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I n d e p e n d e n t

Volume 10 • Issue 3 • January 23 – January 29, 2015

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Saratoga Becoming Premier Rowing Destination SRA ‘Pulling Together’ Capital Campaign Nearing $1.25M Goal

by Brian Cremo Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Rowing Association is hosting a Capital Campaign kick off on Feb. 26 at the Holiday Inn on Broadway to continue building Saratoga as a premier rowing destination.

Called “Pulling Together,” the event will take place from 7-9 p.m., as the SRA aims to complete its $1.25 million capital improvement plan to take the organization to the next level.

The vision for a leap forward to the next level started at a board of directors strategic planning session in January of 2013. “What came out of that strategy was a plan to move forward and address

some of our challenges that included where we could grow and what we could focus on as an organization,” said SRA Executive Director Eric Catalano. “We put that together and decided that we needed to take action in the form of a $1.25 million campaign.”

The improvements included the purchase of land to secure the future of local Saratoga regattas, the building of a new regatta and training center, the installation of the first 10-lane race course in the United States, and the establishment of a pre-elite athletic training program for Olympic-bound athletes.

It would mark a phase that, if successful, would take Saratoga from a Northeast regatta destination

Featured Stories

Winter Edition Now Available Continued SRA pg. 29

Saratoga Centennial

“A one-of-a-kind celebration.”

– Mayor Joanne Yepsen

Inside TODAY Obituaries 6-8 Business 12-13 Education 14-15 Food 16-17 Pulse 22-24 Section 29-32

Weekend Forecast FRIDAY

27|16 SATURDAY

30|18 The June 1 dedication of Centennial Park, a gift to the city by Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson, will be one of the centerpiece events of the Saratoga Springs Centennial. Rendering Courtesy of the LA Group.

SUNDAY See City Centennial pg. 2

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Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

City Centennial Events Revealed

Saratoga Springs Centennial Committee members joined Mayor Yepsen and planning committee co-chair Eleanor Mullaney at Tuesday’s announcement.

Photo by Sharon Castro.

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — You don’t turn 100 years old every day, or every year in fact – and so when you do, you put together a comprehensive celebration that reflects that milestone.

That is the short course on the big plans that were detailed

by Mayor Joanne Yepsen and the Saratoga Springs Centennial Committee at City Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 20. Indeed, there is not one aspect of city life — be it history, arts, sports and health, among many others — that will not be touched upon in the course of 2015.

“We have so many exciting events and projects lined up,” said Mayor Yepsen, “In true Saratoga Springs style, our centennial is going to be a one-ofa-kind celebration.”

While the basic framework of events and projects were announced today, it is reasonable to think that there will be significant additions as the centennial year gathers momentum. Expect the centennial logo (designed by Fingerpaint Marketing) to be as ubiquitous as the Saratoga 150 logo a few years ago — except in more places and for a longer period of time.

As the schedule grows through the year, a website (www.SaratogaCentennial.com) will be updated.

The committee membership itself draws from every facet of the community. The honorary chairs are Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson. On Tuesday, Mayor Yepsen was joined by planning committee co-chair Eleanor Mullaney and several sub-committee chairs and members in detailing plans for this year.

For now, these are just a few of the 2015 highlighted centennial events. In fact, the celebration kicked off on New Years Day, with a reading of a proclamation by Mayor Yepsen.

— On April 7 there will be a celebration of Saratoga Springs’ exact date of incorporation as a city

by New York State in 1915.

— June 1 is the scheduled unveiling of Centennial Park, at Congress Park and Union Avenue, which was gifted by Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson.

— June 26 is the rededication of Spirit of Life statue’s restoration — the iconic symbol of the centennial logo will have its unveiling in Congress Park.

Mayor Yepsen also took note that sometime in the fall there will be a significant event when the High Rock Spring, the founding location of the city and the site illustrated on the city’s seal, will be re-piped and flowing again, thanks to a grant from the Alfred Solomon Foundation.

“In addition to the many events around the city, we’re honored and excited to present such a diverse list of unique centennial projects,” said Mullaney, “From the History of Saratoga Centennial book, with contributions from 25 authors, to the planting of legacy centennial trees around the city.”

A few pieces of commemorative merchandise were also revealed, including t-shirts and 14K gold pendants, which will be on sale at Impressions and N. Fox Jewelers.

If there is one sure bet, it is that you can expect frequent updates and augmentations to this story. The mayor, centennial committee members and the citizenry of Saratoga Springs wouldn’t have it any other way in its hundredth year.

For more information, visit SaratogaCentennial.com

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

NEWS

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Youth for Christ at City Center Photos By Francesco D’Amico

SARATOGA SPRINGS — About 1,000 teenage youth from across the region gathered at the Saratoga Springs City Center on Jan 16-18 for Excel 2015, sponsored by the Capital District chapter of Youth for Christ (YFC) in Halfmoon.

The program included breakout sessions into small group seminars, Christian music presentations in a variety of genres and a greeting from Congressman Chris Gibson.

The mission of YFC is to reach out to young people everywhere, working together with the local church and other like-minded partners to develop life-long followers of Jesus. These young people are encouraged to lead by their godliness in lifestyle, devotion to the Word of God and prayer, and both passion for sharing the love of Christ and commitment to social involvement.

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week in Review

Sheriff Zurlo Presents Agency Lifesaving Award to Deputies BALLSTON SPA — Sheriff Michael H. Zurlo recognized two Saratoga County Deputy Sheriffs for their heroic actions while rescuing a man from a fiery car crash in Clifton Park last August.

“Deputies Grady and O’Connor are just two examples of the great work performed by members of this sheriff ’s office and all law enforcement throughout the country on a daily basis,” said Sheriff Zurlo.

“Their selfless actions are a testament to their training and personal commitment to the residents of Saratoga County.”

Deputies Jonathan S. Grady and Jeffrey R. O’Connor each received The Lifesaving Award, which is awarded to an officer for an act performed in the line of duty, which through disregard of personal safety or prompt and alert action, results in saving or prolonging a person’s life.

Former Congressman Joins Arrow Financial Board of Directors GLENS FALLS — Former U.S. Rep. Bill Owens recently joined the board of directors at Arrow Financial Corp.

The company, based in Glens Falls, is the parent company of Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. and Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co.

Under the law, the sale of sparklers would be allowed each year between June 1 and July 5 and between Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the law in November, authorizing the sale of fireworks, to adults only, in counties and cities that pass local laws allowing such sales, as Saratoga County now plans to do.

New York has been one of only four states to ban the sale of all fireworks, including Massachusetts and New Jersey.

Data Shows Record-Breaking Revenue in Saratoga County SARATOGA COUNTY — Saratoga has had seven consecutive quarters of recordbreaking occupancy tax revenue paid to Saratoga County, showing consistent tourism in the area.

According to the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, total occupancy taxes paid in 2014 increased 15 percent versus 2013 to $854,039 in 2014. The

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trend and figures represent taxes paid from hotels outside the City of Saratoga Springs only.

The chamber is now budgeted to receive $375,000 from these funds in 2015, up from $346,500 and has pledged and budgeted to spend all monies on advertising to bring even more tourists into Saratoga County.

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from Superintendent Michael Piccirillo and the other board members.

The Saratoga Springs City School District’s Board of Education is comprised of nine unsalaried citizens to serve overlapping terms of three years each. New York State Law does not limit the number of terms a member may serve.

Hawley Foundation Dispersed $121K Throughout 2014 SARATOGA COUNTY — The Hawley Foundation for Children recently announced that it has distributed $121,200 throughout 2014 calendar year.

The Board of Directors accomplished their goals by dispersing amongst four categories: camp scholarships in the amount of $66,500; community grants in the amount of $40,5000; discretionary funds in the amount of $8,200 supported individual

children from Saratoga Springs, Corinth, Ballston Spa, Schuylerville, Stillwater, Waterford and Halfmoon; and $6,000 in college incentive grants.

The Board of Directors will be distributing $123,000 throughout 2015. The organization’s mission is to promote the health, welfare and education of children in Saratoga County.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Board of Education voted to leave one of its nine seats empty until the May election, meaning a total of four seats will now be open.

Former President Ernest Gailor resigned in early December after seven years of service, citing disagreements with and pressure

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Owens was also appointed as a director of the Glens Falls bank.

Owens, a Democrat from Plattsburgh, left office in early January after serving three terms for the 21st Congressional District. He decided not to seek re-election in 2014. U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanick (R-Plattsburgh) was elected to the seat.

Saratoga School Board Leaves Seat Vacant

Board Sets Public Hearing on Fireworks Sales SARATOGA COUNTY — A new state law could allow residents to buy small novelty fireworks, like sparklers, a few times a year; and the fireworks could be available for purchase in time for this year’s Fourth of July celebration.

The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors’ Law and Finance Committee recently scheduled a public hearing Wednesday, Feb. 11 on a local law allowing sparkler sales in Ballston Spa.

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

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Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015 Jose L. Ordonez, 23, was arrested Jan. 14 and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Kevin A. Weils, 46, of Queensbury, was arrested Jan. 15 and charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, failure to keep right, aggravated DWI and BAC more than .08 percent.

Matthew R. Zecchini, 23, of Hudson Falls, was arrested Jan. 15 and charged with criminal contempt and stalking.

Richard O. Darlington, 21, of Rock City Falls, was arrested Jan. 15 and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Christopher P. Schult, 26, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Jan. 16 and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and criminally using drug paraphernalia.

James D. Carroll, 56, of Middle Grove, was arrested Jan. 16 and charged with petit larceny.

Nicole V. St. Cyr, 20, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Jan. 16 and charged with criminally using drug paraphernalia, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Ryen C. Vanhall, 27, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Jan. 17

and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and following a motor vehicle too closely.

Clifford C. Colvin, 54, of Galway, was arrested Jan. 17 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and improper vehicle equipment.

Jennifer E. Decoteau, 35, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Jan. 17 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and ability impaired to drive a motor vehicle.

Ricardo J. Smith, 31, of Schenectady, was arrested Jan. 17 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and improper equipment.

James J. Ross, 25, of Broadalbin, was arrested Jan. 17 and charged with disorderly conduct.

Tomica Y. Rue, 37, of Albany, was arrested Jan. 17 and charged with DWI, BAC more than .08 percent, aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and failure to stop at a stop sign.

Zachary M. Olmo, 20, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Jan. 18 and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and improper vehicle equipment.

Jason F. Klink, 41, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Jan. 18 and charged with operating

BLOTTER a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, driving with an expired inspection, improper vehicle equipment, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, DWI, BAC more than .08 percent and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle.

Victoria L. Rodriguez, 26, of Ballston Spa, was arrested Jan. 18 and charged with DWI, BAC more than .08 percent, failure to keep right, unlawful possession of marijuana and an unsafe lane change.

Rodney B. Goodson, 47, of Amsterdam, was arrested Jan. 18 and charged with DWI, speeding and BAC more than .08 percent.

Juan Ramon Reyes, 21, of Shushan, was arrested Jan. 18 and charged with criminal mischief.

Amy E. Kraus, 43, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Jan. 19 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration.

Tia L. Hayes, 27, of Scotia, was arrested Jan. 20 and charged with criminal impersonation, criminal possession of a controlled substance, aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, improper vehicle equipment and possession of a controlled substance outside the original container.

Assembly Speaker Silver Arrested MANHATTAN — On Thursday, Jan. 22, The New York Times reported that New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was arrested on Federal corruption charges.

According to the report, Silver, a Democrat from the Lower East Side of Manhattan, has served as speaker for more than two decades.

He surrendered to Federal Bureau of Investigation agents early Thursday morning in Lower Manhattan, law enforcement officials said.

Thursday’s arrest came as a result of federal inquiries that focused on payments that Silver received from a law firm, Goldberg & Iryami, which specializes in seeking reductions of New York City real estate taxes.

While it is legal for lawmakers to hold outside jobs and earn income from them, investigators

said Silver failed to list the payments from the firm, on his annual financial disclosure filings with the state, according to the report.

Earlier this month, Silver had been re-elected Speaker of the Assembly, a post he has held since 1994. The Speaker’s salary is currently $121,000.

Under state law, elected officials can continue to serve in office after being arrested. However, if they are convicted of a felony, they must vacate their elected position.

Sheldon Silver Photo Credit — assembly.state.ny.us

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obituaries

Prince Mount Jr.

SARATOGA — Prince Mount Jr., 75, passed away on Jan. 13 at Saratoga Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on April 12, 1939 in Bristol, Pennsylvania to the late Prince Mount Sr. and Jonnie Mae. Prince attended Hungerford High School in Eatonville, Florida and went on to work for NYRA for 27 years.

Prince enjoyed taking trips to Florida, going on cruises, fishing and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Prince is survived by his loving wife, Annie Mount, of 31 years and they had a remarkable fun-filled life together; his sons, Prince III (Melanie), Darryl Mount (Ashley), John Mount, Michael Mount (Emily), William Mount (Alanna), Robert Mount (Tara) and Steven Ricci (Lisa); daughters, Shanda Lamar (Derrick) and Shanda Steward; daughter-inlaw, Jennifer Wood Mount; brother, John Mount (Beverly); sisters, Lucy White (Joseph), Evelyn Ziggler (Flynn), Shirley Robinson and Mary Sanders (Frank); 38 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews,.

He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Sharon Crinshaw, son Wesley Mount, and sister Evon Mount.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Reuben Dialysis Center as well as the physicians and nurses at Saratoga Hospital for the care given to Prince.

Virginia Dodd Ernst SARATOGA SPRINGS — Virginia Dodd Ernst passed away on Thursday, Jan. 15with her loving family with her at the Wesley Health Care Center. She was 87.

A lifetime resident of Saratoga Springs, Virginia was the daughter of the late Warren W. and Elva (Swartwout) Dodd. After graduating from Saratoga High School in 1945, she worked as a secretary in an insurance office and in the knitting design department of VanRaalte.

Virginia was the Queen of Saratoga Triangle 75, Daughters of the Eastern Star.

She was an active member of the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church starting with the New England Congregational Church. She was also very active in the Church Women United, served as secretary of the Caroline Street PTA and for several years delivered Meals on Wheels.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, James E. Ernst, Sr., and her sister Elaine Dodd Leach.

Survivors include her two daughters, Lee (Delwin)

Damon of Albany, Jenny Ernst of Saratoga Springs; her son, James E. (Karen) Ernst, Jr. of Gansevoort; three granddaughters, Kimberly (Michael) Hewitt of Saratoga Springs, Sarah (Christopher) Engelhard of Gansevoort and Lisa (Scott) VandeVusse of Seattle; two step-granddaughters, Cheri Damon of Old Chatham and Melanie (Mark) Ramsey of Burnt Hills; 10 great-grandchildren, Kalli, Alexis and Kyle Hewitt, Easton, Carson and Elsa Englehard, Marin VandeVusse, Samantha and Joshua Ramsey and Nicholas Franco. In addition, Virginia is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donations in Virginia’s memory may be made to the Youth Group, Presbyterian New England Congregational Church, 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Virginia’s family would like to thank the staff of Wesley 5 Springs for the excellent care they gave to their mother.

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

Warren Walter Lewis

BALLSTON SPA — Warren Walter Lewis, 71, passed away on Jan. 16 at home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on July 27, 1943 in Ballston Spa to the late Frank C. Lewis and Alice Reed.

Warren was active in the U.S. Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was involved in the Cuban Blockade.

Warren married the love of his life, Susan Lynn Morrill on Sept. 5, 1981 and after 25 years of marriage they renewed their wedding vows.

He was a self-employed painter throughout his life.

Warren was an avid New York Yankees and New York Giants fan. He loved going to the Saratoga Race Course and, in particular, the annual Labor Day Family

get-togethers. He enjoyed going on trips to Atlantic City and Las Vegas. Warren was also a history buff, loved spending time with his family and especially enjoyed The Brother’s Breakfast Club. He attended the Village Baptist Church, in Fort Edward.

Warren is survived by his loving wife, Susan; sons, Mickey Scott Lewis, Todd James Lewis, Aaron Thomas Lewis (Katie), and Christopher Ryan Lewis (Jennifer Flower); brothers, Ed Lewis, Ralph Lewis (Kathy) and James Lewis; sisters, Mary Cullen (Glenn), Betty Meers (Ed), Ruth Lewis, Helen Ryle, Cynthia Hubbert (Jim), and Linda Whiting; grand-children, Rose Harper Lewis, Landen Hayner and Aria Hayner; mother-in-law, Mary Woodard; sisters-in-law, Zonia Lewis, Patricia Lewis, and Dawn Jacobsen (John); brothers-in-law, Michael Morrill (Lisa), Scott Brooks (Leslie), Paul Clancey (Melissa) and Daniel Morrill (Nicole); Connie Malloy, many nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Frank, Fred and John Lewis and Celia Haynes.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fort Edward Food Pantry at 131 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828.

June Sarro SARATOGA — June Sarro, 64, passed away Jan. 14 at St. Peter’s Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on Feb. 20, 1950 in Corinth, the daughter of Bert LaPier and Margaret White LaPier.

June was a homemaker who was a kind, loving and a warm person who will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

June was a very active member for the past 40 years with the Give a Child Christmas Organization. She loved and cared for everyone and she loved spending time with her grandchildren and her family. June loved her angel collection and enjoyed going to flea markets, garage sales and cooking for her family.

June is survived by her loving husband, Gene Sarro, of 48 years; her son, Kim Sarro (Michele); daughters, Bonnie Baker (Kevin) and Bobby Jo Sarro; brothers, Ronnie LaPier (Dorann) and Donnie LaPier; sisters, Babe Ruth Murdie, Charlene Phenes (Rexford), Margaret LaPier (Joe Bolduc) and Peggy Been (John); brothersin-law, Lanson Sarro (Linda Sue), Dennis (Cindy Cole), Karl (Joyce) and Terrence; sisters-in-law, Christina Woodcock (Richard) and Karol Woodcock (John); 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents and six siblings, Ricky LaPier, Charlie LaPier, Judy LaPier, Clara LaPier, Susie LaPier, Frank LaPier, Dennis LaPier and brother-in-law Patrick Sarro.

Jane MacDonald Holmes

Jane MacDonald Holmes died peacefully at Wesley Health Center Jan. 18 with the help of her family, hospice, her aids and nurses, and her friends.

Jane, who was born in Hazelton, Pennsylvania, lived in New York City, London, Millbrook, Hingham Massachusetts, and finally Saratoga since 1985.

Jane was a model, pioneering dance teacher, logo model for the Arthur Murray studios, Red Cross “donut girl” during the London blitz, and the owner and manager of Jane Holmes Inc. (an elegant dress shop in Poughkeepsie). She graduated in the first Hospice Volunteer class in Saratoga. This is some of what she did.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, inspirational friend and senior Ya-Ya. Jane gave it a rip for 97 years.

Jane is survived by her daughters Jenny Mirling (Ben), Mimi Boone (Darrell), Antonia Tuck (Bill), son Jake (Anne Kane), beloved grandchildren, nieces and friends, and by several treasured gentleman callers.

A memorial service will be held sometime in May. If one so wishes, contributions may be made in Jane’s name to the John and Jane Holmes Scholarship Fund at Saratoga Arts: 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

OBITUARIES 7

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

Charis M. (LeBuis) Cummings

John Romito

SARATOGA SPRINGS — John Romito, 66, of Finley Street in Saratoga Springs passed away following a long illness on Jan. 15.

John was born on May 17, 1948 in Queens.

John was a gentle man who loved listening to Patsy Cline, going on boat rides, the ballet, having his head rubbed or his hand held. He was affectionately named “The Grumpy Old man” by his Saratoga Bridges family where John had many friends. John had a presence

about him that drew people to him. He will be greatly missed by all of the AIM staff and his peers who knew him for many years, in particular, his longtime friend, Lina Garmley (who he called “mama”).

He was predeceased by his parents, Lillian and John Romito, who were very devoted to him.

He is survived by his Aunts: Ernestine Surdo of Westbury, Julie DiGraziano of Long Island, June Forcina of Long Island, Bernadette (Bill) Borcher of South Carolina; his cousins, Mary Ann Friedrich , of Leesburg, Florida, Donna Murray of Long Island, and Michael Angelo of Dix Hills; as well as many other family members.

A memorial service will be held at 1 Finley Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866 on Friday, Jan. 23 from 2-4 p.m. Burial will be in the spring at the convenience of the family in St. John’s Cemetery, Middle Village, Queens, NY. Online remembrances may be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com.

A snow storm alternative Memorial Service date will be Wednesday, Jan. 28 from 2-4 p.m. to allow family to arrive from out of town.

Arlene C. Corwin Arlene C. Corwin, 86, passed away Jan. 13.

Arlene was an original New Englander but spent her last 50 years residing in Saratoga County.

Arlene spent her life offering understanding, kindness and love to those with whom she came in

contact. She was a devoted wife and mother.

Her husband, W. Russell Corwin, pre-deceased her and she is survived by their children Dana E. Corwin and Priscilla A. Corwin.

Her sense of humor, varied interests, love of animals and

bird-watching as well as a commitment to a lifetime of volunteering, defined who she was and how she chose to live her life.

Arlene wished that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Franklin Community Center, 10 Franklin St. Sara. Spgs., NY 12866.

Donald Francis Peters

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Donald F. Peters, 79, died suddenly Jan. 15 at the Albany Medical Surgical Trauma Unit after a short illness.

Residing in Saratoga Springs for the last 18 years, Don was born and raised in New York City, the son of Phillip and Florence Peters who predeceased him.

Don graduated from St. George Academy High School in New York City and attended Pace University.

Don was in Industrial Sales and Marketing management most of his life, retiring from National Electric Carbon Products in Greenville, South Carolina as an independent Sales Agent covering a large part of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic United States. He also worked for National Electric Coil, Mcgraw Edison and General Electric Company as manager of the GE

Apparatus Service shop in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Don was especially proud of his military service in the U.S. Naval Reserve, assigned to Composite Squadron four, Naval Air Station, Pomona, New Jersey, where he detached to the USS Midway on “Her round the world cruise” for transfer from the Atlantic Fleet to the Pacific Fleet at the end of the Korean Conflict.

Don enjoyed traveling extensively with his wife, Linnea, and gardening in his yard at home. He was also known to work passionately for causes he believed in. This recently included publically testifying before the NYS Senate Committee in Albany on Insurance Scam Legislation Reform and to urge the passage of “Alice’s Law,” a tribute to his sister who was killed in an auto insurance scam in Queens.

To sum up his life is his favorite verse from Kermit the Frog: “Sing your song in your own special way.”

He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Linnea (Lonnblad-Zielinski). In addition, he is also survived by his former spouse, Agnes Fallon, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, and their children, Donald F. (Marlene) Peters, of Kempton, Pennsylvania, Diane A. (Larry) Wiersch, of New Tripoli, Pennsylvania, stepchildren, Christopher B. Zielinski, Ted K. (Mary) Zielinski, of Saratoga Springs, and Wendy (Joe) Fortino, of Ballston Lake. Also, several cherished grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

GANSEVOORT — Family and friends of Charis M. (LeBuis) Cummings, 68, were saddened by her loss Thursday, Jan. 15, following a brief yet courageous battle with cancer. Her husband, Dennis, and other family members were at her side.

Charis resided and grew up in Berne, before settling in Middleburg for several years where she raised her two sons.

“The countless hours of piano music coming from the living room, her students coming every afternoon so that they could learn her craft…I can just imagine what heaven sounds like right now, two sisters filling it with thunderous music as they again join each other with a piano-organ duet” shared her son Dean. This very well

describes Charis’ passion for music and her desire to share it with others.

While living in Middleburg, she began her interest in accounting and pursued this profession at Middleburg Central School, Bolton Central School and WSWHE BOCES in Hudson Falls from where she retired. No matter where she placed her roots, Charis had a lifelong affection for the “Hilltowns” and the Schoharie Valley.

In addition to her husband, Dennis, and sons Dean (Karen) Haskin of Warnerville and Ross (Kesha) Haskin of Breakabean, Charis is survived by grandchildren, Kayla, Zachary and Ryan Haskin; her dear aunt Margaret Filkins of Westerlo; brothers, Robert (Roberta) LeBuis of Barneveld, Donald (Donna) LeBuis of Mokena, Illinois and Dennis (Debbie) LeBuis of Conway, South Carolina and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Charis is predeceased by sisters Janice Bassler, Diane Chamberlain and Marlene Boomhower; her parents, Leo and Doris LeBuis; an uncle, Clyde Filkins; and her grandmother Nettie Filkins.

Michael Charles Donohue SARATOGA SPRINGS — Michael Charles Donohue, 75, passed away on Jan. 9 at Saratoga Hospital from complications of cancer.

He was born in Saratoga Springs to Helen (Gries) and George Donohue Jr. Michael earned a B.A. at American International College in Springfield, Mass., and was awarded an M.A. in History by Ollscoil na hEirenn, The National University of Ireland University College Dublin in 1966. When he returned to the USA, he was employed at The New York State Archives in Albany.

He was a lifelong connoisseur of literature, art and of music, and a passionate early advocate for Irish Contemporary Art, as well as a familiar figure in the local art scene. For many years, he

enjoyed playing host to visiting Irish artists and art students.

Michael is survived by his companion Joan Beebe; his sister, Mary Louise Shore of Glens Falls; his sister-in-law, Phyllis Donohue Maroney (John) of Sugarloaf, Florida.; his nephews and nieces, Kevin (Deborah) of Vienna, Va., Deirdre of New York City and Megan Waldron (John) of Cary, North Carolina, and Philip Shore of Delray Beach, Florida; and grandnieces and nephews, Kathryn, Matthew, Patrick and Nathaniel Donohue and Owen and McKenna Waldron.

Those wishing to make a donation in lieu of flowers should consider a contribution in Michael’s memory to Nolan House, New EnglandPresbyterian Congregational Church, 24 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

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OBITUARIES

Anna Sadlon GREENFIELD CENTER — Anna Sadlon, 91, of Greenfield Center, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 16 at Saratoga Hospital, after a brief illness, with her family at her side.

Anna, the daughter of Joseph Komada and Susie Kaduch, was born on Dec. 16, 1923 in New York City.

Her parents moved up to Greenfield Center when she was a child. She graduated from Saratoga Springs High School and thereafter worked for the Van Raalte Co. for a number of years. She married Stephen Sadlon in 1950. With the births of her sons, Jeffrey and Thomas, she became a full-time homemaker. Her passion for gardening became something for which she was known by the many people who admired her flowers while driving by her home. She was always ready to give garden tours to those who stopped by and many people left with cuttings or home-grown vegetables from her vegetable plots.

Anna is survived by her sons, Jeffrey (Elthea) of Middle Grove and Thomas (Susan Parker) of Greenfield Center; her sister, Mary McCarthy

of Saratoga Springs; her sister-in-law, Edna Komada of Boulder City, Nevada; and several nieces and nephews.

Among those whom she held dear who passed on before her were her parents, her husband, and her brother Milan Komada.

Contributions, if so desired, may be made in her name to St. Joseph’s Church, 3159 Route 9N, P.O. Box 547, Greenfield Center, NY 12833.

Anna’s family would like to thank most sincerely the doctors, nurses, aides, and other staff who took care of her over the past three weeks in Saratoga Hospital. We will kindly remember their concern, kindness and respect for Anna and are grateful for their efforts to make a difficult time more easy to bear. We would also like to acknowledge Dr. Kufs and Dr. Daoui for taking such good care of her over the past few years and helping her to maintain a quality of life which allowed her to remain in her home until her final illness.

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

Mary McCollum Blunt

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mary McCollum Blunt, of Saratoga Springs, died on Jan. 10. The cause of death was heart failure.

Mary McCollum was born on June 2, 1921, in Pikeville, Tennessee. As Mary grew up, her father’s career with Trans World Airlines entailed a dozen relocations all over the country. After high school, Mary enrolled in the Philadelphia College of Art, where she earned her degree in Fine Arts.

In 1943, she married J. Robert Blunt, of Ardmore, Pennsylvania, and settled in Los Angeles, where she ably juggled the competing demands of mother, wife, painter, ceramicist, television model and actress.

In 1956, Mrs. Blunt moved back to suburban Philadelphia and launched Toni Blunt Studios, specializing in ceramics and portraiture. She always regarded her career highlight to

be the commission she received from the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., to design and paint dozens of intricate canvases depicting prominent American personages for the cathedral’s needlepointed kneelers. One may still view and kneel upon her work in the cathedral.

Mrs. Blunt moved to WinstonSalem, North Carolina in 1983 and became the co-owner of The Unicorn, a retail gift and greeting card business. She retired in 2005 and moved to Saratoga Springs. For the past 10 years, Mary remained engaged in her many artistic endeavors.

Surviving Mrs. Blunt are her daughter, Victoria Montgomery, of Santa Monica, California; her son, James R. Blunt, Jr., of Malvern, Pennsylvania; her sister, Mickey M. Vassallo, of Saratoga Springs, New York; and her nieces, Allison V. Parke, of Saratoga, New York, and Andrea H. Vassallo, of Santa Fe, New Mexico. She is also survived by her grandsons, Christopher C. Blunt, of Ventura, California, and Alexander R. Blunt, of Austin, Texas.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25 at the Embury Apartments, 133 Lawrence Street, in Saratoga, New York. Father Paul Evans, the associate rector at Bethesda Episcopal Church, will officiate. Mary’s friends and acquaintances are welcome to attend.

NEWS

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

9

Mr. Chairman

Matt Veitch Takes the Reins of County Board of Supervisors

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA — On Tuesday, Jan. 20, Matthew Veitch took the gavel and ran his first monthly meeting as Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. Elected from the City of Saratoga Springs, he is the first to be chair from the city since Phil Klein had that role in 1992.

This meeting represents a milestone in that Veitch now has overall responsibility for county operations, as he and his colleagues begin to administer the 2015 budget – which, in fact, Veitch had considerable input in creating as Vice Chairman and the head of the County’s Law and Finance Committee in 2014.

Before Tuesday’s meeting, we discussed a wide range of subjects relating to 2015 plans and priorities: It’s a considerably different city and county since 1992…

“Yes, we didn’t have many of the major developments you see today,” Veitch noted. “We had no racino, the flat track ran for only four weeks.

In Saratoga Springs, we might have had 5,000 less people, but the overall makeup is completely different now. Because of the developments in the county — GlobalFoundries chief among them, you have a situation where perhaps only 50 percent of the population is native now. Our challenge is to handle the larger size economy, but in some ways it is much easier because it is growing, in contrast to 1992 when there was a recession happening.”

How do you see the 2015 budget going into the year and what initiatives are you looking towards as chairman “We got a lot done last year (in the budget process) to set us up in good shape,” Veitch noted, listing funding for open space and trails, economic development and public safety as some of the priorities for the coming year. He also spoke about working along with Supervisor Phil Barrett on the county’s Public Safety committee.

“Our priorities are there to focus on two broad areas, and in fact the committee just formed two subcommittees to reflect that: one to focus on equipment needs such as body cams, and another for operations and procedure,” Veitch said. “This has always been a priority for me even though I represent an area that has its own police. First of all, your taxes pay for the sheriff regardless of where you live, and a safe county makes for a safe city.”

How is it starting to feel as the person who leads the team?

“Overall it’s great,” Veitch noted, citing inheriting a great staff such as Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Pamela Wright. “The biggest change is that I’m at the County offices every day now — with my new responsibilities there are always contracts and forms to sign, and learning operations. Another interesting development is that I am seeing my colleagues are looking to me for guidance on a variety of matters.”

There are many new aspects that go with his new position, and it appears that Matt Veitch is embracing them all.

For one, chairing the monthly Board of Supervisors meeting has an

important ceremonial component. At Tuesday’s meeting, Veitch participated in issuing official proclamations and honors: To residents Adam Myers and Mike Campanella, as well as Deputy Sheriffs Jonathan Grady and Jeffrey O’Connor for their heroic life-saving efforts on behalf of a man in a burning vehicle that plunged into Murphy’s Pond in Clifton Park; and to William J. Davis upon his retirement as Chairman of the Saratoga County Sewer District.

Committee appointments also fall under the Chairman’s purview.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved two appointments to the County Fire Advisory Board as well as three to the Capital

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors’ Chairman Matthew Veitch greets and honors heroic rescuers (L to R): Deputy Sheriff Jeffrey O’Connor, Mike Campanella, Adam Myers, Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Grady Photo by MarkBolles.com

Resource Corporation — one of which was filled by Veitch himself, who volunteered to take the vacancy.

Each Chairman also puts their own stamp on the office by announcing their own initiatives. One that Veitch has already pledged is to visit

each Saratoga County town’s meeting at one point during the year to keep them updated about county proceedings. This is an extension of Veitch’s regular attendance at twicemonthly Saratoga Springs City Council meetings.

10

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

Property Transactions BALLSTON SPA 32 Lancaster Ct., $395,755.

Traditional Builders Ltd. sold property to William, Jr. and Dorothy Keogh.

21 Lancaster Ct., $384,000.

Diane Sabanos sold property to Erika Anderson.

5 Merchant Lane, $200,000.

Marilyn Hansen sold property to Nicole Russell.

4 Currie Court, $142,000. Barbara Welch (by Admin) sold property to Stephen Eames and Sabrina Leonard.

GREENFIELD 21 Greenfield Manor Rd., $199,900. Sandra Smith sold property to Daniel and Nicole VanVranken.

25 Locust Grove Rd., $184,000.

Alan VonStetina sold property to Dale Chapman.

9 Woodmint Place, $249,900.

Wesley Sandberg, Jr. (by Admin) sold property to Stephen and Mindy Young.

8 Cherry Ct., $335,000. Cartus Financial Corporation sold property to Gregory and Colleen Gattuso.

128 County Route 76, $20,000.

Sharon Ferris, Heather Ferris and Wendy Johnston sold property to Fred and Linda Tracy.

23 Maiden Circle, $363,763.

John Luke Development Co. LLC sold property to Aaron and Kelly Scher.

121 Pearl St., $201,000. Max and Carey London sold property to Douglas Mitchell.

18 Yorktown Lane, $237,415.

Michael and Michelle Kissinger sold property to Todd Brown.

27 Maiden Circle, $331,863.

John Luke Development Co. LLC sold property to Travis and Carrie Wattie.

10 Wineberry Lane, $235,000.

Frederick and Bonnie Lee sold property to Thidarat Deejoho and Shane Race.

MILTON

66 Porter Corners Rd., $215,000.

Joseph and Jane Szpak sold property to Eric Johnson.

34 John St., $185,000. Lance Spinks, Brian Spinks and Bruce Spinks sold property to David Beckerman and Althea Michael-Bekerman.

MALTA 19 Walden Glen, $237,000.

Tammy Charbonneau sold property to Jorge Argandona and Iris Galvez.

26 Thimbleberry Rd., $165,000.

Lee Hanson and Barbara McAndrew-Hanson sold property to Nancy Knowles.

42 Pennyroyal Rd., $195,000.

Robert and Tamzie Travis sold property to Peter Lawrence.

106 Coronado Way, $335,531.

John Luke Development Co. LLC sold property to Ukin Roh and Jung Lee. 29 Snowberry Rd., $150,000.

Jordan and Jessica Vinson sold property to Caterina and Maria Fuda.

SARATOGA

633 NYS Route 9P, $235,000.

Joseph Fazioli (Ind and as Exec), William Fazioli (by Exec), Carla Fazioli and Marc Fazioli sold property to Andrew Peckage.

972 Route 29, $247,000. Josephine Ambrosio sold property to Donald and Christine Benware.

28 Heisler Rd., $71,160. Keybank sold property to Raymond and Kathy Barnes.

39 Alpine Meadows Rd., $25,000. Robert and Emily Lassell sold property to Joshua Westad.

8 Second St., $100,700. John and Rachel Ponessa sold property to Robert and Helen Gagliardi.

STILLWATER

31 Maiden Circle, $337,359. John Luke Development Co. LLC sold property to Rey Cetro.

249 Spier Falls Rd., $250,000.

Michael Gyarmathy sold property to James Looby.

138 Brigham Rd., $640,000. Sean and Karen Kilbride sold property to Eric and Sandra Hermans.

50 Brampton Lane, $265,900. MJP Builders LLC sold property to Paul and Stephanie Morcone.

70 Railroad Place, Unit 502, $20,000. Aleda Wright sold property to Betty Rice and Joan Johnson.

28 Hamilton St., $178,900. High Rock Property Management LLC sold property to Scott Ferris and Kaitlyn Murphy.

24 Deer Run Dr., $163,000. Gary and Patricia Forward sold property to Darren Edwards.

4 Stuyvesant Ct., $252,000. William and Dorothy Keogh sold property to David and Rosalie Hastings.

38 Red Oak Lane, $155,000.

Christina Mabb sold property to Justin and Deborah Jourdanais.

7 Old Mill Ct., $335,219. DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders Inc. sold property to Jason and Jessica Gurwitz.

65 Knickerbocker St., $210,000.

Debra Miller sold property to Edward Monty.

NORTHUMBERLAND 32 Terrel Way, $195,000. Matthew Moore (Ind. and as Agent) and Jennifer Moore (by Agent) sold property to Robert Wood.

SARATOGA SPRINGS 1 VanDorn St., $210,000. Andra Flavell sold property to Lawrence Ward, Diane Ward and Douglas Ward.

3 Clubhouse Dr., $232,500.

Janet Howells sold property to Mary Carolus.

59 Church St., $63,000. Susan Squires sold property to Robert Breen.

32 East Harrison St., $437,000.

Arin and Tara Wright sold property to Adam Malinoski and Anna Packard.

48 Union Ave. No. 9, $249,000.

Lewis and Brenda Lakin sold property to Ronald Bucciero.

97 Trottingham Ct., $215,000.

Brian Burdick (by Atty) sold property to Dennis Banks.

23 Patricia Lane, $247,000. Rose Covkin (by Exec.) sold property to Christine Lewis.

2 South East St., $244,000.

Christine Sokolow sold property to Adam Young.

31 Collins Terrace, $350,000.

Edward Marks (by Trustee) sold property to John Buhac.

129-131 Maple Ave., $460,000.

Ralph Siano sold property to DZ Properties LLC. 349 Grand Ave., $310,000. Leigh Plemenik sold property to Amit Gupta and Soumya Poduri.

NYS Route 50, $36,157. Elizabeth Mitchell (by Ref) sold property to M and T Bank.

59 Railroad Place Unit 202, $730,000. Patricia Pulling (by Exec) sold property to Michael and Harrilyn Beehner.

12 Carpenter Place, $215,000.

Leo and Maria Purvis sold property to Katie Russo.

11

WILTON 21 Lonesome Pine Trail, $385,000. Sarah Smith-Fassett sold property to Hyeyoung Kwon and Laehee Lee. 19 Jessica Trace, $482,500.

Jeanne Whiteside sold property to Keigh and Alexandra Tabakman.

8 Roberts Court, $335,000. RJ Devaney and Associates LLC sold property to Jessica Day. 10 Andover Ave., $226,500.

Lucas and Brenda Dobie sold property to Martha Hobbs and Henry Pelletier.

100 Traver Rd., $175,000.

Joseph and Cathy Nicoll sold property to Benjamin Burke.

12

BUSINESS

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

Saratoga Man Takes Over Local Sylvan Learning Franchise Plans to Build on 20-Year Regional Tutoring Legacy for Students K-12

by Stephanie Hale-Lopez Saratoga TODAY CLIFTON PARK — The Capital Region franchise for Sylvan Learning Inc., arguably the most recognized name in tutoring, is under new ownership. The leading provider of supplemental education for students in grades K-12 recently announced that Patrick McNamara has purchased and become the owner and operator of the regional franchise.

McNamara, a Saratoga Springs resident, assumes the title of executive director and will oversee student educational services, human resources, advertising and marketing campaigns, and financial management of the company. The business has offices in Albany, Clifton Park, and a satellite classroom at the YMCA in Bethlehem.

He purchased the business from Catherine Hull who ran the regional franchise from 1995 to 2014.

Sylvan’s programs include math, reading, writing, study skills and test preparation for SAT, ACT and Regents exams, as well as traditional homework help. Statecertified teachers use interactive technology to help students gain the confidence they need to improve their grades.

“I really like what we do,” said McNamara. “It’s great to see the growth after kids come in struggling especially in the beginning as their confidence improves. When a kid comes in and they’re behind in reading, the goal is to get them caught up so that they don’t need us anymore. We want them to become independent, confident learners.”

McNamara says he’s looking forward to building on the regional franchise’s 20-year history of helping families in the Capital Region. As an example of that growth, Sylvan is introducing STEM-related programs such as HTML coding, math enrichment and robotics, which McNamara will incorporate into his Albany and Clifton Park classrooms.

Programs are personalized to meet the needs of each child and

Photos by Francesco D’Amico

Sylvan is web-based, allowing students to work on iPads instead of traditional workbooks.

more importantly, Sylvan’s ratio of a maximum of three students per teacher allows every student to maximize their session.

“At school, teachers are working really hard but she or he has 25 or 30 kids and they need the majority of the class to move forward and they do,” said McNamara. “Some of the kids get caught up and miss the foundational skills they need to master more complex ones. We’re here to help them with that.”

Prior to his current position, McNamara practiced law for 29

(L-R) Director of Education Michelle Ready, Teacher Susan Degaspart, and Executive Director Patrick McNamara.

years in New York City, providing general business representation to individuals and companies with an emphasis on clients in the entertainment industry. He says his decision to change career paths and move to Saratoga Springs has been a rewarding one.

“We’re helping kids solve their academic problems and we help parents identify what the problem is and help them solve it,” said McNamara. “A lot of parents come to us because homework has turned into a nightmare and they need someone to help them identify a foundational skill that’s missing.

We’ll help fix that.”

Sylvan Learning will offer a free, practice SAT exam for interested high school juniors on Saturday, Feb. 14. Those interested in enrolling their children at Sylvan can arrange a free assessment and/or take a tour of the classrooms.

For more information, visit www. sylvanlearning.com or call 869-6005.

Students earn tokens for their accomplishments, which they can them redeem for prizes at the “student store.”

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

BUSINESS

13

Business Briefs David Cumming Receives CFP Certification SARATOGA SPRINGS — Morgan Stanley recently announced that David L. Cumming RICP, CRPS, a senior vice president, financial advisor, executive financial services director in the firm’s wealth management office in Saratoga Springs, has been awarded the CFP certification.

Cumming has worked at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and its predecessor firms since 1994. In addition to providing financial planning services, he provides a variety of other advisory and non-advisory financial services, including brokerage services, to clients.

Saratoga Center for the Family Grows Clinical Staff

to manage stress, loss and grief, and children’s medical, mental health and school-based issues.

Agrochem Plans Saratoga Expansion SARATOGA SPRINGS — Agrochem, a business aiming to make better sanitizing products for dairy operations, is looking to grow.

Owners John and Rob DeMarco started Agrochem a decade ago in a small trailer outside of the W.J. Grande Industrial Park in Saratoga. Soon enough, the business was large enough to move into the warehouse. Now, Agrochem has taken over the 30,000-square-foot space. Agrochem, now recording between $10 million and $20 million in annual sales, is proposing a 5,000-square-foot expansion.

The project is before the Saratoga Springs Planning Board. The DeMarcos say the project will help utilize more space inside the warehouse so Agrochem can produce more product and move its annual sales into the range of $20 million to $25 million.

GlobalFoundries Seeks Power Boost for Chips Tracy M. Gilbert, ATR, LMHC. Photo provided.

Janet Larsen, LMHC. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Center for the Family continues to grow with the recent hire of two new counselors — Tracy M. Gilbert and Janet Larsen.

Gilbert is licensed in New York and Massachusetts as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and is a registered art therapist (ATR).

She has worked in the field for more than 10 years. She specializes in helping clients use creativity to express their feelings and emotions and to empower those who feel like they have no voice to be heard once again.

Larsen joins the center with more than 18 years of experience with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings. She utilizes person-centers strength-based and solution-focused psychotherapy to those seeking suggestions on how

MALTA — GlobalFoundries reportedly wants to expand its $10 billion computer chip manufacturing plant in Malta to include another central utilities building and bulk gas yard, as well as more high-voltage transmission capacity.

AspokesmanforGlobalFoundries says the improvements are needed to support additional customer demand and new tools that will be installed at

its Technology Development Center, where the firm creates the next-generation of semiconductors for tablets, smartphones and wearable devices.

The semiconductors are manufactured inside Fab 8, a 1.7-millionsquare-foot facility that includes a 300,000-square-foot “cleanroom.” About 3,000 people work at GlobalFoundries in the Luther Forest Technology Campus.

Volunteers Needed to Help Local Youth CLIFTON PARK — CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services is accepting new adult volunteer applications for its Homework Help and CAPteen programs.

CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services is a social service agency located in Clifton Park. CAPTAIN operates as a runaway and homeless youth shelter, street outreach services, Teen Talk Helpline, emergency food pantry, family assistance program, and various youth leadership programs.

To fill out an application, visit www.captaincares.org or call Mary at 371-1185.

PRSA Presents “Communicators on Communications” ALBANY — The Capital Region chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is hosting “Communicators on Communications,” featuring a panel of four area experts discussing regional communications, the current and ever-changing trends in PR, and lessons learned from the big stories of 2014.

The breakfast event will offer local professionals an opportunity to network with peers, while also learning about the leading strategies and tactics being utilized by some of the region’s prominent communications agencies.

SEFCU’s VP of Marketing, Nicole Stein, will moderate the panel that will include: Jonathan Pierce, founder and president of Pierce Communications;

Paul Larrabee, executive VP and managing director of Corning Place Communications; Liz Grimes, public relations director at Overit; and Jake Dumesnil, managing partner at Gramercy Communications.

The event will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28 at SEFCU’s Dora Maxwell Auditorium in Albany.

14

Education

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

Kids in the Kitchen Healthy Living’s Learning Center Offers Culinary Experience for Kids

by Stephanie Hale-Lopez Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — On the menu — cheese ravioli and spaghetti with tomato sauce, made entirely from scratch and made entirely by kids ages 5 to 10.

Through Healthy Living Market’s Learning Center, kids of all ages can turn into mini chefs and learn their way around the kitchen, practice basic safety and techniques, and whip up tasty food from main courses to desserts and snacks.

The market’s youth programs, such as Kids in the Kitchen, Preschool Chefs, and Family Kitchen, have proved wildly popular with classes often at maximum capacity.

The children who participated in this week’s Kids in the Kitchen class were tasked with making homemade pasta to create spaghetti and cheese ravioli dishes topped with tomato sauce. With instruction, guidance and demonstrations

by Shannon Beckwith, Learning Center Chef and Instructor, the kids did everything by themselves.

“I really don’t want to limit kids thinking they can only make scrambled eggs or macaroni and cheese out of a box,” said Beckwith.

Photos by www.MarkBolles.com

Chef Shannon shows kids how to knead dough.

“I want to expand their thoughts and their palettes. It’s important to me that kids are exposed to different types of foods whether it’s spicy, sweet or salty and that they know the ingredients that go into making the final product.”

Beckwith says it’s also important to let the kids do mostly all of the work themselves during the two-hour class. To prepare the pasta dough, the kids watched Beckwith’s demonstration first and then followed the same steps.

They poured, stirred, kneaded, rolled and cut their noodles and Beckwith boiled them.

“It was really fun,” said 10-yearold Emily. “I liked rolling [the dough] in the [pasta] roller and making the pasta pieces. It was kind of hard because you had to keep it all together.”

“It was fun,” added 9-year-old Katherine. “I like pasta a lot and I like making pasta.”

For Beckwith, hearing her students say they enjoyed the class is the ultimate reward. With a degree in education as well as a degree from the Culinary Institute of America, she combines her passion for teaching with her passion for cooking; showing her students how delicious and easy it is to make healthy food.

“I really feel like I am a food educator rather than a chef instructor,” said Beckwith. “I think kids need to have a better understanding of the kitchen and where our food comes from. Most of the kids, if you asked them today where pasta comes from, they would say a box; which is true and in my kitchen at home it’s the same. I don’t make pasta from scratch every day at home, it’s just not practical. But it’s nice for them to see the ingredients that go into making pasta and the time that it takes and everything that goes into it. I think that’s really important.”

Perhaps the best part of the class for the students is eating the final product. After an afternoon of learning and cooking, the kids were all smiles as Beckwith handed out

plates of the spaghetti and ravioli they made themselves.

“They love it,” said Beckwith.

“And I always make them promise that they’ll try to make it at home because it’s fun to do it in here, but it doesn’t mean anything if you’re not going to take the recipes, which they always get, and do it at home.

Make it a family project and make it on a Saturday or Sunday. It’s fun and it’s doable.”

In honor of Mardi Gras next month, Beckwith plans on teaching a New Orleans-style menu complete with beignets and jambalaya.

For more information or to sign up for a class, visit www.healthylivingmarket.com/learningcenter. The Learning Center also hosts private and individual cooking classes, school field trips and birthday parties.

Kids prepare their pasta dough.

A group of girls make spaghetti noodles.

The final product – spaghetti and ravioli with tomato sauce.

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

Education

15

Education Briefs Maple Avenue Musical Club Performs Mary Poppins SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Maple Avenue Middle School Musical Club will be performing Mary Poppins in the Trombley Auditorium.

More than 100 middle school students and volunteers started work on Mary Poppins last November and have been busy preparing for opening night on Friday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. with daily rehearsals after school and on weekends.

The show will also be performed at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 31; 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6; and 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 7. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the memorable tunes, dance numbers and colorful cast of this delightful, family-themed favorite.

Saratoga Builders Assoc. Offering $1,000 Scholarship SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. recently announced its continued monetary commitment to education and will be awarding a $1,000 scholarship to a student this year.

The organization makes this scholarship available annually to high school seniors who are planning to pursue a construction industry education at a two or four-year accredited college or university; or to students who would like to purchase tools for employment in construction. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

To receive a scholarship application, please contact Barry Potoker, executive

director of SBA, at 366-0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org.

More Than Sad: Teen Depression

Parent University Presents “Getting Children and Students to Open Up”

SARATOGA COUNTY – Saratoga County Public Health and the Saratoga Community Health Center are hosting a presentation by The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention entitled More Than Sad: Teen Depression.

The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 at the Saratoga Community Health Center. It is open to all members of the community.

Participants will learn how to identify risk factors of depression and mental health issues and learn how to connect resources to help others.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – A Parent University program titled “Getting Children and Students to Open Up” is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Geyser Road Elementary School cafeteria. Parents, teachers and community members are invited to attend.

The event will be presented

by Mediation Matters and discuss a variety of strategies for better conversations, understanding communication breakdowns, and skills to navigate difficult conversations.

SAT Prep Classes Offered at SSHS SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Springs High School will offer a 12-session SAT Preparation Course beginning Tuesday, March 10 for Saratoga juniors preparing for the SAT exam.

Registration for the course will be held during lunch periods in the counseling center from Monday, Feb. 2 through Friday, Feb. 6. The cost is $20 and sections are limited to 30 students per class. Sign-ups are on a first-come basis. To ensure a seat, register early.

Classes will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. or 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Students will take 90-minute classes on two afternoons or evenings each week, for a total of 12 sessions.

Schuylerville Admins Urge Those Who May Have Flu to Stay Home SCHUYLERVILLE – The Schuylerville Central School District is starting to see an increase in the number of Schuylerville students absent with apparent “influenza-like illness,” (ILI) a phrase used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to describe a

person who shows symptoms of any type of flu.

The uptick in absent students is expected, as the CDC reported in December that about half of the country was experiencing high flu activity.

With this in mind, Schuylerville

Central School District is providing a guide to parents, students and community members regarding the flu.

Visit www.schuylervilleschools.org for guidelines on when to keep your child home from school.

16

food

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

Sweetening Your Morning Meal Saturdays, 9 to 1 Lincoln Baths, 65 So. Broadway Saratoga Spa State Park SARATOGA SPRINGS — Local farms bring a variety of natural sweeteners to the market: jams, honey and maple syrup. Try them with your baked goods, breakfast menus and snacks.

Maple Cream is a new product that Salem-based Sheldon Farms recently started offering at the market. Despite the “cream” in the name, it doesn’t have any dairy in it: just pure maple syrup, which is heated to a high temperature similar to candy preparations, and then cooled until the syrup thickens to a smooth, spreadable

consistency. Try it on toast or as a quick frosting or sweet spread for baked goods. Sheldon Farms also brings a variety of sizes of pure maple syrup, both Grade A and Grade B (which has a darker color and more robust flavor).

Kokinda Farm puts fruity summer sweetness within reach during the winter, with its wide selection of jam flavors, including favorites such as Peach, Strawberry Nectarine, Blueberry Rhubarb and Pineapple Orange.

Laurie Kokinda uses as much local fruit as possible in her jams.

In the growing season, she cultivates about one acre of fruit and berry bushes, including gooseberries, currants, blackberries, peaches, plums, grapes, blueberries and raspberries at her farm in Mechanicville.

From tiny “honey bears” to large multi-pound jars, beekeeper Rick Green brings honey in containers of all sizes to the market each Saturday. Most of his

Ballston Lake Apiaries honey is clover with a mix of wildflower, but Green also knows where some farmers plant buckwheat, and he moves a few hives there in summertime. A few years ago he introduced honey concentrates for salad dressings, marinades and for stir-frying, and earlier this year he introduced cyser: A honey and apple cider wine.

These natural sweeteners come together in this baked oatmeal dish that leaves plenty of room for your creativity: add fresh fruit, substitute almond extract for vanilla, top with cream or yogurt if you like.

Naturally Sweet Baked Oatmeal Ingredients *- Items available at the Market

Dry Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats 2 Tbsp. honey* or maple syrup* 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Wet Ingredients

2 cups milk* 1 large egg* 3 Tbsps. butter ½ tsp. vanilla extract ½ cup jam* (any flavor)

Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease an 8-inch square pan.

In a large bowl, stir together all dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients. Combine oat mixture with liquids and stir.

Pour mixture into the prepared pan. Drop the jam by small spoonfuls into the oatmeal. Use a knife to gently swirl it, but do not thoroughly mix. (The swirls add a nice color contrast.)

Bake until the edges are golden brown and mixture bubbles, about 30-40 minutes. Serve immediately, or refrigerate and reheat later.

food 17

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

Score Big and Kick it up a Notch Cheesy Corn Pudding Bites Ingredients

8

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY Hello my Foodie Friends! Super Bowl Sunday is still a couple of weeks away. However, it is never too early to begin your party prep.

Over the years I have attended and hosted many Super Bowl house parties. As I reflect on the number of Super Bowls I have watched, I have to admit there have been a lot that were over before half time. So if the game is bad then the party better be great!

The first Super Bowl party I hosted was with my best friend and roommate Fred in our first bachelor pad apartment. We invited at least 15 young ladies and informed all our male friends that we were going to have an epic party! Fred and I made a Super Bowl Feast fit for 100 with the little wieners wrapped in a blanket, pulled pork and baked ziti just to name a few and we used lots of spices and rubs to kick it up!

As the guests started to arrive we noticed that there were no males walking in – only females!

The party was going well with all our great food and rocking music playing over the turned down TV. As I looked across the room at Fred we both smiled a knowing smile that our male friends thought our party would be lame! Now we had to entertain 15 young ladies who stayed for the whole game and after.

Who played in the game? I don’t remember. It was the gathering of company and great foods that I remember. Along with all the festivities that surround the Super Bowl, I also love all the hype that accompanies this annual event.

We now have the time-honored tradition of commercials featuring croaking frogs slinging beer, singing cowboys slinging beer, battling beer bottles slinging beer and little kids magically starting a car by using the “force.” I won’t even mention half time wardrobe malfunctions,

ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

1

cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese

1

large egg

1/2

cup frozen corn kernels

48

scoop - shaped tortilla chip - I use Tostitos Scoops

Directions — Preheat oven to 350°.

— In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, egg and corn.

— Fill tortilla cups and bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

— Garnish with cilantro and/or chives. Serve warm from the oven.

Chopped chives or cilantro, for sprinkling

lip-syncing superstars and reunions of some great 70s rock bands.

To spice up your Super Bowl creations and kick them up a notch, we have wonderful spices for the party: Chili powder, BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning, BBQ Seasoning, Beer Can Chicken Rub, Honey Mustard Rub and Gourmet Cajun Spice.

To make your Super Bowl Sunday feasting easy and super, try this recipe for cheesy, lightly spicy, crunchy morsels.

You can prep at least one baking sheet ahead so you can pop them in the oven when it’s time for a refill. These fly off the platter and when served at parties, they are, by far, the most popular appetizer.

This recipe doubles and triples easily, just buy plenty of Tostitos and take note that there will be broken scoops in each bag. The cheese mixture can be made ahead, but because it contains raw egg, I do not recommend making it more than the night before you plan to serve.

Have fun and good luck with your Super Bowl parties. Give your food creations some spice and a kick! As for my Super Bowl party with all women – to this day our male friends still do not believe anyone came to our party!

Remember my Foodie Friends — “Life Happens in the Kitchen!”

Take care, John and Paula

18

LOCAL BRIEFS Gavin Park Pickleball

Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic Games of the second annual Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic pond hockey tournament will take place Feb. 6-8 at the Saratoga Spa State Park. All games are played fouron-four, round robin style. Games shall be 40 minutes long consisting of two 20-minute halves with a two-minute break between halves.

Register your team today at www. saratogafrozenspringsclassic.com.

Over-30 Basketball at Gavin Grab your sneakers and get ready for Over-30 Basketball! Designed with the mature, basketballplaying crowd in mind, the Over-30 Basketball Program is for adults, ages 30 and over.

This is a drop-in activity which runs Mondays, 8-10 p.m. now through May 19. The weekly fee is $5 per person (cash only), and a maximum of 20 players can participate on any given night.

Any questions, please contact the park office at (518) 584-9455.

Tables Available for Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale The popular Elks Ladies Auxiliary Indoor Craft and Garage Sale starts the new year at Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club off Maple Avenue on Elks Lane this Sunday on Jan. 25.

Admission is free with over 40 vendors; parking is great, bargains galore, lunch, books, household items, sports equipment, handmade items, clothing, jewelry, party vendors, and just about anything you can imagine may be found here. New vendors are signing up every month. Rain or shine the sales go on and it is a fun activity the entire family enjoys.

Come browse, visit, eat, or just get out of the house with a friend.

All proceeds go to our local charities. All markets are held the fourth Sunday of each month: next sales are Feb. 22, March 22, and April 26. Tables are $15 for an 8-foot table; call (518) 289-5470 for information.

Come on down to Gavin Park and join the fun playing the net court game of pickleball. This game is played by 2 or 4 people on a badminton-sized court using wood, or composite paddle racquets and a plastic, poly baseball with or without holes.

No commitment required. Dropin registration takes place in the park office, Mondays- Friday, now through April. Session fee is $3 per person, per visit, 9:15-11:15 a.m.

Any questions, contact the park office at (518) 584-9455.

Saratoga Winterfest 5K Snowshoe Run/Walk The Saratoga Winterfest 5K Snowshoe Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. in the Saratoga Spa State Park. The Camp Saratoga 8K Snowshoe Race will be held on Sunday, Feb. 15 at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. Camp Saratoga will begin at 10:30 a.m. and is a qualifier for the U.S. National Snowshoe Championship. Go to www.saratogastryders.org to download an application or link to online registration at www. active.com. 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 phone (518) 581-1278. For information about the entire Dion Snowshoe Series and for snow updates visit www.runwmac.com.

Office of the Aging Looking for Volunteers Are you 55 and over and looking for a volunteer opportunity?

Saratoga County Office of the Aging is looking for kitchen volunteers to assist with serving meals for the Senior Nutrition Program. There is a current need at the Saratoga Senior Center. This opportunity is flexible to fit into your schedule, Monday-Friday availability between 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Call Billie Jo at the Saratoga County Office for the Aging for more details on this volunteer opportunity at (518) 884-4100.

Military Service Ceremonies The Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association provides

military burial service ceremonies for all branches of service at the Saratoga National Cemetery. We are always looking for veterans to join us, no matter what branch you served in (male or female) you must have been honorably discharged. You can choose which day of the week (MondayFriday) that you want to be there.

For information go to our web site www.snchga.com or contact the Cemetery Administration Office 200 Duell Road in Schuylerville. Call (518)-581-9128 for more information.

Adult Sports and Fitness Opportunities in the 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 is underway 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, ext. 1329.

Ballston Spa School District Offers Community Swim Opportunities The Ballston Spa Aquatics Program is currently offering opportunities for public use of the pool during adult lap swimming sessions, from 6-7 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6-7 p.m. A family/open swim is also offered on Saturday afternoons from noon to 2 p.m.

Additional opportunities are

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015 offered throughout the year, including adult Aqua Cardio classes and a Learn-To-Swim program. The Community Swim Program is open to district students, families and community members. District residents need to show identification and pay a $1 entrance fee to utilize the pool.

Non-residents are admitted, as space allows, for a $2 fee. The pool is closed during school vacations, emergency cancellations (i.e. snow days or early dismissals) and when school activities necessitate closure. Information is available online at www.bscsd. org, by clicking on the aquatics/ pool button on the left side of the homepage. For more information, please contact the pool office directly at (518) 884-7150, ext. 2324.

talented musicians, small acoustic bands, storytellers and/or dancers to perform in a casual setting on an intimate stage at the Malta Community Center on March 7.

Auditions will be by appointment only (performance quality video may also be accepted). Contact Elyse Young, Artistic Director, at (518) 899-4411, ext. 305 or theater@malta-town.org to schedule an audition.

Register at Academy for Lifelong Learning

On Saturday, April 18, the SaratogaWilton Elks Ladies Auxiliary will hold a Spring Craft Fair at the Saratoga Wilton Elks Club off Maple Avenue in Saratoga Springs. There are 35 spaces available, 8 x 6 foot with an 8-foot table and two chairs provided. Each space is $40 and we have limited electrical hookups.

All items for sale will be created by the crafter and a few vendors from companies will be allowed to showcase/sell their items. The Auxiliary will try to keep similar items to a minimum; offering customers many choices to purchase. All proceeds go to our 2015 Scholarship Fund. Please email dozolins@nycap. rr.com for an application or call Debbie at 518-885-6506.

Spring class registration forms are now available for the Academy for Lifelong Learning (A.L.L.).

Registration starts Jan. 26. With 23 classes including two speaker series starting the week of April 6 and running through June 4, there is something for everyone!

A sampling of classes—which typically meet for two hours once a week for eight weeks and are led by volunteers- include: Photo Workshop, Spring Birding, Gothic Fiction, Economics for Beginners, Seeking Spirituality, Ancient Israel, Justice, Learning to story tell, Saratoga Sandplains, Conflicts in the Bible Part 2, Hollywood, Painting Lab, Writers Circle, Hikes at Moreau State Park, Military Medicine, and Wildflower Identification. Look for the new Spring Term Class Registration and Membership Application packet in area libraries, the Academy office at 111 West Avenue or on the website at www. esc.edu/all. Annual membership (through June) is $50. The first two eight-week classes or speaker series are $50 each with each additional class at $25. For more information, contact the Academy office at (518) 587-2100, ext. 2415.

‘Café Malta’ Auditions Join featured folk and blues artists Annie & the Hedonists! and showcase your talent during this yearly event! We are still looking for one or two more

Spring Craft Fair Greenwich Elk’s Auxiliary Spring Craft Fair will be March 21. For an application or more information call Donna at (518) 692-2347 or Amber at (518) 587-8224.

Looking for Spring Vendors

SRYMCA’s Mission 416 Campaign Party SRYMCA’s Mission 416 Campaign Party will be Friday, March 13. Guests will relax in the Ballroom at Prime at Saratoga National Golf Course, while listening to live music by Soul Session.

From 6-9 p.m., attendees can enjoy hors devours and complimentary beer and wine, while participating in a silent auction and wine pull. All of the fun can be documented with a trip to the photo booth, provided

by Smile Lounge Photo Booth New York! All proceeds will go toward the annual We Build People Scholarship Campaign, making the Y experience possible for all, regardless of the inability to pay. Cost is $100. For more information, please contact Susan Rhoades, Development Director at (518) 583-9622, ext.104 or susan. rhoades@srymca.org.

Send your local briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com before Monday at 5 p.m. for Friday publication.

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015 on a first-come first-serve basis in the I.P. Winter Lodge off of Parking Lot #2 for $5/person for non-members. This event is weather permitting. For more information call (518) 450-0321.

Live Folk and Rock Concert

Family Friendly Event

Friday, January 23 The Elves and the Shoemaker Arts Building, Lower Level, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 10:30 a.m.

Presented by Wild Apple Puppetry.

Admission is $3 (cash only). Follow the signs that say “Puppet Show.”

For more information visit www. wildapplepuppetry.com.

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-$8.50, or Fried Clams- $8.50, or Fried Chicken Tenders-$8.50, also available will be Clam Chowder at $6.00 a quart. You are invited to eat in at our club house or to call ahead for Take Out (518) 695-3917. Everyone will be welcome.

Follow signs.

Saturday, January 24 20th Annual Frost Faire Saratoga National Historical Park, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

If there’s snow, bring your snow tube or plastic sled for spectacular rides on the “Big Hill.” If there’s no snow, you can still enjoy wagon rides, winter nature trek, guided snow shoeing, winter tracking, Native American storytelling, games, plus hot chocolate and cookies by the bonfire. The event is free. For more information call (518) 670-2985.

Annual Candlelight Ski & Snowshoe at Camp Saratoga Wilton Wildlife Preserve, Parking lot 1, 80 Scout Rd., Gansevoort, 6 p.m.

Luminaries will glow along 2.5 miles of groomed trails. Along the way you will find fields and forests, two warming bonfires, and plenty of hot chocolate.

The terrain is suitable for all levels and ages and includes a smaller 1 mile loop. Participants can drop-in anytime during the evening, no registration is needed. Snowshoes will be available

Lake Avenue Elementary School Auditorium, 126 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, 7:30 p.m.

The event will feature live music with Bob Warren, Tony Markellis, Joel Brown, Dave Maswick, Jason Brown and Joy MacKenzie. The concert will expose attendees to live music with masterful and relevant musicians. This concert is open to the public. Tickets are $10 and all the of the artists are generously donating 100 percent of the proceeds to help purchase new risers for the school’s auditorium. To purchase tickets, visit www.lakeavenueconcert. brownpapertickets.com.

Concert: City of Tomorrow Arthur Zankel Music Center, Ladd Concert Hall, Skidmore Campus, 7:30 p.m.

For more information call 518-580-5321 or go to www. skidmore.edu/Zankel

Sunday, January 25

calendar Rangers Joe Craig and Eric Schnitzer debate over who was the true hero in the Battles of Saratoga: Horatio Gates, commander of the American army, or Benedict Arnold, the army’s fighting general. Hear both arguments, and join in to voice your opinion. This event is presented in partnership with the Saratoga National Historic Park and the John B. Moore Documentary Studies Collaborative at Skidmore College. For more information call (518) 682-4200.

Monday, January 26 8th Annual Blood Drive Saratoga Casino and Raceway, Inside Vapor, 342 Jefferson St., Saratoga Springs, Noon – 6 p.m.

All presenting donors will receive a $5 Dunkin’ Donuts Card (while supplies last) and a $10 voucher to Lucky Joe’s restaurant in the casino.

Walk-ins are welcome. Make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Tuesday, January 27 Open Mic with Rick Bolton Gaffney’s, 16 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, January 28 2015 Winter Storytellers Series SUNY Empire State College, 2 Union Avenue, Room 126, Saratoga Springs, Noon - 1pm The Academy for Lifelong Learning presents the seventh annual storytellers series every Wednesday through March 4. This week will feature “Musing About Life on a Busy Dairy Farm” by storyteller Joe Peck. 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 or go to www.esc.edu/all.

Baked Chicken Swiss Steak Dinner Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs, 4:30 – 7 p.m.

Soup Dijour, Toss Salad, Baked Chicken, Swiss Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Rolls and Butter, Dessert, Coffee and Tea. Donation: $10 Adults, $9 Seniors (62 years) and Military (Active or Retired) with ID Card, $6 children 5-12, Children under 5 free. $10 All take-outs. Cash bar available. For more information call (518) 584-2585.

19

Southern Adirondack Audubon Society Monthly Program Crandall Library, Christine L. McDonald Community Room, Downtown Glens Falls, 7 p.m.

John Schneider will present a slide show and talk focusing on his travels to South America in May 2014 “Machu Picchu, Easter Island, and Lake Titicaca: Three More Bucket List Items. Please avoid wearing fragranced products to avoid triggering allergies, asthma, and migraines in others attending the program. For more information visit www.southernadirondackaudubon.org.

Thursday, January 29 Book Launch Party! Robin Antalek “The Grown Ups” Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m.

A reading and book launch celebration for Saratoga Springs author Robin Antalek. This is an evocative comingof-age novel involving three friends who explore what it means to be happy, what it means to grow up, and the difficulties in doing both together.

Antalek is also the author of “The Summer We Fell Apart.” For more information call (518) 682-4200.

2nd Annual Spa City Farmers Market Chili Cook-Off Spa City Farmers Market, Lincoln Baths, 65 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The Saratoga Springs Fire Department and The Saratoga Spa State Park Police will be having a rematch. The Saratoga Springs Firefighters will be defending their Championship Title. Vendors vs. Vendors will enter their own master chili creation, where you taste and vote for your favorite. For more information visit www.facebook. com/SpaCityFarmersMarket

Wind Festival Ensemble Concert Arthur Zankel Music Center, Ladd Concert Hall, Skidmore Campus, 2 p.m.

For more information call (518)580-5321 or go to www. skidmore.edu/Zankel.

Saratoga’s Real Hero – A Gates Arnold Debate Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 4 p.m.

Saratoga National Historical Park

Send your local briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com before Monday at 5 p.m. for Friday publication.

20 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., S. Glens Falls 793-3755; AdirondackFM@nycap. rr.com; www.adirondackfriendsmeeting.org Regina Baird Haag, pastoral minister Services: 10:30 a.m. Sunday The Alliance Church 257 Rowland St., Ballston Spa 885-6524 Services: Morn. Worship 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., coffee served at 9:45 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.

All are welcome.

Handicapped accessible.

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 Service, 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.

Church of Christ at Clifton Park 7 Old Route 146 371-6611; cliftonparkchurchofchrist.com Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Christ Community Reformed Church 1010 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-7654; ccrc-cpny.org.

Services: Sundays 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 Street Saratoga Springs 584-0221 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

2nd Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

Reading Room is open Tuesday & Friday 12 noon until 3 p.m.

Congregation Shaara Tfille 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs 584-2370; saratogasynagogue.org Services: Saturday 9:30 a.m., (1st Sat.

RELIGION also 10:30) Monday & Thursday 7:30 a.m., third Friday each month 7:30 p.m.

Handicapped Accessible Corinth Free Methodist Church 20 Hamilton Ave., Corinth 654-9255; 792-0271 Services: Sunday at 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 Pastor Frank Galerie mycornerstonechurch.org Services: Sundays at 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.; Weekday Masses: MondayFriday 9 a.m.

Eastern Orthodox— Christ the Savior 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. 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 at 10 a.m.

Full Gospel Tabernacle 207 Redmond Road, Gansevoort 793-2739 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.; Bible Study: Thursday 6:30 p.m.

Galway United Methodist Church 2056 East Street (at intersection of Route 147), Galway 882-6520 www.galway-united-methodist-church. com Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

(9 a.m. in July and August) Grace Brethren Church 137 W. Milton Road, Ballston Spa 587-0649 Rev. Dan Pierce Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

Grace Fellowship Saratoga 165 High Rock Ave 518-691-0301 Website: http://saratoga.gracefellowship. com/ Pastor: Mike Adams Service Times: Sundays 9 & 11 a.m.

Greater Grace Community Church Pastor David Moore 100 Saratoga Village Blvd. #17 899-7777; thechurch@ggccmalta.org www.ggccmalta.org Services: Wednesday 7:30 p.m. Good Times Restaurant, Lake Rd. 2nd floor; Friday 7:30 p.m. Saratoga Chapel, Eastline & Lake Rds; Sunday 10 a.m. - Glenville Senior Center, 32 Worden Rd. Greenfield Center Baptist Church 30 Wilton Rd., Greenfield Center 893-7429 Services: Sunday School for all ages - 9:45 a.m.

Church Service - 11 a.m.

Prayer Meeting - Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

Highway Tabernacle Church 90 River Rd., 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.

Handicapped accessible 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.

Childcare is available at all services.

NorthStar Church 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 10:30 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

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. Coffee and Fellowship in Living Stone Hall; Wednesday: noon potluck luncheon; 1 p.m. choir rehearsal; 2 p.m. Bible Study Group 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.

Handicapped accessible.

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015 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.

Handicapped accessible.

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

Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-2375 Services: Eucharistic Celebrations: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 7:30, 9 & 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. & 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; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com; www.stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter. org Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m. Handicapped accessible 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. Handicapped accessible St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church 771 Route 29, Rock City Falls 893-7680; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com; www. stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter.org Services: Sunday 8:30 am.

Handicapped accessible.

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

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. 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; saratogaabundantlife.org Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

Saratoga Chabad 130 Circular St., Saratoga Springs 526-0773; saratora@aol.com; 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.

Handicapped accessible.

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.

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.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 1 Grove St., Schuylerville 695-3918 Services: Sunday 8a.m. & 9 a.m.

(Sunday School at 9:00 also) episcopalchurch-schuylerville.org Temple Sinai 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-8730 www.saratogasinai.org Shabbat Services: Friday 6 p.m.

Preceded by 5:30 p.m. Oneg.

Handicapped Accessible.

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

Childcare: six months–four years and expanding.

Handicapped accessible.

The Salvation Army Worship, Service & Community Center 27 Woodlawn Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-1640; Mail-P.O. Box 652 Captain Aaron A. Boone, Sr.; Captain Amber S. Boone Commanding Officers/Ministers Services: Sunday School 10 a.m.; Praise & Worship 11 a.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church 155 Ballard Rd., Gansevoort 584-9107; tumcwilton.com Rev. Robert Kersten Services: Sunday 11 a.m.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs 624 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-1555; uusaratoga.org Services: Sunday 10:00 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; wiltonbaptist@gmail.com; wiltonbaptistchurch.com Services: Sunday Service 11 a.m.

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

Ballston Spa’s First Friday Features Second Annual Chocolate Festival BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association and its First Friday participants are once again hosting the Second Annual Ballston Spa Chocolate Festival on Friday, Feb. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. throughout downtown Ballston Spa. Visitors will be able to sample a variety of chocolate savory dishes, desserts and beverages

at designated Sweet Spots, with samples only $1 each. A broad range of local chocolate chefs from the Ballston Spa area will be represented at downtown businesses. Once again, you will be able to vote for your favorite chocolate creations.

In addition to the Chocolate Festival, there are a variety of activities including indoor

BH-BL’s O’Rourke Future City team takes Second Place BURNT HILLS — Congratulations to the O’Rourke Middle School’s Future City team for taking second place out of 25 schools at the recent regional finals, which were held at Proctor’s Theater on Sunday, Jan. 11. The O’Rourke team took several titles, winning Best Research Essay, Best Model and Best Presentation. They also took home the specialty award for Best Complete Street Design.

Diana Goes to Locally Based Play Reaches Hollywood!

Semi-Finals in Contest

Diana Miller

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Congrats to Diana Miller of Saratoga Springs, whose regular occupation is as a Nurse Practitioner. She was chosen to do an infomercial for IT Cosmetics.

Recently, Diana was flown to Hollywood where she was given perks like her own dressing room, according to her proud mom, Earlyne Daddario. While in Southern California, she met actress Allison Sweeney and Jamie Kern Lima, a former news anchor and the founder of IT Cosmetics.

The infomercial premiered on Saturday, Jan. 17. Diana was given airtime and appears numerous times in the audience. You can get a sneak preview clip of some of Diana’s performance at youtube. com/watch?v=_iV1u2Barx4

“Gutmusik,” which takes place during 1945 at the closing of WWII in the Jewish neighborhood of Saratoga Springs known as the “Gut,” has been chosen as a semifinalist in the first-ever National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene’s International David and Clare Rosen Memorial Play Contest.

The play had its local debut in Jan. 2010 and was profiled in Saratoga TODAY. Showing the unknown and rising hope for the future, the play prompts the question: are redemption and hope attainable while despair and uncertainty prevail? “Gutmusik,” is co-written by well-known arts professionals Eva Dolan and Joseph V. DiPietro.

Dolan, a Saratoga Springs native, has been working professionally in the arts world since the late 90s. She and DiPietro came together to create “Gutmusik,” which is also Dolan’s first fulllength script.

As part of the contest, semifinalists will have their script professionally performed and produced in New York City from June 14-22, as part of the National Yiddish Theatre Centennial Celebrations Festival, also known as “KulturefestNYC.”

Eva Dolan

This seven-day festival serves to preserve and propagate the colorful Yiddish language by hosting hundreds of Yiddish performances and artists from all over the world.

The National Yiddish Theatre is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

The winner’s script will be judged by an all-star Blue Ribbon Panel of Tony-Award winning and Broadway producing playwrights.

For more information about the playwriting contest or National Yiddish Theatre, visit www.nyft.org or call (212) 213- 2120.

recreational activities for kids ages six to thirteen at the Ballston Area Community Center, along with art demos, music, displays and special sales throughout the village just in time for Valentine’s Day. For a full listing, visit ballston.org/First-Fridays.

21

OOPS...

My mistake!

I was informed yesterday that Zoe Alexander Is 14, not 16, as I stated in my “about our cover” piece.

Sorry Zoe!

-Chris Bushee

PULSE

22

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

Chili In The Forecast For Saturday

Photos by Deborah Neary

SCHUYLERVILLE — On Saturday, Jan. 24, the Saratoga Clay Arts Center (167 Hayes Road, Schuylerville) will hold its Fourth Annual Chili Bowl from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some of the area’s leading clay artists are busy making over 1,000 bowls for the event, which has grown in popularity through the years.

Five “Celebrity Chefs” including Adam Bigelow (2014 Chili Bowl Defending Champion) from Druthers, Pat Brown from The Brook Tavern, Joe Parisi from Mexican Connection, Michael Kiernan from Wheatfields and Carla Kuchar from Zest will compete in tastings throughout the day,

and local food pantries will benefit from the proceeds. Attendees will be able to vote for “Best Chili” and support the efforts of your favorite chef.

Note that to keep the lines short and the wait to a minimum, you are once again advised to pre-purchase tickets and bowls online for a specific time slot (the 11 a.m. to noon tasting is already sold out.) Each hour will have only 200 pre-sold chili bowls for the time period. After those 200 bowls are sold, the time slot will be closed.

Your ticket(s) will be issued with the time period you choose. Please arrive at the time specified on your ticket. The Clay Arts Center will put

out a cross-section of the bowls for selection each hour so everyone will get an equal opportunity to select. Online registrations will take preference to walk-ins. If all the bowls are sold online, there will be no walk-ins allowed.

The afternoon will also have a silent auction and a “guess how many bowls” contest, which can be entered now. For more information, details on pre-registration and bidding, visit saratogaclayarts.org/ChiliBowl2015.php

Local Author Releases New Novel

Book Launch Party Scheduled at Northshire Thursday

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY

narration. The book launch party is free and open to the public.

An advance copy of The Grown Ups proved to be a page-turner that is worthy of attention.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs resident Robin Antalek will be releasing her newest acclaimed novel, The Grown Ups, worldwide on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Locals will be able to get an in depth look on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. as Northshire Bookstore (424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs) will welcome Ms. Antalek with a special book launch party that will include a reading from the beginning chapters, as well as a question/answer session.

The Grown Ups is published by William Morrow, an imprint of international publishing powerhouse HarperCollins Publishers. The paperback retails for $14.99 and is replete with ensemble-style Robin Antalek

Spanning over a decade, The Grown Ups is a chronicle of three friends’ rites of passage from their teenage years to young adulthood and is told in alternating voices among the main characters. The Grown Ups explores the indelible bonds between friends and family and the challenges that threaten to divide them.

“People who have read it say that what makes the book compelling is that interplay of narration.” Ms. Antalek said.

“The interesting thing is that in the first draft there was only one narrator. It helps to have a great editor!”

In The Grown Ups’ early chapters, Sam Turner, during the summer he’s fifteen years old, enjoys the unexpected attention of Suzie Epstein. But as that summer ends, Sam’s world unexpectedly shatters twice: Suzie’s parents are moving to a new city to save their marriage, and his own mother has suddenly left the house, leaving Sam’s father alone to raise two sons.

Meanwhile, as her parents’ marital troubles escalate, Suzie takes on the responsibility of raising her two younger brothers and continued on page 24

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

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A Purple Tie Affair to Remember!

Photos by Lisa Miller - Studio di Luce

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A festive, mostly purple-clad gathering populated the halls of the National Museum of Dance (99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs) on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 17 for the Second Annual “A Purple Tie Affair,” with proceeds benefitting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS.) They were treated to music and dancing, with the soundtrack provided by The Accents, a leading Capital Region ensemble. Spring Street Caterers provided food and drinks.

According to Laura DiRado, the Museum’s graphic designer, attendance was estimated at 360 revelers, with over $12,000 raised for LLS. Several members of the Museum staff have also received pledges for their involvement in a future Team in Training event to benefit LLS. DiRado, along with Museum Director Raul Martinez, Exhibition Coordinator Sarah Detwiler and Administrative

Coordinator Jess Munson will compete in Washington D.C. on March 14 for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon as “Team Dance Museum Goes Purple.” The honored patient in this effort is Milion Hoskins, known as Leo. Leo is the six year-old son of Cindy Lunsford (the owner of Hot Yoga Saratoga,) and was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Organizing committee members Adam Ragone, Janine Cammarata, Tara Patton, Mike Miller, Laura DiRado and Jess Munson

Over 100 Artists Join “The Blue Show” Phil Fina, Tracey McQuay, Sandy Perrone, Sarah Smith, Bill Perrone, Noel Perrone-Sheber

Dan Berggren — Sagamore Moonrise

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The local artist community has responded.

Over 100 artists and performers have put their work into “The Blue Show,” Spring Street Gallery’s “sudden art project” that will have its opening reception on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 5 - 8 p.m., at 110 and 112 Spring Street, Saratoga Springs. The event will feature live music and attendees are encouraged to bring supplies to benefit Saratoga’s Code Blue project.

“The response has been fantastic,” said Spring Street Gallery’s Executive Director, Maureen Sager. “We’ve got a wonderful mix

of artists, of every age, genre and background, all united in the theme of ‘blue.’ Some of the region’s most established artists are in the show, displayed alongside novices and students. There is something here for everyone.”

Artist and activist Anne Diggory proposed that the event tie in to Saratoga’s Code Blue project, which is in the midst of its busiest season. There will be collection boxes for donated items at The Blue Show event. Code Blue has identified thermal clothing, sweatpants, sweatshirts and cleaning items as the most crucial current needs.

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Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

Canfield Casino Swells with Mardi Gras Revelers!

Photos by Deborah Neary

Alexis Mokles, Carole Moreau, Brett and Rebecca Beers

Heather and Scott Joralemon

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A bigtime gathering of nearly 600 people, more than ready to shake off winter’s chill and party, party, party gathered at the historic Canfield Casino on Saturday, Jan. 17 for the 14th Annual Hattie’s Mardi Gras!

As always, this is an event with a heart. While attendees ate Hattie’s delicious cuisine, danced to the sounds of Garland Nelson and Soul Session and generally just had a blast meeting, greeting and mingling – they came out first and foremost to support Jake’s Help From Heaven – the 2015 beneficiary. Look for some big-time final money raised totals for this great cause when it is announced next week!

Cynthia Dean, Wendy Walker, Melisa Zeiker, Brittany Hayes

Mike and Susana Hoffman, Brian and Heather Straughter, Beth Alexander

Fred and Carol Margulies

Antalek

Continued from page 22

Chef Jasper Alexander

Kim and Chad Beatty

plans an early escape to college and independence. Though she thinks of Sam, she deeply misses her closest friend Bella, but makes no attempt to reconnect; embarrassed by the destructive wake of her parents as they left the only place Suzie called home.

Years later, a chance meeting with Sam’s older brother will reunite her with both Sam and Bella—and force her to confront her past and her friends.

Along the way, issues of coping with adult responsibilities, aging parents, career choices and their consequences – both triumphs and tragedies, are recounted in rich detail from the alternating perspectives of individuals you grow to root for, even if you don’t always endorse their actions.

“The most important thing that people have told me is that the characters and what they are experiencing are relatable.” Ms. Antalek said, “Ultimately, that’s what makes for an interesting read.”

PULSE

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

S P OT L I G H T Shiri Zorn

week of 1/23-1/29 friday, 1/23:

Scott Garling, 8 pm @ Ravenswood — 371.8771

House + Hofmanis, 9 pm @ Bentley’s — 899.4300

Jess Marcotte Band, 9 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253

Bill Staines, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Mike Jessup, 7 pm @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 Jukebox Night, 10 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 Jeanine Marie Jazz Trio, 7 pm @ Crown Grill — 583.1105 Becky Walton + Mike Steiner, 9 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359

Hair Of The Dog, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Karaoke, 9:30 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875 Rich Clements, 3 pm @ The Saratoga Winery — 584.9463 DVDJ Dread, 8 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775 Rob Aronstein, 7 pm @ Wishing Well — 584.7640

Headroom, 9:30 pm @ Harvey’s — 583.0003

sunday, 1/25:

The Refrigerators, 9 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300

Holly + Evan / Bryan Thomas, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Jazz Brunch, 11 am @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Steve Candlen, 3 pm @ The Saratoga Winery — 584.9463

Mark Kleinhaut Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582 Shiri Zorn, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Paradox Saints /Basic Brothers / A World For You, 9 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 P J Ferguson, 8 pm @ Ravenswood — 371.8771 Scott Garling, 9 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253 Get Up Jack, 8 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Steve Smith, 8:30 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875 Seth Warden Trio, 6 pm @ The Saratoga Winery — 584.9463 Skeeter Creek, 8 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775

saturday, 1/24: DJ Motion, 9 pm @ Bentley’s — 899.4300 Blind Boy Paxton + Down Hill Strugglers, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 EJ Hopeck, 7 pm @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 Master Cylinders, 10 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 Karaoke, 10 pm @ Circus Café — 583.1106 Cole Broderick, 6:30 pm @ Fifty South — 884.2926 Toga Boys, 9 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Out Past 9, 9:30 pm @ Harvey’s — 583.0003 Probing Digit, 9 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300 John Savage Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582 George Giroux, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Sam Kininger Band w/ Suitable Groove, 6 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066

monday, 1/26: Bobby Dick, 6:30 pm @ Brook Tavern — 871.1473 Chris Carey/ Tim Wechgelaer, 7 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026

tuesday, 1/27: Rich Ortiz, 10 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 Two Step Tuesdays, 8 pm @ Crown Grill — 583.1105 Open Mic with Rick Bolton, 8 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359

wednesday, 1/28: Acoustic Blues Jam, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Joe Gitto + Dan Wanczyk, 6:30 pm @ Mouzon House — 226.0014 Karaoke, 9 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253 Celtic Session, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916

thursday, 1/29: Open Mic, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 DJ Dragonette, 9 pm @ Cantina — 587.5577 Matty Finn, 6 pm @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 Open Mic, 10 pm @ Circus Café — 583.1106 Mitch Frasier, 8 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Jeff Walton, 6 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583.1890 Joe Gitto + Dan Wanczyk, 6:30 pm @ Mouzon House — 226.0014 George Giroux, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Celtic Session, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916

Friday at Primetime Ultra Lounge

25

26 It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

Publication Day: Friday

Ad Copy Due: Wednesday, noon

Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

Classified marketplace classified@saratogapublishing.com

Call (518) 581-2480 x204 HELP WANTED WELDING CAREERSHands on training for career opportunities in aviation, automotive, manufacturing and more.

Financial aid for qualified students.

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AUTO CAR DONATIONS Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make‐A‐Wish.

We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible.

Call 518‐650‐1110 Today! *CASH TODAY* We’ll Buy Any Car (Any Condition) + Free SameDay Pick-Up. Best Cash Offer Guaranteed! Call For FREE Quote: 1-888-477-6314

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ADOPTION: Unplanned Pregnancy?

Caring licensed adoption agency provides financial and emotional support. Choose from loving pre‐approved families.

Call Joy toll free 1‐866‐922‐3678 or confidential email:Adopt@ ForeverFamiliesThroughAdoption.org

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

Publication Day: Friday

Ad Copy Due: Wednesday, noon

Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.

Classified marketplace classified@saratogapublishing.com

Call (518) 581-2480 x204 MISCELLANEOUS

HOME IMPROVEMENT HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Brothers Inc, for straightening, leveling, foundation and wood frame repairs at 1-800-OLD-BARN. www.woodfordbros.com.

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LAND FOR SALE ABANDONED FARM! 25 acres Trout Stream- $49,900.

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EZ terms! 888-905-8847 NewYorkLandandLakes.com BANK REPOED! 10 acres$19,900! Awesome Mtn views, hardwoods, private bldg site, long rd frontage, utils!No liens or back taxes! Terms avail!

Call 888-479-3394 NOW!

WANTED CASH for Coins! Buying Gold & Silver. Also Stamps & Paper Money, Comics,† Entire Collections, Estates.

Travel to your home. Call Marc in NJ: 1-800-488-4175 NEW YORK HUNTING LAND WANTED! Earn thousands on your land by leasing the hunting rights. Free evaluation & info packet.

Liability coverage included.

Bringing landowners & hunters together since 1999.

Email: info@basecampleasing.com Call: 866-309-1507 BaseCampLeasing.com TOP CASH PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920’s thru 1980’s. Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg.

And Gibson Mandolins/Banjos.

1-800-401-0440

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

FOR RENT 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

DIVORCE $349 Uncontested divorce papers prepared. Only one signature required.

Poor person Application included if applicable. Separation agreements available. BBB rated. Info/Appt. 518-274-0380

MORTGAGES

27

28

fun and games Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

Puzzles

Across 1 Trapping device 6 Official records 10 Got an A on 14 Restriction at some fitness clubs 15 Mark from a healed wound 16 Fancy fabric with metallic threads 17 Coral ring 18 Metal to melt down 20 State Department’s purview 22 Anxious feeling 23 Olds Cutlass model 26 Pulp comic that transformed Nick Fury into a super-spy 31 British noblewomen 34 Soda fountain orders 35 Try to win 36 Happy hour pints 37 Sorceress jilted by Jason 38 Ireland’s Sinn __ 39 Dream state letters 40 Suffix with Beatle 41 Theater access 42 Entertainer with many fans?

45 Cling wrap brand 46 “Queen of Soul” Franklin 50 “War of the Worlds” attack 55 Inning-by-inning runs summary 57 Hedren of “The Birds” 58 Bldg. annex 59 Slimmest of margins 60 Actress Falco et al.

61 Gravy vessel 62 Very 63 Like some populations Down 1 Major mix-up 2 “__ your life!”

3 Passion, in Pisa 4 Issues 5 Signs up 6 Part of PGA: Abbr.

7 Letters on a Soviet uniform 8 Islands tuber 9 Kazakhstan border sea

See puzzle solutions on page 30

10 Keys at the keys 11 Westley portrayer in “The Princess Bride” 12 Punk rock subgenre 13 Bear lair 19 Ancient Britons 21 Belg. neighbor 24 Do more work on, as a persistent squeak 25 In unison 27 Revise 28 Gymnast Comaneci 29 Collect bit by bit 30 LAX posting 31 Has the nerve 32 Billy Joel’s musical daughter 33 Reminder notes

See puzzle solution on page 30

37 Apple computer 38 Roosevelt’s chat spot 40 Short-short skirts 41 Like soda water 43 Natural ability 44 Cleveland NBAer 47 Easy basketball score 48 Aspirations 49 Herb that tastes like licorice 51 Reverberation 52 Ark helmsman 53 Spring flower 54 Rex Stout’s stout sleuth Wolfe 55 Chocolate dog 56 Wedding vow words

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: Timber, Timbre Timber refers to cut wood and, figuratively, to qualify for a certain position.

The timber company worked on replanting trees all spring.

The new trainee has management timber.

Timbre refers to the quality of sound.

The young choir voices have great range and beautiful timbre.

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

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

SPORTS

29

Catalano: ‘SRA Growing, but Growing Responsibly Continued from front to that of a U.S. renowned and premier rowing destination.

The SRA has since, with help from grants and local benefactors, raised over 65 percent of their goal—just shy of $400,000 remaining to get to the $1.25 millionraised mark. The kick-off event at the Holiday Inn marks the beginning of the final push.

The beginning of the campaign included the expansion to a 10-lane racecourse that was implemented last season. This helped raise the regattas’ annual economic impact for Saratoga County go from $5.1 million to $8.9 million over the span of five weekends alone.

Two years ago, the number of boats at the Head of the Fish regatta rivaled the mighty Head of the Charles. Last year, the numbers were intentionally decreased to secure the integrity of the event and maintain a positive experience for rowers.

“It’s about growing, but growing responsibly,” Catalano said.

As far as securing space in Saratoga to keep control of the regattas, land was purchased in 2013 at 1460 Route 9P, the former home of the Lakeside Market. That acquisition gave the rowing organization property on both sides of Fish Creek and the opportunity for a new Regatta Center (see artist rendering in photo) by renovating the current vacant building on the premises.

“When I came on the Board in 2011, there was a committee specifically tasked to look for space— and if we needed more space, where do we go?” recalled SRA Board President Katherine Smith. “The committee was getting concerned that we may even need to look outside Saratoga. Now we’ve gone from that to having secured the space right here, and the regattas have grown significantly since then.”

The regattas alone welcome 36,000 people to the community each year, bringing more business to the likes of restaurants and hotels. The number of regatta entries has increased 88 percent since 2008, making the need for an improved Regatta Center that much more necessary.

Currently, SRA Regatta Director Chris Chase runs the regattas from a camper trailer.

“It’s funny because these other destinations are run out of these grandiose $20 million boathouses, and then people come

to Saratoga where we run some of the best regattas…out of a trailer,” Catalano said.

Both Catalano and Smith are hopeful that a new Regatta and Training Center will help create another signature piece for Saratoga.

“We want the entry way to our regatta destination to be as recognizable as the entry way into downtown Saratoga,” Catalano said.

Money raised will also go to improvements in the facility, such as locker rooms and showers, as the additional space permits SRA to continue growing.

Another goal is for the new training center to attract pre-elite, Olympic-bound athletes from all over the country to come to Saratoga.

Not only would they benefit from the improved facility but they could also contribute back to the community by being coaches and mentors to the various SRA programs.

The programs themselves have continued growing. Aside from junior and adult teams, there are also adaptive programs and middle school programs. There are now over185 kids who train at the SRA Boathouse on a daily basis.

Historically, one in four SRA graduating rowers have gone on to row at a Division I school, while one out of every 12 have gone to Ivy League Schools. One out of every seven will spend time coaching afterward, according to Catalano, who said that specifically speaks to the passion for the sport.

“We’re really excited,” Catalano said. “We’re getting on the map of rowing. We’re on the map for who we are as an organization in the junior world. We’re on the map as a regatta destination. This is one of the last pieces to put Saratoga on the map for the United States— when those pre-Olympic athletes begin to train here. Currently those athletes go to Boston, Philadelphia or Seattle, and we are right there ready to be on that level. How great would it be to one day see your coach and neighbor competing at the Olympics? It really is a win/win. We’re just as excited about the inspiration this will have for the junior athletes who will experience the passion and the dedication of the pre-elite athletes.”

At the kick-off event itself, SRA members will be informing the community about the campaign and what SRA is all about. In a sense, it will also be an announcement to how far the association has come and how close it is to the finish line.

“I think it will give people a chance for an up-close view and the chance to learn more about rowing,” said Smith. “We plan to have some rowing equipment and other displays for people to learn of the history and future of rowing in Saratoga. It’s a social and informative event so people can see what SRA is all about.”

“We want to share our vision with everyone,” added Catalano. “We have a lot of momentum and we’re extremely excited about ‘Pulling Together,’ our finishing sprint.”

The Saratoga community has never been short on support of SRA. The SRA has consistently had a team of over 200 volunteers that continues to pull off the regattas and other functions.

“We have an awesome town,” Catalano said. “Saratoga is committed and SRA is here to serve

the community of Saratoga. We’re passionate about reaching out to the community through positive impact in the lives of the kids, tying families together and supporting the community economically. We tell our kids that rowing is all about this individual contribution to the greater whole. That’s what SRA is about as well—our contribution to the whole of Saratoga. As we keep doing that, we don’t need to advertise very much. We’re committed to a good coach-to-rower ratio because we believe coaches have a real impact on the lives of the kids.

Parents see that and pass the word around and it grows naturally.”

To attend the “Pulling Together” Capital Campaign kickoff event, RSVP by Feb. 19 by mail or online at saratogarowing.com/ campaign. Call (518) 587-6697 for more information.

30

SPORTS

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

Balance is Key for Buffoline’s Team Continued from back cover

assists. Geordon is coach Buffoline’s son and one of the many sophomores who have been making a mark in the CDHSHL. “We have four or five tenth graders on the team this year and they all get a lot of minutes and they’re all producing,” said coach Buffoline. “For them, seeing how important this is—we have 10 seniors on our team this year—for us to go as far as we possibly can, it means a lot that the tenth graders are pitching in and helping out.”

The contribution of the young guns is added to a senior group that coach Buffoline knew was special when they came up as sophomores.

“Every single one of the seniors came into our program as a tenth grader and we knew when we got these kids that we would have a pretty good chance to go as far as we could,” Buffoline said. “The seniors are not selfish. We don’t put names on the backs of our jerseys.

We preach all year long that it’s not about that name anyway. It’s about the name

on the front. We don’t care who scores. It’s all about the team scoring and the seniors have really bought into that.

They’re not trying to build up stats. We spread the puck out and it’s all about the team winning.”

BH/BS got a taste of winning early when they started out 2-0 at the Saranac Lake Tournament, which included a 2-1victory over Lake Placid, who is now ranked No. 12 in the state for Division II. Last season, they lost to Lake Placid 6-0.

“We thought in the beginning that we would have a shot at winning a lot of games, but that game at Lake Placid proved to the kids on the team that we can compete with some of the better teams in New York State this year,” said Buffoline. “From the second game on, the kids have bought into the system and believed that this was going to be a special year for everybody.”

Three of the guys leading the way have been senior captains Ian Speck, Trey Swingruber and Brady Campbell.

Send your sports stories or briefs to Brian Cremo, Sports Editor at brian@saratogapublishing.com

“Ian Speck is just a terrific captain, not only in the locker room and on the ice, but off ice he is just a great role model for the younger kids,” said Buffoline of the defenseman who is leading the team with 12 assists. “They really look up to him. He’s not someone who is a leader by yelling and screaming. He’s just a quiet leader who talks in the locker room. What he says is really important because he’s right on target with everything he says and the kids really respect him.

Swingruber is right behind Speck with 10 assists and has also found the back of the net himself six times. His younger brother, Sam, is a freshman who has also been getting big minutes this season.

“Trey’s just played terrific all year long, and partnered up with Ian Speck; they’re a pretty good one-two combination for us,” Buffoline said.

“Trey Swingruber has just stepped out of his shadow this year,” Buffoline said. “When he was in ninth and tenth grade he had a good year and last kind of took a little bit off,

but this year he is just elite on the ice. And in the locker room he’s much more vocal and more verbal.”

Campbell played defense last year but was switched back to offense. He’s had at least a goal and an assist apiece in each of the past three games.

“Brady Campbell has really stepped up his game too,” said Buffoline. “Last year he played defense for us and we switched him and Justin Andolina, thinking that Justin could score more goals for us, and he’s just starting to catch fire now. Once he starts going, we’re going to be that much more dangerous” Another key piece has been senior goalie Ben Koszelak, who is 10-2 between the posts this season.

He’s racked up 227 saves (.901 save percentage) to help back his 2.08 goals against average.

For his first two years on varsity he was waiting in the wings behind Austin Clark, who was consistently one of the top goalies in the league.

“Ben has patiently waited until his senior year,”

Buffoline said. “In his sophomore and junior year, we really tried to get him in four or five games a year to prepare himself for his senior year, and he has really stepped up his game. He’s also a terrific leader in the locker room. He knows it’s going to fall on him when we get into the playoffs and we play some of the better teams like Shen and Saratoga. So far this year, his numbers are tremendous for us.”

Buffoline added that, although his team is anxious to prove themselves against the likes of Shen and Saratoga, the team has to take it one week at a time. That starts with La Salle at 7 p.m. tonight.

“Our goal from the get-go this year was to win the section and we feel we have a shot at that,” Buffoline said.

“The only way we’re going to do that is if we beat everybody and it does go by fast.

We take it one week at a time.

We’re going to get a good idea of how good we are [during this final stretch]. No matter your record, you have to beat the best to be the best.”

Puzzle solutions from pg. 28

Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

SPORTS

31

‘Put Me in Coach, I’m Ready to Play!’

by Damian Fantauzzi for Saratoga TODAY Do you remember the song title and lyrics in 1985 released by John Fogerty: “Put me in coach,” from the song “Centerfield?”

The song is basically about baseball, but it definitely can relate to all sports. This brings up the issue of entitlement—where an athlete who is on a team, no matter the sport, feels that there is an unwritten rule that they have a right to play, or play more. I have touched on this subject a few times in various columns I have written, but now that we’re deeply dug into basketball season, it has come to my attention in a different way.

Picture this: when on a team, some players imagine it’s like tipping a scale with players on each end to keep it balanced. When it comes to team sports, there is really no measurement used to determine the time of play for each player, other than skill. So, the true calculating is done by talent—the talent of some compared to others. One might determine this player is better than

that player. In reality, the best players will get the most playing time (PT).

The fallacy of entitlement is that if practice is time about equal for all of the players, then playing time should parallel with practice time.

Basically, in youth programs, like biddy basketball, the players generally get equal PT. But what tips the scale at higher levels, like being on a JV or varsity team, is that there are some athletes who have an edge over others’ skill and performance.

Granted, there may the possibility of some injustice that might need to be addressed. But in general, this is the nature of team sports, and in most circumstances there are few variables other than talent for more PT. If the player who doesn’t play a lot and can’t look at themselves objectively, it can result in low selfesteem and loss of self-confidence, or a feeling that the coach doesn’t appreciate their efforts. This can result in some negative friction between the player and coach, discontentment, a feeling of unworthiness, and the desire to quit the team.

A coach, realizing the necessity to communicate with the team, should explain each player’s role for a successful season. Accepting your role as a team member is essential to a team. Sometimes coaches think players can see what their role is on the team and understand why they haven’t played as much as other, more skilled team members.

At times, during my career as a basketball coach, I have been guilty of thinking that the athletes could be objective about themselves, thinking that they understood their role.

I learned in my role as a coach that it was important to communicate

to everyone their contribution as a team member. I feel that everyone likes to know where they stand and that there is really no such thing as entitlement, especially at the higher levels of sports.

Conversely, the best players need to understand their responsibilities.

There is no entitlement for their position, and there’s a necessity of balance on the scale of appreciation for others. To be the “superstar,” as it might be phrased, doesn’t excuse any behavior showing disrespect and thinking the team can’t survive without them.

I intend to address the “superstar syndrome” in a future article. The more skilled players need to demonstrate an exemplary demeanor through hard work with good academic standing.

Dedicated time and cooperation with coaches, and appreciation of their fellow players, makes them leaders with executive functions.

There should be no special perks for any player. It is a team effort to the end.

Here’s some advice and something to think about coming from my coaching experience and background. Basketball is a sport that, when the season ends, you can’t put up your sneakers and take the air out of your ball until next year. It’s imperative to work at your game because basketball is a process. It’s a sport that demands your attention for improvement, which includes strengthening, working on your

weaknesses, and improving your skills like shooting, ball handling and passing.

Playing AAU is not the answer to getting better. You must make it a daily routine to get on the court and work hours on your skills or you’ll never get to be where you would like to be for your own hoop dreams.

Tiger Woods just doesn’t play rounds of golf. He practices the mastering of each club in his bag, for hours daily.

You have got to want it!

You can’t expect it to come to you, or think you’re entitled to play because you put some time in. There is no substitute for hard work, no matter how gifted an athlete you are.

“Put me in coach, I ‘m ready to play,” actually sums up the quality time and work put into the development of a player’s skills. Basketball is a game demanding focus on the little things, which can add up possibly to having confidence in how good you can be. Remember, it’s an ongoing process with no guarantees of PT for anyone! This relates to all sports and

I use basketball because it became a big part of my life. I often struggled as a player and a coach.

In both perseverance and success, there will be failures and it’s what one does with those situations that pave the way to improvement.

So don’t give up on your sport, and here is an old sports cliché: “A winner never quits, and a quitter never wins.”

Don’t get discouraged in the process. It might take a long time. That’s where the perseverance comes in. It’s never too late to get better. All roads have bumps and potholes—sometimes they can’t be avoided, you just have to drive through them with a focus of knowing they will soon be behind you and you’ve learned a new path.

Earn the entitlement by being ready to play, and mostly, enjoy the process of the trip!

I know parents have issues with their child’s entitlement of playing time…a future topic for discussion! Write on!

Volume 10 • Issue 3

See Ready to Play pg. 31

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Week of January 23 – January 29, 2015

SPORTS

See Kids in the Kitchen pg. 14

BH/BS Hockey Riding 7-Game Win Streak

10-2 record and a current seven-game win streak heading into tonight’s matchup against La Salle at Hudson BURNT HILLLS/BALLSTON SPA — Valley Community College.

“Overall, we’re just very balanced Head coach James Buffoline has found this year unlike in the past when we a way to mix the youth of his team depended on one line or maybe one with the experience of his seniors.

The result thus far for the Burnt particular player to score,” Buffoline Hills/Ballston Spa ice hockey team: a said. “We have a lot of guys who can put

by Brian Cremo for Saratoga TODAY

the puck in the net. I think we’re hard to play against because other teams can’t just focus on one or two of our lines.

They have to focus on three. Actually all of our lines, scoring wise, have been pretty even if you break it down. They just seem to have really good chemistry and we have really good leadership with our senior captains.”

Buffoline’s squad has scored the second most goals in the Capital District High School Hockey League (56, only trailing Saratoga’s 58) and has allowed the least amount (28).

Nine players have 10 or more points this season with sophomore Geordon Buffoline leading the way with eight goals and eight