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I n d e p e n d e n t

Volume 10 • Issue 11 • March 20 – March 26, 2015

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F r e e saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • (518) 581-2480

Making the Case Saratoga National Proposes ‘Destination Resort’

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga National Golf Club is proposing to expand its facilities over 15 additional acres on its property.

This would provide additional amenities that would make it a year-round destination resort.

They made their case for the expansion, supplemented with supporting data from business and civic leaders, at a panel presentation on Monday, Mar. 16 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel.

However, in order for this plan to proceed through the city’s land use review boards, the City Council will have to approve a motion in the Saratoga Springs Comprehensive Plan for a zoning change: Making an “Open Space Resort Overlay” exemption at the site, as it is inside the city’s Conservation Development District, Continued on pg. 14

They’re Here!

Spring Edition Now Available

See pgs. 26-28

Inside TODAY Blotter 5 Obituaries 6-7

A Survivor’s Tale

by Neil Benjamin Jr. Saratoga TODAY

About 175,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies just arrived in the Saratoga area via two tractor trailers!

That’s about 45,000 boxes of Thin Mints!

Tammy D’ercole is the first to admit that she is not the victim, but rather her family members are.

D’ercole, 48 and a Saratoga Springs native, suffers from an anoxic brain injury caused by an ischemic stroke that occurred on Jan. 29, 2006, when she was living in Pittsburgh with an ex-boyfriend. After a night of heavy drinking, D’ercole noticed blood in her urine and went to the hospital.

Doctors quickly found a tumor in her heart (atrial myxoma) and told her she needed emergency surgery, otherwise she might not survive for very long.

Before the surgery, a piece of the tumor broke off, went into her bloodstream and essentially stopped the flow of oxygen to her brain.

“Essentially, the right side of my brain stopped functioning” afterward, D’ercole said.

Continued on pg. 12

Historic Saratoga

16-17

Education 24-25 Business 30-31 Pulse 37-39 Sports 44-48

Weekend Forecast FRIDAY

35|27 SATURDAY

46|21 SUNDAY

28|12

NEWS 3

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Fundraising for a Playground for All Abilities Milton’s Inclusive Playground Project Seeks Donors

A rendering of Milton’s Inclusive Playground Project. Photo courtesy of the CMCD Foundation.

by Stephanie Hale-Lopez Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA COUNTY — An inclusive playground designed for children of all physical and mental abilities, the first of its kind in the area, will soon call the Town of Milton home.

The Cortical Malformation & Cephalic Disorder (CMCD) Foundation has partnered with the Town of Milton to make the playground a reality. The CMCD Foundation was founded

by Saratoga Springs mother, Krystyn LaBate, after her son, Giovanni, was diagnosed with both of those conditions.

Cortical malformations and cephalic disorders are both rare neurological conditions often caused by a disturbance that occurs early in the development of the fetal nervous system. LaBate says she found herself with very little information and support after receiving her son’s diagnoses and decided to start the CMCD Foundation as a way to give back and help others in a similar situation.

“As part of our mission, we have committed ourselves to raising awareness for all children with disabilities, doing what we can to ensure that they have the same opportunities as their typically developing peers,” said LaBate.

Equal opportunity for all children is why LaBate is working nonstop to bring an inclusive playground to Saratoga County.

Not only does the proposed 17,000-square-foot playground meet the minimum ADA standards, LaBate says it will go above and beyond to ensure that it is truly a playground for children of all abilities, and the Town of Milton is on board.

The Town of Milton has contributed $175,000 to the project, with the company supplying the playground equipment matching that contribution with a grant of $170,000. That combined $345,000 was used to purchase two main play structures.

The CMCD Foundation has committed to raising $80,000 for the purchase of accessible playground equipment, in addition to the two main play structures that have already been purchased, as well as fencing for the entire playground.

LaBate says current regulations only require that playgrounds provide ground level access to 50 percent of the play element and that only providing access to half of the playground does not establish a socially-inclusive environment. The regulations do not take into consideration children with sensory deficits and other developmental disabilities.

“Children with disabilities deserve more than the minimum standards when it comes to

playground inclusion and accessibility,” said LaBate. “Currently, there is only one inclusive playground which is located in a city two counties away. Making this trip is difficult for most families of children with disabilities, resulting in social isolation.”

To reach its goal of $80,000 to purchase more playground equipment and fencing, the CMCD Foundation has developed a couple of fundraising opportunities, including sponsorships and a buy-a-brick initiative. Sponsorship packages range from contributions as small as $250 to $10,000 or more; and the buy-a-brick initiative allows donors to purchase a customengraved brick that will be part of the playground’s walkway. The CMCD Foundation is also accepting tax-deductible donations.

To find out how to get involved or make a donation, visit cmcdfoundation.org /inclusiveplayground or contact Krystyn LaBate at klabate@cmcdfoundation.org.

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week in Review

Winners in County’s HORSE Tournament Announced SARATOGA SPRINGS — Last Saturday’s H-O-R-S-E Tournament produced more than one overall winner. Sponsored by BlueShield of

Zach Carlson, Susan Halstead, Mayor Joanne Yepsen, Phil Fitzsimmons and Matt Zerr. Photo provided.

Northeast New York and organized by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce Health and Wellness Committee, businesses competed against each other as part of celebrating wellness in the workplace.

There were trophies for first, second and third place with the first place winner given the opportunity to cut down the net. The overall winner was Bob Brown of DC Sports. Second place went to Zach Carlson of Saratoga Casino and Raceway and third place went to Rod Sutton of Sutton and Tarantino.

Two players were presented with City Centennial t-shirts by Mayor Yepsen and Susan Halstead for winning the 19th and 15th Bracket.

19th Bracket winner was Zach Carlson and 15th was Phil Fitzsimmons of Sperry’s Restaurant.

Phish Not Performing at SPAC SARATOGA SPRINGS — After years of performing at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Phish won’t be returning to SPAC this summer.

The Vermont-based band recently released their summer tour schedule and SPAC wasn’t on the list. The closest the band will play to the Capital Region is a festival dubbed “Magnaball”

planned for Aug. 21-23 at Watkins Glen International Speedway.

For several consecutive years, Phish has played at SPAC. The shows brought in hordes of fans and usually meant a sell-out; but arrests for drug possession and other offenses were often a byproduct of the shows.

Sparkler Law Passes in Saratoga County SARATOGA COUNTY — Saratoga County officials recently approved a law making sparklers and other small fireworks legal, four months shy of Fourth of July celebrations.

The unanimous vote by Saratoga County supervisors makes Saratoga the second county in the state, after Essex, to legalize small fireworks.

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cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com

Those looking to sell them must obtain a permit from the state Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

The supervisors acted under a new state law that took effect January 1, 2015 and allows the sale of sparkles and other small pyrotechnics between June 1 and July 5 each year, as well as for a week before New Year’s Day. Only individuals 18 and older are able to buy them.

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Sheriff Zurlo: Beware of Phone Scam SARATOGA COUNTY — The Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Office has issued a warning regarding a phone scam targeting local residents.

Sheriff Zurlow says if you answer your home phone and are threatened with arrest unless unpaid tax bills are paid, hang up and call the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff ’s office says it has received complaints that “unknown

persons” impersonating sheriff deputies were calling members of the public in an attempt to extract money from them. Officials say the sheriff ’s office is not an agent for the Internal Revenue Service and will never accept any form of payment over the phone.

To report suspicious phone calls, call the sheriff ’s office at 885-6761.

Structure Fire Damages County Truck MILTON — A structure fire damaged at least one Saratoga County public works truck at the public works garage complex off County Farm Road last Wednesday.

Officials say the fire was reported around 5:04 p.m. by an on-site safety officer who saw and smelled smoke

from an enclosed garage used to store three trucks used in the county recycling program. Crews say one of the three trucks in the garage appeared to have significantly more damage than the other two.

The cause of the fire is still being determined. No injuries were reported.

Lawmakers Push for K9 Recognition in NYS ALBANY — State lawmakers came together last Friday to make sure K9s are recognized for their service to the state.

A bi-partisan bill from Senator Kathy Marchione and Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara would designate March 13 as K9 Veterans Appreciation Day in New York State. They held a press

conference in Albany to get support for the bill that would honor dogs that work in law enforcement, the military and other K9 units.

The U.S. K9 Corps was established on March 13, 1942 and 11 states already have a K9 Recognition Day. Marchione and Santabarbara hope the bill will pass in both the senate and assembly this session.

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Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

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Next Deadline: Welcome home 3/27/2015

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015 Eric A. Eckerson, 31, of Greenfield Center, was arrested March 12 following a traffic stop and charged with misdemeanor aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle with three or more suspensions and issued a ticket for a loud exhaust.

Catherine M. Winslow, 45, of Clifton Park, was arrested March 11 following a traffic stop and charged with misdemeanor aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration.

Seth G. Stuart, 39, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested March

10 and charged with misdemeanor criminal possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Gilberto Coello, 46, of Hollywood, Fla., was arrested March 10 and charged with misdemeanor aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle.

Renee Caruso, 31, of Mechanicville, pleaded to the charge of felony attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance. She will be sentenced May 12 in county court.

Andrew J. Foster, 36, of Mechanicville, pleaded to the

BLOTTER charge of felony DWI and will be sentenced on May 14 in county court.

Joseph J. Bilinski, 44, of Schuylerville, pleaded to the charged of felony criminal possession of marijuana and will be sentenced on May 21 in county court.

Shane P. Wilbur, 20, of Ballston Spa, pleaded to the charge of felony robbery in the third degree and will be sentenced May 18 in county court.

Joseph P. Peterson, 24, pleaded to the charge of felony assault in the second degree and will be sentenced June 1 in county court.

DA: No charges in Satre death Saratoga County District Attorney Karen A. Heggen announced on March 18 that she met with family members of Daniel C. Satre and informed them that no indictments will be filed regarding the incident that occurred September 20 and 21, a press release from the county said.

On the dates listed, Ballston Spa police officers were dispatched to a man standing in the middle of Saratoga Avenue who was aggressively approaching vehicles passing by. Police found a man identified

as Satre, 44, who did not cooperate with police instructions, ensuing in a struggle. In the melee, Satre stopped breathing and was transported to Saratoga, where he was pronounced dead on September 21.

Heggen noted that the grand jury voted to file its findings of dismissal pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law Sections 190.60 and 190.75. A Court Order was authorized to pass this information to the family.

Heggen would not provide any more details, explaining that

Clements To Undergo Psych Evaluation Cody Clements, the 19-year-old charged with felony assault for allegedly slashing his 10-year-old brother’s throat, has been recommended for a 90-day psychiatric evaluation to see if he is fit to handle legal proceedings, according to the Times Union.

Judge Timothy Williams viewed separate psych evaluations on Clements, whose mother, Tina Maria Clements, said is very ill.

Clements is accused of slashing his brother’s throat on March 12, and so far, there hasn’t been a reason given

as to why. The boy was released from Albany Medical Center Hospital after undergoing emergency surgery.

According to the March 18 Times Union report, Clements was overheard apologizing repeatedly, and questioning why he was in court.

He was then unable to make it through his hearing and was removed from the courtroom by deputies.

He is being held on $75,000 bail at county jail until a decision on his mental state is made.

she is prohibited from disclosing information concerning the nature or substance of anything from the grand jury.

She added that there is legislation being discussed in Albany that would allow District Attorneys, in cases involving police-citizen encounters that result in death, to issue a report or letter explaining the grand jury’s decision without being limited to secrecy.

Raymond E. Conniff, 21, pleaded to a charge of felony criminal possession of stolen property.

No information on sentencing was available.

SENTENCINGS Matthew J. Keeley, 34, of Hudson Falls, was sentenced to 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison for felony grand larceny in the fourth degree.

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Gary C. Garafalo, 24, was sentenced to time served and five years probation and ordered to pay $8,805 in restitution to the victim on the charge of felony grand larceny.

Shane S. Curran, 43, was sentenced to five concurrent terms of 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison and ordered to pay $4,959.78 in restitution to the victim for the charge of felony criminal possession of stolen property.

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obituaries Alice P. Adam

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Alice P. Adam passed away peacefully after a short illness on Monday, March 9 at Saratoga Hospital surrounded by her family. She was 77.

Alice was born February 16, 1938 in Schenectady, New York to the late Vernon and Beatrice Post. She graduated from Draper High School in Schenectady in 1955 and later attended Skidmore College. She relocated to Saratoga Springs, New York in 1958 where she devoted herself to raising her six children.

Alice was a caring mother, devoted wife and beloved friend who enhanced the lives of everyone she touched. She had many interests including reading, crossword puzzles, gardening and playing the piano. In her later life, she enjoyed antiquing and trips to

the coast with her husband, Skip and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Alice was predeceased by her first husband Frank Martin; her brother Douglas Post and her sister Arlene D’Arcangelo.

Survivors include her loving husband Skip Adam; her children Mary Kim (Richard) Bauer of Saratoga Springs, Christopher (Kimberly) Martin of Wilton, NY, Thomas (Brian) Martin of Athens, NY, Sandra (Marcco) Zaffarano of Middleville, NY, Richard Martin of Brooklyn, NY and Robin (Leo) Parker of Wilton, NY; Skip’s children, Leslie (Michael & Gabrielle, Asleigh) Siciliano , Kelly (George, Theo, Dimitri & Sophia) Vasilakos and Samantha (Timothy, Mackenna & Connor) Keefe; 8 grandchildren Greg (Emily) Bauer, Christian Bauer, Sara Parker, Greydon Parker, Joey Zaffarano, Teresa Zaffarano, Kylee Martin and Wyatt Martin and her greatgranddaughter Renee Bauer.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to the charity of your choice in Alice’s memory.

Lorraine Mahoney

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Lorraine M. Mahoney passed away peacefully Thursday, March 12 at Saratoga Hospital.

She was 89.

Mahoney was born in Alexandria Bay, New York on November 22, 1925 and was the youngest daughter of the late Carl and Hazel Miller and sister to the late Jacquin Mitchell.

Lorraine was a graduate of the Rochester School of Nursing.

She worked as an operating room nurse at Albany Medical Center for 15 years until the birth of her son when she sacrificed her career to become a dedicated homemaker and mother. On February 19, 1958, Lorraine married the late Hon. A. Franklin Mahoney and they

shared a blessed union of 36 years until his passing in 1994.

Over the years Lorraine has been a parishioner of St. Francis D’Sales, St. Jude’s, St. Clement’s, and most recently the Church of St. Peter. A devout Catholic, she took great joy in dedicating her time and efforts to assist many organizations and helping others who were less fortunate. In her younger years, Lorraine enjoyed swimming laps in her backyard pool and knitting sweaters, scarves and hats for anyone who requested. It was hard to find anyone she knew who didn’t have one of Lorraine’s special sweaters. Later years were occupied by reading biographies of politicians, crossword puzzles and spending as much time as possible with her grandchildren.

Her family was blessed to have her living within their home for the past twelve years.

Lorraine is survived by her son Franklin (Celeste); her cherished grandchildren Amelia, August, and Aleksandr; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Maria Dyer

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Maria Dyer of Church Street in Saratoga Springs died peacefully surrounded by her family Saturday, March 8 at Saratoga Hospital. She was 83.

Born on May 19, 1931 in Bogota, Colombia, she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Zoila Plata.

Maria married her husband William on September 15, 1973. He passed away on March 1, 2011. She worked as an office administrator for Citi Financial in New York, New York for many years until she and her husband moved to

the Saratoga Springs area in 1984. It was here that Mrs. Dyer served as a volunteer for the Saratoga Springs Hospital. Her greatest enjoyment came from spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Maria is predeceased by her husband William and two brothers and two sisters. Survivors include her daughter, Mary Bokus and her husband Bill of Middle Grove, New York; a son, Gregory W. Dyer of Cohoes; a sister, Helena Gomez of Colombia; grandchildren, Kenneth Hicks, Colin and Dylan Bokus; great-grandchild Blake Hicks; a niece Laura Ardila and a great-niece Linda Rodriguez.

Memorial donations can be made in her memory to the Lyons Eye Bank in Albany, or to the American Heart Association.

Carolyn West

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Carolyn West passed away Monday, March 9 at Wesley Health Care Center where she had been a resident since 2011.

Carolyn was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on Christmas day, 1919 to the late Adina and Walter Downing. She was the youngest of four siblings Ruth, Walter, and Bernice, who all predeceased her. Carolyn married Irving Mann and they had two daughters, Gretchen (Mann) Pierce of Wakefield, Rhode Island and Priscilla (Mann) Cutler of Wilton.

Also surviving are her five grandchildren, Jim

Cutler of Corinth, New York, Leslie (Cutler) Richards of Schuylerville, New York, Darin Pierce of Wakefield, Rhode Island, Suzanne (Cutler) Hermann of Berlin, New York and Amy (Pierce) McDowell of Emmitsburg, Maryland along with ten great grandchildren and two deceased.

Carolyn loved her family. She enjoyed making things and was a good seamstress.

She fellowshipped at the Village Bible Chapel in Framingham for many years and had good friends there. Carolyn retired to New York to live with her daughter, Priscilla in 2008 and fellowshipped at New Life Fellowship.

Family and friends remembered her at a gathering at Priscilla’s home, 5 Pulver Blvd., Wilton on Saturday, March 14.

Lucy Gill

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Lucy Mercedes Rincon Gill passed away Friday, March 13.

Lucy was born in Bogota, Colombia and moved to the United States in 1964. She spoke five languages and earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from New York University. Lucy married her husband of almost 48 years, Larry, on April 1, 1967. They lived in the Bronx and Long Island before moving to Saratoga Springs in 2004.

She retired from Avon Products as their Vice President of International Marketing. Lucy was a huge sports fan and loved the NY Yankees, NY Giants and NY Rangers. She was also a fan of international soccer and was able to meet one of her idols, Pele, while doing a campaign for Avon. Lucy was a devout Catholic and her faith was unwavering through all of the difficult times in her life. She loved to talk and would make friends with anyone she would meet.

Lucy’s family meant everything to her. She is survived by her husband, Larry; her son Kevin (Michelle); and her grandson, Jordan. She is also survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Vincent and Dotty Gill, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and several brothers and sisters.

The family would like to thank the staff at Saratoga Hospital for their care and compassion during her hospital stays.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Lucy’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Norma Bell WILTON — Norma Bell passed away Wednesday, March 11 at Ellis Hospital. She was 74.

Born March 21, 1940 in Saratoga Springs, Norma is the daughter of the late Benjamin and Cora Gillman Goldsmith. Norma worked as a telephone operator for AT & T in Florida.

Norma is survived by her brother, Philip Goldsmith of Manchester, Vermont and her nephew, Mark Goldsmith of Boston, MA.

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Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

6th Annual Saratoga County Restaurant Week SARATOGA COUNTY — 101.3 The Jockey and Driscoll Foods present the 6th annual Saratoga County Restaurant Week, taking place Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 29.

Organizers say food lovers are in for the most delicious Restaurant Week ever!

Meals around Saratoga County are priced for only $20.15 (plus tax and tip.) A list of participating restaurants and their menus are available online at 1013thejockey.com.

2015 Participating Restaurants Angelo’s Prime Bar + Grill (Clifton Park) The Barrelhouse (Saratoga Springs) Bellini’s Italian Eatery (Clifton Park) Boca Bistro (Saratoga Springs) The Brook Tavern (Saratoga Springs) Chianti (Saratoga Springs) Crown Grill (Saratoga Springs) Dock Brown’s On Saratoga Lake (Saratoga Springs) Gaffney’s Restaurant (Saratoga Springs)

obituaries Leroy Walker BALLSTON SPA — Leroy F. Walker passed away suddenly Monday, March 16 at his residence, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was 76.

Born on February 22, 1939 in Utica, he worked many years as a District Manager for Howard Johnsons Restaurants along the New York State Thruway. He then worked several years for Packhorse Restaurant in Saratoga Springs

before he retired. In his retirement he worked part time at the Hannaford Supermarket in Milton where he made many friends. While at Hannaford, one of his favorite days was “Senior Bus Day” where he greeted seniors, as they shopped, with coffee, goodies and a smile.

Leroy enjoyed traveling, playing the slot machines, poker and cards with his friends at the

senior center. The best thing of all was his love for cooking. He was a great cook and many of his recipes will live on with his family.

He will be dearly missed by his loving wife Judy and their two daughters, Rita (Dave) McCormick and Karen Presnell.

He is also survived by his sister Ida Mastrianna of Rome, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Association.

Sally Russo SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sally Jean Wise Russo passed away Friday, March 13 at her home, surrounded by her family. She was 79.

Sally was a magna cum laude graduate of Bryn Mawr College, and held Master’s degrees from the Yale University Department of Classics and from the University of Michigan School of Social Work.

Due to this extensive training and her compassionate, insightful and dedicated nature, she had a long career in the Philadelphia area as a teacher, social worker, psychotherapist, and hospital administrator at the Horsham Clinic and at the Institute of the Pennsylvania Hospital.

In retirement, she and her husband moved to the Saratoga

Springs area to be with their daughters and their families.

She will be deeply missed by her husband of 55 years, Joseph Russo; her children, Nina and Maura; her grandchildren Maisie and Phineas; her sisters Maureen Elizabeth and Nancy Ellen; her brother-in-law Bill Connelly; her son-in-law Mark O’Brien; and many extended family members and friends.

Mary Cole

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mary H. Cole passed away Sunday, March 15 at her home.

She was 67.

Born on July 7, 1947 in Saratoga Springs, she was the daughter of the late Pearley W. and Mary A. (Garnsey) Benson. Mary formerly worked at the racino and in housekeeping at Saratoga Hospital. She enjoyed playing bingo, cards and spending time with her family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by one brother, Pearley W. Benson III.

Survivors include her son Herbert R. (Jennifer) Cole of Marietta, Georgia; sister, Barbara Settles of Saratoga Springs; brother, George M. Benson of San Diego, California; two grandsons and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will take place Friday, March 20 at 1 p.m. at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cuniff Funeral Homes and burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

Il Forno Bistro (Saratoga Springs) The Inn at Saratoga (Saratoga Springs) Jacob & Anthony’s American Grille (Saratoga Springs) Lake Ridge Restaurant (Round Lake) Lillian’s (Saratoga Springs) Limoncello (Saratoga Springs) Longfellows (Saratoga Springs) Maestro’s at the Van Dam (Saratoga Springs) The Merry Monk (Saratoga Springs) Mexican Connection (Saratoga Springs) The Mouzon House (Saratoga Springs) Olde Bryan Inn (Saratoga Springs) One Caroline (Saratoga Springs) Pasta Pane (Clifton Park) Peddlers Bar Bistro (Clifton Park) PJ’s BAR-B-QSA (Saratoga Springs) Prime at Saratoga National (Saratoga Springs) The Ripe Tomato (Ballston Spa) Salty’s Pub & Bistro (Clifton Park) Scallions (Saratoga Springs) Sperry’s (Saratoga Springs) The Thirsty Owl (Saratoga Springs) Villago Pizzeria (Ballston Lake) Wheatfields Restaurant & Bar (Saratoga Springs) Wheatfields Bistro & Wine Bar (Clifton Park) The Wishing Well (Gansevoort)

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Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

From the Publisher’s Desk . . .

The Price of Growth

by Chad Beatty Saratoga TODAY Silicon Valley — the name says it all. While today it is home to many of the world’s largest high tech-corporations such as Apple, Cisco, Hewlett Packard, Ebay, Facebook and Oracle, it wasn’t always the epicenter of high-tech.

The impressive growth developed over the years and involved the convergence of money, talent, vision, universities, genius and risk.

“Silicon Valley created an environment that allowed ideas, money and people to combine more easily,” said AnnaLee Saxenian, dean at UC Berkeley and an expert on the region.

(SFGate.com) It is a fairy tale story that has given birth to industries and allowed tens of thousands of families to thrive, while many areas of the country struggled to survive.

I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a pretty good scenario to me.

Well, once again our region is at a point where we can either embrace continued smart growth, or grind it to a screeching halt Most of you are familiar with the Luther Forest Technology Campus (LFTC), which is home to the U.S.

production site of GlobalFoundries Inc., the world’s second-largest computer chip fabrication plant.

That single company alone employs approximately 3,000 people! That is 3,000 well-paying jobs; 3,000 paychecks going back into our local economy; 3,000 families buying homes, cars and appliances. And over the two year period ending in 2012, GlobalFoundries paid $14 million dollars in school taxes to the Ballston Spa School District.

You get the point.

Unfortunately much of the remaining 1,400 acre LFTC campus remains undeveloped. Why? It appears that we may have a few roadblocks that are deterring tech companies and their feeder businesses from choosing Malta as their home.

You see local laws in Malta block the LFTC from access to

the state’s PILOT program (payment in lieu of taxes). There are 62 counties in New York State, with hundreds of projects going on at any given moment. Why is this the only project in the state not allowing PILOT incentives?

I didn’t get an MBA from Wharton, but it seems clear to me that we should remove any impediments and do everything in our ability to foster smart growth. We NEED policy changes that unleash the forces of free enterprise!

In their book ‘The Rainforest,’ authors and venture capitalists Victor W. Hwang and Greg Horowitt explore what makes places like Silicon Valley tick and can that magic be replicated in other places?

They argue that innovation ecosystems—what they call

rainforests—can only thrive when certain cultural behaviors unlock human potential and generate extraordinary creativity and output.

This approach involves outside-of-the-box thinking and nurturing creative growth. It involves looking at things differently and questioning the status quo.

Blocking the PILOT incentives accomplish none of these.

We also have to take into account that the LFTC is a part of a bigger picture known as the Tech Valley, which encompasses the Hudson Valley and Capital Region.

This is a big plan that offers decades of growth and prosperity.

I am pleased to see forward thinking on the education front with the launch of Tech Valley High School in Albany; the SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering; and Hudson Valley Community College’s TEC-SMART, a new facility designed to train students in microchip manufacture and “green” technologies.

TEC-SMART is located in the Saratoga Technology and Energy Park, a campus dedicated to the research of renewable energy. The site is located in Malta adjacent to the LFTC. Great job preparing our future workforce!

While I am handing out kudos, let’s not forget the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC). If you aren’t familiar with their history, the SEDC spearheaded the LFTC project and even signed on the dotted line personally for some of the initial loans! They were a key player in attracting GlobalFoundries and they are responsible for creating over 17,000 jobs and over $12 billion in investment in their 37 years.

To get us this far we have had a wide range of players who were forward-thinking, highly creative and filled with passion.

They bet on our region and our community. Let’s keep the progress going.

Level the playing field and give us the tools we need to compete.

Malta town board — allow PILOT initiatives NOW.

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

NEWS 9

To the Editor,

T

hank you very much for your series of articles regarding urban renewal in Saratoga Springs.

This is important history for long-time Saratogians as well as an enlightening experience for newcomers.

I consider myself a true Saratogian even though I was not born here, because every summer my sister and I would summer here at the home of my beloved grandmother, Ardelle Eloise Mouzon McCoy since the early 1960s. I am writing to you to discuss how the second part of the Spring Valley project personally affected my grandmother and the home she loved at 1 York Street.

In the early 1970s urban renewal was hell bent on razing my grandmother’s home. She purchased 1 York Street in 1919 and five generations of Mouzons lived under her roof. At that time, there were two qualifications that a property had to meet in order to qualify for destruction: 1- A deteriorating structure; or 2- Existing in the flood zone.

Neither of these requirements applied to my grandmother’s home, so she decided to fight urban renewal. Bear in mind, my grandmother, a Native American widow well into her 80s, was ready to do battle with City Hall, in what turned out to be an epic David and Goliath skirmish.

City Hall stooped to underhanded methods to drive her out, including: turning off her water with no notice, refusing to plow snow or maintain the grounds of city property that abutted her back yard. Also, the constant dynamiting of the property that is now the Saratoga Springs City Center, rattled

her walls and windows, causing her great fear. It was only with the assistance of the Honorable Judge LaBelle that she defeated urban renewal.

Sadly, after my grandmother’s valiant efforts to save her home, it was unilaterally transferred to an

outside party. The fact that her home is now a successful restaurant (The Mouzon House) proves that her home was structurally sound. But none of that interests me now. I am writing to you to serve as my grandmother’s voice.

Her home served as a hub for my family. It was there that I always felt engaged, comfortable and free. My grandmother loved that house as much as she loved her family.

It is my sincere hope that you will print this letter,

and should any more articles be written about urban renewal’s second project, Spring Valley North, that she will be included in it’s fabric and history.

L. Michelle Mouzon Grocé, ESQ. South Glens Falls

10

wilton nEWS

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Wilton Discusses Safety Along Smith Bridge Road

by Dale Wilman for Saratoga TODAY The Wilton Town Council voted 5-0 this month in favor of taking the first step toward making the curve on Smith Bridge Road safer. The board agreed to accept a sliver of land along the south side of the curve from developer Peter Belmonte, pending approval of the town’s attorney.

The land, about 6,500 square feet, is in the shape of a crescent moon, and will provide room for the town to eventually smooth out the curve.

Anyone who regularly drives along Smith Bridge Road is likely familiar with the curve. Driving from Jones Road to the east, the road travels up a hill before taking a sharp turn to the left. The hill reduces the ability of drivers to see on-coming traffic, and a large barn sitting on the south side of the curve can cause additional problems.

“It’s dangerous,” says Wilton Town Board member John Lant.

“It’s a dangerous curve.”

The curve claimed the life of the father of one of his employees in an accident 20 years ago.

A barn and a small house currently sit on the land. Belmonte says neither building is currently in use, and he has agreed to remove both at no cost to the town.

Wilton Engineer Ryan Riper says that removal will be a good thing, because the barn presents a wintertime hazard.

“Snow slides off the roof into the roadway,” he said, and because the barn sits along the edge of the road: “It’s a hazard to the traveling public.”

Town Supervisor Art Johnson said there is no timetable set for the roadwork, but that he’d like to get it started. “I’d like to see it done within the next two-to-three years.”

Belmonte told the board that removal of the barn could take as long as six months.

“There is a little bit of anxiety with the state on the barn coming down,” he said.

State officials are concerned that the structure may have historical value.

“We keep pointing out to them that there is little historical value, but we are willing to have it dismantled so it’s not destroyed,” Belmonte said. “We have not gotten a green light to go yet.”

The town board rejected a second piece of property offered

by Belmonte. That land, which sits on the north side of Smith Bridge Road, is primarily wetlands. But by offering the land to the town, Belmonte receives a 10-percent density bonus for his Mill at Smith Bridge housing development.

Notes From Wilton Town Board — The town board also agreed to notify the county of its interest in obtaining a parcel of land off Bullard Lane, north of Jones Road. The parcel is being auctioned off by the county for failure to pay back taxes. Supervisor Johnson says the land would be used to eventually connect a hiking path from the north with Jones Road.

— The town’s finances were discussed this month. Final revenue figures for 2014 show income to be down slightly from 2013, at $6,094,062. That’s $167,560 below revenue from 2013. The drop comes from a decrease in mortgage tax collected.

— Finally the board approved several personnel moves.

Amy Worth was appointed to a permanent part-time clerk position with the Wilton Town Court at a starting salary of $12 per hour. Keith Burger II was appointed to the Ethics Advisory Board, while Richard S. Fish was named a second alternate to the Planning Board.

The Board also agreed to grant a road access waiver to a senior housing development planned for Perry Road just north of the Wilton Mall. The $20 million project will create more than 200 market-rate

housing units. The waiver will allow the exit to the development to be along Perry Road, rather than to create a potential hazard by forcing cars to exit onto the busier Route 50.

11

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

To the editor, Periodically, the Public Safety Department holds a forum so that our citizens can communicate directly with me and with our police, fire/EMS, code enforcement and traffic regulations departments. Our next forum will be held on Thursday evening, March 26 at 7 p.m. in the City Council room.

One topic to focus on during the March Public Safety forum will be vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic regulations. Keeping our streets safe requires that everyone know and observe the rules of the road. I encourage all to attend this meeting to discuss this and any other public safety or City Council issue.

Although it is March, the snow banks continue to clog our streets and to obstruct the view of oncoming traffic. It has been a difficult winter. It is especially important that motorists use extra caution and to reduce their speed. Please be careful.

It is important to clarify the reasons for a resolution that I brought to the City Council in January regarding the advisories that the State Liquor Authority requests for new and renewed liquor licenses. As many people know, I have been concerned about the many problems that accompany excessive late night

alcohol consumption. I sought a change in last call for serving alcohol from 4 AM to 3 AM but our County Board of Supervisors would not approve such a measure. Recently, both Warren and Essex Counties changed their last call from 4 to 3 and saw significant improvement. I will continue to advocate for this reasonable compromise in our county.

In the meantime, much has improved in our nightclub district. The many problems that were occurring under my predecessor, including a fatality in 2010 and the Club Shadow riot in 2011, are now far less frequent. Credit for this change should be shared by our police department, which has established a greater presence during the hours between 1 and 4:30 AM, and the managers of the bars and clubs who are cooperating with the police and who are now following state mandates regarding certification of bouncers and background checks for bartenders.

The State Liquor Authority seeks advisories from City officials before they approve new and renewed liquor licenses. Aware of the unique problems confronting Saratoga Springs, they suggested to me in 2012 that we could gradually enforce an earlier last call by stating this request on our advisories. Since

then, I had requested a 2 a.m. last call for public safety reasons on each SLA advisory that reached my desk. However, I decided earlier this year that I should refine this approach.

Since we seem to be keeping our nightclub district safe by focusing our efforts on this area, we should accept the status quo for now.

The resolution that I proposed would have established a policy whereby SLA advisories for the nightclub district, which consists of a two block area on Caroline St. from Broadway to Henry St. and small adjacent portions of Putnam St. and Maple Ave., would not include a comment on last call. Advisories outside of that area would suggest a 2 a.m. last call. The logic behind this approach is that most establishments in other parts of the City do not presently stay open until 4 a.m. Also, the police cannot be in two places at once. If police were called away, it would undermine their presence on Caroline St. This could endanger both our nightclub district patrons and the remaining police officers.

Though my resolution was not approved, I cannot in good conscience sign a SLA advisory form without commenting on associated public safety problems. I will continue to note that a 2:00 AM last call should be considered for new and renewed liquor licenses

for problem businesses or for establishments outside of the Caroline St. area.

It should also be noted that the SLA advisories are just that. City officials do not determine hours of alcohol beverage sales.

Only the State Liquor Authority has the power to do this.

Chris Mathiesen Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Public Safety

12

NEWS

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

D’ercole Shares Her Story Continued from front page Brain injuries are broken down into two categories: Anoxic and traumatic, which is caused by a physical head injury such as a concussion. March is Brain Injury Awareness month.

Problem was she was unaware that she had suffered a brain injury until a neurologist saw her in 2009 after she began suffering debilitating bouts of pain. After surgery for her tumor, and the ensuing stroke, D’ercole was in a wheelchair for nearly six weeks before being released back into the world.

It’s a story that those with anoxic brain injuries know all too well. An anoxic brain injury, basically, is when the brain is starved

of oxygen, thus limiting the way the human brain can function with each passing second without oxygen. If a doctor doesn’t think to run tests, said injury can go undiagnosed for a long time.

D’ercole moved back to Saratoga Springs in 2009 for what she deemed “better treatment.”

She admits that looking back upon the way she was treated in Pittsburgh, she wasn’t very happy, and said the doctors around here provide a better level of care.

“There were a lot of things I was changing about myself, and I wanted to see them through,” she said.

Reflecting back on her life’s experiences, D’ercole said she caused many of her own problems. In 2000, she weighed almost

300 pounds, so she decided to have gastric bypass surgery. She is half her size today. Yet after the surgery, she and her husband of 10 years divorced, and that’s when she said her biggest demons reared their heads.

“I was grieving the loss of food in my life,” she said, before a brief pause. “But then booze replaced it quickly.”

She started relying on alcohol as a mechanism to cope with what was happening in her life. Soon, her husband decided he had enough and left the relationship, which only allowed D’ercole to spiral further out of control.

She had four daughters from the marriage, which she said was a lot of responsibility for someone suffering from alcohol addiction.

Then, the stroke happened.

“When I was released from the hospital, I couldn’t walk and I couldn’t use the left side of my body,” she said. “And the first thing I did was go out drinking.”

D’ercole said she came to the realization that she is an alcoholic when she woke up from her surgery.

“I opened my eyes and my family was there,” she said. “We weren’t really all that close and a lot of that was my doing. I started to see all of the hugs and kisses I didn’t get from my dad growing up. When my eyes opened, I said, ‘Dad, I’m an alcoholic.’ He said: ‘I know,’ and that’s when I understood I had a bad problem.”

D’ercole began her slow road to recovery, both physically and emotionally. She has sought help for her alcohol addiction and currently lives a sober lifestyle in an apartment complex for seniors and people with disabilities.

If she has a negative attitude, then she’s pretty great at hiding it.

Every word out of her mouth was positive and forward thinking, and she doesn’t make excuses for anything that has happened.

“As I’ve grown, I realized that I put my family through hell with my drinking and everything that has happened,” D’ercole said. “My kids were the victims, because they had to deal with me all those years.”

In dealing with her brain injury, D’ercole said the biggest thing for her was becoming her own advocate. She took the time to research and fully understand what happened to her brain, so that she can help herself make the most of her life.

Things that come easy to those without brain injuries – filling out paperwork, finding an apartment, even relearning how to eat – became chores. So to get back to where she can live a healthy life, D’ercole said she used all resources.

“We (with brain injuries) become engineers in our own

life,” she said. “I have adapted to my environment and worked out a routine that fits best for me.

And look at me. I am living the best life I can, but it has taken a lot of years. Many people think that because I have a brain injury, I need someone to do everything for me. Really, I will just ask if I need help, because I am able to take care of myself.”

D’ercole has an aide that she can use for up to 23 hours per week, but that she tries to use the aide sparingly.

She is very active on social media support groups, and has become an advocate for others with brain injuries. And she feels that awareness about brain injuries is lacking, but also tries to help out families of those who are suffering, so they can carve out an easier path to recovery.

D’ercole said she calls into an internet radio station that focuses on brain injuries multiple times a week to lend support and give advice. She said she has been approached about the possibility of hosting her own show, but would not say if she is going to do it.

“I guess I want people to know a few things: There are many, many different types of brain injuries out there,” she said. “I also want families and friends of brain injury victims to know that with the right amount of support, and also patience and understanding, that they can live a healthy and productive life.”

D’ercole said she is trying to go back to college to get a social work degree and one day hopefully work with brain injury survivors and their families. She also wants to help shed the stigma she says is associated with brain injuries.

“I could say that the injury hurt my life, but it really spun into a blessing,” she said. “My life is a blessing. All life is a blessing. What happened to me isn’t so tragic. Even before the injury, I never dreamed of being where I am today.”

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

NEWS 13

Shed Light on All Brain Injuries, Not Just Traumatic

by Neil Benjamin Jr. Saratoga TODAY With March being National Brain Injury Awareness Month, it’s time we focus on an issue that is affecting people of all ages.

In the national media, there is a lot of attention being given to traumatic head injuries such as concussions.

Professional athletes, namely football players, are dealing with a mini-epidemic. In recent years, we have seen players suffer from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which is a degenerative disease caused in brains that have suffered multiple concussions.

Unfortunately, there is no test for CTE, and cannot be diagnosed until the person has died. Researchers in 2014 discovered a protein that can alert doctors to the presence of CTE, but there is still no test for it, thus forcing people to play a potentially deadly game of chicken.

Just this week, promising San Francisco 49ers rookie Chris Borland abruptly retired from the game after having a top-notch season and putting himself out there as one of the best young players in the game. He walked away from a $3 million contract because of concerns he would not be able to live a productive life after football because of impact-related head trauma.

We could debate his decision forever, but Borland saw the forest for the trees, and decided that having a family for which he can be around in years to come is far more important than playing football, where the average career spans barely four years.

While it is great that people are

talking about traumatic brain injuries and raising awareness, it saddens me that the other type of brain injury goes highly unnoticed. A hypoxic brain injury — also known as anoxic brain injury — is caused when the brain is deprived of oxygen for an extended period of time.

The results can be devastating. I have seen first hand what my brother had to go through – a lengthy coma, nearly four years in a rehabilitation hospital, grueling therapy.

Throughout the process, doctors kept preparing us for the worst.

We were told many times that he probably would not survive, yet he

did. This past Christmas, he moved out of the hospital and into an apartment, where he will continue to fight his way back. Our family has never given up on him, and neither has he.

And he is simply one example as to why we need to focus attention and funding on anoxic brain injuries.

Traumatic brain injuries cost American taxpayers almost $77 billion annually in medical rehabilitation and loss of work. According to official government statistics, 2.4 million people suffer traumatic injuries per year in the US, while 795,000 more suffer anoxic injuries.

Those numbers are staggering, yet I only ever hear about traumatic brain injuries being discussed in the media.

According to one brain injury awareness website, the number for anoxic injuries is far greater than the number listed, because hospitals do not always record anoxic injuries adequately.

This week, I was fortunate to spend some time with Tammy D’ercole, a Saratoga native who suffered an anoxic brain injury. Almost all on her own, she has battled back to make a productive life for herself, after being told it’s a miracle she survived.

Her story is not rare. There are countless survivors of anoxic brain injuries who have gone on

to live productive lives. When I began researching my assignments, I asked my brother what he would like to tell the world about anoxic brain injury survivors.

“That we aren’t dumb,” he said.

Far from it. If I have a question involving math, I usually ask him. He doesn’t forget important things, and he has set goals, just like D’ercole.

Both are shining examples of people who are shedding the stigma of anoxic brain injuries.

One has carved out an independent life; the other is almost there.

With just a little more help, awareness and funding, we just might find a breakthrough that will help so many.

14

NEWS

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Saratoga National Proposes ‘Destination Resort’ Continued from front page or Greenbelt area where this is currently prohibited.

The plan, as detailed by Tom Newkirk, CEO of Saratoga National, represented what he called a “once in a lifetime opportunity” would add several new facilities, including: — A hotel with up to 100 new lodging rooms with related amenities — A Spa and Fitness/Wellness center with expanded locker facilities

— Up to four golf cottage units for group overnight accommodations — Up to 100 residential condominium units — Connection to the Greenbelt Trail system and other nature trails — Year-round amenities to attract destination tourism, such as winter sports and kayaking Additionally, the plan calls for enhancements to existing facilities, such as Prime restaurant.

In return for the ability to develop the additional 15 acres,

Saratoga National proposed to put the remainder of its property, a total of 378 acres, or about 93 percent of their property (including the existing golf course) into a Conservation Easement Agreement that will prevent any future development or change to the current open space unless approved by both the city council and a (to be) designated environmental group.

Newkirk noted that 80 percent of his customers and revenues come from outside Saratoga Springs and that Saratoga National was not seeking any tax breaks.

Their presentation listed the following estimate of potential

benefits arising out of getting the Resort Overlay approved: — Create an additional $10 million of economic impact within the City of Saratoga Springs — Generate an additional $2.5 million in annual tax revenue — Create an additional 260 jobs and payroll of $2.8+ million Each member of the panel offered a range of perspectives that made a case as to why they felt this project deserved support.

Michael J. Toohey, Esq. brought up the ironic point that under current zoning, Saratoga National is permitted to build 50 to 73 houses on the property, which would obviously have a more intrusive visual and sprawl impact than what Saratoga National was proposing.

This was not an option being considered at this time, Toohey noted, and the proposed development would be set back a minimum of 3000 feet from Union Avenue.

Michael Phinney, president of Phinney Design Group, detailed the proposed phases in which the project would be rolled out. He also detailed how resorts in outlying areas of cities successfully interfaced with historic downtowns, citing Lenox, MA as an example. He emphasized the sustainable design of this project, with significant wetland remediation at its core.

The need for a destination resort in Saratoga Springs to be competitive was emphasized by Todd Garofano, president of the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau. He noted that in 2014, Saratoga Springs lost 20 group opportunities to neighboring destinations (such as the Sagamore in Lake George or Equinox in Manchester, Vermont) that were looking for a luxury golf/spa resort

location. This resulted in the loss of 13,000 room nights and over $7 million in economic impact.

Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, noted that both the primary and secondary target audiences that they have identified for external marketing have prime interests in the exact amenities the proposed destination resort would provide or enhance: sports and cultural attractions including bicycling and resort golf opportunities.

Jeff Olson, a principal at Alta Planning and Design, spoke about Saratoga National’s investment in a key link of the 24 mile Greenbelt trail system on it’s property and the benefits to all residents. Once completed, the Greenbelt trail system will place Saratoga Springs “at the hub of a county-wide trail system” that will yield health and mobility benefits for all residents in addition to economic ones. He concluded by asking if someone were proposing a major community asset, such as SPAC or Skidmore College today “would they be allowed to build it?”

And that is the ultimate question: will the City Council approve a zoning amendment that allows this project to even be considered? Right now, it’s a plan with admittedly widespread support from several sectors. But without a pathway to proceed, it stays on the drawing board.

The public comments from the audience were mostly supportive of the project, with minor concerns expressed. For instance, Pat Izzo, a resident of Piping Rock Circle, was not opposed to the project, but felt that the traffic impact on the intersections of nearby Gilbert Road with Union and Lake Avenues should be addressed.

But significant public comment against the concept of any encroachment in the Greenbelt

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

NEWS

15

Area of detail shows the impact area for Saratoga National Golf Club’s proposed Resort Overlay — a total of 15 acres. A two-acre parcel at the top has been approved previously for a golf academy. led the City Council to unanimously approve a resolution prohibiting any Planned Unit Developments (PUD) in the Conservation Development District on Dec. 2, 2014. Whether they will consider a Resort Overlay proposal remains to be seen.

A leading organization in opposition to any Greenbelt development is Sustainable Saratoga. Their representatives were invited to participate in Monday’s forum, but declined to attend. In a release, Harry Moran, chair of Sustainable Saratoga characterized the meeting as “…a marketing event to launch a specific development project which is exactly the opposite of the comprehensive perspective we find appropriate for this level of planning.” Several members of Monday’s panel expressed regret that Sustainable Saratoga declined to participate, noting that they were seeking a balanced, open discussion on the topic.

However, there is no doubt that the discussion is far from over, and ultimately this subject may do as much to define the character and direction of the current City Council as the casino issue.

16

HISTORY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Saratoga Springs A Century of Progress On April 7, 1915, a charter was signed into law and a little town nestled in the foothills of the Adirondacks became the city of Saratoga Springs.

To celebrate this centennial milestone, Saratoga TODAY is running a 13-week series looking at the significant events that led to the community we now call home.

Thank you to the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce for their collaboration with this material. This is part three of our series‌We hope you enjoy.

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

HISTORY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS

17

Part 3:

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

T

he historic preservation movement in the United States is often said to have begun with the fight to save Pennsylvania Station in New York City, which was demolished in 1963. For Saratoga Springs, the watershed moment took place in February 1968, when concerned residents came together to halt the attempt by a chain called Dutch Inns of America to build a 150-room hotel in the city’s Congress Park. The company was taking advantage of an ill-conceived piece of legislation conjured up by city fathers in 1957 to increase the dwindling stock of hotel rooms.

City native Bea Sweeney and City Historian Evelyn Barrett Britten led the successful fight against the proposed motel.

The preservation movement was underway.

There had been other glimmerings of awareness and concern in the city. Late in 1965, preservationist John G. Waite pointed out to the Historical Society of Saratoga Springs the importance of such landmarks as the Batcheller Mansion and Franklin Square. The following year, Bea Sweeney, who was a member of the society, prepared a successful application to have Franklin Square listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The square was threatened by a proposed arterial highway. Sweeney and others derailed the arterial proposal, and avoided splitting the city in half.

During the 1970s, a number of additional crises galvanized Saratogians into creating a successful preservation movement. During the planning phase for the now-defunct Pyramid Mall just north of city limits, business leaders recognized that it would be likely to damage downtown. A group of civic leaders initiated the Plan of Action to seek ways to revitalize downtown

through community dialogue and planning.

Urban renewal was well underway and alternatives to it had been given little consideration. Julie Stokes, a transplant from the Midwest, helped form a historic preservation committee. When Mayor Watkins appointed Bernard Donovan, retired New York City schools superintendent, to run the city’s Community Development Program, Donovan hired Stokes to manage the preservation component. At the same time, city native and realtor John Roohan stepped in to market the 82 foreclosed Verrazano College buildings (the former Skidmore College campus centered on Union Avenue) – and did so successfully.

Throughout this exciting period, a group of new young residents including Mark Straus, Tom Gardner and Bob Bristol chose Saratoga as their home and invested in downtown real estate, taking calculated risks – as did the Adirondack Trust Company, which loaned them the money. Pioneering individual investments included the D’Andrea brothers’ Old Firehouse Restaurant, Bill Van Bunscoten’s creation of the Downstreet Marketplace from a vast vacant storefront, Brian Dwyer’s rehabilitation of 328 Broadway, and Bob Israel’s extensive restoration projects in Franklin Square.

In 1977, the city-funded Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation was organized. It was deemed necessary in order to oversee façade easements for downtown.

In the same year, a stronger architectural review law was passed by the city. 1977 represented a remarkable groundswell of support for preservation.

Under the leadership of Stokes and her successors, the Foundation hurled itself into a four-fold mission: education, technical assistance, advocacy and physical restoration. One of its early successes was a $43,350 grant towards restoration of the former Verrazano College buildings that had been sold to private owners.

It sought, and gained, federal recognition for seven historic districts, adding to three secured by Beatrice Sweeney. Its education program developed many components, including technical assistance, color charts, a marker program, organized tours, lectures and publications.

By the late 1990s, historic preservation was widely acknowledged to be one of the foundations of the city’s resurgence.

National awards came in quick succession, three of them granted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation: the Great American Main Street Award (1996), the Great American Places Award (1997), and the Dozen Distinctive Destinations Award (2002). These were followed by federal designation as a “Preserve America Community” (2004).

Another example of a for-profit restoration project is the masterful adaptive reuse by Tom Roohan and Sonny Bonacio of the Van Raalte Mill on High Rock Avenue, which they beautifully restored and converted to multiple uses in 1999.

In the new century, the Foundation continued to take a leadership role in two challenging but critical preservation projects. The Universal Baptist Church on Washington Street had been deteriorating rapidly, and by 1999 it was no longer safe. Skidmore’s Tom Lewis and developer Jeff Pfeil launched the non-profit Universal Preservation Hall, which secured funding for its restoration and conversion to a performing arts center. Next, the Foundation stepped in to assist the neighboring First Baptist Church with the preservation of its superb 1855-56 Greek Revival building.

The Saratoga scene 40 years ago was one of illegal signs, unsightly billboards, rubble-strewn vacant lots, and vacant storefronts. The struggling city of 1970 has been given new and vibrant life by that winning combination of public and private efforts and monies through the efforts of its own residents.

1960 1966 Franklin Square listed on the National Register of Historic Places

1968 Residents halt the attempt

by Dutch Inns of America chain to build a 150-room hotel in Congress Park

1970

1977 The city-funded Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is organized

1980

1990 1996

photos courtesy of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation

First national award granted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation: the Great American Main Street Award

18

RELIGION

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

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

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

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.

The Alliance Church 257 Rowland St, Ballston Spa 885-6524 | Services: Morning 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

* — Handicap Accessible

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

Congregation Shaara Tfille* 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs 584-2370 | saratogasynagogue.org Services: Saturday 9:30 a.m.

(1st & 3rd Sat. also 10:30) Corinth Free Methodist Church 20 Hamilton Ave, Corinth 654-9255; 792-0271 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

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

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

Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Community 2001 Route 9, Round Lake 877-8506 | ccorpusc@nycap.rr.com Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.; Eastern Orthodox — Christ the Savior 349 Eastline Road, Ballston Spa 786-3100 | xcsavior@yahoo.com.

Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jonesville United Methodist 963 Main St, Clifton Park 877-7332 | Services: Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

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

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

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

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015 Malta Ridge United Methodist Church 729 Malta Ave. Ext, Malta 581-0210 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

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

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

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

Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

NorthStar Church 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.

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

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

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

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

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

RELIGION 19

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015 River of Hope Fellowship 100 Saratoga Village Blvd, Malta Cmns, Ste. 3 881-1505 riverofhopefellowship.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Worship Service: 11:30 a.m.

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

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

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

Temple Sinai* 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-8730 | saratogasinai.org Shabbat Services: Friday 6 p.m.

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

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

Trinity United Methodist Church 155 Ballard Road, Gansevoort 584-9107 | tumcwilton.com Rev. 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 a.m.

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

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

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

religion briefs Adult Education — A Preview of Passover!

The entire community is welcome to join Congregation Shaara Tfille/The Jewish Community Center of Saratoga Springs, located at 84 Weibel Avenue, as Rabbi/Cantor Kenneth Stuart Blatt presents an Adult Education class entitled “A Preview of Passover” on Wednesday, March 25th at 7:00 p.m.

Passover is the most observed Jewish holiday, and the Seder is the most observed Jewish ritual of the entire Hebrew calendar. Rabbi Blatt will explore the celebration of this festive biblical holy day through the ages, discuss some of the lesser known facts about Passover and present the beautiful symbolism of the Seder.

For more information, call 584-2370 or email saratogajcc@verizon.net

Celebrate Passover!

The entire community is welcome to join Congregation Shaara Tfille/The Jewish Community Center of Saratoga Springs, located at 84 Weibel Avenue, as they celebrate the Jews’ freedom from slavery by hosting a Contemporary Passover Seder on Saturday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m. conducted by their Spiritual Leader Dr. Kenneth S. Blatt Rabbi/Cantor. The meal will be catered by Cynthia Shaw of “What’s Cooking” and includes the traditional Seder plate, matzo ball soup, gefilte fish, boneless chicken breast over spaghetti squash topped with roasted tomatoes and caramelized onions or giant Portobello mushroom over spaghetti squash topped with roasted tomatoes and onions, oven roasted potatoes, roasted vegetables, wine, fruit, dessert and hot & cold beverages. The costs are Adults -- $45 and children under 13 -- $20. Paid reservations (check or cash only) must be received in the office by Friday, March 27. Financial assistance is available.

For more information, call 584-2370 or email saratogajcc@verizon.net.

Passover Seder at Chabad SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga residents, students and visitors are invited to join a traditional public Passover Seder on Friday and Saturday, Apr. 3-4 at 7:30 pm. at the Chabad Student & Community Center, 130 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs.

A suggested donation is $18. Students are free.

All people, regardless of affiliation, religious background or level of observance are invited. The Seder relives the historic Exodus, replete with traditional songs and hand made matzah, the four cups ceremony, lively dialogue and an exquisite Passover dinner.

“The Passover Seder has unified families for thousands of years, as we relive our Redemption,” said Mrs. Raizel Rubin, co-director of the Center.

“Passover teaches us to liberate ourselves and look beyond that which restricts us. What a great way to relive the Exodus - focusing on what really matters!” said Rabbi Abba Rubin.

For more information, phone (518) 584-7702.

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Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

y p p a H ! r e t s Ea

22

NEWS

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Triple Threat All-Stars off to Compete at Worlds

by Neil Benjamin Jr. Saratoga TODAY Saratoga High School junior Alicia Brantigan doesn’t have any free time.

If she’s not in school, she’s researching colleges. She recently picked up a part-time job at a local bowling alley planning kids’ birthday parties, has played a variety of sports and musical instruments and enjoys traveling.

But she does not appear tired or fatigued. She’s too focused on one other aspect of her life: She and her team at Triple Threat All-Stars, a competitive cheer and dance squad that recently moved into a new space in Colonie, are preparing to compete in the United States AllStar Federation Cheer and Dance World Championships. The event begins April 23 in Orlando with the preliminary rounds.

For Brantigan, simply competing at Worlds is not enough to satiate her.

“I want to know that all this work we’re putting in is helping,” she said in the lobby of the Triple Threat headquarters. “I want to come away feeling good about how we did. If we place, great, but the important thing is to feel like we put out our best effort.”

The Triple Threat All-Stars is a team made up of 15 gymnasts, cheerleaders and dancers from all over the region. There isn’t any age restriction, as the youngest member of the team is 14 years old. Eunique Priest, a 31-year-old Schenectady native, started the team after breaking away from Stepping Stars Gymnastics here in Saratoga. He owns the gym and team, and is a member and the head coach.

The team is a hybrid mash up of hip-hop dancing, standard cheer leading and all types of dance. Triple Threat will be competing in the open co-ed hip-hop group, where the team will perform a 2 minute, 30 second routine choreographed

by Priest. The squad will perform to original music produced by an artist from Orlando.

“It took some time to choreograph this,” Priest said. “You need visual appeal to go with the music.

It’s all about hooking the judges and wowing them.”

Throw away any notions you might have about this sport, because it takes a lot of endurance, strength and pure athletic ability to pull off a routine like Triple Threat does.

Between beautiful dance sequences, some of the team does backflips while the others start moving into the next portion of the dance.

“It’s not a very easy thing to get a hold of,” Priest said.

On Feb. 14 in Atlanta, the team earned a bid to worlds by Cheer Sport National. There are two ways to nail down a spot at worlds. Either the team must win at the U.S. Championships, or earn an at-large bid.

“We were good enough to get invited,” Priest added.

For Brantigan, the trip to Atlanta consisted of many firsts.

She said she “never really” traveled before, and certainly had not been on an airplane. Being with the team has also brought her to Pittsburgh, and she said she’s quite “excited” to visit Florida and visit Disney World, which is where the event will be taking place.

Brantigan started dancing at 2 years old. Since then, she has played soccer, performed ballet and has won competitions for dance. In 2011, at the New York State Fair in Syracuse, she won the dance competition for 15-to19-year-olds. In 2013, she won gold at the Ms. Star of Hope, at the Starbound Dance Competition.

“It’s pretty cool,” she said. “I really enjoy it.

Jahmere Holland, 26, from Albany, is a member of the team.

He explained that since Brantigan

Alicia Brantigan and coach Eunique Priest. joined the team this past year, she has drawn praise from her teammates.

“When she came to us, she immediately adapted really well,” Holland said. “She stands out, and she likes to try new things. She pushes everyone on the team to perform at the highest level, and her teammates recognize that.”

The trip to Orlando costs about $1,000 per team member, making the trip cost a total of $15,000, Priest said. To help participants offset the cost, Triple Threat is hosting a few fundraisers. On March 28, the gym will host a master hip-hop class. On April 3, they will host a glow dance party and the next day they will host a cheer clinic.

Priest said he expects the sport to continue to grow in the coming years.

“Not too many people know about competitive all-star dancing,” he said. “I want to expose people to it, because when you get involved, you can’t help but get wrapped up in it.”

Brantigan said she hasn’t decided on a college, but that she would like to study dance. She also credited her mother, Sherry, for providing top-notch support.

“She has to drive me everywhere, and that’s on top of being their for my brother and sister,” Alicia said. “She pays for everything and shows up at every event. I don’t know where I’d be without her support.”

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

This Week’s SPOTLIGHT

through August 14th. Parents love the convenience of our before and after care program.

Children who are registered may be dropped off at 7:30 am and picked up as late as 6:00 pm. Registration is on a first come, first served basis so please don’t wait. Camp registration forms are available at www.saratogarec.com or can be picked up at the Recreation Center. If you have any questions, please contact us.

See you this summer!!!

Registration Begins:

March 2 City Residents March 16 Non City Residents at the Recreation Center (518) 587-3550 ext. 2300 www.SaratogaRec.com

C

amp Saradac, located at the Saratoga Recreation Center, is a NYSDOH licensed full day summer camp for children ages 5-15. Our camp offers exciting weekly field trips, creative recreational and educational programs, arts & crafts, weekly swimming, and themed weeks. Camp activities are designed to promote fun and fitness while providing opportunities for campers to grow.

Last season’s favorites: the Saratoga County Fair, the Fun Spot, the Great Escape, Tri-City Valley Cats and of course our weekly visits to the Peerless Pool will all be a part of our 2015 field trip line-up. Check our website for a complete schedule of all of our field trips.

To Advertise in the Summer Camp Guide

Call (518) 581-2480

T

he 2015 Summer Camp runs Monday through Friday from 8:45 am to 4:45 pm starting June 29th and continues

Saratoga Springs Recreation Center

15 Vanderbilt Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 587-3550 ext. 2300 RecReservations@saratoga-springs.org Find us on Facebook at Saratoga Springs Recreation Dept.

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24

Education

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Cocoa Joins Lake Avenue’s Therapy Dog Roster

“Pawsitive” Reading Program Sees Continued Success after 7 Years Photos by MarkBolles.com

Katie and Cocoa help students practice reading once a week at Lake Avenue Elementary.

by Stephanie Hale-Lopez Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Plopped down comfortably on bean bags, each with a book titled, “How Animals Change and Grow,” a group of second grade students read aloud to their newest cheerleader and supporter, Cocoa.

Cocoa is an 8-year-old chocolate lab who, once a week, visits Lake Avenue Elementary School in Saratoga Springs and listens to second graders as they read their favorite books to him.

Cocoa is part of a handful of dogs who visit Lake Avenue as

part of the school’s Reading Dog Therapy Program, now in its seventh year. Cocoa and his colleagues Laizel, Tessa, Ziggy and Oliver are there to listen to readers of all levels – from struggling readers looking for a fun way to practice, to strong readers wanting to practice their oral reading skills.

“I like that sometimes they [the dogs] come over to you and sometimes you get to pet them and sometimes you get to feed them,” said Jay, a second grader. “I like reading animal books…my favorite animal is a dog.”

Reading specialist and program organizer, Lynn O’Rourke, has been utilizing therapy dogs to encourage

young readers for the last 14 years; first at Caroline Street Elementary School and now at Lake Avenue.

“It’s interesting because students won’t feel self-conscious when reading to a dog,” said O’Rourke. “It’s more of a risk-free environment.”

The program has been wildly popular amongst the second grade students. At the end of the school year, reading to the therapy dogs is the students’ favorite activity, unanimously.

“At the end [of a session] every student gets a certificate saying that they read to Cocoa and I think some students collect them to see how many they can get over the course of the year,” said O’Rourke.

Cocoa’s owner, Katie Nemer, takes him to nursing homes and hospitals on days when Cocoa isn’t working with students. Nemer is currently looking into possibly volunteering at the library as well.

Cocoa completed obedience training, which taught him basic commands such as sit, stay, come and heel, Nemer said. Then, Cocoa had to pass the therapy dog test.

It takes a special dog to be a therapy dog. They must be able to remain calm and obedient in a variety of situations. They must also be

even-tempered because they some- at Lake Avenue Elementary, they’re times have to put up with a lot. grateful to all of the dogs and their “He’s such a good boy,” said owners for donating their time…

Nemer. “We just passed our test and their ears! a month ago and it’s been fullIf you know a therapy dog blown since. It doesn’t take long to who would be a great fit for be needed and wanted…I feel like O’Rourke’s reading program, we’ve been doing it for years.” call her at 584-3678 or email Nemer said personal experience l_orourke@saratogaschools.org. persuaded her to volunteer. Her son underwent a tonsillectomy eight years ago and experienced the benefit of a therapy dog during his recovery at the hospital.

“His face lit up and it changed the entire experience for us. We were all loving and petting the dog and I saw a huge smile on his face and I looked at my fiancé, now-husband and I said, ‘I’m going to do that one day,’” said Nemer.

Nemer and Cocoa have a busy schedule, but they wouldn’t have it any other way.

As for O’Rourke Katie Nemer and Cocoa, a certified therapy dog. and the second graders

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Saratoga Students Recognized in C-SPAN Competition WASHINGTON — C-SPAN recently announced that students from Saratoga Springs are winners in C-SPAN’S national 2015 StudentCam competition.

Grace Sablich, Brooke Baumeister, and Alexa Hulse, eighth graders at Maple Avenue Middle School in Saratoga Springs, will receive $250 for their Honorable Mention documentary, “Equal Pay for Equal Work,” about the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. The national competition, now in its 11th year, invites middle school (grades 6-8) and high school students (grades 9-12) to produce a five- to- seven minute documentary on a national policy issue.

Sponsor-A-Scholar Students Get Expert Advice SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dr. Dean Skarlis, founder and President of College Advisor of New York, met with students in the Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar program to help them better understand the college application and financing processes.

Skarlis is an expert in personalized college selection, the application process, admission criteria applied by colleges, the financial aid process and

many other factors that his firm applies to ensure the best fit between a student’s academic abilities and personality and the colleges that they apply to.

Schuylerville Presents “Peter Pan Junior” SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville Middle School Drama Club will present Disney’s “Peter Pan Jr.” Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21 at 7 p.m. with tickets sold at the door. Ticket prices are $5 for students and senior citizens and $8 for adults.

Jodi Leight is the director/producer, Betty Gifford is the director assistant, Kathy Hanehan and Kim Tabor made costumes, Helene Paterson is technical assistant, Doug Madigan is sound director, Nicole Cunningham, Lydia Martin, Claire Prunier, Hannah Eustis and Vincent Cifone are student directors.

Ballston Spa PTAs Honor Volunteers at Founders’ Day Celebration BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District’s Council of PTAs recently celebrated the 118th year anniversary of the founding of the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

The event included the specific recognition of the award recipients

Education BRIEFS for this year, including Stuart Williams (District Office), Judy Allen (High School), Heather Hojnicki (Milton Terrace North) and Christa Davis (PTA). The PTA Council is proud to have such a strong PTA and group of parents, staff and community members that support the children in the district. Their collective efforts in the district are truly appreciated and are evidence of the district motto “Educating Everyone Takes Everyone.”

Schuylerville Senior Named State Dairy Princess SCHUYLERVILLE — Stephanie McBath, a senior at Schuylerville High School, has been named the New York State Dairy Princess for 2015-16. McBath will serve as the primary spokesperson for the dairy industry throughout the state for the next year. She was chosen after a two-day event in which 22 county dairy princesses competed.

The contestants took tests to judge their dairy knowledge and writing skills, had intensive interviews with the three judges, had to give both impromptu and prepared speeches, and also were judged on their informal interaction with others. Judges evaluated contestants on communication skills, knowledge of the dairy industry, poise and personality.

McBath plans to major in animal science at Cornell University in the fall. The American Dairy Association and Dairy Council (ADADC) sponsors the dairy princess contest in New York.

Schuylerville FFA Members Showcase Career Development Skills SCHUYLERVILLE — Six members of the Schuylerville FFA club are advancing to compete in the Sub-State FFA Career Development Competitions.

13 members prepared and competed in skill and public

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speaking events at the district competition on Friday, March 6. The top four contestants from districts will move on to the sub-state competition hosted by Schuylerville on March 21. For complete results for Schuylerville students at the district level, visit schuylervilleschools.org.

Varsity Sports Teams Recognized for Academic Achievement SCHUYLERVILLE — Four Schuylerville varsity winter sports teams have qualified to earn the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s (NYSPHAA) Scholar Athlete Team Award.

To qualify, a percentage of student athletes on the same team must maintain a grade point average of 90 or better.

Each team member who helped in this achievement will be awarded a certificate at the varsity banquet in June. The teams include: Varsity Girls Basketball, Varsity Boys Downhill Skiing, Varsity Boys Track and Varsity Girls Track.

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Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

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Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

BALLSTON SPA Lot 2 Kingsbridge Ct., $90,000.

David Bonitatibus, Paul Bonitatibus, Sr., Louis Bonitatibus (Ind and As Agent) and Mary Bonitatibus (by Agent) sold property to Robert and Cheryl Grzeskowiak.

44 Beacon St., $228,990.

Traditional Builders, LTD sold property to Eric McTighe.

Town of Ballston, $540,000.

Thomas Benuscak, Thomas Building and Development Company, DBA sold property to TP Builders, Inc. Lot 3 Kingsbridge Ct., $85,000.

David Bonitatibus, Paul Bonitatibus, Sr., Louis Bonitatibus (Ind and As Agent) and Mary Bonitatibus (by Agent) sold property to Brent and Heather Feuz.

CHARLTON 758 Swaggertown Rd., $172,000.

August Jones, III sold property to Jennifer Summersell.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

975 Main St., $245,000. Bruce Doud sold property to Robert and Kathy VanPatten.

CORINTH 16 Gobel Ave., $136,000. John and Brandi Hunt (by Ref) sold property to JP Morgan Chase Bank.

GREENFIELD 16 Copperfield Rd., $110,000.

Robert Rickard sold property to Dennis Perpetua.

HALFMOON 33 Harris Rd., $252,000. Monster Remodeling, Inc. sold property to Joyce Ross.

32 Clamsteam Rd., $211,085.

Raymond Jerome, Jr. and Dawn Harris sold property to Klamsteam Tavern and Marina, LLC. Lot 10 Sandy Rock Way, $358,238. Hodorowski Homes, LLC sold property to Daniel and Heather Rivet.

24 Mallard Cove, $346,000.

Michael and Kelley Cooke sold property to Marcia Murray.

MILTON 4116 South Creek Rd., $285,000.

Leisha Arbogast sold property to Travis and Lynn May. 16 Icabod Lane, $119,000. HSBC Bank USA (As Trustee By Atty) sold property to 112 Broad Street, LLC. 110 Deer Run Dr., $160,500.

Jennifer Hartwell and Sally Hartwell sold property to Frederick and Lucille MacNaughton.

6 Deer Run Dr., $155,000.

Thomas Woelfersheim sold property to Kathleen and Laurence Eberle.

MOREAU 7th Fourth St., $62,500. Federal Home Mortgage Corporation (by Atty) sold property to Peter Harrington.

38 Hilton Dr., $188,000.

Blaine and Sherri Brooks sold property to David and Kimberly Trussell.

2380 Route 67, $94,600. Donald and Jackie Bishop (by Ref) sold property to Wells Fargo Bank.

Lot 53 Swatling Dr., $356,845.

Beacon Homes, LLC sold property to Richard Galarza and Julie Greene.

654 Sweetman Rd., $45,000.

Robert and Beverley Pashley sold property to James and Patti Hensel.

8 Outlook Dr., South, $463,300.

Michael Penna sold property to Timur and Vanessa Qader.

1524-1526 Route 9, $12,000.

Parks Properties Enterprises, LLC sold property to Helen Oprencak.

19 Milltowne Dr., $88,500.

Windsor Pointe, LLC sold property to Marini Homes, LLC.

202 Burt Rd., $46,500. Daniel and Nancy Monroe sold property to Jeffrey and Jodi Harrington.

CLIFTON PARK 390 Clifton Park Center Rd., $1,485,000. 390 Clifton Park Center Road, LLC sold property to Jerian Enterprises, LLC. 8 Panaroma Ct., $280,000. One Hundred Twelve Broad Street, LLC sold property to Bridget and Robert Cully.

24 Casablanca Ct., $226,000.

Catherine Curran (as Life Tenant and by Atty), Patricia Walls (as Remainderman and Atty) , Maureen Curran (as Remainderman) and Kathleen Curran (as Remainderman) sold property to Charles and Kristin Skinkle.

1 Castle Pines, $348,000. Kurt and Cynthia Matias sold property to Purushothaman Srinivasan and Lakshmi Manikonda.

8 Wall St., Unit 215, $187,900.

Clifton Park Senior Living, LLC sold property to John Ordemann.

7 Maurice Lane, $261,000.

Marsha Kerr-Rosenthal sold property to Amber and Patrick Allen.

MALTA 17 Little Dr., $5,000.

Alison Paley sold property to Robert Mabey.

NORTHUMBERLAND 354 Goff Rd., $180,000. Mitchell Kaye and Todd Ellis sold property to Scott Rubenstein.

432 Colebrook Rd., $130,000.

Renee Daniels sold property to Michael Drouin and Guy and Regina Murphy.

SARATOGA 216 Hayes Rd., $202,000.

SRMORF II REO 2013 1 Trust (by Atty), US Bank Trust National Association (as Trustee By Atty) sold property to Michael and Erin Fenton.

SARATOGA SPRINGS 332 Washington St., $258,726.

Ronald Hunt and Mary Kent sold property to Bank of New York Mellon (as Trustee).

132 Old Schuylerville Rd., $659,000.

McPadden Builders, LLC sold property to Lori Carmer.

5 McKenzies Way, $407,591.

McKenzie Estates of Saratoga Springs, LLC sold property to Timothy and Kyle Luse.

35 Vista Dr., $536,000. John and Jennifer Burke sold property to Derek and Beth Hirning.

7 McKenzies Way, $423,207.

McKenzie Estates of Saratoga Springs, LLC sold property to Patrick and Susan Lyons.

Aaron and Sheila Cowieson sold property to David Ingalls, III and Emilie Mignier.

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89 Woodlawn Ave., $765,000.

Scott and Whitney Lawlor sold property to Mark and Mary Kate Metwally.

13 Callagan Dr., $315,000.

Anthony and Marianne Sandy sold property to Gary and Sheila Pierce.

56 Union Ave., Unit 9, $175,000.

Charles and Anne Bedard sold property to Carly Connors and Dalibor Ritopecki.

6 Maria Lane, $412,660.

McKenzie Estates of Saratoga Springs, LLC sold property to Navnoor Kang.

WATERFORD 8 Gadwall Dr., $326,000. Daniel and Casey Neary sold property to Christopher Sullivan and Jamie Knightes.

78 Van Derwerken Ave., $172,000. Joyce Farrell sold property to Mark Mason.

WILTON 6 Plum Ct., $256,000. Norbert Rawert, Jr. and Rebecca Johnson sold property to Abbey McCormick.

8 Overlook Dr., $380,000. Darren Danko and Elizabeth WellsDanko sold property to Randall and Allison Boszhardt.

30

BUSINESS

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Hoffman Car Wash to Expand in Saratoga

Family-Owned Chain Chooses Saratoga for 22nd Location

by Stephanie Hale-Lopez Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs could be home to a Hoffman Car Wash by the end of the year — just in time for the busy winter season — according to Tom Hoffman, Jr., CEO of Hoffman Development Corp.

Hoffman is planning to expand his chain of car washes with a 22nd location on Route 50 near Northline Road, right on the Ballston Spa border. This

car wash will be the company’s third in Saratoga County and sits less than 10 miles away from an existing Hoffman Car Wash near Wilton Mall.

“Our busiest location is in Wilton, right on the other side of Saratoga, and so many of our customers there live in the Saratoga Springs area,” said Hoffman. “So we thought putting one in the opposite corner of the city would be a good idea.”

Aside from its Wilton location, the company’s car wash

locations closest to the Saratoga area are located in Clifton Park and Queensbury.

Hoffman is investing up to $3 million in the development. The car wash is expected to employ between eight and 10 full-time and part-time workers.

Hoffman says the new car wash will be modeled after one in Amsterdam on Route 30, which offers free self-service vacuums.

“Our newest ground-up facility that we built from scratch was in Amsterdam,” said Hoffman.

“We’re building the new one in Saratoga to be the same size building, but it’s going to look a little different because we’re designing the building to be more in line with Saratoga country type of a feel, based on the needs of the planning board. It’ll look a little different than Amsterdam, but not too much different.”

The Hoffman family started Hoffman Car Wash in 1965 and the business has grown ever since. The company became a Jiffy Lube franchisee in 1996 and currently manages 10 Jiffy Lube locations. A new venture for Hoffman started in August of

Hoffman Car Wash’s Amsterdam location will serve as the model for the Saratoga location. Photo provided by Tom Hoffman Jr.

2013, when the company became a JD Byrider franchisee.

JD Byrider has 162 locations across the country and provides vehicles and financing services to those having trouble securing a car loan from a bank due to credit issues. JD Byrider also provides a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty on all of their vehicles. Hoffman even offers low-cost oil changes for JD Byrider customers.

“As they’re making the payments, we’re reporting to the credit agency, so it helps build their credit,” said Hoffman. “It’s providing reliable transportation to folks that need to get to work and need the security of the warranty.”

Hoffman says the company’s JD Byrider franchise is gaining more

traction. The success of this newer venture coupled with Hoffman’s Saratoga expansion plans prove the company isn’t slowing down any time soon.

As for the Saratoga car wash, Hoffman is currently seeking approval for the plans from the City of Saratoga Springs, which he expects to be completed within the next few months. Hoffman has hired Environmental Design Partnership of Clifton Park for engineering work, and Rucinski Hall Architecture of Saratoga Springs for building design.

For employment opportunities through Hoffman Car Wash, visit hoffmancarwash.com and for more information on JD Byrider, visit jdbyrider.com.

Rendering of Hoffman Car Wash’s Saratoga location. Photo provided by Tom Hoffman Jr.

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Committee Plans 2015 Saratoga Showcase of Homes

L-R: Tammy DiCara, Doug Winters, Marci Fila, Mark Hogan, Michelle Larkin, Lisa Licata, Jim Furey, Pam Stott, Fran Dingeman, Barry Potoker and Drew Aiello. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2015 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Committee is in full swing planning this year’s exciting edition of the area’s premiere new home tour.

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, this annual community event has contributed nearly $900,000 to our local charities.

The 2015 Showcase of Homes will be over three spectacular weekends this fall on September 19-20, 26-27 & October 3-4 featuring the region’s finest, awardwinning builders with their new construction. Tickets will still be only $20.

Last year, 13 magnificent new homes from 12 award-winning builders were on display around Saratoga County visited by over 3,500 people.

GlobalFoundries Commits to STEM for Students MALTA — GlobalFoundries, the computer chip plant located in Malta’s Luther Forest Technology Campus, has committed to encouraging science, technology, engineering and mathematics

(STEM) education for Albanyarea students.

The company is forming a coalition and pledging $486,000 for STEM education over the next three years. The funding will go toward supporting local FIRST robotics programs.

Officials at GlobalFoundries say while half of the current 3,000 employees were hired from the area, in the future, GlobalFoundries wants to recruit locally as much as possible. Officials say by creating this coalition, the company hopes to build a pipeline of potential employees.

Complexions Revamps Wedding Services SARATOGA SPRINGS — Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness recently announced it will revamp its wedding beauty, wellness and planning services to make your special day its most memorable.

These improved wedding services come just in time for spring, one of the most popular wedding seasons. Designed for the bride, her bridal party, the groom, his groomsmen, Complexion’s highend wedding services include: Upstate New York’s best Bridal and Beauty packages; Couples Soak and Massage; A Day for the Bride and/or Groom; Bridal Hair Design with color and cut; and Bridal Makeup, as well as various Wedding Countdown Experiences designed to make a bride and her wedding party look their best on her special day.

For the grooms, Complexions offers a Master Barber Haircut, Traditional or Royal Hot Shave, Gentleman’s Manicure, Men’s

BUSINESS BRIEFS 31 Pedicure, Therapeutic Massage, and a Gentleman’s Facial. Enjoy use of the sauna, steam room, locker room amenities and relaxation lounge with all spa services.

More Saratoga Co. Hotels for DCG Development SARATOGA COUNTY — DCG Development, based in Clifton Park, just opened a 150-room Embassy Suites on Congress Street in Saratoga Springs, adding to its growing hotel portfolio.

DCG already has a 104-room Hilton Garden Inn attached to the shopping mall it owns in Clifton Park. Meanwhile, construction continues on a 96-room Homewood Suites in the parking lot of the Clifton Park mall. It is expected to open in June. In addition, a groundbreaking could happen this spring on a Home2 Suites

by Hilton with around 100 rooms off Exit 12 in Malta.

Hotel owners in the AlbanySaratoga region had a strong year in 2014, with an average occupancy rate of 65.1 percent and revenue per available room of $72.14. Both results were the best since the recession.

The Outlets at Lake George Open Easter Sunday LAKE GEORGE — Proudly serving the Adirondack Mountains region, The Outlets at Lake George will be open for business Easter Sunday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Featuring a grand collection of leading designer and top name brands including Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, COACH Factory, Nautica, Levi’s, LOFT, Bass, adidas and Van Heusen,

among many more, The Outlets at Lake George’s smart and savvy shoppers save up to 65 percent off regular retail prices every day.

Visit theoutletsatlakegeorge. com for a complete tenant directory, store sale information, driving directions and more.

Saratoga Elegance Hosts Trunk Show SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Elegance Boutique, formerly known as Bird of Paradise Boutique, is hosting a Mon Cheri Trunk Show Friday, March 20 to Saturday, March 28.

The boutique was recently purchased by Yana La Page, who is also the owner and seamstress at Saratoga’s “WillFitUin” alterations. Saratoga Elegance is located inside the historic Grant Plaza, 75 Woodlawn Avenue, Suite 101.

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LOCAL BRIEFS Children may register for a special Creative Movement Class for only $5. The community is invited to a free Yoga Celebration Salutation at noon in the National Museum of Dance’s Southeast Gallery.

A Southern Country Fried Dinner Fundraiser

Brooks BBQ to Benefit Saratoga Central Catholic

Held at the Saratoga Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane in Saratoga Springs on March 25, 2015, from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. All proceeds will be going to Emma’s Fund to help with a very rare lymphatic malformation.

Seniors $9, adults $10, children ages 5-12, $6, take-outs $10. Cash bar, lots of raffles. For more information call Terri (518) 423-2828.

Tickets on sale now for your Chicken or Rib BBQ for Sunday March 29th from 2 – 5 p.m.

Chicken is $10, Ribs $12. Visit our website at www.saratogacatholic. org for online ordering or contact: Sandy Tarkleson at (518)587-7070 x102. Pick up dinners at SCC, 247 Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

The Addams Family – A Musical Comedy

The Annual Day with the Bunny and Easter Egg Hunt

The play is based on the characters created by Charles Addams; Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa; book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. Performances are March 27 and March 28 at 7 p.m. at the South Glens Falls High School, 42 Merritt Rd., S. Glens Falls.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, $5 for children 5 and under.

Spaghetti Dinner On Saturday, March 28, 2015 there will be a Spaghetti Dinner at the American Legion on Clancy St. in Schuylerville. Serving times are 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Take-outs available. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children under 10 yrs. For more information call Bonnie at (518) 695-3972.

25th Anniversary Dinner and Festival The 25th annual Dance and Festival invites participants of all ages and skill levels to “dance like the stars.” The festival will offer classes in over a dozen different styles of dance and movement ranging from Broadway to Yoga, Ballet to Hip Hop - from noon to 6pm Sunday, March 29, in the National Museum of Dance, School of the Arts at 99 South Broadway. The complete Dance+25 program and registration forms are online www.dancealliance. org. Admission is $35 for a full day of classes- discounts are available for Dance Alliance Members.

Saturday, March 28th, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the American Legion Post 234, 23 Pleasant Street, Ballston Spa. Join us for games, crafts, snacks & refreshments with the Easter Bunny. Children ages twelve and under are welcome. This event is open to the community.

There will be a raffle for parents.

Fishmas Eve Join us for Fishmas Eve at the Parting Glass located on 40 Lake Ave. in Saratoga Springs from 7 – 10 pm on March 31. ‘tis the night before trout season…We invite you to a fun-filled evening as we welcome the opening of area streams.

There will be appetizers, prizes, demos, raffles and of course fishing stories galore. Suggested donation $10 or $5 plus 3 of your flies or 1 killer spinning lure. Flies and lures will be raffled as door prizes.

Hosted by the Adirondack Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Proceeds will go towards stream conservation and habitat restoration. Everyone welcome. Contact Mark at (518) 893-2228 for further information.

Saratoga Springs Retired Teachers Meeting The Saratoga Springs Retired Teachers Association will meet on Monday, April 6, at noon at Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Avenue (Route 9P), Saratoga Springs.

Membership is open to retired educators who taught in or now live in Saratoga County. For membership information, call (518)587-5356.

Vacation Week Activities The Saratoga Springs Recreation Department will be holding a Vacation Week program, April 6 – 10, for grades K-6. This program will include various sports and activities in a fun and supportive environment, and will be held at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center. Register before March 29th in order to receive the Early Bird Discount. Registration fee is $70 for Saratoga Springs city and school district residents and $90 for non-Saratoga Springs city residents. Sign up at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, Monday-Saturday from 9am7pm or Sunday from 12-5pm or visit www.SaratogaRec.com. Questions?

Contact us 587-3550 x2300 or email recreservations@saratoga-springs.org.

Havurah Vatik April Event All Saratoga area Jewish seniors 55 plus are welcome to attend Tales from the Twentieth Century: Modern Jewish Stories. The event will be held at Congregation Shaara Tfille on Tuesday, April 21 at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come hear Storyteller Kate Dudding share true stories about both famous and little-known Jewish characters such as the Gershwin brothers, Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, as well as people you’ve never heard of, but will (now) never forget. A catered lunch follows the program.

Contact Temple Sinai at (518) 5848730 (mailbox 4) or email havurahvatik@hotmail.com by April 16th if you are planning to attend, need to cancel your reservation, or if you need transportation. Keep Havurah Vitik alive and well, bring along a friend to enjoy this program.

Treasure or Trash? Spring Antique Appraisal Show Join us at the Malta Community Center for a fun and informative event featuring Mark Lawson of Mark Lawson Antiques and sponsor of Antiques Road Show as he educates us on the world of antiques and performs appraisals.

This special event will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Bring an item or come and watch. Registration is required by April 18th. Don’t wait as space is limited to 40 items.

Please call (518) 899-4411 for more information or to register, go to our website at www.maltaparksrec.com.

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Saratoga Springs High School Class of 1975 Announces 40th Reunion “Hawaiian Disco” Bash being held at the Wilton Elks Club 161 in Wilton, NY on Sat., June 27, 2015 at 4pm. For further info on tickets, contact Robin Carnevale Schwedt at 518-584-0165, or Sandy Daigler or Peggy Ponton via the class email of sshs_1975@yahoo.com, website of saratogahigh75.com and class Facebook page.

Camp Saradac Increases Ages this Summer The Saratoga Springs Recreation Department will again be hosting Camp Saradac this summer. New this year is the inclusion of 13-15 year old campers. Camp Saradac dates are June 29 - August 14 (no camp July 3rd).

Camp will be in session MonFri from 9am to 4:30pm. Camp will again be offering exciting weekly field trips, creative recreational and educational programs, arts & crafts, weekly swimming and themed weeks. Registration begins March 2nd for Saratoga Springs city residents and March 16th for all others. Immunization records must be submitted with application in order to register.

Sign up at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Ave., Monday ­Saturday from 9am-7pm or Sunday from 12-5pm or visit www.SaratogaRec.com.

Questions? Contact us (518) 587-3550 x2300 or email recreservations@saratoga-springs.org.

Veteran Volunteers The Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association provides military burial 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 (Monday-Friday) that you want to be there. For information go to our web site www.snchga. com or contact Mark Brockway at brockway18@hvwisp.net, phone (518) 260-9933 or contact the Cemetery Administration Office 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871, Phone (518)-581-9128.

Local Town Websites Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road (518) 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street (518) 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road (518) 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 (518) 899-2818 www.malta-town.org Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road (518) 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway (518) 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville (518) 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street (518) 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org Town of Stillwater: 881 N. Hudson Avenue Stillwater, NY 12170 (518) 664-6148 www.stillwaterny.org Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road (518) 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com Saratoga County Board of Supervisors: 40 McMaster St, #1 Ballston Spa, NY 12020 (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov

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

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015 com. This event is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY. Cost is $45 at the door. Company/Group pricing available.

Saturday, March 21 Family Friendly Event

Friday, March 20 Women, Myth, and Media: Poetry for Women’s History Month Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room, 4 – 5:30 p.m.

Join poets Barbara Ungar, Leah Umansky and Nancy White for a round-robin reading of the authors’ poems. Barbara Ungar’s new book of poetry, Immortal Medusa, is just out from The Word Works. A professor of English at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, she coordinates their new MFA program. Leah Umansky is a poet, collagist and teacher in New York City. For more information call (518) 584-7860.

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

Look for our sign. Menu: Fried Fish-$8.50, or Fried Clams- $8.50, or Fried Chicken Tenders-$8.50, also available will be Clam Chowder at $6 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.

Leadership Seminar and Book Signing Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Retired US Navy SEAL and author of “The Trident: The Forging and Reforging” of a Navy SEAL Leader, Jason Redman, will be featured. Jason Redman has 21 years of service with the US Navy SEALS learning about courage, leadership, teamwork, overcoming severe wounds, and has transferred these lessons into his powerful presentations designed to educate, motivate, and inspire. To learn more about Jason, go to www.SOFSpoken.

Variety Fair to Feature Crafts Vendors American Legion, 34 West Ave., Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Seventeen tables of crafts such as homemade sweet breads, ceramics, jewelry, hair bows, homemade dog treats, photography, natural body products and more. Tables with vendors such as Thirty One, Jamberry Nails, Avon, It Works, Pampered Chef, Partylite, Origami Owl, Jewelry in Candle, Cleaver Containers, Perfectly Posh and more. There will be raffles and a 50/50 drawing.

Genealogy and Local History Town of Saratoga Town Hall, corner of Rt. 4 and Rt. 29, Schuylerville, 1 p.m.

Lisa Potocar will talk about her research on women involved in the Civil War. Lisa is the author of Sweet Glory, an award winning novel that follows the experiences of a 16-year-old girl who dresses as a young man and serves in the Union Army. Sweet Glory was awarded 1st Place in the Young Adult category by both the Maryland Writers Association and the Southwest Writers Association.

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

Pysanky Demonstration: Ukrainian Easter Eggs Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room, 2 – 4 p.m.

Sisters Olya and Xrystya Szyjka will demonstrate the ancient Ukrainian art of the Pysanka (Ukrainian Easter Egg). The term Pysanky (plural of Pysanka) is derived from the Ukrainian verb Pysaty, meaning “to write.”

The wax-resist method used to decorate the eggs is similar to batik. The design is drawn (written) onto the egg with a stylus (Pysal’tse) and beeswax, first on the white egg. The egg is then dyed yellow and the process repeated with progressively darker dyes. Ultimately, the wax is then melted off, revealing the design.

calendar 33 For more information call (518) 584-7860 ext. 248.

Corned Beef Dinner Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 125 Fifth Ave., 4:30 – 6 p.m.

A Corned Beef dinner complete with homemade pies. Cost: Free with donation.

Sunday, March 22 Breakfast Buffet Sons’ of ITAM Post #35, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs, 8 – 11 a.m.

We have added omelets, made to order. $8 for adults, $7 for senior citizens, children under 5 are free. All are welcome.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Malta Ridge Firehouse, Corner of Route 9 and Malta Ave. Ext., 8 a.m. - Noon Come have some fun and tour of the trucks by request.

Donations accepted.

Bake Sale ITAM Ladies Auxiliary, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs, 8 – 11 a.m.

The Ladies Auxiliary will hold a bake sale during the monthly breakfast. Any donations can be dropped off at post on Saturday night or Sunday morning. For more information call (518) 584-1841.

Bowling Fundraiser Saratoga Strike Zone, 32 Ballston Ave., Saratoga Springs, 9 a.m.

The Greenfield Yellow Jackets 12U baseball team will be having a bowling fundraiser. Your $20 donation will provide 2 hours of bowling, shoe rental, 2 slices of breakfast pizza, soda, and a bumper car ride. There will be an auction and a 50/50 raffle as well. For more information please contact John at (518) 893-2417.

Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale Saratoga-Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Admission is free with over 40 vendors; parking is great, bargains galore, lunch, books, household items, sports equipment, hand-made items, clothing, jewelry, party vendors, and just about anything you

can imagine may be found here.

Rain or shine. Fun activities for the entire family. All proceeds go to our local charities. All markets are held the fourth Sunday of each month: next sales are April 26th and June 28th.

For more information call (518) 289-5470.

Monday, March 23 BSBPA Annual Meeting and Community Mixer Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa, 6 – 8 p.m.

Networking and Dinner catered

by Lily and the Rose, wine pull $10 for a surprise bottle, recap of 2014 – 2015 and preview 2015 – 2016, introduction of BSBPA officers and directors.

Introducing the 2015-2016 Theme: Live Ballston Spa. Celebrating what it means to live and work in our vibrant community and everything that makes Ballston Spa unique and exceptional. Tickets: $25 per person. Purchase online at Ballston.org or at the door.

For more information call (518) 885-2772.

Tuesday, March 24 Special Care Planning Workshop for Families Saratoga Bridges, 16 Saratoga Bridges Blvd. Ballston Spa, 6 p.m.

If you care for a person with a disability or other special needs, it is important that you look beyond the daily care you provide. How you plan for their financial wellbeing as well as yours will make a tremendous difference in your present lifestyle and when you can no longer care for your loved one. Topics Covered: The Special Care Planning Process, Basic Estate Planning Tools, Special Needs Trusts – their creation and funding, Guardianship, Letters of Intent. RSVP to Patty Paduano at (518) 587-0723 ext. 1254.

Wednesday, March 25 Adirondack Audubon Society: Costa Rica Birds Crandall Library, Community Room, Glens Falls, 7 p.m.

Pat Fitzgerald, President of Southern Adirondack Audubon Society, will present a photographic slide show, “Rubythroated Hummingbirds and Other Birds of Costa Rica.”

The talk is part of the monthly program of the Southern Adirondack Audubon Society.

Admission is free. www. southernadirondackaudubon.org

Southern Country Fried Dinner Fundraiser Saratoga Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Cash bar, lots of raffles. All proceeds will be going to Emma’s Fund to help with a very rare lymphatic malformation. Seniors $9, adults $10, children ages 5-12, $6, take-outs $10. For more information call Terri at (518) 423-2828.

Thursday, March 26 Medicaid: What You Need To Know In 2015 Saratoga Room, Woodlawn Commons, The Wesley Community, 156 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, 6 - 7 p.m.

Join Attorney William D. Pfeiffer, of the law firm Girvin & Ferlazzo P.C., as he provides information about Medicaid that you need to know for this year. This informational seminar is free and is sponsored

by The Wesley Foundation.

Refreshments will be provided.

To register, please call (518) 691-1420 or email foundation@ thewesleycommunity.org

by March 24, 2015.

Public Safety Forum City Hall, City Council Room, 474 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m.

The Saratoga Springs Public Safety Dept. will be holding another in a series of forums.

This is an opportunity for citizens to speak with and to hear from Commissioner Mathiesen and staff of the police, fire/EMS, code enforcement and traffic and parking regulations departments. A portion of the meeting will focus on vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic safety measures.

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

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food

Happy Second Birthday Healthy Living Market!

Full Slate of Activities Planned for Sunday Noon – 3 p.m.

Vendor Demos: Meet some of HLM’s favorite vendors, sample their products and make some new favorites.

Flour Girl Bakeshop: Sampling classic American desserts.

The Piggery: A family-owned butcher shop featuring pork and house-made charcuterie.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Sunday, Mar. 22, Saratoga’s Healthy Living Market (HLM) at the Wilton Mall (3065 Route 50) will be celebrating their second birthday at that location. The good news is that they’ll be sharing their presents with you!

They have scheduled a full day of free vendor demos, fun giveaways, and a cake sampling.

Here is the schedule of free activities throughout the day:

11a.m. – 1 p.m.

Birthday Cake Sampling: Visit Christina Davis at the Demo Center to sample some delicious cake from HLM’s Bake Shop. Everyone will receive a $10 off coupon to the store (valid April 1 – 15). You can also register for a chance to win an additional gift card. HLM will have vegan and made-without-gluten options of cake too.

Vega: Plant based protein powders and bars.

Tara Kitchen: Locally made Moroccan sauces and jams.

3 – 5 p.m.

From Scratch Club Food Swap in the Learning Center: From Scratch Club (FSC) Swappers is a group where home cooks, gardeners, foragers, food preservationists, DIY enthusiasts and bakers come to swap their homemade food and drink products and garden bounty.

Participants come from all over the Capital Region, Hudson Valley and North Country to sample items, get inspired, make new friends and of course, swap their treasures.

This event is free, but registration is required. For more information and to register, visit healthylivingmarket.com/event/ fsc-food-swap

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Fourth Annual Night at the Brewseum SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Lions Club has a simple strategy for all their fundraising activities - do it right and have fun doing it. They always strive to create something very special with a goal to stage a memorable experience for both participants and their club members.

The epitome of this philosophy is their fourth annual Night at the Brewseum, presented in conjunction with the Friends of the NYS Military Museum. It will be located both inside and on the Museum’s grounds (61 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs) on Friday, Mar. 27 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. This event benefits local sight, hearing, diabetes and youth programs supported by the Saratoga Springs Lions Club, and The Friends

of the NYS Military Museum.

At the event, you’ll have the opportunity to sample beer, wine, cider, soda, water, coffee and food from a large variety of local and regional vendors. Attendees will receive a souvenir pint glass to take home. You must be 21 or over to attend, ID required.

Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 at the door. Active military and non-drinker admission is $25; those tickets are sold at the door only. To purchase advance tickets, brownpapertickets.com visit

/event/1247946.

Here is a list of participants in this year’s event as of press time: Breweries: Druthers Brewing, Wolf Hollow Brewery, Paradox Brewery, ADK Pub & Brewery,

Henry Street Tap Room, Blue Line Brewing Co., Davidson Bros.

Brewery, Argyle Brewing Co., Steadfast Beer Co., McKenzie’s Cider, Olde Saratoga Brewing Co., Shmaltz Brewing Co., Common Roots Brewing Co., Brown’s Brewing Co., Chatham Brewery, Sundog Cider, City Steam Brewery Wineries: Adirondack Winery, Ledge Rock Hill Winery, Frederick Wildman & Sons, Amorici Vineyard Restaurants: Druthers, Merry Monk, Parting Glass, Omelet King, Maestros, Ripe Tomato Soda/Water: Saratoga Eagle Coffee: Death Wish Coffee

Spring’s Best Burgers Saturdays, 9 to 1 Lincoln Baths, 65 So. Broadway Saratoga Spa State Park SARATOGA SPRINGS — Whether the outdoor temperature is as warm as we want or not, spring officially arrives this weekend. After a record-setting winter in many parts of the Northeast, will anything taste as good as spring’s first hamburger from the grill?

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market features several farms offering ground beef so you can construct the season’s perfect burger. You can be a purist and just use meat.

Or, blend in other items you enjoy, such as chopped onions or scallions, herbs, grated carrot, fresh breadcrumbs and maybe an egg for binding it all together. The market has other types of ground meat as well, which provide further flavor options and extensions.

At Longlesson Farm, Christophe Robert and his wife, Shannon, work together with Shannon’s parents, Bob and Melanie Mason, to raise Angus cattle. The cattle graze on the pastureland and are never fed any grain.

Christophe Robert notes that ground beef is an easy entry point for consumers who are interesting in cooking grass-fed beef. “It’s

quite easy to make a good burger.

At the market, I like to show people a simple trick to determine whether the burger on the grill is done cooking. Using this method, a simple poke of the finger will tell when the burger is rare, medium, or well-done.” (Talk to Christophe at Longlesson’s market table to learn his trick!)

Ground beef is also available at the winter market Lewis Waite

Farm, M&A Farm, and Malta Ridge Orchard & Gardens. Each farm has its particular method of raising its cattle and caring for the land on which the animals graze, so ask questions at the market to determine the best selection for your tastes and preferences.

Here is a market recipe for your first “cook out” of the season—even if you still have to “eat in” due to the outside temperatures.

Saratoga Farmers’ Market

Hamburgers

Ingredients * Ingredients can be found at the market 2 pounds ground beef* 3 cloves minced garlic* 1/2 cup minced onion* or scallions* 2 Tbsp. finely chopped basil* 1 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley* 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce Several “twists” of freshly ground pepper

Directions In large bowl, mix all ingredients thoroughly. Refrigerate meat mixture for 1-2 hours to allow flavors to blend.

Preheat grill to medium high heat. Form meat into 1/2” thick hamburger patties of desired size. (Two pounds of ground beef should make 6-8 burgers).

Place burgers on grill and cook to desired doneness.

Serve on rolls with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

food

Perfect Paella

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY Hello my Foodie Friends! How about a different meal for this weekend?

Perfect paella. Have you ever really experienced it? Probably not, unless you’ve been to Spain. And even then, you may have been served a lackluster rendition of what should be an addictively wonderful dish.

Truly spectacular paella must have a thin layer of rice (no thicker than a half-inch), it must feature a few other ingredients on top (but not so many as to smother the rice) and it must have been cooked and served directly in a real Spanish paella pan.

Lastly, if the bottom layer of rice yields a golden caramelized crust called socarrat, you know you’ve reached the pinnacle of paella greatness.

There are five essential elements in any paella: 1 — The Rice The rice should be medium grain.

Spanish rice is rounded and short; it absorbs liquid very well and it stays relatively firm during cooking. Those qualities make it ideal for paella, where the rice grains absorb flavor from the liquid. The rice should be dry and separate when done, not be creamy like a risotto. The most prestigious variety of Spanish rice is bomba, but there are other imported varieties, such as valenciano and Goya medium grain rice.

2 — The Pan A true paella pan is wide, round, and shallow and has splayed sides. It does not have a lid. It has two looped handles and may dip slightly in the middle so the oil can pool there for the preliminary sautéing. The shape of the pan, which is called either a paella or paellera, helps ensure that the rice cooks in a thin layer. The cooked rice should be only as thick as the width of one finger (about 1/2 inch). The key is to maximize the amount of rice touching the bottom of the pan because that’s where the flavor lives.

For that reason, paella pans grow in diameter rather than in height.

3 — The Heat Source Try to find a heat source that can accommodate the whole paella pan.

Depending on the configuration of your burners, you’ll need to straddle the pan over two burners or set it on your largest burner. Either way, you’ll have to move and rotate the pan to distribute the heat. Or you can cook the paella outdoors on a large gas or charcoal grill, or even over a wood fire, which is how it’s done at paella competitions in Spain. Or, easiest of all, use one of our paella burners to have even heat under the whole pan.

4 — The Sofrito A sauté of aromatics, called the sofrito, provides the flavor base. The components of the sofrito vary by region. Tomato, onion and garlic are a popular trio for the sofrito. Some cooks add pimento, fresh herbs, or a dried sweet red pepper. The technique is simple: sauté the vegetables over medium-low heat until they soften and the flavors meld, and the water from the tomato has evaporated. This mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape in a spoon.

5 — The Cooking Liquid A flavorful liquid cooks the rice, while imbuing it with additional

character. If you don’t have a homemade stock on hand, improvise one with the ingredients in the paella.

For paella with shrimp for example, simmer the shells in salted water for a quick, flavorful stock. If you use canned stock, choose a low-salt one. You can also use water, as many home cooks do in Spain. Almost every paella recipe calls for the liquid to be infused with saffron, which contributes color as well as a subtle background flavor to the rice.

It isn’t difficult to make a fantastic paella (though getting the toasty socarrat to appear on that bottom layer does take a little practice), as long as you keep these five elements in mind and are careful to avoid a couple of pitfalls. One of the most common mistakes is to overload the pan with too many ingredients, thereby suffocating the rice.

When the rice in a paella dish is cooked well, nothing else matters — not the chicken, not the clams, not even the artichokes. These other ingredients do have a role to play in the pan, and that is to provide flavor to the rice. For great paella, add them with restraint, and let the rice take center stage.

Try to serve the paella from the pan rather than a plate. Some say serving from a plate destroys the texture of the rice, which when cooked properly creates a thin cohesive blanket across the paella pan.

You should seat yourself and your guests around the pan (a round or square table works best) and eat the paella right from the pan, starting from the perimeter and working toward the center.

Remember my Foodie Friends that when you’re with family and friends “Life Happens in the Kitchen!”

Take Care, John and Paula Compliments to the Chef, 46 Marion Avenue, Saratoga Springs.

35

36

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

A Thank You from Wellspring Stewart’s Shops Helps Kids and Families

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Stewart’s Shops’ Holiday Match program may be something people usually think about during the holiday season, but for the children and families it benefits, they have reason to be thankful about its generosity all year long.

Every year Wellspring (formerly Domestic Violence and

Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County - DVRC) provides safe emergency housing to over 100 adults and children fleeing abuse through their emergency shelter.

In 2014, Wellspring provided over 2,750 safe nights of shelter for 110 children and adults through their secure facility. With the help of the Stewart’s Shops’ Holiday match

program, Wellspring has been able to continue this most important service to victims and their families recovering from domestic abuse.

For 2015, Stewart’s has once again shown their support for children and families of Saratoga County. The company has awarded $6,000 from their 2014-15 Holiday Match campaign to help Wellspring provide for the both the basic needs of children in shelter, as well as to help those children recover emotionally through social and recreational activities. Wellspring will use the funds to provide clothing, school supplies and medications as well as providing things

like opportunities to participate in athletic activities, or go to the movies as well as important structured social activities such as birthday parties. These services help families recover from abuse and achieve safe, healthy futures.

Wellspring, formerly DVRC, has been providing services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Saratoga County for 30 years. The mission of Wellspring is supporting survivors and engaging our community to end relationship and sexual abuse.

For more information, visit wellspringcares.org.

Wellspring’s 24-hour hotline is (518) 584-8188.

Palm Sunday Polka Dance Benefits Saratoga Bridges SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 26th Annual Palm Sunday Polka Benefit / Dance will be held on Sunday, Mar. 29 from 2 – 6 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Knights of Columbus (K of C), located at the corner of Rt. 29 and Pine Road in Saratoga Springs. The event will feature the “Polka Country Musicians” from Jewett City, Connecticut, a live internet broadcast of Polish New Castle Radio hosted by Jas & Stas, cash bar, Polish and American food

prepared by the K of C staff, raffles, prizes and a 50/50 drawing.

All proceeds benefit Saratoga Bridges’ special projects. Seating is limited, so you are encouraged to reserve your tickets in advance.

Advance tickets are $13. Tickets at the door, if available, will be $15.

For information and reservations, please contact Steve or Cathy Coblish at (518) 899-3061 or scoblish@nycap.rr.com.

Calling All Members of SSHS Class of ’75!

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs High School class of 1975 announces its 40th reunion.

The theme for the reunion is a “Hawaiian Disco” bash and will be held on Saturday, June 27, at 4 p.m. at the Saratoga Wilton Elks Club # 161, 1 Elks Lane in Saratoga Springs.

To dress for success at this event it’s all about the flowered shirts, leis, sarongs, flip-flops, grass skirts and of course bring the shades because the sun is always bright on the islands… and at the Elks Club that evening!

For further information about the event and tickets, contact Robin Carnevale Schwedt, Sandy Daigler or Peggy Ponton at (518) 584-0165, or via the class of 1975’s email: sshs_1975@yahoo.com. The

Schuylerville Middle School Drama Club Presents “Peter Pan Jr.” SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville Middle School drama club will present Disney’s “Peter Pan Jr.” on Friday, Mar. 20 and Saturday, Mar. 21. The show starts at 7 p.m. in the Schuylerville High School auditorium and tickets will be sold at the door. Ticket prices are $5 for students and senior citizens, and $8 for adults.

Disney’s Peter Pan Jr. is the delightful story of Wendy, John and Michael Darling and their trip to Neverland where they meet Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook and many other characters.

Working alongside the student actors and actresses are: — Jodi Leight director/producer — Betty Gifford director assistant — Kathy Hanehan and Kim Tabor costumes — Helene Paterson technical assistant — Doug Madigan sound director — Nicole Cunningham, Lydia Martin, Claire Prunier, Hannah Eustis and Vincent Cifone student directors For more information, contact Schuylerville Central School Communications Office at (518) 695-3255 x 1245, or visit schuylervilleschools.org.

reunion committee also has developed a website (saratogahigh75.com) and they are urging all classmates to register and receive updates on reunion activities.

They have also started a Class of 1975 Facebook page (visit http://goo.gl/FjkgXI).

37 PULSE

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Get Ready for Bands ‘n Beans on Sunday!

24th Annual Benefit for Lake George Arts Project

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY LAKE GEORGE — One of the surest signs that the long winter is finally ending will occur this Sunday, Mar. 22 beginning at 1 p.m. The 24th annual Bands ‘n Beans Benefit will once again take place at the Roaring Brook Ranch (Route 9N, Lake George).

This signature fundraiser to benefit the Lake George Arts Project (LGAP) features a delicious combination of over 30 regional restaurants providing their chili

creations for you to sample (and vote on), along with a non-stop music lineup on two stages featuring a cross section of the area’s leading musicians. This year’s musicians include Rich Ortiz, Stony Creek Band, Tim Wechgelaer and Friends, Soul Sky, Rattail Jimmy, Dirt Cheap, Chris Ballini, Doug Irving and Phil Camp. In addition to chili and music, Rock Hill Bakehouse will offer samples of their award winning breads, and to cool down Ben & Jerry’s will sell ice cream (with all proceeds donated to LGAP).

Tickets are $20 at the door, or can be purchased by calling LGAP at (518) 668-2616. With a paid admission, you receive three tokens to bestow upon your chili favorites. Restaurants are competing for your vote and several awards, which are a source of bragging rights throughout the year.

2014 Chili Award Winners: — First place: UpRiver Cafe, Lake Luzerne — Hootin’ N Tootin’ Awesome Chili Award: Frederick’s

Local Actors Guild of Saratoga Presents The Normal Heart SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Normal Heart is the third production of the Local Actors Guild of Saratoga’s (LAGS) 2014-15 season. This Capital Region community theatre in downtown Saratoga Springs is in its ninth year under the leadership of Jeremy Buechner, Artistic Director.

The Normal Heart will be presented at The Saratoga Arts Center at 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

Performance dates and times are Saturdays, Mar. 21 and 28 at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays, Mar. 22 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission and may be reserved on the phone by calling (518) 393-3496.

Waters at Skidmore

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Acclaimed journalist Ethan Watters will discuss his book “Crazy Like Us: The Globalization of the American Psyche” when he presents Skidmore’s International Affairs lecture at 6 p.m. Monday, Mar. 23, in Davis Auditorium, Palamountain Hall.

Watters’ view is that in teaching the rest of the world to think like us, we have been, for better or worse, homogenizing the way the world goes mad.

Free and open to the public.

The Normal Heart tells the story of the onset of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City in the early 1980s.

It explores the nation’s sexual politics at the time as gay activists and their allies in the medical community fight to expose the truth about the epidemic to a city in denial.

This production’s cast of local actors and actresses include: Edmund Metzold as Ned Weeks, who witnesses first-hand a mysterious disease that has begun to claim the lives of many in his gay community and starts to seek answers; Christopher Maletesta plays Felix Turner, a New York Times reporter who becomes Ned’s lover; Matthew Side plays Bruce Niles, a closeted investment banker who becomes a prominent AIDS activist; Oliver Ord plays gay activist Tommy Boatwright; Ann Milliken plays physician Dr. Emma Brookner, a survivor of childhood polio who treats several of the earliest victims of HIV-AIDS. Rounding out the cast are Keith Searles as Ben Weeks, Jeremy (J.J.) Buechner as Mickey Marcus, Matthew LaPierre as Craig/Grady, Nick Himmelwright as Hiram Keebler, and Hank Boland as David/examining doctor. The director is Jonathan Pate.

The Normal Heart opened Off-Broadway at The Public Theater on April 21, 1985, and ran for 294 performances. The Broadway premiere of The Normal Heart began on April 19, 2011, for a limited 12-week engagement at the Golden Theatre. In 2014, HBO Films premiered a full-length feature film of The Normal Heart, directed by Ryan Murphy, with a star-studded cast.

The Local Actors Guild of Saratoga (LAGS) is a nonprofit community theater organization in Saratoga Springs, established in 2006. The 2015-16 season will include The Diary of Anne Frank, RENT and a new play festival.

Restaurant, Bolton Landing — Hot Stuff Award: Giovanna’s on The Lake (at the Georgian), Lake George — President’s Choice Award: Downtown City Tavern, Glens Falls

— Director’s Choice Award: Log Jam, Lake George Over the course of two-plus decades, this is an event that has always done it right, and attendance by a few thousand of your neighbors each year proves the point. Don’t worry – they’ve got plenty of room (and chili) for you!

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38

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

32nd Capital Region Heart Ball at Hall of Springs Photos by MarkBolles.com

Nia Flick with vi ntag

e radio.

lub Mr. and Mrs. Neil Go

Marion Ausfeld (wife of honoree Robert J. Ausfeld) and son Brian

ld Led Duke PhD received the Dona Dr. Edward Hannan, fe Maryanne Heart Hero Award, wi

Marquia Farmer, Darren Jones, Professor George Smith, Sheila Rivera Heart Ball co-chairs Dr. Vincent and Lou-Ann Verdile

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A well-dressed gathering of 500 people turned out on the evening of Saturday, Mar. 14 for the sold-out 32nd Capital Region Heart Ball at the Hall of Springs at Spa State Park. This is the major fundraising event of the year for the regional branch of the American Heart Association. The co-chairs for the evening’s festivities were Saratoga Springs residents Dr. Vincent and Lou-Ann Verdile.

The theme of this year’s event was “Radio Days,” a tribute to honoree Robert Ausfeld, a Capital Region radio sales executive who died last summer following a heart transplant in Boston. Following his passing, Ausfeld, who spent his entire career in radio sales, received the unprecedented honor of having every radio station in the Capital Region observe a moment of silence.

Also, Dr. Edward Hannan, PhD, received the Donald Led Duke Heart Hero Award for his development of a system to assess the quality of care provided by New York State hospitals and doctors who perform cardiac surgery and coronary angioplasty. Because of his work, mortality rates from these procedures have declined and other states have developed similar systems.

“I’ve worked with an incredible team of community leaders to help raise money that will keep advancing the research of the American Heart Association,” Dr. Verdile said.

“That translates into better lives for all cardiac patients, and more understanding of how to prevent the number one killer of all Americans, heart disease.”

39 PULSE Braving the Shave at Saratoga City Tavern!

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Over 100 Shed Locks to Benefit St. Baldrick’s Foundation

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — On the afternoon of Saturday, Mar. 14, every square inch of the Saratoga City Tavern was jammed with well-wishers and volunteers who were ready to put their money where their scalp is!

For six years, the City Tavern hosted an event locally that occurs worldwide on the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day – The St. Baldrick’s Foundation signature head-shaving event – where volunteers collect pledges and then shave their heads in solidarity with children fighting cancer. Over 100 people of all ages participated by getting their head shaved for a great cause.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven and donor-centered charity dedicated to raising money for children’s cancer research and funding the most promising research

Janelle Coffey and Jeffrey DeJesus

initiatives to find cures. In these six years, the events at the City Tavern have raised over $411,000, according to Event Coordinators (and Emcee’s) Steve and Becky Cook. “Support from the City Tavern has been amazing,” Becky said, “and let’s not forget all the stylists who donate their time on a busy weekend afternoon.”

Also, several “guests of honor” were in attendance. One, Ms. Reese Johnson of Ballston Spa, was in remission and thus was able to enjoy her 14th birthday party with her family and friends.

Photos by MarkBolles.com

Guest of Honor Reese Johnson celebrates her 14th birthday. L to R: Elaina, Cassandra, Kylie, Reese, Alexis and Maddie

Saratoga Juice Bar Workshop Kim Pino helps Alex Bailey brave the shave

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Join the juice experts at Saratoga Juice Bar (382 Broadway, Saratoga Springs) at 7 p.m. on Friday, Mar. 20 for their very first cold-pressed juice workshop. You will not only learn about the benefits of cold-pressed juice, but you will get a hands-on demonstration from our professional coldpressed juicers on how our juice is made and bottled.

You will see and be a part of the entire process – from fresh produce, to bottled juice. They will press several different fruits and vegetables on their two Norwalk cold-pressed juicers and give you a chance to create your own blend of juice.

The workshop will be followed by a cocktail reception at the Crown Grill (390 Broadway, Saratoga Springs) where the skilled Bartenders will prepare cocktails made with these cold-pressed juices. You will also have the opportunity to sign up for one of Saratoga Juice Bar’s juice cleanses.

This workshop is free, however it is limited to the first 20 applicants. Email Andy Scullin at ascullin@gmail.com to register for this workshop. For more information, visit SaratogaJuiceBar.com

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40

S P OT L I G H T

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Saratoga’s Happiest Happy Hour!

Rick Bolton & Jeff Walton Gaffney’s on Friday @ 5 p.m.

week of 3/20-3/26 friday, 3/20:

Skeeter Creek, 9 pm

Rich Ortiz, 8 pm

John Kribs Band, 8 pm

PJ + Josh, 9 pm

Karaoke, 9:30 pm

Scott Ainslie, 8 pm

Rich Clements Band, 3 pm

Herm Stanley, 7 pm

DVDJ Dread + DJ Crush, 8 pm

Jukebox Night, 10 pm

Rob Aronstein, 7 pm

@ Bailey’s — 583.6060

@ Bentley’s — 899.4300

@ Caffè Lena — 583.0022

@ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177

@ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400

Jeanine Marie Jazz Trio, 7 pm

@ The Mill — 899.5253

@ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875

@ The Saratoga Winery — 584.9463 @ Vapor — 581.5775

@ Wishing Well — 584.7640

@ Crown Grill — 583.1105

Toga Boys, 9 pm

sunday, 3/22:

@ Dangos 587.2022

Rick Bolton + Jeff Walton, 5 pm

Lindsay Lou + the Flatbellys, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022

@ Gaffney’s — 587.7359

Frankie + Trevor, 9 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359

Ubuntu, 9 pm

Live Jazz Brunch, 11 am

@ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563

@ Harvey’s — 583.0003

monday, 3/23:

@ JP Bruno’s — 745.1180

Jeff Walton, 6:30 pm

@ JP Bruno’s — 745.1180

Chris Carey/ Tim Wechgelaer, 7 pm

Crispy Critters, 5:30 pm Hot Mess, 10:30 pm Duel Peaks Band, 9 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300

@ Brook Tavern — 871.1473 @ One Caroline — 587.2026

George Muscatello Quartet, 9 pm

tuesday, 3/24:

Andy Iorio, 7:30 pm

Rich Ortiz, 10 pm

Paradox Saints w/Klozapin, 9:30 pm

Two Step Tuesdays, 8 pm

@ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582

@ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 @ Putnam Den — 584.8066

Mike Thomas, 8 pm @ Ravenswood — 371.8771

Crossfire, 9 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253

Mike DeAngelis, 8:30 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875

Seven Hills, 6 pm

@ The Saratoga Winery — 584.9463

Audiostars, 8 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775

saturday, 3/21:

@ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 @ Crown Grill — 583.1105

Open Mic with Rick Bolton, 8 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359

wednesday, 3/25: Acoustic Blues Open Mic + Jam, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022

Joe Gitto + Dan Wanczyk, 6:30 pm @ Mouzon House — 226.0014

Bobby Dick + Suzie, 7:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563

Road to Rock n Roll Resort (Battle of the Bands), 7:30 pm

Austin Barosi, 8 pm

@ Putnam Den — 584.8066

Just Nate, 9 pm

@ The Parting Glass — 583.1916

Ellis Paul, 7 pm

@ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875

EJ Hopeck, 7 pm

thursday, 3/26:

Rattlesnake, 10 pm

Open Mic, 7 pm

Karaoke, 10 pm

DJ Dragonette, 9 pm

@ Bailey’s — 583.6060

Celtic Session, 7 pm

@ Bentley’s — 899.4300

Karaoke, 9 pm

@ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 @ Circus Café — 583.1106

Cole Broderick, 6:30 pm @ Fifty South — 884.2926

Acoustic Circus, 9 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359

Rich Ortiz, 9 pm @ Harvey’s — 583.0003

Aquanett, 10:30 pm @ JP Bruno’s — 745.1180

Master Cylinders, 9 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300

Rick Rosoff Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582

Er Go Blu, 7:30 pm

@ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563

Formula 5 / Capital Zen / The Other Brothers, 9 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066

Sugar Pill, 8 pm

@ Ravenswood — 371.8771

@ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 @ Cantina — 587.5577

Matty Finn, 6 pm

@ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177

Open Mic, 10 pm

@ Circus Café — 583.1106

Megan Houde, 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

Rich Ortiz, 7:30 pm

@ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563

Gotham Nights, 9:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066

Celtic Session, 7 pm

@ The Parting Glass — 583.1916

Country Night, 7 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

fun and games

Puzzles

Across 1 Nature photographer’s lens 6 __ facie 11 Dells, at times 14 Steer clear of 15 Charged 16 Impressed reaction 17 Wright 20 “Far out!”

21 Begins 22 Soothing application 23 Dupes 26 One getting a share 27 Rite 33 North Carolina’s __ Banks 34 “America” soloist in “West Side Story” 35 Hardy heroine 36 They may be dusted 37 Indication of freshness?

41 Weasel relative 42 Feudal lord 43 Right 47 Theater sweepings 48 Drops from the staff 49 Like most pets 50 Showy neckwear 54 Actress Carrere 57 Write 61 End of a texter’s amusing comment, perhaps 62 Paramount output 12 See 66-Across 63 Mazda two-seater 13 Sleep on it 64 Cornerstone abbr.

18 __ Hashanah 65 Comets, long ago 19 “Othello” villain 66 With 12-Down, exile site 24 Metal bearers 25 Big name in ATMs Down 26 Doc bloc 1 Bryn __ College 27 Sleep on it 2 Reebok rival 28 Peach or plum 3 Ham at a party, say 29 __-loading 4 Tease 30 Name on a historic bomber 5 Norfolk, Va., campus 31 Closer to being harvested 6 Phone in a play, e.g.

32 Little green men 7 Uncommon 36 “Cash __”: TV game show 8 Privy to 37 Set of Web pages 9 Rover’s turf 38 Under 10 Four-wheeler, briefly 39 Scotch bottle datum 11 Common allergen

41

See puzzle solutions on page 46

See puzzle solution on page 46 40 Soup veggie 41 Many AARP members: Abbr.

42 Loose 43 John of “Necessary Roughness” 44 Turbulence 45 52-Down victim 46 Computer input 47 Stone marker 50 Bit that can be split 51 Cantabria-born golfer, familiarly 52 Slayer of 45-Down 53 Till fill 55 Kappa preceder 56 Shrinking sea 58 Latin trio word 59 Worker at home 60 Haberdashery item

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: Obsolescent, Obsolete Obsolescent is the process of passing out of use or usefulness.

Although turntables are obsolescent, they continue to sell well.

Obsolete means no longer in use (outmoded in design, style, or construction).

The Senate is considering a bill to close obsolete military bases.

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

42 It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

Publication Day: Friday

Ad Copy Due:

Classified marketplace

Wednesday, noon

Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

classified@saratogapublishing.com

Call (518) 581-2480 x204

AUTO DONATION 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!

HELP WANTED Seasonal Worker Wanted for small landscape company. Physical duties include cleanups - both spring & fall, mulching, mowing, pruning, and small landscape projects. Ambitious people only. Call Peter, 879-1333.

Can You Dig It? Heavy Equipment Operator Career!

Receive Hands On Training And National Certifications Operating Bulldozers, Backhoes & Excavators.

Lifetime Job Placement. Veteran Benefits Eligible! 1-866-968-2577 AIRLINE CAREERS begin here Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance Technician training.

Financial aid for qualified students ñ Housing available. Job placement assistance. Call AIM 866-296-7093

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WELDING CAREERS- Hands on training for career opportunities in aviation, automotive, manufacturing and more. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance.

CALL AIM 877-206-4006

RENTALS WANTED

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Classified marketplace DIVORCE

AUCTION

DIVORCE $349 - Uncontested divorce papers prepared. Only one signature required. Poor person Application included if applicable.

Separation agreements. Custody and support petitions. - 518-274-0380

ADOPTION ADOPTION: A childless young married couple, hands on mom/ devoted dad (she-31/ he-37) seeks to adopt. Financial security, expenses paid. Call/ text Mary & Adam 1-800-790-5260 ADOPT: A dream is a wish your heart makes, our wish is a baby to love. We’re loving, educated, close family. Expenses paid. Danny/ Lorraine 1-866-997-7171

MISCELLANEOUS SAWMILLS from only $4397.00MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship!

FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N

WANTED

Wanted – Used Laptops, Portable DVD Players and Tablets to be used for learning and training programs for Veterans. Must be in good working condition. Receipt for tax deduction available from a 501©3 from Second Chance Sports and the Learning League. Call Bill Yaiser at 491-0556. Will Pick up.

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

Travel to your home.

Call Marc in NY: 1-800-959-3419

Live Simulcast Bankruptcy Auction Case 13-10157, Hayes Iron & Metal, Inc. Office Bldg., Metal Frame Bldgs, Workshop, Shop Equip., Tools, Office Furnishings & Equip., Providence, NC. 3/26/15 at 10am. Auction at The Institute Conference Center Barkhouser Auditorium, Danville, VA. 800-997-2248, NCAL3936/ VAAL580. www.ironhorseauction.com AUCTION CHEMUNG COUNTY REAL PROPERTY TAX FORECLOSURES- 100+ Properties March 25 @11AM. Holiday Inn, Elmira, NY. 800-243-0061 HAR, Inc. & AAR, Inc. Free brochure: www.NYSAUCTIONS.com

LAND FOR SALE UPSTATE NY WATERFRONT! 11 acres- $69,900 Beautiful woods on bass lake 5 miles to Cooperstown! Private setting for camp, cabin or year round home! Terms avail! 888-479-3394 NewYorkLandandLakes.com

COOPERSTOWN LAND SALE! 5 acres- $24,900 5 mins to Village.

Gorgeous wooded setting, priced at 60% BELOW MARKET! Town rd, utils, ez terms! 888-905-8847 or newyorklandandlakes.com

VACATION RENTALS OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals.

Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-800-638-2102.

Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com

FOR SALE Privacy Hedges - SPRING Blowout Sale 6ft Arborvitae (cedar) Reg $129 Now $59 Beautiful, Nursery Grown. FREE Installation/FREE delivery 518-536-1367 www. lowcosttrees.com Limited Supply!

FOR RENT

43

MORTGAGE Your Homeownership Partner. The State of NY Mortgage Agency offers up to $15,000 down payment assistance. www.sonyma.org.

1-800-382-HOME(4663)

44

SPORTS

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Never Fear, Spring is Here All Outdoors

by Tim Blodgett for Saratoga TODAY Spring has finally sprung, at least according to the calendar, so leave those cold and dreary thoughts behind and start planning for some fun.

Look out your window — you might think I’m being overly optimistic. As I write this, the view out my window is arctic and the snow banks by the driveway still hide my wife’s car. Despite what it looks like, a change can be felt in the air that tells us that better days are near. As a matter of fact, I’m looking forward to the muddy, dingy snow, damp, rainy and generally gross weeks to come because they will be a welcome change to what we’ve had for

the last few months. We’ll start seeing new visitors at our birdfeeders and buds swelling on the trees.

Maple sap will flow and Crocuses will bravely push up through the frosty ground and offer their flowers for our enjoyment.

I was even happy when I smelled a skunk last week because when they emerge from their dens, you know spring is around the corner. Spring may officially be here, but I won’t give it my full endorsement until I see red winged blackbirds and hear spring peepers.

For many anglers, the April 1 opening of trout season marks the beginning of spring. Deep snow and swollen streams won’t make this an easy kickoff to the season but if it was easy, it wouldn’t be as much fun.

Catching a trout in the conditions we are likely to see will be a challenge and any trout you do catch will be a trophy no matter the size.

I’m not going to try to give you surefire tips to catch trout on opening day because many of you reading this are far more expert at this kind of fishing than I am. I will probably hit the stream close to my home just to say I did if conditions permit, but my stream fishing will likely wait until the snow is reduced to isolated patches in the woods and

fiddle heads start to emerge (more on that in a future column).

What I will try to impress upon you is to use extreme caution if you venture out to your favorite stream on opening day. A fall in water, whose temperature may be hovering in the low 40s, will certainly rinse away your enthusiasm and could be a perilous experience, especially if your waders fill with water. More than one fishing career has ended that way so use good sense and caution when negotiating slippery banks and rocks.

If you take children out early in the season, it’s a good idea to have them wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when they are near the water. Hypothermia is the other thing to worry about if you get a good soaking, so don’t go swimming with the trout.

Speaking of PFDs, state law requires that all boaters wear a personal floatation device, regardless of age, between the dates of November 1 and May 1. Failure to do so will earn you stern words and a ticket from the authorities.

Take the time now to prepare for the upcoming season. If you’re anything like me, you’ve allowed your tackle to become disorganized since last season. I’ve taken

bits and pieces of trout, panfish and ice fishing tackle from their appropriate boxes and made a hash out of it all. Organize your tackle now and replace dull or rusted hooks. Sometimes favorite lures disappear, especially if you have young anglers in your household. It’s better to find out now than on the banks of your secret fishing hole.

The one thing I can’t stress enough in your preparation is to CHANGE YOUR LINE. Trusting last year’s line is one of the best ways to frustrate, and ultimately, disappoint yourself. The only thing connecting you to the fish on the hook is your line. Ultraviolet exposure and hard use weaken monofilament fishing line. New line will be stronger, cast better and have greater knot strength than the stuff on your reel now. Do yourself a favor and re-spool so you don’t have to tell the same tired old story about the one that got away. Instead, take that fish home and panfry it in butter, herbs and fresh squeezed lemon juice.

Finally, to avoid complications with the law, check your fishing license to see if it’s still valid.

Last year, fishing licenses changed and now expire one year from the date of purchase. It used to be easy

to keep track of when all licenses expired on September 30. Check it right now while you’re thinking of it, I’ll wait …

Good, now you know. If you didn’t find it, get a replacement.

Don’t wait to the last minute. If you want, you can go to DEC’s website at dec.ny.gov and click on the link to license sales and issue yourself a new license from the comfort of your favorite easy chair. DEC will send you your license in the mail.

While you’re there, check for new rules and regulations for this fishing season. There are quite a few changes with many applying to specific bodies of water or counties.

Remember that striped bass will start running up the Hudson River soon and turkey season opens May 1. I’m sure you can justify a new addition to your gear, a new striper combo or camo perhaps?

You’ll think of something.

Until next time, be safe and enjoy your time outdoors.

Tim Blodgett, owner of Saratoga Tackle & Archery, can be reached at (518) 584-3952.

His store is located on Route 9P, Saratoga Lake next to the state boat launch. For further information, visit Saratogatackle.com or find Saratoga Tackle on Facebook.

Great Upstate Boat Show Returns to Adirondack Sports Complex The 10th Annual Great Upstate Boat Show is set to kick off at the Dome at the Adirondack Sports Complex in Queensbury, beginning March 27 and running through March 29. The Eastern New York Marine Trades Association (ENYMTA) Board of Directors has returned the show to its original format of one big weekend.

“Making the show two weekends again this year would have pushed the second week into the Easter weekend and the first weekend of many school’s spring vacation, creating potential problems for dealers, vendors, and attendees,” said Roger Phinney, executive director. “The board anticipates what was accomplished in two weekends last year can be done in just one weekend this year with the addition of new attractions, current low interest rates, and aggressive dealer pricing because of the long winter.”

At this year’s show, top dealers and boating lifestyle vendors throughout the Northeast will be showcasing

the latest boating technologies and lifestyle accessories for guests to check out, all in one convenient location.

What’s nice about this show for buyers is that after negotiating your best deal, an additional 2 percent off the bottom line price can be saved if you do buy during the show. Each dealer offers their own financing.

“For the last few seasons, we have witnessed more guests entering the show from all over New York and New England. Several dealers reported last year that additional buyers came to their facilities throughout the spring and early summer seasons to purchase a boat like one they had seen at the show,” said Phinney.

Whether you are just getting into boating and are interested in purchasing a boat for the first time or you would like to snag a newer or different style boat, the Great Upstate Boat Show is a great place to explore your options and get all the information you need from the experts, in order to make an informed decision.

SHOW HOURS:

MAIN ATTRACTIONS:

Saturday, March 28: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

— More than 1,500 new and preowned boats available

Sunday, March 29: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

— More than 175 boats on display

Friday, March 27: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

NEW THIS YEAR:

— The chance to win $25,000 (must purchase boat at the show to be entered to win) — Interactive Docking Simulator — The Timbertown Gang Characters for kids (and the young at heart) from The Great Escape (March 28th) — Big door prizes inside the show such as a weekend stay at Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Water Park and a $500 Shopping Spree to French Mountain Commons and Log Jam Outlet Center.

— More than 60 top boat brands — More than 20 leading upstate dealers — More than 25 boating lifestyle vendors — A wide variety of boats from top upstate dealers: Bowriders, deck boats, jet boats, ski boats, aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats, Classic wood boats, pontoons, cuddy cabins and cruisers. Personal watercrafts will also be on display at this year’s show.

— New and pre-owned boat sales, to service, storage, dockage, docks, boat lifts, parts and boating accessories www.thegreatupstateboatshow.com www.facebook.com/boatnewyorkstate

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

SPORTS

45

March Madness’ Storied History

by Damian Fantauzzi for Saratoga TODAY Curiosity about the NCAA tournament and some of its history got me involved in a search for some facts.

Here are some interesting tidbits that we could all stumble upon through Google: The most tournament titles, goes to UCLA with 11; the school winning the first tournament was Oregon in 1939. Another fact that surprised me: Kentucky has had the most appearances in the tournament, 53, which makes you realize why Kentucky is considered the hotbed of collegiate basketball.

The first NCAA tournament game was in 1939 when Villanova defeated Brown University in the East Regional, 42-30, but lost in the Final Four. The original bracket comprised just 8 teams. A note of interest here is that this first tournament championship game site was played in Patten Gymnasium, a 5,500seat gymnasium at Northwestern University in Evanston Illinois, with a capacity crowd.

A very interesting thing about the game of basketball back then was that after every made field goal, or basket made, there was a jump ball. Oregon won that tournament back when the Ducks were called the Webfoots (no kidding!), but they were tagged with the nickname Tall Firs because of the obvious height advantage they had over their opponents and of course the fir trees of Oregon. They defeated Ohio State 46-33. An interesting fact for your consideration, this was a rematch with some obvious sweet revenge for Ohio State, who won the first ever NCAA football championship over Oregon.

Let’s get back to basketball. There were two regions in that first national tournament, the East and the West. The East Regional was held at the Palestra in Philadelphia, with Brown,

Ohio State, Villanova and Wake Forest. The West Regional was at the California Coliseum in San Francisco, with Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Utah State. The tournament was actually sponsored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the NCAA took it over in 1940 by purchasing the rights, for a mere $2,531, with the stipulation that members of the NABC would be granted free tickets.

Kansas City, Missouri has hosted more Final Fours than any other city. Maybe because the inventor of basketball, Dr. James Naismith, who coached at the University of Kansas, which was only an hour from Kansas City, is why the Final Fours have been played there 10 times, the last was in 1988. Just recently I wrote about cheating scandals at Syracuse, UNC and SMU, and coaches who have had wins vacated because of infractions. In relationship to those violations, there has been a total of 96 tournament wins vacated via NCAA investigations from the tournament’s archives due to rules violations. The NCAA doesn’t publicize this as part of its history, but 35 different college basketball programs have had their March Madness appearances erased from its historical archives of college basketball, including 11 Final Four appearances.

Duke holds the highest winning percentage in the winning of tournament games, with 99 wins and 34 losses for a .744 winning percentage. You have to remember, since the UCLA dynasty from 1964 to 1975, there are more teams in the tournament, so there are more games being played.

Duke was also victim of the most demoralizing loss in a NCAA Championship game history, when UNLV hammered the Blue Devils 103-73, to be crowned the 1990 NCAA National Champions. That 103 point production by the Runnin’ Rebels is the most points ever scored in a championship game.

The University of North Carolina has been a No. 1 seed more times than any other college team.

There are four No. 1 seeds each tournament because there are four brackets representing four areas of the country, with a total of 68 teams divided into those brackets.

The most frequent match up has been that of Kentucky versus

Marquette, meeting 10 times in the tourney’s history. Villanova, in 1985, was the No. 8 seed, and it was the lowest seed ever to win the NCAA title.

Surprisingly, Texas has had 23 colleges that have participated in March Madness, the most of any state, but has only had one championship, the 1966 UTEP Miners, formerly Texas Western.

The Kentucky Wildcats have the most championship wins under multiple head coaches. Kentucky has won a total of eight NCAA titles under five different coaches.

In 1975, the Syracuse Orangemen played the most overtime games in one tournament. Of the team’s five tournament games, three were overtime wins, as ‘Cuse lost in the Final Four. UCLA won 5 NCAA championships in the 1960s and had the most dominant single team in 1967, winning four games with 23 to 75 point winning margins. The Bruins would go on to win seven straight NCAA titles. In 1979 the championship game between Michigan State and Indiana State, which featured Magic Johnson and Larry Bird was the most watched game in the tournament’s history.

Many younger people don’t realize that at one time the National Invitation Tournament, founded in 1938, exclusively held at Madison Square Garden, was considered the most prestigious postseason tournament. The better teams seemed to choose the NIT and because of that it was considered the only way to determine the national champion.

In the 1940s some schools participated in both the NIT and NCAA tournaments and in 1950 the City College of New York won both championships, the only team to accomplish that feat, and defeated the same team, Bradley University, in the two championship games. As late as 1970, Marquette’s iconic basketball coach Al McGuire chose the NIT over the NCAA tournament because his team had been placed in the Midwest Regional rather than close to home in the Mideast Regional.

After that, the NCAA barred any school that declined a bid in its tourney from playing postseason games elsewhere. An antitrust lawsuit ensued decades later, but the NCAA settled it in 2005 as part of a deal when it purchased the NIT. I guess the way to stop a feud is to buy out your opponent and

own it. These days the NIT is a consolation tournament for those schools that were not selected to the NCAA tournament.

The NIT’s format of playing is to have the first few rounds at the higher seed’s home court. The semifinals and finals are played at Madison Square Garden.

There are two more important and historical NCAA artifacts I must mention. In 1966, Texas Western won the title with the first ever all-African American starting lineup, beating Kentucky 72-65, which had an all white team, including Schenectady’s Pat Riley.

Racial barriers were broken and there has been no looking back.

That was a day in the history of

college basketball, in when diversity changed the game.

The term March Madness was first coined for the NCAA tournament by broadcaster Brent Musburger. Birth of the phrase comes from the Illinois high school state basketball tournament in 1908, when it was called The March Madness and along those lines that term included the idea and title of Sweet Sixteen.

This year’s tournament will no doubt have its upsets, Cinderellas and even the possibility of a team finishing the season undefeated, as Kentucky sits at 34-0 right now.

It’s March, spring is in the air and college basketball has taken over for a few weeks. Enjoy.

46

SPORTS

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

Community Sports Bulletin s Sign up now for City of Saratoga Spring ogram creation Department Spring Soccer Pr

Re

is ldren grades Pre K-12. Th This program is open to chi the ril 25 to June 20, 2015 at program will run from Ap ll (342 Jefferson St). Players wi Saratoga Casino and Raceway ed osed to skill development bas exp d an de gra by ted ara sep be ttle ed at all levels. Big Kicker/Li on age. Shin guards are requir on will play one time per week Kicker (Grades Pre K and K) d play once during the week an the weekend. All other grades ie inators are Jeff and Stephan once on the weekend. Coord rly 29 in order to receive the Ea Geller. Register before March unt ttle Kicker Early Bird Disco Bird Discount. Big Kicker/Li $60 atoga Springs City Resident, registration fee is $35 for Sar ntrict residents and $85 for no for Saratoga Springs school dis on . Early Bird Discount registrati Saratoga Springs city residents , Saratoga Springs city residents fee for Grades 1-12 is $50 for l district residents and $100 for $75 for Saratoga Springs schoo s per idents. Two volunteer coache non-Saratoga Springs city res the Registration fee is waived for . els lev all at ed ed ne are m tea rs by March 29. Sign up at the child of each coach who registe e Center at 15 Vanderbilt Avenu Saratoga Springs Recreation or -7pm or Sunday from 12-5pm Monday – Saturday from 9am 587com. Questions? Contact us visit us at www.SaratogaRec. ations@saratoga-springs.org.

3550 x2300 or email recreserv

American Icebirds Hockey Signups The American Icebirds youth boys hockey teams (U16 and U18) are looking for players at all positions.

Email icebirds@mail.com for information.

Send your sports stories or briefs to Neil Benjamin, Sports Editor at neil@saratoga publishing.com

Puzzle solutions from pg. 41

Camp Saradac Increas

es Ages this Summer

The Saratoga Sp rings Recreatio n Department hosting Camp will again be Saradac this su mmer. New th inclusion of 13 is year is the -15 year old ca mpers. Camp are June 29 – A Sa ra dac Dates ugust 14 (no ca mp July 3rd). in session Mon C am p will be -Fri from 9am to 4:30pm. Cam be offering exci p will again ting weekly fiel d trips, creative and education recreational al programs, ar ts & crafts, wee and themed w kl y swimming eeks. Rates for the full 7 wee $695 for Sarato k program are ga Springs city residents and Saratoga Sprin $950 for nongs city residen ts. Weekly rate Saratoga Sprin s are $170 for gs city residen ts and $235 fo Springs city re r non-Saratoga sidents. Registr ation begins M Saratoga Sprin arch 2nd for gs city residents and March 16th Immunization for all others. records must be submitted with order to register ap plication in . Sign up at the Saratoga Sprin Center at 15 V gs Recreation anderbilt Ave nue Monday – 9am-7pm or Su Saturday from nday from 12-5 pm or visit ww com. Question w .SaratogaRec. s? Contact u s 587-3550 x2 recreservations@ 30 0 or email saratoga-springs .org.

St. Clement’s 7th Graders Victorious

ior B boys basketball The St. Clement’s CYO 7th grade Jun division championship team won the Schenectady County r Christ the King of tournament with a 52-40 victory ove Amsterdam. Eddie Hart Guilderland at St. Mary’s Institute of -scoring honors with 12 and Michael Pazderski shared high 8 points. points each, Ryan Genter contributed

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

SPORTS

47

Saratoga Seniors Reflect on Hockey Season

by Michael Gyarmathy Saratoga TODAY This past Saturday, March 14 marked the end of the season for the Saratoga Blue Streaks hockey team after losing 2-1 in overtime to Baldwinsville in the New York State Tournament semifinal.

Some games end in the first period after one team takes a decisive lead; after that, it’s just a matter of letting the clock run out.

This wasn’t the case.

On Saturday, the game didn’t end until 33 seconds into overtime, after 45 minutes of hardfought hockey. And just like the other losses incurred this year by the Streaks, it seemed to be a matter of luck. Saratoga fired off 13 of the 16 shots on goal during regulation. Saratoga, during the third period, hit the post twice in five minutes. It seems this year it just wasn’t meant to be, as the game ended 13 seconds into overtime.

But on a dreary Monday morning, as the players make their way into school, some still sporting their postseason haircuts, you can see for some of these young men, the game isn’t over, and it might not be for some time.

This year on his roster, coach David Torres carried seven seniors: Max Liebers, JT Rafferty, Cam McCall, Ian Frey, Zach Guzi, Tommy Pellitier and Jack Rittenhouse.

Defenseman Liebers said the defining part of his hockey career was “being part of a team that brought home a state title (in 2012),” and after a pause added, “but also watching my boys win a section chip this year was so awesome.”

The memory of that section title win is not carried by Liebers alone, as it has been an integral part of the hockey journey for many of the Saratoga boys.

“My moment was definitely winning the section championship this year,” Pelleteir said. “While some of the other upperclassmen have state champ rings, kids like me, Ritt and Guzi have never even won a section title. Winning our section with all of my closest friends that I grew up with was a fantastic feeling, we could feel our hard work paying off.”

Frey offered his thoughts: “I’ve gotten to play with the guys that I’ve known since Mites in front of family and friends in a really cool atmosphere. To have had this level of success has been really special and I’m grateful to

have had the experience.”

Rafferty said winning Section II was the season’s highlight.

“I have to say my favorite moment would be when we got the job done at Union,” he said. “After having such a bad experience last year it was nice being able to come out on top with the team. There’s nothing better than celebrating with the boys after all the hard work we put in.”

Guzi’s thoughts were similar to his fellow seniors’ expressions.

“My defining moment this year must have been coming back after a suspension and scoring the game-tying goal against Shenendehowa at home on senior

night in front of a packed house,” he said. “Winning sectionals was a really good feeling too.”

Guzi was suspended for his involvement in a fight earlier in the season.

Recalling some important moments from the team’s season, McCall said: “Our third period comeback in the beginning of the season against Shaker really set the tone for our year. We were down 1-0 and after 35 shots, we were having trouble putting them in. Then in the middle of the season, coming off a 4-2 loss at Shen, we came together and ended up beating Suffern, West Genesee and Williamsville North.

It was then that we really realized

we could compete. As far as the last part of our season, well I think that speaks for itself.”

After being benched this season with a bad concussion, Liebers said he has had more time to wrap his mind around the end of his hockey career.

“It’s hard having something that’s been so central to your identity for your whole childhood be over,” Liebers concluded. “I’ve been playing with all these seniors for 10-plus years and we’ve all had hockey to rely on. Now we have to move on. I’ll never forget my boys. JT is a really outstanding leader who’s going to make a difference serving for our country

(in the military.) I’ve loved every minute I’ve spent on the ice with these guys. Everyone’s going to miss it.”

Dakota Smith, goalie of the 2012-13 team that won the states, gave an anecdote for the Blue Streaks’ season.

“It was great being back out on my home ice, it was definitely bittersweet to practice with the team, seeing the same passion in these guys as my team had,” he said. “It definitely brought back memories, and it’s disappointing to see them lose after working so hard, but Saratoga has a promising group of players who I’m sure will do big things in the future.”

Volume 10 • Issue 11

See Therapy Dog pg. 24

FREE

Week of March 20 – March 26, 2015

SPORTS

See Heart Ball pg. 38

Lure of Appeal

Tim Blodgett’s tips for this year’s fishing season

See Pg. 44