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Volume 10 • Issue 14 • April 10 – April 16, 2015

I n d e p e n d e n t

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

Six for Six Sponsor-A-Scholar Participant Receives Six Acceptance Letters

by Stephanie Hale-Lopez Saratoga TODAY

Davawn Hartz proudly displays his six acceptance letters. Photo by Francesco D’Amico.

Racing Begins

Albany-Saratoga Raceway opens for 2015 Season

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Davawn Hartz has a very tough decision to make.

The 18-year-old senior from Saratoga Springs High School and Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar participant has waited anxiously for weeks since sending off his college applications, but he didn’t expect

this: Hartz has been accepted by every single one, including two Ivy League schools.

Hartz is 6 for 6 on his journey toward higher education. He received acceptance letters from Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University, Swarthmore College, Syracuse University and Williams College.

See Davawn Hartz pg. 9

City Starts Second Century “One hundred years is only the beginning”

Featured Stories

CLICK HERE FOR INSERT Inside TODAY Blotter 5 Obituaries 6 Business

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Education 16-17 Families TODAY

19-26

Pulse 37-39 Sports 44-47

Mayor Joanne Yepsen holds a proclamation from Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Photo By Francesco D’Amico

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY

See Speedway pg. 10

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The city that has “history” at the core of its

motto — Health, History, Horses — celebrated a major milestone on Tuesday, April 7 as a large contingent of citizens gathered to commemorate the 100th anniversary See Second Century pg. 8

Weekend Forecast FRIDAY

60|39 SATURDAY

50|30 SUNDAY

63|35

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Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Egg-static Egg Hunters at Egg-stravaganza!

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In conjunction with the inaugural Code Blue 8K (see page 27) race on Saturday, Apr. 4, a special Egg-stravaganza was held at the finish line at High Rock Park. Taylor’s Heroes organized this event. Taylor’s Heroes is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides fitness and nutrition programs to children who want to lead a more active and healthy lifestyle. Taylor’s Heroes was founded in memory of Taylor Miller, who was a Saratoga Springs High School graduate who was killed in Afghanistan in a suicide bomb attack on June 21, 2010.

Donations benefited Taylor’s Heroes’ fitness and nutrition programs. For more information, visit taylorsheroes.org.

Photos by Francesco D’Amico

Mariah and Kiana Goodhue Proudly Display Their Finds!

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Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

SaratogaArtsFest To Launch New, Year-round Programming “ArtsFestFridays” Will Begin This Fall Cecilia Fritelli-Lockwood (Textile Studio), and Belinda Colon (On Deck Saratoga).

— Oct. 2: “An Evening of Improvisation and Jazz at Universal Preservation Hall,” produced by Bob Carlton (Jet Pack Productions, rock musician), Dee Sarno (arts educator and advocate), and Carl Landa (composer, musician and educator).

SARATOGA SPRINGS — SaratogaArtsFest, which has presented a four-day citywide festival of the arts in mid-June for the past eight years, will move to a new format beginning this coming fall. The new programming format, named ArtsFestFridays, will offer a different themed event each month in recognition of the area’s vibrant arts scene.

“This monthly program will create a year-round celebration of the arts, with more frequent gatherings than our previous model,” said Dee Sarno, chair of the SaratogaArtsFest board. “We are excited about this new philosophy, which will help to promote the wide range of extraordinary arts groups and venues in Saratoga Springs.”

The ArtsFestFridays are free and open to the public. They will be supported by SaratogaArtsFest and produced by the production team at Spring Street Gallery, an award-winning not-for-profit organization and performance space in Saratoga Springs.

The dates and locations for the initial four events have been confirmed—Sept. 4 at the Beekman Street Arts District; Oct. 2 at Universal Preservation Hall; Nov. 6 at the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College; and Dec. 4 at Home Made Theater. Also, the first two program themes for the fall have been determined and specific programming is currently being developed: — Sept. 4: “The Rich History of Beekman Street,” produced by Corey Aldrich (Electric City Couture),

“Each ArtsFestFriday will be unique and exciting,” said Sarno. “Each event will have its own venue and theme, and feature an eclectic mix of art, entertainment and activities. The events will be multigenre, multi-generational, and always have an element of surprise.” Sarno added that a key goal of the gatherings is to announce and promote local arts programming throughout the region on a monthly basis.

“The production approach for ArtsFestFriday events is fun and collaborative,” said Maureen Sager, executive director at Spring Street Gallery. “We’re bringing together producers of disparate ages, backgrounds and experiences to ensure events will appeal to a broad range of Saratoga residents and visitors.”

To help support ArtsFestFridays, SaratogaArtsFest will hold its annual fundraiser, “Prelude,” on Thursday, Apr. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Saratoga National Golf Club. The event will offer a signature ArtsFest cocktail, multiple food stations, a live painting demonstration and a silent auction. In celebration of the city’s centennial, there will be entertainment representing the various decades from 1915 to the present, featuring music by the Primrose Lane Quartet and dance performances by the Saratoga Savoy dancers.

At the Prelude, SaratogaArtsFest will present its “Saratoga Art Star Award” to Yaddo, the famed Saratoga Springs arts community founded in 1900 by financier Spencer Trask and his wife Katrina, a poet.

Before moving to the new format in September, the ArtsFest will also sponsor a series of events on June 13 and 14, with the theme “SaratogaArtsFest Celebrates the Saratoga Springs Centennial.” The lineup for the weekend series will be announced in late April. This SaratogaArtsFest celebration will be among other civic events designed to mark the signing of the city’s charter in 1915.

For more information, visit SaratogaArtsFest.org.

Winners Don’t Always Finish First SARATOGA SPRINGS — As part of Saratoga Springs’ centennial activities, the health and wellness committee has designated 15 “healthy events” throughout the year to spotlight in a creative way. They take notice of the year Saratoga Springs was incorporated by presenting centennial tee shirts to finisher’s number ‘19’ and ‘15.’

At last Saturday’s Code Blue 8k race, Jamie Casline of Ballston Lake crossed in 19th position with a time of 34:19 and Matthew Fryer of Clifton Park crossed in 15th place with a time of 34:14. Tee shirts were presented to both.

Next, the committee will feature the Cantina Fun Run on May 31 – see you there!

L to R: Susan Halstead, chair of Centennial Health and Wellness Committee, Jamie Casline (19th place finisher) and Mayor Joanne Yepsen. Photo provided.

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week in Review

Voting Period Open for Teacher of the Year

Skidmore Named Among the “15 Best Small Colleges for Dating” SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs ranked number 12 on a list of the 15 Best Small Colleges for Dating, compiled by DatingAdvice.com.

The website focused its candidate pool on schools with fewer than 20,000 students enrolled and the types of activities that would be perfect for date night.

On Skidmore’s campus, 59 percent of students enrolled are women with 41 percent men. The college boasts 100 student clubs and 19 athletic teams.

95 percent of the purchase price will be paid by federal and state funding.

The county Facilities Committee also agreed to spend $675,000 for a snow blower/snow plow/street sweeper and firefighting equipment for the airport.

Federal and state funding will pay 95 percent of the price, with the local share amounting to five percent.

Board Approves Amendments for Medical Park Development MALTA — Earlier this week, the Malta Town Board approved amendments to the planned development district for Saratoga Medical Park, located north of Route 67 on the west side of the Northway.

The new development will be two apartment buildings for senior citizens, with 105 and 75 units respectively, and a

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75-unit assisted living facility.

Construction on the $36 million project is expected to start either at the end of 2015 or in early 2016.

In other business, the board moved forward the State Environmental Quality Review process for the planned LFTC connector road.

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Marketing Director Chris Bushee 581-2480 x 201

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Alyssa Jackson 581-2480 x 215 Creative Director Amy Gifford 581-2480 x 207 Advertising Design Editorial Arthur Gonick 581-2480 x 214 Saratoga Springs, County News; ‘Pulse’ Editor

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four nominees in each category: elementary school, middle school and high school. The voting period ends Friday, April 24.

To view teacher profiles and to cast your vote, visit saratogatodayonline.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga & North Creek Railway is looking to negotiate new arrangements with the three counties through which its trains pass after reportedly losing money on its tour train service.

The railway, which operates a scenic train year-round between the Saratoga Springs rail station and North Creek in northern Warren

County, has lost more than $1 million over the past four years.

The line is owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings of Chicago and representatives say that while the train itself makes a profit, money is lost through costs like track rehabilitation and maintenance.

Public Voices Opinions on Street Performer Regulations SARATOGA SPRINGS — Whether or not to regulate street performers has been a hot topic in the Spa City and at its last meeting, the Saratoga Springs City Council listened to public opinion on the matter.

According to the proposed ordinance, street performers including artists, musicians, and theatrical performers will need to obtain a license from the city. The license, required for performance in any public place, would require contact information, two color photos and a description of the performance,

including instruments to be kept on file in the Accounts Office.

Once licensed, performers would be required to prominently display their badge when performing. Fees for licenses shall be established by the City Council from “time to time” — by resolution — the proposed ordinance states. Regulations on noise level and proximity are also proposed.

The hearing will be kept open until the next city council meeting on Tuesday, April 21.

Art Department Shawn Lockwood 581-2480 x 202 Production Director, Website

General Manager Robin Mitchell 581-2480 x 208 rmitchell@saratogapublishing.com

SARATOGA COUNTY – It’s that time of year again! Saratoga TODAY Newspaper and Saratoga Mama are searching for Saratoga County’s Teacher of the Year for 2015.

The nomination period has closed, which means the voting period has started! There are

Saratoga & North Creek Railway Seeking Financial Help

Officials Move Forward with Airport Expansion QUEENSBURY — Warren County supervisors recently agreed to go forward with $1.1 million in land and easement purchases to remove obstructions from the end of Warren County Airport’s auxiliary runway.

The county will buy land and/or aviation easements on 34 acres to the east of Runway 30, which runs east-west, so that obstructions can be removed from the approach.

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

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BLOTTER

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015 Shawn R. Bultman, 34, of Queensbury, was arrested April 3 and charged with misdemeanor assault following an incident on Putnam Street.

William C. Crain, 34, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested April 3 following a traffic stop and charged with DWI and four traffic violations.

Christopher J. Palmer, 28, of Ballston Spa, was arrested April 3 following a traffic stop and charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, driving with a BAC greater than .08 and improper lane usage.

Patrick A. Seebald, 23, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested April 2 following a traffic stop and charged with DWI, driving with a BAC greater than .08, failure to signal a turn and illegally entering a highway.

Josephine M. Mercier, 20, Middle Grove, was arrested April 2 following a traffic stop and charged with criminal possession of a controlled

substance and unlawful possession of marijuana.

trespassing. She was arrested following a domestic complaint.

Richard L. Heithaus, 19, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested April 2 following a traffic stop and charged with criminal possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Melanie O. McGraw, 19, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested April 1 and charged with felony burglary, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Joseph C. Cavallo, 27, of Wilton, was arrested April 2 following an incident on Nelson Ave. and charged with criminal trespassing.

Christopher R. Lynch, 21, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested April 5 and charged with DWI, refusal of a prescreen test and speeding.

Luz Marina Argenal, 30, of Long Island City, was arrested April 2 following a larceny complaint and charged with petit larceny.

Dalila Ann Goodspeed, 25, of Guilderland, was arrested April 5 following a traffic stop and charged with DWI, driving with a BAC greater than .08, criminal possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance outside of its original container and failure to signal a turn.

Niels P. Olsen, 58, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested April 2 and charged with DWI. He was arrested after a traffic stop.

Shannon M. Fontes-Page, 44, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested April 1 and charged with felony criminal mischief, felony criminal contempt and criminal

Stephen J. Cherniske, 44, of Malta, was arrested April 5 following a traffic stop and charged with felony aggravated

Mechanicville Man Sentenced To 50 Years In Prison For Criminal Sex Act Saratoga County District Attorney Karen A. Heggen announced today that Robert V. McLaughlin, 58, of Mechanicville, was sentenced April 6 for his conviction of two counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, a class B violent felony.

Judge Sypniewski imposed the maximum sentence of 25 years on each count, with the sentences to run consecutively.

Additionally, Sypniewski also imposed a 20-year period of post-release supervision.

Judge Sypniewski also directed that these sentences run consecutively to the 60-year sentence McLaughlin received last week in Federal District Court, making the total for both sentences 110 years.

The investigation in this case originated with members of the New York State Police stationed in Clifton Park. Their thorough investigation led them to develop information concerning McLaughlin and his contact with two young victims, ages 7 and 8. The NYSP investigation was further developed and grew to involve federal authorities. That

investigation culminated with McLaughlin pleading guilty in February and being sentenced last week in Federal District Court to 60 years incarceration for production of child pornography. The conviction and sentence today in the Saratoga County Court holds him responsible for the actual criminal sexual acts he perpetrated in Saratoga County and were captured on the video made by McLaughlin.

At sentencing today, the mother of one of the victims addressed McLaughlin. She spoke about how McLaughlin had been someone who had worked to gain her trust, and that he violated the trust she placed in him regarding her daughter.

DA Heggen said, “Judge Sypniewski got it right today when he sentenced Robert McLaughlin to the maximum sentence allowed by law — a total of 50 years incarceration. This defendant abused a position of trust and the Judge’s sentence today should ensure that he will never again have contact with any young people.”

unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, felony DWI, circumventing the ignition alcohol interlock, refusal of a pre-screen test, speeding, improper lane usage and failure to keep right.

Emily C. Strobel, 25, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested April 5 following a traffic stop and charged with DWI, driving with a BAC greater than .08, speeding and failure to keep right.

James J. Garafalo, 21, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested April 5 and charged with disorderly conduct.

David D. Farr, 33, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested April 4 and charged with criminal possession of stolen property, criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance outside of its original container.

Ryan Eric Carr, 27, of Clinton, was arrested April 4 following a

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traffic stop and charged with DWI, driving with a BAC greater than .08, aggravated DWI and a litany of traffic infractions.

Donald R. Eddy, 61, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested April 4 and charged with felony burglary and criminal contempt. He was picked up on a warrant.

Stephen J. Chindamo, 51, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested April 3 and charged with felony criminal mischief. He was picked up on a warrant.

Heather E. Partridge, 35, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested April 6 and charged with harassment with physical contact. She was picked up on a warrant.

Demetrius L. Abdur-Rahman, 25, of Saratoga Springs, pled to the charge of felony attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance and will be sentenced May 21.

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obituaries Theresa Grey

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Theresa Carmel Grey passed away suddenly from pneumonia on Tuesday, March 31. She was 81.

Born on September 2, 1933 in Greenwich, Connecticut, she was the daughter of the late P.J. and Nora Munnelly Hegarty, the original proprietors of Hegarty Bar and Grill in Greenwich. Carmel graduated from Greenwich High School in 1953 and then graduated from St. Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing in Bridgeport. Carmel married F. William Grey on December 29, 1955 and they lived in Fort Sill, Oklahoma where Lt. Grey was stationed.

After completing his service in the Army, they moved to Greenwich, CT. Through Bill’s career in insurance, the family lived in Burlington,

MA, Woodbridge, CT, Basking Ridge, NJ, and Baie-D’Urfe, Quebec. After retirement, they moved to Columbia, SC, and after Bill’s death in 2002, Carmel relocated to Fort Mill, SC. Carmel raised her three boys while also working as a nurse at the New Haven ER, VA Hospital, Liberty Corner, NJ and at Chubb and A.I.G as a nurse claims adjuster. Later in her life, she enjoyed being a docent at the McKissick Museum, painting and playing tennis.

In addition to her husband and parents, Carmel was predeceased by her brothers, John Desmond and Gerald Eamond Hegarty and grandson Billy Grey.

She is survived by her sons, Kenneth(Cheryl), John and Christopher(Kim); three sisters, Sheila Zadd of Vienna, VA, Madeline Vincent Foley of Penney Farms, FL and Patricia Ford of Georgetown, TX and her granddaughters, Mary, Polly, Audrey and Lauren.

Contributions in Carmel’s memory may be made to Team Billy or the National Brain Tumor Society.

Jerry Pouliott

BALLSTON SPA — Jerry F. Pouliott passed away at his home on Friday, March 20. He was 72.

Born on Jan. 3, 1943 in Albany, he was the son of Alsey (Spauding) Pouliotte of Hudson Falls and the late Wilferd Pouliotte. Jerry was a meat cutter by trade and worked several years for Price Chopper in their meat department. He also worked in security for the Saratoga Race Track. Jerry proudly served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1965 and reenlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1967 to 1969. He was

also a long time member of the Monday Honor Guard Squad at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

In addition to his mother, survivors include his wife of 36 years, Jacqueline Bailey Pouliott of Ballston Spa; one daughter, Monique (James) Muller of Ballston Spa and one son Kyle Pouliott of Gloversville; one of his greatest joys, his granddaughter Annika Muller of Ballston Spa; one sister, Judy (David) Wood of Hudson Falls; a brother Joseph (Glenna) Pouliott of North Carolina as well as several nieces and nephews.

Jerry was buried Monday, March 30, 2015, with military honors, at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.

Donations in his name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Delia Magee

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Delia Agnes McManus Magee passed away Thursday, April 2 at Saratoga Hospital. She was 84.

Born on November 10, 1930 in New York City, Delia was

the daughter of the late Francis and Margaret Lavelle McManus.

She was a property manager before relocating to the Saratoga Springs area in 1975. She also worked at various retail stores in the area, including Jamesway.

In addition to her parents, Dee was predeceased by her loving husband of 53 years, Edmund Magee who passed away on May 6, 2009.

Survivors include her children, Brian Magee and his wife Pamela of Ballston Spa, Edmund Magee

and his wife Patricia of Katy, TX, Robert Magee of Saratoga Springs and Joann Sullivan and her husband Patrick of South Glens Falls; six grandchildren, Chelsea Magee and her fiancé Jarrett Johnson of Middletown, NY, Ethan Magee of Ballson Spa, Patrick and Maggie Magee of Katy, TX, Matthew Sullivan of Clifton Park and Lindsay Sullivan of South Glens Falls.

Memorials may be made in her name to the charity of one’s choice.

Guy Myers

Barbara Meyer

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Guy Joseph Myers passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 1. He was 49.

Born on July 2, 1965 in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Floyd and Mary (Dowen) Myers. He was a lifelong resident of Saratoga Springs and a 1983 graduate of Saratoga High School. Guy worked for the New York State Assembly and most recently the National Museum of Racing. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and also enjoyed the Miami Dolphins, golf, camping, amusement parks and most of all spending time with his daughters.

Survivors include his two daughters, Savannah Myers (Juhlyn Varin) and Alexandria Myers, whom he loved with all his heart; two sisters, Cynthia Roberts (Alden Eliason), Mary Ann (Joe) Freshwater; brother James (Holly) Myers; two nephews, Joseph (Kelly) Roberts, Joseph Freshwater and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Online remembrances may be at burkefuneralhome.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Barbara L. Meyer passed away Thursday, April 2. She was 93.

Barbara was born on January 22, 1922 in Glens Falls. She was the daughter of E.L.H. and Alyce L. Meyer and sister of Theodore Von L. Meyer, all of whom predeceased her.

Barbara attended Glens Falls public schools, Allegheny College, and graduated from Barnard College in 1944 with a BA in English. Establishing residence in New York City, she pursued a career in writing and editing in the broadcast and investment fields and was active as a freelance writer and multimedia producer.

Barbara leaves no immediate survivors, her extended family consisting of a number of cousins.

Funeral services and burial at Pine View Cemetery in Queensbury will be private.

Memorial donations can be made in Barbara’s name to the Metropolitan Opera Guild.

Gail Mattsson

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gail Loring Mattsson passed away Tuesday, March 31 in Saratoga Springs.

She was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts to Arnold and Gladys Chace. She met and married William Mattsson in 1956 and they started a family together in 1957. Bill’s career moved them around the country

enabling them to see parts that she had never visited.

Bill and Gail moved back to upstate New York in 1975 and spent the remainder of their years there, enjoying all the seasons, particularly the summers on the back porch. She was a Master Gardener and designed beautiful gardens wherever she was located.

In the 1980’s she went back to college and received her master’s in liberal studies, with an emphasis on jazz. Her love of jazz music became her lifelong passion. From 1980 through 2000, she hosted a jazz program on WSPN. The end of her life was ruled, unfortunately, by a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s that was

also the cause of her death.

She has been missed and will continue to be missed by her three daughters; Christine, of Austin, Texas (John), Brenda of Philadelphia, and Sharon (Tim) of Schyulerville; grandchildren Ryan, Caitlin, and Casey McHale, and Ethan and Rainey Cerqua.

A memorial service commemorating Gail’s life will be held at the Quaker Meeting House at 571 State Rd 32 in Stillwater on Saturday April 18 at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Society of Northeastern NY or to the charity of your choice.

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

NEWS 7

Wilton Town Board

by Dale Wilman for Saratoga TODAY The Town of Wilton has moved one step closer toward going solar.

Town Board members voted unanimously this month to move forward on an application for a 450kw solar array. The array would be placed on the town’s former landfill north of the Target Distribution Center on North Road.

Town officials were facing a May 1 deadline to get the application process started. That’s when state incentives for such installations are scheduled to expire.

If permitting for the site meets approval later this year, the town will contract with the company SolarCity to build a solar array that will cover a large portion of the landfill’s 8.6 acres. The facility will be what is called a ‘remote net metering’ site because unlike solar panels on a home, which would feed much of the electricity used directly to the house, the town’s site has no town buildings

nearby, so its electricity would flow directly into the regional grid.

The funding mechanism for the project is rather complicated.

Because the site is a remote facility, the town will continue to purchase its electricity from National Grid.

That bill is currently about $98,000 a year. The town will also pay SolarCity a fixed rate of 8.8 cents a kilowatt hour (kwh) under a 20 year contract for building the solar array.

That’s because SolarCity will pay for the construction of the facility.

The savings for the town comes from a state-mandated credit it earns from the utility company for having the array built. That credit is currently estimated to be 13.6 cents per kwh, and it will be subtracted from the town’s electric bill. According to the current projections, this process will allow the town to save about 35 percent on its electricity costs over the life of the contract.

Some of the potential savings would come from projected increases in energy costs over the 20 year life of the contract. “If (electricity costs) go up 1 percent a year, I am estimating a savings of $651,000 over 20 years,” says Town of Wilton Comptroller Jeffrey R. Reale. “If it goes up 1.5 percent I’m projecting a savings of $730,000.”

The project still faces several hurdles. National Grid will need to check the electrical infrastructure at the project site to make sure it can handle the additional

electricity. And an environmental assessment will be required for the landfill itself. As part of that assessment, engineers will need to determine if the landfill is stable enough to handle the weight of the solar array. “ On the one hand, landfills are great because it’s this land just sitting there,” says Jennifer Jachym, a representative from SolarCity.

“On the other hand, we don’t want to put it on there and it can’t handle the weight of it.”

Officials expect the studies to be completed over the summer, and they hope the project could begin generating electricity as early as next spring. If that happens, the town will join Skidmore College, the Town of Moreau, Glens Falls and a number of other regional municipalities by reducing its energy costs through solar.

The board also waded into the on-going immunization debate this month by clarifying its immunization policy for participants in the town’s summer programs at Gavin Park. Officials were concerned about the town’s response in the event of an outbreak of disease, such as measles or whooping cough. Currently the town requires all program participants to provide immunization records. While children who have not received state-recommended vaccinations are still allowed to participate in programs, if an outbreak were to occur those without the proper vaccinations would be required to leave.

Healthy Living Market Offers Lower Pricing Throughout Stores This Spring SARATOGA SPRINGS — Healthy Living Market and Cafe (3065 Route 50 in the Wilton Mall) announced that it has dropped pricing on several of it’s most popular lines and products over the last several months as it strives to continue to offer a premier grocery experience at the fairest prices possible.

In addition to savings throughout the store, Healthy Living will still have its weekly/monthly sales, coupon program and popular 3-day sales. For instance, this weekend the grocer will be offering 50 percent off its entire line of Nature’s Path products from Friday through Sunday (Apr. 10-12).

“Over the past year, we have worked incredibly hard to make sure our pricing is both competitive and aggressive in the local market.

With confidence we can now say that Healthy Living has many staple grocery items along with specialty products — wine, vitamins and supplements – and most other store departments at lower prices than many of our local competitors,” said Eli Lesser-Goldsmith, co-owner of Healthy Living Market and Cafe. “We invite both new guests and regulars to come in to compare apples to apples, cereal to cereal with our competition. I think people will be pleasantly surprised by what they find.”

Guests will now experience great deals on brands such as WestBrea and Eden canned beans; Annie’s Homegrown and Back to Nature products; body care lines including Alba Botanicals and Dr. Bronners; and dairy and

frozen brands Amy’s and Cascadian Farms. Well-known wine producers like Bogle, Cakebread and New York’s own Limerick Lane wines are offered at the lowest prices in the area.

For more information, visit healthylivingmarket.com.

What’s new is the town’s physician will now be reviewing all participant vaccination records more closely, and for those without upto-date vaccinations he will be sending them a letter urging them to come into compliance.

Board members were also invited to the annual fundraiser for the Wilton Food Pantry. The pantry, which offers a three-day emergency supply of food to Wilton residents in need, has been in operation since 2011. Vice President Connie Towers says such a service is greatly needed – since it launched, the pantry has

helped more than 300 families in the community. “Last year alone, 178 families came through the door,” she says.

Some people come to the pantry because they were laid off. “And others return with long-term health issues, or they can’t find a job,” says Towers. “But most of them are working families, with at least one parent working.”

The Empty Bowls event will be held on Sunday, April 12 from 1-4pm at the Elks Lodge on Route 9. Saratoga Today is a supporter of the Empty Bowls fundraiser.

8

NEWS

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

City Starts Second Century Continued from front page

of the incorporation of the City of Saratoga Springs.

“One hundred years is only the beginning,” said Mayor Joanne Yepsen, who noted how proud she was to be serving as mayor at this particular time. Looking forward, the mayor listed a number of significant centennial events to come during the year-long celebration, including: — June 1: Dedication of Centennial Park in Congress Park — June 22: A reenactment of the first city council meeting — June 26: Rededication of the Spirit of Life and Trask Memorial Everything surrounding this event touched upon the city’s rich history.

The official act that made Saratoga

Springs a city was signed into law on April 7, 1915 by Governor Charles S. Whitman, following a vote by the state legislature. Mayor Yepsen introduced some descendants of the first city council members, as well as former members of the council themselves, in addition to current office holders (or their representatives) from local, state and national government.

The historic site of the gathering, the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center, was opened in 1915 as a station for the Hudson Valley Railway.

It later became known as the Drink Hall in the 1940s, where people would gather to taste the waters from the city’s many mineral springs.

Mayor Yepsen introduced Assistant City Attorney (and history aficionado) Tony Izzo, who further painted a picture of the fledgling city a century ago.

Dressed authentically for the period (down to the bowler hat and pocket watch) Izzo stated that in 1915, a gallon of gas was 15 cents, a good steak might cost you 20 cents a pound, and one of the early ordinances the first city council passed was that “No chickens or

Photos By Francesco D’Amico

Mayor Yepsen and Assemblyperson Carrie Woerner

pigs could run free in the City of Saratoga Springs.” Izzo noted that this piece of groundbreaking legislation “…was still in effect today.”

He also spoke about the architectural appearance of the city 100 years ago, saying that if you walked down Broadway, many of the buildings of that era, such as City Hall (which was originally Town Hall, built in 1871) and the Adirondack Trust building were standing at that time. However, once you got off Broadway the character of the city appeared to be much more agricultural in nature than it is today.

What followed could be called nothing less than a parade of proclamations, presented to the mayor from officials and representatives of political officials at all levels of government. Sean Shortell represented U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko and noted how, as a native to the area, he was thrilled to be here on this day.

Mark Streb, Capital District Regional Representative for Governor Andrew Cuomo, took note of the large turnout at the Visitor Center, saying that he has been to several similar anniversary celebrations throughout the state, but none were as well attended.

Assistant City Attorney Tony Izzo put the event in historical context

“The true greatness of a community comes from the people that live there,” he said.

From the State Senate, Tom Lewis represented Kathy Marchione and Mike Manson spoke on behalf of Hugh Farley.

Assemblyperson Carrie Woerner was in attendance. Her proclamation called Saratoga Springs “a place of singular renown.” County Supervisor Peter Martin then read portions of a proclamation from the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors.

Waters from Saratoga Springs’ many mineral springs were sampled by attendees

After the proclamations and ceremony, Mayor Yepsen reached back again into the city’s history – inviting attendees to sample the waters from the springs, as people did in the old Drink Hall – along with learning the details and history about each from expert Trent Millet, who leads tours of the springs and lectures on the subject.

For a complete calendar of centennial events and more information, visit saratogacentennial.com

Ethan and Conner Pone.

NEWS 9

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Davawn Hartz Receives Six Acceptance Letters, Credits Sponsor-A-Scholar Continued from front page “I didn’t expect the return on any of them…it’s weird, it’s crazy,” said Hartz. “I’m really lucky.”

Hartz says college was never a big discussion at the dinner table and while his family understood the importance of a college education, they didn’t necessarily stress high-performance in the classroom. Hartz took the initiative to take challenging courses and did well in them, which caught the attention of Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar.

“He’s got a unique combination of intelligence, personality and a willingness to do community service,” said Jim LaVigne, Executive Director of Saratoga Sponsor-AScholar. “He’s the total package.”

SSAS, now in its eighth year, prepares 10 Saratoga Springs High School sophomores who are financially in need of assistance by supplying additional support and direction to help them meet their goals and enter college. Since its creation, more than 50 students have been accepted into the SSAS program and more than half of them have started a college career – an opportunity many nearly dismissed as an impossibility prior to the program.

Hartz’s success with SSAS adds to the program’s repertoire.

“We have three kids in the program who will be attending Skidmore and we have graduates in MIT, St. Lawrence and other good schools, but nobody has rung the bell like this boy,” said LaVigne.

Unlike scholarships and grants, SSAS begins during a student’s sophomore year in high school and works to reinforce a base of academic achievement during the next three years by providing resources to its participants through the help of volunteer mentors, academic tutors, the program’s board members and two of Saratoga High School’s guidance counselors.

If students are accepted into the program, they sign a contract to meet specific requirements during the term of the program. They are to meet with their mentor once a month, maintain their grades above 80 or attend tutoring, have a productive summer, behave in a manner consistent with the standards of SSAS, and attend mandatory weekly study skills programs.

“It’s a nice safety measure because you know they’re there to support you, but they’re not going to do the work for you. You’re responsible for your grades, extracurricular activities and community service,” said Hartz.

In return, SSAS dedicates $10,000 to “each scholar’s enrichment” - $4,000 during their last three years of high school

for supplies, study skill seminars, tutoring, PSAT and SAT training and entrance fees, seminars on the college application and scholarship process, college visits and attendance to cultural events; and $1,500 is dedicated to each scholar for each year they successfully complete in college.

But before Hartz can continue on his college journey, he first needs to make a decision. He’s currently planning visits to Columbia and

Williams and says he’s interested in creative writing and theatre – from a behind-the-scenes aspect, such as playwriting and production.

Hartz has to make a decision

by May 1.

“It’s a tough decision to make and I feel spoiled saying that,” said Hartz. “They’re all amazing schools. I’m just flattered that they consider me to be on par with the students that go there.”

Davawn Hartz, SSHS Senior and Sponsor A Scholar Participant.

Photo by Francesco D’Amico.

10

NEWS

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Albany-Saratoga Speedway Set for 50th Season MALTA — Albany-Saratoga Speedway promoter Lyle DeVore released an action-packed 26-event racing schedule that is full of special promotions and events centered around 2015 being the 50th year of racing at the storied facility.

As in seasons past, the weekly racing program will consist of the DIRTcar Modifieds, Sportsman, DIRTcar Pro Stocks, Limited Sportsman and Street Stock divisions. The Greg’s Towing and Repair Four Cylinder division will have 13 events at the oval, including a special 17-lap Kevin Connor Memorial on July 10.

Another memorial event – the Hungry Mike Ronca Memorial for the DIRTcar Modifieds, will be announced at a later date.

The doors of the Great Race Place are scheduled to open for the first time on Sunday, April

12 for an open warm-up session.

The session is open to all divisions with the track being open from 3 to 7 p.m. The first official event of the historic season will take the green flag on April 17.

The DIRTcar Modified division will compete in a $3,000 prize event. It will also be Meet the Champions Night. The month of April will end a week later with a regular weekly program highlighted by a $600 prize DIRTcar Pro Stock event.

Event number four on the schedule will take place on May 1 and feature a 50-lap Street Stock event sponsored by Tileworks by Damon Anderson, along with a regular weekly program. The next three events will feature qualifiers for late season special events for the DIRTcar Modified division. On May 8 a spot in the

Outlaw 200 at the Fulton speedway in October is up for grabs while a week later a spot in the Accord Speedway, King of the Catskills event will be awarded to the winner. The May 15 program will also be NYSSCA Night. On May 22, the DIRTcar Modified feature winner will earn a spot in the Mr. DIRT Track U.S.A. event at the Lebanon Valley Speedway in late August.

The month of May will see two of the four scheduled Featherfoot Warrior Series events take place.

This season, two events each for the Sportsman and DIRTcar Pro Stock divisions will be held. The Sportsman events will be on May 29 and August 21. The DIRTcar Pro Stock division events will be held on May 8 and September 4. The May 29 event will also see the very popular Kiddie Rides take place.

On Friday night June 5 the DIRTcar Modified division will compete in a twin 25-lap feature program while one week later the Mark Hughes Memorial Sportsman event will honor the late racer for the second season in a row. The Capital Region Sprint Car Agency (CRSA) will take to the track for the first of their two scheduled appearances on June 19. The second will be on August 14.

The month of June will end with the first of two King of Dirt Sportsman Series events to be held at the track. The June 26 show will be followed a week later by the first King of Dirt Pro Stock Series event.

The July 3 show will also be Military Night and will feature fireworks.

On Tuesday, July 7 Brett Hearn brings his annual Big Show event back to the Great Race Place. The Super DIRTcar Series event is sponsored by the Recovery Sports Grill, Ferris and VP Racing Fuels. It will also feature Kenny Wallace. The

100-lap Modified event will also see the Sportsman division on the card.

Three days later the DIRTcar Modified division will compete in a qualifier for the Eastern States Weekend in October. The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints will make their only appearance of the season on July 17 while the DIRTcar Pro Stock Series will come to town on July 24 for a 50-lap event. The month of July will end with 50s night. On this night the DIRTcar Modified heat race winners will receive $50.

The final full month of the season kicks off on August 7 with a $3,000 prize, 50th Anniversary special for the DIRTcar Modifieds.

Following the final appearance by the CRSA, the Empire Lightning Sprints make their first of two appearances at the track on August 21. One week later the month ends with Back to School Night and the only appearance of the season by the DMA USAC Midgets.

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

BALLSTON SPA 29 Sycamore St., $328,667.

Heritage Builders Group LLC sold property to Christopher and Tara Bilinski.

14 Spring Circle, $410,575.

Briarwood Brooks Development LLC sold property to Martin Rodgers.

GREENFIELD 580 Braim Rd., $2,000,000. DVE LLC sold property to Donald, Jr. and Eileen Whelley.

3 Liberty Dr., $406,000. Shawn and Katherine Harris sold property to Big Brown Group LLC.

MALTA

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS 773 Revolutionary Dr., $292,500.

Richard and Patricia Victor sold property to National Transfer Services LLC. 773 Revolutionary Dr., $275,000. National Transfer Services LLC sold property to Marc and Jennifer Sidney.

SARATOGA SPRINGS

44 Forestbrook Dr., $337,195.

Heritage Builders Group LLC sold property to Erdinc Karakas.

68 Meadow Rue Place, $129,580.

Greg Osinski (by Ref) sold property to Olive Bay LLC.

10 Maria Lane, $395,408.

McKenzie Estates of Saratoga Springs LLC sold property to Joseph and Marcie Place.

13 Carriage Run, $95,000.

Old Westwind Farm LLC sold property to Scott and Coleen Stevens.

138 Raylinski Rd., $215,750.

James McKevitt (by Exec) sold property to Henry and Lynda Owen.

2 Cygnet Circle, $479,454.

Charlew Builders Inc. sold property to Roderick and Jane Augur.

94 Route 9P, $127,500. Michael and Katerina (as Successor Co Trustees) sold property to Kevin and Maura Kennedy.

24 Jaipur Lane, $198,000.

Theresa Cobelli sold property to Mary Starr.

CHARLTON 374 Root Rd., $75,000. Kathryn Gracey sold property to Stewart Construction, Inc. 290 Lake Hill Rd., $395,000.

Joel and Evelyn Prouty sold property to Kevin Rathgerber and Jeannette Donlon.

40 Beechwood Ave., $262,995.

Kelly Scheffler sold property to Jeffrey and Lisa Pitts.

1 Crawford Dr., $270,000.

Donald and Patricia Marrone sold property to Kristen Hatt.

CLIFTON PARK

130 Thimbleberry Rd., $171,500.

Lynda Wen sold property to Anthony Bevilacqua.

2392 Route 9, $1,700,000. 2392 Route 9 LLC sold property to Deercreek Capital Group LLC. 1123-25 Raymond Rd., $251,000. Richard Bult sold property to Joshua McAllister.

52 Wake Robin Rd., $187,396.

Holly Angley (by Ref) sold property to Wells Fargo Bank.

30 Rolling Brook Dr., $257,500.

Muriel Hine (by Exec) sold property to Timothy Paige.

14 Larkspur Dr., $262,000.

Martin Rodgers sold property to Cory Klafehn.

444 Vischer Ferry Rd., $375,000. Boni Builders Inc. sold property to Divyansh Verma and Rajni Vaid.

80 Blue Spruce Lane, $253,200.

Charles and Marcia Kees sold property to Lee Myers.

2 Barclay St., $264,000.

Stefan Rakuff sold property to Nucompass Mobility Services, Inc.

2 Lowell St., $210,000.

Ronald and Sherry Lovelass sold property to Daniel and Jessica Maul.

52 Longview Dr., $269,900.

Randall and Suzanne Trahan sold property to Barbara Phillips.

82 Greenfield Ave., $50,000.

Sally Jenkins sold property to Douglass and Jodi Winters.

CORINTH 22 West Mechanic St., $146,000.

Sharon West sold property to Deborah Waite.

417 Palmer Ave., $15,000.

Butternut DG LLC sold property to Hudson River Community Credit Union.

100 County Route 10, $240,000.

Betty Burgess (by Atty) sold property to KW Equestrian Enterprises LLC.

MILTON

37 North High St., $127,052.

Daniel and Maureen (by Ref) sold property to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.

149 Van Dam St., $295,000.

Kathleen Livsey sold property to Ashleigh Edwards (by Agent).

STILLWATER 100 Grace Morre Rd., $80,000.

ANW Holdings Inc. sold property to Paul and Susan Barry.

Munger Hill Rd., $50,000.

Susan Lucente (as Trustee) sold property to Robert Laurenzo and Lisa Brown.

WILTON 68 Castleberry Dr., $175,000.

Kevin Jordan (by Agent) sold property to Linda Nizolek.

33 Jessica Trace, $535,000.

James and Megan Hakewill sold property to David and Jessica Hindson.

5 Waller Rd., $136,000. Thomas and Lisa Diemer sold property to James Kennedy.

19 Foxhound Run, $715,000.

Jason and Lora Craft sold property to Keith and Paula Schmid.

39 Pheasant Court, $166,494.

Mathew and Mary Coseo sold property to Loriann Capitini.

11

12

BUSINESS

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Darlene Myers Builds a Dance Legacy Myers Dance Center, Northeast Ballet See Continued Success

by Stephanie Hale-Lopez Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — For the last four years, Darlene Myers has taught dance to students from the Saratoga area through her studio, Myers Dance Center. Offering classical ballet, pointe, jazz, modern and pas de deux classes – Myers’ studio is a training ground for both aspiring and accomplished dancers; however, Myers’ reach extends beyond the Spa City.

Myers, a Saratoga County native, opened her first dance studio in Schenectady in 1985 after coming home from her professional dance career with Pennsylvania Ballet. Upon returning to Saratoga, she taught dance classes at SUNY and Union College, but decided to open her own school of dance.

“What I was missing was creating young dancers from scratch,” said Myers. “I was working with dancers who had come from schools of their own from all over the country, of course, who had come to SUNY and Union…I wanted to start with young students.”

After starting the school and finding success as a studio owner and teacher, Myers started her own ballet company, which she named the Northeast Ballet Company.

The company has been serving the Capital District since 1990 and has been the resident company of the historic Proctor’s Theater since 1991. Fast forward 20 years later, Myers decided to expand her school in Saratoga Springs, which opened in 2011.

While the Northeast Ballet Company is known for their annual sold-out productions of the

Dancers rehearse for the Before & Beyond Dance Concert. Photo provided.

Nutcracker, performed at Proctor’s during the holiday season, along with their performances at the Hall of Springs and SPAC – to name a few – the company is currently rehearsing for a performance with a more contemporary feel to it.

Their upcoming performance, “Before & Beyond Dance Concert,” takes place Saturday, April 11 at 8 p.m. in the GE Theatre at Proctor’s.

“It’s been very different for the dancers, they’ve grown a great deal and it’s been very good for them,” said Myers. “I’m pleased that my Board of Directors has allowed me to do this. It has really expanded the company and that’s really what I wanted to do because we’re known for our Nutcracker, but I want us to be known for other things, too…so this is my foyer into that. I want to be able to do a spring show that showcases other kinds of movement.”

The concert features contemporary dance works created by guest choreographers Matt Pardo, Ruben Graciani and Alexandra Lindsay. On the program will also be a new collaborative work co-created by Myers herself and Richard Lovrich, a master of the written word and photographic fame.

“It’s new music, it’s a new story, its new movement,” said Myers. “It’s been very exciting for all of us.”

While Myers has been busy preparing for the Before & Beyond

Myers’ concert piece, titled “The Beach,” is based in the 1920’s. Photo provided.

Dance Concert, her work doesn’t stop once the curtains have closed; she will begin preparations for the Myers Dance Recital for her students and the Myers Ballet School Summer Intensive.

Myers is accepting new students at both of her studios. For more information, visit myersnortheast.org. To purchase tickets for the Before & Beyond Dance Concert, visit proctors.org.

BUSINESS BRIEFS 13

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Herzog Law Firm Welcomes New Attorneys

Brittiny Belmonte Razzano.

Photo provided.

Jacqualine C. Lombardo.

Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Herzog Law Firm, with offices in Saratoga Springs and Albany, recently welcomed two new attorneys – Brittiny Belmonte Razzano and Jacqualine C. Lombardo.

Razzano joined the firm as a Law Clerk in 2013 and upon admission to the Bar, became an Associate Attorney in January 2015. She concentrates her practice in the areas of Estate Planning, Charitable Planning, Estate Administration, and Guardianship. Razzano received her J.D. from Albany Law School, her M.B.A. from Union Graduate College, and her B.S. in Finance from Bentley University. She began her career as a financial planner, and uses her background in finance to provide a unique perspective to problem solving for complex estate administration and estate planning issues.

Lombardo joined the firm as an Associate Attorney in December 2014. She concentrates her practice in the areas of Real Estate, Guardianship, and Estate Administration.

Lombardo received her J.D. from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School and her B.A. in English from the University of Albany. She also participates in the Adirondack Women’s Bar Association Domestic Violence Clinic and is on the Panel for Attorney for Children for Saratoga County.

GlobalFoundries, Samsung to Manufacture Chips for iPhone MALTA — Computer chips for the next iPhone will reportedly be made at Malta’s GlobalFoundries factory in addition to the Samsung Electronics plant in South Korea.

According to a report by the Albany Business Review, Apple Inc. picked Samsung and business partner, GlobalFoundries over the world’s largest chip manufacturer – Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp.

GlobalFoundries and Samsung announced plans for a new partnership a year ago that would allow the companies to team up to produce smaller, faster 14 nanometer chips that could be used in smartphones and tablets. Since then, GlobalFoundries has been moving fast to increase production capacity at its $10 billion factory in Malta in Saratoga County, according to the Albany Business Review.

The betting facility draws more than two million visitors annually and employs more than 300 fulltime workers. It now houses around 1,700 slot machines.

Two Team Members Earn Fiduciary Accreditation

Jason MacGregor, Principal and Portfolio Manager. Photo provided.

70+ Trailers at GlobalFoundries Could Expand, Relocate MALTA — Roughly 80 portable construction office and storage trailers lined up in rows near GlobalFoundries could reportedly grow bigger and get a new home.

The trailers are used by the army of subcontractors who work on the site daily, building a $2.3 billion addition called the Technology Development Center and related utility upgrades.

Plans submitted to the Town of Malta call for the trailers to be moved from an area owned by GlobalFoundries on the east side of the chip fab to roughly 23 acres on the south side owned by the Luther Forest Technology Campus Economic Development Corp.

Net Winnings Drop at Saratoga Racino SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Casino and Raceway finished the last fiscal year with a slight decline in net winnings – the first time that’s happened in over a decade.

The net win – a measure of the revenues remaining after paying taxes – was $158.5 million in the fiscal year that ended March 31, compared to the $158.9 million in the previous year, according to figures provided by the New York State Gaming Commission. That’s a $400,000 – or 0.25 percent – decline.

Chris Connelly, Director of Communications. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Jason MacGregor, Principal and Portfolio Manager, along with Chris Connelly, Director of Communications, at Minich MacGregor Wealth Management, recently earned their Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designations. AIF designees

are trained to evaluate and implement fiduciary processes. These are often associated with 401k and 403b retirement plans; however, they extend to other fiduciary relationships as well.

Small businesses often choose independent fiduciary advisors over brokers or salespeople, who are not held to the same standard of care as fiduciaries to guide them. They are taking advantage of ERISA’s “prudent expert rule” which specifically states that the plan should outsource to independent experts if they themselves do not have the expertise, because it is ultimately in the plan participants’ benefit.

WBG Announces April Gathering on Sharpening Memory SARATOGA SPRINGS — Key 4 Women is sponsoring the 2015 Women’s Business Group’s April gathering Tuesday, April 14 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

Kathy Johnson MS Ed of Pyramid of Potential will talk about how to improve memory at any age.

In the past 14 years, Johnson has helped children and adults with learning disabilities, ADHD, and other brain-related issues improve functioning and achieve memory retention. Organizers say by the end of the hour, participants will walk away with three beneficial exercises to improve memory.

To register for the event, contact the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce or visit Saratoga.org.

Complexions Spa to Celebrate Earth Day SARATOGA SPRINGS — Earth Day, taking place Wednesday, April 22 this year, is a time to celebrate our planet and that’s what Saratoga’s Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness is planning on doing.

Owner Denise Dubois will continue her Earth Day tradition of distributing saplings to any client who visits her spas in either Albany or Saratoga during the week of April 27 to May 1. She expects to distribute more than 600 sprouts this year to help create a greener environment.

Committed to using the highest quality natural, organic ingredients, Complexions Spas use Eco-certified products. Items with the ECOCERT seal use natural raw material as plant oils, fats and waxes, herbal extracts and essential oils from certified organic farming. Dubois also created her own eco-friendly line of makeup and skincare products called Complexi, which is sulphatefree and paraben-free.

Both the Albany and Saratoga Springs Spa uses high efficiency lighting, eco-friendly detergents and cleaning supplies, reduced flow toilets and faucets, and have diverted an astounding 75 percent of construction waste from going to landfills. Complexions’ greenhouse gas savings is estimated at 56 tons annually, the equivalent of the CO2 emissions from the electricity use of nearly seven homes for one year. Additionally, Complexions saves more than $10,000 annually in utility bills.

14

HISTORY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

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

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

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

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

HISTORY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS

THE HOLIDAY INN

15

Part 6:

1960 1961

Proposal for residents to raise the money needed to build a new, first-class “convention hotel.”

1962

Agreement is reached to build the Holiday Inn’s first conventionoriented facility – all with funds raised locally

1964

Holiday Inn opens

S

aratoga Springs’ Holiday Inn looks like many up-to-date hotels, but it has extraordinary historical significance.

Its surviving founder, Tom Clements, has called it “the start of bringing the community together and proving to ourselves that such a project could be done.”

After the long disruptions of the Depression and World War II, Saratogians expected things to look up. For a short time they did. But changing vacation patterns and the loss of its illegal (but tolerated) gambling casinos, followed by the demolition of its last great hotel, the Grand Union, in 1952-53, left the city in a depressed condition.

The August racing season remained a bright spot, but old Saratoga had been a three-season resort and a convention destination – and it no longer could compete.

Not only was it without a large banquet facility after the Grand Union Hotel dining room came down, but it had lost about a thousand of the bedrooms it had boasted in 1935. Even worse, only 43 percent (792) of its rooms were heated, and many of the hotels, heated or unheated, were antiquated, without private baths. Even though it was still operating the 3,820-seat Convention Hall, the city averaged only nine conventions annually in the late 1950s.

A 1956 attempt by the city fathers to lure hotel investors by offering a land lease in Congress Park proved divisive. In its place, a number of leading businessmen developed a proposal that caught everyone’s imagination.

A Chamber of Commerce committee contracted with Hockenbury Systems, Inc. of Harrisburg to study the need for a new hotel. When its report was received in May 1961, city businessman Tom Ashton and insurance man Tom Clements proposed that residents raise the money to build a

1970 new, first-class “convention hotel.” A pamphlet they developed and circulated to promote the idea stated, “The comforts of a well-appointed Convention Headquarters Hotel will induce the citizens of the world to gather within our gates.” Tom Ashton led the charge to convince the community to go ahead, saying, “This hotel [idea] has been kicked around for 10 years or better. Well, it’s about time we stopped being scared about it and did something about it.

Let’s at least try.”

In less than a month after the report was received, on June 5, the men organized “Saratoga Springs Community Hotel, Inc.” with Ashton as a founding director along with Clements, builder W.J. Grande and Sarto Smaldone, owner of the Malta Drive-In. They proposed a financing plan in which the corporation would sell 15,000 shares of stock at $50 each. Along with a $750,000 first mortgage, this would fund the anticipated $1.5 million construction cost of the convention hotel.

The executive committee’s strategy was to involve as many members of the community as possible in an investment opportunity, rather than by asking for donations.

Seventy-nine residents pledged money toward the cost of fund-raising, and the executive committee began recruiting the 300 campaign workers.

The first phase of the campaign ended with $48,000 raised on the final evening to surpass its $400,000 goal.

The drive then moved into its “general sales campaign” with a goal of $200,000.

Skidmore College invested $25,000, and the Adirondack Trust Company offered a $25,000 challenge on top of its initial investment. On November 22, the second phase was completed successfully with $300,000 in cash and pledges on hand.

Many of the buyers were certain they’d never recoup their money. Even at the time, news reports said, “Many people

are treating the pledge as a ‘gift.’” Tom Clements said years later, “I think most of them just felt that this was a contribution to their city and they had no idea that they would ever get their money back [to] say nothing of getting eight times their money back.” Clements remembered the investors “were for the most part working people: waitresses, teachers, bartenders, truck drivers, from all walks of life, who felt that they wanted to have a piece of the action. Many of them sacrificed to buy stock; they did it on the installment plan, $10 down, $10 a month, until it was paid.”

Nearly 1,500 people, almost all of them Saratogians, became shareholders.

Late in 1962, the leaders met with Kemmons Wilson of the Holiday Inn Corp. at his Memphis office, and on November 12, Wilson made a whirlwind tour of the city with Ashton, Clements, and Mayor James Benton. Wilson agreed to build and equip and operate a new 150-room, 750-banquetspace hotel – Holiday Inn’s first conventionoriented facility – with funds raised locally.

In the summer of 1963, the corporation conducted the final phase of the drive. In July and August, workers secured another $104,000 in pledges; State Bank of Albany (now Bank of America) agreed to a $750,000 first mortgage; and on September 10, demolition on site began. Saratoga’s new Holiday Inn opened August 15, 1964, proving to the small city that it could accomplish almost anything.

In July of 1981 a group of New York investors, Saratoga Pelican Associates, bought the facility for $2,800,000, and the stockholders received $436 for each $50 share they had taken almost 20 years earlier.

44 years later the Holiday Inn remains a center of both convention and tourism business and a symbol of the resolute belief of Saratogians that with hard work and commitment, they can control their city’s destiny.

1980 1981

Resident stockholders receive $436 for each $50 share purchased almost 20 years earlier

1990

16

Education

Autism Information Fair Comes to City Center 4th Annual Event is Free and Fun for the Whole Family

by Stephanie Hale-Lopez Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – The fourth annual Autism Information Fair, coordinated by Saratoga Bridges and The Parent Network of the Capital Region, in cooperation with the Skidmore College Psychology Department is coming to the Saratoga Springs City Center Saturday, April 19.

Coinciding with Autism Awareness Month, the event – taking place from noon to 3 p.m. – is free for attendees and will feature multiple vendors, including recreational programs, camps, pre-K through college programs and therapeutic programs, all designed to fill the needs of autistic or developmentally disabled individuals.

The fair, now in its fourth year, has seen a steady growth in attendance year after year. Organizers say it’s a way for families to check out various resources and programs available for those on the autism spectrum.

“There are enough challenges raising your children and to have to spend any spare time researching for programs and camps…we want to be able to present that to them,” said Pamela Polacsek, communications specialist for Saratoga Bridges. “And it’s also fun because there are a lot of activities for children, so they can play while their parents obtain information.”

Information that local mom, Brandy Landt says is invaluable for parents of newly diagnosed children. Her oldest son, Jack, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3.

“I knew something was going on with him at about [the age of] 2…I could tell…he was different, he was kind of quirky. There were little things that were different about him compared to the kids he was playing with,” said Landt. “Back when Jack was diagnosed, you didn’t know where to turn…if you Google autism, it was all doom and gloom.

So now, having a place where you can go for information really makes a difference.”

Jack, now 11-years-old, is a thriving fifth grade student described as perceptive, gentle and funny.

“Jack is awesome. This wasn’t necessarily something I planned for when having a kid, but I’m certainly glad that he’s been the one to lead me on this journey,” said Landt. “It’s been interesting for sure.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, statistics show that one in 68 children have autism – meaning 1.2 million Americans under the age of 21. Previously, the CDC found that the rate stood at one in 88.

With an increase in the number of people being diagnosed with autism, Polacsek says the demographics of Saratoga Bridges have changed as well.

“The number of people that have other developmental disabilities have decreased,” said Polacsek.

“I think it’s because women are taking better care of their prenatal health…and also because children are being diagnosed earlier.”

For more information on the 4th annual Autism Information Fair and/or a complete list of vendors, visit saratogabridges.org.

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Education BRIEFS 17

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

SCCHS Class of 1980 Reunion SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Central Catholic High School Class of 1980 will celebrate its 35th reunion Saturday, July 25. The reunion committee is planning a gathering at the home of a classmate.

They are looking to connect with as many classmates as possible.

If you were a member of the class, or know someone who was, please get in touch via email at spacatholic1980@gmail.com. The class also has a Facebook group.

High School, is being recognized for excelling on the playing field, in the classroom and in the community.

Thomas was awarded the scholar athlete award by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame in early March.

Thomas was recognized along with more than 60 other scholar athletes from across the capital region.

Teachers Recognized for Exemplary Instructional Practices

7 Schuylerville Teachers, Admins Receive Tenure SCHUYLERVILLE — Four teachers and three administrators from Schuylerville Central School District recently received tenure appointments at the district’s Board of Education meeting Monday, March 30.

The educators were introduced and recognized by Superintendent Ryan Sherman, Elementary School Principal Gregg Barthelmas, High School Principal Matthew Sickles and the entire school board.

Listed in alphabetical order: Laura Delair, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development; Laura Dooley, Elementary School Remedial Reading Teacher; Katie Elsworth, Middle School Principal; Emily Flores, High School Science Teacher; Aaron Grady, Assistant Principal, Middle School and High School; Stacie Rudary, High School Math Teacher; and Krista Senatore, Elementary School Remedial Reading Teacher.

Schuylerville Senior Receives Scholar Athlete Award SCHUYLERVILLE — Stephanie McBath, a senior at Schuylerville High School, has received the Section II Girls Basketball Scholar Athlete Award. McBath represented the district at an award ceremony in early March.

The scholar athlete award is given to students who demonstrate excellence both in the classroom and on the court.

Schuylerville Football Player Receives Scholar Athlete Award SCHUYLERVILLE — Josh Thomas, a senior at Schuylerville

(L-R) Jerri Wawrzyniak, Greg Roberts, Naomi Barnwell, Megan Haessig, Deb Hodgson, Jesse Santonastaso, Peg Muller, BOE President Kevin Schaefer.

Missing from photo was Jody Prescott.

Photo provided.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District’s Board of Education recently recognized staff members for their exemplary instructional practices. In particular, they expressed appreciation to eight faculty members who consistently demonstrate highly effective instructional practices, share resources and strategies with peers, and/or develop creative solutions to work with struggling students.

The Middle School was honored to present science teachers Jesse Santonastaso, Peg Muller and Jody Prescott to the BOE for this instructional recognition. The High School presented technology instructors Jerri Wawrzyniak and Greg Roberts.

Elementary staff members presented for recognition included Megan Haessig, Deb Hodgson and Naomi Barnwell.

Parent University Presents “The Mindful Parent” on April 16 SARATOGA SPRINGS — “The Mindful Parent” is the title of the Parent University program scheduled for Thursday, April 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. The program will be held in the Lake Avenue Elementary School Library. Parents, staff and community members are invited to attend this program.

Kelly Daugherty LCSW-R, GC-C, Clinical Director and

Tracy Gilbert, ATR, of Saratoga Center for the Family will present a program on mindfulness.

By being a mindful parent you can achieve an environment at home where everyone feels loved, accepted and calm. This program will focus on what mindfulness is, how to encourage your child to be mindful and qualities of being a mindful parent.

Consignment Sale to Benefit Non-Profit SARATOGA SPRINGS — KT School will host its annual Spring Consignment Sale Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 at the American Legion located at 34 West Avenue in Saratoga Springs.

Items for sale include children’s spring/summer clothing (size infant to size 10), kids gear (car seats, strollers, high chairs, etc.), furniture (cribs, toddler beds, changing tables, etc.), kids’ sports equipment (tricycles, bikes, and

small play equipment), toys, puzzles and games, books, and maternity and nursing wear.

Proceeds will benefit Katrina Trask Cooperative Nursery School, a non-profit organization.

KidsFirst Childcare to Host Open House BALLSTON SPA — KidsFirst Childcare, a new Saratoga County learning center promoting Christian values of love, patience, integrity and good citizenship for children from six weeks to five years, will be hosting a public Open House on Friday, April 18 at 12 Church Avenue in Ballston Spa. Join KidsFirst Director Barbara Hinrichs, along with educators and staff at their Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Face painting, activities, and snacks will be provided along with a tour of the facility. You can schedule a private tour of the center by calling 518-309-3540 or emailing info@kidsfirst1.com.

Pathway to Innovation Selling Commemorative Bricks SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Pathway to Innovation will be a new pathway leading to Saratoga Springs High School, funded by the purchase of a personalized brick. The Pathway to Innovation is expected to break ground this summer and continue to grow for years to come.

Over the years, with purchases by students, families, and community members, the Pathway to Innovation will physically depict the Saratoga Springs City School District’s commitment to an innovating learning environment as it grows brick by brick.

All proceeds from the Pathway to Innovation will support innovative and creative programming with SSCSD. To purchase a brick, visit saratogalearning.org.

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Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

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TODAY

Pgs. 19-26

Ortho-K: Clearer Vision While You Sleep

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Imagine a day when you can leave the house without your glasses or contact lenses and still see perfectly.

Imagine further that this can happen without surgery. For many with nearsightedness, this once had only been a dream.

Family Vision Care Center (205 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs) has recently added a nonsurgical procedure to its practice that makes this a reality. It is called Orthokerantology, or Ortho-K for short. Ortho-K is a revolutionary process that uses special lenses that you wear overnight. These lenses gently re-shape your corneas so that in the morning you wake up to 20/20 vision all day.

“We like to think of it as similar to a retainer that you wear in your mouth at night to maintain the shape of your teeth,” said Susan Halstead, owner and optician at Family Vision Care Center. “Studies have shown that in children, Ortho-K also provides the further benefit of slowing or halting their myopia (nearsightedness) which greatly reduces their future risk of developing eye diseases such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.”

Dr. Alison Halpin learned about Ortho-K while at optometry school and when she joined Family Vision Care Center became an advocate for the firm to adopt the procedure.

Halstead and Dr. Halpin traveled to several conferences to learn more about Ortho-K. Even though people of any age can benefit from Ortho-K “I realized that it’s a perfect fit for us, as we have many young people and even infants in our practice.” Halstead said.

The procedure represents a significant investment in both equipment and training. Dr. Halpin became a certified Orthokeratologist last March, becoming the only one in the region. Formerly, families would need to travel several hours for this service.

But how does it all work? We were able to observe an initial consultation

Dr. Alison Halpin analyzes Cole’s data, leading to an initial lens determination.

The initial Ortho-K lenses are selected

Cole Dennis’ eye shape is mapped using corneal topography.

(which is free) with Dr. Halpin, a potential patient and his parent to learn more about the process.

Cole Dennis is an active 13-year old seventh grader at Maple Avenue Middle School – with particular interest in rowing and lacrosse. His mom Tracie recalled that he switched to contacts after losing a $500 pair of glasses while rowing. While Cole adapted well to contacts, his nearsightedness was continuing to progress, making the Dennis’ eager to explore the possibilities of Ortho-K. The first step is corneal topography. Dr. Halpin used a sophisticated machine to map Cole’s cornea with extreme precision. “This is our starting point,” Dr. Halpin said. “If they choose Ortho-K, this will become the first of many sets of images that monitor Cole’s progress.”

Once the images are on screen, Dr. Halpin analyzes the data, leading to a determination of an initial lens to for Cole to try. Later, should the family proceed, Dr. Halpin will work with the lab to develop a lens with a more precise fit and correction that is customized to Cole’s exact eye shape.

A consultation with the Dennis’ follows. This is the longest step in the process, as Dr. Halpin thoroughly explains how the lenses work and if Cole is a good candidate for Ortho-K. Basically, these lenses are designed to be worn at night for 6-8 hours while

sleeping. This minimizes whatever discomfort the wearer might experience blinking over the lens, although Dr. Halpin noted that Cole could read in bed and see at night with them when he needed to.

The lenses have three areas of curvature and only cover the iris area, leaving the white portion of the eye open for oxygenation. When applied with a special solution, they gently reshape the corneas using hydrologic processes that use the wearer’s tears. The eyes change shape little by little, and then level off. Dr. Halpin reviewed studies that showed that a significant percentage of children examined showed a radical slowdown in vision deterioration. In the overwhelming majority of cases, their vision changes significantly for the better.

Should the Dennis’ go forward, Cole would be scheduled for an appointment where he would be trained in the proper insertion and removal of his new customized lenses. They are designed to last for a year and he would receive a backup pair as part of the program.

For now, Dr. Halpin handled the insertion of Cole’s initial lenses. His uncorrected vision was about 20/400, but with these lenses it had improved to 20/30! His final lens will be even better as it will be fine tuned to his particular eye shape. Cole noted that he had very little discomfort and felt sleeping with the lenses would not be

Dr. Halpin consults with the Dennis family

Dr. Halpin inserts the initial lenses

a problem. They were encouraged to discuss with family members before going forward, but it appeared that Cole and mom Tracie were optimistic that they would proceed.

Once his new lenses arrive, Cole will be scheduled for a series of follow-up appointments, beginning the following day after he first sleeps with them, to make sure that he has the proper fit and a good reaction to them at every step.

Family Vision Care Center offers an initial 2-year program for Ortho-K, which includes fittings, lenses (plus spares) all topographic

testing and lens changes determined by Dr. Halpin as needed. A comprehensive eye exam occurs after the first year. Beyond that, an annual maintenance program goes into effect, which compares very favorably to the annual cost of contact lenses or glasses.

And the feeling of being able to leave your contacts or glasses at home, without surgery, is priceless – making Orthokerantology a clearer vision worth exploring.

For more information, visit familyvisioncarecenter.com or phone them at (518) 584-6111.

20 Families TODAY

This Week’s SPOTLIGHT

Wilton Recreation SUMMER CAMP late as 5:30p.m. Busing is available for Wilton residents who register for regular camp hours.

Camp registration for Wilton residents ONLY begins on March 2nd. Non-resident registration begins on April 27th. Registration is open until camp capacity is reached, or June 12th, whichever comes first. Space is limited and registration must be done in person at Gavin Park, 10 Lewis Drive, Saratoga Springs NY. Camp registration forms are available at www. townofwilton.com or can be picked up at the park office, weekdays 9a.m.-5p.m. Any questions, please call (518)-584-9455.

Wilton Recreation offers a full-day summer camp program for children entering 1st through 9th grade, which runs from 9a.m. to 3p.m., June 30th through August 14th.

This camp offers a full schedule of daily onsite activities, themed events, as well as exciting trips for those campers registered for offsite adventures. Daily onsite activities include arts and crafts, sports, playground fun, and other organized group games. This year’s scheduled field trips include: The Great Escape, Million Dollar Beach, Saratoga Country Fair, Magic Forest, Valley Cats Baseball Game and at least two swimming days per week at nearby pools and beaches and much more ( trips are based on space and availability ).

With available pre-camp and post-camp care, working parents can ensure their children are having fun in a safe environment before and after the camp’s regular hours.

Space is limited. Parents who register their children for before camp care can drop off their registered campers as early as 8a.m. and for after camp care can pick them up as

To Advertise in the Summer Camp Guide

Call (518) 581-2480

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Families

TODAY

21

Saratoga SAHM

Don’t mess with the mess

by Kate Towne Sherwin for Saratoga TODAY We have a toy closet in our playroom. It’s several feet deep and it has shelves and double doors, and we put all of the toys into it that can possibly fit.

If we were a family that was better at cleaning up, and if I was a mom who was better at figuring out an organizational system and maintaining it, this closet would be the answer to all of the issues that come with six boys and their toys.

You’d think it would be easier, having all the same gender, wouldn’t you? At least I would think so, and maybe it is and I just don’t realize it, but I would think that all the same gender would mean no need to keep buying new toys, right? A truck’s a truck, a ball’s a ball, there are only so many Star Wars toys that exist.

Wrong, wrong, wrong. On all those counts, and more.

What I didn’t remember, when we started having babies, is that each boy would like to have his own toys. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve gotten duplicate things,

just to keep the peace (and it does).

And of course there are birthdays and Christmas -- it’s no fun to not get a child a present, either for us or the doting grandparents and aunties and uncles and friends, so a new toy/ball/book it is.

I’ve actually come to appreciate the difference between different trucks and cars and trains and spaceships; I do see the need for a thousand balls of various sizes and bounces and hardness. And don’t get me started on Star Wars. I do believe there are infinite Star Wars paraphernalia, and each one is cooler than the next.

So our toy closet could be a lifesaver, and it is, to a point, and I have high hopes and plans for it that, any day, I’m sure I’ll have the time and energy to implement. In the meantime, the boys who are assigned to “pick up all the toys in the playroom and put them in the closet” basically toss everything in there in a heap and then put their shoulders into trying to force the doors closed. Most nights the doors don’t get closed. They’re either left wide open or a valiant attempt was made and they’re mostly closed, with just a few things spilling out between them onto the floor.

Really, the only time I care that they’re totally closed is when we’re having people over. When they’re closed, it’s just amazing how neat

and clean the playroom can look, and the boys know by now that when company’s coming, their usual complain-y half-done job isn’t good enough.

But then there are days like the recent one where the boys were home on their first day of Easter vacation. It was just a day of decompressing and relaxing and I wasn’t going to ask them for much, just let them enjoy being home and lazy.

The next day was time enough to get into spring-cleaning mode.

The first thing they did was pull every single toy out of the toy closet.

The playroom floor was covered with big toys and small, whole toys and pieces, old toys and newer. “Mom!” a voice yelled from inside the closet, “we found the closet floor!”

A couple of the boys marveled at all the dinosaurs they were able to find, and set about gathering them all and setting them all up on the coffee table. It was a convention of dinosaurs when they were done, all grouped according to size. I thought it was pretty great (we have a lot of dinosaurs).

It kept them occupied for the entire morning.

Another couple of the boys sat in the closet, on the floor that they’d found, picking through the smaller toys that were at the

bottom of the heap, things that hadn’t been seen in a long time.

They also were kept occupied thusly for the entire morning.

The funniest might have been the baby, who turned one year old a couple weeks ago. He sat in the middle of the playroom, surrounded by toys, and just … sat.

Usually he’s on the go — always on the go — crawling and climbing and standing, but this day he was overcome by the toys. He sat and from his seat reached for a toy, and turned it around in his hands, and marveled over it, for long minutes.

Then he’d put it down and reach for another toy, and do the same.

My husband would have had a heart attack seeing the mess, but all I saw was six boys totally occupied. It seriously lasted the whole morning. This kind of thing has happened before — the discovery of old toys that haven’t been seen for a while — and I’m beyond ecstatic when it does, because I know it means hours of contented play.

It basically takes away any interest I have in purging the toy closet.

Nevertheless, I do have plans — probably over the summer — to have the boys help me at least identify the broken toys and those missing key parts and pieces and to get rid of them. It would also be nice to have a bin for each kind of toy: trucks, cars, light sabers, action figures, trains, stuffed animals, dinosaurs.

“What?” you ask. “No Legos?”

Oh, we have Legos. Please. We just don’t keep them in the toy closet.

And that is a whole other article for another day.

Kate Towne Sherwin lives in Saratoga Springs with her husband and their sons ages 10, 8, 6, 5, 3, and 1. She can be reached at sksherwin@hotmail.com.

22 Families TODAY

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

The Life of a Princess Local Actress Continues 20th Year of Portraying Cinderella

Gabrielle “Ellie” English. Photo provided.

by Stephanie Hale-Lopez Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — The life of Gabrielle “Ellie” English is one almost every little girl aspires to have – the blonde haired, blue-eyed actress is also known as Cinderella, from the classic fairytale. For the last 20 years, English has transformed into the beloved princess for countless children’s events across the country.

Born in Indiana but raised in Florida, English says she has been portraying Cinderella nearly her entire life. She began volunteering at the age of 14 at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she created a televised

Ellie as Cinderella when she was just 16 years old. Photo provided.

Cinderella story time which was broadcasted live from room to room for children who could not attend in person. Soon after, English became a Disney Cast Member.

“When I was 15, Disney invited me to do a photoshoot at the Magic Kingdom and from then on, I was type casted…I tried to do other roles, but I kept getting casted as Cinderella,” chuckles English.

After working as a Disney Cast Member, English worked for other companies such as Make a Wish, Give Kids the World, the Princess Diana Foundation Althorp Tour, Shriners Hospitals and Mattel, to name a few. She says the her work with the Princess Diana Foundation Althorp Tour is near to her heart

for two reasons – firstly, she looked up to Diana, Princess of Wales and secondly, the exhibition at Althorp known as “Diana: A Celebration” was closed in the summer of 2013.

English says transforming into Cinderella requires a lot of work and preparation. She created her own elaborate gowns and performance materials since the age of 14.

In fact, her first Cinderella gown was made of 3,000 crystals and 50 yards of tulle and bridal satin that she dyed herself to achieve the perfect shade of blue; and she’s currently working on a new gown inspired by Disney’s live-action fantasy adaptation of “Cinderella,” which debuted in March and raked in $70.1 million opening weekend in North America.

But much like the popular character she plays, English had to face a difficult curveball life threw at her a few years ago.

“I had a car accident and it was pretty bad,” recalled English. “I suffered some internal bleeding and I remember waking up in the hospital, and thankfully I didn’t have to have surgery or anything, but I had to learn basically how to walk again and talk again. The first six months were really hard.”

As part of the healing process, English moved to Saratoga Springs and discovered something about her new self during the rehabilitation process.

“When I damaged one part of my brain, the other part of my brain took over and I used more of it and that’s the area that controls music

The look isn’t complete without the iconic blue ball gown and slippers. Photo provided.

Ellie as Cinderella surprises a little girl during one of her hospital visits. Photo provided.

and artistic ability,” said English.

“I’ve found that I’m extremely sensitive to music now and I’m picking up choreography faster...I’m accelerating.”

Now that English has fully recovered from the effects of that serious car accident, she’s ready to put on the iconic ball gown and step into Cinderella’s slippers again and help raise money for local charities and the Saratoga YMCA. So far, English has two upcoming appearances as Cinderella. The

first will take place at Saratoga YMCA’s “Healthy Kids Day” at 11 a.m. Friday, April 25. The second takes place Friday, May 15 at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga for their Pirate and Princess Party.

“To me, it’s therapeutic and I love children, so this is my way of working with kids again and helping out local charities, so I’m thrilled,” said English. “The part that I love the most is seeing the smiles on their faces and getting hugs. It really touches my heart.”

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Families

TODAY

Rebuilding Mind, Body and Soul

Springing In Green

23

Q: Is there an ideal time to invest in the stock market?

A: It’s proven that market timing doesn’t work over the long term so I take a practical approach.

by Monique Boulet for Saratoga TODAY As I say farewell to the winter season, I find it inspiring to appreciate the renewal, regeneration, and abundance that lies ahead. I know I will likely be seeing new life of all forms around me, sprouts reaching for the sun, buds blooming and foals taking their first steps. All of this new energy and higher vibrational chime draws me to challenge myself in new ways. It allows me to reflect on my footprints, and therefore feel inspired to set new standards for the coming footprints that will continue to mark my existence.

I think of ways I can shift my intentions to positively impact my own life, the lives of those near me, the lives of their loved ones and the planet as a whole. I know that tending to my soulful garden in a more efficient and compassionate way will create a greener spring. Living more simply, consuming less and utilizing more of what is already in front of me will contribute to a more forgiving carbon footprint.

Have you contemplated shifting your intentions to create a gentler footprint on the road you’re traveling? The numbers of ways to make a difference are vast and seem limitless, and you may find that committing yourself to just one or two of the following will be enough to positively impact the Earth. The fact is that any amount of change in the right direction to promote a greener planet will impact the environment greatly.

So, I hope that you will feel as inspired as I do to challenge yourself to any number of these new actions, which in turn will create a new habit. Whether you know it or not, your changes will inspire others to make a change as well.

— Consume fewer animal products and move toward a plant-based diet using local produce from nearby farms.

— Buy in bulk; use reusable containers (for take out food too!), and fresh filtered tap water in place of bottled.

— Minimize consumption in general. Check storage areas or ask a friend to borrow an item rather than frivolously buying new ones. And shop for groceries more often to limit waste.

— Donate clothing, furniture and other items, rather than throwing them away.

— Start a garden in your yard, a hanging or potted garden on your deck, or even in a sunny area of your home.

Homemade onion, garlic and hot pepper sprays work well in keeping pests from harming your edible plants.

— Compost leftovers.

— Unplug gadgets and appliances when not in use and avoid keeping chargers in an electric socket out of convenience.

— Switch to florescent light bulbs.

— Make your own natural household cleaners in reusable bottles.

— Green your workspace with recycling bins, and limit printing to only what’s necessary.

— Carpool, walk, or ride a bike more often. Consider purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle for your next car.

— Avoid dry cleaning, aerosol sprays, and other harmful pollutants. Many companies are shifting to green living products, so do your research.

— Turn down the heat or air conditioning when leaving the house and try to limit their use in general.

If you are a business, corporation, food establishment or nonprofit organization and have some news you would like to share on your healthy initiatives, I welcome the information. We are, after all, working together to create one of the healthiest areas in the world!

Monique Boulet RD, CDN, CPT Licensed Realtor organiquebymonique.com (518) 312-6309 moniqueboulet@hotmail.com

by Jesse C. Koepp, CTFA for Saratoga TODAY The writer is a Senior Client Relationship Manager at Fenimore Asset Management in Cobleskill.

Recently, investors have been asking me questions like: “Have I missed the stock market rise? Am I too late to open a mutual fund account for my children?” Others have asked: “Will we see a major pullback soon?”

While there are numerous different speculative answers to these questions, there is one concrete investment practice that many find agreeable — dollar-cost averaging (DCA). DCA takes the guesswork out of investing.

If you contribute methodically through a payroll deduction into your 401(k) or 403(b)(7), you are already implementing this practice.

DCA is a long-term strategy that involves investing a fixed-dollar amount into a mutual fund account (for example) at regular intervals.

Since you always invest the same amount, you will purchase more shares when the price is low and fewer shares when the price is high.

DCA’s premise is that your average cost per share may be less than your average price per share, thus reducing your investment risk over an extended period of time.

Instead of investing a lump sum, the idea is to average out the highs and lows to help you avoid trying to determine the right time to invest. It allows for smaller investments that, when done consistently over time, can grow into a considerable savings. It takes advantage of the cyclical nature of the market and allows you to focus on longterm growth and ignore shortterm market conditions. While this technique does not eliminate the possibility of losing money on an investment, losses may be lowered during periods of declining share prices and profits may be enhanced when prices rise over time.

When you need the money, DCA is also an efficient way to withdraw funds. The advantages are similar to when you were investing because money is withdrawn automatically regardless of share prices — you do not have to concern yourself with fluctuations.

More than 100 years of stock market history highlights the fact that rallies occur when investors least expect them. People can let emotions get in the way of rational decision-making and try to time the market. An overwhelming amount of research shows that long-term investing — even through a stock market downturn — yields better results over the years than trying to time a decline, remove capital, and return when “things are better.”

Trying to time the market simply does not work over the long haul. It is important to remain patient and calm when attempting to grow your assets — and dollarcost averaging can help.

Dollar-cost averaging is a plan of continuous investment in securities regardless of their inconsistent prices. Of course, you must consider your financial ability to continually purchase shares. As with all investment methods, there is no performance guarantee.

24 Families TODAY

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Golf ‘Fore’ Your Health

by James Markwica for Saratoga TODAY Finally, spring is just about in full effect and as warmer temperatures become more frequent over the coming weeks, we will absolutely be in full swing of this year’s golf season. But there is simply more to it then dusting off the clubs, polishing up the shoes, and marking some golf balls. You need to consider the fact that over the past five months or so you have not used “golf muscles” or the mechanics that are required for golf. Not to mention you may be starting the golf season with a lingering pain or injury that you must address prior to swinging the club or it just may be a short season for you.

Injury is the number one reason why people stop playing golf. The Titleist Performance Institute, or TPI, has done research not only on professionals but amateur golfers alike. TPI research indicates the number

one body part injured in the game of golf is the lower back, followed by the shoulder and the knee.

These season-ending golf injuries are more common than you may think and often limit you in golf, but in simple life chores that we do every day. The most common golf-ending injuries are sprains/strains, tendonitis, and irritation of arthritis.

Sprains and strains are injuries of overstretching, overuse or trauma to a ligament, muscle, tendon or joint capsule. These are common in the low back, shoulder and knee and can be preventable when well trained and stretched prior to use.

Tendonitis refers to inflammation of a tendon (or connection of the muscle to the bone).

This is most common in the shoulder, elbow, knee and achilles tendon for golfers as the golf swing is a controlled yet violent action requiring great physical strength in a rotational plane, while repeatedly loading your muscles and twisting your body at a high rate of speed, just before you stop it from moving to strike the ball.

Arthritis — well, this just means you’re not 18 anymore and the likelihood of arthritis being a factor increases with age. All joints in the human body have some sort of cartilage within it to act as a cushion or buffer between bones. Unfortunately with time and repeated activities this cartilage can and will wear down just as the tread on a tire, and when it does you can be left

with bone-on-bone contact, or arthritis. This can occur in any and all of your joints influenced by the golf swing.

Disc injuries in the spine are most likely to occur in the neck and lower back. Although the golf swing itself usually won’t cause them, any deficiency in the area may be amplified or irritated with the golf swing. Tears or fractures can occur with any sport or be exacerbated if pre-existing.

TPI has done its homework and also identified the five most common mechanisms of injury: 1. Poor Body Mechanics; 2. Poor Swing Mechanics; 3. Excessive Practice; 4.

No Regular Customized Exercise Program; 5. Poor Nutrition.

Poor body mechanics are typically manageable regardless of age or previous history of injury. Commonly, poor body mechanics are a result of an injury or some other type of body dysfunction that may have gone untreated, and then you “learned to live with it” via compensation.

But what are body mechanics? It is the application of knowledge of the human body to the use of proper body movement in daily activities. This applies most to the prevention and correction of problems associated with posture, and to the enhancement of coordination and endurance. In other words, moving the body as it’s designed to do in its most efficient way.

When the body is used with good mechanics it will move more efficiently and with less risk of injury. In order to do this, the body (including its muscles and joints) needs to be both flexible and stable at the same time. This sounds a little

contradictory but it really is not.

In the golf swing the lower back is meant to be stable (or still) as the mid to upper back, hips and shoulders are very mobile.

In essence, at varying times in the golf swing certain joints and muscle groups are actively moving to create momentum, while others are active but not moving. They are creating points of stability that allow for greater control of your body and are essential for proper mechanics.

Here are a few simple exercises you can do to prevent injury during the golf swing:

1

‘Bridge’ with knee extension: Lay on the floor with your knees bent. Lift your buttocks up toward the ceiling so that you are perfectly straight from you knees to your shoulders. Next straighten your left knee and hold for 10 seconds. Be sure to keep tight in the stomach and bottom as you want to avoid using your hamstrings.

Lower the foot to the ground and lift the right leg for 5-10 seconds.

Lower the leg and then the buttocks to the floor. Do anywhere from 5-30 reps depending on your strength and endurance.

2

‘Clamshells’: Lay on your left side with your knees bent and legs stacked on one another, right on top. Keeping your heels together and pelvis still raise your right knee by opening up your hip.

The legs will look as if it’s a clamshell or Pac-man. Try not to let your body rotate back, then lower the leg. Do 20-30 reps and then change to the other side.

3

‘Stick-ups’: Lay on the floor with your knees bent and raise your arms up like you are being held up (arms out, elbows bent and palms facing forward).

Use your shoulder blades and forearms by pushing back into the floor. Squeeze and hold for 5-10 seconds. Do 10–20 reps.

As for swing mechanics and the possibility of excessive practice, this is a discussion for you to have with your teaching golf professional. I would suggest searching out a TPI Certified professional in your area like Anders Mattson at Saratoga National Golf Club or Kent Tarkleson at Tarks Indoor Golf Club. They typically hold monthly golf clinics and golf fitness schools that address the swing, mechanics, fitness and injury. Check them out.

Golf fitness programs are available and a great idea. Now is the time, before you even swing the club. There are TPI Certified exercise physiologists locally as well at Saratoga Health and Wellness that can customize your golf fitness program. Get fit and flexible before the season and avoid injury. If you do have an injury, please speak to your physician immediately before beginning any exercise program, so that they can guide you in the proper direction for your customized treatment.

Have a great Golf Season.

And enjoy the Masters this weekend.

If you currently have or have recently dealt with some of the mentioned physical issues like sprains, strains, tendonitis or disc issues, tell someone. Let it be known to your teaching pro or fitness professional before initiating any type of training. Get it checked out! It’s a lot easier to address injuries of the like early in the game as chronic injuries can take you all season to remedy. Don’t let it prevent you from playing this season! Seek out care from your physician, orthopaedic and physical therapist if necessary.

James Markwica, MS PT is a New York State Licensed Physical Therapist at LaMarco Physical Therapy, 417 Geyser Road in Ballston Spa and 538 Maple Avenue in Saratoga Springs. For questions or follow-up, contact James at 587-3256 or online at www.lamarcopt.com.

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Families

Senior Calendar SPECIAL EVENTS: Enjoy a Culinary Adventure!

Mon., Apr. 13, 1-3 pm.

Chef Roslyn Zecchini, Boca Bistro, will prepare paella, a classic Spanish dish & share her culinary secrets!

Save room for tasting! $3 member / $5 nonmember.

Seating is limited!

“Meet The Artist”: Did you know that Randy Castillo, our Skidmore intern is an accomplished artist? His artwork will be on display all month. Join us Mon., April 20, 5-7pm for an art reception showcasing his work. View his paintings & speak to him about his inspiration. Light refreshments.

Free & open to the public.

Let the Breakfasts Begin!

Tues., Apr. 28 from 9-10 am we will be serving a hot breakfast. Our first breakfast was a great success! Come, relax with your friends and start your day off right! Please sign up.

Cost is $3 member.

We hope the breakfast program becomes a monthly event!

“Attitude of Gratitude” Monday, April 27, 8am-10pm Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Mingle to benefit the Saratoga Senior Center at 30 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Mingle will donate 15% of sales to the Center. Grab your friends to enjoy some fabulous food & drink!

Book Club Tue., 4/28 at 3pm: Discussing “Age of Desire” by Jennie Fields.

SENIOR RESOURCE CENTER: New! Banking at the Center Wed., Apr. 1st, 2:30-3:30.

Saratoga’s Community FCU will CU@ the Center the first Wed. of the month.

There will be a financial services representative available to answer questions about banking, budgeting & credit counseling.

Come on by!

WP Wealth Advisors Meet with Ray Bryan for retirement evaluations & financial consultations.

Wed., Apr 15, 11-1pm.

Private appointments for other dates & times can be made at front desk.

“Hearing Care is Health Care” Meet Robin Solomon, Audiologist Wed., Apr. 22, @ 12:30.

Learn about the importance of hearing health. Meet one on one. Information on free hearing screening & captioned telephone.

Computer Assistance Tue., 1-2:30, Wed., 1-4. IPad, iPhone, Kindle, etc.

By appointment.

Legal Services Thur., April 2 at 1:30.

Call Office for the Aging at 884-4100 for an appt.

Albany Law School Pro Bono Day, Fri., April 17 from 10-11am.

Free & open to the public. Law students will present legal resources important to seniors, caregivers and elder care professionals.

Blood Pressure Clinic Free BP clinic Wed., April 15 from 11-12.

Open to the public.

NEW SUPPORT GROUPS: Starting this Spring, the Center sponsors:

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group Alzheimer’s Activity Group for your loved ones Grief & Loss Support Group The support groups are on the 3rd

Thurs. of each month from 10:30-12:00. We will meet on

Thursday, April 16th. Caregivers can share with others while their loved ones attend the activity group. Free and open to the public. Sign up required for activity group.

Reminiscing Group: Thursday mornings at 8:30 am

Join Randy, friends & fellow members to reminisce about the good old days!

Come on in, sit awhile, have a cup of joe and hang out!

GET CREATIVE: Therapeutic Expressive Art:

Join Randy from Skidmore to learn about the health and wellness benefits that art can bring to help lower anxiety & relieve stress. Call to make an appointment.

Sculpture:

TODAY

Join Share & create unique sculptures.

Mondays, 9:30-11:30. $20/mo. No experience needed.

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Adult & Senior Center of Saratoga 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-584-1621 • www.saratogaseniorcenter.org

Ceramics: Mon. 9:30-11:30 & Fri. 10-12.

$20 per month for each class. Free lab Fri. 12-3. Lab is open to all ceramics & sculpture students. Beginners welcome!

Glass Fusion: April 1, 15 & 29 from 10-12. $10 per class. Learn how to create beautiful art or jewelry in kiln-fired glass! Weds.,

Art with Gretchen: Wed., Apr.15, 1-3.

Create beautiful Crayon Garden art.

Check out the posters at the Center. So unique! $10.

Quilting: Fridays 1-3.

Beginners welcome!

Tarot Card Readings Thurs., Apr. 30, 9-11.

Ever wonder what your future may hold? Have your cards read by the amazing Mary Shimp. Donations appreciated.

GET MOVING: Creative Movement Fridays, 9:15-10:15 am.

In this class you will explore your own movement in a judgment free environment and expand your creative lens through the use of props and guided exercises. Bring your friends and enjoy a relaxing time moving with good music, personal interactions and mind opening conversations. Open to

seniors of all physical abilities. Free & open to the public.

Defensive Driving with AARP. Join instructor Gus Poppal on Sat., Apr. 25 from 9 - 5 for a course in driving safely.

Cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 / non-members. Please sign up.

We have aerobics, yoga, Zumba, Pilates and more! See your newsletter for more information.

One day bus trip to the city!

• NYC: April 8 (Wed):

Springtime in the NYC - nothing like it! Add the optional “THE RIDE” (a Broadway show on a bus!)Ticket for $55. Member $30/ Non-member $50.

• Boston: May 7 (Thurs): The

lilacs will be blooming and the swans return to the public gardens. Spend the day shopping, dining & sightseeing.

Member $35/non-member $55.

Join us for these multi-day bus trips: June 1-3: Cape May/Avalon, Aug. 31 - Sept. 4: Maine, Nov. 17-20: Lancaster, PA, Miracle of Christmas Show. Call the Center or visit our website for more information!

26 Families TODAY

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Spring Cleaning

Letting Go of Toxic Relationships

by Meghan Lemery Fritz for Saratoga TODAY As we approach the spring season we can look forward to lighter

days, warmer weather, and the sweet sight of tulips and daffodils springing up through the thawing ground. The spring season renews our hearts and reminds us that we have survived the dark and chill of the winter season.

Spring is about growth, light, renewal and hope. It represents a season in which we can spring ahead and prepare for new fresh growth in our lives. It is a season in which we are called to put away the old and prepare for the new seeds of growth in our lives.

We’ve all spent time doing some spring cleaning to prepare for a fresh new season. Spring cleaning always calls us to evaluate what we need and more importantly, what we don’t. By throwing

out the old we create space for something fresh and new to come into our lives. Like our closets, the relationships in our lives desperately require spring cleaning.

Take a look at the relationships in your life. Do you surround yourself with healthy positive people?

Like an old ratty sweater that takes up space in your closet, your relationships with a family member, friend or colleague can sometimes do you more harm than good. To make room for new healthy relationships in our lives we have to let go of the old.

The process of letting go of relationships that you have outgrown can be a very difficult process.

Learning to take a step back and evaluate your feelings is always

the first step in sorting out the relationships in your life.

Think about someone that you are close to in your life. When you spend time with this person do you feel energized, positive and relaxed? Do you look forward to spending time with this person or do you have feelings of dread and heaviness? If you have a relationship with a person that feels stale, negative and toxic, it is time to let go and move forward.

Do not continue to spend time with any person, place or thing that brings you down and causes you to feel confused, anxious and guilty all the time. Your feelings serve as a compass to lead you in the right direction. If you consistently feel bad in the presence of a particular person it’s time to let them go and make room for healthy positive people to come into your life.

It is very easy to stay in relationships that you have outgrown because of guilt. Perhaps you feel bad about dumping Debbie Downer because she has no other friends and you are her only social outlet; or maybe you feel guilty about distancing yourself from certain family members because we are “supposed” to be close with our families and spend time with them.

Guilt is a HUGE energy drainer and a peace stealer. Guilt knocks on the door of our hearts to convince us that we have to do the right thing at the expense of our energy and peace of mind. Whenever we use guilt as a motivating force in our lives we are sure to end up in a dark place that leaves us feeling confused, anxious and exhausted.

NEVER EVER stay in a toxic relationship because you feel guilty. You and you alone are responsible for your peace and happiness. Feeling guilty for letting go and moving on is placing someone else’s happiness over

your own. Take back your power and commit to honoring your peace of mind and health above all else.

Fear is another culprit that keeps us trapped in unhealthy relationships. Rather than letting go of someone that is not good for us we cling harder to the relationship because we are afraid there is nothing better for us. The best way to work through this fear is to know with certainty what you want and what you value most in relationships. Make a list of qualities that are important to you and ask yourself if the person you need to let go of has these qualities. If you want a consistent reliable friend and the one you’ve got cancels plans and flakes out on you all the time, then you are not honoring your values.

Taking the time to know what you want and what you value provides clarity and empowers you to make good choices. When you truly take responsibility for what you want, fear begins to loosen the grip on your heart making it easier for you to let go and make room for healthy relationships.

Trade guilt and fear for peace and clarity and you will feel more energized, positive and self confident in evaluating what relationships you need to let go of.

As we celebrate the spring season and prepare for new growth, take time to spring clean the relationships in your life. Let go of the people that you have outgrown and make room for fresh new relationships to enter your life.

Letting go of the old will leave you feeling renewed, empowered and is sure to put a spring in your step.

Wishing you a fantastic spring season full of hope and renewal!

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

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Code Blue 8K! SARATOGA SPRINGS — The morning of Saturday, Apr. 4 brought a community together as participants and well wishers alike enjoyed the inaugural running of the city’s first Code Blue 8K Road Race to support the winter emergency shelter at The Salvation Army on Woodlawn Avenue.

According to Lisa Capasso, a member of the race organizing committee, there were a remarkable 432 runners and “the preliminary numbers are only available, but it looks like we raised around $30,000!”

Capasso stated further, “This race would not have been as successful as it was were it not for the experience and vision of our Race Director, John Orsini.

Because of him, our amazing race committee, the volunteers and the community, we were able to give the homeless a voice and make a difference for them one stride at a time.”

Looks like the entire community was a winner. See you next year!

New Country Subaru Shares The Love!

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Wednesday, Apr. 8 the Saratoga Center for the Family (SCFF) received a donation of $8,000 at New Country Subaru as part of Subaru of America’s “Share The Love” event.

Last holiday season, new car customers at New Country Subaru designated a charity from a list to receive a donation. New Country was able to add one locally-based charity and chose SCCF. “It was gratifying to see that most of our customers opted to keep the money local,” said New Country Subaru’s Sales Manager Joe Cilione. In addition to the $6,939 provided by Subaru of America, New Country donated another $1,061, bringing the total to an even $8,000 for SCFF’s programs in Saratoga County.

L to R: Annie Robillard-Esposito (District Sales Manager-Subaru), Paul Szekely (GM- New Country), Martha McQuigge (Saratoga National Bank), Greg Moore, Ellen Brodie (SCFF Board Members), Deb Tomaso (Executive Director - SCFF), Terry White (President of Board of Directors - SCFF), Joe Cilione (New Country Subaru Sales Manager), Rich Johns (President - Act with Respect Always), John Nolan (New Country Subaru). Photo by Francesco D’Amico.

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Photos by Francesco D’Amico

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* — Handicap Accessible

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

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

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

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

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

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015 Quaker Springs United Methodist Church* 466 Route 32 South, Quaker Springs 695-3101 | qsumc.com Pastor Al Johnson Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

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

Old Saratoga Reformed Church* 48 Pearl St., Schuylerville oldsaratogareformedchurch.org Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

St. George’s Episcopal Church 912 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-6351 | stgeorge@csdsl.net Services: Saturday 4:30 p.m.; Sunday 8 & 9:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saratoga Chabad 130 Circular St, Saratoga Springs 526-0773 | saratogachabad.com

RELIGION

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015 Saratoga Friends Meeting (Quaker) Rts. 32 and 71, Quaker Springs 587-7477; 399-5013 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

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Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

food 33

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Make It Stretch…

Prepare your dried beans by following these steps:

1 Saturdays, 9 to 1 Lincoln Baths, 65 So. Broadway Saratoga Spa State Park

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Whether she was referencing food, supplies or clothing, getting the most use out of something was a skill that my grandmother perfected. Growing up in the postdepression era and being the wife of a humble farmer, my grandmother was not one to waste anything. Her “make it stretch” mentality was passed on to my mother and I, and it’s one that I often put to use after big holiday meals. My kids have gotten used to my frugal ways and the first thing they say after the Easter ham has been sliced is, “Be sure to save the bone!”

Using the ham bone in my house is not only frugal – it’s an absolute culinary must. Ham bones are loaded with flavor and are great for adding a delicious depth to otherwise ordinary dishes. Bean soups especially benefit from a long simmer with a ham bone, whether or not there’s much meat left on it. However, if there is, simply slice it off after making the ham stock and add it to the soup.

Here is a delicious recipe for a ham and bean soup that my family absolutely loves. It is very easy and the best thing about it is that you can add additional ingredients, more ham, potatoes, or veggies and it still turns out great! It’s a hearty, simple, yet flavorful soup that’s ready in only an hour. This soup is perfect for using up all of that leftover Easter ham! You might even consider making a double batch, because this soup just gets better over time. We typically enjoy it for dinner the first night and lunch for several days afterwards.

If you plan to use dried beans, you will have to soak them before adding them to your soup.

(If you’re in a hurry, you could always save a step and substitute canned beans).

Pick over the beans. Spread the beans out on a cookie sheet and check for small stones. Remove any small stones and broken or discolored beans.

2 3

Wash the beans. Rinse the beans under cool running water to remove any dust.

Soak the beans using the overnight method or the quicksoak method.

a) Overnight Method: Place the beans in a bowl and cover with cool water and let them sit overnight.

b) Quick-Soak Method: Place the beans in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Cover tightly, remove from the heat and let rest for one hour.

4

Discard the water. Whether you use the overnight or quick-soak method, you’ll need to drain the soaking water from the beans before using them in your soup.

Ham, Bean and Vegetable Soup PREP TIME 15 min | SERVES 6 | COOKING TIME 1 hr.

Ingredients 1 leftover hambone 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 cloves garlic; minced* 1 medium onion; diced* 2 carrots; peeled and diced* 1 large potato; peeled and diced* 1 cup white beans; soaked, drained and rinsed (white kidney, great northern or navy) 1 cup frozen corn kernels 3/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves* 2 bay leaves Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 cups ham; cooked and diced *Available at the market

Directions Place the hambone in a large stockpot.

Add enough water to cover the hambone halfway, about 6-7 cups.

Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat and simmer, about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Remove and discard hambone.

Set ham stock aside.

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add the garlic, onion, carrots and potato.

Cook until onions have become translucent, stirring occasionally, about 2-3 minutes.

Add in ham stock, kidney beans, corn, thyme and bay leaves; season with salt and pepper.

Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.

Add in diced ham and stir until heated through, about 1-2 minutes.

Serve and enjoy!

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food

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Zest for Life

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY Hello my foodie friends!

Smile and say cheese! I bet you’re reading this and wondering what grate subject will John talk about this week? Well, we Gouda talk about funny people like Ray Romano or maybe you have a

little shaver at home who has a zest for food! Americans love cheese and we put it in and on everything!

And, oh by the way, the finest graters on the planet are made right here in the good old USA! A company called Microplane® makes them.

Brothers Richard and Jeff Grace started it at their jointly owned contract manufacturing facility, Grace Manufacturing Inc., in Russellville, Arkansas, USA! Yep, family owned!

Cheese graters have become an essential tool in a gourmet kitchen. Microplane® graters have distinguished themselves from others as a result of their patented chemical process that produces ultra-sharp cutting edges. They are so much better than their competition that my customers come in and don’t even use the word grater or zester they just ask if I have any “microplanes!” Their zesters were originally woodworking tools; this best selling tool grates even the hardest Parmesan Reggiano as well as other hard cheeses into fine lacy wisps.

Zesting cheese is ideal for topping your favorite spaghetti and meatballs or a Caesar salad. It’s also wonderful for effortless citrus zesting to add natural flavors to a lemon crème brulee or basic vinaigrette. The finest chefs and moms and dads everywhere use them.

I can remember my daughter Aubrey’s first experience with a grater. She had just come home from gymnastic practice at the YMCA. Her coach told her that she has to concentrate and focus when she is on the beam. Well, when coach talked, Aubrey listened and so when my wife asked her to help with the cooking she was very excited.

Paula asked her to grate some cheese for supper and gave her the grater and about three pounds of Romano cheese. The phone rang and Aubrey (who was 6 years old) was left to concentrate and focus on her task at hand. Oh no, that was a mistake.

She went to town on that block until there was nothing but a nub.

There was cheese everywhere and the dog looked like she had dandruff. We got to her before she got to her knuckles. She is good now but we try not to leave her alone.

So if you are looking for a grater come in and see me - they are near and dear to my heart.

Remember “Life Happens in the Kitchen” Take Care, John and Paula, Compliments to the Chef, 46 Marion Avenue, Saratoga Springs

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015 humor vies with wonder and grief as she manages to make the reader see, hear and feel every aspect of this incredible journey. For more information and a list of other events visit, www.northshire.com.

Sunday, April 12 Family Friendly Event

Friday, April 10 Skidmore College Theater: Blood Wedding by Federico Garcia Lorca Bernhard Theater, main stage, April 10 – 12 Directed by Carolyn Anderson and Will Bond. All shows are at 8 p.m. except Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 general admission, $8 students and senior citizens. For more information call (518)-580-5439.

Special Performance of Sleeping Beauty Arthur Zankel Music Center, Ladd Concert Hall. April 10 – 12.

Skidmore dancers and the Skidmore College Orchestra perform Sleeping Beauty, staged by faculty members Denise Warner Limoli with Anthony Holland, conductor. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 general admission, $7 senior citizens.

For ticket information call (518)5805321 or go to www.skidmore.edu/Zankel.

Saturday, April 11 Milton Grange’s Annual Garage Sale Rock City Rd., Ballston Spa, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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.

Helen Macdonald “H is for Hawk” Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m.

A reading, conversation and signing with bestselling author Helen Macdonald. In her award-winning memoir, Macdonald swings back and forth between her own desire to train a goshawk and her research of that same need documented

by T. H. White. Self-deprecating

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

Eggs cooked to order, bacon, sausage, toast (white or wheat), pancakes (regular, blueberry, buckwheat, apple cinnamon), French toast, home fries, orange juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate. The breakfast will continue on the second Sunday of each month all year. Cost is adults $7, Children $4. Everyone is welcome. (518) 695-3917

Metaphysical Book Discussion Woodlawn Commons, 156 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m.

Albany-Saratoga Spiritual Adventures is hosting a discussion of the book “Mind Over Medicine” by Lissa Rankin, M.D. For more information, visit www.newthoughtnewyork.org or call (518) 423-3569. All are welcome to come whether they’ve read the book or not.

Monday, April 13 Film: CO2LD WATER ACC Wilton Campus, 696 Route 9, Wilton 7 p.m.

Adirondack Chapter Trout Unlimited general meeting. The widely acclaimed film from the 2015 Fly Fishing Film Tour will be shown by special arrangement from the Conservation Hawks and TU National. This stirring short grabs you with stunning visuals as five respected angler conservationists share their passion for trout fishing. Only then does it hit you with knowledge that our beloved trout waters – especially those in the West – are now stressed by a changing climate. Written and directed by a group of anglers and guides (Conservation Hawks), this work is widely supported by the angling industry as a needed “wake up call” for sportsmen. John Braico, TU Trustee and part of TU’s Climate Change Work Group will then present TU’s positive responses to this evolving problem using materials developed by TU National. Discussion will follow. For more information call Mark at (518) 893-2228.

calendar

Tuesday, April 14

Film: Chico y Rita

Exhibit Opening

Emerson Auditorium of Palamountain Hall, Skidmore campus, 7 – 9 p.m.

This animated film tells a love story and features the music, culture, and people of Cuba. Chico is a dashing piano player and Rita is an enchanting and beautiful Havana nightclub singer. When they meet, the sparks fly and they fall madly in love. An epic romance unfolds as the pair travels the glamorous stages of 1940s and ’50s in Havana, New York City, Las Vegas, Hollywood, and Paris.

The film’s soundtrack features the works jazz legends performed by contemporary singers. This is the last in a series of four films, sponsored by Skidmore’s Latin American Studies Program; the college’s Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures; the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sports of Spain; and Pragda Spanish Film Club.

Saratoga Springs History Museum, Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, 7 – 9 p.m.

Mapping A City: Saratoga Springs as Seen Through 250 Years of Maps. In 2015 Saratoga Springs is celebrating its Centennial year as a city. This exhibit examines its growth from colonial times through the 20th century using maps. Over 100 original, reproduction and electronic maps, some never before seen, are displayed along with the stories that accompany them, to show how a small settlement became a village and transformed into a city. For more information please visit www. saratogahistory.org.

Wednesday, April 15 Internet Security and Online Banking: How Seniors Can Use the Internet Safely Activities Room, Woodlawn Commons, The Wesley Community, 156 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, 6 - 7:15 p.m.

Join Jeff Cohn, Principal of SAGE Computer Associates and Jodi Carner, Manager of Webwise Online Banking from The Adirondack Trust Company, for tips and strategies for seniors on how to safely use the internet, including online banking. Topics covered will include how to stay safe while using the internet for shopping, learning and communication. In addition, the presentation will include an overview of online banking, how it can benefit your financial management, and how to keep your data safe and secure when banking online. This informational seminar is free and is hosted by The Wesley Foundation. Refreshments will be provided. To register, please call 518-691-1420 or email foundation@ thewesleycommunity.org by April 14, 2015.

Africart Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room, 7 p.m.

Linda Zila and Bob McDermott will present, “AFRICART,” as part of the monthly program series of the Glens Falls - Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club.

Admission is free. The slide show and talk will focus on Zila and McDermott’s June of 2013 travels to the southern African countries of Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Thursday, April 16 Benefit Dinner Knights’ Hall at 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs, 5 – 8 p.m.

The Saratoga Knights of Columbus, along with The Catholic Daughters, will host a benefit dinner to support Books for Troops. The menu will be smoked ham, sweet potato casserole, mixed vegetables, and homemade desserts. Cost $10 adults, $9 seniors. Come support our troops keeping us safe.

Pop-Up Common Roots Art Show Common Roots Brewery, 58 Saratoga Ave., S. Glens Falls, 5 – 10 p.m.

Highly acclaimed Sculptor Bryce LeVan Cushing, in partnership with Common Roots Brewery and SUNY Adirondack, presents an elegant evening: Pop-Up Common Roots, A Fine Art and Entertainment Salon. Pop-Up Common Roots is a grass roots fine art show featuring the work of Tim Reed, of Reed’s gallery in downtown Glens Falls and photographer Philip Casabona, of the LARAC Gallery. Sculptor Bryce LeVan Cushing will also be showing his latest work. The SUNY Adirondack Music Department will be providing entertainment for our guests.

Please join us for an elegant evening of fine art. For more information contact brycelevancushing@gmail.com or call Bryce at (518) 812-9362.

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

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

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LOCAL BRIEFS

Roast Pork Dinner Hosted by the Trinity United Methodist Church at 155 Ballard Rd. in Wilton (Exit 16 of the Northway), April 18, from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. The menu will be Roast Pork with mashed potatoes and gravy, applesauce, vegetables, rolls, assorted desserts and beverages. Cost by donation.

Take-out available, handicap accessible. For more information call (518) 584-9107.

Saratoga Mom Prom Mom Prom Saratoga has chosen Camp Abilities Saratoga as the beneficiary this year of their 3rd annual Mom Prom which will be held at the Saratoga Holiday Inn on April 18 from 7 to 11 p.m.

Cost is $55 per person. Mom Prom Saratoga is a Ladies Night Out where women age 21 and over wear prom gowns (new or old!), bridesmaid dresses or the tackiest dress found in a thrift shop and join others for a night of humorous prom traditions and great company. Ladies only, but you don’t have to be a Mom to join in the fun. Get your tickets now by going to the Mom Prom website www.saratogamomprom.com.

programs: Pre-K through College, Bounce House, Arts and Crafts, Technological Apps for Autism and Therapeutic Programs will be at the Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, from noon – 3 p.m. on April 19, 2015. This event is presented by The Law Offices of Wilcenski & Pleat, LLC. For more information or to become an exhibitor, contact jmarks@saratogabridges.org.

A Taste of Ballston Spa The Ballston Spa Education Foundation (BSEF) will hold its annual fundraiser, “A Taste of Ballston Spa” on Monday, April 20 from 6-8 p.m. at the HVCC TEC Smart Campus, 345 Hermes Road in Malta. Guests will be able to sample delicious offerings from some of the area’s most popular restaurants and food vendors. A cash bar, with wine and beer, will be available.

Raffles and other great prizes. The BSEF’s signature event raises money for educational enrichment for all students in the Ballston Spa School District. Early-bird tickets for $25 per person are available for sale at www.bspaedfoundation.com.

Tickets will also be sold at the door for $30 per person. Ticket price for students is $10.

Havurah Vatik April Event

The luncheon will be held on Saturday, April 18, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m at the Van Patten Golf Club Vista. 924 Main St., Clifton Park. Price is $35 per person for Buffet that includes beef tips, cracker crusted scrod, chicken, fresh vegetables, salads, desserts, beverages. Reservations must be made by April 5 with checks payable to Estherville, mail to Barb Kerker, 1556 Division St., Charlton NY 12010 Silent Auction and Raffles all to benefit this NO KILL animal shelter located in Saratoga County.

All Saratoga seniors 55 plus are welcome to attend Tales from the Twentieth Century: Modern Jewish Stories. The event will be held at Congregation Shaara Tfille on Tuesday, April 21 at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come hear Storyteller Kate Dudding share true stories about both famous and little-known Jewish characters such as the Gershwin brothers, Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, as well as people you’ve never heard of, but will (now) never forget. A catered lunch follows the program. Contact Temple Sinai at (518) 584-8730 (mailbox 4) or email havurahvatik@ hotmail.com by April 16th if you are planning to attend, need to cancel your reservation, or if you need transportation. Keep Havurah Vitik alive and well, bring along a friend to enjoy this program.

The 4th Annual Autism Informational Fair

Spring and Summer Consignment Sale

Estherville Shelter Spring Luncheon

Exhibitors from Camps, recreational programs, school

Kids’ spring & summer clothes, toys and more! Katrina Trask

School will host its annual Spring Consignment Sale April 24th and 25th at the American Legion in Saratoga Springs.

Items for sale include Children’s Spring/Summer clothing (sizes infant to size 10), Kids’ gear (car seats, strollers, high chairs, etc.), Furniture (cribs, toddler beds, changing tables, etc.), Kids sports equipment, Tricycles/Bikes and small play equipment, Toys, Puzzles and Games, Kids’ Books and DVDs, and Maternity and nursing wear.

The American Legion is located at 34 West Avenue in Saratoga Springs. There is a Pre-sale on Friday, April 24th from 12-3pm, and Pre-Sale Passes are available at the door for $10 each. The Public Sale takes place Friday from 3-8pm. Saturday’s Halfprice Sale is from 9am-1pm, and is open to the public. Proceeds will benefit Katrina Trask Cooperative Nursery School, a non-profit organization.

Tree and Shrub Program Order forms and information are now available for the Saratoga County Soil and Water Conservation District annual Tree and Shrub program. This year small fruit species are available, evergreens, deciduous tree and shrub species, compost, mulch, fertilizer tablets and wildflower seed mixes can be ordered. To obtain information, order forms and place an order by telephone call (518) 885-6900 or stop by the SWCD office at 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; email treeandshrub@gmail. com or contact us by mail. You can also pick up a green booklet with order forms at Stewart’s Shops. www.saratogacountyny. gov or www.facebook.com/ saratogacountysoilandwater. All pre-orders are due by April 6th.

Distribution days are Friday, April 24, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 25, 8 a.m. – noon at the 4H Training Center, 556 Middle Line Rd., Ballston Spa. You do not have to be a Saratoga County resident to participate.

Volunteers needed for annual TREE TOGA effort - April 25 Sustainable Saratoga seeks both tree planters and tree hosts for this

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015 spring’s annual Tree Toga planting effort, scheduled for Saturday, April 25. Volunteer to HOST a street tree at your home. Volunteer as a TREE PLANTER. Help grow a legacy that will benefit our great city for decades to come. To sign up, fill out the volunteer form at http://www.sustainablesaratoga. org/treetoga2015-signup/ If you have questions, email us at trees@sustainablesaratoga.org.

Saratoga Reads Capstone Event Looking ahead to May, it’s time to mark your calendar for the Saratoga Reads capstone event of the year on Saturday, May 2, at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. The daylong program for young readers, beginning at 11 a.m., will offer hands-on art activities, educational programs, and a visit by noted writer Cynthia Leitich Smith, author of three of this year’s Saratoga Reads junior books. Smith will share highlights of her life as a writer and describe “the stories behind the stories.”

For more information visit SaratogaReads.org.

Induction Ceremony The Ballston Spa Athletics Hall of Fame Committee will hold its 2015 induction ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2015 from 3-5 p.m. in the Ballston Spa High School auditorium, 220 Ballston Avenue. A reception will follow at the school. The BSAHF recognizes Ballston Spa alumni who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in the field of athletics. For more information please visit our website at ballstonspaathleticshalloffame.com.

Getting Your Affairs in Order: Estate Planning Basics Tuesday, May 12, 2015, 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Activities Room, Woodlawn Commons – The Wesley Community, 156 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs. Join Attorney Tara Anne Pleat, of the law firm Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC, for a program that will focus on the various issues that arise and documents that individuals and families should consider when taking steps to get their affairs in order. Specifically, the discussion will include Advance Directives,

Durable Powers of Attorney, Wills/ Revocable Living Trusts, the probate process, long-term care planning and Irrevocable Trusts, as well as planning for a beneficiary that has a disability. The goal is to provide attendees with an education about common issues in estate and long-term care planning by focusing on the decisions and documents that are often encountered. This informational seminar is free and is hosted by The Wesley Foundation. Refreshments will be provided. To register, please call 518-691-1420 or email foundation@thewesleycommunity. org by May 11, 2015.

History Faire Many historical societies, museums and groups will be at the 4th annual History Faire, Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park, NY. The Faire is hosted by Heritage Hunters, a genealogy and local history organization. Free admission. For more information call (518) 587-2978. This is a family event with activities for children.

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

SCCHS Class of 1980 reunion The Saratoga Central Catholic High School class of 1980 will celebrate its 35th reunion on Saturday, July 25, 2015. The reunion committee is planning a gathering at the home of a classmate. They are looking to connect with as many classmates as possible. If you were a member of the class, or know someone who was, please get in touch via email: spacatholic1980@gmail. com. The class also has a facebook group: Saratoga Central Catholic Class of 1980 Reunion. For more information on the reunion email: spacatholic1980@gmail.com.

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

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

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Take The Road To The Emerald City!

American Cancer Society’s Gala Of Hope

The Milot Family and Employees of Protective Industrial Products will be Honored with the Beacon of Hope Award

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Hall of Springs at Spa State Park will undergo a magical transformation to a land where dreams and wishes of a voyage towards a cancer-free world become possible on Saturday, Apr. 18. That is the evening of the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Eleventh Annual Gala of Hope.

“This event is the American Cancer Society’s only premier black-tie event dedicated to raising awareness and funds in the fight against cancer,” said Michele Mack, American Cancer Society’s Eastern Division Senior Manager for Distinguished Events. The proceeds that are raised go to fund programs such as the HopeClub, a support community for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer. HopeClub is the hub of all the American Cancer Society’s patient and family service programs in the Capital Region.

This year’s theme — “Road To The Emerald City” draws a parallel between the journey Dorothy, Toto and her friends experienced, with

the road to a cure and the treacherous journey that anyone affected by cancer must take. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a complete experience, replete with champagne, live and silent auctions, live music by the New York Players’ City Rhythm in addition to a gourmet dinner.

The area’s businesses have donated extremely tantalizing auction packages for bidding, running the spectrum of every conceivable avenue of interest. Some of the many items that will be available on Saturday include: • A custom emerald/diamond pendant donated by Hannoush Jewelers • Health/wellness package for two – donated by Vent Fitness, Complexions Spa and Fleet Feet. This includes gym membership, personal training, consultation with a nutritionist, sneaker package, spa membership, gym bag and more.

• Yankees VIP tickets and transportation – donated by Classic Environmental. This includes four tickets to a game in a VIP suite, luxury party coach transportation, beer/wine and food.

And rest assured, the above is but a small, yet representative sample of what will be available.

“The American Cancer Society is truly honored to have so many local business leaders involved in our life saving mission,” Ms. Mack noted. “The Gala of Hope showcases the strength of our community and the passion that fills the room as we celebrate all cancer survivors and those we have lost.”

During the evening, the Beacon of Hope Award will be presented to the Milot family and the employees of Protective Industrial Products of Latham for their efforts to raise awareness and money through community volunteerism, corporate support and ACS special events. Of particular note was their effort to design the first safety eyewear for women, which was branded with the American Cancer Society’s iconic pink ribbon—and a portion of proceeds are donated to ACS. Today, it is an unfortunate fact that it is a rare family whose lives have not been touched by cancer.

With a cause this powerful and a mission so worth undertaking, it is not surprising that several local volunteers help to make up the Gala of Hope’s organizers: “I am honored to be among such committed and dedicated volunteers who give so much of themselves to truly making this event a wonderful success. Cancer has touched so many of us and we recognize that our strides do indeed make a difference. I march confidently with so many people in mind - both friends and family I have lost, as well as those currently and courageously fighting the fight.”

—Event Co-chair Christianne Smith, Owner of designsmith studio.

“This is my first year serving on the Gala committee and I’ve been deeply impressed by the dedication and motivation of this group of volunteers who so graciously give their time and talents and work so tirelessly to make this event such a great success year after year. I joined the committee because, like so many of you, cancer has touched my life and affected my loved ones and me very deeply. When it did, the ACS and HopeClub were there to provide support and to make things just a little more bearable.”

—Taunia Lin Kipp, Founder & Chief Technology Publicist at Competitive Velocity Business Solutions There’s no greater calling than to unite with your neighbors throughout the region and join them on the Road to The Emerald City and the journey to support the fight against this insidious disease.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the American Cancer Society’s Gala of Hope, visit acsgalaofhope.org or call (518) 220-6932.

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Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Skidmore College Orchestra, Dance Department Combine Forces To perform Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Skidmore College Orchestra and Dance Department team up to stage Tchaikovsky’s renowned Sleeping Beauty Friday through Sunday, Apr. 10–12, in the college’s Arthur Zankel Music Center. It is Skidmore’s most ambitious orchestra and dance collaboration yet.

Performances are scheduled at 8 p.m. Friday, Apr.10 and Saturday, April 11, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Apr. 12. Admission is $10 adults, $7 seniors and Skidmore community, free for students and children. For tickets, visit Skidmore.edu/Zankel.

Premiered in St. Petersburg in 1890, Sleeping Beauty is considered the ultimate grand classical ballet.

Set in Baroque style, it celebrates the triumph of good over evil and features a large cast of storybook characters. This production marks the third collaborative project for professors Denise Warner Limoli, who teaches “Classical Ballet Workshop,” and Anthony Holland, who conducts the Skidmore Orchestra. They earlier collaborated on productions of Swan Lake in 2011 and An Evening with the Ballets Russes in 2013.

“I counted my cast the other day and the total came to 79— without understudies,” says Limoli. ”We have never done anything this grand.”

It was to enable such crossdepartmental works that the college included an orchestra pit in the Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall when it built the Arthur Zankel Music Center. For Limoli, “There’s no comparing dancing to recorded music vs. dancing to a live orchestra. Dancing is a right-now-in-the-moment experience. When the orchestra is playing and the dancers are dancing, it’s a thrilling, symbiotic relationship.”

Since the full ballet lasts four hours, Limoli and Holland spent much of last summer developing what Limoli calls

a “very condensed but very legitimate” 90-minute version.

The entire two-hour program will open with a performance by Filene Scholar Joseph Eisele of Franz Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major.

Conducting auditions last November and holding rehearsals at the rate of two to five per week since January, Limoli has assembled an outstanding cast with sophomore Merritt Rosen in the lead role of Princess Aurora. As with the two previous ballet productions in Zankel, Kim Vanyo is designing the costumes, Garrett Wilson the scenery, and Shawn Dubois the lighting.

New Exhibit at the Saratoga Springs History Museum

Mapping A City: Saratoga Springs as Seen Through 250 Years of Maps

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Tuesday, Apr. 14 from 7­9 p.m. the Saratoga Springs History Museum will open its newest exhibit Mapping A City: Saratoga Springs as Seen Through 250 Years of Maps.

In 2015 Saratoga Springs is celebrating its Centennial year as a city.

This exhibit examines its growth from colonial times through the 20th Century using maps.

Over 100 original, reproduction and electronic maps, some never before seen, are displayed along with the stories that accompany them, to show how a small settlement became a village and transformed into a city.

The exhibit is produced, in partnership, between The History Museum, Skidmore College, The Tang Museum, The Saratoga Room of the Saratoga Springs Public Library, The Saratoga Springs City Historian and Saratoga County Historian.

The Saratoga Springs History Museum is located inside the Canfield Casino in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs. The exhibit will remain open until December 31.

For more information, call the History Museum at (518) 584-6920 or visit saratogahistory.org.

39 PULSE Join The Man Who Came To Dinner at HMT! Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

L to R: Mrs. Stanley (Pat Brady), Mr. Stanley (Joseph Bruton), Sheridan Whiteside (Gary Maggio)

Golden Oldies Spectacular Returns to Proctors

Darlene Love The Lettermen

SCHENECTADY — A perennial favorite for nostalgia buffs, the annual five act Golden Oldies Spectacular returns to the stage at Proctors Theatre, 432 Broadway, Schenectady on Saturday, Apr. 11.

Headlining the concert are The Lettermen. Regarded by many as the most romantic singing group of all time, The Lettermen feature three singers whose lead vocals and harmonies are legendary. They have had 32 albums on the Billboard top 40 charts, 4 gold albums, 11 gold singles and 5 Grammy nominations.

Appearing at Proctors for the first time will be Darlene Love. As a teenager, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career and became lead singer of “The Blossoms.” The Blossoms sang backup to many of the famous singers of the era – Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Marvin Gaye, etc., and appeared every week on TV’s “Shindig” dance program.

In 2011, her fan, Bette Midler,

inducted Darlene into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Also appearing are The Duprees, known throughout the world for their romantic interpretations of some of the most beautiful love songs ever written; and Jay Siegel’s Tokens, who had international #1 hit in 1961 with “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” In an unprecedented event in the history of pop music, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” reentered the charts 33 years later and went to #1 worldwide again, stoked by its use in “The Lion King” movie.

Opening the show with their first appearance at Proctors will be The Marcels. Founded as a doowop group in 1959, they were one of the first bi-racial groups in rock.

They had a monster hit in 1961 with “Blue Moon” which was #1 worldwide and sold more than 2.5 million copies.

Tickets are $39.75-$54.75.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit proctors.org or call (518) 346-6204

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In celebration of their 30th season, Home Made Theater (HMT) is bringing back the first show they produced at the Spa Little Theater in 1986: Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman’s comedy The Man Who Came to Dinner. The show runs weekends Apr. 17 through May 3 at the Spa Little Theater in the Saratoga Spa State Park.

In this Broadway classic, it’s Christmastime, 1938 in a small Ohio town when famed author and radio personality Sheridan Whiteside comes to dine at the

Stanley family home. A slip on the ice outside lands ‘Sherry’ in the Stanley’s living room for a tumultuous, six-week convalescence, filled with high comedy, low farce, and an array of eccentric, lovable characters.

Monty Woolley, the original Sheridan Whiteside of the Broadway and film versions of The Man Who Came to Dinner, grew up in Saratoga Springs. He owned a home here and was given a key to the city on August 1, 1949. Woolley is buried in Saratoga Springs’ Greenridge Cemetery.

The director of The Man Who Came to Dinner is Dianne O’Neill Filer, who has directed and costumed numerous shows around the world including HMT’s The Jungle Book, Witness for the Prosecution, And Then There Were None and The 39 Steps.

The cast of The Man Who Came to Dinner includes Gary Maggio as Sheridan Whiteside, Toni Anderson-Sommo as Lorraine Sheldon, Pat Brady as Mrs. Stanley, Joseph Bruton as Mr. Stanley, Ron DeLucia as Beverly Carlton, Mary Ellen Dowling as Harriet Stanley, Charles Fitz-Gerald as Dr. Bradley, Sal Fusco as Banjo, Robin Leary as Miss Preen, Amanda MartiniHughes as Maggie Cutler, and

Mark Todaro as Bert Jefferson.

Rounding out the ensemble are Anne-Marie Baker, Natalie Baquero, Anthony DeMarzio, Emma Fuhrmeister, Michele HillDavis, Diane Madrigal, David Mann, Tom Moeller, Kate Owens, Ian M. Politis, Dennis Skiba, Terri Storti and Barry Streifert. Both Robin Leary and Kate Owens appeared in HMT’s original 1986 production, with Leary reprising the role of Miss Preen.

The artistic team for the production includes scenic designer Mary Fran Hughes, lighting designer Kyle Van Sandt, costume designer Linda Bertrand, sound designer Barry Streifert and properties designers Anne-Marie Baker and Steve Moulton.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, Apr. 17, 18, 24, 25 and May 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. Matinees are Sundays, Apr. 26 and May 3 at 2 p.m. An optional dinner package is available prior to the evening performances and following Sunday matinees at Pennell’s Restaurant for an additional $24 per person plus tax and gratuity. Ticket prices are $27 and $24.

Tickets can be purchased online at homemadetheater.org, in person during box office hours, or by calling HMT at (518) 587-4427.

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Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

week of 4/10-4/16 friday, 4/10: Austin Barosi, 8 pm @ Bailey’s — 583.6060 Toga Boys, 9 pm @ Bentley’s — 899.4300 Garnet Rogers, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Will Foley, 7 pm @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 The T’s, 8 pm @ Carson’s Woodside Tavern — 584.9791 Tailspin, 10 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 Jeanine Marie Jazz Trio, 7 pm @ Crown Grill — 583.1105 Erin Harkes Duo, 9 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 American Longboarders, 9 pm @ Harvey’s — 583.0003 Mike LaPointe, 5:30 pm @ JP Bruno’s — 745.1180 DJ Stantastic, 10:30 pm @ JP Bruno’s — 745.1180 Double Down + Hardways, 9 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300 Tim Olsen Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582 Larry Hooker, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Worthy w/Multiple DJ’s, 9 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Good Sir, 8 pm @ Ravenswood — 371.8771 Sidetracked, 9 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253 Rusty Old Guys, 8:30 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875 Rich Ortiz, 6 pm @ The Saratoga Winery — 584.9463 Skeeter Creek, 8 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775

saturday, 4/11: Steve Candlen, 8 pm @ Bailey’s — 583.6060 Collette + The Mudcats, 9 pm @ Bentley’s — 899.4300 6.String Pioneers, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Rich Ortiz, 9 pm @ Cantina — 587.5577 Legendary Losers Duo, 7 pm @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 Jeff Brisbin, 8 pm @ Carson’s Woodside Tavern — 584.9791 Radio Junkies, 10 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 Karaoke, 10 pm @ Circus Café — 583.1106 Cole Broderick, 6:30 pm @ Fifty South — 884.2926 Folding Money, 9 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 E.Town Express, 9 pm @ Harvey’s — 583.0003 Aquanett, 10:30 pm @ JP Bruno’s — 745.1180 Blue Hand Luke, 9 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300 Arch Stanton Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582 Just Nate, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Let’s Be Leonard, Basic Bros., Tim Lok Chan, 9:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 John Eisenhart, 8 pm @ Ravenswood — 371.8771

Citizens Treasure, 9 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253 Hair of the Dog, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Karaoke, 9:30 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875 Jeff Walton, 3 pm @ The Saratoga Winery — 584.9463 Kip Chapman + NPG, 10 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775 Rob Aronstein, 7 pm @ Wishing Well — 584.7640

sunday, 4/12: Wild Ponies, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Kid’s Open Mic, 1 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Live Jazz Brunch, 11 am @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563

monday, 4/13: Mike Passineau, 6:30 pm @ Brook Tavern — 871.1473 Portland Cello Project, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Chris Carey/ Tim Wechgelaer, 7 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026

tuesday, 4/14: Rich Ortiz, 10 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 Two Step Tuesdays, 8 pm @ Crown Grill — 583.1105 Open Mic with Rick Bolton, 8 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359

wednesday, 4/15: Martin + Eliza Carthy, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Joe Gitto + Dan Wanczyk, 6:30 pm @ Mouzon House — 226.0014 George Giroux, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Celtic Session, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Karaoke, 9 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875

thursday, 4/16: Open Mic, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 DJ Dragonette, 9 pm @ Cantina — 587.5577 Matty Finn, 6 pm @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 Open Mic, 10 pm @ Circus Café — 583.1106 Sirsy, 8 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Jeff Walton, 6 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583.1890 Joe Gitto + Dan Wanczyk, 6:30 pm @ Mouzon House — 226.0014 Rich Ortiz, 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 The Heard, 9:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Mike Thomas, 7 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253 Celtic Session, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Country Night, 7 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775

fun and games

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Puzzles

Across 1 Mooing critter 4 Ancient region surrounding Athens 10 Reagan era mil. program 13 Disgusted grunts 15 Resident of Tibet’s capital 16 Muscle spasm 17 Illegal activity admitted by Lance Armstrong in January 2013 19 Writer for whom the Edgar award is named 20 Not sacred 21 Secret matters 23 Baba who stole from thieves 24 Singer with Crosby, Stills & Nash 27 Glass container 29 Actress Cannon 30 Peter Fonda’s title beekeeper 31 Opposed (to) 34 Hurts with a tusk 37 ESPN show with an “Inside Pitch” segment 42 Willem of “Platoon” 43 100-lawmakers group 44 “Peter Pan” pirate 47 Hang around 49 Pretoria’s land: Abbr.

50 Trousseau holder 53 Stomach-punch response 55 Start of the line that includes “wherefore art thou” 56 Female star 60 Comfy room 61 Volcanic Hawaiian landmark, and a hint to the first word of 17-, 24-, 37- and 50-Across 64 Night’s opposite 65 __ Pie: ice cream treat 66 Reached base in a cloud of dust 67 “Tasty!”

68 Unsettling looks 69 Arid Down 1 Baby bears 2 Look at lasciviously 3 “So what?”

4 Alan of “M*A*S*H” 5 Like rosebushes 6 Pub spigot 7 “Woe __”: Patricia T. O’Conner grammar book

41

See puzzle solutions on page 46

See puzzle solution on page 46 8 Gondolier’s “street” 9 Hopping mad 10 One of Minn.’s Twin Cities 11 Singer Warwick 12 Frigid historic period 14 Aretha’s genre 18 551, at the Forum 22 Dad’s nephew 25 Aerie hatchlings 26 Playing an extra NBA period, say 27 Quick blow 28 Gardner once married to Sinatra 29 Refusing to listen 32 Use, as a coupon 33 Entrepreneur-aiding org.

35 Optimistic 36 Opposite of WSW 38 Come in last

39 Lasagna-loving cat 40 Growth chart nos.

41 Brewed drink 44 Poorly made 45 Wells’ “The Island of Dr. __” 46 Arnold Palmer or Shirley Temple, drinkwise 48 Where charity begins 51 Formally gives up 52 Raise, as a sail 53 Old fort near Monterey 54 Sounds of wonder 57 Grandson of Adam 58 Depilatory brand 59 Hot tub swirl 62 Alias letters 63 Former Russian space station

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: A part, Apart A part refers to the union of something.

Volunteering at the hospital has become a part of her routine.

Apart refers to a separation in place, position, or time.

If anything sets her apart, it’s her volunteer work at the hospital.

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

42 It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

Publication Day: Friday

Ad Copy Due: Wednesday, noon

Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Classified marketplace classified@saratogapublishing.com

Call (518) 581-2480 x204 HELP WANTED Disabled Child Care One: One, experienced, patient, physically fit a must. Male preferred. Social, ADL’ s, and behavior plan. 35 hrs/wk. Email: cahp@nycap.rr.com, 518-545-9147.

Can You Dig It? Heavy Equipment Operator Career! Receive Hands On Training And National Certifications Operating Bulldozers, Backhoes & Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement.

Veteran Benefits Eligible! 1-866-968-2577 MR.BULTS’S is currently hiring experienced Class A CDL Drivers in the NY state. If interested in applying, please text “Haul” to 55000 or www.mrbults.com/careers ATTEND AVIATION COLLEGE Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance training. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866-296-7093 AVON Career or pocket money you decide Call Brandie (Ind Sls rep) 1-800305-3911 Or sign up online: www. startavon.com Reference code:gsim For award winning support

GARAGE SALE Huge indoor garage (all sorts of stuff), rummage(clothes) and bake sale.

Pay what is affordable. SSUM Church corner of Fifth Avenue and Henning Rd., Saratoga Springs. Friday, April 17 9am - 4pm Saturday, April 18 9am - 11am

RENTALS WANTED

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

FOR SALE UPSTATE NY WATERFRONT! 11 acres- $69,900 Beautiful woods on bass lake 5 miles to Cooperstown! Private setting for camp, cabin or year-round home! Terms avail! 888-479-3394 NewYorkLandandLakes.com CONTRACT FELL THRU! 5 acres- $19,900 or $254/month!

70% below market! Gorgeous woods, 5 miles to Cooperstown!

G’teed buildable! Town rd, utils.

Call: 888-905-8847 or go to newyorklandandlakes.com

Couch, brand is Marshfield of WI, grey microfiber couch, 77” width, 36” depth, 36” height from floor. Purchased in 2011. Absolutely immaculate, from a non-smoking home. Paid $1150, asking $700 obo.

Cash/pick-up only, Saratoga Springs near track. 518-584-1724.

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

OUT OF STATE REAL ESTATE

Sebastian, Florida Beautiful 55+ manufactured home community.

4.4 miles to the beach, Close to riverfront district. New models from $85,000. 772-581-0080, www. beach-cove.com

VACATION RENTALS

LOT FOR RENT Lot for rent 2 Gridley Street (across from track) Saratoga.

Call Dave. 754-335-2400 or 954-788-5356

WANTED

AUTO DONATIONS

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

Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish.

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

Call 518-650-1110 Today!

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

Travel to your home. Call Marc in NY: 1-800-959-3419

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals.

Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-800-6382102. Online reservations: www. holidayoc.com

ADOPTION ADOPTION: Unplanned Pregnancy? Caring licensed adoption agency provides financial and emotional support. Choose from loving preapproved families. Call Joy toll free 1-866-922-3678 or confidential email:Adopt@ForeverFamiliesThroughAdoption.org

FOR RENT

43

CAREER OPPORTUNITY WELDING CAREERS- Hands on training for career opportunities in aviation, automotive, manufacturing and more. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. CALL AIM 877-206-4006

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

Custody and support petitions.

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MISCELLANEOUS SAWMILLS from only $4397.00MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD:† www.

NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-5781363 Ext.300N

44

SPORTS

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Surpassing the Good Ol’ Boys

by Neil Benjamin Jr. for Saratoga TODAY Sheila Rosenblum set out to try her hand in the male-dominated world of professional horse racing nearly five years ago with grand dreams, desire and one of the hottest upand-coming trainers in the sport.

On Monday evening at the Saratoga National Golf Club, Rosenblum’s dedication and passion was rewarded when her trainer, Linda Rice, won her fourth Trainer of the Year award from the Annual Awards Banquet of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders. Rosenblum’s mare La Verdad was nominated in two categories – Champion Female Sprinter and Champion Older Female, although the horse did not take home any hardware.

La Verdad won six of 11 starts in 2014, including the Grade 2 Distaff Handicap at Aqueduct last August.

For Rosenblum, who owns the Lady Sheila Stable in Belmont, it showed her that the work she and other members of her syndicate have done is paying off big time.

“It’s been a long, slow process for all of this,” Rosenblum said. “I got a few yearlings when I started, but I wanted the process to speed up a bit. I am realizing that all the work we are doing is a big deal.”

Rosenblum’s most recent syndicate comprises a wideranging cast of women. Dottie Herman, chief executive officer of Douglas Elliman, Jill Zarin, star of Real Housewives of New York, Iris Smith, philanthropist, as well as friends Jessie Laiken

and Diane Davis, alongside artist Donna Bernstein, round out the group of investors.

A horse racing syndicate is similar to an investment banker.

Rosenblum, who resides in Manhattan, has to attract investors so she can go out and purchase the horses she and Rice think have the most potential.

“Years ago, I bought into a horse simply to learn about syndication,” Rosenblum added. “Now I have found that there are a lot of women like myself, who just want to do something different, so I presented my ideas to them and we ended up all becoming really good friends.”

Rosenblum said that hiring Rice as her trainer wasn’t just because she’s a woman. In fact, she said she had many other names ahead of Rice, but Rice blew her away during the interviewing process.

In 2010, the Thoroughbred Times, the industry’s leading publication, named Rice a Woman of Influence in the sport.

“Linda is just the best,” Rosenblum said. “I hired her in spite of her being a woman. A lot of people think it was planned that way, that I’d hire a woman for this, but it wasn’t. I was so taken by her.

She just goes out, does her thing, and produces winners.”

Rice’s resume, especially over the last four years, is quite impressive. Since 2011, she has 346 victories, notching at least 92 each of the last two years. Her career got off the ground in 1998, when she won her first Grade I race with Things

Back Row: Jessie Laiken, Diane Davis, Donna Burnstein, Iris Smith. Front Row: Dottie Herman, Shelia Rosenblum, Jill Zarin.

Linda Rice (the trainer) wasn’t there. Photo by Francesco D’Amico

Change in the Spinaway Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.

She won the 2009 Saratoga training title, as well as the 2011 Aqueduct spring, tied for the 2011 Belmont spring/summer and the 2012 Aqueduct spring/summer title. Her 2009 victory at Saratoga made her the first female trainer to win a training title at a New York track. It was the first female training title at any major track in the country.

In 2013, Rice set a personal record with a 21-percent winning clip, while raking in $4.9 million in earnings.

“She’s been doing this a long time now,” Rosenblum said. “She’s in

bed by 9 p.m., up at 4 a.m. She’s one of the most respected trainers out there. There’s only one Linda Rice.”

Rosenblum said that the syndicate is built around trust for each other, as well as honesty.

“There’s a lot of money in this,” she said. “We have to be open about everything and make sure the investors know what’s up. I’d rather be up front and tell everyone what’s going on, good or bad, rather than be questioned after something goes wrong. I built this on a dream, and I want to keep it going.”

Rosenblum said La Verdad and her new filly, Hot City Girl, are both preparing to run at New York tracks within the next month.

Museum to Present Countdown to the Triple Crown SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will present its annual Countdown to the Triple Crown program on Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m. in the Museum’s Hall of Fame Gallery. The program is open to the public and free to attend.

Racing experts Tom Amello and Jeff Carle will be on hand to offer analysis and predictions for the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby and answer questions from the audience about the Triple Crown series.

There will be giveaways from the Museum’s gift shop, as well as complimentary issues of the Triple Crown preview edition of The Blood-Horse,

featuring past performances of the Kentucky Derby pre-entries.

Amello has produced the Trackfacts selection sheet at Saratoga Race Course since 1988. In April of 1992, he began production of a television version of Trackfacts for Capital OTB TV. Amello later developed a second show for Capital OTB, Trackfacts Live, a 90-minute program, which aired on Capital OTB TV through 2012. He has also served on numerous panels at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and hosted racing education seminars.

Carle was the leading apprentice jockey at the Belmont Park spring and fall meets in 1989, as well as that year’s

Saratoga meet. He won 290 races during his career and had purse earnings in excess of $5.3 million. After his riding career ended because of injuries, Carle turned to training. He operated a public stable for 10 years and won several stakes races. Carle has appeared on a variety of OTB programs and produced several news and feature stories for the network. He is also the host of the popular Hall of Fame Legends series at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

Brien Bouyea, the communications officer at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, will serve as the program’s moderator.

Rosenblum said she would like her team to become a consistent force in the sport, annually competing with racing’s best.

“We all have a few things in common – we are passionately involved and enthusiastic about the sport,” she concluded.

“Dottie wasn’t into horse racing, but she came on board, she said, because my enthusiasm hooked her. This was once a dream, which has persevered.

“This is a man’s world of horse racing. I am quietly chipping away at that and gaining respect.”

If Rosenblum and her team continue on the trajectory they are on, then the sky truly is the limit.

Saratoga Native Back to Cover Masters Professional golfer Dottie Pepper, a 1983 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, is back for her third straight year covering the Masters golf tournament for ESPN, according to media reports.

In 2013, she started covering the event for the Golf Channel, before ESPN hired her last year. She is part of a crew comprising Andy North, Curtis Strange and Paul Azinger. She was part of the Masters preview ESPN did on Wednesday evening, and will provide live, on-air commentary on Friday and throughout the weekend.

Pepper told the Saratogian this week her feelings on golf ’s biggest event.

“It’s sort of surreal. A lot of people would say it’s stuffy, but I would say the opposite. I’d say it’s respectful. There’s no screaming, no running fans, no cell phones allowed. It’s a diversion from the craziness of everyday pro athletics.”

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

SPORTS

45

Inside the Coach’s Box

by Damian Fantauzzi for Saratoga TODAY I didn’t really take an interest in playing basketball until I was in seventh grade, when in the fall of 1957 my curiosity led me to check out a Catholic Youth Organization after school basketball program at the St. Paul’s Parochial School gym. I had never played on a competitive basketball team – only pick-up games in gym class and my backyard.

Baseball was my game of choice, but I was too old to join at this point.

I decided to try out for the Saint Paul’s basketball team, but it was in vain because I didn’t make the team.

My love of the game grew and the discovery that basketball was a part of my DNA became a new way of my young life, so I signed up for a CYO league made up of local parochial and public school boys. A priest from St. Paul’s by the name of Father Auch, who became the legend behind Mechanicville’s reputation for having good basketball teams, was the man who organized this league. The next year, when I was in eighth grade, I tried out for St. Paul’s and made the team.

If it wasn’t for the opportunity to get involved in basketball because of Father Auch, I don’t know what I would have done.

I was hanging out with a small group of non-athletic guys back then. They had some crazy ideas, which gave me hesitation. That made it easy for me to break away from that peer group because I became involved with my new sport, basketball.

This past winter I helped coach the Saint Clements sixth grade boys’ basketball team.

Phonsey Lambert, Saratoga Catholic’s director of athletics, and I coached the sixth grade

biddy basketball team. Lambert asked me if I would help, and with little hesitation, I accepted the challenge with some apprehension. What do I do with sixth graders? This was a brand new aspect on the game, as I was used to coaching older athletes.

To my pleasant surprise, these boys were very knowledgeable and competent players. They pretty much understood quite a lot of what we threw at them, yet they were still sixth grade boys.

Some really funny things happened in practice and their focus at times was in otherworldly sixth grade scenarios.

I wish I had more time to give them additional work on fundamentals in order to develop their skills. With one-to-two practices a week, it was impossible to teach them everything. They all had certain skills that met the criteria of the game, so our job was to mold their talents into a team.

I would just try to tweak some of the little things about their shots, strategy of play, and focus on execution of offense and defense. As the season progressed, we could see individual improvement and overall success in team play.

Coach Lambert really focused on their attention spans, and he was very successful, even though at times it didn’t seem that way.

The results were gratifying; we had a 23-6 overall record. To make the story rosier, we won the regular season championship of the Schenectady CYO League and then the playoff league tournament. We moved on to the Capital District CYO end of season biddy basketball tournament with championship teams from the Albany, Troy and Schenectady CYO programs. There were eight champions of their respective leagues in the tournament. But it was us who won the Capital District Diocesan CYO Championship, a single-elimination series.

What’s interesting is the way Lambert orchestrated the lineup.

We had a 12-person roster, but would play 10 per game. Two were scheduled each game to sit out on a rotating schedule, so every player experienced that.

There were 14-minute halves, every three minutes or so we would put a whole new five in, with the option of possible changes that could be made toward the end of the games. The kids understood

Left to right: Front Row: R. Evans, S. Koppi, J. Gleason, R. Buhrmaster, D. Vittiello, S. Tsitos, C. Corbett Second Row: Coach P. Lambert, A. Lambert, R. Ash, M. Rogan, J. Silva-Fiorbes, C. O’Callaghan, Coach D. Fantauzzi

ALBANY DIOCESAN CHAMPIONS; SCHENECTADY COUNTY TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS; SCHENECDAY COUNTY LEAGUE CHAMPIONS; HALFMOON HOLIDAY CHAMPIONS 10-4 LEAGUE AND 23-6 OVERALL RECORD that and bought into that routine for every game. Each player had ample playing time, and as a parent and player, at that level, what more could you ask? It worked for everyone and generally speaking the kids were content. Everyone scored on the season, and every player contributed to our success. Coaches and players alike shared in the joy.

When I was a younger player, with Little League, CYO and freshmen ball, I did not receive the consideration of being able to get equal playing time. At an early age I was labeled a bench warmer. In Little League I didn’t make it to the majors until the end of my minor league season, at the age of 12. When I did get on a major league team during the second half of the season, we won a best-of-three series for the championship. We won 3-2 and all three RBI came off of my bat.

When I sat the bench in CYO, and I did play sparingly, I wasn’t really given much of an opportunity to play. My senior year at Mechanicville High School, I averaged just under 19 points a game and was a top-10 scorer in the Capital District. I went on to play college basketball at New Mexico Highland University on a basketball scholarship. There’s

a little message here. So, Coach Lambert really had the kids in mind with the substitution strategy, and it worked big time.

Many of these sixth grade boys are from the Saratoga Springs City Schools and a few from Saratoga Catholic. I want these guys to know that coach Lambert and myself are proud of their accomplishments as a team. These players really caught on to what a team could do as a group, and not about what they did as individuals. They were impressive and really enjoyable to watch. Every game someone different would contribute to our success and it was great to

watch how the team’s confidence grew with each game, no matter the outcome. Each loss helped up prepare for the next game, and never did we lose two in a row.

We did have a nine-game winning streak at first, but then when you lose a game, it becomes part of the building blocks of success.

A special thanks goes to Randy Rivers, youth minister and athletic director at Saint Clements, and congratulations to the Saint Clements Sixth Grade CYO Diocesan Champions. Keep working at your game because success doesn’t come to those who do nothing.

46

SPORTS

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

Community Sports Bulletin

Sandlot Baseball The Saratoga Springs Recreation Department has announced a Sandlot Baseball program for Summer 2015. This program is being co-sponsored with Saratoga Babe Ruth. It is open to children ages 14 through 16. This program will run July 13 to Aug 7. It will be held on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the East and West Side Recreation Fields. This program is for those looking to play baseball after their spring season. Water, cleats and baseball glove are required. Registration fee is $50 for Saratoga Springs city residents, $50 for Saratoga Springs school district residents and $70 for nonSaratoga Springs city residents. Sign up at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. or visit us at SaratogaRec.com. Contact us at 587-3550 x2300 or email recreservations@saratoga-springs.org.

ators The NYS Athletics Administr Saratoga Association honored former Waldron Springs Athletic Director Ray ed into their posthumously by being induct t, Waldron Hall of Fame. A past presiden the NYSAAA was instrumental in bringing gs. Accepting Conference to Saratoga Sprin Waldron. the award was his wife Carol

tie’s. Media l Bash by Hat al rb te 00 7: ed at ch recognize g will be follow sorships, whi lin on w sp Bo ur S) at SA fe h, promote the r A Scholar (S e Gutterball Bas ajor donors and th m e by th PM Saratoga Sponso om h fr 7t Star 101.3 FM nounce the Freeplay, food t, are Look TV, en ev cis proud to an -For-Scholars ing music by au nt All overhead sile Bowling ratoga Today. s, cash bar and Sa e’ d ti an at H oannual ga pr l to al SSAS board ith ld at the Sara are covered by ckets are $75 w s Ti st . co on ds ti event to be he on s ing the procee ratoga Spring ting SSAS. members allow utterball Bash Strike Zone in Sa 2015. Bowling ceeds benefit 9th, rbowling, G Saturday, May cilities are gene from the h all fa it g w rs to be dedilin y, w da l bo al e e Th Strike and the event sponso ga to ra will be half pric ly donated by Sa by d students. ously donate rous the Gut- cated 100% to the r fo proceeds gene od fo e . th Zone to SSAS Zone as is Saratoga Strike

to Waldron Ho no re d by Sa ra

Send your sports stories or briefs to Neil Benjamin, Sports Editor at neil@saratoga publishing.com

Puzzle solutions from pg. 41

ga High

Week of April 10 – April 16, 2015

SPORTS

47

Blue Streaks Seek a Playoff Push

by Neil Benjamin Jr. Saratoga TODAY Between Niskayuna and Shenendehowa and Saratoga Springs, the Suburban Council has a stacked bunch of great baseball teams.

With so much parity and somewhat equal talent on just about every roster, the Blue Streaks have a chance this year to break on through and continue the success from last year. In 2014, Saratoga finished 13-8 overall, falling to Guilderland in the first round of the Section II playoffs. In 2013, the Blue Streaks had just six victories, so the 13 from last year was a monumental improvement.

This season, according to coach Dean Bailey, Saratoga is looking to meld together a great collective work ethic into a season to remember.

“We have a great, hard-working group this year,” he said. “It hasn’t been easy so far this year, as we haven’t been able to get on the field much due to the weather, but to the kids’ credit, they are showing their diversity by practicing inside and taking it all in stride. This program has a lot of potential, and I am very excited about the possibilities.”

So far this year, Saratoga has only been able to play one game due to muddy fields and inclement weather. That was a 5-4 victory over CBA on April 6, a game that was sealed when centerfielder Zack Stacey made a gamesaving catch for the final out of the game. Bailey said if the ball had dropped in, Saratoga would have lost.

Offense was the Blue Streaks’ strong suit last season, as they batted .315 as a team, making it the third-highest average in school history. Led by a group

photo by jefftaylorstudios.com

of speedy and powerful ballplayers, Saratoga was able to mix small ball with speed to manufacture runs. And when a big hit was needed, Bailey said his guys seemed to come through more times than not.

Gone to graduation from last year’s squad is right fielder and pitcher Jordan Prehoda, who batted No. 3 in the lineup and led the team in batting average at .394, doubles with seven, triples with three and homeruns with three. He and Marshall Kiesow tied for the team lead with 18 runs batted in.

“He was a captain, and our major power threat,” Bailey said.

“He is going to be missed.”

Devon Coffey, who played left field, is also gone. Bailey said Coffey kept the momentum going on offense with his selective hitting, and was a catalyst with a high on-base percentage.

Gone from the rotation is No. 1 starter Eric Beer, who is playing at Union College this year. Bailey said Beer had an 8-to-1 strikeoutto-walk ratio, which was among the league leaders. Over his two years on varsity, Beer’s velocity increased to where Bailey said he graduated as a “power pitcher.”

First baseman and designated hitter Ben Place is also gone. Bailey said Place’s versatility in being able to switch positions would be missed.

Here is a rundown of the Blue Streaks’ starting nine: Marshall Kiesow, senior, captain, utility infielder – Bailey spoke of Kiesow as being an integral part to this team, as he has the ability to play first base, third base and catcher, but can be inserted anywhere when needed.

“He’s smart, he’s powerful, has pop in his bat and knows

Photo by Francesco D’Amico

what to do wherever he is playing,” Bailey said. “He’s the absolute ultimate utility player, and I am very comfortable putting him where he’s needed.”

Brendan Coffey, junior, catcher – Bailey said Coffey has shown tremendous growth between last year and the start of this year.

He’s good at holding runners on base and has a great sense for the position, Bailey said. Offensively, Coffey has put on muscle and spent a lot of time working on his swing.

“He has learned about his weaknesses and focused on getting better,” Bailey said. “His core strength has improved so much, he’s faster and his bat is far more active. He’s going to continue this upward trend and I believe he will continue to blossom into a special player.”

Jack Herman, senior, captain, first base – Herman is being counted on to jump right into the No. 3 hole in the lineup. A varsity player since he was a freshman, Herman has the experience necessary to help lead the Blue Streaks.

Bailey said he expects a lot of RBI and power numbers from Herman.

“This kid is a baseball player in every aspect,” Bailey said. “He’s a vocal leader, he knows the game and he will take advantage of any mistake you make.”

Nick Kondo, junior, second base – “This one has nerves of steel,” Bailey said. “He has the confidence to get a hit in every

single big-time situation, and he’s been at the top of our lineup since he was a freshman. He just seems to find a way to get on base.”

Bailey added that Kondo has some power, but is mainly a speedster, stating Kondo is “ideal for a leadoff hitter.” In the field, Kondo has very quick hands and a strong arm, ripe for turning double plays.

Zach Guzi, senior, shortstop – Guzi transferred in from Rochester two years ago and has formed one of the best middle-infield duos in the Suburban Council.

“He is very intelligent and can slap the baseball all over the field,” Bailey said. “He can bunt, he’s fast and he’s great in a hit and run situation. His work ethic is top-notch.”

Guzi displays “incredible” lateral movement in the field, and Bailey said that he is the “anchor” of the infield.

Danny Coleman, junior, third base, pitcher – Coleman is “intelligent, disciplined and a proven mid-lineup guy who can drive in runs,” according to Bailey.

Bailey added that Coleman has impressive range in the field for a power hitter, and moves effortlessly side-to-side.

Brandon Hipsley, junior, left field – Hipsley has the unique combination of speed and power, Bailey said, and that he’s a valuable asset to the lineup and outfield.

“He’s so fast, he can cover so much ground,” Bailey said. “And on the topic, it’s very difficult to get a ball past him.”

Hipsley was brough up from junior varsity last year, and Bailey said he has uncapped potential.

Zack Stacey, senior, centerfield – The senior has speed on his side, which is why Bailey is confident in his outfielder. He has the range to get to balls all over the outfield, and Bailey said he’s “capable of consistently making great catches.”

“At the plate, he’s a threat to turn a single into a double and to advance the runner every time he’s up with people on base,” Bailey said.

Stacey has already made one game-saving catch in the 5-4 victory over CBA. Jake Fauler, sophomore, right field – “He’s an all-around athlete,” Bailey said. “He’s a hockey player, so we know he’s tough, and he has the potential to be a great player for us over the next few years.”

Bailey added that Fauler has displayed tremendous discipline and focus thus far.

Bailey wouldn’t give any predictions for the Blue Streaks’ season, but emphasized the potential is there for Saratoga to be a “great” team this season.

“This is a hard-working group,” he said. “We are ready to get out and show everyone what we are made of.”

To keep up with Saratoga baseball scores, schedule and statistics, visit saratogabaseball.org.