ST050616

LOCAL • INDEPENDENT • FREE Volume 11 • Issue 18 • May 6 – May 12, 2016

Crowded Classrooms:

by Rebecca Davis Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Parents at Dorothy Nolan Elementary School –one of the five elementary schools in the Saratoga Springs City School District (SSCSD) –are worried about how large class sizes are affecting their children’s education. Dorothy

Nolan has twice as many students as the other grade schools, yet has a total of four less sections (classes) when comparing it to the current student population.

Parents are demanding that the school board add a third grade section which was removed in 2015/16 and also, that they do not go through with cutting a second grade section in 2016/17 as

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • (518) 581-2480

Dorothy Nolan Parents Speak Out

planned.

Without these changes, parents have projected that second grade sections will have a 20.4 percent higher class size than other grade schools and third grade will have a 24 percent higher class size.

“We created our own task force, the Concerned Parents of Dorothy Nolan. We have about

300 parents involved so far,” said Jessica Marriott, whose son will be going into third grade next year. Marriott took data provided by the school board and used it to create documents and graphs that project what second and third grade class sizes will be, which she presented at the last board meeting on April 21.

Derby Preview See pg. 12, 13

See Crowded pg. 22

Four Generations Spa Catholic 13-1

A Mothers Day Celebration

See pg. 26-34

Inside TODAY Blotter 5 Obituaries 6 Business 20-21 Education 22-23 Pulse 42-45 Sports 51-55

Weekend Forecast FRIDAY

66|48 SATURDAY

66|48 SUNDAY Joan Hoeft (seated), Kris Mikeska (standing, left), Meg Porto (standing, right) holding her daughter, Lucia. Photo by Sharon Castro.

See Generations pg. 16

60|39

Photo by MarkBolles.com See Spa pg. 51

2

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Man on the Street ““What is your favorite quality about your mom?””

“My mother was old-fashioned. She always had something in the oven when I came home. She even made all my clothes herself.” – Diana Penna, from Southeast

“Her determination. She instilled drive in her boys.”

– Lindsay LaRoche (left), from Lafayette, California “She’s straightforward. You always knew where you stood with her.”– Deborah LaRoche (right), from Lafayette, California

“She’s purehearted and goofy. She brings laughter and light everywhere she goes.” – Merissa Hayes (left), from Warrensburg “She’s just the nicest person. She always puts everyone else first.” – Kevin Anderson (right), from South Glens Falls

“She was not vain at all. Beautiful, but not vain.” – Kate Schneider, from Long Island

“She always knows how to make people smile.” – Jessica Hayward, with her son Xavier and daughter Kateri, from South Glens Falls

“My mom has a great sense of humor.” – Rich Totino, from Ballston Spa

NEWS 3

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

It’s A Spring Fling Thing!

27th Annual May Day Benefit for EOC SARATOGA SPRINGS — A festive and joyous gathering jammed the Canfield Casino on Wednesday, May 4, as the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. (EOC) hosted its 27th Annual May Day Spring Fling. The May Day Spring Fling is the Saratoga County EOC’s biggest fundraising event of the year. All proceeds directly benefit their deep commitment to their primary mission of being a leader in advocating for opportunities and developing solutions to promote healthy, thriving families and caring community partners in Saratoga County.

The fun-filled evening included delightful live and silent auctions; food and drink provided by Longfellows Restaurant, Hotel & Conference Center and The Olde Bryan Inn; and music

by JYager of the Audiostars.

Aimee Taylor and Gary Dake

- Arthur Gonick

Mark Bellantoni and Saratoga County Supervisor Peter Martin

Charlie Wheeler, Chris and Sarah Ward

1- L to R: John Riley, Margie Van Meter, EOC Executive Director Anita Paley, A.C. Riley, Sheelagh Baily, Beverley Mastrianni, and Fred Baily.

4

WEEK IN REVIEW

Hearing Held by Congressional Horse Caucus to discuss Anti-Doping in Horseracing Industry WASHINGTON D.C. — A hearing was held by the Congressional Horse Caucus, Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) and Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY), co-chairmen of the Congressional Horse Caucus on Thursday, April 28 to discuss the Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act of 2015 and the elimination of doping in the horseracing industry. Panelists that participated in the hearing

included racehorse owner and celebrity chef Bobby Flay, Breeders Cup President and CEO Craig Fravel, thoroughbred trainer Michael Dickinson, and former CEO of the Maryland Jockey Club Joe De Francis.

The participants discussed further plans for the Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act, a bill set to reform medication usage in the thoroughbred industry in order to end doping in the sport.

Saratoga Springs Man Facing Drug Charges SARATOGA SPRINGS — A Saratoga Springs man is facing drug charges as of Tuesday, April 26. Thomas R. McCall, 27, of Saratoga Springs has been arrested and charged after an extensive investigation by the Saratoga Springs Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit and the New York State Police Community

Narcotics Enforcement Team.

McCall was charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree (class B felony), two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (class B Felony), and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree.

Man Arrested after Allegedly Stabbing Father MALTA — A Malta man was arrested and charged on Sunday, May 1 for allegedly stabbing his father at his home. Ronald T. Paige, 40, of Malta allegedly stabbed his 70-year old father as a result of an argument. The father escaped to a neighbor’s house to call for help, however Paige locked himself in his

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Chad Beatty 581-2480 x 212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com

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home. Paige, who disobeyed an order of protection during the incident, was charged with aggravated criminal contempt, assault in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. The father was transported to the hospital for his injuries and is expected to survive.

GRAPHICS Andrew Ranalli 581-2480 x 202 Production Director, Website andrew@saratogapublishing.com Alyssa Jackson 581-2480 x 215 Graphic Designer alyssa@saratogapublishing.com Morgan Rook 581-2480 x 207 Advertising Design ads@saratogapublishing.com

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Obituaries, Proofreader

Rebecca Davis 581-2480 x 214 Pulse, Food, News rebecca@saratogapublishing.com

aproulx@saratogapublishing.com

Now That’s a Spud – Bud!

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Big Idaho Potato Truck made an appearance at the Saratoga Springs City Center on Tuesday, May 3. The 72-foot long truck arrived in Saratoga, hauling a 12,000-pound replica of the Idaho Potato, as a part of promotion for the inaugural Saratoga Springs Chip Festival, which will be put on by the Saratoga Springs Lions Club on Saturday, July 16, at the City Center. Representatives from the “Tater Team” accompanied the truck, and members of the Lions Club shared further details on the festival on Tuesday afternoon. Photo by MarkBolles.com.

Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Sentenced To 12 Years in Prison NEW YORK — On Tuesday, May 3, a federal judge sentenced former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to 12 years in federal prison and $1.75 million in fines. Silver was found guilty on multiple corruption charges.

Silver, 72, a Democrat, must report to authorities by July 1

to begin serving his sentence.

The longtime politician, once the third-most powerful man in New York State politics, was found guilty on November 30, 2015 of fraud, extortion and money laundering in dealings with real estate developers and a Columbia University cancer researcher.

Prosecutors also alleged he found jobs for two women with whom he had extramarital affairs.

In addition to the fine, Silver will forfeit $5.3 million and pay a $700 special assessment fee. Prosecutors said they had sought a large fine because Silver will continue to receive lifetime payments from a taxpayer-funded pension.

Creek and Pines Mobile Home Park Manager Charged with Strangulation MILTON — A Ballston Spa man has been charged with strangulation as of Friday, April 29.

The Saratoga County Sheriff ’s Office responded to a report of disturbance in the Creek and Pines Mobile Home Park, and found that Harold. L Wolcott, 40, of Ballston Spa, and Scott

A. Montie, 51, of Ballston Spa had been involved in a physical altercation with each other.

Wolcott, the manager of the mobile home park, got physical with Montie after he was playing loud music. Wolcott strangled Montie to the point where he could not breathe. When

police arrived, Montie was not breathing and was given CPR by the deputy before EMS arrived. Wolcott was charged with strangulation in the first degree. Montie was transported to Saratoga Hospital and is in critical condition.

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BLOTTER 5

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

COURTS:

larceny in the second degree.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 21.

driving while intoxicated, improper lane use, and an equipment violation.

John A. Vrana, 45, of Mt. Laurel, NJ, was arraigned on April 25 on the charges of driving while ability impaired by drugs, and driving while ability impaired by combined influence of drugs.

Cheryl M. Trant, 46, of Mechanicville, was sentenced on April 27 to 3-6 years in prison, to run concurrent with two sentences of 2-4 years in prison, after pleading to the felony charges of burglary in the third degree, grand larceny in the fourth degree, and identity theft in the second degree – respectively.

Michael A. Castanon, 23, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested on April 23 and charged with driving while intoxicated, driving with a BA more than .08 of 1%, speeding in a posted zone, and an equipment violation.

Thomas M. McGaughnea, 56, of Watervliet, was arraigned on April 25 on the charges of felony driving while intoxicated, refusal to take a breath test, consumption or possession of an open alcoholic beverage in a vehicle, and failure to keep right.

Erin A. Hatter, 50, of Clifton Park, was sentenced on April 27 to two concurrent sentences of 2-6 years in prison and ordered to pay restitution, after pleading to the felony charges of grand larceny in the second degree and forgery in the second degree.

Julia M. Jurgensen, 24, of Stillwater, was arraigned on the charges of felony assault in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Thomas W. Ernst, 58, of Corinth, was sentenced on April 27 to 5 years probation, after pleading to the felony charge of driving while intoxicated.

Michael S. Travis, 25, of Largo, FL, pled on April 25 to the felony charge of aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child. Sentencing is scheduled for June 20.

Matthew D. Roberts, 44, of Schaghticoke, was arraigned on the charges of felony insurance fraud in the third degree, making false punishable written statement, and falsely reporting an incident in the third degree.

Joseph C. Neaton, 54, of Ft. Edward, was sentenced on April 26 to 2-6 years in prison and 3 years conditional discharge, after pleading to the felony charge of driving while intoxicated.

Jared M. Jeremias, 22, of Moreau, was sentenced on April 26 to 6 months in jail and 5 years probation, after pleading to the felony charge of criminal mischief in the second degree.

Pamela M. Thoroughgood, 62, of Johnsburg, pled on April 26 to the felony charge of grand larceny in the third degree.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 21.

Clifford L. Williams, 47, of Nassau, pled on April 26 to the felony charge of grand

William E. Panten, 27, of Latham, pled on April 28 to the felony charge of driving while intoxicated, and petit larceny. Sentencing is scheduled for June 30.

Paul Peters, Jr., 29, of Wilton, was sentenced on April 28 to 3½ years in prison and 5 years post-release supervision, after pleading to the felony charge of committing a criminal sexual act in the third degree.

Rafael Brito, 20, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced on April 28 to 10 years probation, after pleading to the felony charge of rape in the second degree.

John R. Flewelling, 22, of Fort Edward, was sentenced on April 28 to 6 months in jail and 5 years probation, after pleading to the felony charge of criminal mischief in the second degree.

ARRESTS: Melissa A. Alexander, 25, of Ballston Spa, was arrested on April 22 and charged with driving with a BAC more than .08 of 1%, aggravated driving while intoxicated,

Justin L. Allard, 28, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested for felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, driving while intoxicated, and driving with a BAC more than .08 of 1%.

Derrick A. Hinkley, 39, of Halfmoon, was arrested on April 23 and charged with felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, driving while intoxicated, driving with a BAC more than .08 of 1%, speeding in a posted zone, and improper lane use.

Jesus A. Vasquez, 32, of Schuylerville, was arrested on April 23 and charged with

driving with a BAC more than .08 of 1%, driving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while intoxicated, and following a motor vehicle too closely.

Laurie S. Zetterstrom, 51, of Gilbert, AZ, was arrested on April 25 and charged with driving while intoxicated, failure to signal, and driving with a BAC more than .08 of 1%.

Kevin S. Cura, 43, was arrested on April 25 and charged with criminal trespass in the second degree.

Shawn M. Johnson, 33, was arrested on April 25 and charged with petit larceny.

Michael R. Marshall, 52, of Albany, was arrested on April 25 and charged with criminal contempt in the second degree.

Kevin D. Germain, 57, was arrested on April 25 and charged with disorderly conduct, and possession of an open container.

Raphael D. Germain, 26, of Corinth, Nathan J. Surprenant, 29, of Saratoga Springs, Julie A. Stewart, 47, of Glenville, and Shawn M. Johnson, 33, were arrested on April 26 and charged with one count of trespassing each.

6 Cpt. Joseph Hackett SARATOGA SPRINGS — Cpt. Joseph Raphael Hackett, Jr., 85, formerly of Ridgefield, CT, flew home to his Creator on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at Saratoga Hospital, surrounded by adoring family. A long-time pilot for Eastern Air Lines, his late wife Maureen (Durkin) Hackett and their youngest daughter Christine Hackett were waiting for him at his final gate.

The only son of Joseph R. Hackett, Sr. and Josephine (Wagenknecht) Hackett, Cpt. Hackett’s journey began on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1931 in Oceanside, NY. He attended St. Christopher’s Elementary School in Baldwin, NY and graduated from Baldwin High School in 1949.

Working as a Good Humor Man, he put himself through Fordham University, where he was a member of the Fordham Glee Club and Fordham’s Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. In 1953 he became the first member of his family to graduate from college and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force.

Cpt. Hackett earned his Air Force wings in 1954 – the same year he married Maureen, a model and Copa Cabana dancer, at St. Matthews Church in Brooklyn. The couple had their first two children while Cpt. Hackett was on active duty in the United States and Europe, where he piloted the A-300, B-727, DC-9 and C-119 among others.

He was a member of the 60th Troop Carrier Group based at Rhein-Main Air Base in Frankfurt, Germany and an intelligence officer in the 11th Troop Carrier Squadron.

After Cpt. Hackett was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1956, he and Maureen bought their first home in Massapequa, NY and shortly after moved to Ridgefield, CT where they raised their four children for 33 years. That same year, Cpt. Hackett became a pilot with Eastern Air Lines, which he flew for with great pride and passion for 31 years. If you flew Eastern’s LaGuardia to Boston shuttle sometime between 1967 to 1988, you most likely were a passenger of Cpt. Hackett’s. Among some of the notable travelers he flew were: Martin Luther King, Jr., Cassius Clay, Neil Armstrong, Jacqueline Kennedy, Senators Robert and Ted Kennedy, Walter Cronkite, and The Supremes.

Other highlights of his Eastern Air Lines career were: sharing a cockpit with Neil Armstrong, becoming one of

OBITUARIES the first 100 American pilots to get certified on the Airbus A300 and checking out as captain in the last Lockheed Constellation Class for Eastern.

After Cpt. Hackett took an early retirement from Eastern in 1988 he served as an Air Carrier Operations Inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration, based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, until 1993.

Upon retirement, Cpt. Hackett, who once sang at Carnegie Hall with the Ridgefield Chorale, focused on personal real estate ventures in Ridgefield and other places he and Maureen had homes, including Lake Placid, NY, Staten Island, NY, Lido Beach, NY, Duck, NC, Indio, CA and Palmas Del Mar, PR. In Ridgefield, he was a member of the Ridgefield Historical Society, homeowner in the historical Main Street district, parishioner at St. Mary’s Church and supporter of Notre Dame Academy.

From the mountains of the Adirondacks, to the coast of France, he had a love of traveling that was only trumped by traveling with his loved ones and bevy of friends – particularly his fellow Fordham Rams. He took great pleasure in sharing his properties with those he loved, especially his oceanfront home “Spendlove” in Ships Watch, Duck, NC. Cpt. Hackett will be greatly missed by his two surviving daughters: Dawn (Hackett) Miner and her husband, Gregory, of Shushan, NY and Mary Therese “Trez” (Hackett) Cedrone and her husband, Victor, of MD and his son Brian Hackett and his wife, Grace, of Baldwin, NY. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Caurie (Eric) Putnam-Ferguson, Stephanie (Matthew) Dana, Erica (Kristopher) Haraldsen, Kathryn Miner, Christopher Miner, Brian Hackett, Jr. and William Hackett, his six great-grandchildren: Brice and Brady Putnam, Ryan and Andrew Dana, and Dylan and Shelby Haraldsen, brothers-in-law Jack (Patricia) Durkin, Martin (Elizabeth) Durkin and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Cpt. Hackett was predeceased by his parents and his beloved wife, Maureen, their youngest daughter Christine, and his sister Mary Hackett.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 6, 2016 at 1:15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Military honors will be rendered at the conclusion of the funeral mass.

Interment will take place immediately following at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Wilton (NY) EMS http://wiltonems.org/ or the Fordham Fund in memory of Cpt. Joseph R. Hackett http://www.fordham.edu/info/20059/give Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Erna (Jenner) Gerstheimer Erna (Jenner) Gerstheimer, 101,passed away Thursday, April 28, 2016 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam, NY. Born Erna Otto in Halberstat, Germany on February 10, 1915 she came to Gloversville when she was 9 years old. She and her husband, Carl, owned and operated Jenner’s Pastry Shop in Gloversville for 39 years.

She is survived by her daughter Diana Jenner (Jack Casson), son of Carl Jenner (Andree), grandson Jason Molino (Anna), 4 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hillcrest Springs Assisted Living Facility, where she resided for the last 3 years and the doctors and staff at St. Mary’s Hospital for their compassionate, thoughtful and attentive care.

Elizabeth “Helen” Lloyd GREENWICH — Elizabeth “Helen” Lloyd, age 92, a resident of Greenwich, and formerly of Schuylerville and Dalton, PA died peacefully on April 30, 2016 at Saratoga Hospital.

A native of Scranton, PA, Helen graduated as valedictorian of her high school class. Being needed at home to help support her family, Helen embarked on a career as a highly skilled seamstress, working for over 30 years at Linder Brothers in Scranton, manufacturers of the famous Shagmoor women’s coats.

Helen never married, and following her retirement and the death of her parents, she moved to Florida for several years, caring for her brother Ellis during his last illness. In 1980 she relocated to Schuylerville to be near her niece and nephews, and recently moved to Greenwich, residing with her niece.

Helen was a beloved aunt to many family members in New York and Florida, a devoted caretaker, and a righteous Christian woman. Blessed with a keen intellect, she was an avid reader and follower of current events, and a sharp conversationalist.

Besides her parents John and Lydia, she was predeceased by her brothers, Alfred Lloyd and Ellis Lloyd, and nephews, James Lloyd and Richard Lloyd.

Survivors include her nieces, Susan (Bill)

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016 Reynolds of Greenwich, Peggy (Fred) Blank of Palm Harbor, FL, Pat (Bud) Oakley of Clearwater, FL; nephews, Alfred Lloyd of Greenwich, Jack Lloyd of Schuylerville, Robert (Barb) Lloyd of Ballston Spa, Mark (Sheryl) Lloyd of Argyle, Richards wife Karen Lloyd of Halfmoon; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends gathered to remember her on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at Flynn Brothers Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave. in Schuylerville. A short funeral service immediately followed.

A graveside service was held on Thursday, May 5, 2016 in the Shady Lane Cemetery, Chinchilla, PA. Memorial donations may be made to feedthechildren.org.

Online remembrances can be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com

Edward Francis Talbot (Eddie) BALLSTON SPA — Edward Francis Talbot (Eddie), age 63. passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2016 peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on April 4, 1953 in Saratoga Springs, the son of the late Edward Joseph Talbot and Frances Claire Cogan.

Edward was a general mechanic for Mount McGregor Correctional Facility in Wilton for many years. He enjoyed exploring the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and woodworking. He loved playing baseball and especially loved golfing. Ed’s fondest achievements was the restoration of an old one-room school house in which he received a restoration award. He was a dedicated step-father and uncle and loved spending time with his family. He was very kind, giving, and special to everyone. He will be greatly missed.

Edward is survived by his long-term companion Pat Tobin, step-son, Jeff Tobin (Fran) and their children Marcus and Kayleigh, brother, Gary Talbot (Mickey), sisters, Mary Beth Talbot, Sandy Bradwell (John), nieces and nephews, Kristen Peck (Neil), Jason Talbot (Adrienne), Ryan Talbot, Matthew Talbot (Kelly), Andrew Talbot, Rickey Mangona and Mackenzie Bradwell.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Pam Talbot and step-son Jonathan.

A funeral service was held on Monday, May 2, 2016 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave. in Saratoga Springs, with family friend, Reverend Carole Miller officiating. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in honor of Edward to the Saratoga Community Hospice, 179

Send obituaries to aproulx@saratogapublishing.com

or call

(518) 581-2480 x 205 See full obituaries at saratogatodaynewspaper.com

OBITUARIES 7 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

If you wish to express your online condolences or view the Obituary, please visit our website at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

If you wish to express your online condolences or view the Obituary, please visit our website at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Miriam Patricia Breite

Michelle Ann Farrell Carpenter

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Miriam Patricia Breite, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 a week short of her 93rd Birthday.

She was born on May 11, 1923 in Altoona, PA, the daughter of the late Harold Jones and Anne White.

Pat, as she was fondly known as, graduated from Mt. Aloysius College in Crescent, PA and married Larry Riley of Albany, NY. She was a valued secretary at NY State School Boards Assoc. for many years. After her husband passed away, Pat moved with her daughter Anne to Santa Ana, CA and met and married Otto Breite. For 25 years they traveled and enjoyed life together. Pat loved to dance and help others. After her husband Otto passed away she moved to NY to be closer to her family. She was funny, congenial and never had a bad day. Everyone loved her and she will be greatly missed. We will cherish our time with her forever.

She is survived by her daughter; Anne Huff Amedore and her husband George H Amedore, grandsons; Mitchell Huff and his wife Sheri, Todd Huff and his wife Tina, great-grandsons; Ethan, Alex, and the late Andrew Huff, sisters; Sister Harold Anne Jones, Kathrine Anne Rowan, and several nieces and nephews.

Pat will be missed by her cherished roommate, Mary and her best friend Darlene.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Prayer Service at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 9, 2016 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave. in Saratoga Springs.

Interment will be at Greenridge Cemetery in Saratoga Springs following the service.

In keeping with Pat’s wishes, please omit flowers.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Michelle Ann Farrell Carpenter, 55, of Altamonte Springs, Florida passed away after a long illness on April 10, 2016.

She was born to Malcolm and Mary Farrell of Schuylerville on June 21, 1960.

Michelle was a very selfless person, always putting the comfort and happiness of others before herself. Michelle and her husband Robert loved cats and rescued many over the years. She also loved wolves and dream catchers.

Michelle worked for over 20 years with Kmart retail store, and she enjoyed her job.

She was a loving wife to Robert and a wonderful mother to her son Jeremy. Michelle will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

She was predeceased in passing by her father, Malcolm Farrell.

Michelle is survived by her husband, Robert and son, Jeremy, both of Altamonte Springs, FL; mother, Mary Farrell of Schuylerville; brothers, Mike Farrell of Schuylerville and Matthew Farrell of Corinth; and her nieces and nephews of Schuylerville.

A Memorial Service was held April 16, 2016 in Altamonte Springs, FL. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Michelle to the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando http:// petallianceorlando.org or any other animal charity of your choice.

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Celebrates Preservation Month

Porch Party on Union Avenue, Historic Homes Tour, and a Lunch / Lecture about Diamond Jim Brady and Lillian Russell SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation (SSPF) will host its annual Historic Homes Tour on Saturday, May 14 – featuring nine unique homes throughout the city. At noon, on Saturday, May 14, SSPF and Saratoga Tours will provide a lunch and lecture about famous past residents Lillian Russell & Diamond Jim Brady.

On Thursday, May 12, SSPF will host an elegant party on the grand porches of three Union Avenue homes. The party will feature music by local favorite, Rich Ortiz, a cash bar and light fare by Zest caterers. Funds raised at these events support the Foundation’s ongoing educational programs and efforts to preserve, protect and enhance the unique architectural, landscaped, and cultural heritage of Saratoga Springs.

The event schedule: Thursday, May 12 - 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. - porch party Saturday, May 14 -10 a.m. – 4

p.m. - historic homes tour Saturday, May 14 – noon lunch and lecture at Universal Preservation Hall Tickets can be ordered online or by phone. Tour tickets can also be purchased in person the day of the tour at Witt Construction, 563 North Broadway. Historic home tour tickets are $30 for SSPF members, $40 for non-members.

Tickets purchased on the day of the tour are $35 and $45. Lunch

and lecture tickets at Universal Preservation Hall are SSPF members $20, non-members $25.

Tickets for this event must be purchased in advance so that lunches may be ordered. Tickets for the Porch Party are $100.

To purchase tickets online, visit http://store.saratogapreservation.org. For phone orders or more information, phone 518-587-5030

8

OP/ED - PAUSE BUTTON

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Mixed Use Development: An Unwieldy Tool or Precision Instrument?

THE PAUSE BUTTON Clarity in a World of Information Overload and Extremes

by Norra Reyes Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — The City of Saratoga Springs is proud of its status as a walkable community, which is not only reflected in its streets and neighborhoods but also in its land use regulations which encourage mixed use development.

With the example of empty storefronts in Ellsworth Commons in Malta, and an eye to existing projects, we asked the question of whether mixed use development is a useful tool for Saratoga Springs beyond Broadway?

According to Sonny Bonacio of Bonacio Construction, mixed use has been around for centuries and if done right, it makes sense.

“You want to put services next to residences where they are,” he said. “If you look at the overall human race of people

living on the planet, you always put the blacksmith next to the pub next to the home. The whole idea of driving out to a location is almost counterintuitive.”

According to Principal Planner Kate Maynard in the City of Saratoga Springs Planning Department, the City is looking at mixed use as a tool for creating new neighborhoods.

“The role of planning is to not only look to see that everything makes sense for that proposal,” said Maynard, “but also looking at the long-term, such as storm water management, protecting your natural resources, making sure all those pieces fit and work together moving forward. When we look at planning, we’re ensuring everything makes sense and has the best ingredients for that proposal.”

Mike Phinney, principal architect at Phinney Design Group, said the City for the most part doesn’t require mixed use,

it encourages it. “The Beekman Street corridor has strong incentives for art-related businesses,” he said, “and there are strong incentives in other areas, but not necessarily requirements.”

The Phinney Design Group is known for its office on Beekman Street with the teahouse underneath. “When we first designed it ten years ago, we had an art gallery on the second floor, offices on the third floor and we purpose designed it to include a restaurant. It’s important to think of that in advance when designing a small building on a tight footprint. We intentionally designed the second floor to be flexible, knowint that the gallery business is evolving all the time and the design business would grow.”

Downtown Saratoga Springs as a whole, according to Maynard, is a prime example of successful mixed use development. But whether or not a project is successful is in the hands of the developer, and not the responsibility of the City.

Mixed use development is one tool in a developers toolbox, and like any tool, success often depends on the expertise

The Springs on Weibel Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Photo by Francesco D'Amico.

of the person wielding it. A key to mixed use development is balance of commercial and residential, and keeping the residents’ needs in mind.

“During the planning process on Weibel, they wanted the whole ground floor to be commercial,” said Bonacio. “We fought to do 50 percent commercial and 50 percent indoor parking for the residents, and it was the right thing to do. You can park your car, get your fingernails done, your hair done, drop your children off, get a beer of pizza, go to the gym, and we’re working on finalizing a coffee shop there.”

Bonacio said it doesn’t work when there’s way too much commercial space without enough parking. “Who wants to pay commercial rental rates when there’s not enough room to park?” he said.

Bonacio’s property on Weibel Avenue, The Springs, still has some empty storefronts, but Bonacio was ready for that. “The total Square footage of commercial is only four percent of the whole project,” he said, “so we can afford to wait a little longer to get the perfect commercial renters for the residents. We have turned away tenants because we thought they’d be counterproductive to residents.”

Bonacio recommends filling mixed use commercial space with amenities more than services like auto insurance offices. “Try to put things in where people will go on a

weekly or daily basis,” he said.

“I think we need more amenities downtown, which is why I’m involved in projects like Caffé Lena.”

“One of the aspects of Weibel Avenue that we looked it,” she said, “was it wasn’t a neighborhood. When you think about building blocks over time, we look to see that all the different items fit together.

Your curbing, your sidewalks, your parking have to all work together. When Weibel reaches a point of traffic (in speed and other factors) that are safe, we can introduce on-street parking. We anticipate a future amount of development activity as well.”

Bonacio points to the Market Center as the textbook of how mixed use should work.

“You’ve got Spot Coffee, a grocery store, dry-clean drop off, a salad shop, a theater next door and jobs above the theater,” said Bonacio. “It’s textbook, a planner’s dream.”

Phinney sees a near future where the grab-and-go strip mall will disappear. “I would guess there’s at least 50 years before there’s a major noticeable shift of people living back in the urban cores, and traditional suburban areas will be abandoned. I very much believe that with society’s environmental conscience that in a matter of a couple generations, you’ll see the two hundred house track development torn down and given back to agriculture.”

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

OP/ED - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

9

Stronger Together Against Homelessness Saratoga, like many communities that have prospered over the last decade, has more visible signs of homelessness today. The good news is that solutions exist that can materially reduce and even end homelessness. The challenge is that it requires a coordinated community response. Shelters of Saratoga is spearheading the effort to alleviate local homelessness, but it must be part of a broader community initiative.

To truly address a problem as complex as homelessness, requires a broad coalition of stakeholders to work together. Social service agencies, health and mental health providers, housing advocates, city and county government, EMS, police, and business leaders need to be aligned in the development and implementation of a multifaceted systemic plan.

This year Shelters of Saratoga celebrated its 25th anniversary of working to end homelessness in Saratoga and we are proud of what we’ve accomplished.

Over that time we have received

extraordinary support from the community. As a result of this generosity, we are able to provide programming that follows the Continuum of Care model, which helps get individuals off the street and permanently housed.

Our support services include: Mobile Outreach, Drop-In Centers, Emergency and Case Managed shelter beds for men and women, and affordable housing. Individuals who access our services do so for a variety reasons and need support to get back on their feet.

In 2015 Shelters of Saratoga touched the lives of over 1,000 individuals. Code Blue provided 3,285 safe nights for an average of 46 guests/night. Over the last 3 years occupancy at our case managed shelter has been at or near 100 percent. Here, skilled case managers engage with each individual, providing critical support in guiding them toward a better future. Support from local businesses has helped to secure employment for some

Paving Notice SARATOGA SPRINGS — According to a notice sent out by the City of Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works, please be advised of the following streets to be paved according to the schedule below. Please note depending on construction circumstances or changing weather conditions this schedule could be revised. 

Monday, May 16 Milling Wedgewood Drive Lake Avenue to Roberts Lane  Tuesday, May 17 Pave-Type 6 Wedgewood Drive Lake Avenue to Roberts Lane (CHIPS)  Wednesday, May 18 Pave-Type 6 Eureka Avenue “Hill” from Roberts Lane to just before turn around (CHIPS)   Wednesday, May 18 Pave-Type 6  Crommelin Place Patricia Lane to Elizabeth Lane (CHIPS) 

guests. Shelters of Saratoga provides affordable housing options to nine individuals in downtown Saratoga Springs.

Sadly there are those individuals with cumulative vulnerabilities that leave them chronically homeless; not just for days or months, but years and even decades. Our most vulnerable citizens, of which many suffer with mental health and substance use problems, also include Veterans with PTSD and depression. Three years ago, with the support of Mayor Yepsen and in collaboration with other local agencies, and the hard work of an extremely committed group of community volunteers, the Code Blue emergency shelter was created to fill a critical need in Saratoga.

Last year Shelters of Saratoga and Code Blue merged, bringing both emergency and case managed shelters all under the Shelters of Saratoga continuum of care. This was an important step, but we still have work to do.

Given the scope of the problem, which includes vagrancy, Shelters of Saratoga is partnering with Community Solutions, a national leader in helping communities end homelessness. Data analysis is currently underway and the strategy under development calls for time-bound [i.e. weeks, not months or years], measurable, and specific goals to be implemented.

This is where the coordinated community response comes in.

The broad coalition mentioned above needs to be guided by facts, not fear and preconceived notions of what may be driving the problem. We need to ensure the right policies are in place and that bureaucratic red tape is cut to rapidly house those most in need - i.e. most at risk for dying on the streets. Access to mental health, substance abuse services, and job training are also needed.

In the past, it was felt that those with mental health and substance use had to be stabilized in treatment before being housed. We now know that not to be the case.

Over the last decade there has been considerable evidence showing that providing ‘housing first’ is stabilizing and allows for better management of these conditions.

Such programs can actually save the county money by decreasing costs associated with incarceration, ER and hospital use.

While we are proud of our accomplishments, we understand that significant work remains to address the concerns of our citizens, downtown businesses, and community at-large. Shelters of Saratoga is prepared to confront this head on, working in concert with a broad coalition of stakeholders on impactful solutions.

Shelters of Saratoga’s mission remains ending local homelessness. Working together on an integrated community approach, we can get there.

Michael Finocchi Executive Director, and Shelters of Saratoga Board of Directors Saratoga Springs

10

NEWS

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Nursing: In Nightingale’s Footsteps

by Norra Reyes Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — If she were alive today, Florence Nightingale might be surprised at the medical advances since her time, but she would not be surprised at the high level of compassionate, quality care that has become the gold standard of the profession since she first became nursing’s icon.

National Nurses Day, Friday, May 6, kicks off National Nurses Week, which ends on the birthday of Nightingale on May 12. I took the opportunity to sit with five nurses from various departments at Saratoga Hospital, to learn a little about the nursing life. At the table, as seen in the photo from left to right, was: Michelle Little, RN, CMSRN, Charge Nurse of the Medical-Surgical Telemetry Unit As the Charge Nurse, Little handles day to day operations, providing clinical oversight and jumping in when needed. She works primarily with older patients.

Keely Ralston, RN-BC, RCIS, Vascular Access Team Ralston’s primary job is with the vascular access team, but also assists in the cardiovascular interventional suite, working with people needing their heart and arteries checked out.

Dave Dyer, BS, RN, RNFA, CNOR, First Assist, Surgical Services Operating Room The First Assist is an advanced degree which allows Dyer to become a second set of hands for the surgeon, handling suturing and cautery (bleeding control), for example.

Kim Spano, MS, RN-BC, Director of Nursing, Ambulatory Services, Saratoga Hospital Medical Group Spano oversees the clinical practices, including specialty and primary care, of the medical group, all the people you see when you are not in the hospital. She oversees the whole footprint, from Galway to Malta and all over the county.

Spano hires staff, works to standardize practices and improve quality care, tightening up services lines and more.

Sarah Bunzey, RNC-OB, CLC RNC-OB, Clinical Coordinator of Women’s Health Services Bunzey has been a nurse for ten years and just became co-clinical coordinator of the unit. Like Little,

she is a Charge Nurse, handling day to day operations, providing clinical oversight and jumping in when needed. “I love what I do, welcoming the little babies into the world every day,” she said. “Being at a birth is such a privilege.”

A Day in the Life Medical advances arise and change so quickly that nurses are dedicated to staying on top of their field.

Dyer said that surgery has become very technically innovative. “You have got to know so much regarding the various surgeries, whether it’s orthopedic, advance laparoscopic, or otherwise. I’m working with hundreds of millions of dollars of equipment that help us use the least invasive route. Patients aren’t being opened up anymore.

Instead, there’ s a very small incision. Recovery time is substantially less, scarring substantially less. Ten or fifteen years ago, most patients would come into the hospital the night before and stay a day or two.

Now they can walk out of here into a waiting car the same day.”

They have weekly meetings, read journal articles, go to seminars, and study to become and maintain certifications. Saratoga Hospital also provides incentives to help the nursing staff reach these goals.

Last year, Saratoga Hospital once again attained Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center—the highest honor an organization can receive for professional nursing practice. Fewer than seven percent of the nation’s more than 6,000 healthcare providers have earned Magnet status. According to Spano, research shows that the more educated the nurses at the bedside, the better the patient outcome.

“The hospital even provides financial support to help nurses go back to school,” said Spano. “We make sure that finances aren’t the reason they don’t go.”

Between patient care and keeping up with educational demands, among other things, a typical day is pretty packed for nurses.

Ralston said there are times when nurses might be helping someone to go to the bathroom, but the nurse has been needing to go for the past six hours. “I’ll see another nurse and say, ‘you are paler than your shirt. I will watch your people so you can shovel some food in.’”

Left to right: Michelle Little, RN, CMSRN; Keely Ralston, RN-BC, RCIS; Dave Dyer, BS, RN, RNFA, CNOR; Kim Spano, MS, RN-BC; and Sarah Bunzey, RNC-OB, CLC. Photo provided by Saratoga Hospital.

When Ralston mentioned that there is so much more to nursing than passing pills and cleaning people, everyone at the table chimed in. “Taking care of the patient and their physical needs is an important part, but there’s more that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough,” she said.

Around the table, the nurses spoke about being a sounding board for each other and their patients.

They talked about empowering patients and their families with information and education, about being a patient advocate. The spoke of their roles in mentoring residents and new nurses, and empowering themselves with continued education and keeping up on the latest technologies.

Ralston said, “You start off as a nurse like a deer in headlights, only seeing straight ahead, but as a nurse you need the 360 view.

I’m talking to you, but I hear the labored breathing behind me.”

On Compassion.

Bunzey talked about how much nurses bond with their patients. “They leave an impression on us as much as we leave on them,” she said. “I’ve seen hundreds of babies born and it’s a miracle every time.”

Little added, “Sarah is there for the birth and I’m there to hold the hand for end of life. We’re there for the whole circle.”

Dyer’s role doesn’t allow him much interaction with patients because they are usually under anesthesia the entire time with him, while they are getting their appendix out or some other procedure. “A lot of times a patient might have 5 to 10 people taking

care of them, and they’d be sound asleep and never know. There’s no doubt in my mind that I have contributed to a better outcome, that I have saved many lives, and they will never know my name.”

Then there are the messages that patients hope to never hear. “A physician will go in with a difficult diagnosis,” said Spano, “and often a patient doesn’t quite hear. They will turn to us and ask, what does neoplasm mean?”

Spano said they would be with the patient for the next so many hours of that day. “We’ll explain, reinforce,” she said. “We all know adult learners don’t get things the first time they hear it.

It’s even more important when it’s something about your health.

You’ll hear you’re going home in two days, but miss the piece that it’s not to get better.”

Little added, “Sometimes they understand, but it’s the holding the hand and letting them know that you are there for them and that we understand.”

Why Nursing?

Dyer said he was always interested in some type of public service, and he has several family members in nursing. But the exposure nurses receive to so many fields during their education helped him pinpoint where he wanted to specialize.

“I’ve worked in the ICU and medivac operations,” said Dyer.

“Having seen how people are able to have surgical interventions and walk out of a hospital alive after a serious injury, I was drawn to the operating room. So, I went for my First Assist degree.”

Little said that at first, she wanted to be a teacher, but when she was 13, her mother had a stroke.

“We took her home and took care of her,” said Little. “In the hospital, they told us we couldn’t do it, but we did. She was home for 26 years. She was bedridden, and we had to feed her, and I did that most of that my young life. My dad was a rock, but when he passed suddenly it was me and my sister. My mother passed just a couple years ago.”

She paused in the memory, and I watched as the room of truly kind professionals went silent, sending unspoken warmth to their colleague as she continued, “I became a nurse, and promised people that I would help them be prepared to take their family members home where they wanted to be. Knowing that the family has a huge role in the care, it helps me in teaching them how to take care of a patient.”

And when they were asked that if they were to do it over again, would they still go into nursing, the answer was a resounding yes all around the table.

The hospital is filming a series of conversations with its nurses, (including those in this article), providers and members of its leadership team called “The Voices of Saratoga Hospital.” The brief videos give viewers an opportunity to hear what inspires and moves these members of the hospital community, as well as learn a little about what it’s like to walk in their shoes. Visit www.saratogahospital. org for details.

12

NEWS

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

The Case Against Nyquist Kentucky Derby Preview

by Brendan O’Meara Saratoga TODAY Okay.

So let’s think for a moment.

Like think real hard.

This Kentucky Derby has an identity crisis. There’s a favorite who has only one race around two turns as a 3-year-old, a presumably fast horse that hasn’t run in two months and a turf horse that won the worthless Spiral Stakes (Animal Kingdom fans, lower the hackles).

Of course this makes for a great betting race, but be wary of the favorite, this being Nyquist, who earned 3-1 favoritism and will break from Post 13.

Many horseplayers—call it a crusade—look for ways to beat a favorite and in this year’s Derby, there are several cases against Nyquist.

Strike one: He won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. The only BCJ winner to pull of the Derby Double was Street Sense. That’s it.

In over 30 years one colt pulled it off. Is Nyquist that talented to overcome the jinx of precocity?

Strike two: His sire is Uncle Mo. Uncle Mo has two sons in this race. The other is Outwork, a horse that can safely say he won the Wood Memorial in the slowest recorded time in history. Without a stopwatch the race looked gutsy, but when you add in the time— and I don’t care that the track was muddy—the race took on a hue of Dickensian porridge.

Uncle Mo also won the Juvenile and after a disappointing effort in the Wood—gritty though it was—Uncle Mo scratched from the Kentucky Derby with an illness. He didn’t return until Saratoga’s King’s Bishop, a race with a distance more up his alley.

He still lost to Caleb’s Posse, but, gave an A for effort.

Strike two: Foul tip : ) Nyquist’s dam (Seeking Gabrielle) is by Forestry. Foresty won the King’s Bishop and the Dwyer, races going one turn.

Forestry, you may also remember, sired the ill-begotten Green Monkey, the $16 million colt that had less run in him than a ’71 Ford Pinto.

Strike Three: It’s not that Nyquist has only two preps heading into the Derby, it’s that one was only seven furlongs.

Dropped Third Strike, or the Case for Nyquist: The catcher couldn’t squeeze the ball and now Nyquist darts for first. That

seven-furlong race, the Grade II San Vicente, he won that by 1 ½ lengths over Exaggerator.

Exaggerator went on to obliterate his rivals (in the mud) in the Santa Anita Derby.

Nyquist’s first trip around two turns since the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, the Grade I Florida Derby, saw him cement his bid as the Kentucky Derby favorite.

He handed Mohaymen, a horse many consider a top contender, a decided loss. But, again, we dealt with muddy going.

Was Nyquist that good or Mohaymen that bad?

I can’t see Nyquist getting 10 furlongs. I can see him in front at the eighth pole, but then I see him getting run down.

“And then even if you get a clean trip, you’ve got to have a horse that can go a

mile-and-a-quarter no matter what time it is. What I love about Nyquist’s chances is he’s won from the rail, he’s won from the 12-hole, he’s won wire-to-wire, he’s won from just off the pace,” Doug O’Neill said in a story by Sports Exchange (h/t UPI.com).

O’Neill has the requisite confidence you might expect, but who does that leave? Who will beat Nyquist?

At a glance, Exaggerator and Brody’s Cause look like big threats to win the roses, but Bob Baffert, the trainer who like won the Triple Crown last year (oh, that…) has an intriguing colt in Mor Spirit, a son of a wouldbe Derby favorite Eskendreya.

That horse, owned by American Pharoah’s Zayat Stables, only won the Wood Memorial by nearly 10 lengths.

Combined with Gary Stevens in the irons, Mor Spirit has the running style, the pedigree and the connections to surprise this

Marylou and M.C.

field. But would it be a surprise if Baffert and Stevens teamed up for another Kentucky Derby? They did it nearly 20 years ago (!) with Silver Charm.

Now the pair break from the same post (17) they had when they lost as the Derby favorites in 2001 (Point Given).

“Last time I had the 17 post was Point Given with Gary Stevens. And here we are again,” Baffert said after the post draw on NBC Sports. As for O’Neill, he’s got the favorite and he’s riding that high that comes with favoritism.

“He’s doing so well,” said O’Neill after the post draw.

“Breaking from the 13 is fine. He broke from the 13 when he won the Juvenile at Keeneland. The post draw didn’t matter to us a ton, but we’re happy being more toward the outside for sure.”

Outside most of the field, for sure, but also outside of the winners’ circle.

NEWS 13

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Kentucky Derby Parties in Saratoga

by Rebecca Davis Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Though it may not be Saratoga’s turn in the racing spotlight yet, the first leg of the Triple Crown starts this weekend with the 142nd Kentucky Derby. As a town that’s all about the ponies, Saratoga has a lot to offer on Derby Day, with parties galore. Check out what’s going on locally on Saturday, May 7 and plan where you’ll be for “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”!

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

At the Racing Museum’s Derby Party fundraiser, guests can watch the Kentucky Derby live in the Hall of Fame while enjoying food, beer, wine and spirits from over 20 local businesses.

The theme for this year’s party is “All Things Kentucky,” and will feature Kentucky inspired dishes and drinks. While exploring the Museum, attendees will enjoy entertainment by Rich Ortiz before the live airing of the Derby.

Awards will also be given out for most fashionable Derby attire and there’s a chance to win prizes in the race-day inspired raffle.

All proceeds from the event go toward the Museum’s exhibits and educational initiatives. Tickets are $50 at the door, with more pricing options available by registering online at regonline.com/ thederbyparty.

Prime at Saratoga National Golf Club 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

At Prime’s Derby party, “Prime on the Rail,” guests will enjoy concession food, a cash bar with beer, wine and spirits, and most importantly, a Jumbo-Tron playing the race live. The event also features a beer truck and Habana hand-rolled cigar station. Entertainment will be provided by Ron Bill’s New Orleans Stompers, as well as Soul Session playing throughout the night.

Admission is $15, no reservations required. For each ticket purchased, Prime will make a $3 donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

2 West Express Bar & Grille Starts at 3 p.m.

The theme for 2 West Express’ Derby party is “20s-Style Prohibition.” Ironically, the sponsor for the evening is Saranac Brewery, the first to receive a liquor license after prohibition in New York. The event features prizes for best outfit, an outdoor cigar lounge, a crawfish station and food and drink specials all day, as well as boasting the “largest TV and best sound system in Saratoga.” Guests will have the chance to win prizes, include a night stay at Saratoga Hilton, a private party for six at James and Son Tobacconists Lounge, a day at Saranac Brewery, tickets to SPAC’s Jazz Festival and more.

Free admission.

Dock Brown’s Lakeside Tavern 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

For Dock Brown’s second annual Derby party, guests will have a chance to win incredible prizes, including weekend getaways, wine baskets, jewelry, gift certificates and more. Prizes will also be given away for the best men and women’s Kentucky Derby fashion. After watching the live race, guests can stay and party to live music by The Accents. Free admission.

Vapor Nightclub at Saratoga Casino and Raceway Starts at 4 p.m.

Watch the race live on Vapor’s 16-foot screen, enjoy $4 Coors Light specials all day, and win “free swag.”

Table packages are available by calling 518-581-5775.

Fortune’s restaurant will be open at noon for their buffet special at $32.95 per person, and guests can bet on the race right from their table. After the race, Vapor is hosting an after-Derby party at 9 p.m. featuring DJ Playground and drink specials. Admission is free.

The Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill Starts at 3 p.m.

The Horseshoe Inn’s annual Kentucky Derby party is the first outside event of the year. Guests can start the day with breakfast and then head outside under the tent in the afternoon for the big race, where the party will just keep going. Admission is free.

The Parting Glass Pub Starts at 1 p.m.

The Parting Glass is hosting an all-day party and poker tournament on Derby Day to benefit Old Friends at Cabin Creek, a retirement sanctuary for thoroughbreds. Guests will enjoy a buffet, beer tasting, a free-to-play horse racing handicapping contest, a racing trivia contest and a silent auction, not to mention the live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby

on large screen TVs. Tickets to the event are $30 at the door.

specials and the live Derby broadcast. Admission is free.

Seven Horse Pub 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A Derby party to support fundraising for Mayor Yepsen will take place upstairs at the pub. Yepsen will visit with guests and cheer with the crowd as the Kentucky Derby airs live. The pub is also having a party downstairs starting at 5 p.m. with drink

Wheatfields Restaurant & Bar Starts at 4 p.m.

Wheatfields is hosting their annual Derby party that includes free appetizers, beer sampling from Saratoga Brewery, a 50/50 raffle, prizes and more. All proceeds raised at the event will go toward Saratoga WarHorse Foundation. Admission is free.

14

MOTHERS DAY

Happy

Mother’s Day!

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

MOTHERS DAY 15

Sunday, May 8

16

MOTHERS DAY

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Four Generations Celebrate Mother’s Day Together

by Rebecca Davis Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS —Mother’s Day: a holiday dedicated to celebrating motherhood and the unconditional love (and life) our mothers gave to us. It’s a joy when we are able to spend the day with our mothers, allowing us to show them how much they are cherished and appreciated.

For Joan Hoeft, she feels the Mother’s Day love three-fold. Hoeft, who lives in Woodlawn Commons at the Wesley Community, gets to spend her special day with her daughter, Kris Mikeska, granddaughter, Meg Porto, and great-granddaughter, Lucia, who is just nine-months old.

“It’s a huge blessing,” said Porto, who just became a mom last summer.

“Family is everything to us.”

This four generation family is incredibly close and stays busy

by spending a lot of time together.

Though Mikeska and Porto live further north, they make the drive down to Wesley at least three times a week to visit and do all their favorite things – from enjoying meals together to shopping on Broadway.

“It’s pretty cute when we go out – Mom has her walker and Lucia’s with her stroller,” said Mikeska. “We always have people stop and say how special it is that we’re all together.”

Over the years, Hoeft has taught Mikeska and Porto a lot about what it means to be a mom, handing down traditions and values her own mother taught her.

“My father died when I was just a baby,” said Hoeft. “My mother had to take care of me on her own. It was hard on her. She rented out all of our house but three rooms, which is where we lived.”

Hoeft helped her mom a lot

when she was a kid, for example going grocery shopping on her bicycle because they didn’t have a vehicle.

Through her mom, Hoesk learned the meaning of hard work and sacrificing for your child.

“They depended on each other,” added Mikeska. “They worked as a team. A mother-daughter team.”

Unlike her mom, Hoeft had the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom, and Mikeska and Porto followed in her footsteps, making motherhood their full-time career.

“I’ve definitely learned my values from them,” said Mikeska about her mom and her grandmother.

“Values like honesty and always being there for each other. Family traditions are huge for us. It’s all about being together.”

Porto feels the same way, knowing that if she has a question about being a new mom, she can always

rely on her mom and grandmother for help.

“It’s very reassuring that if I don’t have the answer, one of them will,” said Porto. “From day one, I have always felt so supported. All of their advice is something I truly take to heart. It’s not always spoken either; I’ve learned so much by their example.”

This will be Porto’s first Mother’s Day with her daughter Lucia in the

family; it will be a true celebration of a family’s growing legacy.

“Mother’s Day just makes you feel good – it’s a celebration of having children,” said Hoesk, looking lovingly at her great-granddaughter cooing in her granddaughter’s lap. “The most rewarding part is when they keep growing up, then they get married, then they have babies of their own, and you just feel a part of it all. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Kris Mikeska (standing, left), Meg Porto (standing, right) and Joan Hoesk (seated) with Lucia Porto. Photo by Sharon Castro.

18

NEWS

Saratoga Springs City Council: May 3

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – At the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 3, Commissioner of Finance Michele Madigan presented her preliminary yearend report for fiscal year 2015. A summary of the highlights of this report appears on page 19.

Mayor Joanne Yepsen announced her five appointments to the Saratoga Race Course Local Advisory Board.

This panel, designed to facilitate good communication between the local community and the NYRA Board has 15 members - five each are appointed by NYRA, The Chairperson of the County Board of Supervisors and the Mayor’s office. The Mayor’s appointments were John Carusone, Dr. William Wilmot, Skip Carlson, Michelle Primacello, and Cindy Hollowood.

The City unanimously approved a resolution entitled ‘Authorization for Mayor to execute Settlement Agreement and Mutual Releases regarding The Anderson Group v. the City of Saratoga Springs,’ which sets in motion closure regarding a piece of long-standing litigation against the City. During the discussion and vote, no particular amount was mentioned, although later in

the evening, during the Finance Department’s agenda item called ‘Budget Amendment-Legal Liability’, Commissioner of Finance Madigan noted that the amount was $750,000, which would come from the City’s unrestricted, unassigned fund. This budget amendment also passed unanimously.

In the original case, on July 2, 2010, a verdict of $1 million was awarded to the Anderson Group in US District Court, finding that “... zoning policies used by the City of Saratoga Springs had a discriminatory impact on African Americans and families with children.” The Anderson Group, an Albany, New York builder, sought to construct a mixed-income housing development, called Spring Run Village, a development with 50 to 60 affordable units, on property they own outside the downtown area. The jury found the City had rejected the Anderson’s application and rezoned the site from a classification where high-density residential and commercial uses were “preferred” and “encouraged” to a classification where such a development was prohibited.

A wide-ranging, 40-minute discussion on the subject of ‘Citizens’ Complaints About Aggressive Panhandling’ took place, with Shelters of Saratoga Executive Director Michael A.

Finocchi at the guest microphone for much of it. At the outset, a major distinction was made between homelessness and aggressive panhandling. For instance, it was noted that many panhandler’s are from out of town, may even work in shifts, and conduct their activities like a business – in other words, this may be the ‘occupation’ they have chosen. Homeless people, he said, are in need of a wide variety of services, but in most cases are looking for the means to better their situation.

Finocchi also pointed out that the city currently has no drop-in daytime shelter or 24/7 mission, as is the case in many cities that are coping with this problem A key point, raised often, is that the best way to stop panhandling of any kind is to stop giving people money.

During his agenda, Commissioner of Public Safety Chris Mathiesen announced that a Public Safety forum will take place on Thursday, May 19 at 7 p.m. in the City Council room, and that forum will cover the topic of vagrancy and related issues.

Rebecca Davis will soon have a follow-up article to her April 29 cover story on this subject, in which this discussion, the legal perspective, and the thoughts of local business owners and community members will be examined in greater depth.

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

OP-ED: On Ethics and Fairness

by Arthur Gonick Saratoga TODAY Toward the end of Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Commissioner Mathiesen led a discussion on the subject of a ‘Response to Mayor Yepsen’s Open Letter to the Citizens of Saratoga Springs,’ which appeared in our pages on April 22, and was written in response to our cover story (“Recusal or Refusal”) of April 15. The full recording of the discussion is archived on the city website (www.saratoga-springs. org). While final decisions from the City’s Ethics Board, on several inquiries related to this subject, are still pending (some have been filed over three months ago!), some things need to be made clear now.

In Tuesday’s discussion, the Mayor repeated her claim that she was somehow treated unfairly. But, in my

opinion, Saratoga TODAY was more than fair in affording the Mayor an entire page to respond, and this was the fairest vehicle we could extend given the extremely tight timeframe. During Tuesday’s discussion, the Mayor indicated that she submitted facts to the Ethics Board that the Commissioners and this newspaper’s readers were not privy to. The Mayor had an opportunity to put these facts in her open letter, but chose not to.

Eventually, I would like to write a piece that might propose some positive outcomes regarding this ethics controversy – for all concerned. We will continue to try to advance the discussion, while leaving you to draw your own conclusions.

One final thing: I reiterate that I stand 100 percent behind the April 15 story.

State Senator Hugh Farley Announces Retirement ALBANY – After representing the 49th State Senate District for 20 terms, Republican New York State Senator Hugh T. Farley announced on Tuesday, May 3, that he would not seek another term next November.

In a statement, Farley said in part that “…The love of my life, Sharon, my wife of 57 years, is now dealing with several health issues and it is my desire and responsibility to spend more time with her and my family. I have loved my Senate career and feel I have served with honor and integrity. I accomplished more than I ever could have dreamed. I am especially proud to be known as the ‘Father of

Photo provided – credit: nysenate.gov

Hospice,’ having passed the first hospice law in the nation.

“I am most grateful to my family for their sacrifices and support for me all these years. I am honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to serve the people of New York.”

Spirit of Life To Receive State Preservation Award SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Preservation League of New York State selected Congress Park’s Spirit of Life and Spencer Trask Memorial in downtown Saratoga Springs’ to receive an award for Excellence in Historic Preservation.

The Preservation League’s awards program

honors notable achievements in retaining, promoting and reusing the state’s irreplaceable architectural heritage throughout New York State.

The awards will be given to the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation at an awards dinner in New York City on Wednesday, May 11.

NEWS 19

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

“Prepare for the Future and Plan for the Present” City of Saratoga Springs’ 2015 Fiscal Year Ends Strong and in the Black

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Commissioner of Finance Michele Madigan reported at the Tuesday, May 3, Saratoga Springs City Council meeting that 2015 City general fund (operating budget) yearend marks the fourth fiscal year she has completed in the black. Unaudited yearend figures reveal a moderate annual operating surplus in the amount of $811,505. “With excellent policies and practices in place, the City continues its strong financial position. This kind of fiscal health allows us to prepare for the future and plan for the present,” states Madigan.

Actual 2015 revenue collected totaled $43,952,033.

Actual 2015 expenditures totaled $43,140,528. “The City did good job managing its current budget while

considering future needs,” the Commissioner stated.

For 2015, the City is required to have a General Fund unassigned, unappropriated fund balance between $4,401,302 and $11,003,254.

Unaudited figures indicate that the City’s unassigned, unappropriated general fund balance is $9,359,498, well within this range.

The Water and Sewer Funds each have amounts in excess of the maximum these funds are allowed. City policy requires that these amounts be utilized and that the Commissioner of Finance make recommendations to the City Council following an independent audit.

Commissioner Madigan said she is ready to make her required recommendations, stating, “There is

a healthy list of infrastructure needs that can now be addressed, thanks to the prudence of Commissioner Scirocco. Under his guidance, both the Water and Sewer funds turned around years of year-end red. He has paid down over a million dollars on a large debt left to the general fund, and we can now address infrastructure needs that were ignored until his leadership. ” Madigan states that, as in years past, she will continue to evaluate ways to return funds to the taxpayers. “I have kept the property tax rate stable for four years with my recommendations to create, strengthen, and tap reserves; contribute to critical capital needs, such as infrastructure and equipment; plan for future retirement needs; and set aside funds to settle long expired labor

Commissioner of Finance Michele Madigan

contracts.”

The City has fortified its reserves over the last several years, a fact that has

contributed to its high bond rating of AA+ and helped it obtain low interest rates on bonds for capital projects.

Builders Announced for 2016 Saratoga Showcase of Homes SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2016 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Committee is proud to announce a spectacular line-up of fifteen of our region’s finest builders for the area’s premiere new home tour event.

Celebrating 21 years of exceptional homes, this annual fall tradition will once again run over three beautiful weekends on September 17-18, 24-25 and October 1-2.

The award winning builders committed to this year’s event are Amedore Homes, Bella Home Builders, Barbera Homes, Belmonte Builders, Blitman Development, Bonacio Construction, Caruso Home Builders, Herbinger Construction, Heritage Custom Builders, LaFemme Home Builders, Malta Development, McPadden Builders, Saratoga Builders, Terrace Homebuilders and Witt Construction. In total, this will be a blockbuster year with 20 or more new home locations on display in Saratoga County. Tickets to visit these homes will still only be $20.

A special “Taste of Showcase” preview at selected homes is scheduled for Friday, September 16, from 5 to 10 p.m. featuring food samplings from area chefs along with local craft beer and wine tastings.

A limited number of tickets for this

evening will be available and the cost is $25 each. The combination pack of this special preview event and regular showcase ticket will be $40 each.

Corporate sponsorships are now available to support this annual event. For a detailed sponsorship opportunities packet, please contact Barry Potoker at 518-366-0946 or via email bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org.

Over the past 20 years, this community event has contributed over $900,000 to our two local charities. Proceeds from the Showcase of

Homes benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County www.rebuildingtogethersaratoga.org and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties www.glensfallshabitat.org. A total of $44,000 was raised last year. For more details on the 2016 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event, please visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com.

The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. (SBA) is a specialized professional trade associa6 tion representing an industry basic

September 17-18 • September 24-25 • October 1-2 www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com

PARTICIPATING BUILDERS IN THIS YEAR’S EVENT: Amedore Homes Barbera Homes Bella Homes Belmonte Builders Blitman Development ŽŶĂĐŝŽ ŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ Caruso Home Builders ,ĞƌďŝŶŐĞƌ ŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ Heritage Custom Builders LaFemme Home Builders Malta Development McPadden Builders Saratoga Builders Terrace Homebuilders tŝƩ ŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ

Showcase Proceeds Benefit:

to the wellbeing and economy of the people of Saratoga County. Its membership includes residential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers, building material suppliers, sub-contractors, financial institutions, architects,

engineers, realtors, attorneys and other industry professionals. SBA is committed to the continued growth, prosperity and quality of life in Saratoga County. For more information, please visit www. saratogabuilders.org

20

BUSINESS

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Stock Celebrates 25 Years in Photography

by Norra Reyes Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Tenacity and flexibility are necessary qualities to survive the many changes in the photography industry over the last 25 years, and Tom Stock, owner of Saratoga Photographer at 216 West Avenue, has plenty of both.

“I always wanted to start my own thing,” he said, “and it was either Syracuse or Saratoga. I did a market survey in both, and it seemed like greener grass here, so I came to Saratoga, hung my shingle in the middle of a recession, and said I’m just going to do this.”

That was in 1991. Twenty-five years later, Stock’s commercial, industrial, advertising, and architectural photography firm is still thriving in spite of recessions and what he calls “the jagged transition” from film to digital.

When Stock started out, everything was in film, and only

laboratories could process it. That was a set of skills that were sought after, and it was a good market for photographers then.

“I was a lab assistant, and after four years I could hold my hand under the water and know what 68-degree water feels like,” remembered Stock. “A 3-megapixal camera was $12,000. Now you’ve got a 12-megapixal in your cell phone.

With a digital camera, you don’t need any set of skills to process film. A big chunk of the market disappeared and dried up overnight.”

Although there was little demand for film processing, what kept Stock’s business growing was the continued need for the skill and artistry of creating the perfect image.

“It’s the education of whatever medium you’re working in,” said Stock. “Photographers 25 years ago did better photos than the layman on the street because they had better skills and training. That hasn’t changed. I could take your cell phone and make better photos because I

know how to work it, how to light it, how to pose it, and how to make an image say a thousand words.”

That ability enabled Stock to focus on the type of work he likes to do best – commercial, industrial, and advertising. “Some of my friends and family think I shoot weddings and families and dogs,” smiled Stock, shaking his head. “We don’t do weddings and families and dogs.

I like shooting in industrial plants or machine shops, places where there are bright shiny things and technology.”

Stock’s most memorable photo shoot took place in a hospital.

“We do a lot of work for a publishing company out of Clifton Park,” said Stock, “and we had a photo shoot down in Houston where we were taking photographs for a textbook, and needed a photo of a childbirth.”

The purpose was to illustrate how to proceed as a nurse or nursing assistant in the childbirth process.

“We lined up someone who was going to have a baby at the hospital, and they consented to have the

process photographed,” said Stock.

“I shot two regular births and one C-section. And it was totally cool, greatest thing going. If you haven’t attended a birth, you have to do that.”

For Stock, when he looks back over 25 years, it’s the sheer volume of images and types of images and clients he has shot that is mindboggling.

“You gotta keep producing every day,” he said, “and when you take time to step back, you realize, holy s**t, we’ve done quite a bit of business here.”

Stock is the recipient of the BSA Eagle Scout rank, a former U.S. Army Military Policeman, a National Ski Patrol member, an open water SCUBA instructor, and a disabled Army veteran. He graduated cum laude with a BFA in photography at Syracuse University.

The images on this page represent 25 years of the work of Tom Stock. For more information, call 518-584-9784 or visit www.SaratogaPhotographer.com.

BUSINESS BRIEFS 21

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Simply Lake Placid Launches LAKE PLACID — Saratoga TODAY announced the launch of a new magazine, Simply Lake Placid. The new magazine will cover the Lake Placid, Keene Valley and Saranac Lake region.

“This is a natural fit with our existing products and strengths,” stated Saratoga TODAY publisher, Chad Beatty. “It is a similar market,

with similar demographics, and plenty of cross-pollination with both business and home ownership.”

The first edition will be summer 2016, hitting the streets in mid-June, and will include features on the Lake Placid Iron Man, Horse Show, mountain life and the region’s farm-to-fork initiative. Simply Saratoga readers can expect to see its regular features in the new magazine, such as Architecturally Speaking,

family profiles and a calendar of events.

Simply Lake Placid will be semi-annual with a summer and winter editions.

Wine, Cheese, & Gardening: May 13 SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sunnyside Gardens is hosting its third annual wine and cheese party from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 13, in

Meet Newest Chamber Board Members

John Bove, Jr.

Chad Beatty

George W. “Skip” Carlson

SARATOGA COUNTY — Three members were appointed to serve a one-year term on the Board of Directors of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, effective January 1 this year. They are: John Bove, Bove Fuels; Chad Beatty, Saratoga TODAY; and Skip Carlson, Saratoga Casino. This is their first time serving on the board of the Chamber.

John V. Bove is the C.F.O. G.A. at Bove Fuels and Owner at Bove Holdings. He has been a Mechanicville School Board Member since 2007.

Chad Beatty is the owner and publisher of Saratoga TODAY newspaper and several niche magazines, including Simply Saratoga, Welcome Home, Healthy Saratoga, and the new Simply Lake Placid.

Beatty graduated with a degree in journalism from Rider University, and is a past president of the Saratoga Bridges Foundation Board. He currently sits on that board, as well as serves on the board of the Saratoga Hospital Foundation.

George W. “Skip” Carlson is Vice President of External Affairs and Signature Service, Saratoga

Casino Hotel. Carlson holds a degree in economics from the College of the Holy Cross. He has also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau (2000-2002). He is a member of the City of Saratoga Springs Zoning Board of Appeals, serves on the Board of Directors of the Saratoga YMCA and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, and serves as a member of the Saratoga Springs New York Racing Association Oversight Board.

collaboration with the women’s service organization Soroptimist International of Saratoga County.

“Sunny Days Are Here Again” is a free event geared for experienced and would-be gardeners, and will include handpicked gardening specialties, carefully selected vendors, and an enthusiastic “Crazy for Containers” presentation.

Ten percent of sales during the event will benefit programs supported by Soroptimists to improve the lives of women and girls through social and

economic empowerment both locally and globally.

Tickets to the Soroptimists’ 22nd annual Secret Gardens Tour, scheduled for July 10, will also be on sale at the event, or can be purchased through soroptimistsaratoga.org.

To attend the free wine and cheese party, please register by e-mailing your name and number of guests to secretgardensinfo@gmail.com no later than Thursday, May 12. The event will be at Sunnyside Gardens, 345 Church Street, Saratoga Springs.

22

EDUCATION

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Crowded Classrooms

Dorothy Nolan Parents Speak Out Continued from front page.

“This is our first year in the district,” she continued. “Had I known what I know now, that the classes were so large, I would have chosen one of the other elementary schools. I would not have moved to this neighborhood.”

However, according to Michael Piccirillo, Superintendent of SSCD, changes cannot be made to class sections until total student enrollment has been accounted for, which won’t be until the end of the summer.

“Our process, which we’ve used for 20 years, is to monitor the enrollment in sections across the elementary level. We’ll be making adjustments closer to next school year to account for enrollment fluctuations.” said Piccirillo. “We have a lot more movement from outside the district over the summer than people think. Families move and enrollment levels can go up or down significantly.

Often, enrollment will fluctuate into September, and it can fluctuate dramatically.”

“We understand their concern about class size,” added Piccirillo. “But we’re not ready to make any decisions.”

Projections also show that even though class sizes at Dorothy Nolan are larger than other elementary schools, the projected class sizes are still below the district’s target class size of 27.

“If it goes above that target size of 27, we’ll add another section,” said Piccirillo, who noted that adding sections is factored into the budget already, just in case the need arises.

Nevertheless, parents feel that the target class size of 27 is are still too large and also, too dated.

“We need to look at what other schools are doing and reexamine our target class sizes,” said Marriott. “Our target class sizes have been around since the 1990s.

Students have different needs nowadays. We need to give them the best education they can get in the modern age.”

Fellow concerned parent Jackie O’Donnell is also worried

about her son, who is moving on to third grade at Dorothy Nolan next year.

“Third grade is the transition into intermediate – it’s when teachers start asking them to be more independent and it’s also the first year of state testing,” said O’Donnell.

“We started realizing how inequitable it was for our kids at Dorothy Nolan. They’re going into middle school with different experiences than other kids in schools with lower class sizes.

Dorothy Nolan students are not on an equal playing field.”

One parent of a Dorothy Nolan second grader, Brad Thomas, is going one step further to see change happen at the school: he’s running for the school board.

“My reaction to the meeting [on April 21], and the reason I’m running, is that it’s not interactive enough,” explained Thomas, who has been a teacher at Burnt Hills for 22 years.

“All problems can be solved or worked on successfully if

you have that kind of dialogue between parents and school district personnel. The great thing about the 21st Century is that it’s easy to join in and follow that dialogue.”

If elected, Thomas plans to use social media as an avenue to build engagement between parents, board and administration. He also wants the board to take the initiatives parents have been taking to make conclusions about class sizes, such as what Jessica Marriott did.

“Planning is a full time job. Instead of the board presenting the data, the parents are. Why isn’t this core idea being presented by the board and administrators?” questioned Thomas.

On the other hand, Piccirillo noted that the district does care about class sizes, but it’s also just one factor of many when it comes to success in the classroom.

“Research is inconclusive when it comes to class size and student achievement. You

have to get down to a really low class size, like 15 students, for it to really have an impact,” said Piccirillo. “We have high quality teachers and there is a lot of support for them, such as math and literacy coaches, reading teachers, teacher assistants – we have a lot of resources we can and do use to support students.”

Though final decisions are not ready to be made yet, parents are still asking for more open conversation with the board and administration.

“We can all sit down, look at the numbers and figure out a strategy,” concluded Marriott.

“Together, we can make things better for this important school that makes up nearly 30 percent of the elementary population in the district.”

The next school board meeting is coming up on May 10, and will focus on the school budget and voting on May 17. For more information about SSCSD, visit saratogaschools.org.

Skidmore’s 105th Commencement scheduled May 21 SARATOGA SPRINGS — Home Made Theater will offer a scholarship of $500 to a graduating senior who will pursue courses in the performing arts either as a performer or on the technical level. The student should submit: a list of activities in this area, including clubs, classes and performances from the past three years; two letters of support, preferably from people within the discipline in which the student is applying; a high school transcript;

a letter written by the student that includes pertinent information on goals, the schools where the student applied, the course of study intended to pursue and other information criteria for the selection process.

The required items should be mailed to Home Made Theater, Jonathan Foster Memorial Award, P.O. Box 1182, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 by May 25, 2016. Please include your home address, email address and telephone number.

Academy for Lifelong Learning Holds Antiques Appraisal Day SARATOGA SPRINGS – On Saturday, May 14, the Academy for Lifelong Learning will be holding an antiques appraisal event sponsored

by Prestwick Chase at the SaratogaWilton Elks Lodge, located at 1 Elks Lane in Saratoga Springs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.The public is welcome to bring artwork, jewelry, furniture, clocks, tools, bottles, coins, rugs, anything old to be appraised by local antique appraisers: Heigel &

Schmidt, Marion Barba, Raymond Bennett of Ballston Coin and a regional representative from Cowan’s Auctions (as seen on the Antiques Roadshow) of Cincinnati, Ohio.

The event is open to the public. Items will be appraised at $10 each or 3 for $25. All proceeds go to Academy programs. For more information, call the Academy at 5872100 ext. 2415, www.esc.edu/all

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Approximately 600 members of the Class of 2016 will be recognized at the 105th Skidmore College Commencement on Saturday, May 21, beginning at 10:40 a.m. at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) Honorary degrees will be presented to two distinguished

guests: internationally acclaimed pianist Emanuel Ax and activist/ scholar Bernice Johnson Reagon.

Each degree recipient will briefly address the graduates and their guests. Following Skidmore tradition, a faculty speaker chosen by the graduating class will deliver commencement remarks. This year that speaker is

Katherine (Kate) Graney, associate professor of government and director of gender studies.

Remarks also will be delivered by Skidmore President Philip A. Glotzbach, Linda Toohey, chair of the Skidmore Board of Trustees, and Miles Calzini, president of the Class of 2016.

Lacrosse Team Coach Suspended SARATOGA SPRINGS – Jon Warner, coach of the Saratoga Springs boys’ varsity lacrosse team, has been suspended from his coaching responsibilities due to the use of inappropriate language toward players on the team, which is an infraction of the school district’s coaching handbook.

In Coach Warner’s absence, the team will be coached by assistants Joe

Hayes and Mark Ventra, according to Superintendent Michael Piccirillo.

“This is an unfortunate situation for all involved,” Mr. Piccirillo said. “We hold all of our employees and students to high standards of behavior, and they are held accountable when they fail to meet those standards.”

The school district will provide the team with the support necessary to successfully

compete in the remaining games of this season, Mr. Piccirillo added.

Mr. Warner is a science teacher at Saratoga Springs High School, and the coaching suspension does not affect his employment there.

School district officials made the decision concerning the suspension yesterday afternoon following an investigation and a meeting with Mr. Warner.

EDUCATION BRIEFS

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

23

Spa Catholic Students Meet WW2 Vets

Mr. Samuel Cahan (center) with students Grace O’Reilley, Caroline Motler, Fiza Bhatti, Adian Khoury and Natalie Coffman-Farrell. Photo provided.

Ms. Marion Buchanan (center, a 106-year-young veteran, with Grace O’Reilly and Caroline Motler. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Tuesday, May 3, Saratoga Central Catholic’s American history 8 students had the

questions and talking to the nine veterans about their experiences.

opportunity to meet with some World War II Veterans that reside at Prestwick Chase.

For six years fellow resident

BSpa High School Recognized by Washington Post BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa High School was recently recognized on The Washington Post’s list of 2016 America’s Most Challenging High Schools, with prior recognitions in 2015, 2014 and 2011. The school joins Burnt Hills and Voorheesville High Schools as the schools from the region to qualify for this annual recognition. The qualifications focus on student participation in advanced high school coursework, including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and the Cambridge University Courses.

“Strength of transcript is a

critical piece of the college admissions process, and access to advanced coursework helps position our students to be as competitive as possible,” indicated Superintendent Joseph P. Dragone, Ph.D. “We are constantly expanding our portfolio of advanced coursework, including the addition of 18 new college courses through our partnership with Schenectady County Community College.”

Additional information on all academic programs is available at bscsd.org or by contacting the high school at 884-7150 ext. 2362.

Mary Worthman has helped organize the afternoon event for students. Eleven students were able to spend time asking

Saratoga Independent School Kite Festival SARATOGA SPRINGS – For the past five years, the Saratoga Independent School has proudly hosted Kite Festival, a fun-filled community event on the school’s gorgeous Adirondack campus located at 459 Lake Avenue.

This outdoor event will include

kite flying, arts and crafts, face painting, food trucks and a bounce house. This year the festival will take place Saturday, May 14from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This event is FREE and open to the public.

C-SPAN to Visit Maple Avenue Middle School SARATOGA SPRINGS – C-SPAN will visit Maple Avenue Middle School on Monday, May 9 to honor local winner Amalia Culpepper-Wehr for her winning entry in C-SPAN’s annual student video documentary competition, StudentCam. A

Upcoming Concerts at Maple Avenue Middle School and Saratoga High School May 9 at 7:30 p.m. – Chamber Orchestra and Orchestra 8 Concert, Maple Avenue Middle School May 11 at 7:30 p.m. – High School Band Night, High School May 12 at 7:30 p.m. – Orchestra 6 & 7 Concert, Maple Avenue Middle School May 16 at 7:30 p.m. – Band 7 & 8 Concert, Maple Avenue Middle School May 17 at 7:30 p.m. – High School Chorus Concert, High School May 18 at 7:30 p.m. – High School Orchestra Concert, High School May 19 at 7:30 p.m. – Band 6 & Chorus 6 Concert, Maple Avenue Middle School These events are free and open to the public.

representative from C-SPAN will present a StudentCam certificate of merit to CulpepperWehr in front of classmates, teahcers, family and elected officials. The winning video will be viewed during the congratulatory event.

24

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

25

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

To Advertise in the Summer Camp Guide

Call (518) 581-2480

THIS WEEK’S

SPOTLIGHT

Registration Begins:

February 29 City Residents CAMP SARADAC March 21 Non City Residents at the Recreation Center

(518) 587-3550 ext. 2300 www.SaratogaRec.com

Registration Begins: February 29 City Residents March 21 Non City Residents at the Recreation Center

(518) 587-3550 ext. 2300 www.SaratogaRec.com Camp Saradac, located at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center, is a NYSDOH licensed full day summer camp for children ages 5-15. Our camp offers exciting weekly field trips, creative recreational and educational programs, arts & crafts, weekly swimming, and themed weeks.

Camp activities are designed to promote fun and fitness while providing opportunities for campers to grow. Last season’s favorites: the Saratoga County Fair, the Great Escape, Tri-City Valley Cats and of course our weekly visits to the Peerless Pool will all be a part of our 2016 field trip line-up. Check our website for a complete schedule of all of our field trips.

Camp Saradac, located egistration Begins : at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center, is a NYSDOH licensed full day

summer camp for children ages 5-15. Our camp offers exciting weekly field trips, creative bruary recreational 29 City Residents and educational programs, arts & crafts, weekly swimming, and themed weeks.

The 2016 Summer Camp runs rch Camp 21 Non City Residents Monday through Fridayfor from activities are designed to promote fun and fitness while providing opportunities 8:45am to 4:45pm starting June 27 and continues through August 19 . campers to Center grow. Last season’s favorites: the Saratoga County Fair, the Great Parents Escape, Tri-City at the Recreation love the convenience of our before and after care program.

Valley Cats and of course our weekly visits to the Peerless Pool will all be a part of our 2016 Children who are registered may be 18) 587-3550 ext. 2300 dropped off at 7:30am and picked field trip line-up. Check our website for a complete schedule of all of our field trips. up as late as 6:00pm. Registration is th

th

www.SaratogaRec.com

on a first come, first served basis so please don’t wait. Camp registration f or m s a re av ai l a bl e at www.saratogarec.com or can be picked up at the Recreation Center. th If you have any questions, please contact us.

The 2016 Summer Camp runs Monday through Friday from Saradac, located at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center, is a NYSDOH licensed full day mer camp for children ages 5-15. Our camp offers exciting weekly field trips, creative 8:45am to 4:45pm starting June 27 ational and educational programs, arts & crafts, weekly swimming, and themed weeks. th Find us on Facebook at and continues through Saratoga Springs Recreation Dept.

See you August this summer!!! 19 . activities are designed to promote fun and fitness while providing opportunities for ers to grow. Last season’s favorites: the Saratoga County Fair, the Great Escape, Tri-City Parents love the convenience of our y Cats and of course our weekly visits to the Peerless Pool will all be a part of our 2016 before and after care program. rip line-up. Check our website for a complete schedule of all of our field trips.

Children who are registered may be The 2016 Summer Camp runs Monday through Friday from dropped off at 7:30am and picked th 8:45am to 4:45pm starting June 27 up as late as 6:00pm. Registration is and continues through August 19th. on a first come, first served basis so Parents love the convenience of our before and after care program. please don’t wait. Camp registration Children who are registered may be f or m s a re av ai l a bl e at Saratoga Springs Recreation Centerdropped off at 7:30am and picked as late as 6:00pm. Registration is www.saratogarec.com or can be 15 Vanderbilt Ave, Saratoga Springs,upNY 12866 on a first come, first served basis so (518) 587-3550 ext. 2300 picked up at the Recreation Center. please don’t wait. Camp registration RecReservations@saratoga-springs.org If you have any questions, please f or m s a re av ai l a bl e at toga Springs Recreation Center www.saratogarec.com or can be anderbilt Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 contact us.

Saratoga Springs Recreation Center 15 Vanderbilt Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 587-3550 ext. 2300 RecReservations@saratoga-springs.org

) 587-3550 ext. 2300 Find us eservations@saratoga-springs.org

picked up at the Recreation Center. any questions, please

on Facebook at If you have contact us.

Saratoga Springs Recreation Dept.

Find us on Facebook at Saratoga Springs Recreation Dept.

See you this summer!!!

See you this summer!!!

26

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Spring H o m e D é c o r S a m p l e r D

elight in the changing seasons with hopeful new additions to your living space. Soft, gentle hues ease us from our decorating slumber, and zesty bursts of color remind us of the exciting surprises that the summertime sun has in store for us to explore.

Fascinate your senses with the scents, textures, and fresh new looks that Spring can bring!

by Megin Potter for Saratoga TODAY

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Finishing Touches 217 Ballard Road, Wilton 518-584-1490 finishingtouchesstore.com

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1. Set a springtime table with nature-inspired plates, glasses and flatware by Juliska.

5. Floral etched bottles by Two’s Company have an infinite number of uses.

2. Capture the glorious beauty of spring song birds with the Lockwood pillow by Pomeroy.

6. Instantly liven up a space with bold classics like these outdoor chair pillows by Chandler 4 Corners.

3. Add pops of bright color with Tropicana Bubble votives (available in assorted colors and sizes).

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This simple transparent Transloetje green lamp by Fatboy is a clear choice to complement spring décor.

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ishments ll e b m e e Add th stantly in l il w t a h t cor with é d r u o y update ave an le t a h t s item

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Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

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Homessence

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439 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518-306-6445 homessencestore.com 1. Relish the sweet smell of spring with a jasmine diffuser and candles.

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2. Balance fire and water beautifully with glass candle holders (available in 3 sizes) in trendy aqua blue hues.

3. A white melamine leaf dish lets nature’s delicate designs be put to practical outdoor use.

4. Those first spring blooms are perfectly displayed in bud vases, handmade in the USA. 5. Reminiscent of pebbles in a bubbling brook, this USA Handmade glass platter is a lovely display piece or serving platter.

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ur creativity o y te a n e v ju Re on from with inspirati fted pieces artistically cra that just say,

” Sp ri n g”!

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Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Schuyler Pond Home & Garden

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44 Lake Avenue, Saratoga 518-581-8422 schuylerpond.com

1. Exclusively at Schuyler Pond, original works by local artist Jennifer Lanne add bold color to your wall, or with placements and coasters from her Art at Home Collection, to your dining table‌or even your picnic table!

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2. Good Home laundry fragrances and linen sprays in the irresistible, natural scents of Grass, Beach Days, and Lavender freshen up your space for spring.

3. Luminous Mercury glass votives sparkle in luscious beach hues.

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4. Green and blue milk glass pitchers, goblets and bowls in the perfect shades for Spring-ing out. Fill with flowers, lemonade, wine or ice cream for a sweet taste of spring.

5. Vintage-inspired melamine cups, in bright solids or fun patterns, are great to mix-and-match and enjoy while poolside, barbecuing, or relaxing on the back porch.

6. Simple, sassy succulents in vintage cups lend a bit of garden-y green to any windowsill.

Brimming w

ch a rm i n g s eaiths o t rea s u re s, this retanil a l boutique (n

ow located n ext to Scallions restaurant) is a delicious tre at for spring time shoppers.

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Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Silverwood

398 Broadway, Saratoga 518-583-3600 silverwoodgalleries.com 1. Perch storybook lanterns on your porch to welcome in the warmer weather.

2. Bring the cheerfulness of the season into your home yearround with carefully chosen faux florals that truly look real.

3. Versatile pastel dishware in pale blue hues adds a nice spring feeling to the table.

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4. Have your home smelling amazing with these great-looking Park Hill candles in willowwrapped glass.

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5. Putting everything in its place during spring cleaning time is easy with stylish wall hooks.

6. Whether you go large or small, advantageous art placement can effortless transform any space.

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lend art Cohesively b me dĂŠcor into your ho your to complete

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s p ri n g deenscige.n ex pe ri

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Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Property Transactions BALLSTON SPA 7 Sherwood Park Dr., $263,000.

Dennis Pokrzwka sold property to Daniel and Brianna Thomas.

75 Lancaster Court, $325,777.

Traditional Homebuilders and Developers Inc. sold property to Robert Orilio.

114 McLean St., $165,000.

Bradlea Raga-Barone and Michael Barone sold property to Suzanne Golub.

28 Midline Rd., $174,900.

David Rubin sold property to Weichert Workforce Mobility Inc. 28 Midline Rd., $174,900.

Weichert Workforce Mobility Inc. sold property to Rachel Vogt and Christopher Doucette.

440 Charlton Rd., $405,000.

Gregory and Allison Moran sold property to Garth Ellms.

CHARLTON 51 Vines Rd., $350,000. Partrick and Jennifer Motel sold property to Alexander and Megan James.

CLIFTON PARK 1 Mountain Laurel Dr., $264,000. Patrick Butler and Lori Joyce sold property to Gary Curwin.

32 Wishing Well Lane, $425,831. U S Bank National Association (as Trustee by Atty) sold property to Mark and Jyllian Carota.

7 Eagle Trace, $325,000.

Thomas and Bonnie Werner sold property to Frank Suozzi.

48 Pico Rd., $174,997.

Cheryl O’Brien (by Agent) sold property to Michael McCarthy, Jr. 36 Evergreen Ave., $260,075.

George Martell sold property to Wendy Borden , David Borden and Edna Borden.

4 Birch Hill Ct., $368,000.

Melinda Sonner sold property to Henry Grohman and Xiao Liang.

14 Skybrook Circle, $445,000.

Hao Cheng Tsai sold property to Shan and Liang Wu. 19 Turnberry Lane, $221,000.

Elroy and Marie Christie sold property to Michael and Heather Torino.

Edward Smathers and Jessica Painter.

2 Clare Ct., $375,000. Timothy and Laura Coll sold property to Stephen and Jamie Bronder.

2 Pond View Dr., $458,403.

Tralongo Builders Inc. sold property to Wenqing Ding.

29 Denkers Dr., $245,000.

Raymond Waite sold property to Nelson and Briseida Lopez.

111 Tallow Wood Dr., $177,000.

William and Julie Hall sold property to Tara Dewey.

CORINTH 58 Hamilton Ave., $45,529.

Jeffery and Brenda Winslow sold property to Jeffrey Winslow.

GALWAY May Rd., $15,000. Carolyn Tranter sold property to Christopher and Kerry Stallmer.

7 Trevor Ct., $220,000. Marilyn Buck sold property to Michael Armenia.

4846 Sacandaga Rd., $310,000.

Dorothy Zweighaft sold property to Martin Vanags and Trisha Nusbaum.

6 Clare Ct., $427,500. Carolyn Jones sold property to Christopher and Deborah Corbari.

5333 Jockey St., $389,000.

Rebecca Hockaday sold property to Stone Financing LLC.

955 Riverview Rd., $206,000.

Laura Meyer sold property to

5333 Jockey St., $389,000. Stone Financing LLC sold property

to Kenneth and Jennifer Comstock.

GREENFIELD 20 Nat Hill Rd., $110,000.

Sarcom Land Development Company Inc. sold property to Bruce and Joan Kay. 39 Alpine Meadows Rd., $8,336.

Joshua Westad sold property to Joshua and Emily Lasell .

41 Greene Rd., $65,000. Point at Greene Road LLC sold property to Jeremy Pollard and Susan Carmean.

3220 Route 9N, $17,000.

Michael and Mary Gast sold property to Donald Blanchard.

HALFMOON 41 Saville Row, $503,325.

Legacy Builders LLC sold property to Thomnas and Bonnie Werner.

59 Covington Row, $365,000.

Debra Coffey sold property to Thomas and Roseanne Clavin.

11 Victor Dr., $360,000. EW Birch Builders Victors Farm Inc. sold property to James and Christa Canfield.

6B Inglewood Dr., $322,500.

Bordeau Builders Inc. sold property to Catherine Smith.

MALTA 13 Callaghan Blvd., $103,250.

Blitman Rosen Development LLC sold property to Pipino Builders LLC. 18 Saratoga Farm Rd., $170,000. HM Ventures Inc. sold property to Steven and Rosemary Matthews.

131 Arrow Wood Place, $175,000. Christopher and Jennifer Madia sold property to Ashley Comstock and Zackary Taylor.

101 Wineberry Lane, $210,000.

Raymond and Linda Bertrand sold property to Alyssa Whitcher.

251 Thimbleberry Rd., $165,000.Penny Hardenstine sold property to Ryan and Alicia Pierce.

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Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

No More WEEDS!

by Peter Bowden for Saratoga TODAY This is the time of year when we’re planting and starting to worry about weeds. When I’m talking to customers about mulching to prevent weeds, I’ll mention covering the soil with cardboard or brown paper before putting down the mulch. This is the moment where I either get the raised eyebrow or even the hairy eyeball. I guess this is because most folks view cardboard as garbage so I’m suggesting putting garbage on the ground under

their mulch.

There’s a constant battle between the lawn and the flowerbeds. The grass is always trying to invade the flowerbeds, and we are always trying to stop it. We call this ‘edging’. There are lots of options. Some folks sink edging blocks or even bricks into the soil.

There is also metal or plastic edging that is buried in the ground.

All this is done to prevent the grass tillers (underground shoots) from taking hold in our landscaping and flowerbeds. Installing edging is a pain in the rear and in the case of blocks or bricks, the grass always seems to find a way through a crack. Metal or plastic edging can work but you can never mow right up to it so you need to spend more time

trimming the edge with a weed whacker or grass shears...remember those?

There is an easier way, and all you need is a shovel. I use a straight bladed shovel for a nice neat edge. Simply slice into the grass at the edge of the bed at a steep angle 4” deep. Grass can’t cross that barrier of air so it won’t make it into the bed on the other

side of the trench. This is much easier than installing blocks or rolls of edging. Best of all, I can mow right up to this edge so I don’t need to waste time weed whacking. After 3 or 4 years you’ll need to re-cut the edge but it is easy and quick once the edge is established.

But wait!! It gets better!

I have an area that is difficult to mow around so I decided to turn it into a mulched bed to make mowing easier. You can see the difficulty...there’s a storage bin, a couple of weeping pines, a hydrangea and a stump...it is nasty looking and darned near impossible to mow around all these obstacles.

I used the hose to outline the edge I want. It will be a nice rounded bed that will be easy to mow around. The next step is to make a few slices along the hose so I know where to make my edge. Then I simply finish making my cut...steep in the lawn side and sloping up into the bed on the other. I just toss the clumps I dig out into the bed...why waste good soil I say. “But what about all the grass and weeds in the bed...and all the clumps of grass you tossed in?” you’re asking. I suppose that I could spend a couple of hours digging out all the grass and weeds, but I have a much quicker and easier way to deal with that... cardboard! A layer of cardboard will smother the grass and it will die. All the clumps of sod that I tossed in will compost into the soil. I’m always on the prowl for large pieces of cardboard. I was lucky that a coworker had just

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

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done some home improvement and gave me the cardboard that a new front door and some appliances came in.

Once the bed is all covered with cardboard, I used a razor knife to slice the cardboard along the edge of the bed. Make sure that the cardboard overlaps heavily so the grass and weeds can’t get through...8” of overlap will stop them. I also used the razor knife to cut the cardboard so it fits around the trunks of the pines and hydrangea. Now all that’s left is putting mulch on the cardboard. This is the fun part, and it goes down quickly. I put a 4” to 5” layer of cedar mulch

down. There are many types of mulch, but I like cedar because it’s cheap and smells nice too.

Now, with the mulch down, the area looks great and mowing will be simple. It looks a little sparse now but more plants can

be added to the bed easily. Just brush the mulch aside, cut a hole in the cardboard and plant....easy peasy and it looks sooo much better now. In all, this took less than a half hour, and I used 7 bags of cedar mulch. Thanks for the read.

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Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Solar for the Family Farm

by Norra Reyes Saratoga TODAY REXFORD — Farming and sunshine go hand-in-hand, and when your daily life depends on the weather, a little predictability with your electric bill can be a welcome relief. For Kevin Bowman of Bowman Orchards, a family farm located at 141 Sugarhill Road in Rexford, going solar just made sense.

“The farm has been in my family for about 63 years, and my wife and I’ve owned it 12 years,” said Bowman. “We’re a hundred acres of mostly apples and some other tree fruits and small fruits, and we retail about 80 percent of it. We use a lot of electricity. Sometimes our power bills have been $3,000 a month during the peak season.”

With cold storage for roughly 10,000 bushels, refrigeration makes up a large part of the Bowman Orchard electric bill, along with cider processing

operations and apple packing facilities. So, Bowman made the decision to join the many farmers choosing to place solar energy systems on their farms over the last decade.

“We’ve found that farmers gravitate toward solar,” said Brian Nowitzki, sales manager of Hudson Solar. “They like the independence, and harvesting their own energy is a good fit. Plus, the system can last upwards of 30 years, and they can see the benefits for themselves and for their heirs. It’s natural, protects the environment, and protects them for the future because they are nervous about where energy prices are going to be ten, twenty years and more in the future. It makes energy costs predictable.”

Bowman Orchards went with both rooftop panels and ground-mounted panels which were installed in August 2012

by Hudson Solar.

“Our system we purchased

outright, so in the end – we’ll own it,” said Bowman. “We’re very happy with it, and in a couple years, it’ll be cash flow positive. And, I think it just gives us one more way of being environmental stewards of the land.”

John Hand of Hand Melon Farm located at 533 Wilbur Avenue in Greenwich installed solar on his family farm this past fall. “I was in the midst of doing a conservation easement on my farm with the Agricultural Stewardship Association of Greenwich, which resulted in a significant sum of money that I received for allowing it to be put on my farm,” said Hand. “That sum of money is subject to capital gains tax. The tax incentives associated with solar panel installations was a nice way to recoup some of that.”

Hand had been interested in solar panel installation anyway, so he worked with some tax advisors and financial planners, and soon it became evident that the tax benefits made sense.

“Then I checked with different solar panel companies, and Hudson Solar seemed to me to be the most professional company for me to deal with,” said Hand.

The company visited the farm, surveyed the site and previous years of electrical consumption and offered a proposal. Hand had two barns that faced close enough to South to be good candidates for rooftop installation.

“It was a neat, tidy installation, very professional,” said Hand. “I do not expect to have a power bill for the life of the system, the next 25 years.”

Hand’s main electrical

Bowman Orchards ground solar panels. Photo provided.

consumption are the coolers used for fresh picked vegetables, but he also has a small horse boarding operation, so he must power water heaters to keep the horses’ water from freezing in the winter. The farm also has three greenhouses that use a fair amount for ventilation fans and furnaces.

“We own a little over 400 acres,” said Hand. “We grow fruits and vegetables, and have a farm stand on Route 29 across from the Washington County Fairgrounds.” They have plenty of “pick your own” options, with strawberries in June, blueberries in July, and raspberries, tomatoes, peppers and winter squash in September.

“The trickiest part for farmers is that most of the benefits afforded to solar are income tax-related, rather than upfront grants, which can

be tough for some but works well for others,” said Nowitzki.

“It really is something worth exploring in depth. Our company has been in business helping farms for 14 years. We know the laws and the available incentives, and the big crux of the matter is that solar incentives aren’t going to last forever.”

Hudson Solar is a New York–based, family-owned business serving upstate New York. The company designs and installs systems for residential, commercial, agriculture and municipal/non-profit organizations. For more information about solar installations and Hudson Solar, call 866-927-4169 or visit www. hvce.com. For more information about the farms, visit www.B owmanOrchards.com or www.HandMelonFarm.com.

Hand Melon Farm rooftop solar panels. Photo provided

FOOD 35

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Sometimes Mom Just Wants To Be Coddled!

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY Hello my Foodie Friends!

Well Mother’s Day is upon us and it is one of my favorite holidays!

My mother loved all the attention she got from her five kids on this day. However, not matter how hard we tried to get her to relax and not cook we would invariably fail! She loved Brunch and would put out the best food! As we got older and had 2 places to go she would claim Brunch as her time with us! So it was Brunch my Mom and Dinner with my other

Mom (Paula’s). My Mom was an egg genius! And coddled eggs were one of her specialty. These recipes are similar to hers and are from my friends at LeCrueset! It has been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and if you have big one you can feel full all day!

INSTRUCTIONS Create as many servings as you like with these recipes; the ingredients listed are for one serving. Use two eggs per Mini Cocotte. Preheat oven to 325 F. Coddled Eggs with Truffle: Add 1 tablespoon black truffle butter into the mini cocotte, followed by the eggs. Cover and bake 15 minutes, or just until the white is set.

Coddled Eggs with Ham and Cheese: Place 1 ounce diced or thinly sliced ham into the mini cocotte, just enough to cover the bottom.

Add the eggs and cover with 1 tablespoon grated cheddar cheese.

Cover and bake 15 minutes or just

until the white is set.

Coddled Eggs with Olive Oil and Parmigiano-Reggiano: Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil into the cocotte, followed by the eggs. Cover with 1 tablespoon grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Cover and bake 15 minutes, or just until the white is set.

Coddled Eggs with Cream and Tarragon: Add 1 tablespoon of cream to the cocotte, followed by the eggs.

Cover and bake 15 minutes, or just until the white is set. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon freshly minced tarragon.

What ever you choose I know you’ll love them! Also, Paula’s Mom (The Beautiful Marie) would push dinner back late so our appetites were back!

So stop in to Compliments to the Chef on 46 Marion Ave and pick up your mini cocottes!

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

Take care, John and Paula

Saratoga Water Files Cease and Desist to Saratoga Juice Bar SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Spring Water Company, known as Saratoga Water, has filed a cease and desist letter and a “petition to cancel” Saratoga Juice Bar LLC’s registered and trademarked name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Saratoga Juice Bar is a well-known cold pressed juice and wellness brand based in Saratoga Springs, with a shop on Broadway.

Saratoga Juice Bar was founded in July 2013 by Christel and Colin Maclean. Since 2015, Saratoga Juice Bar has been wholesaling its cold pressed juices to retailers in the Saratoga Springs region, New York City and New England in a variety of settings.

Aware that the word “Saratoga” has been used to

market countless brands, the MacLeans engaged the services of one of the top trademark attorneys to ensure that they secured the trademark rights to market their unique brand. Their approach was successful and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted the registration of their trademark on November 11, 2014.

Saratoga Water’s claim, according to documents issued to the MacLeans, rests upon their assertion that the Saratoga Juice Bar brand and use of the word “Saratoga” can cause Saratoga Water harm by creating confusion in the marketplace.

The MacLeans dispute this claim: “Saratoga Water was founded in 1872 and is known worldwide as a premium water

company. Saratoga Water sells flat, sparkling or flavored water and is sold in either its instantly recognizable cobalt blue glass bottles or plastic bottles with its distinctive logos. Our logo features a pineapple and looks nothing like the Saratoga Water logos; our bottles are a completely different size and shape filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, not water.”

“Saratoga Water is embarking on a very expensive and punitive attack on our young juice company,” continued the Macleans.

“We find Saratoga Water’s claim that our product confuses the customer and damages their brand to be an outrageous fabrication and a hostile attempt to undermine our fledgling brand.”

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FOOD

Risotto

By Himanee Gupta-Carlson Wednesdays, 3 to 6 Saturdays, 9 to 1 High Rock Avenue Farmers’ Market Pavillion Poetry on our food and farms

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market opens its first Saturday market of the summer 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow at High Rock Park. In celebration of its move outdoors, market-passionate poets and a photographer have shared the following poems and photos. Honoring April’s National Poetry Month, these pieces capture a sense of what the market means: local food, local farms, and local community.

Before slow food, risotto was what you ate on a fancy night.

Store bought vegetables and meats paired with broth in a can shortened the prep, and made a meal that was yummy but lacking.

Tonight, we had broth, from a chicken cooked into three meals before the carcass went into water and was slow cooked for meals four and five.

If there’s a whole chicken in your diet every 10 days, risotto will follow.

Garlic harvested in July, squash picked and preserved in August, beans harvested in September, tomatoes dehydrated in October, mushrooms from Bobby, sausages from Arnold, and some Pleasant Valley chives make risotto a dish of all seasons, Of summer unwilling to yield to fall, fall holding its own through winter, winter not ready to recede into spring, of spring seeking a toehold as a new year unfolds.

Farm to Table Photo Poem, by Pattie Garrett

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Fox and Hens

By Jeannine Laverty

Stumbling down the sleet-lumpy path in early sunshine Jeans pulled over sleep-warmed jerseys, I shiver the hens bunched up at the coop door.

They’ll be eager to flow into this cold world, Like water from a faucet over the floor Their clawed toes deltas for balancing puffed bodies.

When I lift the fencing away and release the hook that keeps the broken-zippered Door sides close enough to discourage entry or exit The tame birds poke and pour out around me.

They’d been drowsing until they heard the porch door slap wing overlapping wing for warmth.

I follow the directions the farmer gave me: Dump out the V-shaped feeders they’ve messed in, Leave the leftover grain in the others.

I’m shaking cracked corn end to end When squawking flapping claps draw me back outside.

Hens are in the air, beaks as wide as wings.

A scruffy fox hunches Dark against the snow they’re fleeing.

One lifted forepaw hangs worthless.

I feel its hurt.

I head for him He heads for the barn We’re both animal bodies More than minds.

I halt on a threshold littered with soft golden shavings His jaws must have spat out those bloodless fleshless feathers We eye one another.

Will he shoot toward me Rabid and starving Jaws empty of food but not of teeth?

He veers left right Bangs against then stumbles under barn wall.

I flinch at the echo of that further hurt.

By the time I pivot to the light He’s vanished.

Down the hill I track his three feet, and one slurred.

I’ve crossed into wild territory, Spy paths made by sets of four strong legs.

Foxes raccoons possums skunks coyotes weasels Who knew the work and cargo moving Just beyond our human claim?

But it’s a slippery incline Morning and overnight eggs wait to be gathered Warm I leave the wild and hungry Head back to nailed, square-cornered spaces.

At the barn door one hen explores gingerly, crooning to herself, her chest and leg feathers disarranged.

Does she rehearse and wonder how she escaped?

Does she mourn those soft curls she steps among?

The layers have resumed their scratch-searches Sparrows swoop inside the coop to check the corn.

I’m the animal who thinks of shaping words, enlivening the dying fox.

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Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Derby Party Vets Fundraiser SARATOGA SPRINGS – The First Annual Horses, Health, and Changing History fundraising event for “Project Transition,” a program that helps veterans with PTSD and spinal cord injuries and their families, was a great success on Sunday,

May 1, at the Gideon Putnam Hotel.

Thank you to everyone who participated, including Sackatoga Stables’ owner and manager Jack Knowlton.

For more information, please call Bill Yaiser at 518-491-0556.

Flanders – Cataldo Engagement

Jack Knowlton. Photo by John Huppuck.

Emergency Squad Fundraiser GREENWICH – We are elated to announce that General Schuyler Emergency Squad, has been chosen by the Greenwich Hannaford as part of the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag

Program. This means every time anyone purchases the blue reusable bag with the good karma message and Yellow Straps at Hannaford Greenwich, 1165 Rt 29, during the month of

May, $1 will be donated to our organization. The bags retail for just $2.29 and are located at the reusable bag rack. Please go to the store, find the reusable bag rack and buy the bag.

Finocci Guests on “Talk Saratoga” SARATOGA SPRINGS – Tune in Saturday May 7 to ‘Talk Saratoga’ on 91.1 AM, Skidmore Radio from 8-9 a.m. with your hosts Rick Thompson and Lynn Goodness as they welcome guest, Michael Finocci, Executive Director of Shelters of Saratoga.

We’ll be talking about the homeless numbers in Saratoga and how

Michael helped 2 Cities, Troy and Schenectady get a handle on the situation. Call in a question for Michael at 518-580-5783. You can also listen live on your computer by going to http://www. skidmore.edu/studentorgs/wspn/ and click ‘Listen Live’ or use the URL http://tunein.com/radio/ WSPN-911-s22928.

50¢ Cones For Moms on Mother’s Day Sweeten up this Mother’s Day with Stewart’s ice cream! Visit your favorite shop on Sunday, May 8th, and treat Mom to an ice cream cone for just 50¢! Last year, more than 26,000 moms enjoyed this sweet treat. Dads will also get their turn on Father’s Day. There are now several new seasonal flavors to choose from at the

Stewart’s ice cream counter including My Peanut Butter Cup, Salted Butterscotch Swirl, and Brew-Ha-Ha, made with Richer Roast coffee ice cream. Plus we’ve brought back the fan favorite Box of Chocolates (last offered in 2009) and last summer’s favorite, Whiteface Fudge. Several other new flavors will be rolling out over the next few weeks.

Stewart’s ice cream is made with fresh milk from family farms near their plant, so you know you are getting Stewart’s quality and value. At Stewart’s Shops, they say We MOO (Make Our Own) For You! Find more Stewart’s Shops news, specials, and flavors at www.stewartsshops. com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ken Flanders and Lauren Cataldo of Porter Corners become engaged on Sunday, May 1 at the Bow Tie Criterion Cinemas at 19 Railroad Place.

“She loves the movies,” said Flanders. “Dinner and a movie is her favorite thing, and the Oscars are huge for her. It took about five months of planning, and she was

so surprised and happy. I talked to them [Bow Tie] and they were really great about it – they were so nice and so helpful. She said she couldn’t imagine anything better.”

Flanders works at Roma Foods Importing Company in Saratoga Springs, and Cataldo works at C.R. Bard in Queesnbury.

Wedding plans are in the beginning stages.

38 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congregation Shaara Tfille* 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs 584-2370 | saratogasynagogue.org Services: Saturday 10 a.m.

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

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

RELIGION Eastern Orthodox — Christ the Savior 349 Eastline Road, Ballston Spa 786-3100 | xcsavior@yahoo.com.

Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016 Saratoga Chabad 130 Circular St, Saratoga Springs 526-0773 | saratogachabad.com Saratoga Friends Meeting (Quaker) Rts. 32 and 71, Quaker Springs 587-7477; 399-5013 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Terra Nova Church* 45 Washington St, Saratoga Springs 833-0504 | terranovachurch.org Services: Sunday 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 Keith Mann Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

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

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

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.

* — Handicap Accessible

RELIGION 39

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Mother’s Day Weekend Bonanza of Prayer Bishops Concelebrate and East Meets West on Visit of St. Sharbel Relic

East meets west as the faithful from throughout the region are called to receive the graces of the saintly relics of Saint Sharbel Makhluf - a 19th century monk, hermit and miracle worker who was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1977.

St. Sharbel is the first Maronite saint included in the Latinrite calendar of the universal Catholic Church.

Reverend Alaa Issa, Pastor of St. Ann Maronite Catholic Church, announced the schedule for veneration of the Major Relic, which begins with its arrival on Saturday, May 7 at Noon and continues through the day until 7:00 PM. Evening prayers will begin Saturday at 4:30 PM. St. Anns Church is located at 1919 3rd Avenue, Watervliet, NY. His Excellency Bishop Gregory Mansour of the Maronite Catholic Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn and Most Reverend Edward Scharfenberger, Bishop of the Albany Roman Catholic Diocese will concelebrate The Divine Liturgy on Sunday, May 8 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.

Reverend Alaa, expressing the delight of church parishioners said, “We are so happy for the opportunity to host the Bishops Scharfenberger and Mansour on such an important occasion and to have the major relics of our beloved Saint Sharbel in our midst.”

Veneration will continue on Sunday May 8 until 5:00 PM. Mothers are especially invited to receive the special graces of veneration for themselves and their families. May 8 is both St. Sharbel’s birthday and Mother’s Day. Bishop Mansour’s reflection of that is, “Saint Sherbel was contemplative. His whole life was a yearning for God and a pondering of the mysteries of God in his heart.

This is true of mothers. Also, of Mary the mother of God (to whom he was most dedicated).

This is a great opportunity for people in the Albany diocese to encounter the contemplative monk and Mary. And, the contemplative Mom.”

to be a miracle worker and there have been many miracles attributed to the 18th century saint both before his death and after it. Known widely throughout the Middle East and Lebanon, and in Russia and Mexico, Saint Sharbel is revered to be a sign of the Divine Mercy of God for the East and the West, and a compassionate witness for hope, as well as a very active messenger for The Divine Mercy. He is looked on as an instrument of hope that is moved by the Holy Spirit and the Divine Providence.

Further, it is believed that every time a soul in distress calls upon God through the intercession of this Saint of Lebanon there is grace of healing, consolation, conversion and renewal of life in both the body and the spirit of the person who has called for help. Candles, holy oil, or a piece of cloth touched to the relic of Saint Sharbel are blessed and consecrated. St. Ann’s Church will make them readily available.

The veneration of the Saint’s bone relic, considered a Major Relic, is part of the The opportunity to meet Bishops Mansour and Scharfenberger, and to enjoy the hospitality of St. Ann’s Church prepared by women and men of the parish, is extended to all following the Devine Liturgy at 10:00 AM Sunday, May 8. Likewise, all are welcome to attend the veneration on Saturday, May 7 between twelve noon and 7:00 PM. Veneration of the relic continues Sunday following the Mass, and until 5:00 PM. In all the relic will visit 83 Maronite Catholic parishes in the United States. Early medical reports affirmed recently that a gravely ill blind woman’s vision was restored after visiting the relic in a Maronite Church in Phoenix, AZ. A report on 12 News, the local CBS affiliate there, said the 30 year-old mother of two young boys could see clearly in both eyes only two days after her veneration of the relic. Saint Sharable is widely considered

worldwide holy pilgrimage of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Divine Mercy, which was officially proclaimed by Pope Francis on December 8 upon entering the Holy Door of Mercy at St. Peter’s Basilica. A month earlier, the pontiff himself opened the first door outside of Rome in Bangui, the capital of war-torn Central African Republic. Since that time, Mercy doors around the world have been opened in churches, refugee camps and prisons, and even in underground dioceses in China.

The relic, which is bone fragments of the 19th century Lebanese saint that are contained in a hand carved wooden reliquary, is currently visiting Maronite Catholic Churches throughout the eastern United States, from Florida to Maine and will complete its tour in Charlotte, NC on June 4-5. In all, it will have traveled to 86 Maronite parishes across America where many thousands of Eastern and Latin rite Catholics have come for veneration and prayer.

40

LOCAL BRIEFS following. Gather some friends and come check them out, help the Cerebral Palsy Fundraiser, and have a terrific evening.

Sunny Days Are Here Again Wine and Cheese Party at Sunnyside Gardens, 345 Church Street on Friday, May 13 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Sunnyside Gardens and the Soroptimists of Saratoga County invite you to attend a special spring garden celebration to support the 22nd Annual Secret Gardens Tour, organized by Soroptimist International of Saratoga County (SISC). Join us for a delightful journey into this year’s gardening favorites. Sip flavorful wines and enjoy delicious cheeses, stroll through our bountiful greenhouses, visit carefully selected vendors eager to share their expertise, enjoy an enthusiastic “Crazy for Containers” presentation, enter our raffle for a wonderful hanging basket, buy your tickets for the 22nd Secret Gardens Tour on July 10 and join in friendship to support programs for women and girls. Sunnyside Gardens and invited vendors will donate 10 percent of all purchases to Soroptimists. All funds raised at the Sunnyside Gardens event will support SISC programs and services dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls. Please register for this event by emailing your name and # of guests to: secretgardensinfo@gmail.com no later than Thursday, May 12.

Cerebral Palsy Fundraiser On Friday, May 13 party with friends and the Classic 60’s Rock Band, “The Shames”, at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge from 6 to 10 p.m. The cost for this evening is $10 paid at the door or in advance by calling Judy at (518) 587-5568. A cash bar, pub food, root beer floats, trivia games and raffle baskets will be available to add to your enjoyment. We hope many join us to help raise donations to help the Cerebral Palsy Fund. We will have a 1959 Thunderbird automobile parked outside the entrance for you to take selfies of yourselves. There will be an optional donation basket near the car. Find your “60’s” attire and come dressed to enjoy the evening. “The Shames” is a local band comprised of Bill McTygue, Steve Henderer, and Gary Brooks.

They have been playing together since high school and have a devoted

6th Annual Baskets for Ben Fundraiser The Ben Osborn Memorial Fund is happy to announce our Sixth Annual Baskets for Ben Fundraiser, to be held May 13 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Mean Max Brew Works, 193 Glen Street, Glens Falls, New York.

A lively auction of valuable gift baskets donated by local residents and businesses will be featured.

We are raffling a fabulous custommade Adirondack themed Fire Pit forged by Monahan Metals of Glens Falls valued at $500, and a Youth Four-Wheeler ATV from Progressive Motor Sports of Hudson Falls, valued at $2,550. Tickets cost $20 per person, or $35 per couple, which include heavy appetizers, Happy Hour drink prices, desserts, door prizes, gift baskets and entertainment by Hasty Page. The Fund supports children with need in conjunction with 32 schools in Warren, Washington and Saratoga Counties by providing purchased goods and services including electronics, clothing, bedding, food, tutoring, school supplies, eyeglasses, transportation costs, field trip admission expenses, etc. In addition to our school-year gifts, the Fund awards 20 scholarships to qualifying graduating seniors from ten local school districts. The Fund provides household and personal care items to 11 local food pantries.

Ben’s Fund has so far helped well over 3,000 children. To purchase tickets, contact William D. Osborn, President, Ben Osborn Memorial Fund at benosbornfund@gmail.com, or call (518) 792-4514. 100 percent of proceeds are donated to local children.

Pancake Breakfast The Malta Sunrise Rotary Club will hold a pancake breakfast on Saturday, May 14, at the Malta Ridge Fire House, on Route 9, south of Northway Exit 13. Breakfast including scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, orange juice and coffee will be served from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Prices are $6 for adults, $3 for children aged 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under. The Rotary Club will partner with Leatherstocking Honor Flight, which will share in the proceeds.

Tickets will be available at the door, or may be purchased in advance

from Malta Rotary members.

Garden Kick-Off Weekend Sue Ann DuBois of Garden Goddess Sense and Sustainability will once again partner with Dehn’s Flowers and Chef John Capelli of Olde Bryan Inn for unique garden/cooking workshops to kick off the 2016 Workshop Series. Come celebrate a new season of gardening at Saratoga Spring’s oldest greenhouse.

The Garden Goddess and Dehn’s Greenhouse will offer two workshops Saturday May 14. The first will feature Old Bryan Inn’s Chef John at 11 a.m. “Using Spinach and Other Fresh Garden Veggies”. Tasting and recipes follow the demonstration.

The second workshop conducted

by Sue Ann at 12:30 p.m. “Creating Your Personalized Kitchen Garden”, features a family assessment, plant selection, site considerations and individualized plan of action for your kitchen style garden. The event takes place at Dehn’s Flowers and Greenhouses on Beekman St. Saratoga Springs. Workshops are free. Each attendee will be eligible to enter the weekly garden give away.

For more information call Dehn’s Flowers at (518) 584-1880.

Lyme Disease Forum Offers New Solutions to Pain On Saturday, May 14, the Lyme Action Network will offer a one-of-akind, day-long event entitled: “Take Back Your Life – Strategies to Help Conquer the Chronic Pain of Lyme and Other Tic-Borne Diseases”. The event will be held at SUNY Adirondack in the Theater from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This forum has been developed for patients who suffer the chronic pain that often accompanies tick-borne illnesses. Speakers will present information on a variety of topics including: physical and energybased therapies; naturopathic therapies; vision therapy; physical therapy; massage therapy; immune system support and rehabilitation, among others. Tickets are $10 ($20 with lunch) if purchased online in advance at http://bit.ly/1MmtVhl; or $15 (no lunch) at the door. Sponsors of the event are 1st Advantage Dental and Rotary Club of Glens Falls, NY. For more information, contact info@ lymeactionnetwork.org.

A Concert of Baroque Choral Music The Burnt Hills Oratorio Society presents a concert of Baroque choral

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016 music, Sunday, May 15, 3 p.m., at the Zankel Music Center, located on the Skidmore College campus.

The first half of the program is Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and the second half is “Messiah” Part II, which chronicles the death and resurrection of Christ and is being performed at the time of year originally intended by the composer. This glorious music represents the Top Hits of the Baroque era. At the podium will be the new artistic director of BHOS, William Jon Gray, who brings a whole new dimension of excitement and musicality to the chorus. The concert will end with a rousing rendition of the “Hallelujah Chorus,” with everybody in the audience invited to join in. Tickets can be purchased at the Society’s website, www.BHOS.us, or at the door the day of the concert. The Skidmore campus is beautiful in the spring and Zankel is a premier performing venue. What a wonderful way to spend your Sunday afternoon.

1st Annual Golf Tournament The Eagle Matt Lee Fire Company is proudly celebrating 200 years in providing protection to our residents who reside in our Fire District. The Eagle Matt Lee Fire Company #1 will be hosting their 1st Annual Golf Tournament at the Ballston Spa Country Club, located at 1366 West High St., Ballston Spa, NY. Price of $85 per person includes golf, cart, prizes and a BBQ dinner by Henry’s Grill. The event will be held on May 16, 2016 with a 12:00 shotgun. The proceeds from this tournament will be used to support our celebration on June 25th. Please visit our Facebook page for more information or call Pat Morrissey at (518) 885-5272.

Richard Feldman Brings Us “To Life” Part VII For our 12th Anniversary Havurah Vatik event on May 17, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., we will continue to celebrate “TO LIFE” with Richard Feldman presenting the 7th in his series of musical theater selections. This year’s theme: “dreaming, dancing, and love.” Selections include Lauren Bacall in Woman of the Year, Michael Crawford as P.T. Barnum, John Raitt in Carousel, and Liza Minelli singing “I am My Own Best Friend” from Chicago. Add to this Tommy Tune tap dancing, Gershwin songs, plus a scene

from Bloomer Girl. We are in for another lively, legendary set of unforgettable vintage musical moments. Call the Temple Sinai Havurah Vatik reservation line at 584-8730, ext. 4. Let us know if you plan to attend the luncheon, need to cancel your reservation or need transportation. Keep Havurah Vatik alive and well bring along a friend to enjoy this program. Please RSVP by May 11.

Care Links Fundraiser Hilton Garden Inn will be the site for the 13th Annual Luncheon to support CARE LINKS of Southern Saratoga County on Thursday, May 19 at its Clifton Park location.

Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. to provide time to examine the raffle items with lunch served beginning at 12:30 p.m. Ticket price is $25 and the menu is Garden Salad, Chicken Françoise with Rice Pilaf, Green Beans, Vanilla Chocolate Mousse and Coffee or Tea. Tickets may be purchased at Community Human Services, located at 543 Saratoga Road in Glenville, the Clifton Park Town Hall, the Halfmoon Senior Center; Healthplex Fitness located at 1673 Route 9 in Halfmoon; and the Malta Town Hall. CARE LINKS is a program where volunteers are recruited from the community, are trained and matched with seniors who need non-medical assistance.

The program is open to seniors in the towns of Ballston, Charlton, Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Malta and the city of Mechanicville.

Currently there are 280 seniors receiving assistance in one form or another at no cost to them.

Annual Senior Luncheon Hosted by The Saratoga County Office of the Aging, this event is for seniors age 60 and over. It will be held on May 20, 2016 at the Saratoga Springs City Center, located at 522 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Doors open at 11 a.m. and lunch will be served at noon. Menu: chicken parmesan, pasta with sauce, Italian green beans, garlic bread, birthday cake and beverages. No take outs and no animals allowed. There will be live music, door prizes and raffle.

Tickets are required to attend and will not be sold at the door. Tickets can be purchased at The Office of the Aging for $4 each until 5/13/2016. Please call for details (518) 884-4100.

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

CALENDAR 41

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Friday, May 6

tributaries twice a year. This season, volunteers will clean-up 10 sites and trail improvements along the creek.

Maps and transportation to the sites will be provided, but volunteers are needed. Lunch will be provided for volunteers at 12:30 p.m. in the park. Volunteers are reminded to wear weather- and task-appropriate clothing, such as long pants, longsleeved shirts, boots and a sturdy pair of work gloves, preferably leather. For more information, contact Blue Neils at blueryder45@ hotmail.com or (518) 275-6928.

Opening Reception for “Art in the Foyer”

Cub Scout “Zombie” Cub-o-Ree

The National Museum of Dance, 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 6:30 p.m.

The Museum’s annually rotating exhibition highlights dance-inspired fine art. This season presents photographs from the renowned photographer Paul Kolnik. The Museum is pleased to sponsor a wide ranging exhibition of his work from the 1970s to the present.

Light refreshments will be served.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information about exhibitions and upcoming events at the Museum, visit our website at www.dancemuseum.org or call (518) 584-2225 extension 3001.

Clifton Park Elks, 695 MacElroy Road, Ballston Lake, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Saratoga District invites all boys currently in grades K-4 to a day of “Zombie” fun at our Cub-oRee. Both current and prospective current Cub Scouts are welcome as well as siblings. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. with your Zombie makeover and continues until 2 p.m. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. $5 per person registration includes a patch and lunch. Register at the Twin Rivers Council website: www.trcscouting. org/Event.aspx?id=7806. For more information, contact (518) 6444438.

Family Friendly Event

Saturday, May 7 Defensive Driving Class First Baptist Church, 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

New York State approved. Save 10 percent on your base auto insurance for the next three years and receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to New York State Department of Motor Vehicle guidelines. Fee $35.00.

Bring a friend and fee is $30.00 each. A portion of the fee goes to First Baptist Church. Registration required and can be made by calling Ray Frankoski at (518) 286-3788.

Kayaderosseras Creek Clean Up Day Kelly Park Pavilion, Ballston Spa, 9 a.m.

Friends of the Kayaderosseras is hosting its Annual Spring Clean Up Day of access points and other lands along the Kayaderosseras Creek.

The group conducts clean-ups of some of the public access sites along the Kayaderosseras Creek and its

Sunday, May 8 Dharma Meditation with Pierre Zimmerman MS One Big Roof, Center for Mindful Practices, Located at 538 Maple Ave (Route 9) in the Saratoga Health and Wellness Bldg., Across from Maple Ave Middle School, Just off Route 50 9- 10:15 a.m. This is a group meeting for meditation followed up by a short discussion. All contemplative traditions are honored. Visit www. oneroofsaratoga.com or call Pierre at (413) 992-7012.

Monday, May 9 25th Annual Saratoga Horse Symposium Saratoga County 4-H Training Center, 556 Middle Line Road, Ballston Spa, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The 2016 Saratoga Horse Symposium, hosted by CCE Equine-a division of Cornell Cooperative Extension of

Saratoga County will feature well known equine experts and veterinarians, along with live horse demonstrations, riding clinics, and educational presentations.

New this year will be an outdoor vendor fair, horse and animal rescue groups, and a used tack sale. There will be a Silent Auction offering a great selection of goods and services donated by many local businesses. All proceeds from this annual fundraiser directly benefit educational equine programming and the 4-H Training Center. Doors open at 8 a.m. for registration. Preregistration is $20/day for adults, $10.00/day for college students and $5/day for 4-H youth. Food will be available for purchase on the grounds. For more information, visit www.cceequine.com.

Tuesday, May 10 Jessica Posner - Find Me Unafraid: Love, Loss and Hope in an African Slum Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m.

Few have fought as tenaciously and ingeniously against poverty and hopelessness as Jessica Posner and her husband Kennedy Odede. Their story vividly illustrates the power of young, hopeful people to have an impact on the world, and stands as a testament to the transformations made possible by true love. Their foundation, Shining Hope for Communities, combats extreme poverty and gender inequality by linking schools for girls to high value community services for all.

For more information, visit www. northshire.com.

Wednesday, May 11 Italian Dinner Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Soup, antipasto salad, fettuccine alfredo, baked ziti , chicken parmesan, meatballs and Italian sausage and peppers, garlic bread and butter, dessert, coffee, tea.

Donation requested: adults $12, seniors and military (Active/Retired with ID card) $11, children 5 -12, $8, under 5 free, take-outs $12.

For more information, call (518) 584-2585.

Ballston Area Seniors Pickins’ Session Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa, 7 – 9:30 p.m.

It’s Pickins’ Time - Get ready for a great evening of music. Admission is free, open to the public, and there is ample free parking. We are having a fun season with extemporaneous, local talented musicians, with old and new songs. The Sessions could use fiddlers, bass players…even a harmonica, to make the evening more diversified and entertaining.

Musicians are invited to play background or join in with a group.

Amateur musicians to professionals, members or non- members, young or not-so-young, are invited to come and recapture the joy of playing. Please bring finger foods to share. Bring your guitar, banjo, fiddle, harmonica or whatever you use to make music – or just come.

Thursday, May 12 Longfellows Monthly Interfaith Prayer Meeting Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 7:15 a.m.

The Meeting begins at 7:30 a.m. and concludes no later than 8:30 a.m.

Sign-in and Continental Breakfast begins at 7:15 a.m. There are no charges or donations.All are welcome. For more information call (518) 450-1615.

Go Kids Schuylerville Public Library, 52 Ferry St., Schuylerville, 11 a.m.

Get outside and play with Go Kids!

Go Kids is the Capital Region’s only multi-sport and exercise program exclusively designed for children aged 2-6. Join us and Go Kids with outside clothes and shoes for an hour of fun. For more information call (518) 695-6641.

Community Animal Action Project, Inc. Fundraiser The Inn at Saratoga, 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs The Inn at Saratoga will be hosting a fundraiser for Community Animal Action Project Inc. 501 (3) c. CAAP will receive 25 percent of the evening’s receipts. Proceeds go toward spay/neuter and medical treatment for homeless animals. Call to make your reservations at (518) 583-1890.

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.

PULSE “Meet Me in St. Louis” to Premiere May 13

42

by Rebecca Davis Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Children’s Theatre (SCT) is well-known in the community for putting on stellar musical productions. SCT’s young actors never fail to impress, whether it’s a contemporary comedy or a time-honored classic. This time they’re taking on the latter, with their upcoming production of “Meet Me in St. Louis.” The performances will take place on Friday, May 13 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 14 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Saratoga Music Hall (474 Broadway).

“Meet Me in St. Louis” follows the story of the Smith family and their experiences in the year before the 1904 World’s Fair.

“It’s a coming-of age story, following one family and how their life changes with the seasons,” said Izzi Cavotta, 16, who plays Esther in the show.

“With most shows, the conflict

comes before the second act, but in this show it comes at the end. The show stays interesting, even without a huge problem to overcome. It’s just a fun, family show. You can enjoy it without feeling like something has to be resolved.”

“Meet Me in St. Louis” is unlike a typical SCT show in that the ages of the actors range from 11 to 72. Two adults were added to the cast: Bob Berenis, who has directed many SCT shows and is the drama teacher at Saratoga High School, plays the role of Grandpa, and SCT supporter Ruth Pouliot plays the cook.

“I’m a big supporter of the Children’s Theatre and I love musical theatre. I also love this show, and when I found out there was a role for me, I thought ‘Awesome!’ I think I’m a ham at heart,” said Pouliot, who is having a blast working with the SCT actors. “It makes you feel young again. It’s rejuvenating.”

“I admire the talents of these kids especially,” added Pouliot.

“I can’t take the smile off my

face. I hope it never comes off.”

As for Bob Berenis, his daughter, Leigh Berenis, is the Associate Executive Director at SCT and the director of the show, so it’s been a unique experience for him.

“Being directed by my daughter has been a lot of fun.

Leigh has a lot of talent and a great skill set,” said Berenis. “I haven’t sung in so long, but my skills are coming back. This will be my first time on stage acting in 20 years.”

Liam McKenna, a senior who is headed for Juilliard next fall, has enjoyed rehearsing for this classic musical.

“It’s very playful,” he said.

“It also has an old-fashioned feeling, but in a good way. And the music in the show is just beautiful.”

McKenna also loves how the actors of all different ages work so well together.

“The age range in the show is unique – it’s a great spectrum,” McKenna said. “For me, it’s nice to get to be in a show with people I normally wouldn’t work with.

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

The SCT cast of “Meet Me in St. Louis” during rehearsals. Photo provided.

This show is 13-year-old Etta Cileli’s first time acting with SCT. She already feels at home with the rest of the cast and has plans to be in more SCT shows in the future.

“At first I was shy because I thought everyone at SCT would have already bonded with each other and have known each other for a long time,” said Cileli. “But after coming here and auditioning, and I see that everyone is really open to meeting new people. I’ve made a lot of friends so far.”

Logan Piazza, 16, also likes the welcoming, friendly atmosphere at SCT. Piazza was in another SCT show when he was younger, and loves how the

directors give each cast member the chance to showcase their own individual talents.

“It’s just a really cool, safe environment that I like being around,” said Piazza. “I really love how accommodating and accepting everyone has been. I love being here at SCT. This has become my outlet. It’s where I come to be happy.”

Tickets to “Meet Me in St. Louis” are free for children 10 and under, $10 for students and seniors and $15 for adults over 18. All tickets will be sold at the door. For more information about the show and Saratoga Children’s Theatre, visit saratogachildrenstheatre.org.

43 PULSE

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Prelude Benefit Gala for Saratoga Arts Fest SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Arts Fest will host its Prelude Benefit 2016, on Wednesday, May 18 from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Saratoga National Golf Club.

The Prelude Benefit gala will feature live music, a silent auction and gourmet food, including hors d’oeuvres, three food stations and a delicious dessert, plus the famous Saratoga Arts Fest Signature Cocktail.

Prelude is a major fundraiser for Arts Fest Friday, a series of eclectic community

art events that are offered at no charge to the public. The next Arts Fest Friday event will be held on Friday, June 3 at the High Rock Pavilion area from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The event will feature music, contra dancing, fiddlers, activities for adults and children and more.

This year’s gala will include a special presentation of the Saratoga Arts Fest “Art Star Award” to Marcia White, SPAC President and Executive Director, for all her many contributions to the arts in the capital district.

“Prelude always draws a wonderful mix of artists, performers and art supporters from the entire region,” said Dee Sarno, Chair of the Saratoga Arts Fest Board.

“This year, guests will be able to enjoy musical performances by cellist Kathleen Bowman and the gospel group Heavenly Echoes, plus selected pieces of artwork by award-winning painter Tom Myott. The region’s art lovers will also want to be on hand to help celebrate the many accomplishments of this year’s winner

of the SAF Art Star Award, Marcia White, President and Executive Director of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.”

Sarno continued, “Marcia has been a dedicated champion of Saratoga Arts Fest since its inception in 2007. She has been committed to working with Skidmore to bring world class dance to Arts Fest every year, highlighting modern dance on SPAC’s outstanding world stage. She has also been supportive of Arts Fest’s new venture Arts Fest Friday,

and along with her amazing leadership and duties at SPAC, Marcia manages to stay connected with other arts entities in the Capital District.

We encourage our Art Friends to make a reservation for the Prelude Benefit and raise a glass to Marcia White.”

Tickets to the Arts Fest Friday Prelude Benefit are $75 and $50 for those under 35. Reservations can be made online at saratogaartsfest.org/ prelude. For more information, contact Dee Sarno at 518-339-0636.

Circus Smirkus Returns! – Tickets on Sale Now SARATOGA SPRINGS – Circus Smirkus, the acclaimed international youth circus, returns to the outdoor polo field at Saratoga Casino Hotel (formerly Saratoga Casino and Raceway) for four big performances this summer.

On July 8 and 9, families can gather under the “Big Top Tent” as the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs presents the Circus Smirkus 2016 “Big Top Tour.”

Thirty budding circus stars, from age 11 to 18, bring their youthful exuberance and polished circus skills from all over country; this year’s performance troupe hails from 15 different states. The show is full of talent and spectacle, featuring

aerials, acrobatics, wire-walking, juggling, rola-bola (balance board), clowning, live music and an array of brilliant costumes. This year’s theme is “Up, HUP and Away: The Invention of Flight!” and will include countless aerodynamic feats.

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs first brought Circus Smirkus to Saratoga in 2007 as a fundraising and outreach event.

“We have valued our partnership with Circus Smirkus over the past 10 years, and I can’t wait to present this year’s colorful production to the community,” said Anne Maguire, Administrator of the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs.

“The Waldorf School and Circus

Circus Smirkus returns to Saratoga Springs on July 8 and 9. Tickets are currently on sale. Photo provided.

Smirkus are a natural combination.

We share the core values of dedication and hard work to help children realize their unique potential.”

On July 8 and 9, Circus Smirkus will have two performances each day, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $23 for children 2 to 12 years old. Children younger than two are free on an adult’s lap.

All proceeds raised will go directly to the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs.

Tickets are on sale now by

calling 1-877-SMIRKUS toll-free or at smirkus.org. Tickets will be available locally in Saratoga Springs beginning mid-May at the

Children’s Museum at Saratoga (69 Caroline Street) and at Crafters Gallery (427 Broadway).

PULSE Art in the Foyer Opens at Dance Museum

44

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Dance (NMOD) announced the new opening of “Art in the Foyer,” the Museum’s annually rotating exhibition that highlights dance-inspired fine art. This season presents photographs from the renowned photographer Paul Kolnik. There will be an open reception for the exhibit on Friday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. The reception is free and open to the public.

Paul Kolnik has had an intimate connection with the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) since the mid-1970s. He has photographed the New York City Ballet continuously at SPAC for almost 40 years and has had exhibitions in major museums including in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Kolnik’s images are of both artistic and historical significance.

NMOD is pleased to sponsor a wide ranging exhibition of his work

from the 1970s to the present. From images of Balanchine rehearsing on the stage ofSPAC, to such dance luminaries as Suzanne Farrell, Peter Martins, Patricia McBride, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Darci Kistler all the way through to the extraordinary dancers of the present, such as Wendy Whelan, Tiler Peck, and Sara Mearns. Selections will also focus in on some of the great choreography that has been commissioned by and premiered at SPAC; such as, “Coppélia,” “Steadfast Tin Soldier,” and most recently, Justin Pecks’ “In Creases.”

The National Museum of Dance is located at 99 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

The Museum is currently open for daily admissions from Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. Admission is free on Tuesdays. For more information about NMOD or “Art in the Foyer,” visit dancemuseum.org.

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Paul Kolnik’s photo of The New York City Ballet in “In Creases” by Justin Peck at SPAC.

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

45 PULSE

week of 5/6-5/12 friday, 5/6: Rich Ortiz , 8 pm @ Bailey’s — 583.6060 Dan Sherwin , 9 pm @ Bentley’s — 899.4300 Gurf Morlix , 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Herb Carter , 7:30 pm @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 In Spite of Ourselves , 7 pm @ Carson’s Woodside Tavern — 584.9791 Tailspin , 9 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 Justin Joiner , 6 pm @ Diamond Club Grill 587.2022 Frankie Lessard Trio , 9 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 The Lucky Valentines , 10 pm @ Harvey’s — 583.0003 One Night Stand , 8 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300 George Muscatello Group , 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582 Joe Finn , 6 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Graham Tichy Trio , 9 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 George Giroux , 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 McLovins w/ Let’s Be Leonard , 9:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Grand Central Station , 9 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253 McArdie + Macdonald Duo , 9:30 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875 North + South Dakotas , 6 pm @ The Saratoga Winery — 584.9463 Skeeter Creek , 8 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775

saturday, 5/7: The Road Kings , 8 pm @ Almost Saratoga — 587.0048 Robben Ford Guitar Clinic , 10 am @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 South Carolina Broadcasters , 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 The Bremners , 7:30 pm @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 Dave Porter , 7 pm @ Carson’s Woodside Tavern — 584.9791 Bad Chaperones , 9 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400 J Yager , 6 pm @ Diamond Club Grill 587.2022 Rick Nelson Trio , 9 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 The Wallies , 10 pm @ Harvey’s — 583.0003 Just Looking Band , 8 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300 Steve Lambert Quartet , 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582 Dryer , 9 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Derby Party w/ Soul Session , 4 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Spiritual Rez w/ TreeHouse! , 9 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Erin Harkes , 9 pm @ The Mill — 899.5253 Forthlin Road , 9 pm

@ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Karaoke , 9:30 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875 Ubuntu , 3 pm @ The Saratoga Winery — 584.9463 DJ Playground , 9 pm @ Vapor — 581.5775 Rob Aronstein , 7 pm @ Wishing Well — 584.7640

sunday, 5/8: Triskele , 3 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Maurizio Russomanno , 3 pm @ Harvey’s — 583.0003 Eric Margan , 6 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Live Jazz Brunch , 10 am @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 Lisa Santoso , 3 pm @ The Saratoga Winery — 584.9463

monday, 5/9: Larry Hooker , 6:30 pm @ Brook Tavern — 871.1473 Tim Wechgelaer , 7:30 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026

wednesday, 5/11: Dan Sherwin , 6 pm @ Diamond Club Grill — 583.1105 The Masters of Nostalgia , 8:30 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Celtic Session , 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Karaoke , 9 pm @ The Rusty Nail — 371.9875

thursday, 5/12: Pat Decker , 7 pm @ Bailey’s — 583.6060 Open Mic , 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Matty Finn , 6 pm @ Carney’s Tavern — 952.7177 Open Mic , 10 pm @ Circus Café — 583.1106 Garland Nelson , 6 pm @ Diamond Club Grill — 583.1105 James Hood , 8 pm @ Gaffney’s — 587.7359 Floodwood , 7 pm @ Nanola — 587.1300 Chris Carey + Mike O’Donnell , 8 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Dan Sherwin , 6:30 pm @ Primetime Ultra Lounge — 583.4563 The Cardboard Crowns , 9:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Celtic Session , 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916

47 It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

Publication Day: Friday

Ad Copy Due: Wednesday, noon

Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.

CLASSIFIED

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

MARKETPLACE

classified@saratogapublishing.com

Call (518) 581-2480 x204 HEALTH

MISCELLANEOUS

DIVORCE

IF YOU HAD HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY AN SUFFERED AN INFECTION between 2010 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation.

Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson, 1-800-535-5727

KILL BED BUGS & THEIR EGGS- Buy Harris Bed Bug Killers/ KIT Complete Treatment System. Available: Hardware Stores. The Home Depot, homedepot.com

DIVORCE $349 -Uncontested divorce papers prepared.

Only one signature required.

Poor person Application included if applicable.

Separation agreements.

Custody and support petitions.

- 518-274-0380

ANTIQUES ANTIQUE LOVERS TAKE NOTE- BRIMFIELD’S, Famous Outdoor Antique/ Collectibles Show of 5,000 Dealers starts Tuesday May 10th. Info on 20 individual show openingswww.brimfield.com May 10th-15th 2016.

HUNTING Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ To hunt your land.

Call for a Free Base Camp Leasing info packet & Quote.

1-866-309-1507 www.BaseCampLeasing.com

AUCTIONS STATE of VT SURPLUS LIVE AUCTION ON May 07, 2016, 10:00 AM, Central Garage, 1756 US Route 302, Berlin, Vermont, ALSO Selling government surplus ONLINE for 750+ agencies, 1-800-536-1401, www.AuctionsInternational. com Lic#3218

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

AUTO DONATIONS Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting MakeA-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible.

Call 518-650-1110 Today!

HELP WANTED

48 It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

Publication Day: Friday

Ad Copy Due: Wednesday, noon

Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE

classified@saratogapublishing.com

Call (518) 581-2480 x204 GARAGE SALES The Highpointe of Malta Neighborhood The Highpointe Community Wide Garage Sale is scheduled for:Friday, May 13, 9-4. Please no early birds for the safety of our children getting on the school bus & Saturday, May 14, 8-4. Lots of good items for sale: Baby items, furniture, tools, clothing, kitchen items.

Don’t miss out on one of the largest garage sales in the area!

Directions to Highpointe: Rte 9 in Malta to Bayberry Drive

ADOPTION

SAVE THE DATE! Travers Manor Annual Neighborhood Garage Sale. Saturday, May 21, 8am-2pm. Rain or shine. Park and stroll 3 interlocking cul-desacs of fabulous sales. Tompion Lane, Jaipur Lane and Alydar Court - off Church Street (Route 9N), Saratoga Springs.

LOTS & ACREAGE ADIRONDACK LAKEFRONT! 131 acres MILE OF WATERFRONT- $299,900 Pure, clean lake teeming with fish and wildlife! Mature woods with trails, trophy deer and valuable timber! 40 Mins from Albany!

Owner terms! (888) 701-7509 WoodworthLakePreserve.com HUNTING/ TIMBER LAND SACRIFICE! 111 acres $159,900 Trophy deer hunting, huge timber value, private access to 2 lakes! 3 hrs from the GW Bridge! Terms avail! 888-905-8847 WoodworthLakePreserve.com 3 CABINS ON THE LAKE! 30 acres- $249,900 MUST SELL! Rustic cabins on a beautiful unspoiled lake just 3 hrs NY City!

Mature woodlands, tumbling stream, incredible setting!

888-479-3394 WoodworthLakePreserve.com

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

It’s where NEED to be.

YOU

Publication Day:

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE

Friday

Ad Copy Due: Wednesday, noon

Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.

49

classified@saratogapublishing.com

Call (518) 581-2480 x204

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MORTGAGES

50

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Puzzles Across 1 Thin streaks 6 Influenced by, recipe-wise 9 Ones who deal with dealers 14 First name in furniture 15 Editor’s job 17 Seeking lodging 19 Unidentified Jane 20 Tugboat sound 21 Commodities dealer 22 Summit meeting goal 24 18-Down, with “down” 26 Rearing place 27 Pulling away 31 This and that 32 Deep gulf 33 Global financial org.

36 Mexican supermodel Elsa 39 Hardly transitory 41 Gig session 42 Venetian island 44 1998 Sarah McLachlan hit 45 More at dinner 48 Suffix with school 51 CIA predecessor 52 London home of Constables and Sargents 53 Block deliverers of yesteryear 55 Powerful lobby for seniors 57 Cape Canaveral’s st.

60 Stadium supporters, and a hint to their cry hidden in 17-, 27- and 45-Across 63 Self-control 64 Felt poorly 65 “Golden Boy” playwright 66 “Hello, ewe!”

67 Mausoleums Down 1 Metalworking union 2 “Was __ hard on her?”

3 Crime scene clue 4 K2 is on its border: Abbr.

5 State secrets?

6 Cornstarch brand 7 Right hook setup 8 Noisy scene 9 “Mayberry R.F.D.” setting 10 Nearby

See puzzle solutions on page 54

See puzzle solution on page 38 11 __ la Plata 12 Attends 13 Dik Browne pooch 16 Evaluation for creative types 18 Make a memo of 23 Yours, to Yvette 25 “Now I remember!”

27 Watch chains 28 Peter Fonda’s beekeeper 29 Medicine cabinet items 30 Suffix with malt 33 Low-budget pic, usually 34 Chief 35 Coach’s challenge indicator 37 StubHub offerings, briefly 38 Latvia neighbor 40 Spellbound 43 Baked, layered entree

45 Clown Kelly 46 French I infinitive 47 Purring snuggler 48 Extremely tiny 49 Needed liniment 50 Creator of many pieces?

54 Writes the wrong zip code, say 56 Pooch in whodunits 58 Award-winning comic book writer Jeph 59 Additions 61 Pointed end 62 South-of-the-border uncle

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: Baluster, Banister A baluster is a short pillar that supports a handrail.

The balusters on the deck were secured with small screws.

A banister is the handrail on a staircase.

We slid down the banister when we were children.

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

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

SPORTS 51 Photos by MarkBolles.com

SPORTS

Saints Alive!

Off To 13-1 Start in 2016

Connor Farrington is 2-0 and has struck out OF Anthony Coppola is cruising at a .414 clip with 25 batters in just 16 innings Kyle Bailey is one of five Saints pitchers with 2 or more wins. Bailey has not allowed an earned run this year! 5 doubles in his first 12 games

SARATOGA SPRINGS — That sound you hear emanating often these days from Veterans Memorial Park is the sound of victory, friends. Get used to it.

Coach Phonsey Lambert is holding a hot hand - as strong as it is deep. Start with pitching. The Saints’ staff has spread victories

around – five aces sporting 2 or more wins as May began – Owen O’Reilly and Joe Schmidt (23K’s) with 3, and 2 each from Connor Farrington (25K’s) and the unscored upon duo of Kyle Bailey and Terel Tillman – no earned runs, in fact - no runs allowed whatsoever! On offense, the Saints have been smacking things around at a .312 clip, enabling them to outscore their rivals by a combined 78-23 margin.

Simply put – a powerhouse.

The Saints are next at home this Saturday, May 7 at 7 p.m. against Broadalbin- Perth. Seniors will be recognized at 6 p.m. So know matter how your Derby pick turns out that afternoon – you’ve just been touted onto a winner!

- Arthur Gonick A familiar sight: Coach Phonsey Lambert Congratulates his Victorious Squad.

52

SPORTS

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

Now This Is Some Scrum Fun!

Photos by Sharon Castro

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A beautiful afternoon on Saturday, April 30 brought out a big crowd of rugby fans and supporters to the Skidmore’s Saratoga Rugby Grounds, as the Saratoga Rugby Club hosted the inaugural Saratoga Collegiate Cup Sevens. Eight collegiate teams competed (Siena and RPI fielded two squads each) on two regulation fields. The atmosphere was often electric and the spectators were appreciative of the hard, spir- Tournament MVP Andre Florent, Malloy College ited play throughout. Results: Pool A University of Hartford 4-0 RPI 3-1 Saratoga Rugby Club Collegiate 2-2 SUNY Plattsburgh 1-3 Siena College B 0-4 Pool B Molloy College 4-0 SUNY Oswego 3-1 William Paterson College 2-2 Siena College 1-3 RPI B 0-4 Cup Semi’s: University of Hartford 12 vs SUNY Oswego 24 Cup Semi’s: Molloy College 35 vs RPI 5 Shield Final: Siena B over RPI B SARATOGA SPRINGS — the men’s tees since the eighth (forfeit) Bowl Final: SUNY Plattsburgh 12 With multiple college offers grade, was a two-time WAC from Southern and Midwest All-star and a career 66-2 in vs Siena College 10 Horseshoe Final: Saratoga Rugby schools, Saratoga Central match play. She was also the senior Scholar- first Saratoga native to qualify Club Collegiate 19 vs William Catholic Athlete Chloe Ethier has com- for the Boy’s Sectionals since Paterson College 17 Plate Final: University of Hartford mitted to Hobart William Dottie Pepper.

Smith Colleges for her colleEthier, who was recruited 36 vs RPI 0 giate career. for basketball, also played volCup Final: Molloy College 26 vs While other high school leyball and track.

She was a SUNY Oswego 12 Tournament MVP: Andre Florent, female golfers played on the WAC Basketball All-star and girl’s team, the Saints’ Ethier Scholar Athlete. Ethier will Molloy College Fastest Rugger Contest (100 meter was a member of the boy’s leave Spa Catholic with 16 varsprint, picking up ball at midfield squad for 5 years. During that sity letters - the girl’s record at and scoring at other end): Troy Solt, period, Spa Catholic’s boy’s the school. Congratulations, golf team were Section 2 cham- Chloe!

University of Hartford pions three times.

Ethier who played from - Arthur Gonick

Spa Catholic Golfer Ethier Commits to Hobart and William Smith Colleges

SPORTS 53

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

The Worthiness of Women in Sports

by Damian Fantauzzi for Saratoga TODAY The thinking goes that if women’s sports were worthy of more coverage, they would receive it. But according to Purdue Professor of Sociology Cheryl Cooky, whose research includes gender and sexuality studies, including women’s participation in sports, a lot of our perceptions of how interesting women’s sports are come from the media itself.

“Men’s sports are going to seem more exciting,” she says. “They have higher production values, higher-quality coverage, and higher-quality commentary... When you watch women’s sports, and there are fewer camera angles, fewer cuts to shot, fewer instant replays, yeah, it’s going to seem to be a slower game, [and] it’s going to seem to be less exciting.” This quote is from an article from the Atlantic Monthly, July 20, 2015, by Chris Bodenner.

But, it’s not only the media that leans to the masculine side of the sports world. The sponsorship for the girls is not as wide spread as it is for the boys. As a matter of fact, in team sports, it’s comparatively sparse. Unfortunately, instead of taking it for what it is, it becomes a man vs. woman postulate. Women’s sports that are identical to men’s sports— soccer and basketball, for example—will never be popular, because men are faster, stronger and maybe more athletic. On the other hand, sports that highlight the different strengths of female athletes—tennis, gymnastics, ice

skating—are popular. None of those are team sports, so there may be something there. It seems that no one cares about men’s gymnastics and men’s figure skating - at least they’re not as popular as the women.

To me this is not the issue: gender comparisons! I feel that the problem is most certainly a media problem, but it starts with the powers at the top, such as the United States Olympic committee, the “guys” who have established the finance inequalities with the salary differences between the men and women soccer teams, for example. There has been, in the last couple Olympics and World Cup events, more emphasis on the ladies’ game because they have been more successful. Yet there is still an unequal sponsorship when it comes to the games, with men getting those big athletic apparel names behind their names.

A frequent topic in this column: Forty-four years ago a federal law was passed requiring what today seems like a no-brainer: gender equality in schools. The force behind Title IX was the lack of opportunity for female athletes.

In 1972, the year the civilrights law was enacted, only 30,000 women participated in National Collegiate Athletic Association sports, compared to 170,000 men. The NCAA didn’t offer scholarships to women, nor did it hold championship games for female teams. The law stated that: “No person … shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination” in any schoolbased program, including athletics. That means that any educational institution receiving federal funding (virtually all the country’s colleges and public K-12 campuses) must allocate equal resources to male and female participants, from locker rooms to tutoring.

Violating the law puts an institution at risk of having its federal funding cut.

Title IX would appear to have done its job. The number

of women playing collegelevel sports today is more than five times as high as it was in 1972. And the number of girls participating in high-school sports today has reached a record high of 3.4 million.

About 2 in 5 girls participate in high-school varsity sports, according to the Women’s Sports Foundation.

Professional sports are lagging behind, in theory, to what Title IX was designed to do - promote equality of gender in sports. Here are some examples.

Total prize money for the 2014 PGA tour, over $340 million, is more than five times that of the new high for the 2015 LPGA tour, $61.6 million.

Similar discrepancies exist throughout professional sports. This comes from Gender Inequity in Professional Sports: Published in July of 2015 by the Women’s Sports Foundation.

For a WNBA player in the 2015 season, the minimum salary was $38,913, the maximum salary was $109,500, and the team salary cap in 2012 was $878,000. For NBA players in the 2015-2016 season, the minimum salary is $525,093, the maximum salary is $16.407 million, and the team salary cap is an all-time high of $70 million.

For winning the 2015 Women’s World Cup, the U.S. Women’s National Team won $2 million. Germany’s men’s team took home $35 million for winning the 2014 World Cup. The U.S. men’s team finished in 11th place and collected $9 million, and each men’s team that was eliminated in the first round of the 2014 World Cup got $8 million each, which is four times as much as the 2015 women’s championship team.

At the end of each World Major Marathon (MMM) series the leading man and woman each win $500,000, making a total prize of one million U.S. dollars. The WMM includes the New York Marathon, the Boston Marathon, the London Marathon, the Tokyo Marathon, the Berlin

Marathon, and the Chicago Marathon.

In 2007, Wimbledon announced for the first time, it would provide equal prize purses to male and female athletes. All four Grand Slam events now offer equal prize money to the champions.

When the Association of Surfing Professionals was acquired in 2012, now known as the World Surf League, the new ownership made it a policy that the Men’s and Women’s Championship Tour events have equal prize money.

This also comes from Gender Equity in Professional Sports.

Another interesting fact is that salaries for coaching the ladies have their own inequity.

Median head coaches’ salaries at NCAA Division I-FBS schools are $3,430,000 for men’s teams and $1,172,400 for women’s teams. This is a difference of $2,257,600. (Source: NCAA, 2012).

Television coverage of sport is still dominated by men – and men are making more money for their organizations. That is largely because that is where the demand is.

The crowds and viewing numbers for events such as MLB, and the NBA are huge compared to women’s organizations, like the WNBA and the slowly developing women’s National Pro Fastpitch softball league. However it can also be argued that the media fuels the public’s interest and over time, with more televised women’s sport, perhaps demand would grow. Just Perhaps!

The USA Women Soccer players are bringing the lack of equity in salaries between the genders back into the forefront. If they don’t, who will? I feel it’s important for them to keep this issue alive. An eventual positive outcome might be in the near future, maybe, but that’s how women’s suffrage came to pass, by never giving up. I see nothing wrong with adding light to the cause.

The increased awareness alone justifies this issue. The time is near, and the horizon is getting brighter for equity in compensation for women on professional sports teams.

54

SPORTS

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

COMMUNITY SPORTS BULLETIN Helping Hoops Basketball Game The staff of Dorothy Nolan Elementary School will be taking on the Greenfield Fire Department in their annual Helping Hoops Basketball Game, at the Saratoga Springs High School on Friday, May 6 at 7 p.m.

The proceeds from this event will go to the SNACPack program, which provides backpacks of food for students who may otherwise not have access to it over the weekends.

kLaVoy5k Registration Now Open The kLaVoy5k is a community event to help raise awareness about organ & tissue donation.

All proceeds from this event go directly to The Center for Donation & Transplant - Donate Life.

This year’s 5k begins at the Saratoga Springs State Park warming hut on Saturday, May 14 at 9 a.m. You may pre-register, and the first 200 pre-registered will get a long sleeve moisture wick shirt.

Online registration will close on May 12 and day of event registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

To pre-register, visit https:// www.zippyreg.com/online_reg/ registration.php?eventID=755 For more information, email: tonya@ pellegrinievents.com.

Zumba at Gavin Park Ditch the workout, and join

the PARTY! This Latin inspired workout program is not your typical workout. This workout will get you moving to music, while actually enjoying yourself. Preregistration is required at least one business day prior. No dropins allowed (pre-registration required).

BTW, Our gym has air conditioning! Fee per session: Wilton Res. - $45; Saratoga School Dist.$55; Other- $60. Sessions are on Mondays from 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. through June 13 and July 11 ­August 15.

Register at Gavin Park or online: https://activenet018.active. com/wiltonrecreation/

Summer Intro to Ice Skating Registration Join us on the ice this summer for Intro to Ice Skating. This Saratoga Springs Recreation Department program will introduce skaters ages 3 through adult to the exciting world of ice skating. Already know the basics? This program will build upon skills already learned. A strong foundation can produce of lifetime of pleasure on the ice.

Early Bird registration ends June 20. Sign up at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue For additional information or to download forms visit www.SaratogaRec.com.

Questions? Call 518-587-3550 x2300 or email recreservations@ saratoga-springs.org.

Scotties Stampede 5k in Ballston Spa The Ballston Spa Central School District is organizing a Scotties Stampede, the Ballston Spa 5k for Education, on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 9 a.m. The entire community is invited to walk or run in this fun athletic event organized by the school district. The primary goal of the 5K is to bring the school community together and encourage students (and their families) to participate in healthy and active lifestyles. Financially, the 5K will provide revenue for the district’s Ballston Spa Partnership for Innovation in Education Fund, a component fund of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region. For registration and additional details, please visit the event website at http://www.scottiesstampede.org/.

Information about sponsorships or volunteer opportunities is available by contacting the district’s Coordinator of Development, Amber Mooney, at amooney@ bscsd.org or 518-884-7195 x1369.

Sign-ups for Spring/ Summer Session of Youth Rugby Now Open Matches are on Sundays, May 21 - July 16, from 1 -2 pm. The matches are at the Saratoga Rugby Grounds (5 Clement Avenue... behind Skidmore). Youth Rugby is for Girls and Boys, ages 6-13.

USA Rugby and Saratoga Rugby Club is proud to offer both

Puzzle solutions from pg. 54 Send your sports stories or briefs to Arthur Gonick, Sports Editor at arthur@saratoga publishing.com

non-contact and contact versions of rugby all over the United States.

This Youth Rugby program is USA Rugby’s non-contact version of the game. It is the first step in USA Rugby’s player pathway, introducing the newest Olympic sport in a fun, safe way for boys and girls!

They will have certified coaches from Saratoga Rugby Club and guest coaches from South Africa and Scotland. The last event will of this year’s program will be a mini-festival at the amazing Saratoga Sevens on July 16 in Gavin Park...where the children will be able to play in front of thousands of rugby fans and players in one of the premier rugby tournaments in the country!

The cost to participate is $35.

Registration will continue through the first match on May 21. To register, visit www.saratogarugby. org/youth. For more information, contact Eric Huss at ericjohnhuss@gmail.com

Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Series The Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Series will be held on Mondays, June 27, July 11, July 25, August 8 and August 22, at 6:15 p.m. at Camp Saratoga, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. The races are open to all and registration is $5 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and the Saratoga Spa State Park.

Refreshments and raffle prizes afterwards. Grand prizes for best times for all 5 events, continual improvement and most family

members. For more information visit www.saratogastryders.org or email laura@saratogastryders.org

Ballston Spa School District Offers Community Swim Opportunities The Ballston Spa Aquatics Program is currently offering opportunities for public use of the pool during adult lap swimming sessions, from 6 -7 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and on Monday and Wednesday evenings. A family/open swim is also offered on Saturday afternoons from noon – 2 p.m. Additional opportunities are offered throughout the year, including adult Aqua Cardio classes and a Learn-To-Swim program in the spring.

The Community Swim Program is open to district students, families and community members. District residents need to show identification and pay a $1 entrance fee to utilize the pool. Non-residents are admitted, as space allows, for a $2 fee. The pool is closed during swim meets, school vacations, emergency cancellations (i.e. snow days or early dismissals) and when school activities necessitate closure.

Information is available online at www.bscsd.org, by clicking on the aquatics/pool button on the left side of the homepage. For more information, please contact the pool office directly at 518-8847150 ext. 2324.

Week of May 6 – May 12, 2016

SPORTS 55

Saratoga Springs Horse Show Kicks Off! SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Horse Show began on Wednesday, May 4 – kicking off a three-week showcase of equine and rider skills that is as excellent as you might find anywhere. Though opening day was a little dreary with rain, the excitement and enthusiasm captured

by Sharon Castro in these photos resonated like sunshine! You can just feel how happy everyone is to return to the Yaddo Grounds.

The show continues through May 8, and then returns on May 11-15, and May 18-22. Look for more photos from Sharon on the scene here next week.

- Arthur Gonick

Photos by Sharon Castro