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ELECTION 2022: SARATOGA COUNTY VS. NY STATE
Comparison and analysis
continued from front page... Jordan subsequently announced she would not actively run.
There are approximately HOUSE OF 173,500 registered voters in REPRESENTATIVES Saratoga County, according Once every decade, geoto the NYS Board of Elections graphic boundaries regarding canmost recent report of Nov. 1. didate representation are redrawn. Approximately 36% are regis- Earlier this year, congressional tered Republicans, 29.6% reg- redistricting placed all of Saratoga istered Democrats, 27.2% are County into District 20, alongside independent of any party, and the Albany and Schenectady counties, remaining 7.2% are comprised of and parts of Rensselaer. registered third-party voters. In CD 20, Democrat incum-
In these midterm elections, bent Paul Tonko beat Republican nearly 100,000 Saratoga voters cast challenger Elizabeth Joy 54% to their ballots countywide, represent- 45%, with a victorious districting over 56% of Saratoga County’s wide margin of approximately 173,500 active registered voters. 27,000 votes. It is a contest the two
NY SENATE DISTRICT 44 candidates had staged previously;
More than 120,000 votes were in 2020, Tonko defeated Joy by a counted, nearly 100,000 of them near 20-point margin of victory. from Saratoga County in the newly Tonko was victorious among redrawn 44th Senate District, voters in Albany, Schenectady and which includes all of Saratoga Rensselaer. Saratoga voters favored County and part of Schenectady. Joy 53% to 47%, a difference of
Republican James Tedisco just over 6,000 votes. Republican emerged victorious securing 56% incumbent Congresswoman Elise of the vote, compared to the 42% Stefanik had represented a portion garnered by Democrat Michelle of Saratoga in previous elections. Ostrelich. The newly redrawn Congressional
Ostrelich joined other party District 21 covers areas east, west members Tuesday evening at The and north of CD 20 where Stefanik Inn at Saratoga on Broadway, defeated Democrat challenger where Democrats had gathered. Matt Castelli by a near 20-point Post-election, Ostrelich said she margin of victory. will continue to serve in her cur- REPUBLICAN WALSH, rent capacity as a Schenectady DEMOCRAT WOERNER County Legislator. RE-ELECTED TO
Tedisco meanwhile joined NY ASSEMBLY fellow county Republicans on Areas of Saratoga County Election Night at Vapor. The club are represented as NY Assembly is flanked by a this-century-con- District 112 and NY Assembly structed gambling facility with District 113. Just over 45,000 votvideo lottery terminals and more ers presented their ballots in each than 1,000 slots, and a near cen- of the contested districts in 2022. tury old harness racing track In Assembly District 112, where sulky drivers are pulled Mary Beth Walsh (R, C) emerged across the half-mile dirt oval by victorious over Andrew McAdoo horses eleven months of the year. (D, WF) 59% to 39%. In NY
Tedisco was first elected to Assembly District 113, Carrie represent the 49th State Senate Woerner (D, WF) bested David District – which includes parts Catalfamo (R, C) 52% to 47%. of Saratoga, in 2016, and previ- For the first time in several ously served in the New York decades, Democrats challenged State Assembly from 1983-2016. the district attorney seat long held Tedisco, who represented the by Republicans. County voters 49th district, decided to run in re-elected Republican incumbent District 44 after the state’s redis- Karen Heggen over Democratic tricting process took shape ear- challenger Michael Phillips 57% lier this year. The move drew to 43%, with a margin of victory criticism from Sen. Daphne of about 14,000 votes. Jordan of the 43rd district, who SARATOGA COUNTY contended she had the right- VOTES IN STATEWIDE RACES ful geographic claim to the new Statewide, voters selected district, according to WAMC. Democrats Kathy Hochul for Governor, Thomas DiNapoli for Comptroller, Letitia James for Attorney General, and Chuck Schumer as U.S. Senator. Three of those four state majority preferences came up short locally, however.
In the governor’s race, Saratoga County voters favored Republican challenger Lee Zeldin over Kathy Hochul 55% to 45%, attorney general Republican candidate Michael Henry over Letitia James 53% to 46%, and Republican U.S. Sen. Candidate Joe Pinion over Chuck Schumer 51% to 48%. (Note, all numbers are rounded up).
Ballot Proposal 1 – Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022,
Republican N.Y. State Sen. James Tedisco, elected to 44th Senate District. Photo provided.
was overwhelmingly approved statewide and by Saratoga voters alike. The “yes” vote authorizes the sale of state bonds up to $4.2 billion to fund environmental
Democrat U.S. Rep Paul Tonko, re-elected to 20th Congressional District. Photo provided.
protection, natural restoration, resiliency, and clean energy projects, in addressing and combating the impact of climate change and damage to the environment.
Golub Over Scirocco in Saratoga Springs DPW Election
by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY
SARATOGA SPRINGS — In the Spa City race to elect the Commissioner of Public Works, Democrat Jason Golub defeated Republican candidate Anthony Scirocco, Jr. garnering 6,818 votes to Scirocco’s 5,322.
More than 12,000 votes were registered for the city council seat, marking a greater than 30% increase in overall votes compared to the numbers tallied for any one of the five council seats during the last election in 2021.
Golub is currently filling the seat on an interim basis through 2022. He was unanimously selected by the four sitting members of the City Council in May to temporarily fill the position that became vacant as a result of the death of longtime DPW Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco. One of his sons, Anthony Scirocco, Jr. received the support of the local Republican Committee and ran for the position to follow in his late father’s footsteps.
The election will fill the DPW seat for the calendar year 2023 – the remainder of the elder Scirocco’s 2020-elected term.
There are places in the country where political preference and blind acceptance to a party’s ideals tears at the jigsaw of a community’s fabric. But, despite an us-versus-them mentality that is elsewhere pervasive, as well as an effort by some activated operatives pecking away like hens atop their social media connected keyboards seeking to create divisions - this is not one of those places. Here, there seems to be a simpler set of rules at play in comparing the candidates: Who are they? What sort of experience do they have? Who is the best person to get the job done?
To Golub, the goals related to his seat on the council in 2023 remain the same as when he first auditioned for the council appointment, earlier this year.
“For me, it’s the same as when we started. What is that 21st century vision of DPW? While we’re always going to do that core DPW - remove your snow, remove your leaves - it’s really about how can we drive the infrastructure in the city? Energy. Parks. Bike lanes. It could be how we partner with the state and federal government. There’s so much that DPW can drive and that’s where I want to focus,” said Golub, attending an Election Night gathering of Democrats at The Inn at Saratoga - a historic Broadway venue that first began operating as a boarding house in 1847.
Appointed to the position in May, Golub has now secured his first bonafide election victory. Bitten for the first time by the parliamentary bug, could a liferoad in politics be awaiting him in the future?
“Who asks that question the night that you win? “ he says with a laugh. “I don’t know the answer to that. Tonight, I’m enjoying this. I enjoy serving the community and I would like to continue to do that. “
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*To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions. Jason Golub was elected Commissioner of Public Works by city voters.
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New Name, New Location for Botanicals Spa
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Botanicals Organics Spa & Store has a new location, and a new name.
Formerly located on Henry Street, the store has relocated to 130 Excelsior Avenue Suite 106, and is now known as ‘Botanicals Spa,’ according to a press release.
“One of the major reasons for our move was to have a setting closer to nature, as well as better parking,” said owner Franesa Pyle in the release. “Our new location is set on the Spring Run Nature Trail, and we have designated parking now just for our business.”
The new location has been designed as a “concept spa,” where customers feel as if they are walking into nature.
“Our new spa build is modern, but also keeps with a theme of nature-inspired decor, such as tree installations, living walls, and water features,” Pyle said in the release.
Botanicals Spa will offer the same services at the new location, including facials, massage, waxing, body treatments, lash and brow services, energy healing, and more. All products used at Botanicals are plant-based and non-synthetic.
“We will be making the transition of our move in different stages,” said Pyle in the release. “Firstly, our spa will be open beginning Nov. 4, and then our retail and apothecary Blending Bar will open in the weeks to come.”
The Blending Bar and spa store give customers the opportunity to have bath, body, and skin care products custom-blended by on-site ‘SpaTenders,’ according to the release.
Botanicals Spa held its grand opening ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 10, from 6-9 p.m. at the new location on Excelsior Avenue. Singer/songwriter Sean Rowe performed at the opening, and catering was provided by Thorn + Roots.
Botanicals Spa has moved to a new location at 130 Excelsior Ave., Suite 106, Saratoga Springs. Photo provided.
End of an Era
Michele Riggi Estate sale of one-of-a-kind gowns has started at Saratoga Trunk boutique in downtown Saratoga.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Local Socialite, Philanthropist and Fashion Icon, Michele Riggi is moving (literally) on to the next phase of her life.
With the recent announcement of sale of her longtime home on North Broadway, the Palazzo Riggi, Michele will be relocating soon. “I’m embarking on a new life...I sold my Saratoga home yesterday!” Riggi stated.
Moving is never easy, but in Michele’s case it is a little more daunting. Along with personal and household items, Michele stated quite emphatically, “ I want to sell all my gowns. If I need one I’ll just buy a new one.”
The once President of The National Museum of Dance and Hall of fame, Michele wore a minimum of six gowns a year for Saratoga and NYC galas as an advocate and supporter of the Arts, Animals and myriad fundraisers here and abroad.
The Michele Riggi Estate sale of exquisite one-of-a-kind gowns, special occasion dressing and hats galore (most custom made), has started at Saratoga Trunk. Many still with tags, many never worn and all in pristine condition.
As owner Natalie Sillery shared, “This elegant and glamorous collection runs from sizes two through six with a few other sizes mixed in. Designers include Don O’Neill’s ‘THEIA ‘ brand, Escada, Badgley Mischka, Carmen Marc Valvo, Jovani and many more too numerous to mention.”
With all the weddings, charity events and galas back on postcovid, it’s a perfect opportunity to shop for your own one of-a-kind gown. “Great taste never goes out of style!” Sillery added. “We wish Michele all the best in her new journey moving forward.”
Saratoga Trunk is located at 493 Broadway, open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 518-584-3543 for appointments and more information. Walk-ins are always welcomed.
Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Shahid Mushtaq Khan Joins Saratoga Hospital
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Shahid Mushtaq Khan, MD, has joined Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Cardiology. An interventional cardiologist, Dr. Khan specializes in using minimally invasive procedures, such as cardiac catheterization, to diagnose and treat heart conditions.
Dr. Khan has considerable clinical and research experience, including cardiovascular appointments at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, JFK University Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health, and Raritan Bay and Old Bridge Medical Centers at Hackensack Meridian Health, all in New Jersey.
“Our interventional cardiology program continues to grow and earn recognition for our commitment to best practices—two factors that enable us to attract experienced physicians like Dr. Khan,” Richard Falivena, DO, vice president and chief medical and physician integration officer at Saratoga Hospital said in a press release. “Saratoga Hospital and our community are fortunate to have Dr. Khan on our team.”
Dr. Khan earned his medical degree from Allama Iqbal Medical College in Lahore, Pakistan, and completed residencies in nuclear medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and in internal medicine at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.
He is board certified in multiple specialties, including internal medicine with subspecialty certifications in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology; echocardiography; and nuclear cardiology.
He is accepting patients at Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Cardiology at 254 Church St., Saratoga Springs.
BankWise Technology Assists with New Quontic Pay Ring
SARATOGA SPRINGS — BankWise Technology, a Saratoga Springs-based developer of advanced custom programming for banks, has announced it has provided system development, integration, and support for the nation’s first wearable payment ring launched by digital bank Quontic, according to a press release.
The Quontic Pay Ring is “an innovative payment technology that allows Quontic customers wearing the ring to conveniently wave their hand near a contactless terminal to make retail purchases,” the release says. It is a similar process to tapping a credit or debit card and can be used worldwide at any payment terminal that accepts contactless payment.
BankWise provided the code and systems to manage key components of the product such as customer authentication, ring ordering, sizing and fulfillment, ring activation, inventory management, integration with the bank’s core system, and customer communication updates.
“We are honored to be part of Quontic’s newest and very innovative product launch, and for it to be the first of its kind in the U.S.,” said BankWise co-president and chief technology officer Sergei Morgoslepov in the release. “We were brought into this complex project to help design, implement, and manage a middleware solution that allows Quontic to offer this payment device to their customers. Our team thoroughly reviewed the project’s scope and then designed a middleware solution to address all requirements, from order and inventory management to integration with its core system.”
Quontic chief technology officer Felix Todd also said he was excited to deploy the Pay Ring.
“We have been working with BankWise Technology on multiple projects and knew that they
The Quontic Wearable Pay Ring. Image provided.
had the technical experience and expertise to help us get this product to market,” said Todd in the release. “They have an intimate knowledge of what our projects require, and we knew that their programming skills and knowledge in the banking sector would fit well into this product’s design, development, and rollout. We are pleased with this collaboration and to be the first in the U.S. to bring this innovate, wearable payment technology to market.”
Year-End Financial Planning
by Stephen Kyne, CFP
Sterling Manor Financial
for Saratoga TODAY
I usually cover the topic of year-end planning in my December column, but with rampant inflation, economic uncertainty, geopolitical strife with no end in sight and, most recently, a divisive election season, putting the year 2022 in the rearview can’t come soon enough for many of us. In preparation for closing out the year, let’s discuss some important steps you should consider.
The first order of business is to make sure you’ve made the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRAs and other retirement plans for the year.. If you’re age 72 or older, or have certain inherited retirement accounts, you will need to make minimum distribution by year’s end. The penalty for non-compliance is 50% of the amount you should have distributed, so check and double-check that you’ve distributed the proper amount.
have the ability, and you’re not yet contributing to the maximum levels allowed, consider topping these accounts off to take advantage of the possible tax deduction this year, as well as the ability to simply squirrel as much away for the future as possible. Even if you can’t contribute to the maximum, be sure to at least contribute enough to take advantage of any employer matching contributions. You may not be aware, but once you reach age 50, you are eligible for higher catch-up contribution levels than in prior years. So, if you’ve turned 50 this year, consider increasing your contributions. For 401(k) and 403(b) plans, you can contribute an additional $6,500 to a max of $27,000 from $20,500 for those under 50. For SIMPLE plans, you get to contribute an additional $3,000, up to a max of $17,500. In 2023, limits are increasing again. 401(k) and 403(b) limits increase to $22,500 (plus $7,500 catch-up) and $15,500 (plus $3,500 catch-up) for SIMPLEs. Take advantage of this opportunity to catch-up on contributions you may not have been able to make when you were younger. The end of the year is a good time to review your various forms of insurance, including your home and auto. Take note of various coverage limits and deductibles. If you can, consider a higher deductible in order to save on premium expenses. As home values have increased dramatically in recent years, ensure that your homeowners coverage amounts reflect the value of your home. You may also want to consider an umbrella policy, which provides additional personal liability coverage, in excess of your home and auto limits. An often-overlooked task is to review your beneficiary declarations each year. Families grow, as new members are added, and shrink with death and divorce, which means that beneficiary and Transferon-Death declarations can easily become outdated and no longer reflect your true wishes. Since these declarations are a matter of contract, they will overrule what your will may say. So, even if you’ve updated your will to exclude an ex-spouse, but you left them as beneficiary on your IRA, your new spouse won’t be able to inherit those assets, but the ex will, and it can’t be challenged in probate. Your Certified Financial Planner® professional is well suited to help you mark most of these items off your list. Review your beneficiaries, gather tax documents, maximize funding of your various retirement plans, take required distributions, and review your insurance coverage with your advisor each year, to help ensure that your financial plan is well-tuned as you prepare to turn the page on 2022.
If, like many, you don’t need the RMD to make ends meet, and would prefer not to take any distribution at all, consider donating it to a charity of your choice. The IRS allows you to distribute funds directly from your IRA to a charity, and not pay taxes on the distribution, even if you aren’t eligible to itemize deductions on your federal taxes. This is called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), and it’s important to remember that funds must be cut directly in the name of the charity; you cannot act as an intermediary and qualify for a QCD. If you’re not subject to an RMD, but are charitably inclined, you can still utilize a QCD to benefit your charity of choice in a tax-favored way. The next piece of financial housekeeping will be to begin to gather documents you’ll be needing just after the new year to prepare your taxes. Compile receipts for medical bills, tuition payments, child care and charitable contributions, among others. While many of us will no longer be able to itemize deductions due to recent tax law changes, there are credits for things like child care and education expenses which you may still be eligible for. For those with large medical bills, mortgage interest, or who have been particularly philanthropic this year, you may still be able to itemize, so it is important to have those receipts handy. When it comes to planning for your retirement, this is the perfect time to evaluate contribution levels to your retirement plans at work. If you While many of us will no longer be able to itemize deductions due to recent tax law changes, there are credits for things like child care and education expenses which you may still be eligible for.
Stephen Kyne CFP® is a Partner at Sterling Manor Financial in Saratoga Springs, and Rhinebeck. Securities offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/ SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sterling Manor Financial, LLC, or Cadaret Grant & Co., Inc, SEC registered investment advisors. Sterling Manor Financial and Cadaret, Grant are separate entities.
SUPPORTED DECISION-MAKING AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO GUARDIANSHIP
Increased Autonomy and Control for the Disabled
by Matthew J. Dorsey for Saratoga TODAY
Earlier this year, Article 82 of the New York Mental Hygiene Law (Article 82) became law, allowing for supported decisionmaking in New York. This new law gives intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals new tools to help them live productive and successful lives.
Prior to the passage of Article 82, parents with children who had intellectual or developmental disabilities were mainly limited to seeking guardianship of their child under Article 17-A of the Surrogates Court Procedure Act (Article 17-A). Article 17-A was passed in 1966, and more recently many disability advocates have pressed for alternatives to such guardianships.
GUARDIANSHIPS
UNDER ARTICLE 17-A
Disability advocates have argued that the Article 17-A guardianships are too sweeping in nature, giving almost total control to the guardian over the disabled person’s financial and medical decision making. Contrasts were often made when comparing the broad powers granted under SCPA Article 17-A and the other New York guardianship statute – New York Mental Hygiene Law Article 81 (Article 81).
Article 81 guardianships are usually put in place for adults and are often used when a family member ages and begins to lose some of their functional capabilities. Under Article 81, however, the person seeking to become guardian (often a spouse or child of the allegedly incapacitated person) must prove that the guardianship is the least restrictive alternative, and the guardianship must be tailored to address the particular needs of the individual based on their functional limitations. Article 81 also mandates that the allegedly incapacitated person be represented by an attorney, if they request one.
No such limitations and protections are present in the Article17-A process, which has been a source of concern by not only disability advocates, but also disabled persons themselves and their loved ones. Article 17-A guardianships are generally approved by the court based on the medical testimony of two doctors or a doctor and a psychologist. Over the course of time, alternatives to Article 17-A guardianships have been developed, and one of the more promising is the supported decision-making process.
WHAT IS SUPPORTED
DECISION-MAKING?
In supported decision-making, the disabled person is referred to as the “decision-maker” and they are assisted by “supporters” who help them make decisions regarding their financial affairs and health care. The decisions are made pursuant to a “supported decision-making agreement” (SDMA), which details how the disabled person will work with their supporters to come to decisions regarding their affairs.
WHAT DO FACILITATORS
DO IN THE PROCESS?
A facilitator is a person or entity authorized by the New York Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to work with and educate a decision-maker and their supporters regarding the supported decision-making process and SDMAs. Within the next year, OPWDD is expected to come out with regulations that will describe more fully the role and responsibilities of facilitators. Generally speaking, the facilitation process should be expected to take several meetings and perhaps a number of months to come to fruition.
WHAT IS A SUPPORTED
DECISION-MAKING
AGREEMENT?
A SDMA is an agreement signed by the decision-maker and their supporters which details what type of decisions the decision maker will be assisted with and what the role of the supporters will be in that process. If a facilitator was involved in the agreement, they will also sign the SDMA and they will confirm that the agreement was made in accordance with a recognized facilitation and/or education process. The SDMA must be witnessed by two people or notarized.
WHAT EFFECT DOES
THE SDMA HAVE?
If the SDMA is properly drafted and signed by a facilitator, then decisions made pursuant to that agreement by the decisionmaker will have the force of law and can be enforced by a court of competent jurisdiction. For example, if a disabled person signs a lease with a landlord, pursuant to such a SDMA, that lease would be a legally enforceable agreement.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE
HOLD FOR SUPPORTED
DECISION-MAKING?
Disability advocates hope that supported decision-making will be considered as a viable alternative to Article 17-A guardianships. There has been significant discussion about modifications to Article 17-A to make these guardianships less sweeping in scope. We will likely see changes in the future to Article 17-A, which will allow these guardianships to be more tailored to the needs of the individual.
There will likely always be a need for Article 17-A guardianships, especially for individuals who have more severe disabilities. For disabled persons with less severe disabilities, however, supported decisionmaking may provide the help they need, without the loss of control and autonomy that an Article 17-A guardianship can bring.
Supported decision-making cannot be fully utilized to its potential in New York until the regulations in support of Article 82 are promulgated by OPWDD. But in the interim, disabled persons and their families can explore how the process may work for them by discussing options with trusted advisors experienced in this area. If you would like more information on supported decision-making, you can go to the Supported Decision-Making New York website maintained by Hunter College - sdmny.hunter.cuny.edu.
Matthew J. Dorsey, Esq. is a Senior Partner with O’Connell and Aronowitz, 1 Court Street, Saratoga Springs. Over his twenty-five years of practice, he has focused on the areas of elder law, estate planning, and estate administration. Mr. Dorsey can be reached at 518-5845205, mdorsey@oalaw.com and www.oalaw.com
Saratoga Senior Center Calendar
*GIVING BACK FROM CDPHP
FREE!! MONTHLY PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES FEE FOR NOVEMBER Our friends from CDPHP have done it again. In the spirit of the giving back, CDPHD is covering all members monthly activity fees. Now’s the perfect time to try something new.
*BROOKS BBQ
Tuesday, November 15 • 3:30-6 p.m. Sponsored by Humana to benefit the Senior Center. Choose from Chicken $14 or Rib $20. Dine-in or take-out. Call the Center to order now! 518-584-1621 • Valet Service Pick Up: Skip finding a parking space and getting out of the car! • Day of Sales: Forgot to order your dinner? You can come and get your meal day-of while they last. • Bulk Orders Delivery (10 or more): We will deliver to your home or office! • Invite your friends over for a dinner without the work! Order Brooks dinners for your event.
November Events at the Center!
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE INFORMATION SESSIONS
If you’re dreaming of retirement or about to turn 65, it’s time to make sure you know what to do as you become eligible for Medicare. Join these licensed agent who will go over the ABCD’s of Medicare. CDPHP: Monday, Nov. 14 • 11 a.m. Medicare Advantage Presentation. AETNA: Wednesday, Nov. 16 • 9-11 a.m. Medicare Advantage Information Table Wednesday, Nov. 16. • 11:30 am. Medicare Advantage Presentation
BEADING WORKSHOP facilitated by Jerry Matthews Mondays, November 14 and 21 • 1 p.m. $10 material fee. Whether you are just beginning or an experienced beader, join Jerry to create beautiful and one of a kind jewelry. Please sign up, seating is limited.
SEX, LOVE AND INTIMACY IN OLDER AGE AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR DEMENTIA
facilitated by Jennifer Harvey, Touching Hearts at Home Tuesday, November 15 • 11 a.m. This presentation will explore the importance of intimacy in older adulthood and the challenges that arise when one or both partners have dementia. Discussion will include how dementia can impact sexual behavior and appropriate ways to respond for both partners and family.
TRIVIA NIGHT!
Monday, November 21 • 5:15 p.m. Sponsored by Highmark. $5. Bring your own beverage. Join us for prizes, snacks, fun, and friendly competition! Please sign up, seating is limited.
PREPLANING YOUR FUNERAL
facilitated by Dan and Nick DeCelle of Burke Funeral Home Tuesday, November 22 • 2 p.m. Preplanning is the practice of choosing in advance how you would like your funeral to be handled. Dan and Nick will present an overview of prearranging your final wishes. Ranging from sharing your wishes to prefunding funeral trusts (revocable and irrevocable). We are here to help answer questions, share our experience and serve the community we love.
HEART & SOUL LINE DANCING
Wednesdays • 2:45 p.m. Line dancing with Mary and Frank Colby will continue. It is no pressure, fun dancing and you don’t need a partner. Lets keep dancing!
NEW! CHINESE AND AMERICAN MAHJONG
Thursdays • 1-4 p.m. New players welcome! Mahjong is fun and enormously popular, a classic Chinese game of strategy, skill, and summation.
MONICA’S YOGA CLASS IS BACK
Tuesdays • 12-12:45 p.m. No class Tuesday, November 15. Build strength and flexibility with this mat yoga class. This is a more advanced class.
“THE HOT WIDOWS” CLUB
Next meeting: Tuesday November 29 • 2:30 p.m. Our goal is to help women and men restart life after the death of a loved one. It’s a way to connect with others and learn ways to move forward and live. This is not grief support or grief counseling. NEW! Get-together will be held on the fourth Tuesday of the month only.
Fall Yard Clean Up Injury Prevention
by Dr. Matt Smith, DC for Saratoga TODAY
Before you rev up the lawnmower or reach for your rake this fall, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) cautions you to consider the possible consequences: upper or lower back strain, neck strain and/or pain in the shoulders.
Just as playing football or golf can injure your body, the twisting, turning, bending and reaching of yard work can also cause injury if your body is unprepared. Like an athlete, if you leap into something without warming up or knowing how to do it properly, the chances of injury increase.
TO PREVENT UNNECESSARY STRAIN AND PAIN, consider these simple tips before you get started:
• Wear supportive shoes. Good foot and arch support can help prevent back strain. • Stand as straight as possible and keep your head up as you rake or mow. • When it’s still warm outside, avoid the heat. If you’re a morning person, get the work done before 10 a.m. Otherwise, do your chores after 6 p.m. • When raking, use a “scissors” stance: right foot forward and left foot back for a few minutes, then reverse, putting your left foot forward and right foot back. • Bend at the knees, not the waist, as you pick up yard equipment or piles of leaves or grass. Make the piles small to decrease the possibility of back strain. • Wear a hat, shoes and protective glasses. To avoid blisters, try wearing gloves. If you have asthma or allergies, wear a mask. • Drink lots of water before and after your work.
TIPS ON USING
OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
The equipment available today for lawn and leaf management can turn the average homeowner into a lawn specialist overnight. But the use of weed trimmers, leaf blowers and hedge clippers also has sent many aspiring landscapers to the office of their local doctor of chiropractic.
ACA cautions that using this equipment can result in back and neck pain, as well as more serious muscular strains and tears. The repetitive motion that your body undergoes when using such equipment can create a host of mechanical problems within the body. It is essential to operate your equipment properly. The following tips can help you safely enjoy a productive day in the yard: • Regardless of what piece of equipment you use, make sure it has a strap and that you use it. Place the strap over your head on the shoulder opposite the side of your body from the device. This will help normalize your center of gravity. • Be sure to switch the side on which you operate the equipment as often as possible, and to balance the muscles being used, alternate your stance and motion frequently. • Try ergonomic tools. They’re engineered to protect you when used properly. • When mowing, use your whole body weight to push the mower, rather than just your arms and back. • If your mower has a pull cord, don’t twist at the waist or yank the cord. Instead, bend at the knees and pull in one smooth motion. • Take frequent breaks from the activity of the day. Muscle fatigue may be felt when using any of these devices for an extended period of time. • If your equipment is loud, wear hearing protection.
SIMPLE STRETCHES
While it is critical to operate yard equipment safely, it is equally important to prepare your body for the work you are about to do. To help avoid injury, be sure to include a warm-up/cool-down period that involves stretching. Breathe in and out slowly throughout each stretching exercise until the muscle is stretched to its furthest point. At that point, hold your breath in; when you relax, breathe out. Stretch gently and smoothly. Do not bounce or jerk your body in any way and stretch as far as you can comfortably. You should not feel pain. Get the most out of the time you spend in the yard with these stretches: • Stand up and prop your heel on a back door step or stool with your knee slightly bent. Bend forward until you feel a slight pull at the back of the thigh, called the hamstring. You may need to stabilize yourself by holding on to a garage door handle or sturdy tree branch. Hold the position for 20 seconds, then relax. Do it once more, and then repeat with the other leg. • Stand up and put your right hand against a wall or other stable surface. Bend your left knee and grab your ankle with your left hand. Pull your heel toward your buttocks to stretch your quadriceps muscles at the front of your thigh. Hold that position for 20 seconds, relax and do it again. Repeat with the other leg. • Weave your fingers together above your head with your palms up. Lean to one side for 10 seconds to stretch the side of your upper body, then reverse. Repeat two or three times. • “Hug your best friend”- Wrap your arms around yourself after letting your breath out and rotate to one side as far as you can go. Hold for 10 seconds; then reverse. Repeat two or three times.
Dr. Matt Smith has been a Chiropractor in Saratoga Springs for 36 years. He and his daughter Dr. Kevy Smith Minogue can be reached at 518-587-2064 or at MySaratogaChiropractor.com.
Warm Clothes forTall Boys
by Katherine Morna Towne for Saratoga TODAY
t was only when I had teenagers that I appreciated how relatively
Ieasy it is to clothe smaller kids. Up to a certain age, my boys have never seemed to care too much what they’re wearing, so if their pants were a little short or their shirts a little big, it was no big deal. Also, up to a certain age, the sizes are straightforward — if you’re an average-sized eight-year-old, then size 8-10 will fit you. If you’re a bigger eight-year-old, then maybe 10-12 is better. You go up or down a size as needed, and when you have a bunch of siblings, there’s usually plenty to choose from. Once they get out of the kids’ sizes, though, things are different! When my big boys started needing man-size pants and I had to deal with waist size and inseam size I had to turn to my husband for help, since it was all unfamiliar to me. I’ve sent him out many times to help the boys get pants and shirts and suit jackets that fit. Things have recently taken an interesting turn, as I now have a boy who doesn’t fit the standard measurements. My tallest boy has a 32-inch-waist and a 36-inch-inseam, which, I have discovered, is a size that baffles even the sellers with a wide array of sizing options. The problem seems to be that it’s assumed that if one has an extra-long inseam, that one also has a larger waist size. From what I’ve seen, the Big & Tall Sizes don’t take into account “Big OR Tall.” It took me several months to realize that my boy needed new pants, since he’s lived in shorts since the spring. The first time this fall that I told him he absolutely could not wear shorts to wherever we were going was the eye-opening moment — he didn’t have any pants to wear other than the paint-splattered, grass-stained jeans he wears for work! Nothing fit him, everything was far, far too short. That night, I got on the computer. I do the vast majority of my shopping online, as getting out to the store is often difficult. Generally, I’ve found the options online to be more extensive — I’m usually able to find exactly what I need easier and more quickly online than browsing through a store. I figured it would be no big deal to find 32-waist-36-inseam pants. I was shocked at how wrong I was! I searched in my tried-and-true online stores, and I did general google searches, but I either found *nothing* or the selections were weird in terms of color and cut. And expensive! It makes sense that more fabric would mean higher cost, but wow! I couldn’t understand why I was having such a hard time — my boy is extremely low-maintenance when it comes to fashion, and my standards are only a bit higher than his. Finally, I found something that would work! (SCR SPORTSWEAR Men’s Sweatpants from Amazon, in case anyone else is having the same struggles.) I ordered them right away and when my boy put them on a few days later, I couldn’t stop gushing over how good he looked! The pants fit him perfectly! The length is perfect! The waist is perfect! I even took a few photos when he wasn’t looking while we were out and about that day, because I was so pleased at how great he looked in his new pants. The second time he wore the new pants, he and his brothers played football in a field, and the new pants ended up covered in grass stains. I was so mad! After years of trying and failing to get grass stains out of baseball pants, I was not at all confident that I’d be able to get the stains out of the new pants. Turns out the Spray ‘n Wash did a better job on the new pants than it ever has on the baseball pants, so it’s not a total loss, but I did jump back online and buy him another couple pairs of those pants so he’ll always have pants to wear this winter. He put on a pair of the new ones when they came, and I felt that same sense of satisfaction I’d felt with the first pair. Look at my boy! In pants that fit! He looks so great! What lesson or bit of wisdom can I impart to you all through this story? I have no idea. Maybe: don’t wait until the cold weather to discover that your child doesn’t have pants that fit? Maybe: keep searching until you find what you’re looking for, because it’s surely out there somewhere? Maybe: boys will find a way to get grass stains on new pants? Maybe: be grateful while you can for straightforward sizing for little ones? I hope something here is helpful for you as we enter the Deep Freeze of our northeast winter, and if nothing else, I hope it gives you a laugh! A huge thank you to all veterans on this Veterans Day, with a special shout-out to those in my own family, and happy Thanksgiving to you all! Kate and her husband have seven sons ages 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, and 4. Email her at kmtowne23@gmail.com.
This home listed by Megan and Brittany Alexander of Roohan Realty at Tomaselli Court in Ballston Spa sold for $405,000
BALLSTON
Tara Clark sold property at 5
Horseshoe Bend to Vicky
Oakley for $653,100
Vicky Oakley sold property at 5 Horseshoe Bend to Jaclyn
Michalski for $653,100 Susan Walsh sold property at 68 Beacon St to Diana Terwilliger for $355,000
Linda Ramsey sold property at 102 Jenkins Rd to Christopher
Hess for $670,000.
BDC COrnerstone LLC sold property at 83 Cornerstone Dr to Mark Dorsey for $349,095. Kristie Giles sold property at 534 Reita St to Andrew
Freyer for $200,000
Michael Murphy sold property at 10 Tomaselli Ct to Alexander
Capovani for $405,000
Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 10 Basswood Ct to Jay Cheng for $630,619. Traditional Home Builders and
Amico for $438,353.
Josiah Schmid sold property at 957 State Rt 67 to Rhiannon
Liddle for $230,000
Vergine for $300,000 Barbera Homes Kelley Farms LLC sold property at 6 Mallory Way to Eric Magnano for $410,516. Darren Herbinger Construction
LLC sold property at 137
Eastline Rd to Valerie Keen for $439,000.
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CORINTH
Jeffery Dumont sold property at 219 ½ Oak St to Hoosier Properties LLC for $135,000.
Jeffrey Sandwick sold property at 67 Cedar Chapel Ranch to David Gilman for $1,625,000.
David Lockhart sold property at 118 Eggleston St to Jamie
Munyon for $300,000.
GALWAY
Phyllis Keeler sold property at 6023 Crooked St to David
Luke for $200,000.
Wayne Trudell sold property at 5438 Sacandaga Rd to Leeann
Winchell for $220,000.
Adrienne Posner sold property at 6080 Woodside Rd to Brandon
Spagnola for $260,000.
GREENFIELD
David St. Louis sold property at 12 Hovey Rd to Brian Long for $589,900.
MALTA
Kyle Huniford for $430,000
David Harvey sold property at 30 Featherfoil Way to James
Nair for $380,000
Shawn Lescault sold property at 73 Blue Spruce Lane to US Bank Trust National Association for $254,287
Glen Battistoni for $489,500
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Christne Monahan sold property at 793 Malta Ave Ext to Rita
Armstrong for $125,000 Kelly Sweeney sold property at 35 George Ave to Sara Mikula for $262,500
Abele Homes LLC for $115,000
James Belcastro for $594,540
DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders sold property at 291 Plains Rd to Jason Arjune for $654,434 Robert Alexander sold property at 23 Lake Ridge Dr to
Riley Cove Rd to Christopher
Bringmann for $985,000 Lokendra Bam sold property at 2A Hearthwood Dr to
Nucompass Mobility Services
Inc for $400,000
MILTON
Jack Development Group
LLC sold property at 200
Greenfield Ave to Kurtis
Daniels for $465,000
Agustin Diaz sold property at 15 Linden Lane to Amanda
Snyder for $268,500.
Steven Scott sold property at 722 Burgoyne Ave to Elyse
Gaudin for $580,000 Mark Zimmerman sold property at 629 Sunny Lane to Eric Swahlan for $295,000
Konan Kile sold property at 170
Maple Ave to Jared Brown for $140,000
SARATOGA
Corey Ringer sold property at 2
Hessian Dr to Samuel Squires for $180,000 Neil Abrahamson sold property at 107 Bryant Bridge Rd to
Peter Greer for $425,000.
SARATOGA SPRINGS
Robert Berenis sold property at 159 West Circular St to Patrick Dillon for $490,000
Severo Fernades for $330,000
James Benedict sold property at 11 Salem Dr to Joan Packard for $661,000
Barbara Claydon sold property at 24 Michael Dr to Michael
Paine for $292,500
Dan Iftiger sold property at 7
Beacon Hill Dr to Arthur
Bianco for $2,200,000
Gardner Cummings sold property at 51 Doten Ave to
Kevin Joyce for $460,000. Charles LaPlante sold property at 10 Crommelin Dr to Maida
Parisyan for $485,000. West Ave Development sold property at 116 West Ave
Unit 201 to Toskas Family
Trust for $639,000
Two Gilbert Corners LLC sold property at 73 Waterview Dr to McPadden Builders LLC for $240,000.
Saratoga Jockey LLC sold property at 70 Lake Ave to
CM Three LLC for $575 ,000.
Laurence Krison for $325,000
Denton Road LLC sold property at 14 Tait Lane to Tait Lane
Reserve for $3,000,000
Jason Teets sold property at 5
Spring St Apt 402 to Blaine
Dunn for $640,000.
WILTON
Gwendolyn Lyman sold property at 7 Lewis Rd to Nicholas
Kirkpatrick for $405,000 Jeffrey Vukelic sold property at 24 Sweetbriar Dr to Alexander
Olbrych for $739,000 New York Development Group sold property at 148 Edie Rd to Sami Odisho for $334,647
John Eggelston sold property at 24 Glenburnie Dr to US Bank
Trust as trustee for $467,017
Robin Adams sold property at 403 Northern Pines Rd to Karen Gray for $180,000 Michael Eshoo sold property at 8 Chestnut Hill Dr to Scott
Payne for $1,379,000 Krystina Spiegel sold property at 18 Peach Tree Lane to
William Porillo for $435,000
