ST033117

LOCAL • INDEPENDENT • FREE Volume 11 • Issue 12 • March 31 – April 6, 2017

Busy Couple’s

‘Lazy Dog’

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • (518) 581-2480

Manners + More Local Scholars Learn Real World Skills

Featured Stories

by Larry Goodwin Saratoga TODAY

BALLSTON SPA — Keith Augustine is surprised whenever someone thinks the company his wife Amy started—one that makes popular dog treats sold in local stores and nationwide—is a hobby.

“It’s been a busy few years for us. We’re really kind of maxed out,” Augustine said, during a recent interview inside the Lazy Dog Cookie Company’s 6,500-square-foot warehouse at the end of Ford Street in Ballston Spa. The wife and husband team, joined by their faithful dog Walter, were watching over a devoted group of staff members they met several years ago through Saratoga Bridges, who were dutifully packaging fresh products.

Keith Augustine and one other employee make the effort to shrink-wrap the boxes of dog treats and stack them on pallets for distribution.

The Augustines were still getting back into the groove after traveling last week to Florida. They had attended the annual Global Pet Expo, a trade show organized by the American Pet Products Association.

See pg. 18-20

“Everybody Is Born Differently…

People Should Be Who They Are” See pg. 10

Inside TODAY Saratoga-Sponsor-A-Scholar students at Sperry’s for an “etiquette dinner.” Left to Right, top row: Jonah Beer, Adrianna Marcolin, Hayley Kerley, Mary Gavin, and Brianna Richute; bottom row: Kristie Roohan, Azrielle Villanueva, and Isley Sterling. Photo by PhotoandGraphic.com.

See Manners pg. 22

Love Saratoga: New, Free Family Event

See Lazy pg. 16

by Megin Potter Saratoga TODAY

The Lazy Dog victory table in Florida. Photo provided

SARATOGA SPRINGS — New, and entirely free, the Love Saratoga event happening this weekend will have something for everyone to enjoy.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said New Life Fellowship Church Associate Pastor Cory Prothero.

The event begins at 11 a.m. and will have a variety of both fun and practical activities. Children of all ages will cherish the chance to pet, feed and even hold the cute bunnies, silly goats and cuddly sheep in a petting zoo brought in by Dream Ponies and Zoo. There will See Saratoga pg. 3

Blotter 5 Obituaries 6 Business 16-17 Education 22-23 Arts and Entertainment 35-38

Sports 44-47

Weekend Forecast FRIDAY

36|33 SATURDAY

40|32 SUNDAY

50|27

2

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

Neighbors: Snippets of Life from Your Community Who: Jim Haley.

Where: Lake Avenue, outside Lake Avenue Elementary School.

Q. What’s your day like as a crossing guard?

A. We’re here from 9 til 9:30 in the morning and from 3 til quarter-to-4 in the afternoon, and when we’re here we’re responsible for the safety of these children and their parents, this school and the direction of the traffic.

Q. What sort of reaction do you receive from motorists?

A. Most of the people are very courteous. But then you get some people…they don’t know which way to go. We block this off so it’s a one-way and they get upset and want to go that way. The biggest issue is people coming down Lake Ave who act like they’re on the Northway. They’re going that fast.

This is a school zone. Some people just don’t pay attention.

Q. What did you want to be when you were a kid?

A. Every kid wants to be like their father. My dad built race motors and race motorcycles and I guess I wanted to be like dad and to learn a little bit of everything.

James Haley. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.

Q. Where did you work?

A. Right out of high school I worked at Remington Arms making skeet-shooting targets, then I went to work for the Ball Corporation and made cans for 35 years. I retired in ’09.

Q. How did you become a crossing guard?

A. My son-in-law, who is a police officer said, ‘You need something to do, and I’ve got just the thing for you.” I thought, well, let’s give it a shot.

Q. Where are you originally from?

A. I was born and raised in Findlay, Ohio. I transferred here with Ball in 1981 and have been here ever since.

Q. What is the biggest difference you’ve seen in Saratoga since you moved here?

A. The population. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Q. What’s your favorite movie?

A. “Spencer’s Mountain.” I like old movies.

Q. Do you have a nickname?

A. I’ve had a lot of nicknames. They used to call me “Hoots” at Ball because I hooted and hollered a lot. You had to wear earplugs and (otherwise) you couldn’t hear each other. I don’t hoot here. I use my whistle. They all call me “Big Jim” now.

Q. What do you do for recreation?

A. I like motorcycles. When it’s nice outside I ride the HarleyDavidson every chance I get.

Q. Any last thoughts?

A. Just that we appreciate everybody’s courtesy and respect when they see us out on Lake Ave. We really do appreciate it.

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

NEWS 3

Love Saratoga: New, Free Family Event Continued from front page.

also be two horses on hand for unforgettable free pony rides.

Families will be greeted by the sounds of laughter and the sight of smiles as kids ages 10 years and younger jump around on a big 15’ by 20’ inflatable castle set up inside.

Chow down on free food including popcorn, snacks and a full taco bar while listening to a lineup of live musicians including a cover band playing hits from the ‘80s and ‘90s, an acoustic band, and an a cappella men’s vocal group.

Easter Egg hunts will commence at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. A total of 1,000 eggs will be scattered either inside or across the 8-acre field for the children to scavenge.

Gift coins for free meals at the Texas Roadhouse in Queensbury will also be given out.

The fun isn’t just for the young ones at this event, however.

Kids and adults alike will have a chance to get spruced up for spring with free haircuts by three stylists including Michelle Grasso from Michelle’s Hair Studio.

A crew of a dozen volunteers will also be ready with shop-vacs to clean out your car, for free. Have a chance to meet with Saratoga County Public Health, who will be offering health screenings. The Saratoga Springs Fire Department and the Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Department will also be there.

For the past month, volunteers have been collecting food donations in a door-to-door appeal and from local grocery stores including Hannaford and Walmart, for the 50 to 100 baskets that will be distributed.

“The enthusiasm has been through the roof,” said Prothero.

Area restaurants and food producers have also made hundreds of dollars in gift certificate and food donations for a

“Taste of Saratoga” raffle. The raffle is the only money that is being collected at this event, and the proceeds are to benefit Wellspring, which provides support services for those experiencing domestic violence.

Prothero, who spent time

working in restaurants before joining the church, said that his approach to organizing this event has been similar to working in any service industry that strives to make everyone feel welcome.

“The whole event is very community based. It’s not a

private social club, it’s a very family-friendly event,” he said.

Love Saratoga is open to the public, rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturday, April 1st, at New Life Fellowship Church, 51 Old Gick Road, Saratoga Springs.

4

NEWS BRIEFS

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

County Ranks High and Low NATIONWIDE — Saratoga County fared well in a recent national report that measures the health of individual counties, but the numbers also indicate there are areas of concern for county residents.

Since 2011, with support provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, teams of researchers at the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute have studied a wide variety of statistics focusing on

quality of life issues in counties across the country. The institute publishes a report online called the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps (it can be viewed at www.countyhealthrankings.org).

The findings are divided into two primary sections called “health outcomes” and “health factors” that rank counties in comparison to state averages. Saratoga County was

ranked 1 out of 62 New York counties in health outcomes, indicating that residents generally enjoy good health and longer lives.

Saratoga County fared worse in several health factors, including adult obesity and excessive drinking. In the “physical environment” section of the report the county rank is 39 due to increased air pollution, “drinking water violations” and “long commutes.”

The report found that a substantial 30 percent more residents of Saratoga County engage in the practice of “driving alone to work,” compared to the state average.

“The Rankings are unique in their ability to measure the current overall health of nearly every county in all 50 states,” the report summary states.

“They also look at a variety of measures that affect the future health of communities,

such as high school graduation rates, access to healthy foods, rates of smoking, obesity, and teen births. Communities use the Rankings to help identify issues and opportunities for local health improvement, as well as to garner support for initiatives among government agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, business leaders, policy makers, and the public.”

Organ Donors Welcome BALLSTON SPA — On March 27, the Saratoga County Clerk’s Office announced that the county’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices are teaming up with the New York Alliance for Donation during Donate Life Month. The goal is to increase enrollment in the New York State Donate Life Registry.

Donate Life Month is a national month-long observance aimed at raising public awareness of the critical need for

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Chad Beatty 581-2480 x 212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com GENERAL MANAGER Robin Mitchell 581-2480 x 208 rmitchell@saratogapublishing.com MARKETING DIRECTOR Chris Bushee 581-2480 x 201 cbushee@saratogapublishing.com PHOTOGRAPHER Mark Bolles 490-1757 mbolles@photoandgraphic.com ADVERTISING Jim Daley 581-2480 x 209 jdaley@saratogapublishing.com Cindy Durfey 581-2480 x 204 Briefs, Calendar cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com COPY EDITOR Anne Proulx 581-2480 x 252 Obituaries, Proofreader

aproulx@saratogapublishing.com

organ, eye, and tissue donation, as nearly 10,000 New Yorkers currently wait for transplants.

During the entire month of April, the three Saratoga County DMV locations in Ballston Spa, Clifton Park and Wilton will be encouraging New Yorkers to learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation and the impact it has on thousands of New Yorkers.

New York has the third highest need for donors in the country, yet the second lowest percentage of registered donors.

Out of approximately 10,000 New Yorkers on the waiting list, over 1,800 have been waiting for transplants for more than 5 years.

Each year, an estimated 500 men, women and children in the state die due to the shortage of donors.

In honor of Donate Life Month, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution to support and promote organ and tissue donation awareness. A special Donate Life flag, starting on April 1, will be raised through

the month above the Saratoga County Municipal Building at 40 McMaster Street in Ballston Spa. Saratoga County residents age 16 and older can enroll in any Saratoga County DMV office by signing the organ donor consent certification. This can be found on the forms used to apply or renew a driver license or non-driver identification card.

Additionally, New Yorkers can show their support for organ and tissue donation by purchasing custom license

plates from the DMV. They can also show support by making a voluntary $1 contribution to organ transplant research, education and donation promotion projects by checking off the box on their drivers’ license or nondriver identification application or renewal form.

Saratoga County residents and all New Yorkers can enroll in the Donate Life Registry electronically through the state Department of Health website: www.health.ny.gov.

DISTRIBUTION NEWSPAPER Kim Beatty 584-2480 x 205 kbeatty@saratogapublishing.com MAGAZINE Carolina Mitchell 584-2480 x 219 Carolina@saratogapublishing.com GRAPHICS Andrew Ranalli 581-2480 x 202 Production Director, Website andrew@saratogapublishing.com Samantha Simek 581-2480 x 215 Graphic Designer sam@saratogapublishing.com Morgan Rook 581-2480 x 207 Advertising Design ads@saratogapublishing.com EDITORIAL

Thomas Dimopoulos 581-2480 x 214

City, Crime, Arts/Entertainment thomas@saratogapublishing.com Larry Goodwin 581-2480 x206 News, Business, Letters to the Editor larry@saratogapublishing.com

Thomas Kika 581-2480 x 203 Sports, Education ThomasK@saratogapublishing.com

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

Hours of Operation 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Monday–Friday

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

NEXT DEADLINE: HEALTHY SARATOGA 03/31/17

DID YOU KNOW WE ACCEPT INSERTS?

Reach Saratoga Springs, Wilton, Gansevoort, Ballston Spa, and Malta

Call Today! 581-2480

BLOTTER 5

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

POLICE Alison J. Pecor, age 20, of Corinth, was charged on March 22 with first-degree vehicular manslaughter, and second-degree vehicular assault – both felonies, driving while ability impaired, and reckless driving – both misdemeanors, and two violations of traffic law, in connection with a serious motor vehicle collision that occurred on Feb. 5 in the town of Hadley.

Pecor is accused of driving under the influence of narcotics when her vehicle crossed her lane of travel on Route 9N and struck a vehicle operated by 55-year-old Denise Scofield.

Pecor’s 18-month-old daughter, who was in Pecor’s vehicle but not properly secured in her child safety seat, died as a result of injuries suffered in the crash, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Office. Scofield remains hospitalized and is recovering from her injuries. Pecor was sent to County Jail in lieu of $15,000 cash, or $30,000 bond.

Katelynn M. Skoda, 25, of Ballston Spa, was charged on March 26 with one count DWI, one count driving while ability impaired by drugs, speeding and operating a motor vehicle without insurance following a crash at Forest Hills Mobile Home Park in the town of Milton. It is alleged Skoda was operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, left the roadway and struck a tree, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department.

Skoda was extricated from her vehicle by members of the Rock City Falls Fire Department and flown to Albany Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries.

She will appear in Milton Town Court at a later, unspecified date.

Emanuel W. Philippe, age 21, Brooklyn, and Elizabeth M. Stanley, age 20, Schenectady, each face multiple charges following an incident that occurred on March 17. Saratoga Springs Police said an officer on patrol stopped a car driven

by Phillipe, and with Stanley as its passenger, for speeding on West Avenue. It is alleged a search of the vehicle returned marijuana, a scale suspected as being part of drug paraphernalia, an AR-15 assault weapon and two loaded magazines for the weapon that each contained

over 20 rounds ammunition. Police said Phillipe fled the scene on foot, was quickly apprehended and found to have on him more than 25 grams of powder cocaine was packaged in small quantities for individual sale. Philippe was charged with six felonies and three misdemeanors, mostly related to weapons and drug possession charges in connection with the incident and sent to jail in lieu of $75,000 cash, or $150,000 bond. Stanley was charged with three felonies related to criminal possession of a weapon and sent to jail in lieu of $50,000 cash, or $100,000 bond.

Kristen M. Pohl, age 23, Ballston Lake, was charged on March 12 with criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana, and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Samantha M. Hamelin, age 21, South Glens Falls, was charged on March 11 with misdemeanor DWI, and a vehicle equipment violation.

Richard L. Heithaus, age 21, Saratoga Springs, was charged on March 11 with criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, a misdemeanor.

Azaria C. Traver, age 27, Edgewood, Maryland, was charged on March 11 with misdemeanor DWI and operation of a motor vehicle by and unlicensed driver.

John P. Henry, age 24, Saratoga Springs, was charged on March 11 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and failure to stop at a stop sign.

James C. Lynch, age 43, Saratoga Springs, was charged on March 10 with criminal contempt in the first degree, and aggravated family offense- both felonies.

Keith B. Hedge, age 53, Gansevoort, was charged on March 10 with misdemeanor DWI. Ezekiel J. West, age 23, Schenectady, was charged on March 10 with two felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance – alleged to be cocaine, and the misdemeanor charges: criminal impersonation, criminal possession of a controlled substance, aggravated

unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Unikia L. Cross, age 34, Saratoga Springs, was charged on March 10 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and failing to signal a turn.

Jacob S. Wright, age 35, Middle Grove, was charged on March 9 with misdemeanor petit larceny.

Jerritt T. Chura, age 31, Stillwater, was charged on March 9 with speeding, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Tatyanna A. Antoski, age 23, Ballston Spa, was charged on March 9 with misdemeanor DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle/ under the influence – a felony, and a driving violation.

Corey A. Spruiel, age 29, Ballston Spa, was charged on March 9 with misdemeanor DWI and a driving violation.

Michael T. Connelly, age 27, Gansevoort, was charged on March 8 after being involved in a

motor vehicle accident with misdemeanor DWI and aggravated DWI, and a driving violation.

James B. Belden, age 27, Hudson Falls, was charged on March 8 with third-degree assault, a misdemeanor.

Daniel J. Taber, age 21, Amsterdam, was charged on March 8 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operating an unregistered motor vehicle on a highway, and not having a valid inspection certificate.

Rachael A. Carson, age 28, Hudson Falls, was charged on March 8 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a vehicle equipment

violation, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

John R. Daniele, age 30, Ballston Spa, was charged on March 8 with criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Katie A. Gregorek, age 30, Stillwater, criminal possession of a controlled substance, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and a vehicle equipment violation.

Kevin R. Kelly, age 26, Saratoga Springs, was charged on March 7 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to signal a turn, and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

6 Terri Mitchell Yager SARATOGA SPRINGS — Terri Mitchell Yager, 77, passed away March 23, 2017.

Visitation was Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at William J. Burke and Sons/ Bussing and Cunniff, Inc. Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway.

Burial was at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373

Nelson B. La Tour WILTON — Nelson B. La Tour, 78, passed away March 24, 2017.

Visitation was Wednesday, March 29, Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway.

Services followed at the funeral

OBITUARIES/LETTERS/NEWS home and burial was in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

Praise for City Business Association

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373

David G. Warner SARATOGA SPRINGS — David G. Warner passed away Thursday, March 23, 2017.

Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m.

March 31, St. Clement’s Church.

Burial at noon, Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville.

Celebration of David’s life: 1:30 – 3 p.m. at the 1 Finley Street residence.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373

Impressions of Saratoga Co-owner Maddy Zanetti (at left) addresses DBA members on March 22 at 2 West Bar and Grille.

Photo by Chris Bushee.

Congratulations to Presidentelect Maddy Zanetti and all of those Downtown Business Association (DBA) members who were elected or re-elected at the March 22 general membership meeting, to serve on the board of directors.

The success and vision for the DBA rests with these volunteer board members, who dedicate their time and talents to assure the viability and growth of our downtown.

I was not only taken by surprise but also overwhelmed

by the special recognition I received from President Tim Holmes and the DBA Membership. I feel the success of the City Center and that of downtown has been closely interrelated, one directly supportive of the other.

It was not only my pleasure as Executive Director of the City Center, to work in concert with the DBA, but I am also honored to have served as DBA President for several terms. The gift

basket I received is fantastic and is truly representative of all the wonderful shopping, dining and services within our unique and eclectic downtown.

Thank you again for the special recognition and the outstanding gift. I look forward to serving and continuing to support the growth and prosperity of our award winning downtown.

Mark E. Baker Saratoga Springs

Take a Chance on Trip to Kentucky Derby SARATOGA SPRINGS — During the first half of April, Saratoga Casino Hotel will be accepting entries for an allinclusive trip for two to the Kentucky Derby.

Beginning on April 1, guests can earn entries into the ‘Dash To The Derby’ giveaway in a variety of ways.

Casino guests are encouraged to swipe their Saratoga Club cards at a kiosk on the gaming floor for a free daily entry. Racing fans will be able to earn daily entries by meeting wagering thresholds with their SaratogaBets accounts

on-property, online, or over the phone.

Additionally, an online entry form open to the public has been created on SaratogaCasino.com/ DerbyDash. Entries of all forms are accepted through April 16.

One winner will be selected from the total pool of entrants on Monday, April 17. They will receive round trip airfare for two to Louisville, Kentucky, a 3-night hotel stay, two tickets to the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, and $500 spending cash for their trip.

Saratoga Casino Hotel is also hosting a Kentucky Derby party on Saturday, May 6. Vapor will be open beginning at 4 p.m. and will feature the race on its 16 foot screen.

Saratoga Casino’s racing mezzanine will be open at 11 a.m. on May 6 and will feature the Kentucky Derby card in its entirety.

Saratoga Casino Hotel remains the only casino in the Capital Region where patrons can wager on the Kentucky Derby. For more information, visit SaratogaCasino.com.

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

Woodworkers To Gather at City Center

Pondering the craft at last year’s event. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Northeast Woodworkers Association (NWA) is hosting its 26th annual Showcase presentation at the City Center, 522 Broadway, on April 1 and 2.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The admission fee is $10, but for children under 12 it is free.

This premier NWA show, the largest of its kind in the country, will be presenting over 600 exhibits reflecting the art of woodworking. They range from fine furniture to exquisite turnings, carvings, intarsia, scrollwork, sculpture, toys and accessories, as well as musical instruments, all offered on a background of oriental rugs and plants.

Exhibiters, both amateur and professional, travel from all over the United States for the

opportunity to show their works of art, and compete for coveted NWA ribbons in multiple categories, including Best of Show and People’s Choice.

Lectures and demonstrations on a wide range of woodworking topics, presented by nationally and regionally recognized master craftsmen, are held continually throughout the two days and are free of charge.

In addition to the exhibits, there will be nearly 100 national and regional trade vendors, offering for sale wide varieties of woodworking tools and accessories for all skill levels.

The featured Special Exhibits this year are the large and small wooden tools used in the creation of Fiber Arts.

For more information, contact John Olenik at 518-587-0306 or irmjohn@aol.com.

7

Film About Baseball Legend SARATOGA SPRINGS — To celebrate Major League Baseball’s Opening Day this spring, the Saratoga Jewish Community Arts and Temple Sinai, with a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, presents a unique baseball story for the community with the screening of “The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg,” on Sunday, April 2 at 7 p.m.

The 1998 documentary

film, directed and written by Aviva Kempner, tells the story of Hank Greenberg, a Hall of Fame first baseman for the Detroit Tigers.

Returning to baseball after World War II, Greenberg went on to lead the American League with 44 home runs and 127 runs batted in during the 1946 season.

The documentary examines how America’s first Jewish baseball star was a beacon

of hope to American Jews who faced bigotry during the Depression and World War II. The “Life and Times of Hank Greenberg” will be shown April 2 at 7 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 507 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. A panel discussion and dessert reception will follow. A $5 donation is requested. For reservations or information, please call 518584-8730 ext. 2 or visit www. saratogasinai.org.

Security Certification at Hospital SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Hospital now offers security guard training to help aspiring, new and existing guards fulfill New York state requirements for security professionals.

The hospital’s training program is approved by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and

includes all three state-mandated security guard courses: An eight-hour pre-assignment training course, which is the first step in obtaining a New York state security guard license; a 16-hour onthe-job training course, which must be completed within 90 days of employment as a

security guard; and an eighthour annual in-service training course, which ensures that security guards have the latest information on securityrelated issues and advances.

For course and fee information, or to register, visit www. saratogahospital.org/classes.

8

NEWS

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

County Plans to Send Clear Messages

by Larry Goodwin Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA — As a means to streamline information presented about all of its departments, Saratoga County is hiring a public relations firm based in Troy, officials confirmed this week.

On March 21, the county Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a package of resolutions that had been referred by its various committees.

Among them was an authorization from the Law and Finance Committee to hire Gramercy Communications at a cost of $48,000 for a one-year contract.

“We’re searching for a little bit of PR help,” offered Board Chairman Edward Kinowski, the Stillwater Town Supervisor.

“I think it’s essential.”

Kinowski suggested that most of New York’s counties and municipalities could benefit by making similar moves.

If local officials neglect to coordinate their responses and “are not forward-thinking,”

Kinowski said, they could err by sending mixed messages to the public through the media.

In recent years, explained County Administrator Spencer Hellwig, the process of managing communications for 26 county departments with 1,100 employees and expenses of almost $300 million has “become a lot more complex and time consuming.”

Of particular concern in the event of any crises, Hellwig said, would be a need for consistent information from the county’s public health and safety departments.

According to Hellwig, the supervisors used to fund two related positions within the county clerk’s office—devoted to public relations—at an annual cost of nearly $90,000.

But they have not done so in quite some time.

That often leaves Hellwig, who said he currently shares an administrative assistant with another department, struggling to respond in a timely manner to the many dozens

of phone calls and emails he receives each workday.

“There’s clearly a need to have a coordinated voice here,” Hellwig admitted.

He added that an initial meeting between Saratoga County officials and representatives of Gramercy Communications would be held no later than next week.

Andrew Mangini, director of public affairs in the company’s Troy office, deferred to Hellwig for comment.

The March 21 meeting started out with a brief presentation that was warmly received by the Board of Supervisors. It focused more on respecting Saratoga County’s past than preparing for its future.

County Historian Lauren Roberts reminded supervisors how the New York State Legislature had approved the Village of Ballston Spa as the Saratoga County seat on March 14, 1817. Soon, Roberts said, she will post information related to that 200-year-old political decision on the county’s website (www.saratogacountyny.gov).

The Saratoga County administrative offices on McMaster Street in Ballston Spa. Photo by Larry Goodwin.

“Ballston Spa has proven itself as a well suited, central location for our county seat over the past two centuries,” Roberts said in a statement.

“Like our predecessors, current residents of Saratoga County hike its mountains and wooded paths, boat on its rivers, fish in its lakes and streams, and farm its rolling lands.

Today’s residents also enjoy

visiting a vast number of preserved historic sites, museums, and parks that have been established throughout Saratoga County,” Roberts writes in her section of the website.

“Combined with the economic prosperity that Saratoga County enjoys,” she says, “it is easily understood why over 200,000 people choose to call Saratoga County home today.”

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

NEWS 9

10

NEWS

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

“Everybody Is Born Differently…

People Should Be Who They Are”

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Erica Morocco sat at the head of the table, her series of paintings sprawled across the tabletop. One featured a jumproping owl. Another depicted a pink-glazed doughnut that looked good enough to eat. In the third, a cat bowed a violin and a cow leapt over the moon.

“Be what you are and do what you like to do,” she says with encouragement. “If you like to paint, then paint. If you like music, make music.”

Morocco, who was diagnosed with Williams syndrome, lives by a simple motto.

“Everybody is born differently,” she says. “You can’t change it.

My feelings are that people should be who they are.”

Williams syndrome is a genetic condition that is present at birth and is characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities.

The developmental disorder affects an estimated 1 in 7,500 to 10,000 people, according to The National Library of Medicine - a center of information innovation founded in 1836, and the world’s largest biomedical library.

Morocco grew up in the town of Malta, and in 2009 moved into one of Saratoga Bridges’ community-based homes in Saratoga Springs.

Saratoga Bridges is responsible for the 24/7 care of over 830 individuals and houses 132 people in its 19 community-based homes. The organization, which employs nearly 600 people, is marking this pause in time to take note of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and to bring intellectual and developmental disabilities to the forefront.

Erica Morocco displays some of her artwork. Image by PhotoAndGraphic.com

The group has provided services and programs to people with developmental disabilities and their families for more than 60 years by promoting their abilities and achievements in every aspect of community life.

“I like living in my house because we go out in the community and I have more opportunities to do different activities,” says Morocco, Who takes art classes on Mondays and Wednesdays. Thursdays

are reserved for studies on the art of the collage, and on Fridays Morocco and the group of seven who share the home go out dancing and to sing karaoke. There are weekly trips to the grocery shop, daily house chores and free time spent volunteering for Meals on Wheels.

Sports is also a passion.

“I play softball, do the long jump, the 50-meter run.

I like to do all of it,“ says the 38-year-old, a pair of medals clinging to her neck chain showcase her abilities in snowshoeing and track and field.

Her art pieces have received awards in juried shows, and she uses the earnings of the pieces she sells to enable her to go traveling.

“I sell my art work, saved my money and went on a tour.

I’ve been to Florida, Chicago, and Boston. I visited museums and saw other artists’ work. I like traveling. I like vacations,” she says. “When I sell a piece of artwork, I feel happy inside because I worked hard on it to get it to be good.”

It is a long time removed from her younger days in school, when she was bullied and caused her to be upset.

“When I was in school, when I was young, I got picked on,” she says. “You get older and you move on.”

Her advice to the world when meeting people with disabilities?

“Just treat people they

way that you would like to be treated,” she says.

The 28th Annual Palm Sunday Polka Benefit, with all proceeds to benefit Saratoga Bridges will be held 1 – 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 9 at the Saratoga Springs Knights of Columbus, located at the corner of Rt. 29 and Pine Road in Saratoga Springs. This year’s event will feature a “roasting” of longtime radio Polka personality Ernie Daigle.

Seating is limited and advance tickets purchased by April 3 are $13 per person. Day of tickets are $15 per person. For reservations, contact Steve or Cathy Coblish at 518-899-3061 or email: scoblish@nycap.rr.com.

NEWS 11

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

Saratoga Springs Seeks Members for Human Rights Task Force

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — City residents and visitors alike will soon have a centrally located resource to bring their ideas to foster a better understanding of cultural differences, as well as express concerns about potential human rights violations.

“Luckily, we’re a very safe city, but I’ve had enough proof and input from our citizens that we’re not immune to problems,” said city Mayor Joanne Yepsen, who after appointing five people to a human rights-focused planning committee is “moving forward to the next level” and coordinating a seven-person Human Rights Task Force.

“It’s hate crimes I’m most worried about: prejudice, not accepting one another as equals - basic human rights,” Yepsen said. “We’re going to be proactive but also in a reactive mode, too, if anything were to occur like the swastikas.”

Last November, spray-painted swastikas surfaced on city streets.

Police conducted a hate speech investigation after a social media site that referenced neo-Nazis mentioned Saratoga Springs High School, and a senior class student of Jewish descent came upon anti-Semitic acts.

“The idea of this human rights group came up a year ago. This is a need. It wasn’t because of the Trump election,” Yepsen told a group of reporters gathered in the mayor’s office, before the question could be asked. “It was more a case of: we need to be a better city. And being a better city means we take care of our citizens. I would like to have a resource to help ensure we can maintain our status as a community that fosters mutual respect and understanding among racial, religious and nationality groups in the city.”

The Schenectady County Human Rights Commission served as an informational resource, said Yepsen, who also consulted with state legislators. The Schenectady Commission, which was established in 1965, is a policy-making body composed of 15 commissioners appointed by the County Legislature. The proposed sevenmember Saratoga Springs task force will differ in regards to the amount of power it may wield.

“The Commission in Schenectady County can take calls and work on cases. We’re not going

to be qualified to do that, but we do have a lot of organizations in town that are, and we can suggest a list of referrals – like EOC, like the Racecourse Chaplaincy, like the Legal Aid Society,” Yepsen said.

“We depend greatly on people from other cultures to work here.

Let’s face it, there are 2,500 different people working for the racing industry and many of them are Latinos. I think there are seven different dialects spoken on the backstretch alone and more and more of these families are settling in our city as community members. We also have a lot of restaurant workers who come here and try to make a go of it, so we’re trying to respond to their needs.”

The city’s Human Rights Task Force will focus mostly on education, programming and collaboration. The mayor cited the city’s annual series of public events and programs celebrating the work of Martin Luther King Jr. as a model of what can be done year-round related to human rights to foster a better understanding of cultural differences.

Anyone interested in joining the Human Rights Task Force can apply via the City of Saratoga Springs Board Application form on the city’s website. Deadline for applications is April 12 and Mayor Yepsen said she hopes to appoint members to the seven-person group at the April 18 City Council Meeting.

Charter Review Commission Releases Charter Draft The Charter Review Commission has released a draft of a proposed new Charter for Saratoga Springs city government. The 24-page document may be viewed at: https://saratogacharter.com/. A referendum will be held in November.

Upcoming Meetings The City Council will hold a pre-agenda meeting 9:30 a.m.

Monday, April 3, and a full meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 4 at City Hall.

The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Technical Review Advisory Committee (TRAC) will hold a meeting 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 4 at Saratoga Music Hall.

The Design Review Commission will hold a meeting 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 4 at City Hall.

12

NEWS

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

Public Hearing Set for Village Budget

by Larry Goodwin Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA — On Monday, the Village Board approved the date of a public hearing at which local residents are welcome to discuss the $4.1 million budget plan for the next fiscal year. It was the last formal vote made by two departing village trustees.

Ballston Spa Mayor John Romano and the four trustees voted unanimously to approve the date of Monday, April 10. The public hearing will take place at 7 p.m. inside Village Hall, whose address is 66 Front Street.

Mayor Romano praised the efforts of outgoing Trustee Courtney Mancini, who recently decided against pursuing another four-year term on the board; and Trustee Ron Henry, who was previously appointed by Romano but lost a bid for re-election on March 21.

“You’ve contributed

immensely to the success of the village,” Romano told Mancini and Henry. “I will miss working with each of you. I urge you to, please, stay involved.”

A large crowd of onlookers in the room applauded the mayor’s comments. Among them were Shawn Raymond and Noah Shaw, the two Democrats who won seats on the allRepublican Village Board.

After an organizational meeting scheduled for the week of April 3, Romano said, Raymond and Shaw will formally join the board at the April 10 meeting.

According to the tentative spending plan presented on March 27 by Romano and village staff, Ballston Spa has more than $16 million in taxable property that will be charged at a rate of $81.40 per $1,000 of assessed value. The amount derived from property taxes is projected to exceed $1.3 million.

The total cost of government operations in Ballston Spa, home to about 5,500 people, will surpass $3.7 million through early 2018, according to the tentative budget.

Operation of the village’s sewer system—Romano said it connects to Saratoga County pipes that end up at a treatment plant near Mechanicville—and the public library will cost an additional $250,000.

The six largest expenditures out of Ballston Spa’s general fund will be for employee benefits, at $960,000; public safety, $940,335; village offices and support, $546,552; street maintenance and clearing, $538,912; home and community services, $449,250; and for culture and recreation, $147,366.

More than $2.4 million of revenue will be raised through sales taxes in village businesses; fire protection funds provided by the towns of

The Village Hall building on Front Street in Ballston Spa. Photo by Larry Goodwin.

Ballston and Milton; water distribution charges; fees levied on

individuals by the Village Court; and a host of other sources.

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

NEWS 13

14

TECHNOLOGY CORNER

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

The Changing of the Guard: Moving from Break/Fix to Managed Services

by Matt La Farr for Saratoga TODAY What exactly is “break/fix” with regard to IT? Essentially, the customer has technology, and when it breaks, they make a phone call. Things only get done once the customer makes that call.

“There’s fire coming out of the side of my box; can you come over here and take care of it?”

Upgrades in a break/fix model go kind of like this: “We need a new server because we want to run new software, we’re growing, or we have to update these work stations.” They call their IT provider. The IT provider performs the work, and they’re outta there. The customer has no plans to engage them again until the next upgrade – which is, of course, part of the problem.

What are some of the disadvantages to the Break/Fix Model for the customer?

The main disadvantage of the Break/Fix model is that, by the time a service call is made, more often than not, there’s already a production issue. I’ll use a small business with 20 users, as an example. There is one server. If that server goes offline, there are 20 people that can’t work. Worse yet, if they aren’t on a managed backup

plan, they also run the risk that their backups aren’t even going to work. What is the cost per hour of that outage and the time to recover the business’s systems? What is the cost of not being able to recover critical data?

Since there are obvious issues with the Break/Fix service model that need to be addressed, what is the alternative?

The alternative to Break/Fix is what we refer to as Managed Services (known in the industry as MSP, short for Managed Service Provider). The primary difference between Break/Fix and Managed Services is that you move from a reactive mode into a proactive mode. Tech II has a software suite that we deploy in the customer’s environment that constantly monitors the health of their systems.

Most issues in our industry are not hardware related; they are software related. Now, more than ever, they are related to threats that the systems face. We take a proactive, very aggressive stance on preventing outages by policing these systems. We have folks here that work full-time just on specific areas of threat mitigation, or what is traditionally referred to as antivirus – which is actually so much more than that now.

Traditional Break/Fix providers have largely gone away because they just can’t keep up with the challenges of the field. Cryptolocker (a ransomware) is a perfect example of the threats that our customers face, and a testament to the logic of Managed Services.

Cryptolocker (and its variants) sometimes gets through to these environments because they aren’t updating antivirus or they aren’t using other types of threat mitigation, like antiSPAM. I was looking at some statistics on Tech II’s antiSPAM software recently (provided to our Managed Service customers) and I saw an amazing statistic. In one report, showing we processed nearly 200,000 emails, over 75 percent of that mail was stopped by our system! Sure, some wouldn’t have harmed the clients’ systems; in fact, a large percentage was just SPAM, but thousands of emails had known viruses – known malicious software – within them. In a Managed Services model, we provide protection before the email gets to the desktop.

For the customer, what are the direct benefits of the Managed Services model?

The short answer is our slogan: Simplify your technology. We help our clients simplify their technology via the MSP model. We give them confidence that they’re aligned with a partner who’s taking care of their systems so they can focus on their business. We become their IT department, or we complement their existing IT department.

Another benefit is budgeting. With Break/Fix, it’s nearly impossible to budget. You don’t replace a server until it fails, and then you’re paying a premium.

You’ve got engineers, you’re paying emergency service fees, you have production issues, and so on. They have to source whatever gear they can get in. You’re paying for expedited shipping.

You always pay a premium when you’re in a reactive mode.

A third direct benefit is having confidence that you have

someone there to support you.

In a Managed Services model, you have SLAs – Service Level Agreements. Managed Service Providers have clearly written SLAs and, at a minimum, you’re educated on what you should be doing. Even if you decide not to do it, at least you know what the Best Practice is.

What are some of the advantages of the Managed Services model as the service provider?

Managed Services puts us in the best position- first, to prevent technical problems, and second, to deal with whatever the customer’s crisis is if issues do occur. You know you have the data, and if you have the data, you can recover from anything. Ultimate, Managed Services is a healthier, forecastable model as far as income and work load. We’re able to actively manage the playing field, setting the best practices for the systems we support. We can become experts at those systems, and we can have confidence in delivery of our services to our customers.

What are your recommendations to customers that are still operating under the Break/Fix Model?

We recommend that businesses educate themselves as to where the industry is and why.

If you’re going to risk being in a Break/Fix mode, understand what that risk is and at least have

a fallback plan. At a minimum, get a backup of your systems.

Having that simple insurance policy in place so you can recover from a disaster is the single most important thing that a Break/Fix customer should do.

Ensure that you are contracting your backups with a reputable company – preferably a local firm. You’ll want to research the options (our online Resource Library has a white paper to help folks evaluate IT/MSP providers entitled “Successfully choosing an IT/ MSP Service Provider”).

Regardless of how you’re currently handling your IT, if you’re an owner or decision maker with concerns and questions, reach out to us. We are a mature technology company with seasoned professionals that will have a simple conversation with you. We’ve seen nearly every scenario. In fact, you can even contact our CEO, Dan Bardin, directly, and he’ll happily have a confidential ownerto-owner conversation about your current IT management.

Email MSPDirector@techii.com with the subject “10 Questions” and we’ll reply with a short survey that could change the way you view your IT. If you would like more information on Managed Services or Tech II Business Services, visit us online at www.tech-ii.com or give us a call at 518-587-1565.

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

BALLSTON SPA 190 Kingsley Rd., $191,000.

Zachary Whitney (by Agent) and Rachel Whitney (Ind. and as Agent) sold property to Michael Burke and Rebecca Routh.

3 Ironweed St., $341,034.

Heritage Builders Group LLC sold property to Timothy and Jean Mahar.

12 Marlyn Dr., $282,500.

Patrick and Colleen Baker sold property to David and Monique Rath.

CHARLTON 2191 Maple Ave., $325,000.

Colin and Wendy Baird sold property to Ryan and Brooke Cullinan.

CLIFTON PARK 28 Woodstead Rd., $215,001.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs sold property to Christopher Kennedy.

29 Crestwood Dr., $288,000.

Lloyd and Paula Eggleston sold property to Cynthia and John Jennings, Jr. Pierce Rd., $1,200,000.

Country Club Acres Inc. sold property to Pierce Road LLC. 8 Wall St., $195,000. Lorraine Vittorio (by Agent) sold property to Janice Forte.

CORINTH County Route 10, $45,000.

Joseph Inzone sold property to Thomas and Kyle Beyer.

22 County Route 10 Rear, $11,750. Carrington Mortgage Services LLC sold property to Ira Emery and Ida Ellis.

23 Saratoga Ave., $154,760.

Kevin Skinner sold property to Travis and Celeste Bills.

116 County Route 10, $31,354. Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

GALWAY 6048 Sahara Rd., $11,000.

Joseph Pinkans (as Trustee) sold property to Anthony and Arlene Annonio.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

2807 Galway Rd., $164,000.

Colleen Amell sold property to Lucinda Buck and Adam Grinvalsky.

GREENFIELD 12 Canyon Crossing Rd., $320,000. Jeffrey and Tonya Coulter sold property to Jessica Skura-Capone.

HALFMOON 15 Hancock Way, $185,000.

Maureen Comeskey sold property to Brenda VanWormer.

5A Inglewood Dr., $300,000.

Michael Orchard sold property to Michael and Laurie Ryan.

57 Devonshire Way, $514,900. Cartus Financial Corporation sold property to Michael Alabastro and Christine GonzalvoAlabastro.

206 Victory Way, $148,000.

Mary Thibodeau sold property to Linda Sofia.

1 Mapleridge Ave., $262,500.

Jobert and Chelsea Lambert sold property to Sandra Mardigian.

45 Halfmoon Dr., $85,500.

Michael Lanchak sold property to Emily Lanchak.

25 New Netherland Way, $268,000. Brian and Mya Ties sold property to Stephen and Heather Giorgianni.

20 Gorsline Dr. $363,639.

Marini Land II Inc. sold property to Diana and Robert Barile, Jr.

MALTA 8 Burton Dr., $399,950.

Patricia Hoover and Glenn Miner sold property to Elizabeth and Joseph DiBenedetto, Jr.

232 Thimbleberry Rd., $175,000.

Patrick Haskell sold property to Michael Hornbeck.

5 Spring St., $560,000.

Broadway Spring Corp. sold property to Brett Sohns.

18 Candlewood Dr., $315,000.

Jason and Kristen Driscoll sold property to Christopher and Kim Husher.

318 Ballston Ave., Unit D, $306,498. 318 Ballston Ave LLC sold property to Charles and Lori Georgalas.

MILTON 408 Crooks Grove Rd., $60,500. Fannie Mae sold property to John Noob.

2 Lancaster Place, $196,900.

David and Vanessa Viscusi sold property to Robert Overocker.

12 Van Tassel Lane, $182,500.

John and Rhonda Morris sold property to Jill Hoffman.

Heisler Rd., $28,950. Loren and Heather Grimm sold property to Town of Milton.

MOREAU 91 Spier Falls Rd., $339,900.

Kevin and Jennifer O’Leary sold property to Richard and Lisa Radel.

32 Briarhurst Dr., $315,000.

Gary and Kathryn Peffer sold property to Robert and Cathy Boucher.

43 Williams St.$229,200.

Cerrone Construction LLC sold property to Tanya and Frederick Mangine, Jr. 548 Selfridge Rd., $313,000.

James and Teresa Demeter sold property to Stone Financing LLC. 548 Selfridge Rd., $313,000.

Stone financing LLC sold property to Jenine and Casey Klippel.

SARATOGA 7 Wright Rd., $373,500.

William and Tina Maher sold property to Matthew Fuld.

32 May Apple Way, $252,000.

Jessica Skura-Capone sold property to Rachel Downie.

309 Burgoyne Rd., $303,000.

Kathryn Frederick sold property to Ryan and Corinne Coleman.

2347 Route 9, $989,000.

Rockhurst LLC sold property to Abele Builders Inc.

22 Church St., $600,000.

Carmody Realty LLC sold property to Blackbird 1 LLC.

2347 Route 9, $982,000. Shecky Development LLC sold property to Abele Builders Inc.

SARATOGA SPRINGS 5 Spring St., Unit 1, $310,000.

Broadway Spring Corp. sold property to Joseph McCann.

22 Hathorn Blvd., $216,500.

Joshua and Kristine Zalen (by Atty) sold property to Shiloh and Megan Crawford.

STILLWATER 58 Blizzard Rd., $398,500.

John and Laurie LeClaire sold property to Gregg and Bonnie Minick.

WILTON 10 Corinth Mountain Rd., $107,000. Nellie Coville and Beverly Young sold property to John Coonradt, Jr.

15 15 Craw Lane, $364,325.

McPadden Builders LLC sold property to Daniel and Emily O’Connor.

6 King Mills Rd., $241,000.

Stephen and Jennifer Clark sold property to Raissa Myron.

Dimmick Rd., $14,559.

Stephen Griffin sold property to Samuel and Viola Wahnon.

45 Dimmick Rd., $327,000.

Pennymac Corp sold property to William O’Connor.

Pettis Rd., $281,500. Wade Sjogren and Walter Sjogren, Jr. (co-Trustees) sold property to WHIBCO Inc.

16

BUSINESS

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

Busy Couple’s ‘Lazy Dog’ Continued from front page.

Lazy Dog’s Bake-at-Home Birthday Cake Mix had won First Place in the expo’s Boutique product category. Its ingredients consist of oat and rice flour, rolled oats, vanilla powder, confetti sprinkles, evaporated molasses and whole dried eggs.

At last year’s event, Lazy Dog products won a third place prize, according to Cheryl Clark, a spokeswoman for Saratoga Springs marketing and web design firm Shannon Rose.

“Using only simple beneficial ingredients that are not only delicious, but also naturally nutritious, our products ‘lick’ the competition,” the Augustines boast in their product catalogue. “Our treats are wheat-, corn- and soy-free with grain-free offerings. They are also vegan/vegetarian and we never use any fillers, preservatives or anything artificial.

Amy and Keith Augustine in their Ballston Spa warehouse. Photo by Larry Goodwin.

Health benefits paired with unique recipes make them irresistible.”

The Augustines are originally from Pennsylvania, where Amy once worked as a microbiologist and the Heinz Corporation employed Keith.

In 2001, Amy started distributing her first dog treats at farmers’ markets.

Then, she says, “I got really

competitive.” After spending some time in Chicago, the couple relocated to Ballston Spa to focus on expanding Lazy Dog’s business.

In June, the Augustines will reach their next level of expansion by moving into a brand new warehouse around the corner at 25 Ralph Street. It offers 1,000 more square feet of space, and plenty of room for the couple to purchase pallet racks for storage and even a new forklift.

Also, more employees may be added prior to the move.

“We’re pretty excited about it,” Keith Augustine said. “The majority of our space is taken up by pallets and packaging. We’ll stop lugging around everything by hand.”

The Augustines “have expanded the business to international distribution by introducing innovative and enticing new products that charm dog lovers, such as Original Pup-PIEs and Mutt Mallows,” stated Clark at the Shannon Rose firm.

WAM Commercial Associates in Ballston Spa developed both of Lazy Dog’s buildings, which are located within sight of the Kayaderosseras Creek’s rushing waters.

John Bowen, one of the WAM Commercial partners, had to descend from a construction lift to describe how two old houses beyond repair were demolished to put up the all-metal building on Ralph Street. His company had refurbished the Ford Street warehouse, preserving much of its original construction.

Officials in Ballston Spa have proven themselves to be quite “pro-business,” Bowen said, as WAM Commercial went through the process of fixing up three vacant industrial properties in the village

Keith with his playful dog Walter. Photo by Larry Goodwin.

and building three new ones— all over the last 19 years.

In addition to his partnerships with local retailers and large national chains like PetSmart and BarkBox, Keith Augustine said he was grateful for the support

provided by Bowen and his WAM Commercial partner, Jim Dalpe.

“They’ve been really good to small businesses in the area,” Augustine said. “If we didn’t get hooked up with them, we would’ve had much more of a struggle.”

Lazy Dog Cookie Co. pet treats are available in these local businesses: Benson's Pet Center (6 locations) Agway (Ballston Spa) Ballston Spa Veterinary Clinic Curtis Lumber Company (Ballston Spa) The Pampered Pooch & Pals The Fresh Market (Saratoga & Latham) Whole Foods Albany Honest Weight Food Co-Op Head to Tails Pet Wellness Center Niskayuna COOP Fountain Square Outfitters Four Seasons Healthy Living Market Impressions of Saratoga Mini Me Pups Pet Boutique Roma Foods Upstate Animal Hospital Paradise Pet Salon (Glenville) Four Dog Grooming (Wilton) Sutherland's Pet Works

BUSINESS BRIEFS 17

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

BSNB Names New AVP

Randal Hagen. Photo provided.

BALLSTON SPA — Randal Hagen has been named assistant vice president and trust business development officer at Ballston Spa National Bank (BSNB).

Hagen will be responsible for increasing the visibility of BSNB’s trust and investment services in the Capital Region and surrounding areas, and for developing new relationships with customers.

Hagen comes to BSNB with six years of previous experience in the retirement and trust industry. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from Empire State College and served seventeen years in the U.S. Army, including two deployments overseas.

Active in the community, Hagen is involved in the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County.

For more information, visit BSNB’s website at www.bsnb. com.

Saratoga National Bank Earns 5 Stars SARATOGA SPRINGS — BauerFinancial, Inc., a leading bank rating and research firm, recognized Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company in March with a five-star rating.

Saratoga National has earned that designation for the past 32 consecutive quarters.

The five-star rating indicates Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company is one of the strongest banks in the nation. To earn five stars, banks must excel in areas of capital quality, asset quality and profitability.

Based in Coral Gables, Florida, BauerFinancial has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. Institutions can neither pay BauerFinancial to rate them, nor can any choose to be excluded. Consumers may learn more at bauerfinancial. com.

Saratoga National Bank provides banking, wealth management and insurance through nine locations across the Capital Region. More information is available online at saratoganational.com.

Ben and Jerry’s Offers Free Ice Cream SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ben and Jerry’s fans can mark April 4 on their calendars as Free Cone Day. For the past 38 years, Ben

and Jerry’s shops have dished out free ice cream to fans. The tradition has continued to grow, beginning in the small state of Vermont, and now spanning across the globe.

Fans are invited to the Ben and Jerry’s at 34 Phila Street, from noon to 8 p.m., to show their ongoing support.

In addition to dishing out the chunks and swirls, Ben and Jerry’s staff will partner with local organization Universal Preservation Hall (UPH).

Tips received during the event will help UPH’s mission to be a catalyst for excellence in community collaboration, civic engagement and sustainable economic growth in Saratoga Springs.

During the afternoon, city officials and representatives from Proctor’s Theatre also will be on hand.

More information is available at www.benjerry.com/ scoop-shops/free-cone-day.

Launch Party Set SARATOGA SPRINGS — Beginning with a launch party April 6 at SUNY Empire State College, Saratoga Go! will be a three-month competition challenging individuals, small businesses, and software companies to create community innovations that will improve the quality of life for residents, businesses, institutions or visitors in any city.

The launch event has been scheduled for 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the college’s 113 West Avenue

location. It will be an opportunity for participants, community members, and key stakeholders to connect with each other, while also learning more about the competition.

Saratoga Go! is being modeled on the New York City BigApps competition, which challenges tech experts to apply their know-how to improving the Big Apple.

The community partnership,

led by IgniteU NY (and supported by technology consulting firm NYSTEC), includes the City of Saratoga Springs and SUNY Empire State College.

Anyone 13 or older who lives in the United States can join the competition.

To learn more about the competition and register for the launch event, visit www. saratogago.com.

18

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

19

20

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

NEWS 21

Saratoga WarHorse Welcomes 600th Participant

by Marti Healy for Saratoga TODAY It seems like no small coincidence that the current average size of a combat battalion is 600 soldiers. And that the historic Charge of the Light Brigade involved 600 warriors, along with their horses, riding into the very “mouth of Hell,” per Tennyson. And that now, 600 military veterans have come back from the gaping brink of another kind of hell – once again, with the unfailing loyalty of horses at their sides.

On February 9, the 600th military veteran participated in the Saratoga WarHorse program. It took place at the Aiken, South Carolina location.

These modern-day 600 have survived personal battles and unseen wounds as horrific and heroic as any in history. And with one more surge of raw personal courage – scraped from somewhere deep within themselves – they have come to the Saratoga WarHorse program at one of its two locations: Saratoga Springs, New York or Aiken.

Through this unique program, military veterans who are suffering with devastating yet invisible injuries and brokenness, such as PTSD and TBI, can address the healing process without more pills or lengthy therapies; there is no placating or putting off with this organization.

Through the Saratoga WarHorse program, participants immediately interact

Photo provided.

with other veterans who have been exactly where they are right now – peer-to-peer, bootto-boot. And they experience an individual encounter – a purpose-designed, experiential connection – with off-thetrack thoroughbred racehorses who have also known strikingly similar life challenges, pain and struggles.

The Aiken site for the Saratoga WarHorse experience is on the property of Aiken Equine Rescue. There are specially built spaces here, both inside and out, that are dedicated specifically to this program. It incorporates horses that are sanctuaried onsite and fostered by the Rescue. And all of it is provided to the program completely free of charge.

The day when the class was held that included the 600th participant, it was bright with cold and sun. The wind rattled windows and whipped over the hills rolling up to the outdoor round pen where the horse encounters took place. Fittingly, the veterans in this class represented those carrying long-term scars from long-ago wars, as well as those freshly damaged, and included both men and women. Equally appropriate, some of the horses were new to the program, others were experienced; and they brought their own anxious insecurities as well as courage and empathy to the process. In the end, there was grace and trust and profound bonding experienced by each of the participants.

Photo provided.

Although February 9 witnessed a remarkable achievement in the meaningful number of lives now touched by the Saratoga WarHorse program, each veteran is intentionally and unfailingly brought into it one at a time.

Each person – and each experience – is singular and individual and unique.

It seems as if the communities of Saratoga Springs,

Photo provided.

New York, and Aiken, South Carolina always remember that integral part of the program. Perhaps that is why the critical local support is so strong and generous in these small towns that are so notably similar in their character and culture. To the people of Saratoga Springs and Aiken, the nobility of the individual is never forgotten. Even when there are 600 of them.

This is a copyrighted article

by Marti Healy used by permission of the Saratoga WarHorse Foundation. The Saratoga WarHorse program is completely free of charge to participating veterans. The Saratoga WarHorse Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, contact susanr@saratogaWarHorse.com.

22

EDUCATION

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

Manners and More: Local Students Learn Real World Skills Photos by Photoandgraphic.com.

by Thomas Kika Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — A group of local students recently took a break from esoteric calculus and SAT prep to learn some more practical real world skills.

The Saratoga-Sponsor-AScholar program decided to do something a little different for its yearly feedback session, during which they find out what their senior students like and dislike about the program for the sake of future improvements.

Responding to a complaint that has been common from students over the years that they did not learn enough about handling certain social situations, Mary Gavin and Kristie Roohan organized an “etiquette dinner” that would help their students learn to be more comfortable in such situations, in addition to giving them an opportunity to give their feedback on the program.

Held at Sperry’s Restaurant in downtown Saratoga Springs, part of the goal of the dinner

Sperry’s waitress Sarah Stallmer describes foie gras.

Jonah Beer considers menu options.

was to teach the students about restaurant etiquette, including using menus, how to order, which utensils to use, among a variety of other things.

Beyond all of that, the broader goal of the night was help the students learn to feel comfortable in social situations that might take place in environments like Sperry’s, whether they be meetings, interviews, parties, or any other similar sort of occasion.

“It was so much better than we could’ve expected,” Mary Gavin said of the dinner.

“They loved it.”

Students were encouraged to ask any questions they had about anything during the night, and they asked plenty, as many of them had never had experience with restaurants like Sperry’s before. According to Gavin, questions ranged from wanting to know about certain menu items that they had never heard of, to asking if it was okay to ask to take their leftovers home. To their credit, Gavin said that the wait staff at Sperry’s were courteous and grateful throughout the night, helping students with anything and everything they needed or wanted to know about.

The dinner also gave the program organizers their annual opportunity to solicit feedback about the program from the outgoing senior students. According to Gavin, students expressed their satisfaction with the program as a whole, in particular with the

Mary Gavin explains table settings.

mentors that they have been working with, while also expressing dissatisfaction with their mentors’ tendency to be gone certain days on official business, leaving without guidance. Gavin said that they will be taking the latter criticism into account moving forward.

Saratoga-Sponsor-A-Scholar is a 10-year-old, not-for-profit program that works with “financiallydisadvantaged” students in the Saratoga Springs school system by

assigning them mentors who help them to finish high school and prepare for college. Many of the students in the program end up being the first in their families to enter college, according to Gavin.

Ultimately, Gavin said that one thing stood out to her the most as a sign that the night had been a success.

“I think the highlight was we didn’t see a single cell phone the entire night,” Gavin said.

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

Taste of Ballston Spa

EDUCATION BRIEFS

23

Ballston Spa High School Troupe Musical

The cast of the High School Troupe’s production of “The Addams Family Musical.” Photo courtesy of Ballston Spa Central School District.

Attendees sample Pizza Works at a previous year’s Taste of Ballston Spa. Photo courtesy of Ballston Spa Central School District.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Education Foundation will hold its “Taste of Ballston Spa” fundraiser on April 3 from 6-8 p.m. at the Ballston Spa High School. Those in attendance will be welcome to sample foods from some of the areas most popular restaurants and vendors, including Henry’s Irish Tavern, Lily and the Rose Catering, Saratoga Chocolate Company, Local 388 Burger

Bar, Sunset Cafe, Pizza Works, Ripe Tomato American Grille, Front St. Deli, Next Door Kitchen and Bar, Alaturco, and Dunning Street Station. Early bird tickets are available online for $25, or at the door for $30 per person, or $10 for students. All proceeds from the event will benefit Ballston Spa students. For more information about the event, or to buy early bird tickets, go to www. bspaedfoundation.com.

Saratoga Springs School Board Budget Workshop SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Board of Education will continue to hold 2017-2018 budget workshops until making its proposal on May 16. The next meeting will be held during a regular meeting of the school board in the Saratoga

Springs High School Meade Auditorium on April 11 starting at 7 p.m. The workshop will include a vote by board members concerning adoption of the budget. For more information on the school budget, go to www.saratogaschools.org/budget.

Ballston Spa Robotics Fundraiser Night BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa FIRST Robotics team will be hosting a fundraiser night on April 5 to help raise money for their trip to the FIRST Robotics World Championships in St. Louis. The night will include pizza, a silent

auction, and a Best Mac & Cheese competition. The event will take place from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. in the Ballston Spa High School cafeteria.

The World Championships will take place from April 26-29. For more information, go to www.bscsd.org.

Saratoga Springs College Fair SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs High School will be holding a college fair on the night of April 3, from 6:30-8 p.m. in the school’s Blue Gym. Attendees will be able to meet

representatives from over 100 colleges, to ask them questions, and get information about their schools. For information on the fair, please contact the school’s counseling office at 518-587-6690.

BALLSTON SPA — The students of Ballston Spa’s High School Troupe will present their spring production, “The Addams Family Musical,”

starting on March 31 in the Ballston Spa High School auditorium. There will be six shows in total: March 31, April 1, April 7, and April 8 at 7 p.m.,

and on April 1 and April 8 at 1 p.m. Tickets will be $10 for adults, $5 for students, and $5 for seniors. For more information, go to www.bscsd.org.

Students Send 265 Snack Packs to Soldiers

Photo courtesy of Schuylerville Central School District.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville High School students from the class of Beth

Roberts put together over 200 snack packs for soldiers stationed at home and abroad.

The class worked with the Military Moms group to put the packs together.

24

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

25

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

www.skidmore.edu/summer (518) 580-5596

Skidmore College offers a variety of programs for children of all ages during the summer months.

CAMP NORTHWOODS, Skidmore’s day camp for children entering grades 1-6, offers an exciting program of sports, cultural arts, nature study and relaxed play. Our goal is to provide a variety of fun activities that happily challenge the imagination, intellect, and body. The camp’s home base is Falstaff’s Pavilion on the Skidmore College campus, but campers frequent the Williamson Sports Center, Schick Art Gallery, Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, and Zankel Music Center. The daily enrichment activities led by the experienced staff are supplemented by weekly field trips to recreational and historical sites, and visits by special guests. Children will also enjoy arts and crafts, ceramics, games, hiking, and daily swim time. One and two-week sessions are available from June 26-August 11.

Skidmore College also offers a wide array of SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS from June through August for children of all ages. Choose

from baseball, lacrosse, swimming, basketball, soccer, volleyball and field hockey. Children learn the concept of teamwork while acquiring the necessary skills for his or her sport of choice. Adults, novice or experienced, can participate in a rowing program offered throughout the spring, summer and fall at the Boat House located on beautiful Fish Creek. All other programs are held on the Skidmore Campus at the Sports and Recreation Center and/or the adjacent fields.

For more information: www.skidmore.edu/camp_northwoods or call Camp Northwoods at 518-580-5596.

For more information, or to register: www.skidmore.edu/summer_ sports/ or call Skidmore Summer Sports Camps 518-580-8061.

26

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

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

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

Assembly of God Faith Chapel 6 Burgoyne St, Schuylerville 695-6069 | Rev. Jason Proctor Services: Sunday 10:30 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.

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 Street, Saratoga Springs Bethesdachurch.org | 584-5980 The Very Rev’d Marshall J. Vang Services: Sunday 8:00AM & 10:00AM Calvary Capital District 17 Low Street, Ballston Spa | Pastor Andrew Holt Services: Sunday 10 am | calvarycd.com Church of Christ at Clifton Park 7 Old Route 146, Clifton Park 371-6611 | cliftonparkchurchofchrist.com Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church 768 Charlton Rd., Charlton Charltonfreehold.org | Services: Sunday 10 am Phone: 399-4831 Christ Community Reformed Church 1010 Route 146, Clifton Park | 371-7654 ccrc-cpny.org | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Christ Episcopal Church 15 West High St, Ballston Spa | 885-1031 Services: Sunday 8 & 10 a.m.

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

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

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

Congregation Shaara Tfille* 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs 584-2370 | saratogasynagogue.org Services: Sat 10 a.m., Mon and Weds 7:30 a.m.

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

Corinth United Methodist Church 243 Main Street, Corinth 654-2521 | cfumc@cnyconnect.net Services: Sunday 11 a.m.

Cornerstone Community Church 100 Saratoga Village Blvd. #8 Ballston Spa. | 664-5204 mycornerstonechurch.org | Pastor Frank Galerie Services: Sunday 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Community 2001 Route 9, Round Lake 877-8506 | office@corpuschristichurch.net Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8 & 11 a.m.; Eastern Orthodox — Christ the Savior 349 Eastline Road, Ballston Lake 212-7845 | www.xcsavior.org Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Saratoga Springs 45 Washington St, Saratoga Springs 584-6301 | www.fbcsaratoga.org Services: Sunday 12 noon First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa 885-8361 | bspabaptist.org Services: 10:30 a.m. worship, (9 a.m. in July and August) 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.

Greater Grace Community Church 100 Saratoga Village, Building 17, Ballston Spa. 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 235 Hudson Ave., Mechanicville | 664-4442 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m., Sunday School 9:30 Hope Church 206 Greenfield Ave, Ballston Spa 885-7442 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Sunday School 9 a.m.

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

Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

Living Springs Free Methodist Church 59 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs 584-1003 | 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 118 Dunning Street, Malta 899-5992 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

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

Middle Grove United Methodist Church* 429 Middle Grove Rd, Middle Grove 581-2973 | Pastor Bonnie Bates Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church 100 Cresent St. Saratoga Springs | 584-9441 | Services 10 a.m.

Rev. Dr. Victor L. Collier New Horizon Church* 150 Perry Road, Saratoga Springs 587-0711 | Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

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

Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

27

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

Worship NorthStar Church 970 Rt. 146, Clifton Park 371-2811 | northstarchurch.com Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.

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

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

Old Stone Church (American Baptist) 159 Stone Church Road, Ballston Spa 583-1002 | Service 10:30 a.m.

Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church* 73 Midline Road, Ballston Lake 399-5713 | Services: Saturday 5:30 p.m.

Sunday 10:30 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, Schylerville 695-3101 | qsumc.com Pastor Ben Lalka Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

River of Hope Fellowship 100 Saratoga Village Blvd, Malta Cmns, Ste. 3 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 280-7196 | 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 885-4677 | sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com Services: Sunday 8:30 am.

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 Rev. John Bassett stthomasanglicanhalfmoonny.com | 348-0842 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. Bible Study: Tuesday 6:30 p.m.

Saratoga Abundant Life Church 2 Hutchins Rd. 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) 571 Rt32, Quaker Springs 587-7477; 399-5013 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Saratoga United Methodist Church* 175 Fifth Ave, Saratoga Springs 584-3720 | saratogaumc.com Services: Sunday 9:00am and 10:45am Saratoga Seventh-Day Adventist Church 399 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs 587-6951 | saratogasda.org Services: Sabbath School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 11 a.m.

Schuylerville United Methodist Church 51 Church St., Schuylerville 695-3101 | Sumethodist.org Services: Sunday 11 a.m.

Shenendehowa United Methodist 971 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-7964 Services: Sunday 9 & 10:45 a.m.

Simpson United Methodist Church 1089 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 Services: Sunday 10 a.m. | 584-3122 www.SOULSAVINGSTATIONCHURCH.COM Stillwater Christian Fellowship Meeting at Liberty Ridge Farm 29 Bevis Road, Schaghticoke, NY 12154 288-8802 | Services 10 a.m.

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

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

Terra Nova Church* 45 Washington St, Saratoga Springs 833-0504 | terranovachurch.org Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

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

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

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

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

Summer Services: 9 a.m.

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

Wilton Baptist Church 755 Saratoga Road, Wilton 583-2736 | wiltonbaptistchurch.com Services: Sunday 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

* = Wheelchair Accessible

28

Sunday, April 16

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

30

FOOD

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

Local Farmers Creating a Niche for Kohlrabi Roasted Kohlrabi, Carrots and Parsnips Serves 4

Saturdays, 9 to 1 Lincoln Baths Saratoga Spa State Park

Ingredients * Ingredients can be found at the market

by Mary Peryea for Saratoga TODAY Kohlrabi – that knobby looking, bulbous green vegetable – is beginning to gain a footing at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

I first spotted this vegetable at a summer market up north several years ago. More recently, Paul Arnold of Pleasant Valley Farm gave me a crash course on this vegetable.

Arnold, who is an amazing source of information on all things vegetable, described kohlrabi as a member of the Brassica family. That means it is related to cabbage, broccoli, and kale. It is popular in German and eastern European cuisine, as well as Indian cooking, especially in the mountainous Kashmir region. Arnold said it is the number two vegetable for storage, topped only by celeriac.

Translated from German, kohlrabi means cabbage-turnip and it has a flavor similar

Gomez Veggie Ville by Pattie Garrett

to those vegetables, but milder and sweeter than either. It is rich in fiber, as well as Vitamins A and C. There are two main varieties, one a deep purple and the other a vibrant green. Both have a sweet and crisp flesh that is either white or pale green in color.

Arnold plants kohlrabi in July and harvests it in November. He says it is hardy with few insects attacking it.

The storage type that he grows

lends itself well to sale at winter markets. While it resembles a root vegetable, kohlrabi grows above the ground, with a stem that swells to a turnip-shape and leaves growing off the bulb.

The leaves are also edible.

When choosing your kohlrabi, look for a firm spherical bulb with no brown spots or spongy bits. There may be white slashes where the leaves have been removed for storage of the bulb.

Kohlrabi can be eaten raw in salads or slaws, or cooked in a variety of ways. Arnold likes his steamed and added to a white sauce flavored with a little nutmeg. I roasted mine with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and it was delicious. My husband, a confirmed “vegephobe,” tried it but passed on more than a small spoonful.

Maybe next time I’ll try the cream sauce to see if that goes over better.

Visit the Saratoga Farmers’ Market 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturdays at the Lincoln Baths Building in the Saratoga Spa State Park. The market begins its outdoor season May 3 at High Rock Park, when it operates from 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

2 kohlrabi, ends and knobs trimmed, and sliced into chunks 1 parsnip, peeled, and sliced into chunks 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks 2 Tbsp canola oil 1-2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed pinch salt freshly ground black pepper, to taste 5-6 Italian parsley sprigs

Directions Preheat oven to 400°.

Place all ingredients in a roasting pan. Add oil and garlic and toss to coat.

Bake in preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until golden brown and tender when pierced with a knife.

Turn several times during cooking.

Add salt and pepper and serve garnished with parsley.

FOOD 31

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

Getting the Scoop

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY Hello my Foodie Friends.

Among my “many talents” is the natural ability to tell a good story. Many of my stories are from my parents, relatives and siblings and are based on gatherings of family events that have occurred over the years. Getting the scoop on family stories is something we do beginning in our childhood and continues through our years with our own children. Family stories are a collection of tales about people, places, and events related to your family and your ancestors. Every person has a story to tell.

The memorable stories of our lives and of others in our family take on special importance, even if everyone tells different versions of the same event. These tales are family heirlooms held close to the heart. They are a gift to each generation that preserves them by remembering them and passing them on to future generations, and will become some of the most valuable and exciting information you can document about your family history. By getting the scoop on your family stories, and learning more about the personalities and heritage of your ancestors, they become more than just names and dates. They become real people with real struggles and dreams and triumphs in their lives just like you.

This week’s top cooking tool is the portion scoop. This is one item that we love in the kitchen. Portion scoops are standard-sized scoops used to measure out food, both cooked and uncooked. They look like ice cream scoops and have a spring release that scrapes your food/ice cream/cookie dough out of the scoop once it has been measured. The odd thing about them is that they come in strange sizes, like #16 and #24, rather than in sizes that you might ordinarily associate with cookie baking, such as “a 1-inch ball” or “a rounded

tablespoon.” The numbers on portion scoops refer to fractions of a quart (32-ounces), or the number of scoops of a particular size it takes to make 32-oz. With this system, you know that a #16 scoop is 2-oz and a #24 is 1.5-oz. The general rule is the larger the number, the smaller the scoop, and when you are picking out a scoop you can simply choose one based on the size of the cookie you’d like to make (or whatever else you might be portioning out).

Portion scoops are designed for kitchen professionals to standardize their products and to keep a handle on costs. These scoop sizes ensure that they get exactly the same number of servings (or balls of dough) per batch or per recipe without wasting any product – and that the customers always get the same amount of product for their money. And it is how they keep the cookies in a bakery display window looking so perfect, too.

There are so many innovative things to make with a scoop. Here are 10 things to make with a Scoop 1. Assemble sandwiches. Whether you’re making chicken salad sandwiches or ice cream sandwiches, a large scoop will give you just the right amount of filling. Smash it a little, and add the top of the sandwich. The same idea applies for homemade ravioli, enchiladas, stuffed zucchini or peppers, and pot stickers.

2. Form cookies. This works whether you’re making no bake cookies or ones that need to be cooked. All of the cookies will be perfect circles if they start out as nice balls, and since they’re all the same size, they’ll all be finished cooking at the same time.

3. Fill muffin tins. Whether you’re making muffins, cupcakes, or eggs in your muffin tin, a scoop will give you the same amount of batter in each cup. No one will fight over whose cupcake is bigger!

4. Make pancakes. It’s nice to not worry about the size of each pancake.

If you use the same scoop for each pancake, the finished products will all be exactly the same size. Or, if you use a smaller scoop and a larger scoop, you can easily make a Mickey Mouse pancake.

5. Make easy truffles. Start with a simple chocolate ganache. I use 6-8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 3 tablespoons of butter (cut into small

cubes), and 1/2 cup of heavy cream.

Mix that together and microwave in 30-second increments until you’re able to stir it into a smooth, creamy liquid. Then let it cool, just enough that it will hold its shape. Use a scoop to form balls of chocolate, and then roll them in powdered sugar, colored sugar, chopped nuts, sprinkles, cocoa powder, or whatever you want.

6. Brownie lollipops. This is a fun recipe where you start with a slightly cooled pan of brownies. They need to be warm enough to work with, but not so hot that they fall apart.

Using a small scoop, form brownie balls (avoid the hard edges; eat those instead). Insert a stick into each one, and then dip it into melted chocolate.

Finish the lollipops off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, colored sugar, sprinkles, or other garnish.

7. Dessert balls. What little athlete wouldn’t like a baseball made from Rice Krispies? Or a soccer ball made from a brownie and decorated with frosting? Or even a basketball made from cantaloupe? Use a scoop to make the balls.

8. Meatballs. Honestly, Paula makes her meatballs by hand. However, when she has to make large amounts for a large gathering, she uses a scoop to form them into perfect balls. You can also use a scoop to form crab

cakes (press the balls down a bit) and hamburgers (press them down a lot).

9. Form dumplings. When I was little, my mom made dumplings to go with stews. They’re basically balls of dough dropped into hot broth towards the end of cooking.

10. Fill your decorator. I use my smallest scoop to fill my decorator with frosting for making cakes and egg yolks for filling deviled eggs. I use a larger scoop to fill my cookie press. I use a scoop because the spring makes the sticky stuff pop right out into the decorator or press easily, and I don’t have to dirty a bunch of spoons.

Here is a delicious recipe that many of my Italian family members would make using a portion scoop: Orange Drop Cookies Ingredients 2/3 Cup Shortening 3/4 Cup Sugar 1 Egg 1/2 Cup Orange Juice 1 Zest of California Naval Orange 2 Cups Flour 1/2 Tsp. Baking Powder 1/2 Tsp. Baking Soda 1/2 Tsp. Salt

Instructions Preheat Oven to 400 Degrees Mix shortening, sugar and egg Stir in orange juice and orange zest In a separate bowl, stir dry ingredients together Add dry ingredients slowly to wet ingredients, gently mix by hand Scoop mix down with a spoon and drop onto an un-greased baking sheet Bake each tray for 8 - 10 minutes, or until lightly browned on edges Add Icing Mix 2 1/2 Tbsb. of soft butter, 1 1/2 Cups Confectionary Sugar, 1 1/2 Tbsb. Orange Juice and drizzle over cookies These are so yummy. I remember as a child, loading my pockets with these cookies and handing them off to my brothers and sisters while my mother and aunts were in the kitchen making tons of Italian cookies for a family event. Well, that’s another family story I have!! Stop by Compliments to the Chef located at 46 Marion Avenue. We have a variety of scoop sizes to meet your culinary needs. During the times you are in the kitchen cooking and eating with your family, get the scoop and share family stories. Your family stories are guaranteed to become absolutely priceless possessions in your family for many generations to come. Remember: “Life Happens in the Kitchen.” Take care, John and Paula

32

LOCAL BRIEFS

Easter Craft Fair Fundraiser Lou Gehrig’s Disease Awareness, Saturday, April 8, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine St., Saratoga Springs. All proceeds donated to St. Peter’s ALS Regional Center.

Lyme Disease Anonymous 12 Step guidelines provide anonymity and a safe place for sharing and encouragement.

The meetings will be held at the Queensbury Methodist Church located at 460 Aviation Rd. in Queensbury. Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 518-796-5478 for more information.

Hop Into Spring Luncheon All women are invited to attend a luncheon on Tuesday, April 11 from Noon to 2 p.m. at Longfellows Restaurant, located at 500 Union Ave. (Rt. 9P), Saratoga. Cost is $15 inclusive. Our special feature, Suzanne Balet-Haight from Balet Flowers & Design, will discuss new and interesting plants and flowers for spring. Our Speaker, Eileen Banks from Rome, NY will talk about The Wonderful Life and will provide music. Reservations are required by April 6. Please call Ellie at 518-5843779 or Anita at 518-583-4043 No membership or dues required.

Presented by Saratoga Christian Women’s Club.

Local Author to Talk about Living with Lyme Disease Helen Brecker will hold a talk based on her new book “Living with Lyme Disease” at the Malta Branch of the Round Lake Library located at 1 Bayberry Dr., Malta on Thursday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m . Ms. Brecker is a Certified Eden Energy Medicine practitioner and has served as a Teaching Assistant for Donna Eden.

Her book is a wonderful reference manual with succinct, cogent explanations geared toward those who do not respond to conventional treatments. If you or someone you know has suffered from Lyme disease, this evening is for you. If you have any questions please contact the library at 518-682-2495.

Easter Egg Hunt Hop in for our annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 15 at 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. The event will include a fun make and take craft-time, a special visit from the Easter Bunny, and of course, the egg hunt. Light refreshments will be served. Must register by April 10 for this event at www.maltaparksrec. com or call the Malta Community Center at 518-899-4411.

Chronic Conditions”. This free, lifechanging, 6-week workshop series will meet from 1-3:30 p.m. at the Milton Community Center located at 310 Northline Road in Ballston Spa on Mondays beginning April 10.

The rest of the dates are as follows: April 17, 24, May 1, 8, and 15. Please call Jen Buscema at 518-884-4110 for more information and to register for the workshop. Call soon as classes fill up quickly.

Annual Rummage Sale and Soup Sale Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church will be holding their annual Rummage Sale on Friday and Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and April 8, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Deacon’s Fund. To drop off items, come to the church April 4, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. or April 6, 9 – 11 a.m. There will be many varieties of soups both refrigerated and frozen at $7 per quart. No books or electronics, please. The church is located at 768 Charlton Rd., Charlton. For more information call 518-399-4831 or email office@ charltonfreehold.org.

Spring Cleaning?

Donations of used household items (excluding clothing and electronics) are needed for the Milton Grange’s annual garage sale on April 22.

Proceeds from the garage sale are used to support programs in the community including the ECHO Food Pantry and vegetable plants for Head Start students. Please call Tony at 518-584-8550 to make donation arrangements. The Milton Grange is part of the National Grange which is the nation’s oldest national agricultural organization providing service to agriculture and rural areas on a wide variety of issues, including economic development, education, family endeavors, and legislation designed to assure a strong and viable Rural America.

Food Drive to Benefit Greenfield Food Pantry The Town of Greenfield Lions Club is sponsoring a food drive at the Stewart’s Shop in Greenfield Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 8. Items needed are sugar free items for diabetics, personal care items or toiletries, spices, crackers, or tortillas, soups, canned meats or jerky, socks (assorted sizes), canned fruit (any variety), diapers and diaper rash ointment, baby food and baby care items.

Take Control of Your Chronic Condition The Chronic Disease SelfManagement Program is an amazing evidence-based workshop created by Stanford University enabling those living with chronic disease to regain control of their lives. Many essential, valuable skills and techniques are taught in this program to educate and empower those living with chronic conditions, as well as those caring for them. Topics covered include: medication management, dealing with stress and difficult emotions, nutrition, exercise, pain and fatigue management, effective communication skills, problem solving, and decision-making skills.

Participants will receive a free book entitled, “Living a Healthy Life with

Book Launch Celebration Join us on Sunday, April 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. for refreshments, music, and book signing. All are welcome at the newly renovated Café Lena located at 43 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, 518587-6433. The book: “Escaping the Lion and the Leopard” - A riveting story, starting in Eritrea, Africa

by Ellie Porte Parker - This story has a special relevance to Saratoga Springs as part of it takes place here.

Admission is free.

For more information, contact: ellieparker@hotmail.com.

Concert to Honor Dr. David Wasser The Saratoga Chamber Players return to the United Methodist Church, Fifth Avenue & Henning Road on April 23 at 3 p.m. with a program in honor of Dr. David Wasser who retired after almost 30 years of distinguished and varied service to all facets of the organization. The concert will feature the voice of soprano Charlotte Dobbs with songs by Schubert and Shostakovich’s “Seven Romances on Verses by Alexander Blok for soprano, violin, cello and piano. The program also includes

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017 Schubert’s Piano Trio in B flat Major, op. 99 with SCP regulars, cellist Eliot Bailen and SCP Artistic Director/ violinist Jill Levy, and with pianist Renana Gutman. Adults: $20; Seniors: $18; Students: $15; Children are admitted free of charge. The concert is underwritten by a large group of friends and supporters of David Wasser and by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency. Tickets may be purchased on-line at http://www.saratogachamberplayers. org/event/voice-piano-stringsbeckon/ or at the door.

Havurah Vatik April Event An African Photo-Safari, Tuesday, April 25, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Accidental Tourist, you don’t need to leave town to enjoy the African adventure of a lifetime. Dr. Robert Steinberger’s photographs and thrilling stories of encounters in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe will delight you. Please RSVP by April 19. Call the Temple Sinai Havurah Vatik reservation line at 518-584-8730, ext. 4.

Scouts to Honor Frank Parillo and Larry Gordon with Good Scout Award The Twin Rivers Council Boy Scouts will hold their Saratoga Good Scout Dinner on April 27 at the Saratoga Springs City Center. This event will honor Larry and Frank for their outstanding community service and demonstration of the Scouting values of character, leadership, and service. The event, which includes a silent auction, starts with a reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner/program at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $125 per person and can be obtained at http:// www.trcscouting.org/Events/ SaraGoodScout. Proceeds will support Scouting in the Saratoga area. For more information, contact John Koch at 518-6444438 or saratogascouter@kochny. com .

Fighting for Mya Fundraiser The American Legion Post 234, located at 23 Pleasant St., Ballston Spa, will host a fundraiser for 15-year-old sophomore, Mya, who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. This benefit will take place on April 29, 2017 at 2p.m. All support will be greatly appreciated.

Treasure or Trash?

Antique expert Mark Lawson of Mark Lawson Antiques and sponsor of Antiques Road Show will be doing an evaluation of your antiques and other items of interest on May 6 at 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Malta Community Center located at One Bayberry Rd. in Malta. Everyone will get to hear the appraisal/ evaluation of each interesting item or fantastic finding. Pre-register

by April 21 to bring an item to be appraised or come to watch. We are limited to 40 items, so register early.

Visit www.maltaparksrec.com or call 518-899-4411 for more information.

7th Annual Baskets for Ben Fundraiser Ben’s Fund helps children with need in 32 schools in conjunction with Warren, Washington and Saratoga Counties! Baskets for Ben benefits the Ben Osborn Memorial Fund, a regional non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization which was created in loving memory of our Cpl. Benjamin D. Osborn of Queensbury.

Ben was killed during combat operations in Kunar Province, Afghanistan on June 15, 2010 while serving in the United States Army during Operation Enduring Freedom. The benefit will be held on May 12 at the Queensbury Hotel in beautiful downtown Glens Falls. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. The auction begins at 6:30 p.m. For additional information, please contact: William D. Osborn, President, Ben Osborn Memorial Fund, 518-792-4514.

All Veterans Volunteers Needed 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. We will provide our uniform (at no cost) and training. You can choose which day of the week ( MondayFriday ) that you want to be there.

For information go to our web site www.snchga.com or contact Mark Brockway at reconplt260@gmail. com, phone 518-260-9933 or contact the Cemetery Administration Office located at 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871, Phone 518581-9128.

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

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017 Open Mic For Jesus

Family Friendly Event

Friday, March 31 Vietnam Veterans Ceremony Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Rd., Schuylerville, 10 a.m.

The Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association will participate in a Vietnam Veterans Ceremony to honor all Vietnam Veterans and their families. You do not have to be a veteran to attend, all are welcome.

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

Fish Fry Friday will continue each Friday of the month. Menu: fried fish, fried clams, fried chicken tenders, popcorn shrimp, buffalo shrimp, and clam chowder by the bowl or by the quart. Eat in at our club house or to call ahead for take-out 518-695-3917. Everyone is welcome.

Lenten Fish Fry Saratoga Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, 5 – 7 p.m.

Every Friday during Lent through April 14. Cost $10 at the door, Takeouts $11. For more information call 518-584-8547.

‘Tis the Night before Trout Season The Parting Glass, 40 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, 5 – 8 p.m.

Help Adirondack Trout Unlimited celebrate the wonders of cold water fisheries. We invite you to a funfilled evening as we welcome the opening. Appetizers, demos, raffles and fishing stories galore. Hosted by the Adirondack Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Admission: suggested donation of $10 to help TU’s conservation and habitat work or $5 plus 3 flies or 1 spinning lure. All donated flies and lures will be raffled as door prizes.

Community Alliance Church, 257 Rowland St., Ballston Spa, 7 p.m.

All are cordially invited to join Community Alliance Church congregants in a special night of music, poetry, scripture reading, and testimonies centered on Jesus.

This event is open to all budding or blossoming talent in the community.

Bring your instrument, voice.... whatever. Hope you can come. This should be a great night together, lifting up the name of Jesus.

Saturday, April 1 Tang Family Saturdays Tang Museum, Skidmore Campus, Saratoga Springs, 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Suitable for children ages 5 and up with their adult companions.

Programs include a brief tour of a current Tang exhibition followed by a hands-on art activity. Free and open to the public. Reservations are strongly suggested by calling 518580-8080.

Sunday, April 2 Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Malta Ridge Firehouse, Corner of Route 9 and Malta Ave. Ext., Malta, 8 a.m. - Noon Have breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Full menu served, by donation. Take a tour of the trucks and firehouse upon request.

Breakfast Buffet Saratoga-Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Rt. 9, Saratoga Springs, 8:30 – 11 a.m.

Now featuring eggs to order, fruit cocktail, French toast, pancakes, potatoes, breakfast sausage and ham, corned beef hash, scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, juice, coffee and tea.

Donation Requested: Adults $10, Seniors and Military (Active/Retired with ID Card) $9, Children 5—12 $8, Under 5 Free, Take-outs $10. Call 518-584-2585 for more information.

Hop Out Hunger Easter Egg Hunt Milton Community Center located at 310 Northline Road, Ballston Spa, 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Help the JCI Saratoga Springs Jaycees Hop Out Hunger at this year’s annual Hop Out Hunger Easter Egg Hunt. Kids up to fifth grade are welcome. Admission is a

CALENDAR 33 non-perishable food item. Monetary donations welcome. Games, prizes, visit from the Easter Bunny. Special thanks to the Town of Milton and the Village of Ballston Spa for their support of this event. Contact Kim at 518-528-1787 for questions or www.saratogajaycees.org for more information.

Dharma Meditation with Pierre Zimmerman One Big Roof, Center for Mindful Practices, 538 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Health & Wellness Building, Saratoga Springs, 9-10:15 a.m.

Weekly meditation followed by short discussion. All contemplative traditions honored. By donation. For more information call 413-992-7012 or visit www.oneroofsaratoga.com.

Monday, April 3 Saratoga Retired Teachers Meeting Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, Noon Prospective members, please call 518-587-5356 for membership information and luncheon reservations.

Democratic Gala Saratoga Hilton Ballroom, 534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 6 – 8:30 p.m.

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli will be the featured guest at a gala reception. The theme, “Resist, Revamp and Re-Amp,” reflects Democratic resurgence nationally and in the local area. The cost is $60 per person. Recognition levels $100, $200 (2 people), $700 (table of 8). Please RSVP to SCDC, P.O. Box 484, Clifton Park, NY 12065.

Include name(s), address, and email.

Checks payable to Saratoga County Democratic Committee or pay on ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/ contribute/page/saratoga20170. For more information call Jay Partridge 518-894-6851.

Tuesday, April 4 1984 Screening and Discussion

participate in a collective screening of Michael Radford’s adaptation of George Orwell’s classic dystopian novel 1984. Following our screening, a panel of Skidmore faculty will discuss the novel, the film, and what resistance can look like in our current political climate. The film screening will take place at the Somers Room. Free admission. For more information call 518-580-8080.

Wednesday, April 5 The Olde Saratoga Seniors Meeting Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville, Noon A casserole luncheon, please bring a dish to share. The Schuylerville Elementary School Band will be performing as entertainment.

New members always welcome.

Please sign up for the trip to Holyoke, MA for the Country Western Lobsterfest on Wed., May 24. Cost is $57 Contact Mary LaMora for more information at 518-584-7986 or Pat Temple at 518-331-2978.

Guided Mindful Meditation Saratoga Springs Public Library, Susman Room, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Take a break from the daily grind and clear your mind with guided Mindful Meditation led by professionals from One Roof Holistic Health Center. Sessions are free and open to the public, and will be held on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 518-584-7860 ext. 205.

Concerned About Paying for College?

Saratoga Springs Public Library’s Glasby Room, 1 – 2 p.m.

College costs are rising at unprecedented rates. Are you properly prepared to handle the expense of higher education? Join us for an

informal meeting any first Wednesday of the month to discuss different options to pay for college education.

Receive $1000 credit towards your personal Scholars Tuition Rewards* program for attending. *As recognized by U.S. News and World Report.

(7 Ways to Save for Children’s Education- Sept 2014) Sponsored by, the Vermont Foundation.

Thursday, April 6 World War I 100th Anniversary Ceremony Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Rd., Schuylerville, 10 a.m.

The Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association will participate in a ceremony for the 100th Anniversary of World War I. All are invited to attend.

Spring 2017 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs Noon - 1 p.m.

The title and speaker is, “The History of the Saratoga Chip,” presented by Alan Richer, local Saratoga Chip historian and collector. Mr. Richer will speak on the origins of the Saratoga Chip as well as some of the mythology surrounding the invention of the potato chip. Mr. Richer will share an illustrated presentation of his extensive collection of chip memorabilia and collectibles and will also provide some actual items from his collection. This educational program is produced by the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Public Library.

All programs are free and open to the public – no registration required. For more information call 518-587-3241, www. saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com.

Tang Teaching Museum at Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 6:30 p.m.

Join us as the Tang and over 90 arthouse theaters and cultural organizations across the country

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

ARTS 34 +

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

Shelters of Saratoga Inspires Brighter Days Ahead Photos by PhotoAndGraphic.com.

Mimmie Helgesson.

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — It was called “Brighter Days Ahead,” and on March 23, some 200 gala-goers helped contribute to raising $63,000 in a celebration of hope and humanity for people seeking a fresh start through the programs offered at Shelters of Saratoga.

SOS honored City Police Chief Greg Veitch with its Help, Hope and Humanity award for his commitment to serving the Saratoga Springs community.

Veitch spoke with grace and compassion in expressing his gratitude for the work being done by SOS. “I ask that you keep in your thoughts the people who need Shelters of Saratoga today - and those who will need shelter in the future,” said Veitch, who joined the city police force as an officer in 1995 and was named captain in 2013.

Honorary Committee cochair Ed Mitzen – who with wife Lisa committed to making a donation to fund the construction of a permanent Code Blue emergency winter shelter

- praised SOS for the work they do, and was given an oversized card signed in gratitude by some of the many involved with the shelter program.

The event, which was held at Longfellows Restaurant, featured a silent auction, whose items lined the top of a long rectangular table: framed prints, themed gift baskets, Tiffany & Co. wine glasses, tickets to a John Mayer concert, admission to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and a box at the Saratoga Race Course, among them.

In 2016, SOS touched the lives of over 800 men, women and youth who were either homeless or at risk of homelessness. SOS’s programming follows the Continuum of Care model which helps get individuals off the street and permanently housed through its array of services. SOS services include: Mobile Outreach, Drop-In Center, Code Blue Shelter, Case Managed Shelter, and Affordable Housing. In addition to meeting basic needs, SOS also identifies and refers its beneficiaries to appropriate service providers, such as medical professionals, housing providers and

TCT Care for Kids Campaign Raises $2K, Donations Accepted Through April BALLSTON SPA— TCT Federal Credit Union’s ‘Care for Kids’ campaign raised $2,000 to benefit pediatric healthcare at two hospitals within their service area of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. Glens Falls Hospital and Saratoga Hospital Staff received a check for $1,000 and a supply of

stuffed animals to be given to children, to help calm and comfort them while in their care.

The 2017 TCT Cares for Kids Campaign kicked off this March with the arrival of ‘Hootie the Owl.’ Donations are being accepted through April 30 at any of TCT’s four branch locations.

James Whalen, Anna Roberts, Adrienne Parker, Dan Sciulli.

Donny Petersimes, and S.O.S. Associate Director Cindy Harrington.

prospective employers so they can get back on the road to selfsufficiency. For more information about the organization, go to: http://sheltersofsaratoga.org/.

“The annual gala provides us with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the core reason for SOS’s existence: help, hope and humanity for those who are

Police Chief Greg Veitch and his wife Jennifer.

striving for meaningful change in their lives,” says Michael Finocchi, SOS executive director. “It is our pleasure to honor a member of this community who supports the SOS mission and treats all members of the community with dignity and respect.”

The SOS mission is to provide individuals with safe

shelter, support services and sustainable strategies to end homelessness in the Greater Saratoga region. SOS relies heavily on the community’s generosity to meet the complex needs of the hundreds of individuals they serve each year.

For more information, visit www.sheltersofsaratoga.org.)

HMT Hosts Spring Benefit at Spa Little Theater SARATOGA SPRINGS — Home Made Theater, the resident theater company of Saratoga Springs, will host their annual Spring Benefit Saturday, April 1 at the Spa Little Theater in Saratoga Spa State Park.

The fundraiser begins at 7

p.m. and includes live music, a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, and a scavenger hunt around the theater while interacting with the Skidmore Circus Club and other entertainers.

Tickets are $75 per person, or $55 for “juniors” 35 and under. To receive a benefit invitation, call HMT at 518-5874427. RSVP deadline is March 24. To view the invitation, go to www.homemadetheater.org .

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

ARTS 35 + ENTERTAINMENT

Tang New Series Features Avant-Garde Filmmakers SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery presents a new screening series called “Whole Grain: Experiments in Film & Video.”

The screenings – which began Thursday, March 30 – continue on Saturday April 1, and Saturday April 8 in the museum’s Somers Room.

“Whole Grain” explores classic and contemporary work in experimental film and video.

The three inaugural programs are thematic and directorfocused collections of canonical films, which serve as an introduction to experimental filmmaking practice. From Stan Brakhage’s classic Mothlight (1963) — a cameraless film in which the wings of dead moths are attached to the filmstrip to produce a gorgeous abstract flutter — to Chick Strand’s Soft Fiction (1979) — a lyrically abstract film on female subjectivity — these films subvert,

April 1, 4 p.m.: Meshes of the Afternoon (Maya Deren, US, 1943, 14 minutes, 16mm); Fireworks (Kenneth Anger, US, 1947, 15 minutes, 16mm); 7362 (Pat O’Neill, US, 1967, 10 minutes, 16mm); Reckless Eyeballing (Christopher Harris, US, 2004, 13 minutes, 16mm).

Saturday, April 8, 4 p.m.: Kristallnacht (Chick Strand, US, 1979, 7 minutes, 16mm); Soft Fiction (Chick Strand, US, 1979, 54 minutes, 16mm).

Here’s a curious little clip – unconnected with this particular series, but nonetheless amusing - from an era

Maya Deren’s 14-minute 1943 masterpiece Meshes of the Afternoon will be screened April 1. Photo provided.

challenge, and play with classical Hollywood narrative and stylistic conventions.

The themes for the first three screenings are Handmade

Films (Thursday, March 30), Subversion (4 p.m. Saturday, April 1), and Soft Fiction (4 p.m. Saturday, April 8).

Schedule Saturday,

during which mainstream America was trying to make sense of the “Underground Film” movement. Titled “The Making of an Underground Film from CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite,” it features a brief clip of the Velvet Underground and Stan Brakhage, and may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=DS7knWefSiQ The screenings at Skidmore College are free and open to the public. For more information, call 518-5808080 or visit http://tang.skidmore.edu.

Local Poet to Read at Saratoga Arts SARATOGA SPRINGS — In honor of National Poetry Month, local poet Nancy Duci Denofio will be reading from her works in a free event 1 p.m. Saturday, April

8 at Saratoga Arts, on Broadway.

Denofio’s poetic memoir includes stories about growing up in Schenectady, where her father was mayor.

ARTS 36 +

ENTERTAINMENT

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

Man o’ War at 100 exhibit Opens at National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame unveiled its new exhibit, Man o’ War at 100, on Wednesday in the museum’s Contemporary Racing Gallery.

The exhibit’s debut coincides with the 100th anniversary of Man o’ War’s foaling date of March 29, 1917 at Nursery Stud in Kentucky.

The exhibit features iconic artwork, prestigious trophies, rare photographs and multimedia and numerous other artifacts relating to one of the most accomplished

and popular racehorses in American history.

A winner of 20 of his 21 lifetime starts, Man o’ War was owned

by Samuel D. Riddle and trained by Hall of Famer Louis Feustel. He suffered his lone career defeat in 1919, finishing second to Upset in a controversial running of the Sanford Memorial Stakes at Saratoga.

Retired to stud with record career earnings of $249,465, Man o’ War sired Hall of Fame members War Admiral, Crusader and Battleship. A total of 81 Hall of

Fame racehorses can trace their lineage back to Man o’ War. Man o’ War died at the age of 30 on Nov. 1, 1947. The elaborate funeral service was broadcast on NBC Radio and nine eulogies were given. He was buried at Faraway Farm and later moved to the Kentucky Horse Park, where he is immortalized under a largerthan-life-sized statue by renowned sculptor Herbert Haseltine.

The exhibit will remain open at the museum, located at 191 Union Ave., through 2018.

30th Anniversary Celebration at the National Museum of Dance

Maya Deren’s 14-minute 1943 masterpiece Meshes of the Afternoon will be screened April 1. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A celebration in honor of the 30th Anniversary Summer Season at the National Museum of Dance takes place 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 8 in the museum’s foyer. The event is free and open to the public.

The event features live music, drinks and food. The museum’s current exhibitions include: Dancers in Film, The Dancing Athlete, 50 Years at SPAC, 2016 Hall of Fame Inductees Gregory Hines and Patricia Wilde, and Art in the Foyer-Photographs by Paul Kolnik, available for viewing.

Beginning April 4, the National Museum of Dance, located at 99 South Broadway, resumes its summer hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday

from noon to 4 p.m.. For more information about exhibitions and upcoming events at the

Museum, visit our website at www.dancemuseum.org or call (518) 584-2225.

Tango Fusion Hosts Open House Dance Classes Tango Fusion is holding 3 nights of Open Houses starting next week. Students may take one complimentary class at the location that best suits them. Classes run for four week sessions. No partner or experience necessary.

Beginning Monday, April 3 at the Temple Beth El, 3 Marion Place, Glens Falls.

Class dates April 3, 10, 24, and

May 1. 6:30 - Beginner Foxtrot, and Intermediate Foxtrot.

7:45 - Beginner Hustle, and Advance Hustle.

Beginning Tuesday, April 4 at the National Museum of Dance, 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Class dates April 4, 11, 25, and May 2. 6:30 Waltz - all levels. 7:30 – Beginner, and Intermediate West Coast

Swing. 8:30 - Beginner, and Intermediate Argentine Tango.

Beginning Friday, April 7 at the Newberry Music Hall, 388 Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

Class dates April 7, 14, 21, and May 5. 7:00 - All levels Bachata.

8:00 – Beginner, and Intermediate Salsa. For more information go to www.tangofusiondance.com or call 518-932-6447

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

Matchbox Twenty to Stage Show at SPAC in August

ARTS 37 + ENTERTAINMENT

Capital Region Guitar Show to Stage at City Center April 7-8 SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Capital Region Guitar Show will take place 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 7 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday April 8 at The Saratoga Springs City Center.

Show organizers say dealers from across the Northeast will be on hand to buy, sell, trade, and appraise your musical equipment.

Attendees are encouraged to bring along a guitar or amplifier to receive a $2 discount of the $7 admission charge.

Discount is also honored when bringing in at least two cans of

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Matchbox Twenty, Counting Crows and special guest Rivers and Rust will perform at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Friday, Aug. 25. Titled “A Brief History of Everything Tour 2017,” the tour will get underway July 12

in Washington State and travel across North America through early October.

Tickets are $99.50, $79.50, $49.50 and lawn - $29.50, and go on sale Friday at LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster.com or Charge by Phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Bela Fleck and the Flecktones and Chick Corea Elektric Band to Perform at The Palace ALBANY — Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, and pianist and jazz fusion pioneer Chick Corea will perform Aug. 5 at the Palace Theatre.

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones features Bela Fleck (banjo), Victor Wooten (bass), Howard Levy (piano, harmonica) and Futureman (percussion). Chick Corea will be joined by his

Elektric Band - Dave Weckl on drums, John Patitucci on bass, Eric Marienthal on sax, Frank Gambale on guitar.

Tickets are $82, $72 & $62 and are on sale at the Palace Theatre Box Office, located at 19 Clinton Ave., Albany. Ticketmaster Chargeby-Phone at 800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.

A Rickenbacker bass wanders into a quartet of Fender guitars, 2016 Capital Region Guitar Show. Saratoga Guitar website.

food for the local food bank.

Kids 10 years of age and younger are admitted free with an adult. The Capital Region Guitar

Show is presented by Starving Arts LLC, Saratoga Guitar and SaratogaMusic.com. For more information, call 518-581-1603.

ARTS 38 +

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

Mandolin Legend Returns to Lena’s April 8 SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mandolin great Frank Wakefield returns to Caffè Lena on Saturday, April 8 with his band.

Wakefield first played at the café in the mid-1960’s and was a mainstay at Caffè Lena from the mid-1960’s through the 1970s. His shows are

known for the power and raw beauty of his mandolin playing and for his liveliness and humor on stage.

Since the release of his first original tune, “New Camptown Races” in 1953 at the age of 19, Wakefield has revolutionized the sound of bluegrass music, and has

performed and recorded with a broad spectrum of musicians, including Jerry Garcia, Don McLean, Linda Ronstadt, and many others.

Tickets are $22 advance, $24 at door. For tickets, call 1-800838-3006. For more information about Caffè Lena. go to: http:// www.caffelena.org/.

week of 3/31-4/6 friday, 3/31:

sunday, 4/2:

Bob Boyer, 8 pm @ Bailey’s . 583.6060

The Way Down Wanderers, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena . 583.0022

Dan Bern, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena . 583.0022

Jazz Jam Session, 7 pm @ One Caroline . 587.2026

Mike O’Donnell, 7 pm @ Inn at Saratoga . 583.1890 Dave Fisk Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue . 583.2582 Dylan Perrillo Band, 9 pm @ One Caroline . 587.2026

monday, 4/3: Open Mic Night, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena . 583.0022

Start Making Sense . Talking Heads Tribute, 9:30 pm @ Putnam Den . 584.8066

tuesday, 4/4:

Craig Carmean, 7:30/9:30pm @ The Comedy Works . 275.6897

Anaïs Mitchell, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena . 583.0022

Fenimore Blues, 8 pm @ The Parting Glass . 583.1916

Traditional Open Irish Session w/ Drank The Gold, 7 pm @ Inn at Saratoga . 583.1890

saturday, 4/1: The Shmooze, 9 pm @ Bailey’s . 583.6060 Darlingside . 4 pm and 7 pm . SOLD OUT, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena . 583.0022 Becky Walton & Mike Steiner Acoustic Duo, 7 pm @ Inn at Saratoga . 583.1890 Keith Pray Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue . 583.2582 Graham Tichy Trio, 9 pm @ One Caroline . 587.2026 Crystal Garden featuring Boyd Tinsley, 9 pm @ Putnam Den . 584.8066 Craig Carmean, 7:30/9:30pm @ The Comedy Works . 275.6897 Barley Juice, 8 pm @ The Parting Glass . 583.1916 Rob Aronstein, 7 pm @ Wishing Well . 584.7640 \

wednesday, 4/5: Poetry Open Mic with featured reader Phillip X Levine, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena . 583.0022 Tim Wechgelaer & Chris Carey Acoustic Duo, 7:30 pm @ Inn at Saratoga . 583.1890 Masters of Nostalgia, 8:30 pm @ One Caroline . 587.2026 Irish Celtic Session, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass . 583.1916

thursday, 4/6: Bright Series: 10 Strings and a Goatskin, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena . 583.0022 Open Mic . every Thursday, 10 pm @ Circus Café . 583.1106 Jeff Walton, 6 pm @ Inn at Saratoga . 583.1890 Cloud Lifter, 8 pm @ One Caroline . 587.2026 Irish Celtic Session, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass . 583.1916

40 It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

Publication Day: Friday

Ad Copy Due: Wednesday, noon

Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE

classified@saratogapublishing.com

Call (518) 581-2480 x204

AUTO DONATIONS

DIVORCE

MISCELLANEOUS

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!

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

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

FINANCIAL Fix’n Flips, Hard Money/ Bridge Loans, No DocumentsStated Income Loans, up to 90% PP, 100% Rehab, PurchaseRefinance, One-Four Units, Mixed Use, Commercial Buildings, 888-565-9477

HEALTH IF YOU HAD HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND SUFFERED AN INFECTION between 2010 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727

HELP WANTED

FOR RENT

DONATE YOUR CAR

Wheels For Wishes Benefiting

*Free Vehicle/Boat Pickup ANYWHERE *We Accept All Vehicles Running or Not *Fully Tax Deductible

Make-A-Wish® Northeast New York

WheelsForWishes.org Call: (518) 650-1110 * Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. To learn more about our programs or financial information, visit www.wheelsforwishes.org.

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily.

Holiday Resort Services. 1-800638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

Publication Day: Friday

Ad Copy Due: Wednesday, noon

Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE

classified@saratogapublishing.com

Call (518) 581-2480 x204 REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

LAKEFRONT LAND LIQUIDATION! 6 acres$99,900 Cortland Co in the Finger Lakes! Unspoiled lake, wooded privacy, great fishing! Idealcountry homesite! Call 888-701-7509 NewYorkLandandLakes.com

Sebastian, Florida (East Coast) Beach Cove is an Age Restricted Community where friends are easily made. Sebastian is an Old Florida fishing village with a quaint atmosphere yet excellent medical facilities, Cash buyer seeks large acreage shopping and restaurants.

200+ acres in the Central/Finger Direct flights from Newark Lakes and CatskillsRegions of to Vero Beach. New NY State. Brokers welcome. For manufactured homes from immediate confidential response, $94,900. 772-581-0080; call 607-353-8068 or email www.beach-cove.com. info@NewYorkLandandLakes.com

LENDER ORDERED SALE! 39 acres- $89,900 NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED! Delaware County, Catskill Mtn setting! Views, woods, meadow! EZ terms avail!

Call 888-479-3394 today!

NewYorkLandandLakes.com

41

42

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

Puzzles Across 1 Old West chasers 6 Child in the kitchen 10 Sleep under the stars, with “out” 14 Stage performer 15 Dance often accompanied by a ukulele 16 Heavenly bear 17 A Marx brother 18 Be the lookout for, say 19 Angler’s gear 20 Sounds of time 21 Pretense 23 Hold on to 25 43-Down alum Cheri 26 __ of thousands 28 GM labor group 30 Seaman’s double-breasted jacket 34 “Excuse me?”

35 Fit for the task 36 Upscale chocolate brand 37 Bush spokesman Fleischer 38 Take to the skies 39 Letters in some email addresses 40 Ring insert 41 Spotted cats may be spotted on one 43 Column-lined walkway 44 Game name often shouted during play 45 Like grams and liters 46 Wii forerunner 47 __ and crafts 48 Immune system component 50 Otherwise 52 Miss Teen USA contest, e.g.

55 Cigar remains 58 Proctor’s handout 59 Like a frittata 62 Talk show interviewee 63 Height: Pref.

64 Glutton’s demand 65 Use a soapbox 66 Some undershirts 67 The “Y” in YSL 68 Honda Accord, e.g.

Down 1 Treaty 2 Tres y cinco 3 Manual transmission 4 Place for a plug

See puzzle solutions on page 46

See puzzle solution on page 46 5 Unevenly notched, as leaf edges 6 “__-ching!”

7 Wheel center 8 Vote into office 9 Husband of a fabled storyteller, in an L. Frank Baum title 10 Like a spicy Indian chicken dish 11 Locale 12 Teacher’s graduate deg.

13 Lacking color 22 Colored part of the iris 24 One on the FBI’s “Most Wanted” list 25 What borrowers do 26 Deep gap 27 Surrounding glows 29 Prince __ Khan 31 Ship’s bow decoration ... and, literally, the first word of 3-, 9- and 24-Down

32 Blessed __ 33 1990s Philippine president 35 Kilimanjaro’s locale 39 Wolfed down 42 Greek goddess of the hunt 43 NBC sketch series, briefly 47 Guarantee 49 Statehouse official: Abbr.

51 Old Nigerian capital 52 __ moss 53 Wheelbarrow shaft 54 Scandal suffix 56 This, to a senora 57 WWII machine gun 60 LSAT cousin 61 Word of assent

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: Unaware, Unawares Unaware is an adjective meaning not being aware of something.

The organizers are unaware of the inclement weather forecast.

Unawares is an adverb meaning by surprise or unexpectedly.

The inclement weather caught the picnic organizers unawares.

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 dave.dowling65@gmail.com

44

SPORTS

Ballston Spa State Champion Honored in Albany

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

Franklin Community Center Poker Tourney SARATOGA SPRINGS – The DA Collins Companies and Teakwood Builders Incorporated will be sponsoring a $1,000 charity poker tournament that will benefit the Franklin Community Center’s food pantry. The event will be held on April 8 at The Parting Glass pub in downtown Saratoga Springs,

with doors opening at 1 p.m.

Players of all skill level are welcome. The winner will take home $500 of the $1,000 cash pool. Attendees are encouraged to make a donation, with $25 being the suggested amount.

For more information or to sign up for the event, go to www.

FranklinCommunityCenter.org.

Blue Streaks Hall of Fame Ballston Spa’s Tyler Barnes receives a special recognition from Senator Jim Tedisco. Photo courtesy of the New York State Senate.

BALLSTON SPA — Tyler Barnes, Ballston Spa High School junior and recent 170-pount Division I state wrestling champion, was in Albany on March 20 receiving a special recognition for

claiming his school’s first-ever state title. Standing on the NYS Capitol building’s Great Western Staircase with Senator Jim Tedisco, Barnes’s was presented with a resolution celebrating his

achievement that unanimously passed the state senate. Barnes won his state title on Feb. 25 at the 2017 NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships at the Times Union Center.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District is now accepting nominees for the 2017 Blue Streaks Hall of Fame, which was established to honor the accomplishments of the district’s notable athletes, coaches, administrators, and supporters.

Nomination forms are available online, and

the deadline for nominations is June 20. A committee composed of current and former coaches, high school administrators, community members, and current and retired athletic directors, will review the nominations.

For more information, or to find nomination forms, go to www. saratogaschools.org.

Miles for a Mission WILTON — The Saratoga Regional YMCA’s Wilton Branch will be hosting an event they are calling Miles for a Mission on April 2, starting at 9 a.m. At the fundraiser event, participants will

be taking part in a 4-hour stationary-cycling marathon to help raise money to provide scholarships for local students in need.

For more information about this event, go to www.srymca.org.

Skidmore Athletics Hall of Fame SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Friends of Skidmore Committee is currently seeking nominations for the Skidmore Athletics Hall of Fame. Nominees should be individuals who have “made outstanding contributions to Skidmore athletics and have helped bring

excellence and distinction to the College and its athletic program.”

The induction ceremony will take place on Oct. 7 as part of the school’s Homecoming Weekend.

For more information, or to submit a nomination, go to www. skidmoreathletics.com.

Equestricon Teams with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance SARATOGA SPRINGS — The inaugural Equestricon convention has announced a partnership with the Lexington-based Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), which organizers say will bring 20 accredited aftercare groups from across the country to the event. Thoroughbred aftercare refers to the practice of retiring, retraining, and relocating horses once their days on the racetrack

are over, which has become a preeminent issue in the racing industry, according to TAA. In addition to these groups, the TAA will present two panels intended educate attendees about aftercare: “Aftercare Pathways” and “Stories: OTTB Successes.” Equestricon will be held on Aug. 14-15 in the Saratoga Springs City Center. For more information on the convention, go to www.equestricon.com.

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

SPORTS 45

Saratoga YMCA Youth Basketball Finals

by Thomas Kika Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — The play-offs for the Saratoga Regional YMCA’s youth basketball league were held recently, marking the end of the league’s current season before the new summer league commences in June. In the Saratoga Rotary Jr. Division, the D’Andrea’s Pizza and BHHS Blake Realtors teams faced off, with D’Andrea’s coming out on

top, 42-32. In the Saratoga/ Wilton Elks Lodge Sr. Division, the Toyota of Clifton Park and Mexican Connection teams competed in the finals, with the Toyota of Clifton Park team taking the win, 56-46.

Along with the finals, the youth league also gave out the James Cudney Award, which goes to the player who most exemplifies the YMCA’s core values. This year, the award went to Saratoga Springs High School junior Elias Wohl.

Photos by Photoandgraphic.com.

Senior Division winners: the Toyota of Clifton Park team.

Junior Division winners, the D’Andrea’s Pizza team.

Players compete in the Alumni League game.

Elias Wohl receives the James Cudney award from Mike Laudicina.

46

SPORTS

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

COMMUNITY SPORTS BULLETIN Ryan’s Run 2017 SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 11th Annual Ryan’s Run 5K will be held on May 20, 2017, at the Saratoga Spa State Park beginning at 9 a.m. The run is hosted by the Ryan Wersten MIOP Foundation, which raises money to support families affected by Malignant Infantile Osteopetrosis (MIOP), and to support the research and development of a cure. Ryan Wersten was the son of co-founders Barbara and Paul Werstern, and after being diagnosed with MIOP shortly after his birth, he passed away at sixmonths-old. For more information on the event, or to make a donation, go to www.curemiop. org.

Blue Needs You 8K Run SARATOGA SPRINGS — The third annual “Blue Needs You” 8K run, Kids Fun Run, and Race Expo will be held this year on April 15. Proceeds from the event will go to support Code Blue Saratoga, an organization that provides emergency shelter for the homeless in cases of severe weather conditions. For more information on the event, go to www.codeblueneedsyou.org.

Scottie’s Stampede BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa Central School District’s 2nd annual Scottie’s Stampede 5K walk/run for education will be held on

May 20 this year, starting at 9 a.m. at the district’s tennis courts on Garrett Road. The goal of the event is to bring students and their families together in physical activity, as well as raising funds for the Ballston Spa Partnership for Innovation in Education Fund. For more information on this event, go to www.scottiesstampede.org.

West Mountain Gear Swap QUEENSBURY — The 2nd annual West Mountain Gear Swap will be held on April 15 this year, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Those interested are encouraged to bring their bikes, kayaks, canoes, skis, or any other non-motorized outdoor gear to sell, while others will be able to purchase said items at discounted prices. For more information on this event, go to www.westmtn.net.

West Mountain 2017/2018 Passes Discounted QUEENSBURY — Season passes for West Mountain 2017/2018 season are currently on sale, and if avid skiers purchase theirs before April 15 will get a discounted price as part of West Mountain’s Spring Sale. For more information or to purchase your pass, go to www.westmtn.net.

West Mountain 5K Obstacle Race QUEENSBURY — West Mountain will be holding 5K obstacle race on April 8, starting from the Main Lodge. The event will feature two age groups: one for registrants ages 7-17, and one for those 18 and up. Participants will be treated to a complimentary BBQ lunch and live music from James Hood. For more information, go to westmtn.net.

New Venue For Tour de Cure SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2017 edition of the American Diabetes Association’s annual Tour de Cure cycling event and fundraiser will kick off on June 4, but this time from a new venue.

As opposed to previous years where the event began at the Saratoga Springs High School, this year it will commence at the Peerless Pool in Saratoga Spa State Park. Other changes this year will include a streamlined check-in system and new 100mile route that circles the Great Sacandaga Lake. For more information on the event, go to diabetes.org/Saratoga.

Recreation Department Playground Program SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Playground Program is a sevenweek program for ages 5-12.

Puzzle solutions from pg. 42 Send your sports stories or briefs to Sports@Saratoga Publishing.com

Physical and mental wellbeing will be promoted through daily recreational activities and socialization to keep children’s minds sharp and encourage creativity.

Registration is March 20-May 15. Sign up at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue Monday– Friday 9 a.m. – 7p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. or Sunday 12-6 p.m. For additional information or to download forms go to SaratogaRec.com.

Recreation Department Drop-In Sessions SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Recreation Department offers drop-in sessions in adult basketball, pickleball, racquetball and wallyball.

Visit SaratogaRec.com and click on Rec Center calendar for the latest schedule.

For additional information please call 518-5873550 x2300 or email recreservations@saratoga-springs.org.

Recreation Department Zumba Fitness Classes SARATOGA SPRINGS — Teens 16 and up and adults are welcome to join. Session and dropin options are available. Sign up at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Sunday 12 to 6 p.m. For additional information or to download forms go

to SaratogaRec.com. Contact the Recreation Department at 518587-3550 x2300 or recreservations@saratoga-springs.org.

Recreation Department Summer Clinics SARATOGA SPRINGS – Registration for 2017 summer clinics and programs at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center begins April 10. A wide variety of programs will be offered. Early bird registration is from April 10 to June 19. For additional information, go to SaratogaRec.com, or contact the Recreation Department at (518) 587-3550 x2300.

Golf League Sign-Ups SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Lake Golf Club’s Summer League sign-ups have been announced. Monday Senior League runs May 15-August 28; Tee Times starting at 9 a.m.

Limited to 40 players. No golf Memorial Day or 4th of July Weekend. Monday COED League runs May 15-August 28; 5:30 p.m. shotgun each week.

Limited to 72 players. No golf Memorial Day or 4th of July Weekend. Tuesday Ladies League runs May 16-August 29; Tee Times starting at 5 p.m. No golf 4th of July Weekend. Call 518581-8492 ext.100 to sign up or visit www.saratogalakegolf.com for more information.

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2017

SPORTS 47

Fighting for a Cause: Local Boxing Night Raises Funds for Bob Miller Fund Photos by Photoandgraphic.com.

by Thomas Kika Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Amateur boxers came together in Saratoga Springs this past weekend to fight for a good cause.

On March 25, the Saratoga Springs City Center played host to a night of amateur boxing to honor and raise money for celebrated Capitol Region boxing promoter, Bob Miller.

Miller, a 60-year industry veteran and founder of the Uncle Sam Boxing Club in Troy, was in a serious car accident on Oct. 15 of last year that left him paralyzed. Shortly after, the Miller family established the Bob Miller Fund, a GoFundMe campaign with the goal of raising money to help cover Miller’s expenses, including “his medical care, the equipment (e.g., wheelchair, braces) he will need, and lodging for Linda, our father’s wife, and the immediate family so that we can continue to support him during his long rehabilitation away from home,” according to the page’s description.

Doors opened for the event at 6:30 p.m., with the first bout commencing at 7:30 p.m. A total of 13 bouts took place over the course of the show, which drew around 850 attendees. According to city center executive director Ryan McMahon, when factoring in volunteers and trainers, the total attendance number for the night was closer to 1,000.

“Very strong,” McMahon said about the night’s attendance figures.

Some of the bouts on the card included

Bob Miller and wife Linda.

Schuylerville-native Joey Barcia against Francis Hogan of Boston, Alison Watson of Vermont against Jamere Shelby of Albany, Malachi Davis of Albany against Richard Hogan of Boston, and the Uncle Sam Boxing Club’s own Tugar VanDommelen against Gianni Gragnano. In addition to the boxing, other fundraising activities at the event included a raffle and a silent auction.

At time of writing, event organizer Dave Wojcicki estimates that the event raised around $15,000 for the Bob Miller Fund.

When asked if the city center would possibly work with Bob Miller and company in the future, McMahon was optimistic.

“We would love to,” McMahon said. “Bob is a long standing client and fixture in Saratoga Springs boxing.”

Anyone interested in donating to the Bob Miller Fund can find the campaign’s page at www.gofundme.com/ bob-miller-fund-2unsxys.

Schuylerville’s Joseph Barcia (right) faces off against Francis Hogan.

Jamere Shelby (right) in her bout with Alison Watson.