWATER 134 Route 423, Lot 2A, $31,000.

Patricia Van Splinter sold property to Theresa and Bernard Luskin Jr. 34 Lakepointe Way, $459,815.

Mason Street LLC sold property to Patrick and Tammy Finnegan.

19 Walden Circle, $495,721.

Amedore Homes Inc. sold property to Robert Marquardt, Jr. 584 Route 9P, $86,000. Henry Gronczniak (by Exec) sold property to David and Carolyn Scripter.

14

BUSINESS

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

The LA Group Acquires HMH Site & Sports Design SARATOGA SPRINGS — The LA Group, Landscape Architecture and Engineering, P.C. recently acquired HMH Site and Sports Design. The expansion adds a new office in Ithaca, six new staff members, and an increased focus on resorts and recreation, including a niche in athletic fields.

According to C. Michael Ingersoll, vice president of The LA Group, the acquisition came out of a long-term relationship with HMH. “We’ve competed in the past,” said Ingersoll, “but have mutual respect for each other’s work. HMH came to us to understand how we could best work together, and the acquisition was a natural fit, solidifying the niches we both have in the industry.”

Founded in 1974, The LA Group is a 46-person landscape architecture and engineering firm based in Saratoga Springs. The design firm provides environmental analysis, land planning,

and civil engineering for public space planning, colleges and institutions, government projects, parks and recreational facilities, and private initiatives.

HMH was founded in 2005 as a boutique firm specializing in athletic facilities. Over the past 10 years, it has worked on notable projects for Farmingdale State College, SUNY Cortland, Binghamton University, and the Niagara Falls City School District, among many others.

“We’re excited to welcome the entire HMH team, grow our presence in Central New York, the Southern Tier, and Long Island, and expand our existing recreational services with top-notch sports and athletic planning and design,” said Joe Sporko, president of The LA Group.

Ingersoll stated that many of LA Group’s recent local recreation projects have included HMH, such as the Saratoga

Pictured from left to right are Josh Mike, Mike Ingersoll, Scott Hughes, Mike Herzog, Joe Sporko. Photo provided.

The LA Group team. Photo provided.

Waterfront Park, the expansion of the Saratoga YMCA, the Town of Malta’s ball field and athletic facilities at Luther Forest Technology Campus, as well as the Round Lake Preserve that was directed by the Town of Malta and Saratoga Plan.

“For communities to grow, there has to be balance between development and quality of life improvements and we’re proud that our firm has had the opportunity to make that very impact,” said Ingersoll.

Scott Hughes, former president of HMH Site and Sports Design, said, “When you talk about landscape architecture firms with national impact, you always hear about The LA Group. Now, our clients will benefit from their breadth of experience and our team will gain talented mentors.

I’m proud that our history is merging with The LA Group’s and confident that our level of service is only amplified with this change.”

According to Ingersoll, the merger comes at a time of burgeoning interest in many aspects of the sports and recreation market. “We see opportunities coming up in Central New York, the Capital Region, across the state, and beyond,” he said. “Whether it’s parks, trails, waterfronts and bikeways, or general outdoor recreation – there is a renewed interest in recreation planning that brings people into natural environments.”

The LA Group has been intimately involved in many of the major development projects in the city and region, including: the Saratoga Waterfront Park;

the Centennial Park; decades of work at the Saratoga State Park and Saratoga National Battlefield; almost all of the Railroad Place development including Criterion Cinemas and Market Center; and Saratoga National Cemetery.

Outside of Saratoga Springs, the LA Group has been responsible for the growth and development at Niagara Falls State Park, Arlington Cemetery, West Point, and Global Foundries. It has built a regional and national reputation working for the Veterans Administration, the National Park Service, developers and municipalities for urban revitalization, and high profile clients such as the Luther Forest Technology Campus in Malta.

For more information on the firm, its services and its projects, please visit www.thelagroup.com.

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Roohan Realty Announces Top Performers for 2015!

BUSINESS BRIEFS 15

Letters to the Editor...

Leadership: Balancing Citizenry’s Needs vs Wants

Tom Roohan, Valerie Thompson, Kate R. Naughton, Christine Hogan Barton, Palma Pedrick, Mara King, Meg Minehan and Amy Sutton.

Roohan Realty is proud to announce their top Realtors® for 2015. Congratulations to these top 5 agents in order – Valerie Thompson, Kate R. Naughton, Meg Minehan, Palma Pedrick and Mara King.

In addition, the “Rookie of the Year” Realtor® award went to Christine Hogan Barton

and the top Commercial Realtor® was Amy Sutton. The Company recently held an awards ceremony and dinner in their honor at The Wishing Well. In total, these accomplished Realtors® achieved over $71.5 million in real estate property sales last year.

Healthcare Financing Reform Film SARATOGA SPRINGS — Fixit, Healthcare at the Tipping Point, is a documentary film proposing reform in healthcare financing, and it will be presented by the League of Women Voters of Saratoga County at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, on Monday, February 29, at 3 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. A discussion following each showing of the film will be facilitated by Dr. David Ray, Chair, Capital District Chapter, Physicians for a National Health Program, and member, Capital District Alliance for Universal Healthcare.

This new 55-minute film looks in depth at how the dysfunctional and inefficient financing of our healthcare system damages our economy, suffocates our businesses, discourages physicians, and negatively affects the nation’s health while it remains unaffordable for a third of our citizens.

This event is free and open to the public. If the library is closed due to adverse weather, the film will be shown on March 1. For further information, contact the League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, www.lwvsaratoga.org.

I have noticed a recent trend, and I am troubled.

Our quality of life in Saratoga Springs is among the best available.

Part of that is based on the decision made by the Board of Trustees of Saratoga Hospital to make our hospital a high quality hospital, with a staff of excellent physicians and specialists, so our citizens can access necessary health care right here instead of traveling great distances. The cultural resources available are greater than you might expect in a small city. These help to attract and retain many highly qualified people who work not only in our hospital, but in area businesses, others through use of technology at a distance from

their actual employment.

Citizens run for office with the expectation by the electorate that they will use their judgment in decision-making. We put our trust in their intelligence and integrity to enable them to make decisions based on the good of the greater community, not the whims of small vocal groups.

What has happened to that kind of decision-making?

Council members are expected to show leadership when they consider issues. Sometimes the right choice is not what some people want. The Council must show the courage to move forward with the decision that benefits the

greater community.

Recent events surrounding approvals for construction of an office building for physicians near the hospital is a case in point. The way it played out will be a detriment to the reputation of our community as other entities consider putting down roots here, and may have a negative effect on our future. If we are hard to deal with, those businesses can go elsewhere where they will be welcome.

A.C. Riley Mayor, 1990-95 Saratoga Springs

Helping Seniors Keep Their Homes Saratoga Springs Mayor Joanne Yepsen recently delivered her State of the City address, and I was thrilled to see that affordable housing will continue to be a top priority for her office. The Mayor specifically noted that affordable housing is important to keep seniors in the City. This is an issue not just for the City of Saratoga Springs, but for the entire County.

Often, when people think about “affordable housing,” they envision large rental projects or programs that help families achieve homeownership. But, many seniors in our community already own their homes (and have for many years), and need help keeping these homes affordable so they can remain there. According to U.S. Census data, 71.3 percent of

residents 65+ in Saratoga County own their own homes, however, 23.5 percent of these senior homeowners are cost-burdened (spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing) and 6.8 percent of seniors in Saratoga County are below the poverty level. Homeowners who are cost-burdened and/or are living below the poverty level are at risk of losing their homes due to the cost of a needed repair or maintenance, such as replacing a furnace or roof.

Seniors face unique challenges as they try to remain in their homes because they will likely need accessibility modifications to make it possible for them to age-in-place successfully, such as installing a wheelchair ramp, grab bars, or improved

lighting. These modifications can be expensive and out-of-reach for homeowners who are already costburdened. Organizations such as Rebuilding Together Saratoga County provide critical repairs and accessibility modifications for lowincome homeowners, at no cost to the homeowner, and many of the clients they serve are seniors. We need to continue to focus on affordable housing programs, like those offered

by Rebuilding Together, so we can keep seniors in our community in their homes and neighborhoods.

Michelle Larkin Executive Director Rebuilding Together Saratoga County

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Families

16

TODAY Pages 16-27

Q: What major factors affected the economy and stock market performance recently?

A: Although there were several dynamics, commodities were center stage.

by Andrew F. Boord for Saratoga TODAY

Despite the fact that there were several dynamics that negatively affected the economy and stock market performance in 2015 and early 2016, commodities were center stage. It is perhaps an oversimplification to attribute all the world’s problems to a commodity cycle, but it is key to understanding the current situation. Obviously there are many factors at work here, but most tie back to old-fashioned supply and demand.

A few years ago demand for many commodities rose faster than expected, pushing prices higher. Capitalists responded by digging new mines, ordering more equipment, and drilling for oil in more difficult locations — often financed with borrowed money — and all of this contributed to a boost in supply. More recently, much of this increased supply

hit markets just as demand had perhaps moderated. As a result, 2015 was when many previous beneficiaries of the commodity “super cycle” suffered. The worst stock market performers, such as the Coal, Oil & Gas, Pipeline, and Mining industries, typically share both an inability to set their prices and often a material debt burden.

The unwinding of the commodity cycle hurts direct participants considerably, but there are ramifications for all of us. I see potential implications ranging from political maneuvering and macroeconomic disruptions to effects on consumers and specific companies. For example, with OPEC either unwilling or unable to restrict supply to boost oil prices, many member nations are experiencing significant budgetary and political pressures. Some of the questions I ponder that may impact my investments in the short term include: Could one of the OPEC members face a

regime change? Will the layoffs in the Oil & Gas Industry and less demand from our more commodity-sensitive trading partners be enough to slow the U.S. economy? Or might the boost to American consumers, who benefit from lower commodity prices, be enough to offset this pressure? How will this affect my investments?

While I am watching economic data closely and talking to as many companies as possible, I am not sure how this will manifest itself. Thankfully, there is a huge difference between the economy’s shortterm growth rate and longterm returns from holding stock in well-run businesses.

I remain quite confident that, yes, the economy and stock prices will be volatile year-toyear, but over time excellent companies should grow profits nicely which in turn should fund healthy dividends and drive stock prices higher.

The writer is an Investment Research Analyst at Fenimore Asset Management in Cobleskill, NY.

WILLIAM PRESTON JOINS FENIMORE COBLESKILL (February 8, 2016) — William Preston has been appointed Investment Research Analyst at Fenimore Asset Management, the investment advisor to FAM Funds, in Cobleskill, NY. He previously worked at Renaissance Capital in Greenwich, Connecticut as a Senior Research Analyst.

Will received his BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance/IT Management and a minor in Economics from the University at Albany. Mr. Preston also earned the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation.

As a CFA® charter holder member he is part of an elite professional community of ethical financial experts from around the world.

Fenimore Asset Management is an independent investment advisory firm located in Cobleskill, NY since 1974.

Fenimore’s affiliates are the Fenimore Private Client Group & FAM Funds – offering separately managed accounts and mutual funds. In-depth research.

Insightful investing.

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Continued from front page.

Families

17

TODAY

Dads on Duty Saratoga Hospital Helps Dads Get Ready

by Norra Reyes Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — There are few things in life more simultaneously inspiring and scary than seeing the woman you love in fear, exhilaration, and great pain as your child first comes into the world.

Saratoga Hospital understands this well, and has several programs for expectant parents to make the experience as fulfilling and less fearful as possible, providing ways to increase shared understanding and baby-bonding for both Mom and Dad. Until now, there hasn’t been a program just for Dad alone through the hospital, which is why social worker Kyle Marrocco has been invited to present a fathersonly program called “Dads On Duty” beginning in February.

“As a parent myself, I think this class holds great value for expecting fathers,” said Britney Lombard, community education specialist for Saratoga Hospital. “Often times, mom is the one who does the majority of the research for new baby. This could lead to struggles where dad may not feel like he can contribute adequately or develop his own parenting style. By creating a men-only environment, I think it allows dads to be more open and honest about their struggles or fears.”

Lombard could see right away that Marrocco had much to offer to fathers in the community, and has planned several of the two-hour courses in the coming weeks. “Dads on Duty is scheduled monthly throughout the entire year,” she said, “and we expect it to gain traction primarily through word of mouth.”

Chris Nedwick is one of the expectant fathers registered for the upcoming Dads on Duty class in February.

“I’ve learned that literally the most important contribution you can make to the world is to prepare for childbirth and be a good parent,” said Nedwick. “What I’m hoping for is some advice on how to prepare for a child and what to expect. I want to hear from people who’ve been through it before, some experts who counsel fathers-to-be. I just feel that the more preparation up front, the higher the degree of success. The whole process is such a big deal

Chris and Julie Nedwick are expecting a son, due April 15. Photo provided.

and I’m just hoping for a road map to get through it. I expect it to be a very positive experience.”

Dads On Duty is for new dads and dads to be, looking at how to be supportive in the delivery room, going home post-labor, and how to care for babies, among other things.

Marrocco said, “Many don’t realize that it’s a team effort to get successful breast feeding, or what it takes to help your wife and family get through the realities of post-partum depression. If you don’t care for yourself, you can’t care for a baby, and that’s true for both mom and dad. There’s nothing targeted just for the male.”

Until now.

In addition to those topics one might expect, Marrocco will include a reflection on taking the dads’ worries and concerns and talking them out as a group.

“One of the biggest things about Dads On Duty is it is a support group for dads to come and say their fears out loud, without wives present,” said Marrocco. “They don’t want to show their wives that they are just as scared as they are. They feel if they show it that she’s going to be more scared. So everything stays in the room, and then you can go home feeling more prepared and more at ease. Dads can mention a specific situation and ask other

dads what would they do. We’ll talk about how to handle stressful situations, too.”

The program not only includes Marrocco’s experience as a social worker, but also as a husband and father.

“Part of the reason I wanted to teach this class is that I haven’t had a relationship with my father in over 12 years now,” said Marrocco. “He was always absent, or not present, and I made a conscious

decision not to be that kind of dad. In this class, you can reflect on your own father, good or bad, and take the good and do it yourself or take the bad and learn from it.”

Nedwick said he and his wife have done a lot of research on their own, spent quite a bit of cash on books, but is looking forward to supplementing that with some reallife experience from professionals and mingling with other dads.

“My wife, Julie, and I are 8 months pregnant now, working professionals in Saratoga County, and found out about the class through contacts at Saratoga Hospital, who’ve been absolutely fantastic throughout the process,” said Nedwick. “This is our first child, and the whole process is overwhelming, but we couldn’t be happier with level of support from the hospital. They go above and beyond medical care and help you to really be prepared for the most important thing that is every going to happen in your life.”

Classes are two hours long and take place on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration is $20 and is available for the following scheduled classes: February 17, March 16, April 20, May 11 and June 15. To register, call 518-580-2450 or visit https:// saratogahospital.org/events/ dads-on-duty-nclass-for-2016-2/.

18

Families

TODAY

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Mid-Winter Recess Calendar

by Megin Potter for Saratoga TODAY It’s already vacation time again for area students; midwinter recess is here! It’s a chance to learn something new and have a bit of fun.

Curious about the opportunities happening around town this week? Whether you are looking for a full-week immersion camp, an interesting activity to fill a few hours, or a discounted rate at a family-favorite place, here are some ideas to inspire kids to get out there and make memories happen. (For more information and event details, please call or visit organizations online.)

DAY CAMPS

Olde Saratoga Farms MidWinter Horse Camp

522 Route 32 North, Schuylerville 518-577-0449 Email: gcommanda@me.com Wed.-Fri., Feb. 17 - 19 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $70/day or $189 for all 3 days Interact with horses and learn horse safety, natural horsemanship skills, handling, care, grooming and riding techniques. Make new friends while playing games, enjoying crafts, and learning about farm life all under the supervision of an RN. Ages 5 -18

518-636-3699 x336 http://www. westmtn.net/ 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. $220 for 2 days or $300 for 3 days Play on the snow with 2 & 3 day camps that include lessons, lift tickets, lunch, & activities.

Fully Supervised Ages 4-17

320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 518-584-4132 http://www.saratoga-arts.org/education/artcamps Mon.-Fri., Feb. 15-19 (3 day option may be available) Prices range from $140-$220/members or $150-$225/non-members.

Space is limited.

In the half-day Imagination Rules or the full-day Camp Creativity, young artists have the opportunity to complete their own masterworks. In the full-day All the World’s a Stage theater camp, they experience the essentials involved in producing their own play by weeks’ end!

Registration is Required for Classes.

Times and Prices for Classes Vary A full calendar of culinary expeditions await for kids interested in cooking in the kitchen; from the Father and Daughter Valentine’s Day Brunch, to the Baking101 class, to exploring Chinese and Jamaican cultures through their foods, these courses end with the reward of eating what you create. Arts and crafts are also on the menu of offerings at the studio.

Saratoga Arts Council

ACTIVITIES Serendipity Arts Studio

26 Congress St. Congress Plaza, Saratoga Springs 518 886-9553 http://www.serendipityartsstudio.com/

Northshire Bookstore

424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 518.682.4200 http://www.northshire.com/

West Mountain Ski Resort Holiday Stay & Play Camps 59 West Mountain Road, phone:

Sun, Feb 14, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

FREE Make a Valentine with our Booksellers Enjoy a fun Valentine’s Day activity - make a handmade paper valentine for someone you love!

Intended for ages 4 & up, with adult helper.

Caffé Lena

47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, 518-583-0022 http://www.caffelena.org/ Evenings, Price: $3 Open Mic, $5 Workshop, $5 Jam admission The musically-inclined have this downtown gem offering teens the chance to play and receive supportive feedback on Wed. at their Songwriter’s Workshop and on Sat. at the popular Bluegrass Jam session. All ages have 10 minutes to play all styles of music and spoken word performance, including poetry, comedy, and storytelling on Thurs. Open Mic night.

Saratoga Children’s Theater

Saratoga Senior Center, 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs 518-580-1782 http://www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org , sctlberenis@gmail.com

Kids Night Out Valentine’s Pajama Party Fri, Feb 12 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Grades K-5. 1 Child $15; 2 Children $25; 3 Children $35 Dancing, music, crafts, and a movie. Pizza by reservation only $1/ slice Improv Fundamentals February 13th from 4pm-7pm for ages 13-18 $20 Through scene work and a series of exercises, students will be introduced to the building blocks of long form improvisation with instructor Michael Kayne, who has written for Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Fusion, and more.

The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College

815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 518-580-8080 https://tang.skidmore.edu/ Admission is FREE. Reservations are required.

Artsy Valentine’s Day Craft Sat. Feb. 13, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Take a tour of the gallery and then make a special and unique Valentine. All materials will be provided. For ages 5 and up, accompanied by their adult companions.

World Awareness Children’s Museum

89 Warren Street, Glens Falls 518-793-2773 http://www.worldchildrensmuseum.org/ Ages and prices vary.

Registration is required for some programs.

Appreciate cultural diversity with just a short drive to this interactive museum. On Fri., Feb. 12 Visit the Museum for free from 3 – 5 p.m. On Sat. Make Lunar New Year Envelopes. On Sun. sensory-sensitive children can experience the museum without the worry of loud noises or bright lights during their Sensory-Friendly Hours. Also on Sun. create a special Valentine gift with the Marbled Heart Project. On Mon. Make a Fairy Garden, and play World Leader Bingo; on Tues. hear the Adirondack Klezmer Band perform traditional Polka; on Wed. Make Your Own Play Dough; on Thurs. Make a Kaleidoscope; on Fri. Make Chocolate with Barkeater Chocolates and have

another chance to play World Leader Bingo; on Sat. make music in the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo; and on Sun. get creative during Art Studio Painting time.

Saratoga Public Library

49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs 518-584-7860, ext. 305 https://www.sspl.org/ All events are FREE. Registration required for most events.

Programs this week include a guided hike to look for Animal Tracks around Congress Park, Campfire Stories, Songs and S’mores, how to write a Minecraft Story, and Clifford’s Birthday Party.

RECREATION Wilton Wildlife Park & Preserve 80 Scout Road, Gansevoort 518-450-0321 http://www.wiltonpreserve.org/ All Activities are FREE. Registration is Required.

Ages and times vary per class.

Enjoy the variety of the outdoors. On Tues. use natural items in a Natural Picture Frame Craft, on Wed. explore animal artifacts in Skull Science, on Thurs. listen and look during the Owl Prowl, and on Fri. go on a Winter Scavenger Hunt.

Saratoga Spa State Park

19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs, 518- 584-2000 ext 116 http://www.nysparks.com/parks/ saratogaspa Ages, prices, and times vary.

Registration is Required.

Learn about the park’s majestic trees on Wed. during the Guided Nature Hike: Hemlock Trail and on Fri. learn what it’s like for animals during winter in Winter Challenges.

Family Yoga at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market

Sat., Feb 20, 11a.m. to 1p.m.

Saratoga Spa State Park, Lincoln Baths Building, 65 South Broadway FREE ADMISSION Register at: Julia@saratogafarmersmarket.org Enjoy family-friendly 30-minute yoga classes designed for all ages and abilities. While you’re there, continue good health practices by shopping the agricultural bounty grown and produced by local farmers.

Free Fishing Weekend in New York State Sat, Feb. 13 & Sun, Feb 14

Continued on page 26.

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Families

19

TODAY

My big boys’ #1Valentine

by Katherine Morna Towne for Saratoga TODAY My older boys are crazy about the baby.

He’s not even a baby anymore, at the ripe old age of twentytwo months, but he’s a perfect age for his big brothers: big enough to run around and play with; little enough to be the cutest thing they’ve ever seen.

“Ohh isn’t he just the cutest baby ever,” they coo, these big boys who are starting to try to flex their big-boy muscles on occasion. They follow him around and try to ply him with the choicest treats: his blankie, his cup of juice, their own beloved stuffed animals, a share of their dessert.

Mostly what he wants, though, is “Car!” and he points to the toy closet, whose doors don’t close for the amount of toys spilling out of it, toys that go back eleven years to when my oldest was tiny. Into that mountain my big boys dive, looking for the matchbox cars and Little People vehicles and Thomas the Tank Engine trains that will satisfy the baby’s demand for “Car!” Then they just melt over the cuteness as he lines them up on the arm of the couch, all in a line, or rolls them on the floor with his face close to the hardwood so he can watch the motion of the wheels.

They have to have their hands on him all the time. If ever a baby was smothered with affection, this baby is. The older boys are constantly trying to hug him, hold his hands, ruffle his hair (or, as just happened now and required my intervention, slick his wispy baby hair into a Mohawk), rub his back or his belly or tickle his feet. Sometimes the baby allows it, but mostly he doesn’t, and he lets us know it: one of his very first words was, “Stop!”

It’s a little bit heartbreaking too, because the baby’s figured out that his brothers will get in trouble if he screams, “Stop!” and he screams it with abandon, even if someone’s looking at him the wrong way, and when I hear it from where I can’t see what’s happening I always yell, “Leave the baby alone!” which I know is terribly unfair, since a good amount of the time the baby’s just wielding his power and the big boys, often innocent, are the victims. But then, again, sometimes they really are just loving him too hard.

Despite his delight in getting his brothers in trouble and his irritation at being snuggled too much, the baby really adores the big boys. One morning recently I thought I would melt right into the floor as I watched him run through the house yelling for #4.

that drives the big boys crazy— they work themselves into a fit of concern and worry. “Mom!” they yell. “He needs you!” despite the fact that I’ll have my arms open to the baby while he screams, “Stop!”

This particular afternoon, I was the last thing the baby wanted, and he finally whirled around and toddled as fast as he could across the room and threw himself into #2’s arms, hugging his big brother and laying his head on him. Number 2 was as surprised as anyone, but immediately kicked into comfort mode, and curled himself around the baby. They stayed like that for long enough for me to get my phone out to take a picture.

The baby has even comforted others. I have one boy who is notorious for letting bad moods and upset of every kind last for hours.

“He’s at school,” I reminded him, and confusion, realization, and disappointment flashed across his tiny toddler face. At night when I’m bringing him up to bed, the baby says, “Ni-night!” to each of the boys, and sometimes will allow them to hug him.

He’s fairly attached to me still, but one afternoon recently he was in a mood—lots of crying and tantrumming (in his tiny boy way, which is more cute than horrible)—and my every attempt to comfort him made him scream at me, “Stop!” I’m not fussed by his fussing, but it’s the kind of thing

One recent evening he bumped his head and took to a corner of the play room with loud and sustained wailing and crying. We all knew that it just needed to run its course and we braced ourselves, but when the noise stopped much quicker than I expected, I looked over to see the baby rubbing the big boy’s head.

It had quieted the crier right down and he was even smiling. I realized I should have thought of that, because the baby’s been the key to calming that big boy down more than once—even in the midst of his most sustained upset, if I bring the baby over to spend time with him,

the big boy quiets right down.

You must know how much it warms my mother’s heart to see my boys loving on each other this way.

The baby brings out the best in his big brothers, and he in turn benefits from their attention and affection

and lessons (good and bad!). This Valentine’s Day, I bet the big boys would rather have their baby brother as their Valentine than anyone else.

Kate and her husband have six sons ages 11, 9, 7, 5, 4, and 1. She can be reached at kmtowne23@gmail.com.

20

Families

TODAY

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Emotional Manipulation

Breaking Free From Unhealthy Relationships

by Meghan Lemery Fritz for Saratoga TODAY We have all had the experience of dealing with difficult people. Whether it’s a parent, colleague, spouse or friend,

having to interact with a difficult person can be extremely challenging and exhausting.

Having a strategy to deal with these types of people is the key to keeping yourself healthy as well as keeping your energy level free of drama and chaos.

Usually people that are difficult to deal with have some kind of personality disorder. A personality disorder is most likely to develop when a person has no sense of self-worth or inner strength. They rely on others for constant admiration and attention and resort to manipulative techniques to always get what they want.

In most cases personality

disorders develop when a person fails to receive love and approval from one or both parents. In an attempt to create that love and security that was lacking they rely on other people to fill up this emptiness.

The relationships become parasitic in nature as the person with the personality disorder needs a “host” to fill up their empty core.

If you are dealing with someone who has a personality disorder you will most likely feel exhausted, confused, second guess yourself constantly and feel criticized and manipulated. Communication is circular in nature and you can’t ever seem to get a clear picture of what is going on. You may feel that your energy is completely drained after an interaction with this type of person.

This draining feeling stems from their subtle attempt to break you down and make you feel that you are the one in the wrong. Guilt and condemnation are the tools they use to feel in control and in charge.

They have difficulty admitting when they are wrong and will manipulate every situation to put the blame on you.

Relationships with these types of people can leave you feeling empty, confused and depressed.

If you have someone in your life with a personality disorder, recognize that their issue has absolutely

NOTHING to do with you.

This is a complex, deep rooted mental health disorder that developed in childhood as a way to feel fulfilled. When you detach from internalizing their lack, you begin to see the person as someone who suffers from an illness, which in turn, enables you to see the picture more clearly. This detachment protects you from the inner turmoil that occurs from being around this toxic energy.

The key to communicating with someone who has a personality disorder is to stick to the facts. They will attempt to use a circular communication style that leaves you scratching your head and feeling beyond confused.

Stick completely to the facts and do not let them enfold you into their web of manipulation.

For example, if you feel frustrated and want to express your feelings use this approach: “The fact is you were late and it’s disrespectful.”

“The fact is I sent you the report you asked me to complete one week ago and you have not responded.”

“The fact is I will not engage in this discussion with you as I have done nothing wrong.”

Using this simple phrase takes the emotional charge out of the interaction and enables you to remain in a place of neutrality and strength. Emotional drama to people suffering from a personality disorder is like putting lighter

fluid on a gasoline tank. It keeps them warm and comfortable because they are in charge of your emotions and reactions. Sticking to the facts cuts the wires to the bomb that is about to ignite.

When using this style of communication, pay attention to how the other person responds to your factual way of communicating. This keen awareness will completely disable their ability to spin you in a circle. You may find that the person becomes completely frustrated and angry once you stop engaging in the game.

I am often asked if people with personality disorders can be treated and cured. The fact is they have to want to make the changes necessary to get healthy and develop a strong inner core.

Without the desire to change there is very little chance that the person will get healthy.

It often takes a compelling event to wake this type of person up. Death of a loved one, loss of a job, or a life threatening illness can be a trigger to push them to deal with the emptiness they feel. They need to develop insight into their manipulative behavior and once this insight is found the road to recovery can be successful.

The best treatment for this type of person is in how you interact with them. Once you stop the cycle of dysfunction they don’t have a willing participant to engage in the dysfunctional pattern of a parasitic relationship.

Remember, if you feel confused, frustrated, anxious, full of self-doubt and drained you are most likely interacting with someone who has a personality disorder. Take a step back, assess the situation, detach from any emotion and stick to the facts. This will protect your self-esteem and put a stop to the manipulation that the person with a personality disorder thrives upon.

Don’t spend another minute being held hostage to emotional manipulation, get the clarity and help you need to break free and live in peace. You are worth it!

Meghan Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA. For more information email: meghanlemery@yahoo.com

22

by Norra Reyes Saratoga TODAY

Families

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

TODAY

Robots, Crime Scenes, and Birds of Prey STEM Expo Inspires Division Street Students

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Monday, February 8, Division Street Elementary School in Saratoga Springs hosted the STEM Expo 2016.

Parent organizer for the event, Connie Woytowich, said, “The annual event connects all aspects of the school’s learning community and puts STEM at the forefront - the students that learn the curriculum get a chance to showcase it to their

families, which allows for dialogue about STEM instruction. The teachers that teach the curriculum are acknowledged; the administrators and instructional technologists that enable its implementation get to see the fruits of their efforts; and other community supports get an opportunity to demonstrate what they do as it relates to STEM.” Woytowich is a biology and chemistry teacher at Colonie Central High, and she has four children who attend Division Street Elementary. She says that

STEM education is important as the scientific method and engineering design process are inextricably linked, and these modes of thinking enable innovation, such as with biomedical applications that potentially enable people to live better lives, and for just plain fun in the form of games.

She developed, organized, and chaired the STEM Expo for the last four years. Before that, the school held an annual science fair.

Currently, the entire school participates in the Project Lead the Way

Science Modules, and the event saw approximately 150 students, with 75 presenting projects in grades K-5.

The Saratoga Springs Police Department demonstrated scientific methods used at crime scenes and the science behind hand-held radar, and the Birds of Prey exhibit showed the connection between science in a lab and in the natural world.

The Saratoga Springs High School Robotics Team made an appearance to demonstrate what they have been building, and

the High School’s Enducating Young Engineers spoke with their younger student peers about the appeal of going into engineering.

There were ten exhibits in all and about 200 attendees.

“I would personally like to thank the Division Street School for their professionalism and commitment to learning, the students and families for their energy and support, and the wonderful exhibitors from our community!” said Woytowich.

Photos by Francesco D’Amico.

“The Bird Lady,” (Richele Ford of Ford's Falconry) exhibits an injured bird of prey.

One of the many interesting student projects at the Expo.

Second grader Grace Demaria peers into a microscope.

Patrick Temple winds up as Officer Andrew Prestigiacomo prepares to speed gun his throw. It measured 43 MPH!

The Expo was well attended throughout.

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Families

TODAY

23

Schuylerville Teen Wins Statewide Tobacco Control Advocacy Award SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville High School senior Naahomae “Mae” Hailu has been named the New York State Tobacco Control Program’s Youth Advocate of the Year. The award was announced Tuesday, February 9, at a ceremony at the Legislative Office Building in Albany.

Mae is president of the Schuylerville High School Reality Check group, a program coordinated by Glens Falls Hospital’s Health Promotion Center through its Living Tobacco-Free Initiative.

Reality Check is a youth activism group that works to educate teens about the dangers of tobacco use and to promote tobacco-free communities.

“As a Reality Check member, I have the chance to change the world and protect future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco,” Hailu said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing movement.”

“Mae is informed, passionate and tireless when it comes to helping her peers and our community at large understand the dangers of tobacco use and secondhand smoke,” said Heather LaSalvia, Reality Check Program Coordinator. “No matter the audience, she delivers her message clearly and convincingly. She is so deserving of this honor.”

Among Hailu’s many tobacco education efforts, she has made presentations to local town boards urging the establishment of

tobacco-free parks; met with state legislators to discuss tobacco‐ related issues; spoken to elementary students about the dangers of tobacco and secondhand smoke; and staffed informational tables at health fairs and community events across the region.

Hailu has also attended advocacy training at Colgate University, and helped lead a regional youth training session to educate Reality Check peers.

The Youth Advocate of the Year Award was presented as part of New York Tobacco Control Program Legislative Day in Albany. Youth and tobacco control program staff gathered at the New York State Capitol that day to educate lawmakers about the value of New York State Tobacco Control Programs. These programs, many funded by the state, are proven to help prevent youth tobacco use and aid people in quitting — saving lives and millions in state tax dollars.

The Health Promotion Center of Glens Falls Hospital works to improve the health and well-being of the people and communities of Warren, Washington, Saratoga, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton and Montgomery counties through a variety of state-funded initiatives, including Living Tobacco‐Free. The initiative is funded through two state grants, Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities and Health Systems for a Tobacco-Free NY.

Schuylerville High School senior Mae Hailu has been named the New York State Tobacco Control Program's Youth Advocate of the Year. The award was presented at a ceremony at the Legislative Office Building in Albany on Tuesday, February 9. Pictured is Hailu with Heather LaSalvia of Glens Falls Hospital, coordinator of the Reality Check teen tobacco control advocacy program in area schools. Photo provided.

24

Families

TODAY

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Senior Calendar…

Adult & Senior Center of Saratoga 5 Williams St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 584-1621

Did you know we offer Latin Moves, Drawing, Painting, Mosaics, Computer Help, Yoga, Pilates, Strength Training, Trips and more? Membership only $20 for the year!

Join today by calling 584-1621.

HAPPENINGS AT THE CENTER!

AARP Taxes: Tues., Feb. 2 Apr. 12. Have all your tax questions answered and file your return. Free.

By appointment only! Call the Senior Center to sign up 584-1621.

Alzheimer’s Training: Tuesday, February 23 Do you know someone with Alzheimer’s? Do you volunteer at the Senior Center or with Seniors? Do you want to know more about working with people with Alzheimer’s?

Take one or both trainings.

12:30-2:00 - The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

2:00 - Break and refreshments 2:30-4:00 - Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior These trainings are appropriate for community groups, employee wellness programs, Alzheimer’s Association support groups, and volunteers. Free & Open to the public.

Please register at the Saratoga Senior Center or call 584-1621.

Join us for our Neighborhood Memory Café! Thursday, Feb. 25 10:30 am – 12:00 pm “Music with Steve Keller” The challenges of living with memory loss can sever social connections at a time when it is needed most.

Memory café gatherings are one way people with memory loss and their care companions come together to make new friends and support each other. Share your stories and socialize with others who have been diagnosed with memory challenges in a supportive, fun way. Being active physically, socially and mentally is good for the brain. On the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month there will be a social hour; a relaxed informal atmosphere for everyone to mix and mingle. Grab a cup of coffee and make new friends who understand. Brought to you by The Adult & Senior Center of Saratoga and The Alzheimer’s Association Free. Open to the public! Light refreshments served! For more information or to register call 584-1621.

Alzheimer’s Support Groups & Services Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group - 3rd Thursday of each month, 10:30-12:00. Need someone to sit with your loved one while you are in support group? Call and we can help. Alzheimer’s Satellite Office with Kym Hance - Every Tuesday 9-1pm.

Questions, referrals or just a chat.

Financial Services Expo: Friday, February 26, 9-11 am Enjoy pastries and coffee and meet the experts that will help you

navigate the financial waters that you face every day!

Identity Theft and Scams presented by Saratoga’s Community FCU Take a Second Look at Your Retirement Plan - presented by Wells Fargo Advisors Living Wills and Health Care Proxies - presented by Herzog Law Firm Plan Ahead for Unexpected Costs - presented by Tunison Funeral Home Each agency will give a short presentation. There will be time for one-on-one after the presentation to ask questions, pick up materials and make future appointments.

ALSO AT THE CENTER

Book Club: Tue., Feb. 23rd at 3pm - Discussing “Provenance: How a Con Man and a Forger Rewrote the History of Modern Art” by Laney Salisbury and Aly Sujo.

Music and Documentary: Thurs., Feb. 25th, 12-12:30. Come listen to your old time favorites - Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet, etc. performed

by Steve Keller. After the music, stay for the documentary on the “History of the Saratoga Senior Center”. Free.

Movies: $2 members / $4 nonmember, inc. snacks. Please sign up!

Fri., Feb. 12, 1:00pm “The Walk” starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt Fri., Feb. 26, 1:00pm “5 Flights Up” starring Diane Keaton & Morgan Freeman.

Board Games: The ACE students from Saratoga Bridges will be here on Thursdays at 10:30 to play board games. Join the fun! No sign up required.

Computer, Phone, and iPad Help: Students are in the house!

Tues, Wed., Thurs., 3-4. Must sign up!

AARP Defensive Driving: Sat., Feb. 27, 9-4. AARP member $20/ non-member $25. Call the Senior Center

2016 ONE DAY BUS TRIPS Open to non-members, you do not have to be a Saratoga resident.

Must be able to travel independently.

• Boston - March 16, $37, nonmember $57. Optional flower show add $17!

• Mohonk Mountain House - June 22, music week - $85, nonmember $105 • Montreal - September 28, $31, non-member $51 • New York City - December 7, $34, non-member $54 2016 MULTI DAY BUS TRIP • May 9-13 Lancaster Show Trip and the Dutch Country 5 days and 4 nights • July 26-28 The Great Gatsby Gold Coast - Hamptons 2016 EXCURSIONS • Treasures of Northern California - Sept. 5-13 informational slideshow 2/29 - 10am • Discover Tuscany - Oct. 20-28 informational slideshow 2/29 - 11am • Discovering Poland - May 12-23 • The Pacific Northwest’s Coastal Treasures - July 17-25 • Spectacular South Africa - Oct. 24 -Nov. 6

The Academy for Lifelong Learning

111 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 * (518) 587-2100, ext. 2390, 2415 The Academy for Lifelong Learning at Saratoga Springs Announces Spring Class Offerings Spring class registration at the Academy for Lifelong Learning (A.L.L.) starts January 25. Thirtyfour classes, including several lecture series, begin the week of April 11 and run through June 9. Look for the Spring Term Class Registration and Membership Application packet in

area libraries, the Academy office at 111 West Avenue in Saratoga Springs or on the website at www.esc.edu/all.

Registration forms are being accepted for open classes through the beginning of the term. Some classes will sell out. Call the Academy office for class availability at 587-2100 x2415.

Classes cover a wide range of genre including: history, art, media, health, religion, writing and economics. Volunteerled classes typically meet for two hours once a week for eight weeks.

Most classes are held in SUNY Empire State College classrooms at 111 and 113 West Avenue in Saratoga Springs with several “on site” offerings at a variety of local outdoor venues.

A selection of class titles include: Spring Birding, Southern Gothic Literature, Economics for Beginners, Evolution of the US Navy Nuclear Submarine Program, Justice, Saratoga Sandplains, The Wonders of Water, Hollywood Films, Painting Lab, Hikes at Moreau State Park, Military Medicine, Enjoying Poetry, History Art & Science (field trips), History in Our Saratoga County Towns, and Italian Language.

The popular Monday and Wednesday speaker series meet for two hours once a week for eight weeks and feature a different subject each week. Topics include: Introduction to Iroquois Culture, Adirondack Fire Towers, Exploring the Gut of Saratoga Springs, Lake George Hotels and Landings, Sustainable Saratoga, Military Intelligence, What is Philosophy?, and Aircraft and Air Operations: WWII – Present.

Founded in 1992, the Academy for Lifelong Learning is a nonprofit, membership organization providing academic classes and social activities for seniors. It is an independent entity sponsored

by SUNY Empire State College with offices at 111 West Avenue in Saratoga Springs. For more information, go to www.esc.edu/all.

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Families

25

TODAY

Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa Make Top 10 NY Retirement Spots

by Sarah Hume for Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs has been named one of the top 10 best places to retire in the state of New York, according to a 2016 analysis by SmartAsset.

Saratoga Springs ranks sixth best for senior-friendly living in New York and No. 319 nationally. The rankings are based on three factors: tax burden, access to medical care, and social and recreational opportunities.

Matthew Veitch, a Saratoga Springs supervisor, said he is happy the city ranked among SmartAsset’s best places to retire in New York.

“I am proud of all we have done to enhance the quality of life for all residents, both young and old,” he said.

This is the second year in a row the New York City-based company has released its retirement rankings.

The data used to rank cities is from the U.S. Census Bureau, Avalara and government websites. Social and recreational opportunities are defined by the number of retirement centers and art, entertainment and recreation centers as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Ballston Spa also made the top 10, ranking No. 2 in the state and No. 234 nationally.

“It is important to note that Ballston Spa ranked No. 2, so it proves the point that Saratoga County overall is a great place to retire in New York State, with two of the top ten locations here in the county,” Veitch said.

In 2015, Saratoga Springs was No. 2 in New York and No. 454 nationally. Ballston Spa was No. 3 in the state and 483 nationally.

According to the data, Saratoga Springs and Ballston Spa saw the percentage of seniors increase from 2015 to 2016. Ballston Spa saw increases in doctor offices and recreation centers per 1,000 people, and Saratoga Springs saw a slight decrease in

recreation centers per 1,000 people.

“Overall, cities in New York did better compared to the nation in 2016, and other cities in New York saw greater improvements in the metrics we looked at than Saratoga Springs from 2015 to 2016,” said A.J. Smith, vice president of content with SmartAsset.

Reflecting on the rankings, Peter Martin, a Saratoga Springs supervisor, said the community has much to offer retirees and vice versa.

“Retirees often bring with them certain benefits to the community,” he said.

Lorrie Shilling, director of marketing with The Wesley Community, which offers senior care services and programs, said Saratoga Springs offers its residents much to do and see, from downtown boutiques and restaurants to concerts, ballets, lectures and museums. The community is “rich in history, culture and entertainment,” she said.

“This month in February, they’re taking a trip over to the Tang Museum to see the exhibit there,” Shilling said. “We have lots of lecturers and speakers come over for the history. There’s so much history to talk about for this area.”

SmartAsset was founded in 2012 by Michael Carvin and Philip Camilleri. It’s a financial technology company that offers free tools to help people better understand personal finance. For more information, visit https://smartasset.com/retirement/.

New York

Doctors' Offices Recreation Centers Retirement Centers

Rank City Tax 1 Hartsdale, NY 11.5% 2 Ballston Spa, NY 11.1% 3 Fairport, NY 12.1% 4 Webster, NY 12.1% 5 Canandaigua, NY 11.6% 6 Saratoga Springs, NY 11.1% 7 Briarcliff Manor, NY 11.5% 8 Warwick, NY 12.2% 9 Malone, NY 12.1% 10 Tarrytown, NY 11.5% NY 11.1% Nationwide 13.1%

per 1,000 People per 1,000 People

per 1,000 people

6.2 3.0 7.3 6.9 4.0 3.4 4.8 4.6 3.8 5.2 1.3 1.2

0.2 0.2 0.7 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.1

1.7 4.2 3.5 3.8 2.6 2.3 1.9 2.1 1.5 2.9 0.6 0.4

Best Place to

% of Seniors 22.6% 18.5% 18.3% 14.9% 18.7% 18.2% 18.3% 25.1% 16.6% 16.7% 14.1% 13.7%

Retire Index

85.57 85.51 85.42 84.07 82.74 82.70 81.98 81.68 81.14 80.59

United States Doctors' Offices Recreation Centers Retirement Centers

Rank City Wasilla, AK 1 Palmer, AK 2 Naples, FL 3 Inverness, FL 4 Stuart, FL 5 Brooksville, FL 6 Farmington, MI 7 8 Traverse City, MI 9 Abingdon, VA 10 Brighton, MI Nationwide

Tax 4.5% 4.5% 10.2% 10.2% 10.2% 10.2% 10.4% 10.4% 9.9% 10.4% 13.1%

per 1,000 People per 1,000 People

per 1,000 people

8.6 6.9 27.0 9.9 13.2 15.7 22.9 13.5 7.5 11.8 1.2

1.4 1.0 1.0 0.7 0.5 0.4 1.4 1.2 0.5 0.7 0.1

3.3 2.6 9.6 1.2 2.8 2.7 4.3 3.3 1.3 3.3 0.4

Best Place to

% of Seniors 9.3% 8.4% 49.3% 34.8% 26.1% 24.5% 15.9% 15.2% 20.1% 21.1% 13.7%

Retire Index

100.00 98.89 98.26 98.21 98.17 97.93 97.52 97.29 97.20 96.92

26

Families

TODAY

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

February is Low Vision Awareness Month

by Susan E. Halstead for Saratoga TODAY What is low vision?

Persons with “low vision” are usually described to have partial loss of sight. Additionally, their condition cannot be fully corrected by prescription lenses, medical treatment or surgery.

Low vision and blindness share many of the same causes. Causes include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Low vision can and does affect people of all ages. Although low vision does not automatically progress to blindness, it makes everyday tasks like reading, writing and driving quite challenging.

What causes low vision?

Low vision may stem from any number of causes, including diseases and injuries that affect the eyes and health conditions such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy. 45 percent of all cases of low vision are attributed to age-related macular degeneration. Currently 135 million people are being challenged by this eye problem.

Do I have low vision?

Annual eye-health exams are critical, especially as we age.

“Seeing well is not an indicator of good eye-health!” Many diseases are quite advanced before a patient experiences any symptoms of visual loss or eye pain.

However, if you notice a decrease in your vision that does not clear up, or if you have difficulty recognizing the faces of friends and relatives, selecting matching colored clothes, or seeing signs while in transit, you will want to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible. These could be early warning signs of eye disease.

Should your eye doctor diagnose you with low vision, be sure to ask for information about low vision aids. Many products are

available today to assist with the everyday tasks a low vision patient needs to perform with minimal life-style interruption.

Since people are living longer, eye diseases, including vision loss have become major public health concerns. Experts indicate that 4.2 millin Americans

from ages 40 and above are visually impaired. Projections indicate that by 2030 those figures are expected to reach 7.2 million with 5 million experiencing low vision.

Healthy eating and exercise combined with annual eye exams and UV and Blue Light protection go a long way in protecting your

eye health!

Susan Halstead is a Nationally and NYS Licensed Optician and Owner of Family Vision Care Center on Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Susan can be reached for comment or questions at Susan@ familyvisioncarecenter.com or by calling 518-584-6111.

Mid-Winter Recess Calendar Continued from page 18.

Why not dip a line in?

Residents and visitors age 16 and older will be able to fish the fresh or marine waters of New York State without a license. Children under age 16 must be supervised.

Flurry Festival

Festival Headquarters: Saratoga Hilton & City Center, 534 Broadway, Saratoga http://www. flurryfestival.org Fri.-Sun., Feb. 12-14 Prices vary, kids ages 5 or under FREE. Encompassing more than 200 events across five venues, it’s a weekend of workshops, music and dance for the whole family!

Beginner to experienced level dances and workshops include Contra, Swing, Latin, English Country, Squares, Vintage, Clogging, Hip-Hop, Cajun, Zydeco, Irish, Scandinavian, Middle Eastern, Asian, European, American and International

Photo by MarkBolles.com

Folk, Yoga and Body Movement styles and more. Make music and sing in sessions including Irish, Quebecois, Southern OldTime, African, Scandinavian, Adirondack, Gospel & Community Singalongs, Folk, Fiddle, Guitar, Banjo, Flute, Harmonica, Ukulele, and Voice .

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS BOW TIE CINEMAS

Criterion Cinemas, 19 Railroad Pl., Saratoga 518-306-4205 Wilton Mall, 3050 NY-50, Saratoga 518-306-4707 http://www.bowtiecinemas.com/ Super Tuesday (Every Tuesday, all day) $6 tickets for all regular movies and $5 large tubs of popcorn

Creative Sparks Art Studio 42 Phila St., Saratoga 518-583-2030 http://www.creativesparks ceramics.com/

Make Pottery with Your Valentine Sun., Feb. 14, open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Create unique pottery art and enjoy a BOGO studio fee. For all ages.

Ceramic Coloring Sat., Feb 20, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Enjoy the meditative experience of coloring intricate designs.

Choose from a selection of ceramic disks and the studio fee is free. Call to register.

SARATOGA STRIKE ZONE

32 Ballston Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518-584-6460 http://saratogastrikezone.com/ Day-Off Special Mon. – Fri., Feb. 15-19, 9 a.m. to 11a.m.

Enjoy 2 hours of bowling, shoe rental, 2 slices of pizza, soda, bumper car rides, and ballocity usage for only $13/person.

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Families

27

TODAY

Finding your posture

by Matthew Goodemote for Saratoga TODAY I would like to start my article today by sharing a story from several years ago and to use it as a way to share with you my thoughts on the importance of posture and how to find your ideal posture.

Over the years I have seen and heard how to find the “right” posture; unfortunately there are a lot of differences in what people define as the “right” posture and even more instructions on how to achieve the elusive position.

My first big breakthrough with posture came very early in my career. I was treating a man in his mid to late 80’s for lower back pain. I had just started my career working with a spine surgeon in Virginia. The man had been to multiple doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists for help with his lower back pain. Nothing seemed to help.

He had been diagnosed with arthritis of his back and stenosis.

The diagnoses are not important to the story other than his spine had degenerated and his posture from most people’s point of view was terrible. He was slumped over and not able to stand up tall. He was discouraged because no one seemed to be able to help him find relief.

He was sent to me for help and I was worried I would not be able to help him. But here’s how things went. I did my typical assessment and asked a bunch of irrelevant questions. I say this because he kept telling me all he wanted from me was to help him find a way to sit comfortably. Yep, that’s it. He only wanted help with finding a way to sit without pain.

This is not as easy as it may seem. Sitting can be the hardest thing to do when you are having

back pain. But the reason this particular patient was so important for me was two-fold. One, I learned to listen to what my patients want, not what others (including me) want for the patient and have strived to continue to do this even now. And two, I learned to keep it simple.

So often we ignore the person with the problem. We unintentionally try to help the person by doing what we think they need rather than hearing them tell us what they want. My questions were focused on what I wanted rather than what he was telling me he wanted. At my McKenzie training I learned that the patient was in charge and my job was to hear them and make sure I was helping them achieve their goals, not helping me achieve my goals.

My simple solution was to give him a McKenzie lumbar roll.

I spoke to him about his posture and taught him how to find his best posture using a support in his lower back. I was honest with him and told him that I was sure he would be able to find relief if he used the roll every time he sat.

The man returned about a week later with a smile on his face and thanked me because he was feeling better and because he was able to sit with less pain. He was such a believer in the roll that he had it strapped to his waist so he could use it whenever, and wherever he sat! I saw him walking through town one day with the roll strapped to his back.

My instructions are very short. Very simple. Very obvious.

And in this case very effective.

Throughout the years I used this experience to define my definition of sitting posture. It became a little mantra that goes like this, “Sit tall...or not at all!”

I would tell my patients that sitting tall was the solution for back pain while sitting. I also taught using a lumbar roll for support. I have sinced learned other ways to help people find proper sitting posture including using the roll vertically up and down the spine and the traditional way across the lower back.

Since this event I have continued to read and learn about posture and find what works best universally. There is no posture that works for everyone and

researchers have found that there is no sitting posture that works universally...including the ergonomic training you may have been taught.

In fact I was surprised a few years ago to learn that sitting reclined is one of the better ways to sit. Also I no longer recommend sitting more than 30 minutes at a time...it is simply not healthy! Now I recommend changing postures as often as you can. The real issue with sitting, in most cases, is how long we sit in any one position and the sheer quantity of how long we sit in the the course of a day. It is being shown time and time again that a sedentary life is simply not healthy. I would go as far to say it is as big a reason for back and neck pain as any other reason.

I don’t have time to go into my reasons for this article, but I am confident that sitting needs to be reduced dramatically if we want to have better health overall and specifically better back health.

So what exactly is good posture? Well, unfortunately that is not as easy to answer as it may sound. There are a lot of variables to proper posture and it definitely depends on what you are doing.

For example I am able to stand up with proper posture and wash dishes in a sink. I am 6’ 3” and for me there is no way to achieve a “good posture” in the conventional sense. I have learned to modify how I stand in a situation like this and to limit how long to do it for continuously.

I would not recommend the same posture for me as for my Mom and Dad because their ideal posture can’t be the same as mine due to their body differences, age and activity levels. I do not try to make people stand like me or like some ideal posture I learned at PT school. I try to help the patient find their ideal posture and truthfully it is not that hard to find.

I need to vent a second here.

The notion that intentionally tightening your core will help you with your posture is similar to the notion that intentionally taking deep breaths will fill your lungs with air. Yes, it is true taking a deep breath will fill your lungs but the instant you get distracted your diaphragm will do it on its own

without your intentional breathing. Similarly the instant you are distracted your intentional contraction of muscles in the core will vanish and your body will figure it out on it’s own.

It is not like you will suddenly fall over if you are not actively engaging your core muscles to hold you in proper posture.

Yes, I think it is good to draw your attention to your core occasionally but no I do not think it is necessary. I think what is more valuable is finding a way to routinely check your posture. I recommend linking it to something you do multiple times in the course of a day. Like every time you go to the bathroom reset your posture.

Every time you get out of a car, reset your posture. Every time you get up to answer the phone, turn off the TV, when there is a commercial on TV, before each meal, after each meal, etc.

The point is the more often you find a reason to check your posture, the more often your body will naturally find the right posture.

Finding proper standing and sitting posture is so easy that it may appear too simplistic.

Let’s start by making sure you understand my terminology.

The sternum is also known as the breast bone. It is found in the center of your chest. This is the focal point of my instructions so find this bone on yourself. Notice when you sit slouched this bone seems to be pointing straight ahead. Now lift this bone so it is

angled slightly up towards the ceiling. That’s it!

When you lift your sternum your shoulders automatically come back and your head automatically lifts. If you are sitting or standing when you lift the sternum up,the lower back automatically has a lordosis. Also notice that as soon as you lift the breast bone your body finds a more tall posture that is easy to hold up without a lot of intentionally tightening.

The muscles responsible for holding your posture up are engaged as soon as you lift your breastbone upwards.

Finding proper posture is not something that is “difficult” to find.

It is easy to find proper posture and rather than complicate it by focusing attention on certain muscles I find it best to keep it simple. And focus on frequency, meaning as often as you are able to remember check your posture and link it to activities you do on a regular basis.

Your ideal posture is one that you can find and sustain with minimal effort. It will take practice because a lot of us are used to slouching, but it is worth it for your overall health and well-being. Certainly there are times it may need some coaching but I recommend to most if not all my spine patients that they work on their posture if they are tired of having back and or neck pain.

Matthew Goodemote can be contacted by calling (518) 3066894. Goodemote Physical Therapy PLLC is located at 3 Maple Dell in Saratoga Springs.

28

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Tardy Note After Seeing “The Boss” Gets Global Notice SARATOGA SPRINGS — Patrick Pipino of Saratoga Springs took his two daughters, Sarah, 7, and Isabelle, 12, to see Bruce Springsteen on the night of Monday, February 8 in Albany. The following day, he sent an excuse note into school for his daughters’ tardiness, explaining truthfully that he took his daughters to see this

Take a look at this week’s newest club members!

once-in-a-lifetime concert.

Pipino posted this note on Facebook, and subsequently received mass amounts of attention. This story was covered by a multitude of news sources worldwide, including ABC, the Daily Mail, and the Irish Mirror. Pipino is the owner of a local Ben & Jerry's, and is a well-known Saratoga resident.

American Legion Boosts SAFER Jackson

Rory

SCHUYLERVILLE — Recently, the Schuylerville American Legion hosted a fund/food raiser for SAFER (Schuylerville Area Food and Emergency Relief).

Sophia Tooth Fairy Club is sponsored by:

Nicole M. Byrne, D.M.D Pediatric Dentistry 659 Saratoga Road Gansevoort, New York 12831 (518) 226-6010

The event featured two local bands comprised of Schuylerville Central School Educators.

Meehan Road and Big Fez and the Surfmatics raised carloads of

food, about $1,000 and the spirits of those music lovers who attended. As "the frosting on the giving back cake"' both bands donated their stipends to SAFER.

Saratoga County Town Highway Association Donates to Double H Ranch BALLSTON SPA — The Double H Ranch of Lake Lazerne received a donation of $15,000 from the Saratoga County Town Highway Superintendents Association as of Friday, February 5. The Double H Ranch has had a strong partnership with the Highway

Association for 20 years, and in that time, they have received about $150,000 in donations from them. These donations have helped many local, terminally ill children go to summer camp. The Highway Association has shown their commitment to Double H

through these donations, as well as endless community service from their volunteers. The CEO of Double H expresses his gratitude for the fundamental support that this association offers.

AllSquare Gives to Help Vets

SARATOGA SPRINGS — AllSquare Wealth Managment held a ceremonial check presentation event at Guardian House on Tuesday, February 9, donating $5,000 to the Saratoga County RPC’s VetHelp

Program. The funds, which are the first charitable grant made by AllSquare this year, will be used to help improve the homes of the veterans, and their families, who are housed under the VetHelp program.

In addition to presenting the $5,000 check, AllSquare announced a surprise challenge grant of another $10,000.

Saratoga County RPC accepts donations via their website, www.VetHelpNy.org.

Chicks on Sticks Enjoy Mom’s Day Off

SARATOGA SPRINGS —On Friday morning at 7 a.m. February 5, over 50 women skiers gathered at Alpine Sport Shop in Saratoga Springs, ready to travel to Bromley Mountain in Vermont for the 14th annual “Chicks on Sticks” ski bus trip, joined by other avid skiers there, for Bromley Mountain's annual "Mom's Day Off". Bromley made an incredible effort, and had the mountain

Alpine Sport Shop "Chicks on Sticks" Skiers group shot. Photo by Terri-Lynn Pellegri.

groomed for a really enjoyable day of skiing. All of the proceeds from the women's lift ticket sales will be

donated to Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center.

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

29

Puzzles ACROSS 1 Command from a bailiff 5 Circle calculation 9 They smell 14 Like Mini Coopers 15 Pond croaker 16 Swine squeals 17 Gave the once-over 18 Particularly welcome casino visitor 20 Alpine song 22 Ear-splitting 23 Court case that generates a media frenzy, say 30 Handsome god 32 Get really angry 33 Granada gold 34 Irritate 37 “CSI” facilities 38 Tee sizes, for short 39 “Nice job!” ... and, in another sense, a hint about the first words of 18-, 23-, 52- and 60-Across 42 Geese formation 43 Leafy veggie baked for chips 45 Bitten by bees 46 Angled pipe fitting 47 Handsome god 50 __ Raiders: consumer advocates 52 Abe Lincoln nickname 55 Principal role 56 Diet food phrase 60 Irritate to the breaking point 66 Shredded 67 Construction beam fastener 68 Former South Korean leader Syngman __ 69 Golf club used for chipping 70 Blissful settings 71 Jedi guru 72 Small change DOWN 1 Do as directed 2 Toy with a spool 3 Deleted, with “out” 4 Louisiana music style 5 Olympics fig.

6 French monarch 7 One below birdie 8 Specialized, committee-wise

See puzzle solutions on page 46

See puzzle solution on page 46 9 Bit of pasta 10 Frying liquid 11 NBC show since 1975, briefly 12 Barely manage, with “out” 13 Ukr. or Lith., once 19 Feels remorse over 21 Bochco legal series 24 Forearm bone 25 Some DVD players 26 Sinuous swimmer 27 Less cowardly 28 Insurgent group 29 ‘50s four-wheeled flop 30 16th-century Spanish fleet 31 Hoi __: the masses 33 Heroic Schindler 35 Giants Hall of Famer Mel 36 Brewers Hall of Famer Robin

40 Pest in a swarm 41 Utah city near the Golden Spike 44 Photo blowup: Abbr.

48 Sea spots?

49 Blueprint detail, for short 51 Sexy 53 Cable Guy of comedy 54 The Gem State 57 Warning from a driver?

58 Elvis __ Presley 59 No-frills shelter 60 Hip-hop Dr. 61 Free (of) 62 “__ changed my mind” 63 Caracas’ country, to the IOC 64 Athens : omega :: London : __ 65 Assenting vote

Writing the Right Word by Dave Dowling

Accuracy in word choice is a key to effective communication. In your daily writing and speaking, try to make sure you use the right word in the right place with the right spelling. By doing so, its effect will affect your communication in a positive way. This quick weekly tip will help you filter the confusion in some of our daily word choices.

This Week: Noisome, Noisy Noisome means foul-smelling, noxious, or offensive. The noisome odor coming from the river bothers the residents.

Noisy means making much noise. Despite the PC’s high price, the keyboard is quite noisy.

Dave Dowling is the author of The Wrong Word Dictionary and The Dictionary of Worthless Words. Both books are available from many book retailers, and signed copies can be obtained by contacting Dave at davedowling59@yahoo.com

30 Adirondack Christian Fellowship 8 Mountain Ledge, Wilton 587-0623 | acfsaratoga.com Services: Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.

Adirondack Friends Meeting 27 Saratoga Ave, South Glens Falls 793-3755 | adirondackfriendsmeeting.org Regina Baird Haag, Pastor Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Assembly of God Faith Chapel 6 Burgoyne St, Schuylerville 695-6069 | Rev. Jason Proctor Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

Assembly of God Saratoga 118 Woodlawn Ave, Saratoga Springs 584-6081 | Services: Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

Bacon Hill Reformed Church* 560 Route 32N, Bacon Hill | 695-3074 Rev. Janet Vincent | Services: Worship service 10 a.m.; Sunday School 10 a.m.

Baha’i Community of Saratoga Springs 584-9679; 692-7694 | usbnc.org Ballston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 58 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa | 885-7312 ballstoncenterarpchurch.org Services: Sunday Worship, 10:30 a.m.

Ballston Spa United Methodist Church 101 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa 885-6886 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Bethesda Episcopal Church 41 Washington St, Saratoga Springs 584-5980 | Services: Sunday 8 & 10 a.m.

Calvary Capital District 17 Low Street, Ballston Spa | Pastor Andrew Holt Services: Sunday 10 am | calvarycd.com Church of Christ at Clifton Park 7 Old Route 146, Clifton Park 371-6611 | cliftonparkchurchofchrist.com Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Christ Community Reformed Church 1010 Route 146, Clifton Park | 371-7654 ccrc-cpny.org | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Christ Episcopal Church Routes 50 & 67, Ballston Spa | 885-1031 Services: Sunday 8 & 10 a.m.

Christian Restoration Ministries Saratoga Senior Center 5 Williams St, Saratoga Springs 796-4323 | Pastor Pat Roach Services: Sunday 10 a.m.; 6:30 p.m.

Christian Science Church 107 Circular St, Saratoga Springs 584-0221 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Community Alliance Church 257 Rowland St, Ballston Spa 885-6524 | Services: Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Congregation Shaara Tfille* 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs 584-2370 | saratogasynagogue.org Services: Saturday 10 a.m.

Corinth Free Methodist Church 20 Hamilton Ave, Corinth 654-9255; 792-0271 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Corinth United Methodist Church 243 Main Street, Corinth 654-2521 | cfumc@cnyconnect.net Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Cornerstone Community Church 516 Park Ave., Mechanicville | 664-5204 mycornerstonechurch.org | Pastor Frank Galerie Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Community 2001 Route 9, Round Lake 877-8506 | ccorpusc@nycap.rr.com Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.; Eastern Orthodox — Christ the Savior

RELIGION 349 Eastline Road, Ballston Spa 786-3100 | xcsavior@yahoo.com.

Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Saratoga Springs 45 Washington St, Saratoga Springs 584-6301 | Services: Sunday 11 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa 885-8361 | bspabaptist.org Services: 10:30 a.m. worship, 9 a.m. Sunday School (all ages) First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa 22 West High St, Ballston Spa 885-5583 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Full Gospel Tabernacle 207 Redmond Road, Gansevoort 793-2739 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Galway United Methodist Church 2056 East St, Galway | 882-6520 galway-united-methodist-church.com Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

(9 a.m. in July and August) Grace Fellowship Saratoga 165 High Rock Ave, Saratoga | 691-0301 saratoga.gracefellowship.com Pastor: Mike Adams Services: Sundays 9 & 11 a.m.

Grace Brethren Church* 137 W. Milton Road, Ballston Spa 587-0649 | Rev. Dan Pierce Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Greater Grace Community Church Pastor David Moore | 899-7777 thechurch@ggccmalta.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Greenfield Center Baptist Church 30 Wilton Road, Greenfield Center | 893-7429 Services: Sunday School for all ages - 9:45 a.m.; Church Service - 11 a.m.

Highway Tabernacle Church 90 River Road, Mechanicville | 664-4442 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Hope Church 206 Greenfield Ave, Ballston Spa 885-7442 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Jonesville United Methodist 963 Main St, Clifton Park 877-7332 | Services: Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Living Springs Community Church 59 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs 584-9112 | Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Living Waters Church of God 4330 State Rt. 50, Saratoga Springs 587-0484 | livingwaterscog.us Services: Sundays 10 a.m.

Malta Presbyterian Church Dunning Street, Malta 899-5992 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Malta Ridge United Methodist Church 729 Malta Ave. Ext, Malta 581-0210 | Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Middle Grove United Methodist Church* 581-2973 | Pastor Bonnie Bates Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Corner of Jefferson St. & Crescent St. Saratoga Springs | 584-9441 Rev. Dr. Victor L. Collier, Pastor New Horizon Church 150 Perry Road, Saratoga Springs 587-0711 | Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

New Life Fellowship 51 Old Gick Road, ­­Saratoga Springs 580-1810 | newlifeinsaratoga.org.

Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

NorthStar Church

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Gowana Middle School, Clifton Park 371-2811 | northstarchurch.com Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.

Old Saratoga Reformed Church* 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville oldsaratogareformedchurch.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Old Stone Church (American Baptist) 159 Stone Church Road, Ballston Spa 583-1002 | Services: Sunday 9 a.m.; Adult Sunday School 9 a.m.; Service 10:30 a.m.

Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church* 73 Midline Road, Ballston Lake 399-5713 | Services: Saturday 5 p.m.

Sunday 8:15 & 10:15 a.m.

Presbyterian-NE Congregational Church 24 Circular St, Saratoga Springs 584-6091 | pnecchurch.org Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

Quaker Springs United Methodist Church* 466 Route 32 South, Quaker Springs 695-3101 | qsumc.com Pastor Al Johnson Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

River of Hope Fellowship 100 Saratoga Village Blvd, Malta Cmns, Ste. 3 | 881-1505 riverofhopefellowship.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-2375 | Services: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m.

St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs 584-6122 | Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8, 9:30, 11:15 a.m. and 5 p.m., 1 p.m. Spanish Service St. George’s Episcopal Church 912 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-6351 | stgeorge@csdsl.net Services: Saturday 4:30 p.m.; Sunday 8 & 9:30 a.m.

St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church* 3159 Route 9N, Greenfield Center 893-7680 stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m.

St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church* 167 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa 885-7411 | stmarysbsta.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., Noon.

St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church* 771 Route 29, Rock City Falls 893-7680 | sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com Services: Sunday 8:30 am.

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 149 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs 584-0904 | Services: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sundays 8:30 & 11 a.m.

St. Peter Lutheran Church 2776 Route 9, Malta | 583-4153 Services: Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 1 Grove Street, Schuylerville 695-3918 | Rev. Donna J. Arnold Services: Sunday 8 & 9 a.m.

St. Thomas of Canterbury 242 Grooms Road, Halfmoon st-thomas-of-canterbury.org Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

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

Saratoga Chabad 130 Circular St, Saratoga Springs 526-0773 | saratogachabad.com Saratoga Friends Meeting (Quaker) Rts. 32 and 71, Quaker Springs 587-7477; 399-5013 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Saratoga United Methodist Church* Henning Road, Saratoga Springs 584-3720 | saratogaumc.com Services: Sunday 9 & 10:45 a.m.

Saratoga Seventh-Day Adventist Church 399 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs 882-9384 | saratogasda.org Services: Sabbath School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 11:30 a.m.

Schuylerville United Methodist Church* 51 Church St, Schuylerville 695-3101 | sumethodist.org Services: Worship at 11am Shenendehowa United Methodist 971 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-7964 Services: Sunday 9 & 10:30 a.m.

Simpson United Methodist Church Rock City Road, Rock City Falls 885-4794 Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

Soul Saving Station for Every Nation Christ Crusaders of America 62 Henry St, Saratoga Springs 584-3122 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Stillwater United Church (Presbyterian U.S.A.) 747 Hudson Avenue, Stillwater | 664-7984 stillwaterunitedchurch.org Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Temple Sinai* 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-8730 | saratogasinai.org Shabbat Services: Friday 6 p.m. or 8p.m. (rotating schedule) Saturdays: 10:30a.m.

Terra Nova Church* 45 Washington St, Saratoga Springs 833-0504 | terranovachurch.org Services: Sunday 5:30 p.m.

The Salvation Army/ Worship, Service & Community Center 27 Woodlawn Ave, Saratoga Springs 584-1640 Services: Sunday School 10 a.m.; Praise & Worship 11 a.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church 155 Ballard Road, Gansevoort 584-9107 | tumcwilton.com Rev Keith Mann Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

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

Unity Church in Albany 21 King Ave., Albany 453-3603 Services: Sunday 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

West Charlton United Presbyterian Church 1331 Sacandaga Road, West Charlton 882-9874 | westcharltonupc.org Rev. Thomas Gregg, Pastor Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Wilton Baptist Church 755 Saratoga Road, Wilton 583-2736 wiltonbaptistchurch.com Services: Sunday 11 a.m.

* — Handicap Accessible

RELIGION 31

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Fish Fridays Lenten Specials through March 25th

Religion Briefs Lenten Luncheon Series

Women’s Bible Study

Saratoga Reformed Church, Corner of Pearl and Burgoyne St., Schuylerville, Noon – 1 p.m.

Join us for a four session DVD study and discussion (each Tuesday through March 8) of the life and work of Dorothy Day, co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement.

Please bring your own bag lunch; beverages will be provided. All are welcome, handicapped accessible. For more information call Pastor Joyce deVelder who will lead the sessions (518) 695-3260.

Every second and fourth Thursday of the month, Adirondack Christian Fellowship, located at 8 Mountain Ledge in Wilton will be hosting a Women’s Bible Study at 6:15 p.m. The study is titled, “Children of the Day” (1 and 2 Thessalonians) by Beth Moore. For additional information please call Gayle Cohen at (518)587-0623.

Welcome Families Community Alliance Church 257 Ballston Spa, NY 12020 Sunday Mass- 10:30am

Free Home Bible Study Great way to study through the Bible at your convenience. Exciting and informative study that could change your life. Compliments of Free Spirit Fellowship. (518) 885-3149

32

FOOD

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Family and Friendship Inspires Love of the Market

Saturdays, 9 to 1 Lincoln Baths, 65 So. Broadway Saratoga Spa State Park Valentine’s Day often connotes chocolates and wine, both of which can be found at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market. But love at the market also means healthy eating and looking out for the ones you love.

The market will celebrate the Valentine’s Day weekend with several sweet treats as well as items like the award-winning fermented cherries made by Puckers Gourmet pickle company. The cherries can top such desserts as the yogurt parfait shown here.

“It’s a lovely versatile product,” said Kelley Hillis, owner of Puckers Gourmet. “It pairs great with chocolate and I personally love it when used with Springbrook Hollow’s moonshine as a Manhattan,” Hillis calls the market a great place to spend quality time with the people you love. “You have some of the finest local foods, freshest produce, and amazing wines,” she said. “A part of love is looking out for someone’s well-being and the best way to do that is by shopping at the market because it’s fresh, high-quality

and locally produced.”

Hillis began making handmade pickled products as a hobby. Seven years ago, the hobby became a family business. “The love of being a Mom led me into this business,” said Hillis. “I always knew if I found the right motivation I’d get what I needed to provide for my kids and spend quality time with them. Opening our own business has allowed us to be hands-on parents.”

Hillis says friendships with her customers and the vendors have given her a source of personal strength. Over time, these friendships have empowered her and given her the strength to run her business, she says.

“The market has been phenomenal,” Hillis said. “The

friendships I’ve made have been the deepest relationships I’ve ever had.”

One of Puckers Gourmet’s popular products is pakdong, a Thai fermented cabbage dish.

“It’s a little spicy and a little sweet which is exactly what love is,” Hillis said.

Chef Caitlin Parwana of Ruthless Confections has used Hillis’ pakdong to create a flavorful spring roll. Using a slotted spoon, she scooped out portions of the cabbage mix and placed it on lightly moistened rice roll wraps.

Some fresh sunflower and pea sprouts add an extra touch.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open at the Lincoln Baths in the Saratoga Spa State Park every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Valentine’s Day Parfait On Valentine’s Day, say ‘I love you’ with a parfait.

Place layers of yogurt, homemade chocolate sauce, granola and your favorite in-season fruit in a glass or bowl. Yogurt, granola, and fruit are available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market. For a special touch, try Puckers fermented cherries as a garnish.

Ingredients * Ingredients can be found at the market Instructions: 1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the water, sugar, honey, and cocoa powder.

2. Warm the mixture over medium heat, whisking frequently. Once it just begins to boil, reduce heat to simmer and cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently.

3. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped chocolate until melted.

4. Let stand until cooled.

Refrigerate. It will thicken overnight.

Directions Chocolate Sauce Sweetened with Honey Adapted from David Lebovitz Makes: 2 ½ cups Ingredients: *ingredients available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market 1 cup water ½ cup raw sugar (or granulated sugar) ½ cup honey* ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped.

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

FOOD 33

Bread for Life!

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY Hello my Foodie Friends!

Guess what weekend this is! Yes its Valentine’s Day weekend and I know the quickest way to someone’s heart is great cooking! I had some friends stop in and talk about how they love to bake bread together in their LeCreuset French oven. It reminded me of my daughter Aubrey volunteering to help Rabbi Jonathan bake bread and how much fun she had!

When you are working together to bake or cook there is a bond and a kind of excitement that you don’t receive when you work by yourself. When you are working side by side you are talking, laughing and working towards a common goal. I listen to my customers and some just hate to cook or bake or even help out and that is ok. I do wonder though how I would have gotten through my teen years without helping mom out in the kitchen! She would work and answer my questions about the biggest secret in the universe, women! I know there are many who don’t like Valentine’s Day but my mom loved it! She would bake cookies and bread like it was Christmas! Now there were three boys in my family and every year we would give her a card and a present. Recently my sister passed me some of my mom’s personal items that she kept in perfect condition. One of them was

a beautiful Valentine’s Day card from me! It was full of beautiful words that I underlined about her, while adding my own thoughts to the card. I was proud that I had done that because when you lose someone you always feel like you could have done more and said more. So when you get a card and some flowers and maybe some chocolate for your wife, husband or sweetheart, please remember your mom, because she’ll appreciate it! Now stop down to Compliments to the Chef at 46 Marion Avenue and pick up your own French or Dutch oven and bake some love with your sweetheart! Have a wonderful holiday and remember my Foodie Friends “Life Happens in the Kitchen!”

PS Did any of you ever call it Valentimes Day? Take Care, Paula and John

On Tap: Saratoga Beer Week!

Events February 16-20 All Over Town

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Get ready for the suds to be a flowin’ as the Annual Saratoga Beer Week descends upon town. Beginning next Tuesday, February 16 through Saturday, February 20, there will be a plethora of events for you to sample, savor and enjoy!

Here are some highlights: - Saratoga Brewing Co. presents Bites and Brews Kickoff Party, 131 Excelsior Avenue Tuesday, February 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy samples from 20 NYS breweries, ciders, and distilleries, paired with bites from 10 local restaurants including Gaffney’s, Skidmore Dining, The Barrel House, Olde Bryan Inn, Max Londons, Boca Bistro, Harvey’s, Mingle, The Parting Glass, and BWP. Enjoy music from Jeff Walton. Tickets start at $30 and include food and drink samples and a souvenir glass.

- Cider Night, Saratoga Springs City Center – Friday, February 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. Back for its second year, enjoy 3 hours

of hard cider sampling from more than 30 cideries from all over the country! Also enjoy live music and food available for purchase. Tickets are $30 for 3 hours of sampling.

- Saratoga Beer Summit, Saratoga Springs City Center – Saturday, February 20. Back for its fifth year and bigger than ever.

Choose from afternoon (1 - 4 p.m.) or evening (5:30 - 8:30 p.m.) sessions, Sample over 150 releases from some of America’s best craft breweries. Plus hang out in an atmosphere filled with live music, delicious food

available for purchase, and great vendors. A standard ticket is $40, which includes a souvenir sampling glass and live music.

Many of your favorite taverns, such as the Henry St. Taproom and other establishments have scheduled special “Beer Week” events throughout the week. Cheers!

For tickets to these events and more information, visit SaratogaBeerWeek.com

Olive Parmesan Bread INGREDIENTS 4 cups flour 1 teaspoon dry active yeast 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups warm water 1 cup grated Parmesan, plus 1/4 cup finely grated, divided 7 ounces Kalamata olives, halved Olive oil INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 450 F. In a stand mixer fitted with the bread hook attachment, combine flour, yeast, salt and 1 cup water. Mix briefly. Once combined, add remaining water, 1 cup grated Parmesan and olives. Mix until dough is thoroughly combined. It should not be sticky.

Form the dough into a round with your hands, and place in a bowl that has been brushed with olive oil and dusted with flour.

Cover with plastic wrap and let

rise in a warm place until tripled in size and dough springs back when touched, about 3 – 4 hours.

Brush the Dutch oven with olive oil or butter. Place dough round in the center. Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 375°F. Bake until golden brown and internal temperature is 200°F. Allow the bread to rest in the Dutch oven for 20 minutes.

Remove to a cooling rack before slicing.

RECIPE CREATED FOR Dutch Oven MAIN INGREDIENT Bread COOK TIME Over 2 hrs.

SERVING SIZE 10+

34

LOCAL BRIEFS

Genealogy and Local History Heritage Hunters of Saratoga County will meet on Saturday, February 20, at 1 p.m. at the Town of Saratoga Town Hall, corner of Rt. 4 and Rt. 29 in Schuylerville.

“Town of Providence” will be the program topic presented by Edward Dandaraw, town historian and Tim Vandenberg, long-time town resident. They will speak about the formation of the Saratoga County town of Providence, how it evolved and who its early settlers were.

Public is welcome. For information call (518)587-2978.

The Frost Awakens Join us on February 21, noon – 3 p.m. at Hudson Crossing Park in Schuylerville for winter wonders, past and present (snow not required).

Learn about a past big business on the Hudson through ice harvesting demonstrations, watch sled-dog pulling, dip an ice-fishing line in the canal, try a fat-tire bike, win a prize in the best hat head hair contest, and more. With enough snow, stalk a trail on snowshoes, sled down a kidfriendly hill, and show off your snow sculpting skills. Hot food available from 9 Miles East at a Warming Tent sponsored by AmeriGas. Event partners also include Saratoga Tackle and Archery, Spa City Bicycleworks, Alpine Sport Shop, and Jeramie, Sarah van Rijsewijk and Cold Water rescue demo by Schuyler Hose.

Saratoga Friends “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold” goes the old campfire song. Saratoga Friends is a social group for baby boomers who are new to the Saratoga area and are interested in making new friends to socialize with. This is not a dating or singles group. Couples and singles are welcome, and there is no membership fee. Group members plan social activities based on their interests. You are welcome to join us in the Glasby Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library on Tuesday, February 23 from 6:30-7:30 p.m..

For more information contact newsaratogafriends@gmail.com.

Schuylerville Public Library Winter Gala Secrets and Spies will be held on February 27 at 6 p.m. Join us at Christ the King, 575 Burton Road Greenwich, for an evening of music, food, and basket raffle. Gala tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased at the Schuylerville Library. Raffle tickets are 1 ticket for $1 or 15 tickets for $10; drawing will be held the night of the gala, but you do not need to be present to win. Need something to wear?

Schuylerville Community Theater has graciously opened their closets to us – select the perfect dress and pair it against a sharp tux. For more information please contact the Library at (518) 695-6641.

Hawley Foundation for Children - Grants The Hawley Foundation for Children addresses the health, education and welfare of children in Saratoga County. This year’s grant applications for 501C organizations may be found online at www.HawleyFoundation.org.

Deadline for receipt of applications is March 1.

Searching for the Stars Talent Show The Town of Greenfield is searching for the Stars Talent Show. All ages and talents welcome. Auditions are February 23 and 29 from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Greenfield Community Center.

The Talent Show will be on Sunday, March 6, 1-5 p.m. at the Brookhaven Golf Course Tee Room, 33 Alpine Meadows Rd., Porter Corners. Prizes: First $200, Second $100 and Third $50. Prize money donated by Cornell’s Auto Parts, Mulhalik’s Garage, and Zanetti Millwork. Interested? Call Greenfield Rec Department at (518)893-7432 ext. 307 or email recdirector@nycap.rr.com.

Call for Local Folk or Irish Musicians and Dancers Come audition for an opportunity to showcase your talent during “Café Malta-Irish Style”, an intimate coffee house at the Malta Community Center on Saturday evening, March 12. We are looking for talented musicians, vocalists, small acoustic bands, storytellers and/or dancers. Our show is right before St. Patrick’s Day, so Irish tunes would be fun,

but not mandatory. Auditions are by appointment only. Contact Elyse Young, Artistic Director, at (518) 899-4411 x 305 or theater@ malta-town.org for more details or to schedule an audition. We are also looking for 3-4 talented teen or young adult singing waiters.

Saratoga Hospital’s Free Running Screening A free stride assessment clinic for runners of all skill levels will be held at the YMCA, West Avenue Branch, Saratoga Springs, on March 19 at 9 a.m. to Noon. We will assess strength, flexibility and stride of runners, as well as provide information on which running shoes are right for you. To register, please call (518)580-2450.

Thurman Maple Days Celebrate the start of spring.

Producers open up their sugarhouses on March 19, 20, 26 and 27 for free tours, tastings, and demonstrations.

Pancake breakfast will be served at 9 a.m. at Valley Road Maple Farm, 190 Valley Road. Goat farms and saw mill demonstrations, selfguided tours with maps available in the area and online. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., free. For more information call (518)623-4744 or visit www. thurmanmapledays.com 27th Annual Palm Sunday Polka Benefit Polka Country Musicians of Jewett City, CT will be providing music for your dancing and listening pleasure on March 20 at the Saratoga Knights of Columbus Hall located at 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs from 1 – 5 p.m. A cash kitchen and bar, raffles, and prizes. Cost is $25 per couple, $13 per person or $15 at the door. For reservations call Steve or Cathy Coblish by March 10, (518) 899-3061 or mail checks payable to Steve Coblish, 4-B Harwich Manor, Ballston Lake, NY 12019.

Dance +26 The Dance Alliance of the Capital Region is proud to co-sponsor Dance +26 with The National Museum of Dance’s School of the Arts on Sunday, April 3, 2016 from 11 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. The theme will be “Dancing through Time” and all classes will be inspired by a member of the National Museum of Dance Hall of Fame. Three levels of classes: children 8-11, open ages 12

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016 - adult, and intermediate/advanced 12 - adult. Registration and more information will be available soon at www.dancealliance.org.

Turning Stone Bus Trip This is a fundraiser for Operation Adopt a Soldier, Sunday, April 10, 2016. We are leaving Wilton Mall near Dick’s Sporting Goods- Light Pole –C-2 at 6:30am Sharp. We will be stopping at Exit 8- Northway 87- park & ride at 7 a.m. sharp to pick up people. Cost is $30 per person which includes the ride to and from, $25 free play or $20 bingo and $5 food. There will be bingo and prizes on the way down. Must be paid by April 1 or you will be taken off the list. We need to arrive at the casino by 11 a.m. to get the benefits. For more information call Cliff at (518) 260-9922 or Red (518) 729-9417.

The Wesley Foundation Gala – Seventies Style Celebrate 1970’s style at Saratoga Golf and Polo Club on Saturday, May 21 from 6 – 10 p.m. to raise funds for The Wesley Community - an organization that serves more than 700 Saratoga area seniors and those with long-term disabilities. The night will offer delicious food from Chef John Ireland at Saratoga Golf and Polo Club, décor from Fine Affairs, music from The Refrigerators, classic cars, fondue stations, a sundae bar featuring ice cream from Ben and Jerry’s of Saratoga, a 1970’s themed candy bar, complimentary champagne on arrival, a silent auction and photos against groovy backdrops. Don’t miss this exciting evening to support The Wesley Community’s Spring building renovation. Cocktail party attire is suggested and stylish 70’s attire is also welcome. Last year’s event sold out, so make your reservations soon. Reservations are $125 per person, $200 per couple. Full event details call (518) 691.1420 or online registration are available at www. thewesleycommunity.org/gala.

Armed Forces Day The Town of Malta Veterans Committee has begun planning a special salute to the military by holding their annual parade on Saturday, May 21, 2016 – “Armed Forces Day” and you are invited. We are reaching out to the community, military and veterans’ families,

groups and organizations, troop and military family support groups.

Veterans at large are invited to join in an ad-hoc formation from various service branches – including currently serving and former service members – for one joint march element. Spread the word. For more information or an application, call (518) 899-4411.

Ryan’s Run Ryan’s Run, sponsored by Saratoga Springs Teachers Association, is a 5K run/walk at Saratoga Spa State Park at the Warming Hut on May 21, 2016. All proceeds go to support families with MIOP and to fund research. The race is chip timed by AREEP. Register at www. curemiop.org.

Spring Activities Brochure Available The Town of Malta’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Human Services Spring Activities Brochure is now available online at www. maltaparksrec.com. It is available at the Malta Community Center and registration has begun for spring classes and programs. New classes, sports programs and special events are scheduled to begin in March. Please call the Malta Community Center at (518) 899-4411 for more information.

Burnt Hills Oratorio Society - Call for Singers If you love to sing, come join The Burnt Hills Oratorio Society, which rehearses Tuesday nights , 7 p.m. at the Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake High School choral room. BHOS is a friendly group that welcomes all singers, without audition. The choir will perform Vivaldi’s Gloria and highlights of Handel’s Messiah, at the time of year originally intended by its composer. The upcoming concert is scheduled for Sunday, May 15, 3 p.m. at the Zankel Music Center at Skidmore. Founded in 1970, BHOS proudly presents two major concerts annually that feature local soloists and orchestral players. The members represent all age groups and vocations. Here is your opportunity to sing with an orchestra, blend voices, and enjoy community in a way that is often lacking in today’s culture. New singers accepted through the end of February.

Membership is $55 plus the cost of music. For more information, go to www.bhos.us, find us on Facebook, or just show up at a rehearsal.

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

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016 Fire on the Mountain Fireworks West Mountain, Queensbury, 7 p.m.

– Midnight Family fun, live music and bonfire.

Free. For more information call (518) 636-3699 or visit www.westmtn.net.

Family Friendly Event

Friday, February 12 Women’s Bible Study Every second and fourth Thursday of the month, Adirondack Christian Fellowship, located at 8 Mountain Ledge in Wilton will be hosting a Women’s Bible Study at 6:15 p.m. The study is titled, “Children of the Day” (1 and 2 Thessalonians)

by Beth Moore. For additional information please call Gayle Cohen at (518)587-0623.

Fish Fry Fridays Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, Route 32 south of the village of Victory, 4:30 – 7 p.m.

Menu: fried fish, fried clams, fried chicken tenders, popcorn shrimp, or buffalo shrimp. Also clam chowder by the bowl or by the quart.

Beverages: soda, water, coffee, beer.

You are invited to eat in at our club house or to call ahead for take-out (518) 695-3917. Everyone will be welcome.

Concert: Carnegie Hall Premieres Arthur Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College, 7 p.m.

Featuring Ensemble ACJW, fellows of The Academy–a program of Carnegie Hall, the Juilliard School, and the Weill Music Institute. Preconcert talk at 7 p.m., concert at 8 p.m. $8 adults, $5 senior citizens and Skidmore community, free for students and children. For ticket information call (518) 580-5321 or go to www.skidmore.edu/zankel

Zombie Valentine’s Schuylerville Public Library, 25 Ferry St., Schuylerville, 7 – 8 p.m.

Open to all teens (Grades 6-12).

Zombies need love too; make them a valentine or one for someone special. Spend an evening of snacks and crafts. For more information call (518) 695-6641.

Saturday, February 13 8K Snowshoe Race Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, Camp Saratoga, 80 Scout Rd., 9 a.m.

A limited supply of Dion Snowshoes will be available at a $5 rental charge. Email Laura Clark at laura@ saratogastryders.org to reserve a pair or call (518) 581-7550 or visit, www. saratogastryders.org.

CALENDAR 35 and loaner snowshoes, courtesy of Wilton Wildlife. We will then walk as a group to Congress Park, put on our snowshoes and look for animal tracks. This program is limited to 20 families, or when the snowshoes run out, so register early. Pre-registration is required by calling the Library at (518) 584-7860 option 3. Children must be accompanied by a parent or a caregiver.

Tuesday, February 16 Genealogy

Sunday, February 14

Schuylerville Public Library, 52 Ferry St., Schuylerville,10 a.m.

The Schuylerville Library Genealogy group will meet. Dive in to local history, family lore, and learn new tips every month.

For more information call (518) 695-6641.

Monthly Breakfast

Piroghi Sale Pick Up

Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, Route 32 south of the village of Victory, 8 – 11 a.m.

Will be cooking breakfast and will continue on the second Sunday of each month all year. Eggs cooked to order, bacon, sausage, toast (white or wheat), pancakes ( regular, blueberry, buckwheat, apple cinnamon ), French toast, home fries, orange juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate. Cost: Adult $7, Child $4, everyone will be welcome. (518) 695-3917.

Christ the Savior Parish, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake, 11:30 a.m.

Potato/cheese, sauerkraut, and Farmer’s cheese piroghis may be ordered. Call (518) 363-0001.

Pick-up between 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m.

Luncheon - Korean War Veterans’ Assoc.

One Big Roof, Center for Mindful Practices, located in the Saratoga Health & Wellness Bldg. (across from Maple Ave. Middle School) 9 - 10:15 a.m.

This is a group meeting for meditation followed up by a short discussion. All contemplative traditions are honored. Visit www. oneroofsaratoga.com or call Pierre at (413) 992-7012.

Veteran’s Room at the Golden Coral Restaurant, Old Gick Rd., Wilton, Noon Cost is $7.99. Reservations or further information may be made by phoning George Covel at (518) 854-3128 by February 14.

Veterans who served in Korea at any time, spouses, widows and friends are all invited to attend. For an application to join the organization or any other questions, please phone Comm.

Roger Calkins at (518) 584-3037.

Monday, February 15

Wednesday, February 17

Animal Tracking in Congress Park

2016 Winter Storytellers Series

Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs, 11 a.m.

– 12:30 p.m.

Bring your child outside for an afternoon of outdoor exploration.

Participants will meet in the Crawshaw Story Room to receive animal footprint identification cards

SUNY Empire State College, 2 Union Ave., Room 126, Saratoga Springs, Noon - 1p.m.

Jeannine Laverty: “Stories from American History”. The Academy for Lifelong Learning presents the eighth annual storytellers series every Wednesday through March

Dharma Meditation

2. Sponsored by Prestwick Chase at Saratoga. Free and open to the public. Postponed if Saratoga Springs city schools are closed.

For more information, call the Academy at (518) 587-2100 ext.

2415, www.esc.edu/all

Mother Nature’s Riverside Garden; Wildflowers of the Upper Hudson River Crandall Library Community Room, 251 Glen St., Glens Falls, 7 p.m.

The program is offered as the joint monthly program of the Southern Adirondack Audubon Society and the Glens Falls-Saratoga chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club.

Jackie Donnelly is a nature writer/ photographer who has spent nearly 25 years exploring the upper Hudson River in her small lightweight canoe. A longtime resident of Saratoga Springs, she writes about her adventures on the Hudson and elsewhere throughout the North Country in her blog “Saratoga Woods and Waterways.” In her talk, she will explore four distinct areas of this magnificent river, stretching from the Ice Meadows north of Warrensburg downstream to the quiet backwaters above the dam in Glens Falls. Through numerous photographs and informed

commentary she will reveal the amazing abundance and diversity of the beautiful plants that thrive in this river bank habitat. For more information, visit http://www. southernadirondackaudubon.org.

Thursday, February 18 Ham Dinner Stillwater United Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall, 747 Hudson Ave., Stillwater 5 – 6:30 p.m.

Menu includes ham, raisin sauce, applesauce, home baked beans, mashed potatoes, carrots ala orange, cole slaw, rolls, pie and beverage served family style. Cost is $12 for adults, $5 for children 5 – 10 years of age, under 5 years free. To reserve tickets, call (518) 664-7984 or purchase at door. Take-out available.

Handicap accessible. Church is located across from the post office.

Concert: SoloDuo Arthur Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College Campus, 8 p.m. $8 adults, $5 senior citizens and Skidmore community, free for students and children For more information call (518) 580-5321 or go to www.skidmore. edu/zankel.

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

36

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Bartenders’ Ball Raises $25k for Abuse Victims

by Rebecca Davis Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Over 700 people attended the sold-out 19th annual Bartenders’ Ball, hosted by The Hospitality Committee of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce. The gala took place Saturday, February 6 at the Saratoga Springs City Center. With the theme of “fire and ice,” guests were dolled up in fiery reds, bold blues, and wintery whites, as they enjoyed food, drinks, live music and dancing to The Audiostars, as well as gambling tables sponsored by the Lions Club.

The event was also the conclusion of the annual “Most Valuable Bartender” contest, with votes cast by community members.

This year 30 bartenders from 10 participating establishments vied for the title of MVB. Nearly 6,000 people voted, and the winners were announced at the Ball. Third place went to Nicole from the Rusty Nail in

Clifton Park, second place went to Peggy Sue from The Mill on Round Lake, and first place went to Patty from The Ravenswood Pub in Clifton Park.

This year’s Bartenders’ Ball benefitted Wellspring, which provides services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Saratoga County. The event raised $25,000 for the non-profit.

Maggie Fronk, Executive Director at Wellspring said that the funds will go toward expanding the services Wellspring provides and providing greater accessibility to those services. “We want to thank everyone who came to this event in support of the hospitality workers, as well as the mission of Wellspring,” she said. “In doing so, you helped to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of local residents dealing with relationship and sexual abuse.”

For more information about Wellspring, visit wellspringcares.org

Jen Gannon, Nancy Grenon, Bam Bam Mueller, Most Valuable Bartender Award Winner Patty Mueller, Jackie Kawola, and Dan Bradt.

Kristin Foust, Yana LaPage, Katie Nemer, Kate Jarosh, Lesley Caracci, and Tara Wright. Pamela D’arcangelo

Jen and Michael Audette, Allison Cherkosly, Delnaz Shojaei, Kerri and Joe Greco, Ashley Simpson, and Stephanie Hillyard.

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

37 PULSE

Nacre in Concert Promises a Celebration of Collaboration Film Launches Fundraising on Day of Love SARATOGA SPRINGS — Nacre in Concert, the premiere performance of the Nacre Dance Company 2015-16 season, is set to take place at Spa Little Theater on Saturday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 6 at 2:30 p.m. This performance will include a host of new works, featured choreographers, spoken word, and a new piece by Nacre Artistic Director, Beth Fecteau, featuring new music written and performed by Ria Curley and Chuck Lamb.

“The March show has always been our flagship performance,” says Fecteau. “It’s always been a culmination of the season leading up to it, and this year is no different.” That doesn’t mean the audience should expect the same-old show. “It’s probably the most ambitious show we’ve ever attempted.

There will be pieces from four different choreographers, renowned poet Marilyn McCabe providing spoken word interludes, and a new musical composition commissioned by Nacre, surrounding the theme of ‘atmosphere’. It’s all part of our new mission to collaborate with other artistic mediums to encompass a theme and create an experience for our audience.”

This year’s “So You Think You Can Choreograph!?” winner, Kailey McCrudden, whose win secured her role as this year’s guest choreographer, will present a new piece for the show. In addition, former ‘So You Think You Can Choreograph!?” finalists Brett Cox and Christian Serrano will also be presenting new works. “At Nacre, we love the classics, but are curious about work being created by talented young artists making their mark in the future of modern dance today. I am pleased to offer them this opportunity to feature their work. ” The theme for the evening, “Atmosphere,” came not quite from planning, but from the realization that all the works being presented seemed to carry that notion as a common thread. It started with Fecteau’s own piece, “Seasons”.

Fecteau said, “The idea for this piece started with a short movement phrase that I created to the familiar jazz song ‘Summertime’ for my students at SUNY Adirondack. While wanting to expand the movement and finding the jazz music enjoyable to move to, I sought out more jazz music to accompany the

underlying modern dance/ jazz infused dance to travel us through the seasons. I then met jazz musicians Chuck Lamb and Ria Curley in my travels and fell in love with their sound. I normally don’t work with jazz music but the collaboration has been easy! The music traverses so naturally through the seasons. Having Ria and Chuck accompany us reflects what we know of live jazz musical performances in which the audience is very much part of the music! I’m excited for my dancers to have this personal experience with them.”

Local poet Marilyn McCabe will also offer her talents in the form of spoken word interludes between the pieces. “In the past,” said Fecteau, “we’ve always come out on stage to talk about each piece. While informative, it was all very academic. This year we are letting the work stand on its own, and the feeling will be of a much more well-rounded evening of dance entertainment.”

Tickets to Nacre in Concert are $20 ($15 for students and seniors), and are available by visiting nacredance.com or by calling 518-817-3833. For questions, please contact Beth Fecteau, Artistic Director, at beth@nacredance.com. For more information about Nacre Dance Company, visit nacredance.com

In 2011, Chris and Rebecca Williams welcomed their newborn son, Joey, into the world. During the pregnancy, they found out little Joey had Down Syndrome, as well as multiple heart defects. Filmmaker Victoria Kereszi began filming the couple early in the pregnancy, and what she captured developed into a touching documentary about strength, resilience and love, and what it is truly like to bring a child with special needs into the world. On February 14, Kereszi is beginning a crowdfunding campaign through Indiegogo to get the film, titled “Into Loving Hands,” into the final stages of production. To watch the “Into Loving Hands” trailer or to support the film, visit IntoLovingHandsMovie.com or call 518-683-6680.

PULSE

38

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

Seeing the Light: Exhibit Gives Hope to Homeless

by Rebecca Davis Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Spring Street Gallery brought together nearly 100 artists and performers for its “Darkness/Light” exhibit, which opened with a reception on February 6. The exhibit and reception, which nearly 500 people attended, raised money and awareness for Code Blue Saratoga, which provides shelter, food and other necessities to those who are homeless during winter’s harsh weather conditions.

“Darkness/Light” is the second open-call exhibit that Spring Street Gallery has held to benefit Code Blue. “The Blue Show,” presented in January 2015, raised thousands of dollars for Code Blue. In donations alone, “Darkness/Light” has already raised $1,500 for Code Blue, and art sales are still going on.

Maureen Sager, Executive Director of Spring Street Gallery, said ““These open-call shows for Code Blue have been really inspiring; first, because of the incredible artwork that people create to fit the theme of the show, and second, because everyone – the artists and the audience – get to demonstrate how our community pulls together to help others.”

“There is something for everyone in this show,” said Belinda Colon, Installation Manager at Spring Street Gallery, who, along with her daughter Charlie Gleeksman, also contributed artwork to the show. Colon led a team of volunteers in hanging the dozens of pieces of artwork for the exhibit. “It’s really exciting to see such an outpouring of creativity from our community.”

The artists involved in the exhibit, which were given about a month to craft a piece after given the theme of darkness and light, were very enthusiastic about creating art for Code Blue’s cause.

“We live in such a lovely town, and it’s hard to know that some of our fellow residents struggle to stay warm and fed,” said poet Marilyn McCabe, whose work is displayed at the exhibit. “That 100 artists chose to offer up work to help out the Code Blue program is inspiring, and a good antidote to cynicism about the state of the world. I was happy to be a part of it, and to experience through this colorful and diverse show all the interesting work people are up to.”

“Darkness/Light” had an open-call submission process, and attracted artists from all ages,

backgrounds and genres. From dance, music and poetry to photography, painting and fiber arts, the show features a wide range of imagination and originality, all developed out of a passion for a great cause.

Mary Ellen O’Loughlin, another artist involved in “Darkness/Light” said, “What I find so thrilling about Spring Street Gallery’s exhibition to benefit Saratoga’s Code Blue program is that it brings together artists of all abilities to not only demonstrate their skills in a comfortable and supportive environment, but also

to consider the conditions some in our community endure during these cold months. As I thought about this year’s theme, I reflected on the relationship of darkness and light, and chose to depict the promise of hope from hopelessness.”

“Darkness/Light” is currently on display at Spring Street Gallery, located at 110 and 112 Spring Street, and is open to the public.

For more information about Spring Street Gallery, visit springstreetgallerysaratoga.org. To learn more about Code Blue Saratoga, visit codebluesaratoga.org.

Photograph by Cindy Wian for “Darkness/Light”. Photo provided.

Photograph by Jackie Donnelly. Photo provided.

Participants Belinda Colon and her daughter Charlie Gleeksman. Belinda created a clock for the exhibit, while Charlie wrote and read a beautiful poem about darkness. Photo provided.

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

39 PULSE

Home Made Theater Happenings SARATOGA SPRINGS — A lot is going on at Home Made Theater (HMT) in the coming weeks, and the company, which is in residence at the Spa Little Theater, is currently preparing for it all. From show premieres and auditions to opening registration for its Youth Observatory, chances are, there will be something going on at the Theater that will catch your eye.

“Cat on Hot Tin Roof ” Premieres Friday

The famous play by Tennessee Williams, directed

by Jonathan Hefter, will

premiere Friday, February 12 at 8 p.m., with more shows on February 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27 at 8 p.m. and two Sunday matinees, February 21 and 28, at 2 p.m. Tickets to the show are $27/$24 and can be purchased by going online to homemadetheater.org/box-office.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1955, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof ” is an explosive portrait of a southern family, celebrating “Big Daddy’s” 65th birthday. As conniving relatives learn he’s dying, verbal fireworks and savage humor erupt. Fiery Maggie fights to

maintain the façade of her marriage to Brick, a former gridiron hero, who now drinks to escape her and his controlling father. The eldest son and daughter-in-law plot to secure their place in the will.

In a maze of avarice, hypocrisy and hidden desire, truths are revealed and souls are laid bare.

Dinner and brunch packages are available at The Gideon Putnam before all shows. Call Home Made Theater at 518-587-4427 to make a reservation.

Open Auditions for “Calendar Girls”

Auditions for Home Made Theater’s production of “Calendar Girls” will take place Sunday, February 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Monday, February 22 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Spa Little Theater in Spa State Park. No appointment is necessary and auditions will be from the script.

Those who are auditioning

must bring a current photo and resume.

Based on a true story, “Calendar Girls” is an endearingly funny and touching play that tells the tale of Annie and Chris. These two best friends resolve to make money for their local hospital by persuading four fellow members “of a certain age” to pose nude with them for an “alternative” calendar. The news of the women’s charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press soon descend on the small village of Knapeley. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie’s friendship is put to the test under the strain of their new found fame.

There are roles for men and women of all ages, with most characters in their 50s and 60s, though some are in 20s and 30s, and a few elderly characters. For those who are concerned about nudity, there will be no nude scenes in the play.

The rehearsal schedule will

be Monday through Thursday in the evenings and Sunday afternoons and evenings beginning in early March. The production dates are weekends from April 15 to May 1.

Registration Open for Youth Conservatory

Registration is currently open for children and teens between 8 and 18 years old for the HMT Youth Musical Theater Conservatory production of “Into the Woods Jr.” All students who register will be cast in the production.

Performances will be open to friends, family and the general public. No experience is necessary and children of all levels and experience are welcome. Rehearsals will begin March 19 and performances are scheduled for May 13 and 14. For more information, call HMT at 518-587-4427 or visit homemadetheater.org to view the registration flyer.

PULSE

40

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

week of 02/12-02/18 friday, 2/12: Good Sir, 9 pm @ Bentley’s — 899.4300 Jack Grace Trio, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Gary Brooks, 7 pm @ Carson’s Woodside Tavern — 584.9791 Rob Aronstein, pianist, vocalist and entertainer, will be performing at the Wishing Well, located at 745 Saratoga Rd. in Gansevoort, on Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14 at 7 p.m. For more information about Rob Aronstein, visit his website at robertaronstein.com.

Jukebox Night, 9 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 Jeanine Ouderkirk Duo, 7 pm @ Crown Grill — 583.1105 Party of Three, 4 pm @ End Zone Sports Pub — 584.6460 Erin Harkes Duo, 9 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Toga Boys, 10 pm @ Harvey’s — 583.0003 Electric City Hustlers, 8 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300 New Regime, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582 The Chronicles, 9 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Dollard + Garland, 5:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 McLovins w/ West End Blend, 9:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Citizens Treasure, 9 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253 Hey Jude, 8 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Benjamin Zoleski, 8:30 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875 Rich Ortiz, 6 pm @ The Saratoga Winery — 584.9463 Rick Russo, 6:30 pm @ Thirsty Owl — 587.9694 Aquanett, 8 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775

saturday, 2/13: Matt Evans, 9 pm @ Bentley’s — 899.4300 Flurry Festival Folk Oasis, noon @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 In Spite of Ourselves, 7 pm @ Carson’s Woodside Tavern — 584.9791 Master Cylinders, 9 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 Folding Money, 9 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 The Lucky Valentines, 10 pm @ Harvey’s — 583.0003 Funk Evolution, 8 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300 Pete Sweeney Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582 Carl Landa, 6 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Andy Iorio, 5:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Midnight Revival Band, Brummy Bros., Balkun Bros., 9 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Beating the Odds, 9 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253

North + South Dakotas, 8 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Karaoke, 9:30 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875 Steve Candlen, 6:30 pm @ Thirsty Owl — 587.9694 DJ Playground, 9 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775 Rob Aronstein, 7 pm @ Wishing Well — 584.7640

sunday, 2/14: Sharkey + Joziah of the Grand Slambovians, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Live Jazz Brunch, 10 am @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Scott Garling, 1:30 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253 Rob Aronstein, 7 pm @ Wishing Well — 584.7640

monday, 2/15: Frankie Lessard, 6:30 pm @ Brook Tavern — 871.1473

tuesday, 2/16: Rich Ortiz, 9 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 Open Mic with Rick Bolton, 8 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Mark Pratt, 5:30 pm @ Three Vines Bistro — 306.5881

wednesday, 2/17: Songwriters’ Workshop, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Masters of Nostalgia, 8:30 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Open Mic, 9 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Celtic Session, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Karaoke, 9 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875

thursday, 2/18: Marcus Ruggiero, 7 pm @ Bailey’s — 583.6060 Open Mic, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Open Mic, 10 pm @ Circus Café — 583.1106 New Artist Showcase, 8 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Emily Teller, 6 pm @ Harvey’s — 583.0003 Floodwood, 8 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300 Rich Ortiz, 5:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Buddha Clark, 9:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Celtic Session, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Mark Pratt, 5:30 pm @ Three Vines Bistro — 306.5881

42 It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

Publication Day: Friday

Ad Copy Due: Wednesday, noon

Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE

classified@saratogapublishing.com

Call (518) 581-2480 x204 HUNTING

AUTO DONATIONS

MISCELLANEOUS

Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ To hunt your land. Call for a Free Base Camp Leasing info packet & Quote. 1-866-309-1507 www.BaseCampLeasing.com

Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish.

We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible.

Call 518-650-1110 Today!

SAWMILLS from only $4397.00MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www.

NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N

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

ADOPTION ADOPT: An experienced mom, dad, and hopeful big brother are ready to welcome a new baby.

Expenses paid. Please call Alana & Michael:1-855-840-3066.

AlanaAndMichaelAdopt.net.

VACATION RENTALS OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily.

Holiday Resort Services.

1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016 SPORTS

43

The Dynasty Continues Streak Gymnasts Win Section 2 - Send Nine To States!

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY LATHAM — This never gets old.

Continuing a record of dominance that would make the New York Yankees and Boston Celtics envious, The Saratoga Springs High School Gymnasts have once again captured the Section 2 tournament on Wednesday, February 10 at Shaker High School with a team total of 175.6. They will be sending nine members of their squad to the State Tournament, also to be held this year at Shaker, on Saturday, February 27 at 10 a.m.

For the third consecutive year, the all around title went to tenthgrader Julia Van Horne, and the Blue Streaks captured the top three spots

JEWELRY APPRAISAL EXPERT JEWELRY, GEM & DIAMOND APPRAISALSA+ ASSOCIATES GEM LABGraduate Gemologist Diane Burke provides unbiased, confidential, appraisals of all types. Brokerage services.

(518)438-1511 www.aplusappraisals.info

FOR SALE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN ABSOLUTE LAND LIQUIDATION! FEB 20th & 21st! 34 Tracts from 3 to 39 acres Examples: 5 acres - $24,900 20 acres - $59,900 31 acres - $89,900 2 Hours from NY City, Extraordinary Mountain Views, Trout streams, Apple Trees, Old Barn, Covered Riding Arena, Clear title, All Governmental Approvals in Place! Terms available! Call 888-905-8847 to register or go to NewYorkLandandlakes.com to take the virtual tour

overall. Congrats to Coaches Deb Smarro, Tiffany Hogben and these mighty, mighty team members who are State-bound!

- Julia Van Horne - 1st all around - Courtney Kirshe - 2nd all around - Kelsey Jackowitz - 3rd all around

- Carmen Cusick - Kate Della Ratta - Laura Eberlein - Sophie Hrebenach - Emily Fischer - Abby Zabielski

HELP WANTED Can You Dig It? Heavy Equipment Operator Career! We Offer Training and Certifications Running Bulldozers, Backhoes and Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement. VA Benefits Eligible! 1-866-362-6497 AIRLINE CAREERS Start Here Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician.

Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866-296-7093

Julia Van Horne Shows The Form That Won Her A Third Consecutive All Around Title in the Section 2 Championship. Photos by MarkBolles.com

44

SPORTS

When Dolly Rocks…

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

…The Blue Streaks Roll!

Continued from front page.

Eighth grader Dolly Cairns has developed a precocious game that belies her years, and is the anchor of the Saratoga Springs Varsity Girls Basketball Squad.

Leading a team that is on the rise, despite being the youngest on the floor. Heading into the playoffs, this year’s team is in a solid middle position in the Suburban Council’s strong Blue Division, with a conference record of 9-8, and 12-8 overall.

They have to bang heads against powerful squads like Shaker and Shenendehowa – teams with mature stars, and sometimes, frankly, they come away on the short end. But Dolly and the Streaks don’t quit – they buy into their Coach’s goal that they play hard each game, and come away with valuable learning experiences that will serve them well as the team matures. And it says here that the best is yet to come – for both Dolly and her team. And it’s already her team.

In one sense, this is nothing new to her. Dolly has already been a third grader on the fifth

Though she handles and distributes the ball like a seasoned veteran - when called upon, Dolly is more than capable of taking the scoring role. And she’s not afraid to put her face in there. Photos by MarkBolles.com.

Dolly At The Line Dolly Cairns is burying free throws at a sizzling 80.2% clip this season – fourth best in Section 2. As an idea how strong the company this puts the eighth grader in, consider these lifetime FT percentages from some names you might know: - Magic Johnson - Oscar Robertson - Michael Jordan - Jerry West - Julius Erving - LeBron James

84.8% 83.8% 83.5% 81.4% 77.7% 74.4% Source: nba.com

grade team, and has been working on her game during pre-school recesses, or with her dad.

Dolly’s talent extends to every aspect of the game – when called upon – she’ll often lead the team in scoring. But she is most satisfied when she elevates her teammates. “Basketball is a team game first, I want to help everyone be their best,” Dolly said. And further good news for Saratoga fans is that she has been playing with some of her teammates for years as well. Like freshman guard

Kerry Flaherty – a grade ahead of Dolly, they are often first and second, or vice versa, in scoring most games. Their Coach, Robin Chudy, noted “it’s nice to have two options that have already have played together, and will be together for a long time.”

Coach Chudy also observed that when the season started, “there was no doubt that Dolly would be our starting point guard.

But we realized that we needed more from her - to take on more of a scoring role, which is not her first instinct. She’s by nature an unselfish player, often bypassing an open shot if it meant passing to a teammate.”

The results were evident almost immediately. Starting on January 5, Dolly has scored in double-digits in all of the Streaks’ 12 games, over 20 points in three of them (which were all victories).

During that time, the team went 8-4, with a seven-game winning streak. “She’s a learner,” Coach Chudy said, “She even volunteers to learn the post-up game.” So, even though she leads the team in several stat categories (such as scoring 14.7 points per game – tied for 29th in Section 2, while averaging about 7 assists per game), there are some pieces of 5’ 7” Dolly’s game that we can look forward to even more improvement as she gains more experience and grows physically.

However, RIGHT NOW, she’s already shown superior skills – meaning as good as anyone around, in two key areas: - Handling the ball: She brings it up, nearly every time – with fluidity and ambidextrous Continued on page 47.

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

SPORTS 45

Defense wins championships

by Damian Fantauzzi for Saratoga TODAY I’ve been a Denver Broncos fan for a long time. I guess it’s because I had met former Broncos wide receiver, Lionel Taylor, back in the late 60s. In 1968, I graduated from the almost unheard of University in New Mexico, NM Highlands University. Highlands had a great athletic program during those days; we were NAIA National Champs (equivalent to NCAA D2 sports) in baseball for 3 consecutive years - 1966-68, and national champs in football in 1966 and 1967. In basketball we were ranked in the NAIA top 25 during my 3 years there, I was a junior college transfer. Lionel Taylor was a NMHU Cowboys graduate, and while with the (then) AFL Denver Broncos, he set many receiving records.

For example: in four consecutive years he caught over 100 plus passes per season. Post season, he would come to the campus and play pick-up basketball games with us. Taylor, a West Virginia product, also played basketball for Highlands as a student.

This past Sunday, the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers, 24 -10, in Super Bowl 50. There was a lot of speculation that the Panthers, led by 2015 MVP Quarterback Cam Newton, were going to be too much for the Broncos. The sports media felt Denver would have difficulty containing Newton. Some of the media went on to say that Manning’s old school quarterback style could not compete with Newton’s ability to scramble and run with the ball. Not to mention Newton’s enormous size for a quarterback, he weighs over 250 pounds, has great speed, is shifty,

and very difficult to contain.

Even though Denver’s signature this season was being the best defense in the NFL, the majority in the sports media did not feel the Broncos had an answer for Cam Newton. Quite frankly, as a Broncos fan, neither did I. There was also the feeling that the Panthers would be able to put the stop to 18-year veteran QB Peyton Manning. As it is in sports, none of the above happened, because Denver did stop Newton, and Carolina had difficulty keeping Peyton from doing his magic.

Even though he lacked the big plays, Manning did capitalize on scoring opportunities, and obviously Newton struggled to get his team going. Broncos’ field goal kicker, Brandon McManus came through again - 3 for 3 in Super Bowl, and 10 for 10 in the playoffs.

Denver was led by defensive specialist, linebacker Von Miller, who was awarded the rare honor as a linebacker to be chosen as SB 50 MVP. Historically, not too many defensive players are honored with that award. Miller came up with one big play after another throughout the game, he gave Cam Newton fits, and at times it seemed five or six Von Millers were on the field.

As rumors fly, the oldest quarterback in Super Bowl history at 39, Peyton Manning has yet to decide on his future for another season in pro football. I have been a Manning fan for years, I love to watch him steer his team with his audibles while over the center, or engineering his strategy out of the shotgun, To me, he’s a great field general, his knowledge of the game is second to none. I envision him as a coach someday. Someone just said to me that he has nothing to prove as a coach. It’s not about proving anything; it’s about his love for the game and for the challenge that would be presented to him as a football mastermind.

My hope is to see him pursue that career; it’s not about money, because he obviously doesn’t need more money. It’s about the love of the game, a game that has done so much for him since he was a kid; it’s in his blood.

I can surely relate to that, I feel I am an untouched resource, at the age of 71, when it comes to coaching basketball. Manning’s

knowledge and experience would be wasted, if allowed to become dormant in his retirement. Only time will tell if he will be enticed to coach with offers from the pro or college ranks.

As for Cam Newton walking out on the media during his postgame interview - I won’t make any excuses for what he did, in general he made a mistake, but he was flustered and the media can be annoying with some of their idiotic questions. Frustration is always part of being on the losing side, and humility is not an easy characteristic for guys like Newton. He has had the reputation of being a showboat and known for being very cocky in his demeanor; there are times that he has been called a “hotdog.” I will not justify what he did by walking out, but I am of the opinion that this guy is the Magic Johnson of pro football - he’s big and strong, and at 6’5”, 250 plus pounds he has the mobility of a 5’8” point guard. Most of the time he’s super human, but there comes a time when guys like him have to accept some of the humility that comes in defeat. He missed that chance, for sure, but we haven’t seen the end of this super athlete, and in the near future he will bring that Super Bowl ring to Carolina. To me, he’s impressive, and mostly I think he’s a good-natured guy having fun by playing his favorite game. Someone like him can be misunderstood and it’s usually by those who will never be an athlete of his stature.

I know it’s been said, like the title of this column, that defense wins championships. Denver put on a great display of holding down the prolific offense of the Carolina Panthers. Man for man the Panthers were the better team on paper. The Broncos proved that, not only does good defense prevail, but also playing against the odds can be the motivation to play above one’s capabilities.

I like the playoffs’ format of the NFL. It’s like the NCAA’s March Madness of college basketball, one game determines advancement and if you win you’re in, but if you lose, you go home. What amazes me is that I have seen 50 Super Bowls. Wow, am I old!

Town of Wilton Recreation – Jr .NBA Scores Saturday, February 6 Semi-finals and Championship Games SEMI-FINALS Division 1 Cavs-23: Alex Renner-7, Ronan Rowe-6 Spurs-9: Jayden Osinski-7, Tyler Weygand-3 Warriors-22: Kellen Drsicoll-14, Liam Oliver-Goodwin 4 Celtics-18: Rowan Armstrong-9, Joseph Dedona-2 Division 2 Heat-28: Jacob Durkee-10, Antone Robbens-8 Knicks-22: Hayden Casavant-10, Flagg Taylor-8 Mavs-17: Ben Cohen-7, Jaxon Young-6 Warriors-14: Justin Duscher-6, Pierson Davis-4 Division 3 Sixers-37: Frankie Laniewski-16, Clayton Wilhelm-6 Celtics-18: Witt Patton-6, Nigel Wetzel-6 Warriors-57: Thomas Prevost-33, Nicholas Prevost-13 Magic-49: Justin Nesbitt-20, Sean Hudson-12 Division 4 Bulls-50: Jonathan Irons-18, Andrew Phillips-14 Spurs-33: Timothy Barrett-13, Kaden Learch-11 Celtics-49: Graham Patton-13, Timothy Derlinga-8 Pacers-41: Edward Hart-11, Luke DeRizzo-10

CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES Division 1 Cavs-34: Aidan Sweenor-14, Alex Renner-8 Warriors-6: Kellen Driscoll-5, Liam Oliver-Goodwin 1 Division 2 Mavs-40: Jaxon Young-24, Ben Cohen-9 Heat-30: Jacob Durkee-14, Bryant Savage-5 Division 3 Sixers-46: Frankie Laniewski-16, Charles DeRizzo-8 Warriors-41: Thomas Prevost-16, Jesse Booth-15 Division 4 Celtics-30: Bryce Emery-10, Cole Stubing-10 Bulls-28: Andrew Philips-10, Liam Vanwagenen-10

46

SPORTS

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

COMMUNITY SPORTS BULLETIN Saratoga Varsity Baseball Clinic The Saratoga Springs Varsity baseball team will be hosting a winter clinic for grade 3 - 8 students on February 23 and 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Saratoga Springs High School. The clinic will cover all basic baseball skills and be a chance to learn with members of the 2015 state finalists! Check out www.saratogabaseballcamps.com to register.

Sign Up For Round Lake Baseball The Round Lake/Malta Youth Baseball League is now accepting registrations for Recreational Spring Baseball. The league is dedicated to providing recreational co-ed baseball to all youth in our community at the same low fees as last year regardless of experience, residency, or school district. Divisions start at T-Ball (ages 4-5), and go up to Division 10U. Please visit our NEW website at L e agues.blues ombrero. com/roundlakebaseball for online registration and you can email questions to roundlakebaseball@gmail. com.

Applications can also be found at the Malta Community Center. There are a limited number of spots per division so sign

up early. And don’t forget to register for our league-subsidized player clinics!

2015 Winter Breakers Club at Gavin Park Dates: February 16 – 19, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

(Registration is now open for current after school participants and opens up to everyone on February 11).

A school break program offered for grades K-6. Gym fun, crafts, movies, outdoor play and more!

Participants are required to bring their own lunch w/ drink. An afternoon snack will be supplied. 3-day minimum required. Registration ends when program is full.

Maximum capacity is 35 per day.

Fee: Wilton residents: $35 per day, Saratoga School District residents and others: $45 per day. Register at Gavin Park or online: https://activenet018.active. com/wiltonrecreation/

Saratoga Springs Recreation Department 2016 Spring Tiny T-Ball Registration Has Begun This introductory program is open to children ages 3-5 and will run from

March 2-April 6, 2016.

Sign up at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue.

Visit www.SaratogaRec. com for more information.

Questions? Call 518-5873550 x2300 or email recreservations@saratoga-springs.org

Zumba at Gavin Park Zumba, the Latininspired, dance-fitness craze, continues to be a popular recreational offering at Wilton’s Gavin Park! Sign up now for the latest round of Zumba classes!

Interested parties may enroll in the next Zumba session - running from March 14 through April 18.

Pre-registration is required. No drop-ins will be allowed. A minimum of 10 people must register for a session to run. No more than 75 people will be accepted per session.

Registration ends one business day prior to the start date for each session.

Registration may be completed online, in person, or via U.S. Mail. Online registrations may be completed by going to http://townofwilton.com/departments/ parks-and-recreation and selecting the appropriate quick link. In person registrations can be completed at the Gavin Park Office, which

Puzzle solutions from pg. 29 Send your sports stories or briefs to Arthur Gonick, Sports Editor at arthur@saratoga publishing.com

is open weekdays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Payment by check, MasterCard/VISA, or money order is accepted. All participants must be at least 15 years old. Call 518-5849455 for more information.

Malta Spring Activities Brochure Available The Town of Malta’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Human Services Spring Activities Brochure is now available online at www.maltaparksrec. com. It is available at the Malta Community Center, and registration has begun for spring classes and programs. New classes, sports programs and special events are scheduled to begin in March. Please call the Malta Community Center at 518-899-4411 for more information.

City of Saratoga Springs Ice Rink Sessions Join us at the ice rink!

Family Skate, Open Public, Open Stick, Open Adult, Hockey and Open Figure sessions are available.

Call (518) 587-3550 x2300, (518) 583-3462 or visit www.SaratogaRec.com for more information. See you there!

Adult Sports and Fitness Opportunities in Ballston Spa Schools The Ballston Spa Community Education Program is currently offering adult sports from 8-10 p.m. with Co-ed Indoor Soccer and Co-ed Volleyball held on Mondays and Men’s Basketball on Wednesdays.

A 10-week session begins the week of January 4, 2016 and requires a $30 fee for school district residents.

The popular Walk About program provides a safe, indoor walking course for those interested in a low impact fitness activity. The program continues through April when school is in session. A $15 registration fee is required for this program and non-residents are charged $18 to participate.

Walkers may join the program at any time throughout the session.

Pre-registration is required and fees are due at the beginning of each course. Those interested may register for courses by mail or in-person at the District Office, 70 Malta Avenue. Additional information regarding any of the courses offered is available online at www.bscsd.org or by calling 518-884-7195 x 1329.

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

SPORTS 47

When Dolly Rocks…

…The Blue Streaks Roll!

Continued from page 44.

finesse – you are hard pressed to tell which is her dominant hand.

If she doesn’t have the ball, her teammates often hold up to find her and give it to her. “One key to our big improvement over last year,” Coach Chudy said, “is due to Dolly’s ability to break the press as part of her ball handling.” Teams have a near impossible time taking the ball away from her, and she rarely turns it over.

When that does happen, it’s usually the result of Dolly aggressively driving through traffic, to penetrate and dish, or create her own shot. More often than a turnover, she draws a foul. Which leads to…

- Free Throws: Coach Chudy tells the tale: “We brought her up to the Varsity halfway through last year (in the seventh grade) and brought her into things slowly. But against Guilderland, the opposing coach got a technical. There was no doubt that I was putting Dolly in to take them. She made both.” And really hasn’t looked back since. Of all the facets of a complete basketball game, free throws are a universal measure of talent and focus regardless of age or level of play. And Dolly’s got this part Down! With a capital D. For the season, she’s burying them at an 80.2% rate, which puts her fourth in all of Section 2, and compares very favorably (see side box) with the greats of the game. All, we remind you, in the eighth grade. It’s no stretch to say that when you have free throw ability going for you, you don’t often wake up one day and lose it. She’s money in the bank at the line.

Perhaps there’s some correlation between Dolly’s prowess with the geometry of free throws and her favorite subject, math – but we’ll leave that for her to explore as a potential Ph.D. topic someday. She became enthusiastic when talking about her thrill of attending concerts and seeing her favorite – The Zac Brown Band – live at SPAC. Just like you would expect an eighth grader to be.

We had a nice visit with Dolly and her Coach, and it was now practice time. Before she left, I had to ask her. Her given name is Catherine.

So… “I prefer Dolly. My mom called me Dolly when I was little. She said I had the face of a doll.”

Between us, she still does. But when necessary, she’s not afraid to stick that doll-face into the lane and mix it up. Let’s face it: Dolly rocks!

Dolly’s got some weapons for teammates too, like freshman Kerry Flaherty (10).

The two have played together for years despite their young ages.

Dolly and Coach Robin Chudy (right) have a lot to look forward to. “She’s the most accomplished player I’ve ever had,” Coach Chudy said.

Volume 11 • Issue 6

See Dolly. Page 1 and 44

Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016

SPORTS CELEBRATE!

Both the Saratoga Springs HS Hockey Team and their fans have great reasons to celebrate. After shutting out Queensbury, 5-0, on Saturday, February 6, (with senior co-captain Elliott Hungerford scoring the 100th point of his career), Saratoga Springs clinched the CDHSHL regular season championship, finishing with a 13-0 league record – the first time a team has gone undefeated in the league in well over a decade! Next up: the playoffs! The Section 2 quarterfinal games will be on Wednesday, 2/17. Semifinal games will be held Friday 2/19 and Saturday 2/20. And the Section 2 final will be Thursday 2/25. Photos by Francesco D’Amico.

FREE

Section 2 Changes See Gymnastics, Page 43 Photos by MarkBolles.com